Un-bee-lievable creativity lands school special visit

An un-bee-lievably creative poster design has landed a school a special visit from an anti-violence monument and dedicated policing teams.

As part of preparations for the visit from the ‘anti-violence bee’ monument, schools and youth groups were challenged to get creative and design posters and bee designs which promoted the all-important anti-violence messages that the bee stands firmly for.

The prize – a visit from the anti-violence bee, the dog section, and other Operational Support officers, including drones.

The competition had an amazing response and the Joint Police and Fire Headquarters was a hive of activity as the judging panel began sorting through them all and deciding a winner.

After much deliberation, a poetic entry from Cherry Tree Hill Primary School, in Chaddesden, came out on top, receiving the most votes from the panel.

As well as the winner, the panel also picked out a further four stand-out entries which they wanted to recognise.

• Reigate School, Derby
• Lenthall Infant and Nursery School, Dronfield
• Holmefields Primary School, Chellaston
• Furness Vale Primary and Nursery School, High Peak

We’d like to thank all of the schools that got involved with this competition. We received 695 entries in total which shows the huge support we have from our young people and schools. The creativity and effort of all entries was fantastic and we’re really proud of everyone that got involved.

Yesterday, Monday 12 December 2022, the winners received their prize and the students were absolutely buzzing to see the bee, the dogs and the drone.

Inspector Ellen Lovatt, from Derbyshire Constabulary, said: “We were blown away by the response to this competition and the creativity we’ve seen from the children who submitted entries from all over Derbyshire.

“By bringing the bee to Derbyshire, we really wanted to get conversation going about the impact of violence and how we can work together to prevent it in Derbyshire.

“It’s clear to see the impact that the bee’s visit is having and it is extremely encouraging to see people of all ages showing such interest and wanting to be involved in sharing these all important messages.

“It was no easy task picking a winner but after shortlisting and a number of rounds of voting the panel were all really, really impressed with the Cherry Tree Hill entry.

“We loved the poem, the layout, and the thought that had gone into the messaging, so a massive well done."

Emma Munson, from Cherry Tree Hill Primary School, said: “When we heard about the competition, it was something we immediately wanted to get involved in.

“The visit of the bee was extremely exciting and its messaging is extremely important, especially for young people to stay away from, and help prevent, violence, as well as having the confidence to speak up if it should happen.

“When we got the message to say we had won, we were all extremely excited. Seeing the bee close up, as well as the dogs and the drones, was an absolute treat for the children and a great prize for the work they put in on this competition.”

Colonel John Wilson OBE DL, Vice Lord-Lieutenant for Derbyshire, was on the judging panel and attended the school visit.

He said: “This was a fantastic competition, providing a great opportunity for schools to get involved with the anti-violence campaign. The entries gave some fine examples of young artistic talent; looking through so many designs was thoroughly enjoyable; selecting a winner from so much quality was tough.

“The winning school’s entry was very impressive; as was their enthusiasm on the visit. The children showed much interest in the AV Bee, the drones, the dogs and the armed response units. Their interaction with the police was excellent for police-community relationships; providing an important positive experience at such a young age.”