A NEW book club has got Oxfordshire’s elderly talking.

TeaBooks, which is run by Oxford-based charity Bookfeast, is being launched at 20 spots across the county this month. The group aims to help the older generation socialise and enjoy the benefits of reading.

The scheme was piloted for a year at Douglas Veale House in Headington, and venues in Abingdon, Burford, Holton and Adderbury.

Founder of Bookfeast Angie Prysor-Jones said: “The feedback from our groups is very positive.

“TeaBooks members have said that TeaBooks has brought them back to reading, and they are enjoying new types of books and valuing the conversations and friendships that have emerged from the groups.”

Oxfordshire County Council library service provides the groups with the books, including large print versions.

Novels read so far include books by Nevil Shute, Victoria Hislop, and Veronica Stallwood.

The pilot groups also discussed the poetry of William Wordsworth and Robert Frost.

Project manager Helen Grimwade said: “We have all been on a reading journey in the last year, everyone offering suggestions for books to read.

“Some books were enjoyed, some not, but all gave a great basis for some fab discussions.

“Being in a book group was a new experience for most.

“Yet they have all got involved, enjoyed listening to the outside speakers and had a great day at the Thame Arts Festival.”

The scheme’s expansion was announced at Abingdon Resource and Wellbeing Centre in Audlett Drive on May 20.

Abingdon club member Dearlean Wright, 72, said: “We all read the same book and we get different variations of what people think, some might love the book and others might not and then we can chat about it.”

Joyce Smith, 90, added: “I just enjoy it. I find it most interesting.”

For more details call 01865 514149.