THE WORKS of a poetic care home resident have been celebrated to mark World Poetry Day.
Ambleside care home celebrated the works of published poet Ken Harvey, 91.
The former Managing Director of local construction business Bryants Building Company, Ken rediscovered his love for poetry after he retired.
The book The Nitty Gritty, published in 2000 by the Stratford-upon-Avon writers’ circle, contains five of his poems.
On the day, his poems were read by fellow resident Martin Kenny, who previously wrote articles for the Stratford Observer, and Home Manager Julia Joy.
Ken said: “I always loved poetry and writing poems, but it became a hobby I started to love even more when I retired.”
Julia said: “Many of us were already familiar with Ken’s poems, so it was a pleasure to rediscover them together to mark World Poetry Day.
“For older people, especially those living with dementia, somebody reading aloud – whether it be a poem or short story – can have many therapeutic benefits due to its calming nature.
“Coupled with the fact some of Ken’s poems evoke familiar places, this was the perfect way to reminisce while supporting residents to continue enjoying their passions and hobbies.
“We’d like to say a big thank you to Ken for sharing his works with us, and to Martin for bringing them to life – we’re already looking forward to our next poetry session.”
