As part of our contribution to Bawtry Arts Festival (17^th to 24^th July 2023) Bawtry Heritage Group arranged an essay competition for children at Bawtry Mayflower Primary School. The challenge we set was for them to write a story about anything related to the history of Bawtry. It could be about a building, or an event, or an individual or group of people. It could be a fictional story, so long as it was set within Bawtry’s history.

Twenty-one 7-9 year olds submitted stories. They were  inspired by the Julia Donaldson character Rat of the Highway and Bawtry’s link with the 18th Century Coaching era. The children let their imaginations run riot with tales of their own evil highway scallywags who cause mayhem for the unsuspecting rich; travelling along the Great North Road and visiting well known Bawtry Coaching Inn establishments such as The Crown Posting House. Thankfully the local Sheriff and Magistrates are never far away, ready to get on the case.

Three 5-year old children from the Early Years Group also wrote stories.

The winners

The stories were judged by BHG members and the best entrants received cash prizes.

In first place was Vinnie Atkinson.

We rated his story very highly, being impressed with the humour he injected into the tale being told, along with an excellent descriptive narrative. This made the highwayman come alive through the very strong image expressed through Vinnie’s words and also the creativity he demonstrated by bringing the character alive with dialogue fitting for a villian of the age.

Read Vinnie’s story here.

In second place was Maximillian Mulkeen.

The judges were particularly impressed with how his story set the scene in the opening paragraphs, it was like being there. Also this story kept the character alive for another tale, describing him “galloping away” on his trusty steed at the end.

Read Maximillian’s story here.

In third place was Elodie Lyons.

The judges considered this story to be very well structured and beautifully written. It was full of colour and expression for which Elodie should be applauded.

Read Elodie’s story here.

The Early Years Children

The judging panel decided that it was impossible to separate the endeavours of the Early Years children and were very impressed with the volume of work presented. Well done to all involved. It was decided that every one of the children in this section was a winner, which would be recognised with a prize.