The David Vaisey Trust, a registered charity supported entirely by voluntary contributions, administers annual Awards that recognise and reward outstanding initiatives by Gloucestershire public libraries – initiatives that result in more people reading more books. Equally important are the wider social benefits, not least in terms of improved literacy, that the Trust’s activities bring. This year, 2023, will see significant changes in the way these Awards are administered. Click here for details on what was previously known as the Vaisey Prize and here for details of how to contribute to this worthy cause.
PRIZEWINNING LIBRARIES 2024 ANNOUNCED.
2024 marks the first time that the David Vaisey Awards have been expanded to include school libraries and reading initiatives.According to the Head Judge, John Dougherty, submissions had, as ever, presented the judging panel with a very difficult task, but they managed to choose a winning public and school library and recommended that awards be made to the other shortlisted libraries.
The Family Festival public library joint bid won the main prize of £5,000; Cinderford, Moreton-in-Marsh and Chipping Campden Libraries each received £1,000.
Dene Magna School was the worthy inaugural recipient of an award of £5,000; Stratton Primary School, Gloucester Academy and The Shrubberies School also each received £1,000.
For more information on the event and library projects, click here.
A PROGRAMME FOR BOOK LOVERS – BBC BOOK CLUB
Click here to listen as bestselling author and previous Chair of Judges Rachel Joyce joins James Naughtie to answer listener’s questions about her novel, The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry. It’s the moving, heartwarming story of a man who impulsively sets off on a walk from Devon to Northumberland to visit his long lost friend Queenie. With no map, no plan and no walking boots, he tramps across England reflecting on a past life, in particular his troubled relationship with both wife and son.
A TRUST SUPPORTS THE TRUST
Links between the Vaisey Trust and the Honourable Company of Gloucestershire (HCG) were reinforced on Wednesday 2 March when Mark Heywood, HCG Trust Chairman, presented a cheque for £1,500 to his Vaisey counterpart, Jonathan Taylor. Appropriately, the event took place at Matson library – winners of the 2021 David Vaisey Prize. The cheque represents the first instalment in a welcome three-year commitment on the part of the HCG to support the work of the Vaisey Trust. Thank you HCG!
VAISEY JUDGE APPEARS ON BBC RADIO 3’s PRIVATE PASSIONS
On Sunday 14 November Jamila Gavin, previously a Vaisey Prize judge, spoke to Michael Berkeley about her varied career and latter day success as an award-winning writer. Interspersed with an absorbing conversation about her early life in India, her music and television background and some of the serious themes she addresses – even in her children’s stories – are musical choices ranging from Handel, Schubert and Brahms to traditional Indian music. A link to the programme is here.
RACHEL JOYCE LIFTS THE LID ON LIFE, LOVE AND LIBRARIES
Hot on the heels of yet another book prize, Debby Thacker’s predecessor as Chair of Judges, Rachel Joyce, speaks to Vaisey trustee, Sarah Smyth; click here for a transcription of her fascinating interview.
The Trust works with Gloucestershire Library Services, with The Times and The Sunday Times Cheltenham Literature Festival, with national as well as local charities, private trusts and a number of individuals.
For photographs, information about the Charity and queries, please contact Pat Lipinski, Administrator and Secretary to the Trustees: vaiseyawards@gmail.com.
