To celebrate the launch of Reading Friends we teamed up with Right Thing Films to make a special film to showcase our programme. Here’s a behind the scenes look at what happened.

Bafta here we come!

August has been a busy month for us at Reading Friends as we have been making our launch film. Filming took us across the UK to meet some amazing participants, volunteers, and coordinators. Our projects in Newcastle, Oldham, Horsham, and Conwy in Wales all took part in the film.

Reading Friends has been grateful for the support of leading authors Vaseem Khan, Veronica Henry, Ian McMillan, and Ifor ap Glyn, the national poet of Wales.

A little more about Wales

Reading Friends connects people through reading, and the film is a way to bring the memories of Reading Friend Jane to life. To do this we have the support of Ifor ap Glyn. Ifor was kind enough to write a beautiful poem featuring Jane’s story, which he wrote in Welsh and translated into English for us.

Reading Friends in Oldham

Oldham saw the arrival of poet and radio presenter Ian McMillan, who focused on Brian’s extraordinary story. Formerly a boxer and author in his own right, Brian was diagnosed with dementia. Reading Friends helps him reconnect with his love of books.

A touch of Devon in Horsham

Devon-based author Veronica Henry surprised our Reading Friends group in Horsham. Veronica joined the group to read a very special story she had written, recalling the evacuation memories of Elsie, one of our Reading Friends.

Crossing the Tyne with Friends in Newcastle

Reading Friends is an intergenerational programme, and Ann and Alison are a great example of this. We wanted to capture the genuine friendship between the pair. So we enlisted the help of Vaseem Khan, who penned a wonderful story for Ann and Alison to share.

We’re really looking forward to share the Reading Friends film with you on our website on 30 October 2018. 

Get involved

Follow us on Twitter to keep up-to-date with all things Reading Friends.