Hundreds Attend Latest Story Makers Celebration

A HUGE crowd descended on Dukinfield Town Hall on 29 May, but there was no need to dial 999, it was just 250 tots and grown-ups enjoying the latest Story Makers Celebration event.

The theme for the scheme, which involved more than 2,000 people over its seven-month run, was the emergency services.

It introduced children to the work done by the police, fire and ambulance services, showing how they help us, and culminated in a picture book called “999 Emergency” written by Susanne T Schroder and illustrated by Andy Rowland.

Susanne was at the celebration to sign free copies, where she was joined by the ever-popular Simon the Storyteller. Among the other fun activities were balloon modelling, snakes and lizards, tents and a ball pit.

The project, which was made possible by funding from Tameside Community Safety Partnership, was organised by Tameside Libraries.

Fun sessions at Ashton, Droylsden and Dukinfield libraries, as well as over Zoom, began last October, engaging children aged four and under through performance, stories, singing and games.

Cllr Sangita Patel, Tameside Council’s assistant executive member for culture, heritage and digital inclusivity, said: “Story Makers has been an incredible success since it was launched almost seven years ago. It plays a vital role within the council’s Tameside Loves Reading campaign and judging by the atmosphere at the celebration event, children clearly can’t get enough of it.

“I would like to thank Tameside Libraries for organising the scheme so well, Tameside Community Safety for their generous sponsorship, and of course Susanne and Andy for the colourful and exciting ‘999 Emergency’ picture book they produced. I’m sure the little ones will love it.”

For more information visit www.tameside.gov.uk/Libraries/Bookstart/StoryMakers