Time to rhyme for World Poetry Day at Darlington Court

Home news

Mar 13, 2018

Darlington Court is inviting the local community to join residents in celebrating World Poetry Day on Wednesday 21st March.

World Poetry Day is an annual celebration of rhythmic literature and promotes the reading, writing, publishing and teaching of poetry throughout the world. This year, the Care UK team at Darlington Court will open its doors on Monday 19th March from 10.30am for a morning of word play and rhyming fun.

Residents at Darlington Court care home will be celebrating the day by reading a number of their favourite poems and rhymes aloud. In preparation for the event, the Care UK team and residents will be going to the local library to find a selection of books on limericks and poetry, and special guest storyteller Bernard Tagliavini will be visiting the home on 19th March to read a number of most loved poems aloud to residents and guests.  

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, Nikki Burke, explained why Darlington 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 hope that the local community will join us in sharing their favourite rhymes or creating their own poems to read aloud to their loved ones.”