Tony Hibbert Prize Opens to Cornwall Students

A new history competition aimed at young people across Cornwall is now open, offering students the chance to explore the links between past conflicts and the modern world.

Launched by Trebah Garden, the Tony Hibbert Prize is open to students in Years 7 to 13, with entries closing at 12pm on Friday 24th April 2026.

Exploring Cornwall at War

This year’s theme, “Cornwall at War”, invites students to look at how historical conflicts connect to life today. Entries can be submitted in a range of formats, allowing participants to choose how they express their ideas.

Students can take part through:

• Creative or journalistic writing
• Film or digital storytelling
• Art or visual pieces

The competition encourages young people to think about the relationship between 20th century conflict and the challenges facing the world today.

Inspired by a Second World War Veteran

The prize was established in memory of Major Tony Hibbert, a British Army officer who served during the Second World War. His military service included action in the Battle of France, the North African Campaign, the Italian Campaign and in German-occupied Netherlands.

After retiring in 1981, Tony and his wife Eira purchased Trebah Garden in Cornwall. The site holds historic significance as a departure point for the US 29th Infantry Division ahead of the D-Day landings on Omaha Beach in 1944. Trebah later opened regularly to visitors from 1987.

Tony’s experiences during the war led him to dedicate much of his time to encouraging reflection on conflict and its impact on modern society. At Trebah, he hosted annual Airborne Forces Day events, bringing people together to remember the fight against fascism in Europe.

A Prize Built on His Legacy

The Tony Hibbert Prize was set up in 2025 by Professor Catriona Pennell and the Department of Humanities and Social Sciences, Cornwall. It is a collaboration between the University of Exeter, Cornwall, the Hibbert family, and Trebah Garden.

The prize recognises creative work that reflects the values that mattered most to Tony, including courage, resistance, tolerance and an appreciation of history.

Prizes and Recognition

Three winners, across different age categories, will each receive £100 in book tokens. They will also be invited to attend a prize-giving ceremony at Trebah Garden this summer.

The competition also gives students the opportunity to explore global issues through history and share their ideas in a creative way.

How to Enter

Students interested in taking part can find more information or submit their entries via the official page: 👉 https://hass-cornwall.exeter.ac.uk/tony-hibbert-prize/

Alternatively, enquiries can be sent by email to [email protected].

With the deadline approaching on 24th April, those planning to enter are being encouraged to get their entries submitted soon.

📷19/6/2010: Trebah Gardens.Falmouth.Cornwall. Maj Tony Hibbert esd presented by the Great Seal of Keil by the German Consul for Cornwall Mrs Angela Spratz at a ceremony at Trebah Gardens.