A QUIET corner of Salisbury has been given a meaningful new landmark, as the city came together to celebrate a decade of shared stories, poetry and community spirit.

Mayor of Salisbury Cllr John Wells marked ten years of the city’s shared reading group by unveiling a plaque beside a newly planted silver birch tree in The Maltings last Thursday (23 April).

The celebration also featured a selection of poems, read aloud in the same spirit that has defined the group for the past decade.

The group, which meets regularly at Salisbury Library, was first set up for people living with memory loss under the Reader Organisation.

When that support came to an end, organisers Dickie Bellringer and Judith Kennard made the decision to continue independently – opening the sessions to everyone in the community.

Dickie said: “Judith and myself are really pleased that we decided to carry on all those years ago because I know the members who attend enjoy the sessions.

“We provide a piece of prose and some poems, which participants can relax and listen to and then read aloud themselves if they wish – although there is no pressure put on anyone.

“It is a friendly, non-judgemental group and there is always a lot of laughter.

“We are very grateful for the support given by Philip and all library staff over the years.”

Among those attending the anniversary event was Philip Tomes, Wiltshire Library development and communities manager, who was library manager in Salisbury when the group first began.

Over the years, the sessions have grown into a welcoming space for people of all backgrounds, offering a chance to connect, reflect and enjoy literature in a relaxed setting.

The group remains open to anyone, with no booking required and no prior knowledge of poetry needed.

Sessions take place on the second and fourth Thursday of each month from 11am to around 12.15pm in The Lounge on the first floor of Salisbury Library.

As the newly planted tree takes root in The Maltings, it stands as a lasting symbol of a group that continues to bring people together through the simple power of words.