Reading Force is launched at Drumfork Community Centre

Naval Base Commander Clyde, Commodore Donald Doull recently attended the launch of a new reading initiative for UK Military Families.

Reading Force is a charity whichuses books to bring Forces children and families closer together. 

The charity provides books to Service children of all ages, to encourage families to share and talk about books whether, at home together or separated by deployments or training.

The launch event took place in the newly-refurbished Drumfork Community Centre on Thursday, November 14.

Military children from eight local primary schools were invited to attend and each child was given a signed book by award-winning author Vivian French, as well as a special Reading Force scrapbook to complete at home with their families.

Commodore (Cdre) Doull went along to find out a bit more about the initiative which was founded by Service wife of 30 years, Alison Beverstock, and piloted in Aldershot in 2011.

Cdre Doull said: “This is a fantastic initiative which will help Service families have fun together, as well as keep in touch while loved ones are away from home. Our Service personnel and their families make huge sacrifices and I would encourage them to take benefit from Reading Force as a way to improve communications, share experiences and to feel close whether at home or deployed.”


Many military children face interruptions and disruption to their learning and homelife and so Reading Force can be a useful tool that schools can offer their military children, as it keeps families close and can be used as a support during transitions such as military deployment.


Reading Force is keen to spread the word and make more military families in Scotland aware that the initiative is available to them and free to take part in. Reading Force Ambassador in Scotland, Fiona Maxwell has been working with schools and welfare organisations supporting Forces families to encourage participation and to highlight reading as a way to improve communication and stay close.


Reading force is a charity and is available free to all military families. For more information on Reading Force go to: www.readingforce.org.uk