RESIDENTS at Glenside Older Persons' Resource Centre in Victoria Road, Douglas, will be celebrating the launch of their latest book on Wednesday (December 22).
Old Times Series 2, which follows the success of their first book Old Times published last year, comprises short stories by the residents whose average age is around 85.
The book describes their lives over years gone by and goes into detail about their younger years, giving an account of what the community was like, memories of war time, describes the schools they attended and the style of parenting.
Stories for the book have been contributed by the residents who entered a short story competition and there were three prizes winners.
The competition has been run and supported by the staff.
Social Care Minister Martyn Quayle MHK said: "I am looking forward to attending the event and to hear first hand 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 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 December 22 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 money from the sales will go to the Glenside Amenities Fund which provides entertainment, parties, television sets and trips out for residents.
The book is priced at £12 and contains 88 stories. It can be bought at Glenside - for further details contact 623266.
The first competition started in 1989 and was the idea 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.
