Local Member of Parliament Priti Patel launches her Get Witham Reading 2026, celebrating the 15th anniversary of her annual reading and literacy initiative, first launched in 2012 to encourage children across the Witham constituency to enjoy reading, build their confidence and develop a lifelong love of books.
This year, Priti is delighted to be joined by Witham’s own author Linda Farrow, author of the children’s book series Qwerty Kidz, which follows the adventures of Poppy and the unique computer characters, the “Qwerty Kidz”. As well as a generous donation from the National Literacy trust, providing hundreds of books to local schools for Priti’s Get Witham Reading.
Pupils, parents, governors, and teachers from local schools will take part in this year’s initiative, with activities designed to celebrate reading for pleasure, support literacy and recognise pupils’ reading achievements. Children taking part will also receive certificates and bookmarks to mark their involvement in this special anniversary year. Throughout Get Witham Reading 2026, Priti will visit schools across the constituency to meet pupils, teachers, parents and governors, read with children, celebrate their achievements, and hear more about the work being done in schools to inspire a love of reading.
Priti Patel said:
“Get Witham Reading is one of my favourite annual initiatives across the constituency and I am delighted that this year we are celebrating its 15th anniversary. Since launching the initiative in 2012, Get Witham Reading has brought together local schools, pupils, teachers, parents, and governors to celebrate the joy of reading, support literacy and help children develop their confidence.
“Reading plays such an important role in children’s learning and development. It helps improve literacy, supports creativity, builds confidence, and creates new opportunities. I am especially pleased that this year we will be joined by local author Linda Farrow, who's Qwerty Kidz books will help bring stories to life and inspire pupils taking part.
“I look forward to visiting local schools, reading with pupils, celebrating their achievements and thanking our dedicated teachers, parents, governors and school staff for everything they do to encourage children to read.”
Linda Farrow said:
“It is a great pleasure to be a part of Get Witham Reading 2026. I am really looking forward to visiting the local schools, talking with the children, and introducing them to The Qwerty Kidz”
Get Witham Reading was launched by Priti in 2012 to encourage pupils to enjoy reading, improve literacy skills and foster a lifelong love of books. Fifteen years on, the initiative continues to bring schools across the Witham constituency together to celebrate reading and recognise the vital role teachers, parents, governors, and the wider community play in supporting children’s education.
