Book Clubs Flourishing

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BookClubIconThe parish has 3 flourishing book clubs, one in Hodnet, another in Marchamley, and the third in Peplow. Maureen Howell chatted with the coordinators for each of the clubs and provides the following update:
Hodnet Book Club is a well established group which has been running for about 5 years and has members from Hodnet and Wollerton. There are usually 5-8 members in attendance at each meeting. Members meet in each other’s homes on Tuesday or Wednesday evenings from 7:30 pm to about 9:30 pm. The format usually entails a brief chat about the book followed by plenty of social chat. The host for the evening supplies tea, coffee and a cake or biscuits. No-one is under pressure to host a meeting, with some members happy to host in lieu of others. The public library selects the books for the group each month and the group pays £36 per annum for the privilege of loaning books. The reading material has included poetry, autobiographies, modern and classic literature. Group members have attended a film version of books they have read and are discussing a trip away inspired by their reading of Tracy Chevaliers historical novel, Girl with a Pearl Earring. For further information contact Sally Underwood 01630-685286 or email The Peplow Book Club was formed in April 2015 and consists of 7-8 members who gather together on the fourth Wednesday of every month. The group has membership of the public library service and chooses books from a list supplied to them. The book club meets in member’s own homes and any of the members can offer hospitality. The format includes a discussion of the chosen book for perhaps 45 mins. followed by a social chat. Over recent months members have read a range of novels, some historical and others more contemporary such as A Thousand Splendid Suns and The Secret Life of Bees. The group is very informal and friendly and welcomes new members. They have discussed a cinema trip to see a film version of a book club book. Enquiries to Sally Wilson 07722-589440 or email Marchamley Book Club is also a recently formed group. The group meets at 7:30 pm on the second Thursday of the month at Marchamley Club. Meetings attract 6-12 members and continue till around 9:30pm. Members buy or loan books and these are sometimes shared between readers. Amongst the books read by members are The Book Thief, Sycamore Row, Gone Girl, and Room. Members discuss the books for up to 45 mins. followed by a social chat over a drink from the bar. Members are discussing organising a visit to see a film version of Room. For further information contact Karen Powell on 01630-685325, Karen Marley 01630-685235 or email All three book clubs are listed on our Monthly Events page.