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Shoreham Port Kitchen children’s drawing competition

Shoreham Port winning artwork

April 6, 2025

Lynda Spain

Concept and aims

Shoreham Port recently hosted a drawing competition aimed at local school children, inviting them to draw their café Port Kitchen. The competition was a way of celebrating 200 years of modern railway, sustainability and their joint local heritage. Local children’s author and illustrator Sophy Henn judged the competition and chose the winner and a runner up.

What happened

Shoreham Port owns and runs Port Kitchen and the competition was run by Shoreham Port colleagues, with support of colleagues within the café. Local primary schools were contacted with an invitation to take part and details were posted on the Port’s social media accounts.

 

The competition was predominantly organised and run by two Shoreham Port colleagues. 11 local primary schools were emailed and there was a total of 29 entries.

Results

The winning drawing is now displayed at Southwick station along with information about rail heritage in the area and rail safety information. The winner, runner up and a few other notable examples are also displayed at Port Kitchen. The winner was sent a prize of art supplies, Port Kitchen vouchers and Sophy Henn books.

Impact

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Holding a children's drawing competition at Shoreham Port focused on local history, railway heritage, and railway safety has several positive impacts. First, it fosters creativity and awareness among young participants, encouraging them to learn about their community's history and the importance of safety. By incorporating railway heritage, children could gain an appreciation for the historical significance of the Port and the railways in shaping local development.
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The competition also created a platform for local families to engage with the area’s heritage, strengthening a sense of community. Additionally, focusing on railway safety promotes important educational messages in a fun, engaging way, potentially reaching a wider audience through the children’s artwork. This could lead to better safety awareness among residents and visitors.
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Moreover, the event could attract local businesses, organisations, and tourists to Shoreham Port, providing economic benefits and fostering a connection between past and present. Overall, it enhances community involvement, historical appreciation, and safety consciousness, all while providing an enjoyable, creative experience for the children.

‘Poppy is delighted with her prizes, thank you! Poppy loved taking part in the competition. She says she liked the challenge and particularly enjoyed drawing something she wouldn't usually draw. She loves art and reading so the prizes were a great motivator!’

Winners Parents
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