Community

Missing out on bedtime stories

Published

8 years ago

June 22, 2016

Tom Sinclair

Encouraged to read:
Bookish charity BookStart found that only 37%
of children in Wales are read to before bed

SHOCKING statistics which have been revealed by Booktrust, Britain’s largest reading charity, have shown that only a measly 37% of children in Wales are read a bedtime story before they go to sleep.

This research has been conducted as part of BookTrust’s drive to get children and families into the habit of reading together every day while children are still young.

Evidence has shown that by reading together every day, parents will help their children to be almost 12 months ahead of their age group when they start school.

For busier parents, even reading to children three to five times a week gives them up to a six-month head-start over those who are read to less often.

Wales’ result is much lower than any other region in the UK except for London, where only a meagre 28% of children are read a book by a family member in the 20 minutes before they go to sleep.

Cardiff fared particularly badly in the results, with parents and carers in the Welsh capital less likely to read to their children before bedtime than any other city in the UK.

Only 30% of children in Cardiff said that they read with a family member before going to bed, compared to 55% of children in Bristol, the highest scoring city, and 42% as a UK wide average.

Making reading a bedtime story part of your nightly routine can have real benefits for both children and tired parents.

Diana Gerald, CEO of BookTrust, said: “Reading together at any time of day has real benefits, but there’s something extra special about a bedtime story.

“Children need to feel safe and secure when they sleep, and reading together creates a special quiet time to wind down together.

“Storytime also enhances children’s vocabulary and literacy skills, and enables them to foster a love of reading.’

Through its Bookstart programme, BookTrust is hoping to support families to make sure that reading together every day remains a top priority.

Through Bookstart, every child in Wales can receive free English and Welsh books in their first year of life and again when they are two years old.

Between Monday (Jun 6) and Sunday (Jun 12), the charity will be celebrating National BookStart Week, working with libraries and various early years teams across Wales.

This year’s theme of ‘Under the Sea’ is based on the fun picture book ‘A Hole in the Bottom of the Sea’ by Jessica Law, which will be given free to every child who attends the National Bookstart Week events.

National Bookstart Week was launched at Rhyl SeaQuariaum on Monday (June 6), with a fun family event led by Denbighshire Libraries’ BookStart Team.

There are hundreds of free events for babies, toddlers, preschoolers and their families which are being held at libraries, nurseries and in early years sessions across the country. Events include stories, rhymes and lots of fun activities to inspire families to read together and enjoy books.

Bethan Hughes, Customer Service Manager at Denbighshire Libraries, said: “Reading and sharing books every day has huge benefits for all children, however young they are.

“Children who read and enjoy books are happier, healthier and do better in life than those who don’t.

“Local libraries welcome children from birth and offer free access to fabulous children’s books – for bedtime stories and reading at any time of day.”

More information about National BookStart Week, as well as fun activities for families, can be found on the BookStart website.

BookStart is funded by the Welsh Government’s Department for Education and Skills and delivered in partnership with Welsh libraries and Health Visitors.

Charity

Kurtz goes Jurassic as Pantosaurus visits Senedd NSPCC Campaign

Published

14 hours ago

November 14, 2024

Richard Lewis

THIS WEEK, the NSPCC’s annual campaign to safeguard children from sexual abuse reached the steps of the Senedd.

Pantosaurus, the friendly mascot of the NSPCC’s PANTS campaign, appeared to raise awareness among Members of the Senedd and the wider public about the vital importance of child safety. The campaign encourages parents and carers to talk openly with young children about risks and protective measures.

The PANTS campaign is built around five key child protection messages:

Privates are private.
Always remember your body belongs to you.
No means no.
Talk about secrets that upset you.
Speak up; someone can help.

After meeting Pantosaurus, Samuel Kurtz MS, Member of the Senedd for Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire, expressed his support for the campaign

He said: “I wholeheartedly support this important NSPCC initiative. Since its launch in 2013, it has empowered over six million families to discuss this sensitive subject.

“This issue affects communities across Wales, so promoting the five principles of PANTS is essential for everyone in Pembrokeshire and beyond.”

Community

Crowdfunding drive launched for documentary on forgotten 1967 football match

Published

23 hours ago

November 13, 2024

Tom Sinclair

A CROWDFUNDING campaign has launched to support a new documentary capturing a nearly forgotten piece of football history—a 1967 charity match in Liverpool featuring Hungarian football icon Ferenc Puskás, alongside British legends Billy Liddell and John Charles.

Daniel Metcalf, director of the film and grandson of Chester FC striker Mike Metcalf, who played in the match, describes the film as “a love letter to the beautiful game,” aiming to highlight community spirit and the unity of sport. “Through personal stories, historic footage, and expert insights, we’ll revisit this unique game and explore 1960s football’s influence over the decades,” he said.

The project has attracted substantial backing, including collaboration with Chester FC, endorsements from notable players like Neville Southall, and the involvement of a skilled production team with narration by broadcaster Kim Thomas.

Supporters can choose from various funding tiers, with contributions starting at £10 for acknowledgments and extending to £5,000 Producer credits. Rewards range from film credits to signed memorabilia and invitations to the UK premiere. The funding target of £3,300 aims to cover initial production costs, with stretch goals set to enhance production quality.

Filming will commence in Chester in May 2025, with the documentary slated for release in early 2026 for the festival circuit.

For more information or to support the project, visit Kickstarter.

Community

Carew Castle triumphs again as Visitor Attraction of the Year at Croeso Awards

Published

1 day ago

November 13, 2024

Tom Sinclair

CAREW Castle, one of Pembrokeshire’s most treasured landmarks, has once again been named Visitor Attraction of the Year at the prestigious Visit Pembrokeshire Croeso Awards, cementing its place as a top destination for visitors to the region.

The award, presented during a grand ceremony at Pembrokeshire College, recognises the Castle’s ongoing dedication to providing an exceptional visitor experience. This second consecutive win underscores Carew Castle’s commitment to excellence, from its welcoming guides to its expertly preserved grounds and engaging events, drawing visitors year-round.

Daisy Hughes, Manager of Carew Castle, expressed gratitude for the continued recognition: “Winning this award two years in a row is a testament to everyone involved in bringing Carew Castle to life – from the knowledgeable guides to the conservationists, dedicated team of volunteers, and our hardworking tearoom team. It’s truly a group effort, and we’re honoured to be recognised once more as one of Pembrokeshire’s premier attractions.”

The Castle has become a hub of excitement year-round, with special charm during the quieter winter months. Seasonal events like Glow, an enchanting Christmas light display, featuring rooms of the Castle dressed for the festivities and live musical performances, draw visitors of all ages. This festive season also includes Santa’s Grotto, a Christmas Needle Felting Workshop, and children’s Christmas Craft Workshops – ensuring there’s something for everyone to enjoy as the nights draw in.

Carew Castle is open daily from 11am to 3pm throughout the winter, with extended hours on Fridays through Sundays when Glow and Santa’s Grotto are in full swing.

For a full schedule of upcoming events and activities at Carew Castle, visit www.carewcastle.com.

Pictured: Carew Castle is celebrating its second consecutive win as Visitor Attraction of the Year at the Croeso Awards, recognised for its exceptional visitor experience and engaging year-round events.