21 June 2018

Last Monday award-winning TV historian and Beanstalk Ambassador Dan Snow took time before his talk ‘An evening with the History Guy’ at the Theatre Severn to meet and thank Beanstalk’s longest-serving volunteer in Shropshire Ann Powis for her work supporting local primary school children with reading. He came along to Beanstalk’s stand in the foyer of the theatre to present Ann with tickets to see his talk which he had kindly donated to Beanstalk.

Ann has been a Beanstalk reading helper for 18 years and in that time as helped so many primary school children in Shrewsbury enjoy books and become more confident readers.

Gail Washington is Area Manager for Beanstalk in the Midlands:

“We are so delighted that Dan was able to come along to the Beanstalk stand ahead of his show to meet Ann and to present her with tickets for the talk. As our longest-serving volunteer in Shropshire she is an absolutely incredible lady and has helped improve the outcomes for so many children through the years. Thank you so much to Ann and to Dan for helping recognise the contribution she makes to the local community.”

Ann said: “I am delighted to be presented with this amazing surprise to see Dan Snow who is one of my all-time favourites. Thanks so much to Beanstalk.”

The Shrewsbury primary school where Ann volunteers said: "We think the world of Ann and the support and encouragement she has given the children over many years is very valuable to our school. Ann has enabled the children to practice their reading skills and increase their reading attainment. The children through this support have enjoyed the fun which Ann facilitates for them while reading.“

Beanstalk is currently active in a number of primary schools across Shrewsbury and Telford but is keen to increase its reach and help more children by partnering with additional schools in these areas. Any schools wanting to find out more can contact the local team via the schools page on the website or by calling 0845 450 0307 to discuss how Beanstalk can help deliver its one-to-one reading programmes to children in their schools.