Deadline looms for John Bunyan writing competition

The competition, which forms part of the Harpur Trust’s 450th anniversary celebrations, is to write a 500-word newspaper article on a famous Bedford person. There are four age groups: 5-9 years, 9-14yrs, 14-16yrs, and 16-18yrs, with judging by journalists from local publications, including the Times and Citizen.

It could be about Sir William Harpur or John Bunyan, or it could be any another resident connected with the town, perhaps Charles Wells, Mabel ‘Octavia’ Barltrop, John Howard, or even Glen Miller who was based here during the war. It could be written from a modern day point of view, or during the events of the time. Or entrants could choose a contemporary Bedfordian such as Paula Radcliffe or Alistair Cooke.

There will be 12 prizes in total with a first, second and third prize for each of the categories.

1st prize - £100 of book tokens, 2nd prize - £50 of book tokens, and 3rd prize £25 of book tokens.

There will be special commendation prizes for the most imaginative reports which feature John Bunyan or Sir William Harpur. All prize winners will get to see their work in print, as well as featuring in a special celebration evening at the Quarry Theatre, St Luke’s during the autumn.

The closing date for the competition is June 1, 2016 and the winners will be announced prior to a special presentation evening at the museum on Tuesday, July 5.

The museum is open Tuesday to Saturday 11am-4pm until October (Closed Good Friday) and admission is free.

For more details contact the Curator Nicola Sherhod on 01234 270303 or email [email protected] Visit www.bunyanmeeting.co.uk/museum