@EastKentMum meets Charles & Camilla

Royalty and a Reading Fairy in #Whitstable!

The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall came to Whitstable this morning. After visiting the harbour and Whitstable Lifeboat crew (to celebrate their 50th anniversary), they enjoyed stories and activities for local children. It was quite an audience for my first public storytelling session for my new business Reading Fairy. When we sang "12345, Once I caught a fish alive", I was amused when Prince Charles said he recognized it. I snatched a rather cheeky moment to suggest he will probably get to know the rhyme even more now (in his new role as grandfather). I wonder if he and Camilla will sing it to Prince George? Of course they will - it's a classic!

Here I am storytelling with other local mums and friends.
(Thanks Rebecca for the photo!)

The Duchess of Cornwall & charity Beanstalk

I'm delighted that The Duchess of Cornwall took the time to come and hear the stories and rhymes the local children were sharing with me. Singing rhymes and reading to young children is critical in forming a strong foundation for learning to read. As co-founder of new business, Reading Fairy, spreading the word about the importance of learning to read and loving reading is core to our mission. Although we didn't speak about it, I know The Duchess of Cornwall is also passionate about children's reading. She is patron of the charity Beanstalk, which arranges for reading volunteers to go into schools and help children who have fallen behind with their reading.

With 1 in 6 children leaving primary schools in Kent unable to read and write to the required basic level, Beanstalk has launched the "Get Kent Reading" campaign. If you're interested in becoming a reading volunteer locally or want to know how you can fund raise or donate visit BeanstalkCharity.org.uk.

HRH The Duchess of Cornwall is patron of BeanstalkCharity.org.uk

Apologies to local families who came for Beach Hut Tales 

I'm really sorry that the Beach Hut Tales were cancelled today between 12-2pm due to circumstances beyond my control. The plan had been to run from the storytelling event at the yacht club to Westbeach for 12-2pm today but there were delays due to the royal visit. I will be storytelling for Reading Fairy at The Beach Hut Tales Tuesday and Wednesday this week and hope to see you there.

Local author Cassie Stafford will be reading from her new book on Thursday and Friday. I hope to see you there (and apologise in person!). Or you may see me and the boys crabbing at around 4 pm today.

#Whitstable Oyster Festival 2013

My family and I are preparing for this year's Whitstable Oyster Festival. You can follow me on Twitter @EastKentMum for updates as I enjoy the festival with my family and friends. 

Prince George's grandparents are coming to Whitstable

Prince Charles and Camilla.
Photo found via Google search.

I've just read via The Canterbury Times that Prince George's grandparents, Prince Charles and his wife Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall will be attending the festival on Monday. One of the key reasons is that it's the 50th anniversary of Whitstable Lifeboat Station. Happy Anniversary Whitstable RNLI!

There's a Reading Fairy in Whitstable too!

I've just launched Reading Fairy with reading expert Charlotte Raby. We help parents, grandparents and carers support their child's reading from birth to starting school.

Reading Fairy will be storytelling at this year's Whitstable Oyster Festival for different age groups at The Beach Hut Tales. It includes Sensory Storytime for Under 1s at 12:30pm. Check out times and details on the Reading Fairy website. 

If you're interested in giving your child the best foundation for reading then take a look at this infographic about Reading Fairy, courtesy of In a Nutshell Studio. Pre-school classes coming to Whitstable soon! 

And finally, an apology ...

Finally, apologies for my lack of blogging. I'm in the process of launching a new site EastKentMum.com, so this blogspot will slowly disappear. More on that soon ...