This is where you tell us what’s affected you most in the magazine. We’ve been overwhelmed by your response to Good Housekeeping’s support for the National Literacy Trust. See page 162 to find out more
PHOTOGRAPHY: DAVID VENNI, DANIEL KENNEDY, GETTY
LOVE FOR BOOKS
I remember Mum reading to me at bedtime – Iparticularly liked Heidi. It was the start of my love for books. When I retired, I was a school exam invigilator, where I saw that those children who hadn’t mastered reading never caught up. It’s such an important life skill and I commend GH for their partnership with the National Literacy Trust.
IT STARTED WITH A LIBRARY
As a working-class child, I longed for books but couldn’t afford them. My father took me twice a week to the public library and, what joy, shelves full of every book imaginable. No one needs to miss out on reading; follow in my footsteps and love the feel of free books.
VOLUNTEER READER
I am retired and pick up my granddaughter from school on Tuesdays. I’ve decided to volunteer as a reader there; after passing DBS checks, I now listen to six- and seven-year-olds who are struggling. I’ve only done a couple of terms but have found it really rewarding and very enjoyable. It would be great if book clubs around the UK could share this idea. If it prompts even 100 people to volunteer then it would benefit countless children!
SHARING THE JOY
Getting children reading is my passion. My daughters’ best childhood memories are of me reading to them; we loved Roald Dahl and Enid Blyton. I now volunteer at my local library, helping it to stay open so families can get the same joy from books that I do.
BOOKS SHAPE LIVES
I devoured books from the age of five. I would visit the public library every week with my four little buff-coloured tickets! Many years later, I am still reading a book a week and have two post-graduate degrees in child
