In summer 2021, we worked with North Notts BID to produce North Notts Journeys, an exciting BookBench sculpture trail which took place in Worksop, Retford, Harworth and Bircotes and Tuxford.

In 2019, schools, colleges and BID members were invited to enter a design competition to win a BookBench sculpture to decorate with designs inspired by journeys, adventure, freedom and pioneering spirit – themes all found in a good book. Winning designs also celebrated North Notts’ heritage, culture and environment in the past, present and future. For example, the county’s history of mining, as well as Scrooby and Babworth’s links to the voyage of the Mayflower as 2020 was the 400th anniversary of the ship setting sail.

40 BookBenches were created and displayed in town centres and key locations, breathing colour and vibrancy into local high streets and demonstrating the creative talents of local young people. The trail encouraged families to start their own adventures, to get outside, to stay active and to explore parts of North Notts they might never have visited before.

The BookBenches were returned to the design competition winners and we are delighted that some of them have now become a permanent feature – in a library, book corner or outside learning environment – leaving a lasting legacy for the whole community.