Reading Bus launches Doric books

In 2007 Aberdeen City Council’s ‘Reading Bus’ sent out an appeal for writers to contribute poems in North East Scots – the Doric – for children aged 8-14 years. The venture turned out to be a great success with over 200 entries received, written by individuals variously aged 14 to 92. An editorial committee then met and selected 47 poems to be published as a book which is entitled ‘Fit Like, Yer Majesty?’ and which is illustrated by Bob Dewar. The book will be launched at a one day event to be held at Fyvie Castle on Thursday 11 September 2008. Copies can be purchased for £6.99 by contacting www.readingbus.co.uk but the book will also be available through some retail outlets.

In addition to this launch, and building upon the success of the venture, Reading Bus, in partnership with Aberdeenshire and Moray Councils, and the University of Aberdeen, are now inviting more entries for a similar Doric book aimed at 3-8 year olds which will appear in spring 2009. Anyone interested should send poems between 4 and 8 lines in length, along with name and contact details, either by e-mail: Doric@aberdeen-education.org.uk or by post to The Reading Bus Depot, Kittybrewster School, Great Northern Road, Aberdeen AB24 3QG by the deadline of 30 September 2008. The editorial committee will meet in October and inform successful entries soon after. Successful poets will have a choice of either £40 payment and a copy of the forthcoming book or five copies of the book. Profits will be spent preparing future works in Doric and authors will retain copyright.

The Reading Bus team has developed a whole series of learning experiences to be used in conjunction with the Doric poems, and activities, along with training sessions for staff, will be taking place throughout schools and the community from September 2008.