One of my favourite parts of the year is running my annual Christmas card competition, giving children from across our community the opportunity to design my Christmas card.
Back in October I wrote to all primary schools in the constituency and in return received nearly 700 applications, which was incredible. The standard of the designs was so high – we certainly have many budding artists amongst us in Sevenoaks and Swanley, and I could really tell how much hard work and creativity had gone into each of the drawings. I loved seeing everyone’s brilliant designs and it was really tough to choose the finalists.
I am delighted to use my column to announce that Olivia Green, Year 5 at St Bartholomew’s RC Primary School is this year’s winner. I presented Olivia’s design to the Prime Minister last week, and it has now been printed on the front of all my Christmas cards, alongside the four fantastic runners up; Henry Dancy (Year 3, St Katherine’s Knockholt CE Primary School), Mia Sojo (Year 1, St Bartholomew’s RC Primary School), Eva Francis (Year 4, Kemsing Primary School), and Soraya Odeh Witney (Year 5, Chevening CE Primary School).
Thank you to all the children who entered, as well as the local teachers and parents who helped the design reach me in Westminster. I hope it helped get many of you into the festive spirit.
While on the topic of Christmas, I really enjoyed marking the 10th anniversary last week of Small Business Saturday. For those of you who may not have heard of Small Business Saturday, it is a national initiative aimed to highlight the success of ours small businesses, as well as encouraging customers to shop locally.
I’ve long believed in the importance of championing and supporting small businesses. Not only for the obvious economic benefit, but also because local businesses are places where we see friends, neighbours, and connect with our community.
We are so lucky to have so many brilliant small business Sevenoaks and Swanley. So, when you’re thinking about your Christmas shopping, try small businesses like The Fish Shop in Sevenoaks or the Eco Pantry, Seal Chart; for wine Quercus Wine in Westerham, for dinner with friends Number Eight Restaurant, and when thinking about getting the kids ready for back to school, BTS school wear, Swanley. They, along with many others, do so much for the community, as well as supporting vital employment.
