RAF Halton gets Revolting and Beastly for Roald Dahl Day
During September each year, people around the world join together to celebrate one of the world’s literary geniuses, Roald Dahl, on the day of his birth. Dahl was named one of the 50 greatest British writers since 1945 by The Times in 2008, and to date his books have sold more than 250 million copies worldwide. This year marks what would have been his 100th birthday and the Royal Air Forces Association was pleased to play a part in the milestone celebrations.
As one of the Royal Air Force’s most famous veterans, Dahl has remained a much-cherished member of the RAF family long after his passing, just as his works continue to have a profound impact on the imaginations of millions of children. Therefore, the Association decided there was no better tribute than to use the Storybook Wings initiative to help parents introduce Dahl’s vivid fantasies and legendary storytelling to a new generation.
‘Storybook Wings: Roald Dahl 100’ offered parents the opportunity to record a heartfelt reading of some of Dahl’s most memorable children’s literature, while also giving their children a unique and deeply personal keepsake. All serving RAF parents were invited to record a Revolting Rhyme or Dirty Beasts poem at their local HIVE, which would then be shared with their children.
Sgt Kate Clancy, Airmen’s Command Squadron, recorded a Revolting Rhyme for her two sons Harry and Edward.
While the Roald Dahl 100 celebration has now drawn to a close, the regular Storybook Wings programme remains available to those parents who will be away from home due to work, helping to keep families together despite the distances imposed by training courses, work patterns or overseas deployments. Started in 2008, the scheme is just one of the ways the Association offers support to serving personnel and members of the 1.5 million strong RAF family.
If you would like to record a story, please contact your HIVE.