Network of storytelling chairs unveiled in Lowestoft

After the first storytelling chair was launched in August at the Carlton Colville Community Garden in Lowestoft, five further storytelling chairs have been established.

The first storytelling chair is unveiled in August. (Image: Mick Howes)

Unveiled as part of a partnership by Get Suffolk Reading and Greener Growth, it aims to improve wellbeing and provide outdoor opportunities for families to enjoy in the town.

A storytelling chair in Lowestoft. (Image: Get Suffolk Reading)

Funding from East Suffolk Council and Morrisons enabled the provision of the new chairs in locations across Lowestoft during November.

Each chair has a built-in weatherproof bookcase, so that adults and children can access free books.

MH_Low_Lowestoft Storytelling Chair TrailDebs Pullum reading a story in Lowestoft Library (Image: Mick Howes)

Sessions will be held by Get Suffolk Reading, Greener Growth and other community organisations to encourage reading and environmental awareness, and boost wellbeing.

A new storytelling chair is launched with Jo Runicles and the Greener Growth team at Red Oak Primary School Nature Garden (Image: Mick Howes)

Over the weekend, the first event showcasing these new community spaces took place, with a Christmas trail on Sunday.

Andy Jennings on the storytelling chair at Carlton Colville Community Garden (Image: Mick Howes)

Festive activities were offered at each chair, with storytelling, environmentally-friendly arts and crafts and plenty of play.

Sally Connick and author Nigel Lungenmuss-Ward making reading fun in Lowestoft. (Image: Mick Howes)

Sally Connick, Lowestoft Project Manager for Get Suffolk Reading, said: "We’re so excited to introduce this network of storytelling chairs to give people in Lowestoft somewhere to meet outdoors, learn about the environment and enjoy reading.

"We’re now working with Greener Growth to recruit volunteers to support the spaces and look forward to hosting workshops and events all year round.

A new storytelling chair is launched with Greener Growth Operations Manager Jannine Parry and Mark Toyne at The Ark (Image: Mick Howes)

"Our first Christmas trail showed how magical these storytelling chairs can be!

"We are very grateful to local authors, storytellers, East Suffolk Council, Suffolk Police and Central England Co-op for their support."

Letitia Smith. (Image: East Suffolk Council)

Letitia Smith, East Suffolk Council’s cabinet member for Communities, Leisure and Tourism, said: "This project was funded through our East Suffolk Boost grant scheme which supports community projects focused on improving wellbeing after the Covid-19 pandemic.

"These storytelling chairs are a fantastic way to encourage local families to read and spend time together, helping to develop a love of reading and improve their mental wellbeing."

Get Suffolk Reading is a campaign led by the National Literacy Trust, in partnership with Suffolk County Council, that encourages families to read together.

For more information, visit literacytrust.org.uk/communities/suffolk.