Time to rhyme at home's poetry celebration

Residents at Darlington Court, in The Leas, will be joining in the annual celebration of rhythmic literature by reading a number of their favourite poems and rhymes aloud.

The Care UK team will open the doors on Monday, March 19, at 10.30am for a morning of word play and rhyming fun.

Storyteller Bernard Tagliavini is the special guest, who will be visiting to read a number of most-loved poems aloud to residents and guests.

Nikki Burke, care home manager, said: “Poems and limericks are something that we have all grown up with, and most people will have a favourite that they can recall from their younger years, so reading these can be a meaningful reminiscence activity.

“For older people living with dementia, somebody reading aloud to them – whether it be a poem or short story – can have many therapeutic benefits.”

In preparation, staff and residents will be going to the library to find a selection of books on limericks and poetry. Residents are also being encouraged to create their own short verses and poems for Care UK’s nationwide poetry competition.