Time to rhyme for World Poetry Day at Abney Court

Home news

Mar 14, 2018

Abney Court is preparing to celebrate World Poetry Day on Wednesday 21st March.

Residents have got their poetry books at the ready and are looking forward to being joined by local high school students for World Poetry Day later this month.

World Poetry Day is an annual celebration of rhythmic literature and promotes the reading, writing, publishing and teaching of poetry throughout the world. The day will be topped off with a performance from local amateur dramatics groups Chads Theatre in Cheadle Hulme and the Stockport Garrick Theatre, reciting a varied selection of poems

In preparation for the event, residents will be joined by students from a creative writing group at The Kingsway School in Cheadle who will be creating eight poems based on residents’ memories.

Students will also work with residents to shape a collaborative poem about life at Abney Court.  All pieces will then be read aloud to the residents by the students themselves on World Poetry Day.

Residents are also being encouraged to put pen to paper to create their own short verses and poems to enter into Care UK’s poetry competition, which is taking place nationwide to mark World Poetry Day.

Home manager Tracy Mitchell explained why Abney Court care home is taking part in World Poetry Day: “Poems and limericks are something that we have all grown up with, and most people will have a favourite that they can recall from their younger years, so reading these can be a meaningful reminiscence activity.

“For older people living with dementia, somebody reading aloud to them – whether it be a poem or short story – can have many therapeutic benefits. Not only is it calming, but it is also helpful for people with restricted eyesight, and soothing for those who are less able to communicate.

“Poetry is a great way to express emotions and memories, and writing your own verses is an enjoyable activity for all the family. We are delighted to be joined by a local school for a day of rhyming fun!”