The Essex Year of Reading ‘Tell me a Story’ sessions continue to help families discover a lifelong love of reading together, with the latest story read by HM Lord Lieutenant of Essex, Jennifer Tolhurst.
Launching on 20 April 2023, the latest Essex Year of Reading ‘Tell me a Story’ film will feature the Lord Lieutenant of Essex, Mrs Jennifer Tolhurst.
The Lord Lieutenant of Essex is the King’s personal representative in the county and has been an advocate for the Essex Year of Reading throughout the campaign.
The Lord Lieutenant of Essex, Jennifer Tolhurst, is the King’s personal representative in the county. Jennifer will read an extract from the classic children’s tale ‘Wind in the Willows’, by Kenneth Grahame. In the story Mole goes missing and is thought to be in the Wild Wood, if he is, will he be safe? Jennifer said: “The Wind in the Willows is such a terrific book, I loved it as a child. I have always read a lot; books are a wonderful way to learn about people and places and are a great place to escape to”.
Listening to stories, particularly from a young age, helps children to develop their speech, language and reading skills, as well as expand their vocabulary.
Clare Kershaw, Director of Education at Essex County Council, said: “It’s an honour that the King’s personal representative in Essex has taken the time to support the Essex Year of Reading by sharing a well-loved story with families. HM Lord Lieutenant has been a positive ambassador throughout the campaign and this is a wonderful endorsement that really helps to highlight just how important reading skills are.”
The ‘Tell Me A Story’ sessions have been led by well-known faces, published authors and local heroes. Aimed at children eight-years-old and younger, a new story is launched every two weeks on Essex County Council’s YouTube channel. The stories are aimed at bringing families together to discover new stories, as well as hear old favourites read aloud.
The Essex Year of Reading campaign was created by the Essex Education Taskforce to support children and young people whose education has been affected by the pandemic. It is funded by Essex County Council.
Previous storytellers have included TV presenter and author Dermot O’Leary, a zookeeper from Colchester Zoo and former children’s laureate Michael Rosen.
