Cathy Cassidy in Salford

Friday 4th July saw the finale of the Reading and Writing Relay, and Cathy Cassidy took the baton to Wentworth School in Salford for the final event.

Cathy’s session was extremely inspiring for young writers and added personal touches describing what she loved at school – daydreaming! Hanifa Choudhury said, “We learnt about what Cathy was like when she was young and her inspiration for writing books."

Wentworth High School pupils Yasmyn Abdulwahab and Hanifa Choudhury with author Cathy Cassidy

Cathy captured the importance of how creative daydreaming can be with another pupil Yasmyn Abdulwahab adding, “I learnt I can be imaginative and daydreaming isn’t bad! The talk was really interesting."

The pupils were treated to a reading from the latest book Sweet Honey from the popular The Chocolate Box Girls series and even had the chance to take part in a quiz to see which character they were most like.

Cathy also showed one of her mood boards for Sweet Honey and the different pictures that influence the characters.

Teacher Sarah Eggleton said “Cathy, is always, a brilliant speaker. Inspirational and practical tips on becoming a writer. Our students loved it! Thank-you!” 

Reading, Relay and Rain

Cathy Cassidy Launches the 2012 MCBF Reading & Writing Relay, Monday 2nd July, 10am, Longsight Library

Words and Photographs by Kevin Danson

Before I had the chance to start writing up the Reading & Writing launch this morning, posts had already started flooding in from nurseries, parents and even China! I have let some slip through the net while I put this together, but here is the official opening to the MCBF Relay 2012.

After seeing Cathy yesterday read at Cloud 23 of Manchester's Hilton Hotel, I was more than eager to meet up with her once again, especially on a drizzly Monday morning in Manchester, since I left feeling like I had a top notch mental massage. 

When Cathy talks to her audience, the room seems to take on the the atmosphere of a calm sea; soft, pleasant, with a never-ending ripple of inspiration. In order to share this with you, I have included an audioboo below to listen to. So sit back with your camomile teas and enjoy Cathy sharing her story.

listen to ‘Cathy Cassidy Launches MCBF Relay 2012’ on Audioboo

James Draper and Kaye Tew, the Festival Directors, handed Cathy the Relay Baton (conveniently, also a pen) to sign her latest book of the Chocolate Box Girls series, Summer's Dream. 

More signings, smiles and quick natural poses and the Mighty Pen was taken by our relay runner, Kalu, to Stanley Grove Primary School.

Our Relay Baton has now reached Longsight Library, Stanley Grove Primary School, St Peter's High School, St Luke's C of E Primary School and will be getting to the Power House Library in Moss Side tomorrow morning.

If your school has not yet put its name down to take part in our Reading & Writing Relay, simply email mcbfschools@mmu.ac.uk. You can always show your support by sending any coverage of reading and/or writing events to mcbf@posterous.com - more information can be found here. We want to encourage any schools with international links (twinned schools) to get involved too. We hope we can get to all four corners (circles don't have corners?) of the world!

A ginormous thank you to Cathy Cassidy, the children who came to launch our MCBF 2012 Relay and to Kalu who helped pass on the power of the written word.

St Peter's Receives the Relay Baton

Reading and Writing Relay St Peter's RC High School


Cathy Cassidy and our Relay baton made their way to St Peter's High School in Levenshulme.

Keep reading. Keep writing. Keep sending in your posts!