Tower and Town, September 2021 (view the full edition)Imagination MarlboroughMost of us agree that reading and imparting a love of books are amongst the most important things we can do for our children. Hamilton Trust and PEEPLE are educational charities based in Oxford which have helped primary school children and babies for over 25 years; Marlborough children now also benefit as for several years Hamilton has sponsored a children’s author session at LitFest. Last November, Hamilton became a sponsor of Dolly Parton’s ‘Imagination Library’ and offer a free book to every baby or child under five living within five miles of Marlborough. Dolly Parton (Yes, the 9 to 5 Dolly!) set up her book-gifting charity as a tribute to her father who never learned to read. Children receive a book every month until they turn five … especially exciting as the books arrive by post. The books, by well-known authors such as Eric Hill and Beatrix Potter, are published by Penguin Random House and selected by experts in child literacy. The Dollywood Foundation has supplied a million books worldwide, and so far Imagination Marlborough has over 130 children registered. There is no catch - any parent or carer can enrol their child via the website and we look forward to more children joining the scheme. www.imaginationmarlborough.net  Jane and Michael O'Regan |