Published: Monday, 23rd June 2025
Well-known actor Siân Reeves has been lighting up classrooms across the Cannock Chase District as part of the Great Imagining Staffordshire programme – and the response from students and teachers has been nothing short of fantastic!
Funded by Cannock Chase Council and The Great Imagining, the sessions are part of an exciting creative initiative designed to spark imagination, encourage sustainability thinking, and give young people a platform to express their ideas for a greener, fairer, and wiser future through live art, poetry, performance, and storytelling.
Siân, best known for her roles in Emmerdale, Coronation Street, and Cutting It, has been leading assemblies and workshops in local schools, encouraging pupils to explore their hopes for the future and creatively respond to big questions about climate, community, and care.
The project builds on successful work delivered in 2023 by the Great Imagining team, and once again brings together creativity, learning, and environmental awareness in a way that’s fun, meaningful, and memorable.
“The energy and ideas from the students have been incredible,” said Siân Reeves. “It’s been such a joy to help them express their thoughts through performance and poetry – they’ve inspired me as much as I hope I’ve inspired them.”
Councillor John Preece, Portfolio Leader for Environment and Climate Change, at Cannock Chase Council, added: “We’re proud to support the Great Imagining Staffordshire and bring these exciting opportunities into our schools. It’s vital that our young people feel empowered to imagine a better future - and this programme is a brilliant way to start that journey.”
Deborah Curtis, Founder of The Great Imagining, said: “The future belongs to the young - and by giving them tools to think creatively, act collaboratively, and speak confidently about their world, we’re investing in a more hopeful, sustainable tomorrow. Through the themes of being greener, fairer, and wiser, we’re helping young people shape a world they’re proud to inherit.”
As part of the celebrations, several exciting events are taking place:
• Friday 4 July – A school showcase day, inviting participating schools to present their work
• Saturday 5 July – A community day at Burntwood Leisure Centre, with activities, art, and family fun for all ages
And this is just the beginning… The full Great Imagining Staffordshire programme will be rolling out to all schools across Cannock Chase, Stafford, and Lichfield from September 2025, offering even more young people the chance to take part in this inspiring journey.
To find out more, visit: www.thegreatimagining.org