Newark’s Mayor reads The Gruffalo to William Gladstone children in their magical forest den

Newark’s Mayor and Radio Newark’s Chairman Tony Roberts visited William Gladstone Church of England Primary Academy where he read The Gruffalo story to children

Head Teacher Sarah Clarke said that the children enjoyed the story which was an additional surprise on World Book Day. “We were delighted that Mayor Tony Roberts came to read to the children. We were especially pleased to be able to listen to the story in our outdoor learning forest area at the school which was a magical and atmospheric place to listen to the story. Our children love using this area as an extension to their classrooms – we believe strongly that we should help our children to connect with nature in order that they can find out about themselves and the world around them.”

Mayor Tony Roberts said he was eager to share his love of reading with the children. “I constantly have books on the go at home and was an avid reader when I was a child. I believe in promoting reading because it not only improves their English language but widens their knowledge too. Anything we can do to make children enthusiastic about reading books is a good thing.” 

Mayor Tony impressed the gathered children not only because of his robes of office, but with his skill in reading the story too. Pupil Sophie Munroe, age 11 years, was dressed as Mary Poppins and said.  “I like reading especially animal books. It’s been a good day, and the Mayor read the Gruffalo in really a cool way. I liked being outside too because the forest area lets us get fresh air and get out of the classroom.”  

Mayor Tony said he thought the forest area was a great resource for the school. “The forest area we were in is just magical, it’s a haven! The children and teachers were dressed up as their favourite characters from books and it all added to the day. It’s been great fun and I am so pleased I was asked to do it.”

Reece Crawford age 10 said he agreed with the Mayor about their forest reading den. “It’s a great place to relax and read, especially in summer. The trees also shade you in summer and although the wind was a bit high today it was still really fun.”