Abney Court gets into character for World Read Aloud Day

Home news

Feb 27, 2017

Abney Court hit the books when it took part in this year’s World Read Aloud Day.

Residents from Abney Court were joined by family, friends and the local community for three film screenings of a short film created by Care UK featuring international Storyteller Laureate, Taffy Thomas MBE.

Filmed at Abney Court, it features Taffy, the patron of The Society for Storytelling, providing top tips for reading aloud to older people. Members of the Abney Court team were also in the film, giving expert advice, and residents shared their favourite childhood stories.

As part of the celebration, the Care UK team dressed up as characters from iconic stories including Dorothy from the ‘Wizard of Oz’, the Mad Hatter from ‘Alice in Wonderland’ and an Oompa Loompa from ‘Charlie and the Chocolate Factory’.

The home also set up reading aloud spaces throughout the day including a poetry corner, short story area and there was an audio book playing in the family room.

Home manager, Tracy Mitchell, said: “World Read Aloud Day was a great success at Abney Court, the residents in the film loved seeing themselves on the big screen, and everyone rallied together to take part in reading aloud activities throughout the day.   

“The whole team really embraced the theme and got into character – Cruella Deville and the Cat in the Hat were walking around the corridors at Abney Court! We hope that people in Cheadle will take up reading aloud to friends and family, and share the many benefits that can be enjoyed by all.”