short-story competition to mark 50th anniversary of decimalisation hosted by the Royal Mint Museum

There are just 10 days left for schoolchildren across Wales to enter the Royal Mint Museum’s Short Story competition – helping to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Decimalisation. 

The bilingual short story competition is open to all pupils in years five and six, and the winning entry will be selected by celebrated children’s author, Eloise Williams. The successful budding author will also see their story brought to life, thanks to illustrator and artist Rebecca Green.

About the competition:

• February 2021 marks 50 years since Britain decimalised.

• Celebrated children’s author and Children’s Laureate Wales, Eloise Williams will be judging the competition.

• The winning story will be illustrated by Rebecca Green and published by New Welsh Review. The author will receive a silver commemorative coin, a set of Eloise Williams books with an additional book set and digital workshop session for their school. 

Pupils are asked to write a short-story of no more than 500 words inspired by Decimal Day in 1971 and the change to decimal money. Pupils are able to write about any topic that relates to decimalisation, but some inspirational ideas for the story are: 

• “What if coins could talk, what would they tell us?” 

• “What do you think Decimal Day was like for people using the new money for the first time?” 

• “Imagine you are a shiny, new decimal coin. What sort of adventures might you have once you have left the Royal Mint?” 

Rebecca Green said, “It will be a wonderful challenge to work with a brand new story, and I’m truly delighted to be involved with the competition.  Having your writing published is such an exciting prospect, so I hope to do the winning entry justice with my illustrations.  I can’t wait to see how the theme of ‘Decimal Day’ will be interpreted, but have no doubt the stories will be imaginative and inspired – wishing good luck to all the entrants!”

Schools have received their invitation to participate by post and can seek further information and teaching resources by going to the Museum’s website: www.royalmintmuseum.org.uk/decimalisation 

Closing date for entries to the competition is 11th December. Stories can be submitted in either Welsh or English and can be sent digitally or by post to the Royal Mint Museum.