The Brothers of Charity Services’ Reading Group Celebrated its’ tenth anniversary this month!
The group was first instigated in 2008 by Sister Kathleen, who was then the Volunteers Co-ordinator for The Brothers of Charity Services. After hearing about a similar project from a parent of a client, Sister Kathleen approached Ruth Rotherham, another parent and her friend Jean Bury, to see if such a group could be formed in Lancashire.
Originally the Reading Group was set up for the clients of the Brothers of Charity Services. Over the years it has developed into a genuine community group, also attracting members of the church. The group is now larger, stronger and very much a ‘family’.
The group meets every Wednesday at The Fairtrade Cafe in The Turpin Green Methodist Church in Leyland. Meetings start with Coffee in the Fairtrade Cafe, then progress to a room which the Church kindly lets the group use free of charge. There they share together their news from the past week, which they deem a very important part to the meeting. They then have 30-35 minutes listening to the book being read (at the moment they are discussing Michael Morpurgo’s ‘Flamingo Boy’). Everyone then shares their thoughts and feelings about the book.
At noon when the meeting has finished, some people go home whilst quite a few members stay and have lunch together in the Church Cafe.
Award winning group
The group was commended in the community’s category, of Lancashire County Councils ‘Central Lancashire’s Got Talent’ project in 2014! They have shared many books during its’ ten years of existence. Ranging from classics like ‘A Christmas Carol’ and ‘Treasure Island’ to more popular, modern ones such as ‘A Street Cat called Bob’.
The Reading Group is a vibrant, and still growing, community group which offers members a place of belonging. Provides a sense of self-worth and a great opportunity to build friendships based on a shared interest in the community.
If you would like to join the reading group or require any further information, please contact Jean Bury:
Contact Details
- – 07923 009 199
- – jbury@talktalk.net
Well done and Happy Birthday to the Reading Group!