Young pupils across Greenstead have been receiving a special literary gift celebrating one of Colchester’s most famous cultural links.
And this is thanks to an initiative led by former MP Sir Bob Russell and supported by ward Labour councillors.
Greenstead ward councillors Elizabeth Alake-Akinyemi, Julie Young and Tim Young joined Sir Bob in presenting “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star” bookmarks to Year 1 and Year 2 children at Unity Primary School and Hazelmere Infants & Nursery School in recent weeks.
The bookmarks celebrate Colchester’s claim to the world-famous nursery rhyme, which is widely believed to have been inspired by the town.
Sir Bob had previously written to all primary schools in Colchester offering the commemorative bookmarks, but after some schools did not respond, Councillor Tim Young stepped in to help coordinate arrangements in Greenstead.
Presentations were held during school assemblies, giving pupils the opportunity to learn more about the rhyme’s heritage and its connection to the town.
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Sir Bob was joined at the events by Essex based sculptor Mandy Pratt, known for creating the Taylor Sisters statue on Colchester High Street, as well as the three Greenstead ward councillors.
Kim Moore, from the fundraising committee for the statue, attended the presentation at Hazelmere.
Speaking after the events, Councillor Tim Young said:
“We were delighted to support Sir Bob’s excellent initiative to supply bookmarks honouring Colchester’s world-famous nursery rhyme to Year 1 pupils in Greenstead. I’m grateful to headteachers Pieter Labuschagne at Unity, and Steven Turnbull at Hazelmere, for acting so promptly and organising assemblies where the bookmarks could be handed out. They were both lovely occasions and these schools are a credit to our community.”
The presentation at Hazelmere followed a similar event at Unity Primary School and at St John’s Church of England Primary School, also serving families on the Greenstead Estate.
Organisers say the initiative is intended not only to encourage reading among young children, but also to foster pride in Colchester’s cultural heritage from an early age.
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