During the height of lockdown, BFBS invited the armed forces community around the world to get creative in photography, arts & crafts, videography and written word/audio, in its Forces Voices competition.

All entries were judged by leaders in their creative field and there were over 200 amazing and heart-warming entries, showcasing how resourceful and talented many of the armed forces and their families were during this difficult time.

Founder of Interior Design Studio Rascal & Roses, Verity Coleman, who judged the arts & crafts category – which received the highest number of entries – says: “What a great selection of work. Clearly some very talented artists and craftspeople out in the BFBS community. The standard of all those I saw was of a very high level, I hope that everyone continues to create, whatever craziness the world throws at us.”

Entries in the four categories were received from as far as The Falkland Islands, Brunei and Rome and each individual shared a little bit about the story behind their creation.

For example, Ian Bridge who won the adult photography category with his image ‘Locked Down but Not Out’ shared how he found inspiration in smoke and other things around the house during lockdown, like droplets and flowers and dandelions. He found it: “very therapeutic and whiled away the hours.”

Ayden Beharry (pictured above) was inspired to make an RAF Spitfire, using 100 per cent recyclable materials including cardboard, a milk bottle, bottle lids and some glue, to mark VE Day.

Ayden wanted to show his appreciation to his class teacher for the amazing support given to him through home schooling as a result of COVID-19 pandemic.

Evie Rutherford, who won the under 18 photography category for this image of her dog Luna, credits how much she helped her during these uncertain times: “Even when you feel surrounded by darkness, she’s the light that is still shining, brightening up my life.”

Hannah McCleery took pen to paper with her poem ‘Let Breathing Bring You Peace’, where she shared how she uses breathing to keep herself calm, and potentially help anyone that might also be “struggling with life”.

To read Hannah’s poem or look at any of the other lockdown masterpieces, visit www.forcesvoices.com/competition

You never know, you might also get some more inspiration if you are running out of ideas on how to fill your time, if you are not yet back at work, or your kids are still off school.

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