Primary pupils’ artwork auctioned in aid of Christmas lights

Creative school children are using their artistic skills to put the sparkle back into Christmas and help light up their town for the festive season.

Herne Bay Junior School is auctioning off a piece of artwork, created by some of its pupils, to raise funds for the town’s Christmas lights fund.

A selection of canvasses, created by children in several year groups while studying the work of artist Kurt Jackson, are displayed in the school’s reception areas. Staff received numerous comments from visitors saying they would love the opportunity to buy one and the idea for the auction was born.

Head teacher Melody Kingman said: “Herne Bay Junior School became aware that there was a fundraising initiative to raise money for the Christmas lights and immediately wanted to find a way to support it. We don’t want our children to miss the magic and wonder of Christmas that the town lights provide. Christmas is about children and families giving and receiving and who better to raise this profile than the children themselves?

Head teacher Mrs Melody Kingman with, from left, Phoebe Payne, Hannah Wraight, Johnny Bristow and Sophie Giles, all aged 10, and artwork Stormy Water, which is up for auction

“We have decided to auction one of the canvasses so that our town and our children can enjoy the splendour of Christmas lights this year. After all, what is a Christmas without lights?

“This is our children trying to make a difference in their community. Please help us put the sparkle back into Christmas for Herne Bay!”

Members of the public can bid for the piece of artwork, called Stormy Waters, by phoning the school office on 01227 374608 and asking to speak to Paula Amos.

Bids must be in by midday on Wednesday, October 11 and the highest bidder will be informed the following day.

Nikki Casey, team member of the Herne Bay Christmas Lights Fundraising Project, said: “We have been overwhelmed by the amazing support given to the Herne Bay Christmas Lights Fundraising Project by Herne Bay Junior School.

“This unique fundraising idea has already caught the attention of a lot of people and we are delighted that the children’s fantastic artwork is going to be auctioned to help raise funds for the town. We would like to thank the wonderful staff and children from the school for their generosity at a time when there is serious concern for the future of Herne Bay’s Christmas lights.”

Herne Bay’s Christmas lights are community funded and a number of fundraising events are being organised throughout the town.

The Herne Bay Christmas Lights Fundraising Project, run by town retailers and volunteers, aims to raise £5,000 a year to cover the replacement or refurbishment of lights, insurances and other costs.

Donations can also be made here: https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/hernebaychristmaslights