Ilumba Gardens, NSW

Literature Group

The Ilumba Gardens Literature group formed nine years ago, as a result of the difficulty the late Mrs Edna Johnson was having in attending her literature course at Charles Sturt University. Mrs Edna Johnson was a student of the University of the Third Age, prior to taking up residence at Ilumba Gardens.

Due to the difficulty in commuting to the University, Edna enquired whether her lecturer, Margaret Linton, would be able to attend the facility, just to do a six week program for her and possibly other residents at Ilumba Gardens, during the university break.

Initially, the literature group started with five members in 1996. At the conclusion of the sixth week, the newly formed literature group were quite disheartened that the program had come to an end. Margaret Linton kindly offered to continue her services if the meeting could congregate on a Thursday afternoon. Eagerly the group agreed and has continued to flourish ever since. Over the many years, the group has prospered with residents and members of the community partaking.

The literature group shares two basic principles of the University of the Third Age. Firstly, that the emphasis shall be on learning for the love of it and secondly, it shall take place in a friendly and supportive social environment.

The diversional therapist had been pivotal in assisting the literature group to publish 3 books and 1 article. Multiple copies were printed and distributed to the community of Bathurst. These books included individual poems, prose and stories, from members of the group, both past and present.

The literature group meets in the lounge at Ilumba Gardens every Thursday at 2pm. The meeting commences with Margaret Linton reading a serial story for 20 - 25 minutes, followed by class members contributing their own poetry or reading their favourite poetry or prose. At the conclusion the class enjoys an afternoon tea in which they just enjoy being in the good company of others. The group meets for one and a half hours weekly.

The Bathurst City Mobile Library Service is a great support to the literature group by ensuring an ample supply of poetry books are supplied each delivery.

An audit revealed the need for a microphone so this and 2 magnifying covers were purchased to aid those residents who have hearing and visual deficits.

Residents comment about the group include:
'Thoroughly enjoy being in the group'
'The friendliness of the group'
'Margaret and Bill Linton do a fantastic job'
'Already perfect'
'Can't improve on it'
'Most happy group'