Residents at a care home in Abingdon have been inspired to begin writing their own stories thanks to a popular community book club hosted at the home.
The monthly gathering at Bridge House Care Home brings together residents, families and members of the local community to celebrate books and storytelling.
Held in the home’s Riverly Club leisure space, the event features author readings, interviews, Q&A sessions and book-themed discussions with a range of visiting writers. The club has even hosted a book launch, helping to create a lively literary atmosphere within the home.
Resident Gwenda Feates, 93, said she particularly enjoys meeting the authors who attend the sessions.
“I love the Book Club and meeting the authors,” she said. “I think everything to do with writing and stories is fascinating.”
Fellow resident Denise Thomas, 88, also praised the events.
“I enjoy reading and Book Club is so interesting,” she said. “I love it when the authors tell us how they come to decide what to write about.”
The book club is supported by Oxford Independent Authors and 1in200.uk, which helps independent writers become published and featured in bookshops.
The partnership was created through the care home’s Friends of Bridge House initiative, a community-focused project that has built more than 70 partnerships with local businesses and organisations. The aim is to ensure residents remain actively connected to life in the Abingdon community.
Inspired by the book club sessions, several residents expressed an interest in writing their own stories, leading the home to introduce creative writing groups.
“For me writing down memories of childhood and times gone by is important, as I can pass them on to my family,” Gwenda explained.
“I have so many memories from the war years and, despite it being a hard time, many of them are fond memories. I really enjoy sharing these stories about being a child evacuee.”
Denise has also begun writing about her life experiences.
“I write about Cambridge because I grew up there, did my education there and got married there!” she said.
Resident Jean Underwood, 94, has joined the writing sessions as well, drawing on her love of words and poetry.
“I take every opportunity to write notes and cards,” she said. “Words are my thing and I’ve written poetry in the past. I’d like to write a book about Abingdon as I have lived here my whole life and know a lot about it.”
One highlight for the group was hosting the launch of “Ruff Justice” by local author Laury Conn. Conn later returned to speak with residents again, alongside Colin Wade, whose Oxford-set crime novels have proved particularly popular with the group.
Lifestyle and Riverly Club manager Chantelle Merritt said the sessions have become a meaningful part of life at the home.
“Our Book Club is a wonderful thing, and the residents really enjoy it, there are lots of smiles throughout the sessions. We love that family members and members of our Riverly Club get involved too. It’s another way our residents can stay connected to the community, and I’m so proud of that.”
“In our writing groups the residents have loved sharing their own stories and memories. It means a lot to us to give our residents this opportunity, to support them in this way and to give their stories a platform and a voice.”
The care home has received significant recognition for its work. Bridge House Care Home won Team of the Year at the Oxfordshire Care Awards in 2025 and holds Platinum Status in the Gold Standards Framework for end-of-life care.
The home also has an Outstanding rating from the Care Quality Commission (CQC), an achievement reached by only around 4 per cent of care homes in the UK.
Home manager Marta Leszko, a qualified nurse and dementia specialist, said community connections play a vital role in residents’ wellbeing.
“Alongside our strong nursing and dementia care we really pride ourselves on ensuring all our residents live meaningful and happy lives,” she said.
“Our community relationships are integral to this, and we love how much our residents have taken to our monthly book club. We can’t wait to see where their creative writing goes – the sky is the limit!”
