Tor-Na-Dee celebrates World Poetry Day with resident poet

Home news

Mar 29, 2018

It was time to rhyme at Tor-Na-Dee where residents were joined by the local community to celebrate World Poetry Day.

Residents spent the day reading, writing and sharing some of their favourite poems to mark the event.

Tor-Na-Dee resident Alexander “Sandy” Donald, a published poet, joined the festivities and shared some of his poems with residents, team members and visitors alike.

Sandy was born in Dinnet in 1930 and trained as a plumber. He married Laura Gibbon when he was 27 and they had a son and twin daughters. The family lived in Ballater and later moved to Balmoral where he worked for the queen for 17 years, first as a plumber and then as a Clerk of Works, where he oversaw more than 30 people.

Sandy started writing poetry just before retiring in his 60s. His poetry often focuses on life experiences, including his years in Korea with the Naval Service. Sandy has written four books, which include 42 stories: “Funny Scottish Poems”, “Some Mair o’ Sandy’s poems”, “Sandy Donald’s here again” and “Last book o’ Sandy’s poems”.

Home manager, Maureen Barrett, said: “Our World Poetry Day celebration is a great example of how activity based care at Tor-Na-Dee supports residents to continue enjoying their passions and hobbies. It is remarkable to see how reading poetry aloud can really bring people together and put a smile on the faces of everyone around.

“For older people living with dementia, somebody reading aloud to them – whether it be a poem or short story – can have many therapeutic benefits due to its calming nature. We had a wonderful time celebrating all things poetry with our residents and would like to say a big thank you to Sandy for making the day extra special.”