A brand new trail is set to be launched in Corsham to encourage local families to buy everything that they need for the new school year at local shops.
The Back to School Trail 2023 will run from 22 July to 31 August and is the brainchild of Kate Whittingham-Jones, the owner of If The Shoe Fits in Corsham.
“Families are invited to follow the trail around Corsham using a leaflet, called the Parent Passport, that they can pick up from participating businesses,” explained Kate. “Then as they visit each business on the trail, which they can find by looking for the ‘Back To School’ window stick, the passport will be stamped once they buy something for school.
“Once parents collect six stamps in the passport, they will then return it to the Town Hall to be entered into a draw to win a prize.
“I know as a parent what a hassle it is to have to take time off work to sort out all the Back To School essentials – school shoes, haircuts, etc. It usually involves taking a day off work and then once the jobs are done, you still need to keep the kids amused!
“I noticed two things last summer: one was the number of parents who did a tag team of shoes and hair between If The Shoe Fits and Dougan’s Barbershop – such is our proximity you can keep an eye on both sets of children! And the other thing I noticed is the number of parents who asked, ‘Is there anything else to do in Corsham?’ once the jobs were done.
“Corsham has so much to offer families and children, with amazing shops and facilities, and our town council is so supportive of the local businesses that I knew they would be completely on-side with creating and co-ordinating a programme for families. Shoes, haircuts and stationery can all be ticked off the list, leaving time to have fun in the toy shop, book shop, cafes and parks, all with two hours free parking and only 20 minutes from Bath”
Among the businesses taking part in the trail are –
- If the Shoe Fits – school shoes
- The Corsham Bookshop – Janet and Helen will read a story to each child that requests one
- Corsham Stationery – stationery
- Automattic/The Corsham Toyshop – toys
- Strawberry Fields / Lords & Lads – haircut
- Dougan’s Barbers – haircut
- Corsham Hardware – lunchboxes, drinks bottles, cool packs
- Previous Homewares – stationery, pencil cases, drinks bottles, backpacks
- Sweet Pea Kitchen at Hartham Park – a special lunch for children
- Café Grounded – kid’s menu, outdoor play area