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St Gabriel’s

St Gabriel’s

Supporting Sweet Caroline's Hidden Book Adventure - World Book Day Collection

As part of our World Book Day celebrations, St Gabriel’s is proud to support Sweet Caroline’s Hidden Book Adventure, a wonderful initiative founded by St Gabriel’s parent, Duncan Shearer.

The organisation was created with Duncan’s sister, Caroline, a dedicated teacher and headteacher who was passionate about inspiring young minds, and continues in her memory.

The initiative aims to provide books to children who may not have access to them at home or at school. According to the National Literacy Trust, 8.6% of children and young people in the UK aged 5 to 18 do not have a book of their own—the equivalent of one in 12 children. Sweet Caroline’s Hidden Book Adventure encourages people to share the joy of reading by hiding books in public spaces for others to find, read, and re-hide. The idea was inspired by Caroline herself, who created a book Advent calendar for her nephews. Unable to launch the initiative herself, she asked Duncan to bring her vision to life. Since then, Duncan, his wife Natalie, and their two sons, Harry and Edward, along with friends and family, have hidden more than 500 books!

What started in Newbury and Southampton has now grown into a global movement, with books being discovered and shared as far as Australia, the. Through discovery and adventure, the initiative aims to promote reading for pleasure, encourage inclusivity, and ultimately provide books to children who need them most.

 

How Can You Help?

To support this incredible cause, we are calling on our St Gabriel’s community to donate good-quality children’s books (for ages up to 18) that are no longer needed at home. These books will be used to spread the love of reading to those who do not have easy access to books.

📚 Book Collection Dates:
📅 Monday 3 March – Thursday 6 March (World Book Day)

📍 Drop-Off Points:

  • Nursery Office
  • Outside Gabbies
  • Square Hall

Let’s come together as a community to inspire young readers, promote literacy, and help make books accessible to those who need them most. If you have any questions or would like further information, please contact Catherine Cockar (ccockar@stgabriels.co.uk).

For more details about Sweet Caroline’s Hidden Book Adventure, visit their Facebook page and join the adventure!

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