YOUNGSTERS taking part in a family event were joined by a prestigious guest to celebrate the Coronation on Thursday, May 11.
Attendees at the Rhymetime session were treated to a visit by the mayor of Reading, Cllr Rachel Eden, when they took part in the speech and music session with Teddies Music Club in Forbury Gardens.
Parents and toddlers, as well as groups from nearby nurseries, engaged in songs and rhyming games to support language and speech skills development in the shadow of the Maiwand Lion.
The mayor introduced herself and brought a message from King Charles III himself after meeting the monarch at a garden party ahead of the Coronation.
She also spent time taking pictures with the families who attended, including 17-month-old Maya and her mum.
Speaking at the Rhymetime event, Cllr Eden said: “I have a message from King Charles to Reading, as I got to meet him in his real palace.
“He wanted everybody to have a special time here in Reading, celebrating being together as a community and enjoying ourselves.
“So I wanted to share this message, as the King has always said that young people are very important.”
Afterwards, families participated in an introductory song, followed by a number of classic nursery rhymes tweaked to fit the theme of the Coronation, with accompaniment from a classical guitar.
Speaking after the event, Cllr Eden said: “Rhymetime is a really special part of what Reading Library does to help our youngest residents have the best start in life.
“It was lovely to take part in a special Coronation Rhymetime in our beautiful Forbury gardens with children from across town.”
Reading Borough Council hosts regular Rhymetime sessions at Battle, Caversham, Central, palemer Park, Southcote, Tilehurst, and Whitley Libraries.
Full details about times and how to book your place at the sessions is available via reading.gov.uk/leisure/libraries/rhymetimes/
