WRVS are assisting Bookbite by helping us to deliver copies of the Bookbite magazine to their volunteers to use with the people they visit. Here they give us a glimpse of what they do and who they work with.
About WRVS
WRVS offers a range of practical services to help older people to live well, maintain their independence and be active in their local community.
‘Books and reading play a large part in that, which is why we’re delighted to be involved with
Booktrust’, says Chris Dobson, WRVS Head of Volunteering.
It’s all about people
Shirley is a WRVS home library volunteer. ‘When I deliver books I always try to stop for a drink and chat. Our service isn’t just about books – it’s about care and friendship.’
Mrs Hare and WRVS volunteer Shirley
Shirley delivers audio books to 97-year-old Mrs Hare, who told us: ‘It was an awful shock being registered blind. When I discovered that WRVS could bring me books at home, it meant I could continue with one of my greatest pleasures.’
Surprising lives
In summer 2009, we ran a campaign to challenge stereotypes of old age. We got a huge response from people sharing their experiences. Here are some:
‘I am 76 and have just finished writing my life story. My great friend of 70 years typed it. I cannot use the computer but she is selftaught. Without her help it would never have been finished.’ Ann
‘I was a Wren at Bletchley Park during the second world war and wrote a book called Off Duty! about my adventures. I’ve been a scribbler all my life and still live life to the brim!’ Anne
‘As a gunner/signaller in the war, I spent nearly four years in prisoner of war camps in Korea
and Japan. I secretly kept a diary and wrote about the experience when I returned home.’ A Gregg
‘I wrote a book about my life called Whatever Next! two years ago, when I was 87, so I hope
this will inspire others to write theirs!’ Hazel
To find out, more visit wrvs or call 0845 601 4670 to discuss WRVS volunteering opportunities.
Did you know?
• WRVS is one of the largest voluntary organisations in Britain
• Around 53,000 volunteers – men and women – help older people stay active and independent
• WRVS runs shops, cafes and other services in over 300 hospitals
• Teams of volunteers are on call to support people caught up in emergencies
WRVS poetry
Enid Haynes recently celebrated her 80th birthday and has been a WRVS volunteer for over 20 years. She sent us the following poem about choosing books for people who have difficulties getting out of the house:
Once a week I chose books for the Housebound
Sagas, thrillers, paperbacks and large print
My triumph when a wanted book was found
My doubt when its condition was not mint
Biography, romance or Mills and Boon
I searched for sex and violence as requested
Some ladies wanted westerns like ‘High Noon’
Such a lot of effort I invested
The piles of books were really quite a weight
The bottom shelves were hard upon my knees
Some clients thought my choice of books were great
And some I fear were very hard to please
Now with technology we must compete
The books and I may become obsolete
E Haynes
