The Reader is a national charity that uses the power of literature and reading aloud to transform lives.

Shared Reading groups are open to all and free to attend. The group, one of them a trained Reader Leader, reads a great novel, short story or poem aloud. They stop and talk about what has been read, creating a space where people feel at ease and able to share thoughts and memories - creating bonds and moments of connection that improve mental health and wellbeing.

Find out more about The Reader's work at www.thereader.org.uk

We are hosting our joint birthday party at the Mansion House in Calderstones Park which has been the home of The Reader for the last decade. We have been great admirers of the organisation from its early days but now we live within easy walking distance we are frequent users of its great facilities. We have also seen first hand through our grandchildren the wonderful work they do in their story barn.