Once upon a time: Banbury care home residents celebrate National Storytelling Week with local children

Residents at a care home in Banbury have been reading classic children’s books with local nursery pupils to celebrate National Storytelling Week.

Sharing their love of reading, residents from Care UK’s Seccombe Court, on Gardner Way, welcomed children from Giggles and Wiggles into the home to read some beloved stories together as part of the nationwide initiative.

Ready for some tall tales, the children sat with the residents, who had been practicing their character voices, to enjoy a retelling of classic children’s tales including Beauty and the Beast and Topsy and Tim. Everyone also enjoyed a puppet and a marionette show, led by activity team member, Tom Ellis.

Commenting on the afternoon, Sylie Brice, said: “We had so much fun! I used to be a teacher, and it was wonderful to be able to read stories to children again.”

Wojciech Kuczkowski, Home Manager at Seccombe Court, said: “We’ve had a wonderful week of storytelling here at Seccombe Court. Children’s literature can help to unlock our imaginations and nurture a lifelong love of reading, so it was great to welcome Giggles and Wiggles into the home.

“Intergenerational relationships can be incredibly beneficial to both younger and older people alike and can help provide residents with a stronger sense of wellbeing and purpose. It was heartwarming to see the residents reminiscing over their favourite childhood stories and characters.

“We’re already looking forward to welcoming the children back to Seccombe Court very soon!”

Seccombe Court is a state-of-the-art care home, designed to deliver the very best standard of care and to enable residents to live active and fulfilled lives. The home offers a range of services, including residential, nursing, dementia and short-term respite care.