What is your favourite thing about Reading Friends?
I’ve been a Reading Friend for over 18 months now. I joined because I can’t imagine life without reading and I want to share that enjoyment. I’ve met some lovely people through the scheme – all ladies funnily enough.
Why did you get involved in Reading Friends?
It’s just good fun and very worthwhile. I’m currently reading over the phone to one of my Reading Friends, Jane, which is a new experience for both of us. We’ve just started on a new book by Kate Morton and have increased our sessions to twice a week now we’re living in isolation.
What do you like to read?
I read all sorts but the best book I’ve read recently is The World I Fell Out Of by Melanie Reid, an account of her life since becoming tetraplegic after falling off her horse. It’s funny, moving, harrowing in places, and very human. It makes you re-evaluate your own life and the things we take for granted.
If you could try out or learn something new, what would it be?
I knit (very slowly) and since the lockdown have picked up again a Fair Isle sweater I started knitting for my husband. The last one took me five years but it did have fourteen colours and I was working full-time!
What is one thing you couldn’t live without and what is keeping you positive right now?
I couldn’t live without good food (vegetarian) and wine. My garden, and the birds and creatures in it, keep me positive along with the beautiful countryside we walk in every day. We’re very lucky.
If you could be any fictional character, who would it be?
If I could be a fictional character, I’d be Elizabeth Bennet from Pride and Prejudice. She’s intelligent, feisty, knows her own mind and doesn’t let Mr Darcy boss her about.
Tell us something about yourself that is interesting or might surprise us?
I grew up in a bilingual household with English and German spoken and have now learnt a number of languages, including Welsh. I am currently reading Dan Amheuaeth by John Alwyn Griffiths, an ex-policeman from Anglesey. I’m reading it in Welsh in tandem with my friend who is also a Welsh learner. It’s quite slow, but we get there.
Get involved
Find out more about Reading Friends in Conwy, and register your interest in taking part. For more ideas of ways to connected during the Covid-19 pandemic, take a look at our Stay Connected! resources.
