87-year-old care home resident publishes his third book

A care home resident in Bracknell is celebrating after he officially launched his third published fiction book.

John Bennett, who lives at Care UK’s Bickerton House on Warfield Road, was joined by members of the local community for a book launch party after publishing his third book, Design for Life, at the age of 87. 

John Bennett had a successful career in the construction industry before becoming a professor of Quantity Surveying at The University of Reading. His research centre published many influential reports, including ‘Investing in Building 2001’ endorsed by Prime Minister, Margaret Thatcher; and ‘Trusting the Team’ which still influences international construction today.

Between 1985 and 2012, he wrote four influential books describing the current theory and best practice of construction management including ‘Construction - The Third Way’.

Since he retired, he has turned to writing novels; ‘Design for Life’ is his third book following the success of ‘A Golden Future’ and ‘Heaven on Earth’.

‘Design for Life’ describes a significant stage in the life of Jake Brown, who is very talented architect at the beginning of his career. Life for Jake changes dramatically when he produces an outstanding design for a building to house the science department of the local university. The resulting media attention leads to one of Britain’s leading architects, Sir Andrew Zain, inviting Jake to work with him in London.

The team at Bickerton House wanted to put on a special celebration for John so decided to host an official book launch. They invited members of the local community including Bracknell Library, John’s publishers as well as family and friends for the special celebration.  

The Head Chef prepared a special buffet, canapés and prosecco for everyone to enjoy. 

John said: “The inspiration for ‘Design for Life’ was my life-long love of great architecture and the issues arising around sustainability. 

“The book took about a year to write from the first ideas to sending the finished product to my publishers.

“I love writing because it really gives me time to think and re-think serious questions that interest me.”

“‘Design for Life’ challenged me to think about my own life and my children, my grandchildren and that my wife and I have been lucky enough to help them grow up into happy adults.”

Jo Anderson, Customer Relations Manager at Bickerton House, said: “We were thrilled when we heard John had published his third fiction book and we knew we had to organise something to celebrate the launch.

“Here at Bickerton House, we are always looking at ways to help residents celebrate important milestones and after some thought the team decided to organise an official book launch party – the perfect way to celebrate John’s new book and all his achievements. 

“I’d like to thank all the team for organising such a brilliant event for John. I’d also like to say congratulations to John for publishing his new book. We all can’t wait to read it!” 

For more information about Bickerton House, please call Customer Relations Manager, Jo Anderson on 01344 989943, email Jo.Anderson@careuk.com

Bickerton House has been designed to encourage residents to live active and fulfilling lives, while remaining as independent as possible in a safe environment. The state-of-the-art care home provides full-time residential, nursing and specialist dementia care and features a bar and café, cinema, hair salon, activities room and garden.