Imagine that you are a child from the mainland and were coming to the Island for a holiday. How would you know where to go and what were the really great places to visit and play in? What if someone who lived on the Island could tell you all the best places to go?
Arts Manager Jacqui Ager, and the ‘Brill Books’ team from Island 2000 Trust, have got together to work on a Children’s Guide to do just that.
They are inviting the Island’s children to share what they think are the best bits about the Island and what visiting children (and their families) would want to know about. They will then work with a team of young people to create a publication which will be a behind the scenes insiders guide packed with local knowledge and invaluable information for visiting families.
The team have created a questionnaire and are keen to find out about the free and more green pursuits that the Island has to offer, eg fossil hunting, tree climbing and cycling, but also some practical or specialised recommendations – where’s the best place to skateboard, where’s best to eat out, get an ice cream, where’s the best beach for crab-catching, and lots, lots more. Who better to ask and find out why than Island children?
The questionnaire will be sent to schools before the end of term, and is also available via e-mail from arts@island2000.org.uk. You can also pick one up from Quay Arts.
At the end of October replies will be collated and the Guide will be published in time to catch visiting families in Spring and Summer 2008.
To ensure that the guide has an authentic voice of the Island’s children, the design and selection panel for the book will include children who have contributed and all children that contribute will be get their name in the book. It is a great opportunity for budding artists, photographers and writers to get their drawings, photos and writing into print.
 “We are hoping that as many Island children as possible will take part in our survey over the summer holidays and are looking forward to some entertaining results! The questionnaire is fun to fill in and there’s a section asking children to write about their ‘ideal day’ on the Island – what they most like to do on a fine, or a rainy day – with a mystery prize for the best ideas! “
The team also hope to do some fun workshops with children after the summer as extra opportunities to contribute.
This very special guide allows children to write and illustrate it themselves!
If you submit your comments, photos and drawings they may also be chosen to be used in the guide. You can send in your thoughts and pictures at anytime in the Summer but the latest date is the end of October 2007
Don’t forget to include your name and address or e-mailÂ
To submit: e-mail:arts@island2000.org.uk
Or send to:
Children’s Guide
Island 2000 Trust, Venture Quays, Castle Street,
East Cowes, IOW PO32 6EZ
Vist Island Trust
Island Pulse
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