I found this on the Grandparent site I belong to. I thought you might find it particularly interesting Michael.
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Learn to write and tell stories with Bookbite
Nancy Duin 4 February 2010
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Want to take up writing, research your family tree or learn how to tell stories to your grandchildren? Here's a new way to help you start.

Kate Kinsella (right) – grandmother of nine and great-grandmother of five – published her autobiography at the age of 85. Writing has always been a passion for the retired nurse, but it wasn't until she was 70 that she wrote her first life story – of a friend. To make her writing more satisfying, she signed up for a computer course at an Open Age Centre in London, where she lives, and now visits her local UK online centre twice a week, emailing friends and family abroad.

According to Booktrust, the independent reading charity, many people over 60 are, like Kate, keen to write their memoirs or write fiction or research their family tree but are unsure where to start. They also, say Booktrust, feel that they haven't got the skills or confidence to use computers and explore writing and reading possibilities online.

Bookbite
So Booktrust have come up with a project that they hope will change all this: Bookbite. Through this, they want to encourage England's over-60s to discover new authors and genres, try a range of creative writing activities and interact with others online to share stories and book reviews.

The free Bookbite magazine is available, in England only, from more than 175 organisations (including Age Concern), libraries and UK online centres. It can also be downloaded from the Bookbite website (see below). Celebrated writers such as TV and radio poet Pam Ayres, former poet laureate Andrew Motion and crime writer Val McDermid have contributed stories and poems, and there's lots of useful advice, support and competitions.

And of particular interest to grandparents, the magazine contains an article giving story-telling tips to help you share stories with children.

A useful BeGrand.net link
You and your family history – pass it on
In her blog, Keri tells how she wrote her life story for the two twin granddaughters she's raising

Some useful websites
Bookbite
www.bookbite.org.uk
Includes short stories, poetry, an online writing club and a reading group, book lists, 'How to' guides, downloadable activity sheets, competitions and an online writer in residence.

Digital Unite – home tutors
http://tutors.digitalunite.com/
Sends professional computer tutors to your home to help you learn on your own computer. The service isn't usually free (but investigate Get Digital if you or a learner you know lives in sheltered housing and may qualify for free tutoring).

UK online centres
www.ukonlinecentres.com
The more than 6,000 UK online centres provide people with access to computers and the internet, together with help and advice on how to use them.


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