From Janet Kipling, Exeter 383654, August 22, 2008

DEVON'S oldest library-based group for visually impaired people is celebrating its 25^th anniversary this month.

The Dawlish group meets once a month to discuss books that are available on formats suitable for people with sight problems - including CD, cassette, LP and Braille.

Margaret Noel from Dawlish Library, who has worked in the library for 25 years, said: "Over the years we have had some wonderful members of the group including a wartime merchant seaman who kept us entertained with tales of shore leave antics, a Memsahib from the days of the Raj in India, a lady who received a gold medal from the Diabetic Society for being the longest surviving person suffering from glaucoma and diabetic related illnesses, and a guide dog that used to steal our biscuits."

The Royal National Institute of Blind People and Calibre provide multiple copies of one book to help the group discussions. The group also use cassettes and CDs from Devon County Council's Library Service. Around ten members from Teignmouth, Dawlish and Starcross attend, along with two helpers.

Margaret added: "At each meeting we discuss the books everyone has heard over the previous month and recommend or denounce. Members can be quite caustic, especially if the books have 'modern sex' as one lady calls it! Another current member loves a good juicy murder and gets many of her books from America.

"The group is not just about books though. It is a social occasion where people exchange views, discuss new innovations, pass on tips to recently blind or partially sighted and tell new people about other events or groups that are going on.

"One lady commented to me recently that without her books to listen to she would go mad. She has a book in every room in her flat and manages to swap from one to another. Another lady, who is totally blind and loves murder mysteries, always feels lost if I have to cancel a meeting for any reason.

"I have been in the library for over 25 years and retire next March and the one thing I shall really miss will be attending the group meeting once a month."

Over the years the group has hosted evenings for other reading groups from around Devon and this year held a quiz for National Year of Reading in which visually impaired readers were paired with sighted people. The group has in the past made visits to author events at other libraries, and host their own at Dawlish.

Members have also attended Devon County Council's Forum for Older People and added their views to debates on issues affecting them.

Executive Member for Culture, Councillor Sheila Hobden, said: "I always feel very proud of the Devon County Council Library Service when I hear of groups like this, that have become so well-established and such an important part of people's lives and the community. Congratulations to them on their anniversary and long may they continue."

The group meets once a month on the last Thursday at from 7pm. The celebration party will be held on Thursday 4 September at 7pm. Special guests will include Dawlish County Councillor John Clatworthy, former Dawlish librarian Judi Smith who set up the group in 1983 along with Brenda Barnes from the Devon Association for the Blind who has also been invited to attend.