More than 200 Swindon children have taken part in winter storytelling workshops with award-winning author Kate Claxton.

The efforts of the children are set to be showcased for everyone to enjoy.

As part of a community project with South Swindon Parish Council and their Enchanted Gardens Light Trail, the north Swindon-based author engaged the imaginations of children from three schools and three Swindon children's groups, to create a new story called The Winter Wish Tree.

The story will be displayed on enlarged boards as a story walk around the Town Gardens annual light trail.

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Ms Claxton said: "I’ve had the excitement of my books being turned into story walks before.

"So when the parish asked me to create something new this year, I knew it was the perfect opportunity to give other voices a platform.

"Inviting Swindon Young Carers, children’s bereavement charity Wiltshire Treehouse, and Swindon City of Sanctuary’s We’re Open Families group to take part has meant that many of our town’s vulnerable and often isolated young voices can be heard.

"The characters and stories you’ll see on that walk were entirely moulded by the children they represent.

"I’m really proud of them."

The creative sessions, which included storytelling and character design, also allowed the children to express their personal feelings and experiences through the artwork.

One such session with Wiltshire Treehouse invited bereaved youngsters to write a private message to a special person who had died and conceal it within a memory bear.

The collaged artwork has been digitally inserted into the illustrations for all to appreciate.

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Kath Brownlee from Wiltshire Treehouse said: "Bereaved children often tell us how isolated they feel, and seeing their experiences reflected in a central character in a community story will help to normalise their grief and help them to feel connected to the wider community.

"Being given the chance to shape a story like this will also help their self-esteem, plus the opportunity to be creative is great for their wellbeing."

Children from Lethbridge, King William Street CE, and The Croft primary schools were also able to create their own 'wish' panel during the sessions, which will form part of a light installation in the Rose Garden.

The Winter Wish Tree story walk will be accessible for reading throughout the day in Old Town Gardens, and the Enchanted Gardens Light Trail will illuminate the area from Friday, November 29 to Tuesday, December 24.

 

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