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Newbury care home residents read bedtime stories to local children




Newbury care home residents have been reading well-known bedtime stories to nursery children in a nationwide initiative to encourage more young people to read.

Care UK's Winchcombe Place, in Maple Crescent, welcomed children from Happy Kids Pre-School into the home's lounge for a special retelling of Paddington Bear.

Care UK's Bedtime Stories initiative sees residents across the UK read classic bedtime stories to young children. The campaign, which includes four free videos of residents reading famous stories, ensures children who may not have a grandparent do not miss out on a magical tale before bedtime.

Alma Deaking and Helga Patrikios posing with the children
Alma Deaking and Helga Patrikios posing with the children

At Winchcombe Place, Alma Deaking, 88, and Helga Patrikios, 85, read the tale of the famous bear to the children.

"It was a joy to read to the children," said Mrs Patrikios. "They were all so well behaved and I loved that some of them were dressed as Paddington too."

To help prepare themselves for sharing the story, residents took a day trip to London's Paddington Station to immerse themselves in the life of the famous bear, an invention of Newbury author, Michael Bond.

Winchcombe Place home manager Shirley Summerbell said: "We've had a wonderful time sharing stories here at Winchcombe Place.

"Whether it's Peter Pan flying us to Neverland or Alice taking us down the rabbit hole, children's literature is often the first key to unlocking our imaginations and nurturing a lifelong love of reading. So, it was great to welcome the children from Happy Kids Pre-School to Winchcombe Place.

"We all remember stories told to us as children, often before bedtime, and find comfort in adulthood in these nostalgic memories."

Alma Deaking and Helga Patrikios reading with the children
Alma Deaking and Helga Patrikios reading with the children

She added: "Unfortunately, we know this isn't the case for all children, so we wanted to provide an alternate experience for Newbury children who may not be lucky enough to have someone to read to them.

"Intergenerational relationships and initiatives, like Bedtime Stories, can be incredibly beneficial to both younger and older people alike and can provide residents with a sense of wellbeing and purpose.

"It has been heart-warming to see the residents share stories from their own childhood.

"We look forward to welcoming the children back to Winchcombe Place very soon."

Visit careuk.com/bedtime-stories to watch four Bedtime Stories read by Care UK residents.

Contact customer relations manager Vicki Lambourne on (01635) 783098 or vicki.lambourne@careuk.com to find out more about Winchcombe Place.



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