Q & A with Tracy, Reading Force Serving Families: On the Move Coordinator in Catterick Garrison.
Tracy joined the Reading Force team as part of our Serving Families: On the Move programme which is generously funded by the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust.
Here she shares what being a Serving Families: On the Move Coordinator involves and a favourite book!
We’re thrilled to have you on the team – tell us a little about why you chose to join the Reading Force team…
I joined the Reading Force team for a new and fresh challenge, which would also work around myself and my family. I also wanted to help new people in the surrounding area and welcome them. My husband is currently serving in the British Army and we have moved around a few times, so I know what it is like to move away from everyone I know to an area and not know anyone and how daunting that can be, so I wanted to try and help people settle and feel happier in their new environment. I also have a keen interest in reading, and it is one of my hobbies and this role gives me a chance to work, read and meet new people.
Can you tell us a little more about your Coordinator role?
My coordinator role allows me to meet new people and help them settle into their new home a little bit easier. I can provide information on the local area, and we meet once a month for friendship, companionship, books, cake and chatter. It is a lovely little group, and I look forward to it. Away from the group, I attend coffee mornings and family fun events to help spread the word and encourage people to attend. This allows me to meet new people and talk to them about their move, house and anything else that they may need so that I can give guidance and advice.
What would you say to a spouse/partner who is new* to the area and is unsure about attending their first session?
I would advise any spouse or partner who is thinking of going to their first book club session that it is ok to be nervous, we all are, but it won’t last long and we are also there to meet like-minded people who have similar interests to ourselves through our shared love of reading and storytelling. There are two sessions a month – once during the day and once on an evening so you can choose which fits around your lifestyle: don’t worry if you cannot attend the whole session, just attend what you can and don’t worry if you do not finish the book, it is ok, we know that life can get in the way or that you may not like the style of writing, story or genre. Come along anyway, there is really no pressure. You’ve nothing to lose (but lots to gain), just come along and have some fun and the best bit is it’s free! We give out a new book every month and provide the refreshments, so if you have any requests or want to bring in some homemade treats, feel free to, they are warmly welcomed.
What do you love most about being our Serving Families: On the Move Coordinator in Catterick Garrison?
I find that with each new posting there are obstacles and challenges to face and overcome. These book club sessions are there to help people to overcome these challenges and also find friendship in a time of uncertainty. I find it really rewarding to help others and answer any questions and queries that come my way and of course I get to read and talk about books and stories. I really like the friendship and the lively discussions that we have which generate fresh perspectives on the books
One last question, can you tell us a little about one of the books you’ve read with your book club members, and why you would recommend it to the Reading Force community?
We read a book called The Island by Victoria Hislop. This is a story about a young woman who is finding out about her mother’s upbringing which takes her to the islands of Crete and Spinalonga. The story introduces us to the extended family and growing up and life on the islands. The book is very descriptive and emotive and I, as well as the book club members, cried whilst reading it, it felt very real to us and we could imagine what it would have been like. We all enjoyed reading and imagining the landscapes and learning about the history of the communities. I would recommend this book to anyone wanting an escape, we found it a good book to read, and we had lots of discussions afterwards.
Thank you for answering these questions!
*Within the last 24 months of attending the first session.
Our Book Club & Chat sessions are located in Catterick, Tidworth (including Bulford, Larkhill, Ludgershall, Netheravon and Perham Down) and Aldershot (including Farnborough, Farnham and Fleet). The Serving Families: On the Move programme is generously funded by the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust to improve the quality of life for Service families who are impacted by relocation as a direct result of Service life.
For more info visit our website www.readingforce.org.uk/good-way-to-make-friends, email rf.bookclubinfo@gmail.com or call Nicola on 07519 665410.