ALDBOURNE Children’s Book Group is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year after organising events for children and adults throughout the local area since 1975.

The group brings together a diverse group of local parents, teachers and bookworms of all ages who are interested in children’s literature and the importance of books for future generations.

ACBG is part of the Federation of Children’s Book Groups, which aims to promote the love of reading and of literature in children all across the country.

Since the Group started, it has built strong links with the community and with local schools, including St Michael’s Aldbourne, Pinewood School, St John’s Marlborough and Robert Le Kyng Swindon to name a few.

ACBG has had substantial success in the past by convincing the Wiltshire Library Service to supply children’s books to Aldbourne Library and donating thousands of books over the years to various charities and organisations including the Naomi House, Women’s Refuge Swindon and Ramsbury Surgery.

The group has sought to maximise opportunities for younger audiences to enjoy books by bringing together well-known writers, storytellers and illustrators over the years to inspire children and adults alike, such as Helen Nicoll, Jacqueline Wilson, Simon James as well as local authors, Eileen Browne and Geraldine McCaughrean.

Marianne Adey, one of the founding members of the group and a local resident, said: “We are thrilled to be celebrating our 40th year. Our goal is to provide a relaxed meeting point for parents, professionals and everyone who share a commitment to bringing books into the hands of children in our local area, and we hope that we have made significant steps towards that goal and continue to do so for many years to come.”

To celebrate 40 years of bringing children, books, writers and storytellers together, the group held a birthday party in July at the Old Malt House in Aldbourne.

Author Anne Booth joined them to share her insights on becoming a writer and read from her first picture book, The Fairiest Fairy.

Ms Booth has written several books including the Girl With a White Dog and her most recent Dog Ears, published in May.

Existing and new members are always welcome. For more information, email zoealdred@hotmail.co.uk