BOOKWORMS of all generations in Helensburgh and Lomond could be set for a summer challenge under plans being made within the community.
Councillors and community figures have heard of ‘Guardians of the Hidden Tales – A Family Summer Quest’, which encourages families to get out and about in the area.
Details of the project are being finalised in time for it to run through July and August, with rewards available for those taking part.
An update on the initiative was given to Argyll and Bute Council’s Helensburgh and Lomond community planning group at its meeting on Tuesday, May 12.
Kirsten Davidson, community learning worker at liveArgyll, told the group: “We have come together with partners in Helensburgh and identified a gap in the provision of reading and literacy over the summer.
“I am sure a lot of people know about the reading challenges that the Scottish Book Trust does over the summer, so we got together to see what we could do across Helensburgh.
“Not all of the details are in place yet, but it is coming together and we are looking to promote reading for leisure, but in a way that is accessible and inclusive.
“Not everybody can afford the time to go out and read six books. We want to give families a way to get outside and promote organisations around Helensburgh during the summer.
“We also want to ensure it is free, so it is a sheet of paper that can be picked up at any of the partners and will have a simplified map of Helensburgh showing parks, landmarks and organisations.
“We will have a list of activities and families can go through them at their own pace, and for every two activities they can go to any partner and pick up a reward.
“We are keen for it to be inter-generational. Activities have not been voted on yet, but we want to do reading with somebody in a different generation to you, or an I-spy in Helensburgh, or to read a book published the year you were born.”
Gill Simpson, of Helensburgh Community Hub, added that some challenges would be based in venues in the town, but most would be general.
Ms Davidson added: “We want to get the young people excited about it, so we have decided to call it ‘Guardians of the Hidden Tales – A Family Summer Quest’.
“Our graphic will reflect the name, and will stress that it is something that happens over the summer and is a quest to do different things.”
Ms Simpson also said: “If any organisations wish to support this in Helensburgh and Lomond, we would love to hear from you.”
