On not making assumptions about what people will enjoy reading.

One of the highlights of reading for a living is choosing which poems and stories to bring to my weekly, read aloud, shared reading groups. Whenever and whatever I’m reading at home (or on the move) my weekly groups are in my mind: will they find this story/novel extract/poem interesting? Will it get them talking?… Continue reading On not making assumptions about what people will enjoy reading.

Reading with people who have dementia in Wiltshire

It's about six months since, working for The Reader Organisation, I set up four, weekly, read aloud, shared reading groups for people with dementia (or other illnesses affecting their memory) and their carers.  Three of the four groups, at libraries  in Warminster, Mere and Pewsey, are still up and running, but I've moved the fourth group from Purton… Continue reading Reading with people who have dementia in Wiltshire

The joy of reading, libraries and driving

New Year is starting to feel much older now and a weekly routine is emerging.  Two things I'm doing more of, so far, in 2014 are driving my car and spending time in public libraries.  There are about 140 miles between my house and the four Wiltshire libraries where I facilitate weekly shared reading groups for… Continue reading The joy of reading, libraries and driving