CHILDREN GET A MISSION TO READ

Sheringham Library is inspiring young people to read their way through the school holidays in a top-secret Summer Reading Challenge.  Youngsters in Sheringham will have their school holidays booked up this summer as part of an exciting nationwide library promotion.

The eightth annual Summer Reading ChallengeTM will see four to twelve year-olds make the most of their long break from the classroom by following a top secret 'Reading Mission' in the library.  Children will be set the challenge of reading six or more books of their own choice during the holidays-and those who complete the mission qualify to become special Reading Agents.
   
Sheringham Library will be helping children every step of the way.  Each participant will receive a Reading Mission pack in the style of a special agent attaché case, containing full details of their challenge, code-busting puzzles, tips on reading and help with charting their progress through the six books.  Library staff will be on hand to encourage children in their reading and suggest interesting books for them to try.

Bookmarks and secret message pens will help to spread the word about the Reading Mission this summer as libraries go all out to get youngsters hooked on books.  'Mission Accomplished' medals and certificates will reward those who finish the challenge, offering a great incentive for children to build a love of books and improve their reading skills.   And like borrowing books, all of these great resources are available from the library for free.

The 2006 Reading Mission is being backed by Alex Rider, the junior MI6 hero from Anthony Horowitz's bestselling series of children's books.  He features in 'Stormbreaker', a movie set to take cinemas by storm when it is released this July, and Alex Rider events and special credit card style Reading Agent cards will attract even more children to the scheme.  Anthony Horowitz also features on a dedicated website that will support the Reading Mission this summer; www.readingmission.org.uk.   The interactive site will feature other top authors including Jacqueline Wilson and Michael Morpurgo, and allow children to post reviews of the books they are reading and look at others' comments.

Alan Leventhall, Community Librarian says, "We hope as many local children as possible will accept this exciting mission and enjoy a summer of reading.  Sheringham Library will help children explore the wonderful world of books, and parents will find it's the perfect way to keep their youngsters happy in the long summer break!"

STORMBREAKER SPY SCHOOL

A game for children aged 8 and over and their families.  Do you dare to take the challenge?

Sheringham Library

Wednesday 9th August
2pm - 4pm

* Learn how to be a secret agent
* Hunt for the clues
* Crack the code
* Complete the secret mission
* One Spy Ring will receive a special award for their secret agent skills
* Come in costume (optional)
* Also The Great Dinosaur Mystery for 2-11 year olds

Number of participants limited to 25 - come early to avoid disappointment!

SHERINGHAM P & P CHARITY

The charity is locally based and its objective is to give financial assistance to people residing in the ancient parish of Sheringham and Upper Sheringham.   Applicants must generally be in receipt of a social security or similar benefits such as pension credit or council tax rebate, but some applications are made by organisations active in the community.  All applicants are treated in total confidence.  The charity is able to give financial assistance for a variety of needs, for example, household repairs, household equipment, aids towards specific disabilities and so forth, and sometimes grants are made through organisations in the community.

The Charity also makes an annual payment of Christmas Grants to pensioner applicants registered with the Charity for whom the above benefits requirements apply.

Application forms can be obtained from the Clerk to the Trustees c/o Hansells, 1 Norwich Road, Aylsham, Norwich, Norfolk NR11 6BN.

READERS LETTER

In reply to SB's letter in issue 64 regarding Tesco in Sheringham.   Having left an old mining town just north of Nottingham, some 18 months ago, to live in this area I can assure you that a new store is not 'the be all and end all' of shopping.  Having seen what happened to my hometown, Hucknall, following the influx of large stores in the area including Tesco it is not something that Sheringham is in need of.  The old fashioned service disappears, existing shops have to close - becoming boarded up derelict eyesores and of course there are the extra problems of more traffic.   Personally I can give a categoric NO to Tesco.
C.N. Name and address supplied