Book club opens new chapter (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Book club opens new chapter

READING groups have been made popular by novels such as the Jane Austen Book Club and Richard and Judy and a Swindon group is celebrating its 50th meeting.

Matt Holland, who runs the Swindon Festival of Literature, called a meeting at Swindon Arts centre in July 2000 to see if anyone was interested in choosing a book, reading it and then meeting monthly to discuss it.

A dozen people did and the club now has 50 members.

Their first book was Once in a House on Fire by Andrea Ashworth and books ranged from Booker Prize winners to personal recommendations.

The most important aim is that the book should stimulate a lively debate.

Matt, pictured, said: "We like to have a good stimulating chat, discover new books ones we might not otherwise read and have a good time together. Reading is generally a solitary business and being part of a reading group makes it social."

Next month's meeting the 50th is on Wednesday, September 28, at 8pm, at Swindon Arts centre in Devizes Road. The cost is £2. The book under discussion will be If Nobody Speaks of Remarkable Things by John McGregor. Call Matt on 01793 771080 for more details. Matt can also advise on how to start your own group.