Plot on – Ferndown care home hosts special storytelling session

Residents at a care home in Ferndown have been reading classic children’s books to a local nursery to mark National Storytelling Week.  

92-year-old Pat O’Riordan and 81-year-old Lesley Pond, residents at Care UK’s Ferndown Manor, on Golf Links Road, visited Muddy Puddle nursery to share their love of reading with the children. 

On the day, Pat and Lesley each found a book nook in the nursery to read their favourite classics from children’s literature, ‘The Runaway Pea and The Acorn Oak Tree’, as well as books handpicked by the children themselves 

After the storytelling session, residents and children sat together to discuss the stories they’d just read and share memories and life anecdotes.

Commenting on the afternoon, Lesley said: “I loved being around the children, who were very friendly and inquisitive. The children loved hearing the stories, they all sat very calmly and quietly.”

Sara Muslin, Home Manager at Ferndown Manor, said: “We’ve loved visiting the children at Muddy Puddles Nursery into our home to celebrate National Storytelling Week. Pat and Lesley’s love of reading knows no bounds, so it meant a lot to them to be able to share this with the children. 

“Intergenerational relationships have proven to be highly beneficial for all involved, as they offer residents a form of companionship and a stronger sense of purpose. It’s also given Pat and Lesley a great opportunity to reminisce about reading their own children and grandchildren stories before bedtime.

“We are excited to carry on our relationship with Muddy Puddles Nursery and visit them again soon!” 

Ferndown Manor has been designed to deliver the very best standards of care and enable residents to lead active and fulfilling lives in a luxury environment. The home provides full-time residential, nursing and dementia care, as well as short-term respite care, with the layout providing plenty of space – both indoors and out – for relaxation and recreation.