Member Article

Student’s artwork brightens up local estate agent’s boards

Applegate Properties has announced the lucky young artist responsible for its new ‘for sale’ boards.

A year six pupil, from Meltham Church of England School, has been selected as the winner of the firm’s recent competition to design the ‘for sale’ signs – to be displayed across the Holmfirth and Yorkshire region.

Created and launched by the Holmfirth-based company’s managing director, Amy Wray – in order to engage and involve the local community – children at the school were encouraged to enter, and time during art lessons was dedicated to producing the drawings. The winner was then selected by three judges from the region – Kerry Sykes of Holmfirth Events and Community Group, creative director at The Engine Room, Leo Parker, and Jim Robison, owner of Booth House Gallery.

The brand prides itself on being a traditional agency with a modern twist – which alongside its focus on high quality customer service – was the thought behind the promotion.

Commenting on the initiative, Amy Wray said: “At Applegate we’re passionate about giving something back as and when we can, and it’s our love of working with the community and children which inspired this particular competition.

“We selected Meltham Church of England, because it was the school I attended, so it’s one that’s close to my heart.”

Earlier this month, Amy attended the school’s assembly to unveil the new board, and hand out the prizes. As well as being the new face of the signs, the winner of first place received a 140-piece Crayola Inspirations case, and second and third place were also awarded art sets.

Teachers from the school said: “All of the students loved spending time in their art lessons planning and drawing their designs. It’s created a huge buzz and they were all very excited about the prizes on offer. We believe art should have a purpose, and this competition certainly succeeded at this.”

Parent of the winning entrant, who recently visited the office to collect a board to display in her home, said: “I remember my daughter coming home from school and telling me they were designing posters for Applegate’s signs, and I thought it was a wonderful idea. A few weeks later she came home to tell me she had won – we were over the moon!”

Amy added: “The whole team has loved working with the school, and we can’t wait to begin distributing our new signs throughout the region. We’re an agency that likes to do things a little differently, so I hope this will be conveyed through our rebrand over the coming months.

“We’d like to say a huge thank you to the school, our judges and the pupils for giving up their time to take part. Keep your eyes peeled for the fantastic artwork!”

The bright and eye-catching hand-drawn artwork will be visible in the months of June, July and August – and Applegate Properties will also make a donation to the school for every property placed for sale with them during this period.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Katie Mallinson .