Senior ‘bookworms’ love literature

For a group of Queensland aged care residents, their passion in life is hidden between the lines.

The Zion Lutheran Home residents, Jean Gatward, Ann Thew and Darryl Gatley, are looking forward to welcoming the public into their home for a ‘bookfest’. But they all have different reasons for their love of literature.

Zion’s Bookfest, held at Union Street next Saturday from 10am, will bring young and old readers together to immerse themselves in a world of fact and fiction.

Ms Gatward’s passion for reading Agatha Christie’s murder mysteries kept her waiting with bated breath for the next novel to hit the shelves.

“Books are important because you learn something from what you read and they stimulate the brain,” she says.

For Ms Thew, escapism from everyday life is what keeps her turning the pages, whereas Mr Gatley reads to stay grounded; to “keep up” with world news, community affairs and sport.

“Books are important in everyday life to keep the brain active,” he says, adding the facility’s bookfest would be a “feast” to see all of the book bargains.

Attendees can grab a bargain, explore a multitude of pre-loved books and select from a range of famous writers with titles available for all age groups.

The event will attract literary enthusiasts from Brisbane, who can enjoy a sausage sizzle, Devonshire tea and ice cream. Entertainment will be provided by the Drop Bears, performing verse and songs with an Australiana theme.

Children will be kept amused by Crackers the Clown in the ‘Book Nook’.

Zion Lutheran Home manager, Maria Mulheran, says older Australians like Ms Gatward, Ms Thew and Mr Gatley have played a significant part in helping shape their community and now have more time to explore the world of books.

“All of our residents also have an interesting tale to tell,” Ms Mulheran says.

Mixing fact with fiction

Living legend, Jack Anning, will also immerse himself in a world of fact and fiction at Zion Lutheran Home’s Bookfest.

The Nundah war veteran (pictured) features in the book Tobruk’s Easter Battle –1941 The Forgotten Fifteenth’s Date with Rommel’s Champion by John Mackenzie-Smith.

Mr Anning was one of the ‘rats’ of Tobruk and a foot soldier involved in a siege lasting 240 days in the western desert of North Africa during World War II.   

The non-fiction book recounts the remarkable story of more than 20,000 Australian troops – one of them Jack – who spent about eight months in trenches pushing the enemy army back from Egypt.

“It was important for my family to have my history recorded and understand what took place. I love reading as it is a good way to keep people’s stories alive and to let people know what has happened in the past,” he says.

For more information, contact (07) 3266 5911 or visit www.lccqld.org.au