Renowned storyteller ignites imagination of Lavenham school children

A literary festival’s aim to bring enjoyment of reading into the classrooms has been hailed a success.

Renowned storyteller Marion Leeper’s visit to Lavenham Community Primary School on Monday was organised by the committee behind the village’s annual literary festival which takes place this weekend.

Marion, who is also a respected author, ignited the imagination of pupils after spending time with each of the school’s year groups.

Craig French, literary coordinator at the school, said: “The visit went very well and all the children certainly enjoyed the storytelling sessions.

“They were very active sessions and hopefully it will enhance the children’s appreciation of storytelling and also writing stories.

“It is very nice that the school was included in the Lavenham Literary Festival in this way.”

Patricia Rockall, chair of the festival, said the committee was delighted to sponsor the special visit.

She added: “One of the aims of the Lavenham Literary Festival is to involve and engage our whole community, young and old, in the fantastic world of books.

“Marion has a well-deserved reputation as a storyteller and I am sure she fired the imagination of all the primary school children. You never know, she may even have unearthed a future literary festival speaker!”

Tickets are still available for the Lavenham Literary Festival which runs from tomorrow until Sunday and includes appearances from Sheila Hancock, Kate Mosse and Andrew Lownie.

It will start with Tom Holland, who is the guest speaker at the sell-out literary festival dinner tomorrow at the Swan Hotel.

A chance to hear all about John Buchan’s classic spy novel The Thirty-Nine Steps, from the author’s grandson Toby, takes place from 10am on Saturday at Lavenham Village Hall.

Toby’s talk will be followed by a free event with acclaimed author and historian Tom Holland who will be signing copies of his latest book Dynasty at Lavenham Library from 11am until noon.

Each session costs £8 and tickets will be available until noon tomorrow at the Theatre Royal in Bury St Edmunds. Call on 01284 769505 or visit www.theatreroyal.org

They will then be available from a special box office in Lavenham Village Hall from 9am on Saturday.

For more details on the festival, visit www.lavenhamliteraryfestival.co.uk