Stockland Bundoora Retirement Village resident Beryl McGovern has kick started a new career as a published author, showing that age is no barrier to success.

 

Motivated by the recent passing of her husband who had encouraged Beryl with the project, the 83 year old grandmother’s literary debut is the self- published children’s picture book called “34 Cumquats”. The story was born out of her recollections of collecting cumquats with her 4 year old grandson, teaching him to count and then making jam from the fruit.

 

A family friend was paid to do the illustrations and fellow village residents Ron and Marilyn Pearce generously donated the cost of printing from his own pocket when the quote for professional printing had threatened the completion of the project.

 

When the first 100 books sold out another 100 were printed with Beryl donating all proceeds from the sales to the charity Literacy for Life Foundation which helps indigenous Australians to read and write. “Some of my fondest memories are of reading books to my grandchildren and I’m hoping my support can ensure Indigenous Australian grandparents are able to read to their younger generation too” Beryl said. To date she has donated over $2000.

 

Beryl has completely sold out her two orders of “34 Cumquats” and is seeking sponsorship or donations from families or local businesses to help fund another order of books.

The books sell for $10 each with each printing order raising $1000 for charity. To support Beryl’s project, email [email protected]