Q & A with Georgina, Reading Force Serving Families: On the Move Coordinator in Tidworth.
Georgina 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…
Thank you I am so glad to be part of the team! Before joining Reading Force I had actually used the scrapbooks with my family, so I already knew the positive impact it could have. I really liked the charities mission of helping military families stay connected through reading especially during deployments when just everyday life can be that bit harder.
When I saw the opportunity to join the team it felt like a chance to be part of something I already believed in and genuinely valued. I love that Reading Force encourages families to spend quality time together through something as simple as reading books and it’s lovely to be part of the team and know that my role helps support military families in a meaningful way.
Can you tell us a little more about your Coordinator role?
Of course! I coordinate two book clubs a month, a daytime and an evening session, for military spouses and partners new to the area. The books are a great conversation starter, and we have had many interesting discussions on some of the books, but it’s really about so much more than the reading. The clubs are about helping people settle into a new area, making sure everyone feels welcome, building friendships and finding a sense of community. Some members are trying to navigate a new posting, with some being new to military life altogether, some rediscovering who they are outside of being a military spouse/partner or after raising children, and others simply just want a little time for themselves to relax and enjoy some great company. Whatever their reason for joining us I want each and every one of them to feel welcome, supported and most importantly able to be themselves.
Outside of book clubs my role is very varied. I spend some time researching the local area so I can share recommendations and answer any questions from members. I respond to emails, create social media content and help spread the word about Reading Force, this could be anything from putting out flyers to attending local events. No two days are the same which is one of the things I enjoy about my role.
What would you say to a spouse/partner who is new* to the area and is unsure about attending their first session?
I’d say just come along! I know that first step is always the hardest one, especially if you don’t know anyone yet. But everyone is made to feel really welcome and you’ll quickly see the group is full of friendly, supportive people that understand the unique experiences that come with military life, whether its frustrations at the housing or joy to be in a new area – especially if you have the pleasure of no more magnolia – we’re here to listen.
Also don’t worry if you haven’t had a chance to read the book yet there’s absolutely no pressure to finish the book before you come, only part of the session is dedicated to discussing the book, with the rest of the time spent chatting, getting to know one another, sharing experiences and generally catching up, sharing what we’ve all been up to in the past month. So, whether you’ve read every page or haven’t even picked up the book at all you will never feel left out.
The best and most important part is there is always plenty of tea, coffee or squash and a great selection of biscuits and cakes in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere.
What do you love most about being our Serving Families: On the Move Coordinator in Tidworth Garrison?
Without a doubt, it’s all of my wonderful members! I love chatting to people, so getting to meet new members and hearing their stories is one of my favourite parts of my role. Every person has their own story, and it is an absolute pleasure to listen, chat and make them feel welcome and supported. One of the most rewarding things is seeing the friendships that grow through book clubs. It’s so lovely to hear about people who have met at the sessions meeting up outside of the club. Knowing these friendships have formed because of the club is very special.
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?
One of my favourite things about the book club has been discovering books I wouldn’t have picked up on my own and it has encouraged me to step outside of my usual reading habits and try different genres, and I have found so many new favourites because of it. Books like The Island, The Midnight Library, The Missing Half and Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine have all stayed with me for different reasons.
But if I absolutely had to only choose one out of the many I have loved, it would have to be Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens. It completely drew me in from the start and by the end I just couldn’t put it down because I had to know what happened next. It’s beautifully written, full of mystery and emotion and is one of those books that stay with you after you’ve finished it. It’s definitely one I always recommend to anyone looking for a gripping read!
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.