Book hunt for children in park back by popular demand
ACTIVITY RETURNS FOR HALF TERM
A POPULAR free activity which promotes reading and the great outdoors to children on the East Marsh is back by popular demand.
Launched last summer by the East Marsh Involve community group, The Secret Garden Of Books will make its grand return to Grant Thorold Park, in Grimsby, this Easter half term after receiving overwhelming praise and support from the community - and there are plenty of exciting Easter bonuses for young readers to discover. The project was so popular last summer that children at a local school told an NSPCC representative that the scheme was the “highlight” of their summer holidays.
Nicola Aisthorpe, project manager for East Marsh Involve and East Marsh ward councillor, said: “Hearing such positive feedback is incredibly heartwarming and reaffirms the fact that our initiative is truly making a difference in young people’s lives on the East Marsh. “The book hunt activity was a huge success last year. We received lots of heartwarming feedback and so many photographs of big smiles on the faces of happy families enjoying their new books. With such overwhelming support and enjoyment, we simply had to continue the activity again this year.” Each book will be protected by a waterproof and resealable plastic wallet, accompanied by an Easter activity booklet and bookmark, as well as a note congratulating the finder and instructions.
Participants are directed to either keep the book or return it to the park for another child to discover, fostering a sense of community sharing. Books cater to ages 0 to 14 years, with an age guide included on the note to help children find the right book for them.
Cllr Aisthorpe added: “We have received tremendous support from local people and organisations who have reached out to us to generously donate books, from right across the borough. It is a project that really has brought so many people together. “We wish to extend a warm thank you to Grimsby Writers, Laceby Library, Care Plus Tai Chi Group from St Michaels Great Coates, Knit & Natter Group from Scartho Library, Jill Stuart and Jackie Collins and Green Influencers VANEL for their support and generous contributions towards this year’s book hunt.”
East Marsh Involve volunteer Loyd Emmerson, who will be helping to hide the books, said: “With this activity we aim to build a strong sense of community and welcome all young East Marsh readers, families, and book enthusiasts to join the Easter book hunt.
“To further enhance the experience, we’ve also established a Facebook group where we regularly share updates, favourite book quotes and clues to book locations, which has also proven to be a huge success. The enthusiasm and participation of so many families sharing photos and promoting a sense of togetherness through the fun of reading, truly makes this activity great.”
Parents are encouraged to join the Secret Garden Of Books Facebook group for more information and clues to where the books are hidden from next week onwards. You can find the page at https://www.facebook.com/ groups/1414230516088367