A keen bookworm at Churchill Living’s Tregolls Lodge in Truro has set up a book club to share his passion for reading with fellow Owners.
Howard Embery set up the book club after he was nominated to be the Lodge librarian. Tasked with tidying the bookshelves, Howard took his responsibilities one step further by using the multitude of books on offer to start his own book club.
Speaking of the book club, Howard said:
I have always been an avid reader, and have 300 books of my own. I’ve always wanted to run my own bookshop, and before moving to Tregolls Lodge I ran a creative writing group. When I was tasked with organising the bookshelves here, I thought the collection was rather small and they were definitely in need of a refresh, so we got more books in that the Owners could enjoy.
“The book club stemmed from there. There’s around 20 of us in total now; we all get together in the Owners’ Lounge fortnightly to discuss the individual books we are reading. It’s not like a conventional book group where we all read the same book.
"I find this is a good way to engage people so they’re not obliged to read a book that’s not their style, but after listening to others discuss a novel, they may later decide they would like to read it too. I also encourage group members to fill in a book review form which I collate in a folder for others to have a flick through and eye up their next read.”
Howard’s book club has now expanded from a discussion group, to an event that even authors are taking part in.
Howard explains: “I have organised for quite a few authors to come in and give a talk about their books, and they also sign and sell them to the Owners. I do all the behind the scenes work myself, getting in touch with the authors and organising their visit.
"We’ve had Liam West, Vic Cornwall, Liz Fenwick and Jane Cable, to name but a few of the authors that have visited. Jane Cable, who is local to Truro, is soon giving up her time to come in and help me set up a creative writing group, which is fantastic and I hope will really engage with the community here.
“I am also helping Owners at Mount’s Bay Lodge in Penzance set up their own book club now, which is great. I just love getting others into reading, and sharing my love for a good book.”
Tregolls Lodge comprises 59 one and two-bedroom privately owned retirement apartments and shared facilities, designed exclusively for the over 60s. Offering quality retirement accommodation and safe and independent living, the development is in a convenient location close to local shops and amenities.
Apartments have spacious rooms throughout and an ideal combination of design and functionality. The fully fitted, stylish kitchens include a built in fridge and freezer, hob and an oven, which is located at an easy-reach height. Owners also enjoy ultimate peace of mind from a fitted camera entry system for the highest level of security and a 24 hour emergency call system.
With less to worry about, Owners have more time to do the things they enjoy, including taking advantage of the host of other benefits which will be on offer including having family or friends to stay in the development’s well-appointed Guest Suite, enjoying a chat with neighbours, or attending one of the many events, in the Owners’ Lounge.
The Tregolls Lodge Show Complex on St Clement’s Hill is open Tuesday to Saturday from 10am to 5pm. For more information on Tregolls Lodge or Churchill Living, call 01872 464 298 or click here