Homebuilder helps storybooks come to life for Norwich pupils

In celebration of World Storytelling Day (20^th March), stories were brought to life for pupils at Rackheath Primary School in Rackheath, thanks to an event organised by Barratt and David Wilson Homes.

The schoolchildren were recently able to attend a morning of magical storytelling hosted by professional storyteller Su Squire, known as Tilly the Tale Spinner.

Tilly the Tale Spinner created and performed a tailored experience for the young pupils, who enjoyed an interactive session bringing to life the traditional stories and tales.

Developer Barratt and David Wilson Homes – which is building new homes locally in Rackheath at Woodland Heath – funded the event in celebration of the world-renowned storytelling day, which takes place annually and aims to keep new and old stories alive.

Tilly the Tale Spinner said: “It was a real pleasure to share some stories with the children and staff at Rackheath School. They were such a lovely and lively bunch – the perfect audience!

“Wherever we may be in the world, however old we are, whether we’re sitting round a fire or in a school hall there’s a real magic that happens when stories are told. World Storytelling Day is a great time to remember this and celebrate by telling each other stories.”

Helen Grogutt, Class Teacher at Rackheath Primary School, said: “We were delighted to be able to work with Barratt and David Wilson Homes and to welcome Tilly the Tale Spinner to our school.

“The children absolutely loved the sessions with Tilly. It was wonderful for them to be entertained by someone as energetic and enthusiastic as Tilly who had the children hanging on her every word.

“Tilly responded to my request for a traditional tale and a pirate themed story for our younger children which was lovely for them. The older children also very much enjoyed their story telling session too.”

The children experienced first-hand how oral storytelling has allowed stories to survive and evolve over thousands of years, and across continents.

Annette Hurst, Sales Director at Barratt and David Wilson Homes Eastern Counties, said: “It was a real pleasure to be able to invite pupils from Rackheath Primary School to experience a morning of classic storytelling.

“Events such as these give us the opportunity to make a difference in the communities in which we build, and provide local children with opportunities to enhance key skills such as reading, writing, listening and creativity.”

For more information on Norwich-based Tilly the Tale Spinner, visit https://www.facebook.com/tillythetalespinner.

For more information about the new homes being built at Woodland Heath, call the Barratt Homes sales team on 033 3355 8488 or the David Wilson Homes sales team on 033 3355 8489. Alternatively, you can visit www.barratthomes.co.uk or www.dwh.co.uk.