Shared stories are link between generations
Community-conscious pupils at a Perthshire school are to give a fascinating insight into the lives of some of the region’s senior citizens as part of a special project.
Youngsters at Blairgowrie St Stephen’s RC Primary School interviewed residents at the town’s Beech Manor Care Home recently during National Storytelling Week.
And the children will present the stories and memories back to the people they were partnered with using art and drama in March to mark Intergenerational Week.
Janet Melville (81) entertained Kian Donnelly with the romantic story of her life with her late husband of 50 years, Roy.
P6 pupil Kian (10) had a special interest in this story after striking up a great friendship during weekly visits before Roy passed away in December last year.
Retired joiner Dave Hunnam (72) was paired with P5 pupil Antoni Kryger (10) and told of his fond memories of meeting his wife and tales of adventures from all over the world, including a trip to the Seychelles.
Krystyna Suchomska (10) from primary five is looking forward to re-telling
Beryl Linford’s life story, from the eighty-twoyear-old’s favourite food – Mars Bars – to her time selling homemade knitted jumpers to American tourists visiting the Pictish stones in her native Meigle.
Maureen Thomson (89) shared her story with P7 pupil Maya Suchomska, the current Blairgowrie and Rattray young person of the year.
Eleven-year-old Maya will recount Maureen’s memories of being a mother to a family of three children and her time as a teacher for those with additional support needs.
The project is part of a successful ongoing partnership between St Stephen’s and the Blairgowrie care home, which is managed by Renaissance Care.
Now in its fourth year, the partnership sees pupils visit the home weekly, providing pupils with an alternative learning environment.
Sheila Baxter, activities co-ordinator at Beech Manor, said:“The residents love sharing their stories with the children during their weekly visit, so National Storytelling Week gave us a great opportunity to work together and use these stories as an educational experience for the kids.
“Interacting and sharing with the children is such a cherished part of the resident’s life at Beech Manor and they are really looking forward to seeing their stories brought to life by their friends at St Stephen’s in March.”
Simon McKell, head teacher at St Stephen’s, said:“When speaking to the children about their experiences in school and what they enjoy most, the visits to Beech Manor Care Home are consistently at the forefront.
“Our pupils and the residents have developed real friendships, which offer both parties a different perspective on life.
“The children have loved listening to the stories by Dave, Beryl, Janet and Maureen, and are looking forward to retelling their tales through art, drama and story-writing, and presenting them back to their friends at the care home at Intergenerational Week in March.”