Dorset care homes hold Roald Dahl-inspired reading sessions

Two care homes in Dorset hosted reading sessions with local children in celebration of Roald Dahl Day.  

The teams at Care UK’s Ferndown Manor, on Golf Links Road, and The Potteries, on York Road, held activities, reading sessions and Willy Wonka themed lunches for local children. 

Residents at The Potteries welcomed children from Broadstone Christian Nursery for a special reading session, which featured much-loved tales from Roald Dahl. As part of the session, youngsters eagerly awaited the turning of each page as they enjoyed stories read by residents, before taking part in themed arts and crafts activities inspired by the author’s classic tales.

Team members and residents at Ferndown Manor visited Parley First School for a special reading lesson with students, with residents listening to the students read parts of their favourite Roald Dahl stories, including George’s Marvellous Medicine and Matilda. Residents and children also spent time chatting about their favourite books as well as bonding over their shared love for reading. 

Lorraine Neal, aged 79, a resident at Ferndown Manor said: “I loved spending time with the children. My grandchildren used to go to Parley First School, so I have lots of fond memories.”

The Potteries resident, Jane Hargreaves, aged 93, said: “It's important to read to youngsters as it exposes them to new words and ways of using language.” Sheila la Riviere, aged 88, added: “it brought back wonderful memories of when I would read to my children.”

Zita Turner, Home Manager at The Potteries, said: “We had a wonderful time hosting the children for our Roald Dahl-themed reading session. Reading is a wonderful way for residents to connect with the younger generations, and residents loved seeing the children enjoy the stories and using their imagination in the craft sessions.” 

Sara Muslin, Home Manager at Ferndown Manor, said: “We’re always thinking about new and exciting intergenerational activities for residents to enjoy – and Roald Dahl Day provided the perfect opportunity to do just that. These timeless stories can be enjoyed by everyone, no matter their age.

The residents were thrilled to help the children at Parley First School with their reading lesson, which brought back happy memories of reading with their own children and grandchildren. 

“Thank you to our friends at Parley First School for inviting us to be part of your lesson – we hope to see you again very soon!”

The Potteries and Ferndown Manor have been designed to deliver the very best standards of care and to enable residents to live active and fulfilled lives in a luxury environment. The homes provide full-time residential care, nursing care, dementia care and respite care and also boast plenty of space – both indoors and out, for relaxation and recreation.