A story that’s plot on – Bracknell care home residents share stories with local children

Residents at a care home in Bracknell have been reading well-known bedtime stories to local school children as part of a nationwide initiative.

Bracknell may seem a little quieter than usual after residents from Care UK’s Bickerton House, on Warfield Road, visited Wooden Hill Primary School for a special storytelling session in the school’s book nook, a brand-new treehouse library. 

The residents and pupils have an ongoing relationship, initially becoming pen pals back in October 2022. Residents now regularly visit the school for intergenerational activity sessions and to catchup with their young friends. 

During this special session, the residents told anecdotes of their favourite memories and stories from their lives complete with voices, which kept the pupils very entertained. 

Resident John Bennett who is a published author, recounted a visit to Las Vegas where he saw a magician make a tiger disappear on stage. He said: “The visit was well organised, and the children were remarkably confident. One of my pen pals gave me a warm greeting and shook my hand when I arrived. We had a very enjoyable game of chess and rummy cub before we headed to the Book Nook. 

“I enjoyed telling the children about the tiger magic trick – it is something I’ve not forgotten to this day!”

Erika Smith, Home Manager at Bickerton House, added: “We were delighted to be invited Wooden Hill Primary School to read stories to the pupils. 

“This special visit gave residents a brilliant opportunity to build on their relationships with their young friends.  Not only did the residents enjoy the opportunity to meet the pupils once again, but the visit also helped them to give something back to their pen pals. Activities such as these are incredibly beneficial for all ages as they prompt conversation and positive emotions.

“We would like to thank Wooden Hill Primary School for hosting us and making us feel so welcome. The residents thoroughly enjoyed telling stories to the children.”

Care UK has created the Bedtime Stories initiative which sees residents across the UK read classic bedtime stories to young children. The campaign, which includes the launch of four free videos of residents reading famous stories, ensures children who may not have a grandparent do not miss out on a magical tale before bedtime.

To watch four Bedtime Stories read by Care UK residents, or for more information about the Bedtime Stories initiative, visit: careuk.com/bedtime-stories

Bickerton House has been designed to encourage residents to live active and fulfilling lives, while remaining as independent as possible in a safe environment. The state-of-the-art care home provides full-time residential, nursing and specialist dementia care and features a bar and café, cinema, hair salon, activities room and garden.

For more information about Bickerton House, please call Customer Relations Manager, Jo Anderson on 01344 989943, email Jo.Anderson@careuk.com, or visit careuk.com/bickerton-house