Read Easy celebrates second graduate

A MELKSHAM man says he is now a confident reader, thanks to charity, Read Easy Melksham.

28 year-old Ben Langsford is the second person to graduate from the Read Easy Melksham, which helps people to learn to read with free tutoring.

Ben was presented with a finisher’s certificate at Melksham Library last week by Pauline Centa, the former co-ordinator for Read Easy Melksham, who said Ben had done a fantastic job and that he should be very proud.

Having never been properly taught to read, Ben started learning with Read Easy Melksham in July, and now feels it will make a big difference to his life.

Ben said, “It was my mum who saw the story in the Melksham News and mentioned it to me. I couldn’t read words that I didn’t recognise but now it’s brilliant and I’m a lot more confident. I’m still practising and learning new words, but I can read a lot better than I could before. I would say I’m now a brilliant reader!

“I would recommend the scheme to everyone who can’t read very well. I can do a lot more now and I feel very proud. I’ve got a library card so they won’t be able to get rid of me now!”

Bill Bailey, Ben’s coach, said, “This was my first time coaching someone and I really enjoyed it, in fact I learnt a few things myself. I saw the advertisement and I thought it was interesting, but then I couldn’t stop thinking about what it must be like to not be able to read. I can’t remember learning to read and I can’t remember not being able to read – you certainly take it for granted.

“Ben couldn’t read a narrative when we first met in July last year but he was extremely willing to learn, which is half the battle, and we had a lot of fun.

“It’s very rewarding seeing someone progress and have their confidence boosted from being able to read. I’ve really enjoyed it and would encourage anyone who can’t read to get in touch. We have plenty of coaches, we just need the people to teach.”

Chair of Read Easy Melksham, David Williams said, “I am very pleased to see Ben graduate from the Read Easy course.

“Nationally, about 1 in 20 adults in the UK have a reading age lower than seven. For most people  things like shopping, reading newspapers, and following medicine instructions are taken for granted but for non-readers they are impossible without help.

“When a student has learned to read, a whole new world opens up for them. They often feel very different about themselves; they are no longer the ‘odd ones out’. New opportunities open up in social settings and in employment. The change can affect family relationships, mental health and community involvement.

“Read Easy provide short, one-to-one lessons which are fun, confidential at a venue which suits the student and coach, and they are free.”

Anyone wishing to volunteer or to learn to read should contact Liz Thompson, Melksham co-ordinator on 07468 862655 or email melksham@readeasy.org.uk.

• IT was all change for Read Easy Melksham as they said farewell to a long-term colleague at their recent AGM meeting.

Lesley Windebank, on behalf of the committee said, “At our recent AGM, David and Sue Williams, our chairman and our literacy specialist took the opportunity to present a bouquet of flowers to Pauline Centa, who has been our coordinator for two years. Unfortunately she has had to resign for health reasons. She will be greatly missed.

“However, we are not downcast. We have advertised, interviewed and appointed a new coordinator for Read Easy Melksham. Her name is Liz Thompson and we are confident she will be as approachable and efficient as Pauline.”

If you have any queries regarding volunteering with Read Easy Melksham or if you know anyone who struggles to read and would like us to help, please contact Liz: liz@readeasy.org.uk