Reading Holiday

In association with Bloom Reading Holidays

Ten books, led discussions, convivial company, good food, fine wine, stunning scenery, relaxed surroundings, entertaining hosts – what more could you ask of an easy-going late summer holiday with a bit of intellectual stimulation?

Catriona Taylor and Stuart Delves ran Bloom Reading Holidays in North Wales and Southern Scotland between 1994 and 1999. Modeled, initially, on courses at the Arvon Foundation’s Totleigh Barton (which Stuart ran for three years) Bloom’s relaxed yet focused formula in congenial surroundings struck a chord with readers all over the UK and beyond and indeed became an annual fixture for many. The perfect holiday for both singles and couples who love reading and talking about books. They wound up the venture in 1999 after losing three parents in 20 months – an emotionally wracking time.

Having had a pre-motherhood career as a theatre director (with a stint at the Royal Court Theatre) Catriona went on to study painting and drawing at Edinburgh College of Art and is now a professional artist whose work features landscape, text and poetry. She remains an avid reader, is never without a book on the go, and is a member of two book groups in Scotland. She has also recently worked as a Literature Development Officer in both Dumfries and Newcastle.

Stuart set up his own writing company in Edinburgh, is the author of a book on Scotch Whisky and, in 2004, set up residential creative writing for business courses, which trade under the name Dark Angels. It was through running the advanced Dark Angels course in Andalucia that Stuart met Sam and Jeannie Chesterton and came to Finca Buen Vino. “If ever there was a place to revive the Reading Holidays,” he thought, “It’s here, at Buen Vino.”

So, 12 years on, come to Andalucia in late September - when there’s still heat in the sun, water in the pool and chestnuts on the trees – and enjoy reading in the shade and discussing books overlooking the richly scented, densely wooded Sierra de Aracena. Catriona and Stuart have set a reading list of ten books – some classics, some fairly hot off the press – which, hopefully, people can have read before coming. They will lead discussions on each; ask everyone to share their responses; then open the floor for general discussion. Outside of the formal sessions there will be plenty of time to read and chat, swim and walk, visit nearby Aracena and, of course, enjoy Jeannie’s wonderful meals and Sam’s hilarious tales.