South Yorkshire Times July 26, 1947

Bolton Boy Wins Essay Prize

Robert Merrington Cox (15), son of Mr and Mrs H Cox, of 133 Furlong Rd, has won a £5 essay prize from the British Society for International Understanding.

His essay on “An imaginary visit to China” was chosen as the best among all those submitted in the British Survey Junior Essay Competition.

The governors of the society will also present a cup to Robert’s School, this having been given by Messrs George Gill and sons, publishers of a popular series of British Surveys. This will be retained for one year.

Robert commenced his education at the Bolton Council Schools and won a scholarship to Wath Grammar School. He is a server at St Andrews Parish Church.

As the competition took place about three months ago and Robert wrote his essay in a hurry he had forgotten all about it.

One of his hobbies is oil painting and he has painted excellent pictures of Bolton Parish Church and other local views.