OVER 250 people gathered at Dukinfield Town Hall to celebrate the end of a creative storytelling project that has seen children across Tameside help bring a brand-new picture book to life.
The Story Maker ‘Love Where You Live’ sessions, organised through Tameside Libraries, have been running since October 2025.
They have encouraged children and families to explore themes of community pride, belonging and togetherness through storytelling workshops.
Youngsters taking part in sessions at libraries across the borough, as well as online, contributed ideas towards Rosie’s Community Garden – a new children’s book written by award-winning author Caryl Hart and illustrated by Andy Rowland.
The final celebration event on May 13 transformed Dukinfield Town Hall into a lively family space filled with crafts, games, soft play and entertainment, with magician performances and storytelling sessions helping round off the project.
One of the highlights of the afternoon saw Simon the Storyteller lead a group reading of the finished book, while every child attending received their own signed copy to take home alongside certificates marking their involvement.
The project was funded through Tameside’s Community Safety Partnership and aimed to encourage stronger community connections through creative activities for children and families.
Julian Jackson, Tameside Council’s Strategic Director of Housing, Environment and Estates, said: “It was great to see such a strong turnout for this year’s Story Makers celebration event, it’s clear these are very well-loved sessions and have had a positive impact on hundreds of children and their families.
“Thank you to everyone who got involved and to the Library and Community Safety Teams for all the work from October through to the celebration event.”
The council says the sessions have become popular within its libraries, combining reading and creativity, with opportunities for children to build confidence and make new friendships.