Creative Clay Bunnies Unleashed in Support of St Oswald's Hospice

The excitement was tangible as team members gathered around their workstations, each armed with four pieces of air-dry clay, modelling tools, and the same reference photo of Peter Rabbit. The challenge was simple yet inspiring: create a clay bunny that could stand, sit, or lie down, with creativity encouraged at every turn. This was the MP Plant Training Clay Bunny Competition, a fun and heartfelt initiative inspired by the Peter Rabbit on the Tyne trails and dedicated to supporting St Oswald's Hospice.

Bringing Art and Community Together

Every few years, St Oswald’s Hospice teams up with Wild in Art to launch an art trail across Newcastle. This year’s trail featured colourful Peter Rabbit statues scattered throughout the city, inviting locals and visitors to explore, stay active, and enjoy a day out with family and friends. The statues are more than just public art; they raise funds through auctions once the trail ends, with all proceeds supporting the hospice’s vital work.

Inspired by this creative spirit and the hospice’s mission, the MP Plant Training team decided to hold their own clay bunny competition. The goal was not only to have fun but also to appreciate the skill and effort behind the statues while raising awareness for St Oswald’s Hospice.

The Clay Bunny Challenge Details

Each participant received:

• Four pieces of air-dry clay, all the same size but any colour of their choice

• Clay modelling tools to shape and detail their bunnies

• The same reference photo of Peter Rabbit to guide their creations

  
  

Participants were free to interpret the pose of their bunnies—standing, sitting, or lying down. Families were encouraged to join in, and some of the children’s creations quickly became crowd favourites, showcasing impressive creativity and charm.

Every bunny had to have a name, adding personality and a story to each sculpture. This simple touch brought the competition to life, making it more than just a craft activity but a shared experience full of laughter and imagination.

Display and Voting

Once the bunnies were completed, they were proudly displayed in the office for everyone to admire. Photos of each clay bunny were then posted on Facebook, inviting friends, family, and the wider community to vote for their favourite.

The submission deadline was 30th April, and voting ran through May. The bunny with the most votes would win a bottle of bubbly, while their little helper would receive sweets as a thank you for their support.

Why This Matters

St Oswald’s Hospice provides essential care and support to patients and their families during difficult times. The funds raised from the art trail auctions help enhance patient experiences, fund activities, and support special trips for those in need.

By holding the clay bunny competition, the team not only celebrated creativity but also helped spread awareness of the hospice’s work. It was a chance to connect with the community, have fun, and contribute to a meaningful cause.

Highlights from the Competition

The competition revealed surprising talent and creativity. Some bunnies were realistic, capturing the gentle charm of Peter Rabbit, while others took a more whimsical approach with bright colours and playful poses. The children’s entries, in particular, stood out for their originality and heart.

The friendly rivalry sparked many laughs and conversations, bringing the team closer together. It was clear that the process of creating these clay bunnies was just as rewarding as the final results.

What’s Next

With the competition wrapped up and votes tallied, the winners will soon be announced. Regardless of the outcome, every participant contributed to a joyful and meaningful event.

This initiative shows how small creative projects can make a big difference when combined with a shared purpose. It encourages everyone to get involved, whether through art, volunteering, or supporting local causes like St Oswald’s Hospice.

If you’re inspired by this story, consider exploring the Peter Rabbit on the Tyne trail or learning more about how you can support St Oswald’s Hospice. Creativity and community spirit can go hand in hand to bring about positive change.