Furze Down School wins Waddesdon Christmas competition

Furze Down school, a specialist SEND school in Winslow, have been announced as the winners of a Christmas competition held at Waddesdon Manor.
The winning entryThe winning entry
The winning entry

Throughout the Christmas period, visitors to the National Trust property in Buckinghamshire could vote for their favourite artwork down Miss Alice’s Drive, created by over 1,000 children from nearby schools.

From the 12 Days of Christmas to Good King Wenceslas, 20 music-themed lightboxes were decorated by local schools, inspired by Waddesdon’s ‘music’ theme.

Visitors were invited to vote for their favourite Christmas creation with any loose change, and in total over 43,566 votes were cast. This week Furze Down was presented with the £2,309.68, which they plan to either use on a residential trip, or to buy a school goat.

Elle Mansfield, teacher at Furze Down School, said: “My students loved creating the light box. We always enjoy a trip to Waddesdon but it is all the more special when we can come and see our work on display. The students had such a sense of pride and achievement seeing their creation alongside so many other brilliant works of art.”

Sarah Dewberry, Head of Learning and Engagement at Waddesdon, said, ‘We work closely with lots of local schools throughout the year, so are thrilled to be able to give Furze Down this well-deserved prize. We’d like to say a massive thank you to all the schools that were involved in our Christmas displays, and we look forward to working with them again in the future.’