THE delicate prose of Shakespeare and Chaucer has experienced a renaissance at Bacchus Marsh’s Providence Aged Care over the past few months.
Seven women living at the centre are enrolled in a year-long English literature course, like “a watered down bachelor of arts” they say, through the University of the Third Age.
They are revelling in every word they read and write.
Providence lifestyle assistant Genevieve Jarvinen says the women look forward to their hour-long classes held three times a week.
“It absolutely helps them to remember things and moments from their past, and they’re eager each week to get into class. Often it turns into a two-hour lesson,” she says.
Gladys Humphrey, who turns 99 next month, has lived at Providence for about seven years and says it’s the best program she’s been involved in. “I’m from England and emigrated when I was 64 so I used to write so many letters back home. This has allowed me to get back into letterwriting; it’s given me more confidence.”
Mrs Humphrey grew up in London’s east. Her father was a footballer and after her mother died in childbirth he was left to raise 10 children on his own.
“I had to work early, at about 16. I made beautiful garments in central London for very wealthy people,” she says.
“I was very proud of my work, but I didn’t get to read or write much in my youth. Now I’m able to explore literature and poetry, which is wonderful.”
Fellow resident Elisabeth Vansten said the course had opened up a “whole new world” for her.
“I had read a smattering of poetry in school, but we really didn’t get much time for it back then. The focus was on technical skills like dressmaking.”
The former Castlemaine resident said it had given her a new lease of life.
“When I came to Providence I wondered what on earth I would do with my days because I’m not into sitting at a television all day. I was worried, but this has been a saviour.”
