Titchy guide with big ideas
This summer marks the 25th anniversary of the Titch Hikers' Guide to Bristol, which was started in June 1983 by Sally Stanley and Tricia Phoenix and sold out in four weeks.
Having worked on the guides for the past five years, I took over as director last year. I knew I had to produce something special this year to commemorate the anniversary, so we decided to produce the first ever summer guide.
This new concept for Titch Hikers' is a slight departure from the annual guide format which contains a range of subjects such as “out and about”, education and health.
The summer guide features activities directly relevant to the summer holidays. This is important, as the summer represents a great change for many families – especially those with school-aged children.
Many parents still have to work and so need information about holiday childcare and playschemes. And then when they do have a day off, they don't want to feel they have to spend a fortune to entertain their children. The summer guide supports the idea that enjoyment does not have to be expensive so free activities in and around Bristol are listed, too.
The guide also maintains the strong ethos of Titch Hikers – that of a trusted friend sharing information from one parent to another. Our aim is to inform, reduce stress and increase choice for all families. Despite being aimed mainly at the over-fives, much of the content is also relevant to under-fives. It includes park events, museum events and storytelling sessions. There are also suggested walks, picnics, play areas and adventure playgrounds.
It also lists big attractions like @Bristol and the ss Great Britain, festivals, family weekends away and summer sport.
One of my personal favourites is the first aid and child safety section, which was assisted by Avon St John Ambulance.
The book is also a good read as there are many features in it, including one by Nigel Vile, of Kiddiwalks Bristol and Bath, and one by Daisy, aged seven, on her favourite summer reading.
Children have also been important in putting the guide together. Interviews with youngsters are included, and all the art in the book is from pupils from three Bristol schools – St Werburgh's, Greenfield in Knowle and Christchurch in Clifton. The main cover image (“Crazy Boarder”) was created by Hamza, aged five, from St Werburgh's primary school.
The not-for-profit guide is being sold through schools and the National Childbirth Trust, who will all receive a third of the retail price. It will also be sold through the usual outlets, including Waitrose, Fresh and Wild and Borders – which is launching the book for us.
● The Titch Hikers' Guide, Bristol for Families – Summer Special 2008. Priced £2.99.
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