Elderly get chance to bond over books (From The Oxford Times)

Scheme piloted in Abingdon

10:16am Tuesday 24th May 2011 in News By Ben Wilkinson

A NEW book club has got Oxfordshire’s elderly talking.

TeaBooks, which is run by Oxford-based charity Bookfeast, is to be launched at 20 spots across the county this month.

The group aims to help the older generation socialise and enjoy the benefits of reading.

The scheme was piloted for a year in Abingdon, Burford, Holton, Adder-bury, and Douglas Veale House in Headington.

Founder of Bookfeast Angie Prysor-Jones said: “The feedback from our groups is very positive.

“TeaBooks members have said that TeaBooks has brought them back to reading; they are enjoying new types of books and valuing the conversations and friendships that have emerged from the groups.”

Oxfordshire County Council library service provides the groups with the books, including the large print versions.

The novels read so far include works by Nevil Shute, Victoria Hislop and Veronica Stallwood.

The pilot groups also discussed the poetry of William Wordsworth and Robert Frost.

Project manager Helen Grimwade said: “We have all been on a reading journey in the last year, with everyone offering suggestions for books to read. Some books were enjoyed, some not, but all gave a great basis for some fab discussions.

“Being in a book group was a new experience for most and yet they have all got involved, enjoyed listening to the outside speakers and had a great day at the Thame Arts Festival.”

The scheme’s expansion was announced at Abing-don Resource and Well-being Centre in Audlett Drive on Thursday, May 19.

Abingdon club member Dearlean Wright, 73, said: “TeaBooks is good because we all read the same book and we get different variations of what people think; some might love the book and others might not, and then we can chat about it.

“I enjoy going because it gives a new-found confidence, and you get a lot of satisfaction from reading and chatting.”

Joyce Smith, 90, said: “I just enjoy it. I find it most interesting.”

The sessions take place at Oxfordshire’s day centres, sheltered housing sites, and libraries.

For details call 01865 514149 or visit the website: www.bookfeast.net