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The adventure starts here as schools receive North Notts journeys book benches

Schools in North Nottinghamshire have received giant, paintable book-shaped benches as part of the inaugural North Notts Journeys literary trail

Schools, hospitals and businesses in North Nottinghamshire have their brushes at the ready after receiving a delivery of giant, paintable book-shaped benches as part of the inaugural North Notts Journeys literary trail.

Those receiving the ‘BookBenches’ were chosen after submitting their literary and history inspired designs into the competition last year, and they now get to paint their winning ideas onto the benches.

Once painted, the benches will be displayed at popular indoor and outdoor locations to form an art trail across North Nottinghamshire. The inspirational route will be available for local families, residents and visitors to enjoy for ten weeks from mid-June.

The project has been organised by North Notts BID, which has commissioned public art specialist Wild in Art to support the campaign. The trail of colourful benches will celebrate the area’s rich literary history and the 400th anniversary of the Mayflower crossing, as well as promoting a life-long love of reading.

Sally Gillborn, Chief Executive of North Notts BID, said: “We’re excited to see the BookBenches arrive for painting and we can’t wait to see how the designs look in real life. Once the trail is over, the benches will be returned to the schools and organisations that designed them to inspire creativity and create a legacy within the community.

“It was important for this year’s trail to tap into the region’s unique heritage. As well as its amazing literary history, we wanted to include the Mayflower crossing as a key historical moment that impacted many people from North Nottinghamshire. Many of the designs have been inspired by this significant event, as well as telling the story of its past, present and future.

“The trail is going to be a real attraction for the area – we hope it will encourage people to explore parts of North Nottinghamshire that they haven’t been to before and give new visitors a reason to come and support our local businesses.”

Ben Reed, Head of Creative Development at Wild in Art, said: “This trail is a wonderful opportunity for people in the area to showcase their artistic streak and create something really special across North Nottinghamshire.

“We really enjoyed seeing all the designs – the successful entries have been inspired by journeys, adventure, freedom and pioneering spirit, as well as celebrating the district’s heritage, culture and environment.”

The benches will be available for the public to view and enjoy throughout the summer with a printed trail map and website to be launched in the coming months. Once the trail has ended, the BookBenches will return to the competition winners to provide inspirational places to read and sit with school friends.

The schools and organisations involved are: Elizabethan Academy, Langold Dyscarr Community School, Mattersey Primary School, Misterton Primary School, North Wheatley C of E Primary, Outwood Academy Portland, Ramsden Primary School, Ranby C of E Primary School, Ranskill Primary School, Sparken Hill Academy, St Anne’s CofE Primary School, St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School (a Voluntary Academy), Thrumpton Primary Academy, Worksop College, Worksop Priory Academy, Retford Hospital, Bassetlaw Hospital, the Worksop Sea Cadets, North Notts & Lincs Community Rail Partnership, Laing O’Rourke, the Harley Gallery, Premier Foods and Ye Olde Bell.

For more information on the trail, visit: www.northnottsjourneys.co.uk.

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