Boots is adding an exciting new chapter to its literary heritage as it joins Nottingham community project, Hoodwinked, as official Education Partner.
Helping to launch and run the education and learning element of Robin’s Tales throughout summer 2018, Boots is supporting the Hoodwinked programme in bringing the Robin Hood legend to life in the city’s primary schools and offering thousands of children novel literacy and art activities around the legendary stories.
To launch the new partnership, Boots called in the help of children from Blue Bell Hill School in Nottingham and Robin Hood himself to join an interactive storytelling session in Boots intu Victoria Centre. Blue Bell Hill and all the schools in Nottingham taking part will receive an education pack from Boots and Hoodwinked filled with creative ideas and rich learning resources.
Hoodwinked will also inspire Nottingham schools to decorate bespoke BookBenches, which will be displayed as part of the sculpture trail throughout the summer, and will then be returned to the schools as a permanent reminder of their involvement in the programme. The BookBenches will complement a trail of around 30 decorated robin sculptures that will be on display in the city from July to September.
Elizabeth Fagan, Senior Vice President and Managing Director of Boots, comments: “To read and learn is one of life’s great pleasures, and Boots has a long standing commitment to improving literacy and access to reading for all. In the 1890s, Florence Boot created the Book Lovers’ Libraries in Boots stores before public libraries were common, so partnering Robin’s Tales is a fitting way of continuing and honouring her legacy. We’re looking forward to working in partnership with Hoodwinked, and hope that the BookBenches will be a lasting place for children to enjoy and discover stories and new literary heroes for many years to come.”
Councillor Dave Trimble, Nottingham City Council’s Portfolio Holder for Leisure and Culture, added: “We are thrilled to be working with Boots on a programme that aims to instil a love of reading and an opportunity to create a piece of art for public display. The company has been a benefactor to the city of Nottingham since the days of Jesse and Florence Boot, and I am delighted that it has now given its wholehearted support to this programme, which will touch the lives of many city children and their families.”
Hoodwinked is led by Nottingham City Council in partnership with Wild in Art, a leading creative producer of spectacular free public art events through the creation of uniquely-painted sculptures.