Time to rhyme for World Poetry Day at Knebworth

Home news

Mar 09, 2018

Knebworth are 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 team at Knebworth will open its doors from 11am for a day of word play and rhyming fun.

Residents at Knebworth will be celebrating the day by reading a number of their favourite poems and rhymes aloud. Year Five pupils from St Michael’s Primary School will be joining in with the celebrations by sharing their favourite poems with the residents. The team has also organised a talk on The History and Development of Poetry in England, which will be led by Hazel Bell and Diana Holt.

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, Vera Moreira-Henocq, explained why Knebworth 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.”