Residents at Glenside Older Persons Resource Centre in Victoria Road, Douglas, will be celebrating the launch of their latest book ‘Old Times Series 2’ on 22 December 2010, following on the success of their first book entitled ‘Old Times’ which was published last year. Comprising of short stories by the residents, whose average age is around 85, it describes their lives over the years gone by. Going into detail about their younger years, it gives an account of what the community was like, memories of the war time, describes the schools they attended and the style of parenting. The book illustrates some wonderful characters from all around the Island. Stories for the book have been contributed by the residents who entered a short story competition. There were three prize winners. The competition has been run and supported by the staff and key to its success is the fact that the residents at Glenside had so many stories that they wanted to share. Hon Martyn Quayle MHK Minister for Social Care commented: “I am looking forward to attending the event and to hear firsthand some of the residents’ experiences of life. We all have memories to cherish and it is important to keep memories alive. We as a Department strive to support our residents to remain active in mind and body in all our residential facilities on the Island. I congratulate all the residents and staff for their hard work in compiling this book. It is quite obvious that a great deal of thought and effort has gone into it. I hope the book is a great success.” The Political Member for Social Services Mr Bill Malarkey MHK added: “The production of this book is a wonderful way to enable the knowledge and experience of older people to be recorded and passed on to younger generations. There has been enthusiastic participation which has enabled older people to display their creativity. In Social Services we aim to help all those we serve to have a fulfilling life despite age or disability and to make a contribution to the community. This book demonstrates that approach.” As well as the book launch on the 22nd there will be the regular Wednesday morning church service and carols conducted by the Reverend Smith from St Andrew’s Church starting at 10am. David Callister MLC will be reading a short extract from the book and monies from the sales will go to the Glenside Amenities Fund which provides entertainments, parties, television sets and trips out for residents in a very full programme of activities. The book is priced at ?12 and contains 88 stories. It can be bought at Glenside just in time for Christmas. For further details, please contact 623266. The first competition started in 1989 and was the brain wave of Irene Kermode, Glenside’s Activities Coordinator who started this project in her spare time over 20 years ago and it has now grown into a bigger project with enough material accumulated for two books. - ENDS -