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Post by janetandjohn on Sept 13, 2017 18:28:59 GMT
I live in Llandudno, where there aren't that many NT properties in the vicinity, maybe because of competition from Cadw. As I mentioned recently on a thread, there doesn't appear to be anyone else on the forums near me, unfortunately, so it's not possible for me to attend a meet either. My reading group could also do with some new blood and I'd love to invite some of you to join, if only you lived nearby. One lady died recently (the second in the past few years) and we're down to 6, but there are only 4 capable of discussing the books. (One lady suffers from dementia, while another, who lives in a care home, has vision problems.) I'm the youngest, at 66, and someone mentioned yesterday that we really should discuss recruiting more members at the next meeting. Did I not say a1j2j3 lives in Chirk? I thought I had added this to your former comment. And of course, you can join the quarterly bookclub on here without even leaving the house! |
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Post by geminii on Sept 13, 2017 18:43:48 GMT
I've visited Llandudno three or four times now .. been to the Orme by both the Tram and the Scenic Drive .. not going to get me on that cable car, though !!  |
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Post by littlereader on Sept 13, 2017 21:31:20 GMT
One charity shop chain which is usually happy to take "anything" are those at National Trust properties where they don't seem to mind how long books are on their shelves for. I love an NT property with a SH Bookshop .. they're usually in the old stables, or similar .. found some real bargains on my visits .. I volunteer in a National Trust bookshop when I can, I love it. In the past I've spent many happy years volunteering in an Oxfam Bookshop. |
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anzee
Agatha Christie Whodunnit
Posts: 284 
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Post by anzee on Sept 14, 2017 10:35:59 GMT
I've visited Chirk, but it's not that near or very easy to get to, especially for non-drivers like me. I really hope our reading group can keep going, despite the increasing decrepitude of members. It started 20 years ago.
There was an article in the latest edition of the North Wales Weekly News about a new café that's just opened in Llandudno Junction. It's in the old library, which closed a few years ago. The new owner bought it from the council because she's a book lover who wanted to save the building. (Her idea of heaven is books, cake and coffee, apparently.) She's bought or collected 1,000 books and plans to lend them out for a deposit or subscription fee. What a good idea. I was very sad to read of the closure of this library, as we used to live in the Junction and I often took my kids there after school. Anyway, I'll have to find out if they're interested in book donations.
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Post by windysisters on Sept 14, 2017 10:59:40 GMT
I've visited Chirk, but it's not that near or very easy to get to, especially for non-drivers like me. I really hope our reading group can keep going, despite the increasing decrepitude of members. It started 20 years ago. Why don't you ask libraries and book shops in the area to advertise your group? If they have a noticeboard all you would need is a small poster with some contact details on. Also, try asking in supermarkets that have community notice boards - not sure if they charge for all notices but worth asking |
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anzee
Agatha Christie Whodunnit
Posts: 284
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Post by anzee on Sept 14, 2017 14:51:42 GMT
As I mentioned previously, we're going to discuss it at the next meeting. The issue did come up a few years ago, after the first death in the group, but a majority voted against the idea back then. I think the outcome may be different this time and am sure we can find maybe a couple more members without having to advertise. For a start, several of us belong to the Llandudno branch of the Arts Society (formerly NADFAS). Plenty of like-minded people there.
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Post by windysisters on Sept 14, 2017 15:17:54 GMT
I just thought I'd mention it because 3 of the 4 newest members of our group have come via the library. The library-based groups are full and they don't operate a waiting list so they recommend them to independent groups they know of instead.
The 4th of the newest members is a friend of one of the longer standing members - maybe if everyone in your group pledged to invite at least one friend or acquaintance you might swell your numbers - even if you only got a 25% hit rate!
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anzee
Agatha Christie Whodunnit
Posts: 284
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Post by anzee on Sept 14, 2017 19:57:11 GMT
Yes, libraries are certainly a good idea, but I expect we can find people from among acquaintances. I also belong to the Llandudno and Colwyn Bay History Society, so that's another possibility. Some of our members, being elderly, are rather conservative in their ways, so would certainly prefer to invite someone they already know to join, rather than a stranger. In fact, the last time we discussed the possibility of new members, it was voted down (I voted for the motion, by the way) because some ladies were worried that the newbie might not fit in to such a long-established group.
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Post by jen on Sept 16, 2017 12:11:29 GMT
I've noticed that charity bags these days often specify different items they're interested in or don't want. I really need to sort out my books and was intending to add more as swaps, wouldn't you know it. At least I can delay the cull for the time being. Me too.  I was going to add more but never mind |
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vixen1
Agatha Christie Whodunnit
Bookworm, fangirl, historian, biscotti enthusiast!
Posts: 222
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Post by vixen1 on Sept 16, 2017 17:11:12 GMT
I love Llandudno! Used to go every year with Girl Guides and we did everything! My favourite was The Alice Down the Rabbit Hole! Haven't been in years but trying to convince hubby to go for a holiday so I can show off all the places I know! Save |
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anzee
Agatha Christie Whodunnit
Posts: 284
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Post by anzee on Sept 17, 2017 15:00:05 GMT
I fear you'll be disappointed, as the wonderful Rabbit Hole Museum closed in 2010. In addition, Penmorfa on Llandudno's West Shore, the summer home of the Liddell family (later a hotel), was allowed to fall into decay and subsequently demolished in 2008, despite all efforts to save it. The local council, typically, couldn't have cared less - don't get me started on their lack of respect for Llandudno's heritage - and granted planning permission for the site to be used for a development of luxury flats, still not built. It was said there was no evidence that Charles Dodgson (Lewis Carroll) ever visited the place, but local historian and photographer John Lawson-Reay (whom we know personally through the Llandudno History Society) is convinced he did and I believe him. We now have the Alice in Wonderland Town Trails, consisting of 55 bronze-cast rabbit footprints and some hideous sculptures of characters from the book scattered around the town - a very poor substitute for the Rabbit Hole Museum and Penmorfa, in the opinion of many, myself included.
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I was going to add more but never mind