Today Coram Beanstalk had a gathering on its London campus to celebrate its 50th birthday with its reading volunteers. Some of the volunteers joined online, and those that were close enough came through the door to listen to the talks, and to discuss the best ways to help young readers.

The big messages of the day were a ‘thank you’ to the volunteers from the staff at Coram, alongside some powerful talks from headteachers about the positive impact of the programme, which they said did so much to build up the confidence of the children, alongside a love of reading.

At the end of it all the High Sheriff of Greater London – probably melting in her official coat and hat, and looking wonderful enough to have stepped out of one of the books on display – handed out certificates to the longest serving volunteers, some of whom had volunteered for over fifteen years. Then came cake cutting and a final message – Coram Beanstalk are looking for more volunteers. The charity provides training, and books to begin, and is always there to offer on-going support.

Perhaps, if you’re interested and have a few hours a week to give to a local primary school in England, you might like to look them up online and take it from there.

Copyright Georgie Knaggs & The Phraser 2023