Intergenerational Book Buddies Finish School Year on a High

Intergenerational Book Buddies Finish School Year on a High

There has been excitement for bookworms young and old in Didsbury as intergenerational reading friends, the Book Buddies, enjoy a special celebration featuring a meet and greet with children’s author, Liz Kessler.

The Emily Windsnap writer was guest of honour at Belong Morris Feinmann as its residents played host to pupils from neighbouring Moor Allerton Preparatory School for their final meet up of the school year.

Readers relished the chance to interview their favourite author and take the opportunity for photographs before receiving signed gifted copies of Valley of the Kings, the newest release in the popular fantasy series. The group then came together over sweet treats to share their learnings from the experience.

Belong Morris Feinmann resident, Pauline Pike, said: "I think it's fantastic. I think we both learn something from each other; the children learn from us, and we certainly learn from them.”

Evaluating the Book Buddies end of year bash, one pupil said: “I didn’t know what the party at Belong would be like! We had ice cream, played balloon games and chatted with the residents. I showed them my artwork and it made me proud.”

The initiative was established as part of a longstanding relationship between the not-for-profit dementia specialist and the preparatory school which has seen numerous events together in recent years, including music sessions, birthday parties, and singing at Christmas and Chanukah.

Since September, youngsters have been popping in weekly to meet with their older friends, catch up, and develop their literary skills, whilst the visits help challenge stereotypes associated with old age.

Angela Luckett, experience and cultural coordinator at Belong Morris Feinmann, explains the benefits for residents: “Our customers really look forward to hosting our guests. They share their news updates, impart their skills and life experience and it really gives them a sense of purpose, particularly for those without grandchildren or family living nearby.

“It’s been marvellous having Liz with us to round off what has been a fantastic year, and we are grateful to her for her time and enthusiasm. As many of the children move on to high school, it’s not the end, of course, we are here for the community and the children will always be welcome here.”

Pictured: Didsbury's Book Buddies welcome author Liz Kessler (centre, left) to Belong Morris Feinmann care village