Stoke Reads launches new Story Quest for the Easter holidays
This Easter, Stoke Reads has launched an exclusive Story Quest around Stoke titled Duck Bills’ Great Railway Adventure. Written and illustrated by local creative Kidda Kinsey, the free trail invites families with primary school aged children to complete various challenges and discover fun facts about Stoke and its railway station.
Upon completion of the trail, young people are encouraged to write a letter to Duck Bills’ sibling Duck Small, relaying the facts they discovered on the trail. Stories sent to Stoke Reads will be entered into a prize draw to win a Family and Friends Railcard, giving discounted travel across the rail network, and a bundle of books.
Letters can be sent using the freepost envelope provided with physical copies of the trail, handed in to any Stoke-on-Trent library or photos can be sent to Stoke Reads’ Facebook page. Entries must be sent by Friday 6 May.
Copies of the trail are available to collect from any Stoke-on-Trent library, Stoke-on-Trent Railway Station or can be downloaded at storyquest.org.uk. Printed copies are subject to availability.
To celebrate the release of Duck Bills’ Great Railway Adventure, Stoke Reads is hosting a launch event on Tuesday 12 April, 10.00-14.00 at Stoke Library. This event is free for all ages and will stage several activities including:
- Drawing workshops with Story Quest illustrator Kidda Kinsey
- Railway themed storytelling from Alan Barrett
- Stories on the Little Library Van
- Craft activities led by Stoke Library
- Activities from the Community Rail Partnership
All attendees will also receive a free book and free copy of the trail courtesy of Stoke Reads.
This one-off Story Quest has been created by Stoke Reads in partnership with North Staffordshire Community Rail Partnership. It’s jointly funded by Avanti West Coast and the Community Rail Network.
“Following the huge success of our first Story Quest programme, I’m thrilled to share this new story with families across the city. A huge thank you goes to our amazing partners and funders for helping to make this possible, we can’t wait to witness families enjoy the trail over Easter – and beyond!”
Lois Bateman, Stoke Reads Manager
“The trail provides a great opportunity for families to explore the history of Stoke together, finding out more about the town and the railway as they help Duck Bills on his adventure from Stoke Library to Stoke-on-Trent Train Station.”
Emma McIntosh, Community Rail Partnership Officer at the North Staffordshire Community Rail Partnership
“We’re excited to welcome local children to Stoke-on-Trent station taking part in the walk talk trail to learn about the railway and surrounding area. The trail is a great initiative that gives families, schools, and the community access to materials to help children read, take pride in their local area, as well as experience something new. “We’re proud to be working with local people and organisations to deliver this initiative to champion Stoke-on-Trent’s heritage and landscape, and hope it inspires young people and their families to explore places using sustainable modes of transport.”
Joanna Buckley, Community Manager at Avanti West Coast