National Historic Ships UK, the official voice for historic vessels in the United Kingdom, welcomed 21 pupils from Barham C. E Primary School in Canterbury onboard the Spritsail Barge, May last week, a prize they won after entering NHS-UK’s photography competition.
 
The 21 year five pupils and four teachers set sail on National Historic Ships’ historic fleet vessel May, last Wednesday from Greenwich pier. The trip took them travelling down to the North Greenwich arena, before heading up the Thames, with the highlight of passing under Tower Bridge twice, which was raised for May as the children enjoyed their winning prize.
 
Commenting on the day on the Thames, class teacher, Alison Webb said, “We always encourage our pupils to take part in creative competitions, such as the National Historic Ships UK Photography Competition and were delighted when our submitted entry was picked as the winner of the Primary Schools category.
 
“The prize to spend a day on one of National Historic Ship’s UK fleet vessels was absolutely perfect for our year five pupils who have been studying rivers as their topic for this term and this was the perfect opportunity to consolidate their learning. It was a wonderful day; even the weather was kind to us, and something we will be talking about for months.”
 
This year’s NHS-UK Photography Competition is currently open for entries with a range of categories for all ages. NHS-UK is again urging schools across the country to get involved in the search for the Young Photographer of the Year where winners will receive camera equipment for their school and a class visit to a historic vessel near them, as well as having their winning photography published.
 
Budding photographers can enter their maritime inspired photos online at www.nationalhistoricships.org.uk and can submit up to two photographs per category. The competition is made up of five categories and all entries must be received by midnight on 31 August 2012.