St Mary's school-girl wins Stepping Out Competition

as entries from local children dazzled the judges

In the face of very strong competition, the winner of the 2004 ‘Stepping Out’ T-shirt design competition was Abby Fox of St Mary’s Church of England Primary School in Putney.

Councillor Chief Mrs. Lola Ayonrinde, The Mayor of Wandsworth presented Abby with her prize during assembly at St Mary's on Friday. The assembly was also attended by Nigel Coates, Managing Partner of ‘Stepping Out’ sponsors Russell-Cooke Solicitors and Jane Greatholder, School Travel Plans Co-ordinator at Wandsworth Council. Abby's proud Mum was also there to see her daughter receive a certificate and other prizes.

Abby and each member of her class who entered the competition received a T-shirt depicting the winning design, along with goody bags containing gifts to support walking to school and outdoor activities.

As part of the build up to Wandsworth Council's Walk to School week a selection of the judges favourite designs are featured as part of a ‘Stepping Out’ exhibition in both Putney and Roehampton Children’s libraries during the next few weeks.

This year’s competition was the most popular ever, with almost 200 entries from schools across Putney and the judges found the decision-making process even harder than ever.

“We were delighted with the response from schools in Putney this year even though it made our job much harder”, said Jane Greatholder, School Travel Plans Co-ordinator at Wandsworth Council and member of the judging panel.
“The amount of thought that went into the designs was amazing and showed how clever the children had been in reflecting the aims of both ‘Stepping Out’ and ‘Walk to School Week’.”

Nigel Coates Stepping Out judge and Managing Partner of Russell-Cooke said:
“We have been bowled-over by the creativity of the children who entered the competition. They show an impressive understanding of the benefits of walking to school on their health and the environment. It has been a pleasure to be involved in the competition once again.

'Stepping Out' is a competition open to Year Five pupils in Putney schools. Pupils are invited to submit a drawing or design that reflects his or her journey to school, with the winning design being printed onto T-shirts and given to each Year Five pupil in the winning school. The winners and runners up also receive goody bags containing various gifts that can be used on the way to school or enjoyed outdoors.

'Stepping Out' supports 'Walk to School Week' by encouraging parents and schools to embrace the new initiative and promotes alternative travel arrangements as fun and beneficial to health and well being.

May 28, 2004