This week I was pleased to host an event in Parliament launching the Summer Reading Challenge – the UK’s biggest free reading for pleasure programme for children. This is the seventh time I’ve hosted the event in Parliament, and it was brilliant to see MPs enthusiastically supporting our event.
Taking place annually, the challenge encourages children aged 4-11 to keep reading during the summer holidays. Children’s reading can dip during the long summer holidays if they don’t have regular access to books, and encouragement to read for pleasure. The Summer Reading Challenge reaches over 700,000 children each year, motivating them to visit the library and in turn helping them to maintain their reading skills and confidence.
This year’s Summer Reading Challenge, Gadgeteers, is all about science and innovation. Developed in partnership with the Reading Agency and Science Museum Group, the challenge will inspire children to use their curiosity and creativity to discover the science behind the everyday and celebrates the role of the imagination in both reading and the sciences.
We know that many children have struggled with their reading during the pandemic so ensuring that children keep up their reading this summer is more important than ever.
I look forward to seeing so many enthusiastic young people, parents, and carers in libraries across the town this summer, taking full advantage of this initiative. I am sure many Swindon children will be taking up the challenge – good luck!
Parents will also be able to sign up their children at my annual Summer Activities Fayre, which is taking place on Saturday 16th July at the Orbital Shopping Park from 10am-1pm.
My annual Summer Activities Fayre returns for a 4th year and will be bigger and better than ever before. The event will take place in the open space at the Orbital, alongside the play area and in front of Next and Boots. It can be a real task to find constructive & enjoyable activities for the kids to enjoy over the summer. Luckily, we have a fantastic number of clubs, groups, organisations and local businesses in Swindon and this fayre is an opportunity for parents, carers, grandparents & kids to come and see what they can get involved in. The Activities Fayre is a fantastic opportunity to bring them together and really highlight what they have on offer. It’s a really fun event, and there is always a great atmosphere on the day.
A number of groups have already signed up: including Swindon Wildcats, Supermarine RFC, and the Link Centre Trampoline Park. There will also be gymnastics displays from Evoke Gymnastics, and a VR experience from local company SAF-VR. We are lucky to have a number of amazing groups, clubs and other organisations in Swindon.
The event is also a fantastic opportunity for groups and clubs to reach more people and find new members. If any businesses, groups, or organisations are interested in having a stall, please do get in touch as there are still some spaces.
It is held a week before the summer holidays begin and we have always had very good feedback from our previous fayres as people have been able to arrange summer-long childcare or several days out. I am hoping for another good turnout, and look forward to welcoming as many people as possible. Please do come along if you are looking for creative ways to keep the kids occupied this summer!
