Poole care home celebrates World Poetry Day

A resident at a care home in Poole who has a passion for all things verse is celebrating World Poetry Day by sharing her deep love for the art.

Ann Scriven, who lives at Care UK’s The Potteries, in Broadstone, has now published her first poetry book, with a bit of help from the team. 

Ann, 94, has always had a love for writing and poetry. Her first poem was written for her mother when she was a young girl, and later for her father in 1980 titled ‘To a Loving Father’.

Throughout her career as an infant school teacher, working with children between four and seven years old, Ann dedicated her time to sharing her love of poetry and writing with pupils.

She also spent four and a half years working with children of the British Forces in Germany through the British Forces Education Services (BFES) and later taught in Winchester before moving to Warwickshire, where was promoted to a peripatetic supply head teacher.

Still at 94, Ann continues to write and share her words with others, with no sign of her passion fizzling out. Her new book features 11 poems, which have been written about the staff at The Potteries, peace and her late father, and can be found in reception for all visitors to enjoy.  

She said: “I’ve written poems for as long as I can remember! It’s something that brings me a lot of happiness, and I’m pleased I can still enjoy it after all these years.”

Ann is beginning to write poems about dementia to add to her poetry book, ahead of Dementia Action Week in May, with the aim of raising money for a dementia charity close to her heart. 

Zita Turner, Home Manager at The Potteries, said: “One of the greatest joys of The Potteries is discovering the unique passions residents bring with them. Ann’s love of poetry is something she shares so generously, and it inspires everyone around her. Watching her light up when she talks about her writing, and seeing how others respond to her words, is truly special.

“Reading – or simply listening to – poetry has plenty of therapeutic benefits for older people, increasing social interaction, promoting creativity and increasing relaxation. Poems also encourage residents to reminisce and share memories from their younger days as they reflect on the writing.

“I’d like to extend a huge thank you to Ann for sharing her inspiring and thought-provoking words – we’re already looking forward to reading her next piece.”

The Potteries offers full-time residential, nursing and dementia care, as well as short-term respite care. The home has been designed to enable residents to lead active and fulfilling lives in a luxury environment and boasts plenty of space – both indoors and out – for relaxation and recreation.