We are pleased to offer a very special afternoon for children from military families. This event is for children who have, or have had, a mum, dad, carer, or grandparent, in the Army, Navy/Marines or the RAF. The National Army Museum and the military charity Reading Force welcome you to join us on Saturday 18th May 2024 from 1-4pm. Tickets will be available in January.
You will have the chance to hear a talk from multi award-winning author Sir Michael Morpurgo, and listen to a special reading by him from his personal favourite of all the books he has written: Farm Boy. This is the sequel to his internationally famous War Horse. Children will receive a copy of Farm Boy and may have it signed by Sir Michael.
Other opportunities during the day include:
- The chance to experience the National Army Museum’s ‘Handling Collection’ of original objects relating to the First and Second World Wars, including items of uniform and daily life
- To take part in two special gallery trails – one on Remembrance and the lives of soldiers during the First World War, the second – in the company of ATS service woman Shirley Hamilton – to find out more about what life was like during the Blitz
- An introduction to Reading Force: hear why reading with other people is really enjoyable – and gets you thinking and chatting about what you have read, and receive a free scrapbook
The practical stuff
Timing: The event will run from 1pm – 4pm. It will begin with the museum trails and access to the handling collection. Sir Michael will begin his contribution at 2.30pm, with seats for all.
Address: The National Army Museum, Foyle Centre (downstairs), Royal Hospital Road, London SW3 4HT. Underground: The museum is a ten-minute walk from Sloane Square, twenty from Victoria. The number 170 bus stops outside the museum.
Cost: Tickets cost £8 for a child, £10 for an adult, and £6 for additional children within one family booking. Every child will receive a copy of the book Farm Boy and can have it signed by Sir Michael. All children will also receive a special Reading Force scrapbook in which to hold thoughts about books they have read. Teens will receive a journal. Book your tickets here>
Food. If you are planning to picnic, please eat before you arrive, there are parks in the area and benches outside the Army Museum. The museum also has a large café, but only food bought on the premises can be consumed there.
Who can come. This event is open to everyone from a military family, so serving, reservist, veteran, and military families affected by relationship breakdown. Children and their parents, carers and grandparents, of whatever age. When registering, you will be asked whether your link is to the Army, Navy/Marines or Air Force. This is to help us with our tracking of whom we have reached. There is a limited number of places and all will be sold in advance. Tickets will be available in January and when they go live this will be announced on our Facebook page.
Did you know that the charity Reading Force links military families through shared reading – and this can be particularly helpful when you are going through times of transition or change. It is completely free to participate and you can join at www.readingforce.org.uk We are very proud to say that Sir Michael Morpurgo is a patron of the charity.
