An 87-year-old care home resident has announced that he will be launching his third published fiction book.

John Bennett celebrated the release of the new book, Design for Life, at Bracknell Library alongside his family and members of the local community.

Following a successful career in the construction industry and as a lecturer at the University of Reading Bennett took his talents to writing fiction novels.

His work at the University of Reading was endorsed by Prime Minister, Margaret Thatcher, as well as his work on the book ‘Trusting the Team’ which still influences the international construction industry today.

The team at John’s home at Bickerton House Care Home put on a special celebration for John to mark the release of the new book.

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!”