Charter 700 essay stars revealed

Four teenagers have been praised for their work considering issues faced by the older generation in Tring as part of the town’s Charter 700 celebrations.
From left: joint winners Lara Fisher and Grace Palmer with Jane Whigham and Joy Sheppard of Tring U3A, and runners-up Maisie Bradfield and Joe Hodges.From left: joint winners Lara Fisher and Grace Palmer with Jane Whigham and Joy Sheppard of Tring U3A, and runners-up Maisie Bradfield and Joe Hodges.
From left: joint winners Lara Fisher and Grace Palmer with Jane Whigham and Joy Sheppard of Tring U3A, and runners-up Maisie Bradfield and Joe Hodges.

Back in the summer, the town’s U3A group launched an essay competition which was open to local students in school years 11 to 13.

More than 138 entries were received on the subject ‘can the young learn from the elderly and the elderly learn from the young?’

The essays considered the issues from different perspectives, not only relating to the different age groups but also considering social, political and economic ramifications.

Entries were judged by retired headmistress Carole Hawkins, who is now an Independent Schools’ Advisor.

She chose joint winners Grace Palmer and Lara Fisher, both 15, from Tring School, together with runners up Maisie Bradfield and Joe Hodges.

Mrs Hawkins said: “These two young ladies both looked at the whole issue, came up with some original ideas and related their work very 
specifically to Tring.”

Roger Sheppard, U3A committee member and competition organiser, said: “We were delighted to get such a marvellous response and our thanks also go to Carole Hawkins for her time and expertise in judging the competition.”

Related topics: