On Tuesday 30 June the shared-reading charity that supports military families was thrilled to return to the same school, with the same author, where it began its activities 15 years ago. The tri-service charity launched at Wavell School in Aldershot, home of the British Army, in 2011 on a shoe-string budget, to support Army families in Hampshire. It quickly grew to embrace tri-service families and to reach every corner of the UK and families based overseas. To date, the charity has given serving and veteran families over 250,000 special scrapbooks and resources.
This special event at Wavell School marks both its 15th year and the National Year of Reading. At a special assembly, every pupil from a military family was given Meg Rosoff’s book Almost Nothing Happened, and heard first-hand how Meg became a writer (after numerous firings from advertising jobs!), how she gets her ideas for books, and her philosophy on what it means to be a person. The young people were engaged, asked sparky questions, and all had their book signed by Meg.
Reading Force encourages children and young people to read and chat about books, to improve communication and to express themselves. Along with their copy of Meg’s book, each Wavell young person was given the Reading Force teen journal, which gives a space to reflect and make notes about the book.
“The highlight of the day for me was seeing the confidence our students showed when speaking to Meg Rosoff. They asked insightful questions and were genuinely intrigued about her experience as a writer. Thank you for such a great opportunity!”
Stacey Pender, The Wavell School
Alex Baker, MP for Aldershot, swept into Farnborough Station on her way to Westminster to meet Meg Rosoff and wish the Reading Force team a Happy Birthday.
“It was lovely to meet Meg Rosoff as she returned to Wavell School, where Reading Force first began back in 2011. Reading Force has done brilliant work over the last 15 years, helping families stay connected through books and shared stories. That is something really special, especially here in Aldershot and Farnborough, where our Armed Forces community is such an important part of who we are.”
Alex Baker, Member of Parliament for Aldershot
This inspiring event was made possible thanks to funding from Farnborough Airport.
“Reading Force strengthens family bonds during some of the most challenging moments of military life, and we’re proud to stand behind an initiative that brings Armed Forces families closer together.”
Joanne Franco, Farnborough Airport, Head of Social Value and Planning
The charity is highly inclusive and welcomes all members of the Armed Forces community to get involved. This includes serving, veteran, reserve, divorced and bereaved families, all over the UK and those posted overseas. In recent years it has grown to include book clubs for adults and created new resources, including a teen journal and reading & well-being journal for adults.
For more information and to find out how families can get involved today, go to www.readingforce.org.uk
For press enquiries please email hattie@readingforce.org.uk
