Rosie’s story
The National Year of Reading is helping THE ‘FORD Community Centre in Warwickshire bring reading to the heart of family and community life. With support and inspiration from the National Literacy Trust, we have been encouraged to explore creative ways to make reading more accessible, enjoyable and inclusive. And we’re showing families that reading is about much more than bedtime stories or schoolwork: it can be a fun, shared experience woven into everyday life.
This vision came to life in May, when we hosted a Teddy Bear Picnic, bringing families together for a day of reading, outdoor play and laughter. Children flew kites, enjoyed the fresh air and shared books with their families in a relaxed, welcoming environment. A special visit from Rupert the Bear added to the excitement, bringing stories and imagination to life and creating lasting memories for children and parents alike.
The event demonstrated how combining reading with familiar, enjoyable activities can help children develop positive associations with books. By taking reading outdoors and making it part of a family day out, THE ‘FORD challenged the idea that reading is something children only do at school or at home. Instead, families could discover that stories can be enjoyed anywhere, whether sitting together at a picnic, taking a break from playing or simply spending quality time outdoors.
“One of the most heart-warming sights of the day was seeing children flying kites, enjoying the outdoors and sharing books with their families. Watching parents and children reading together in such a relaxed, playful environment perfectly captured what we wanted to achieve.”
Rosie, Warwickshire
Taking part in the National Year of Reading has strengthened the centre’s commitment to making reading a natural part of family life. We have been inspired to think more creatively about engaging families, particularly children who might not naturally choose a book. The Teddy Bear Picnic reinforced the belief that small, welcoming experiences can make a meaningful difference, helping children build confidence and encouraging parents to share the joy of reading with them.
Looking ahead, THE ‘FORD Community Centre is keen to build on this momentum by finding new and engaging ways to bring books, families and the wider community together. Through activities that combine reading with play, creativity and connection, the centre hopes to nurture a lifelong love of reading among local children. Its experience shows how the National Year of Reading can inspire community organisations to make reading more visible, enjoyable and accessible, creating positive experiences that families can carry into their everyday lives.
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