A new chapter of fun: Youngsters and care home residents in Bristol celebrate World Book Day

Residents at Care UK’s Ladden View, in Yate, and Trymview Hall in Westbury-on-Trym, were joined by local youngsters to celebrate their love of books.

To mark the special day, Ladden View was joined by children from Happy Days nursery who dressed up as their favourite characters and brought along their most-loved books, including “Little Tiger”, for the residents to read to them at circle time. The children also took part in arts and craft activities with the residents to make bookmarks.

In addition, Ladden View launched a book station in the home’s reception to donate books to the pupils at North Road Primary School. In total, the home donated 50 books.

Over at Trymview Hall, residents dressed up as their favourite book characters and headed to Badocks Wood community School where they read books to the students.

Commenting on the afternoon, Trymview Hall resident Pamela, 92, said: “It was lovely to dress up in my Harry Potter outfit. All the children recognised it. I was amazed at how good the children could read. I really enjoyed spending time with such lovely boys and girls, they made us feel very welcome.”

Sarah Daly, Home Manager at Ladden View, said: “The residents at Ladden View look forward to having the children here and we were delighted to celebrate World Book Day with Happy Days nursery.

“We are always looking for innovative ways to involve residents in activities and encourage new friendships, and this session was a great opportunity to create special bonds across the generations.”

Nicole Anderson, Home Manager at Trymview Hall, added: “The residents truly enjoyed dressing up in their costumes as their favourite characters. They had a wonderful time reading their beloved books, and it was heartwarming to see the children engaged in reading as well.

“Intergenerational relationships can be incredibly beneficial for both younger and older people and can provide residents with a sense of wellbeing and purpose—so we would like to extend our thanks to Badocks Wood Community School for welcoming us.”

Ladden View and Trymview Hall are state-of-the-art care homes which provide full-time residential and specialist dementia care, as well as short-term respite care. The Care UK homes incorporate plenty of space for leisure activities and hobbies, and include a cinema, café, and hair and beauty salon.