Colwall Rotary launched an art competition in autumn 2025, “Inspired by Nature” for all the children in Colwall’s three schools and the youth project. 150 young people entered the competition choosing a variety of different responses to nature, ranging from a detailed pencil drawing of a bug and at the other end of the spectrum a magnificent seashore painting of cliffs and the sea with a foreground of fresh bright greens. 

Several children chose a bird; there were many owls, one fantastically coloured pheasant, flying birds, nesting birds, birds dive-bombing a woodland scene, and a 3D model of a flamingo. There were entire scenes in forests, one in the desert and various imaginary landscapes. A comodo dragon appeared in a glorious sunset. There were several foxes including a whole scene within a frame of a fox in its den. Flowers and leaves came in various styles. Winner in the youngest group (Key Stage 1) was a hedgehog emerging from dry leaves.  The Key Stage 2 winner had depicted wildflowers waving against a strong blue sky. Winner of the oldest group (up to 12) was an evocative scene of birch trees which impressed many of the visitors, as did a 3D model of a hare rising from moss and grasses, cleverly titled “hare-raising adventure”. 

Colwall Rotary is very grateful to The Elms school for hosting the event and to an excellent panel of judges from the local area. This year a Colwall school; in one or two decades maybe the Summer Exhibition at the Royal Academy. 

Colwall Rotary is the only Rotary Club in East Herefordshire, following the closure of Ledbury Rotary club due to Covid. If any of the new residents in Ledbury are interested in knowing more about Rotary, perhaps joining Colwall or seeking our assistance in resurrecting the Ledbury club please contact us.