Mary Poppins and Tigger Bounce into Keymer Hall for World Book Day Celebration

Keymer Hall welcomed its youngest visitors for a joyful World Book Day celebration that brought together generations through the magic of storytelling.

Children from Dicker House Pre-School joined residents in the garden on a beautiful sunny morning, with everyone dressed in their favourite book character costumes. Mary Poppins arrived carpet bag in hand, while Tigger bounced around spreading smiles – alongside an array of beloved characters brought to life by children, residents, and staff alike.

World Book Day, celebrated annually on the first Thursday in March, encourages people of all ages to share their love of reading and discover new books. This year’s event at Keymer Hall took that mission to heart, with residents and children reading together, chatting about favourite stories, and creating memories that will last far beyond the pages of any book.

Christine Bunce, Home Manager at Keymer Hall, said, “Watching our residents light up when the children arrived was absolutely beautiful. There’s something special about seeing a child choose to sit with one of our residents and share a story together. These moments remind us why intergenerational connections matter so much – the joy goes both ways. Our residents were talking about it for hours afterwards, and many of them have already asked when the children can visit again.”

The benefits of bringing young and old together are well documented. For older adults, spending time with children can lift mood, spark memories, and encourage conversation and social engagement. For children, these interactions build confidence, empathy, and respect for older generations while breaking down stereotypes about ageing and care homes.

Helen, Head of Lifestyle and Wellbeing at Keymer Hall, added, “Reading and storytelling are wonderful for keeping minds active, they support memory, language skills, and creativity. But when you combine that with intergenerational connection, the impact multiplies. You see residents who might usually be quiet become animated, sharing stories from their own childhoods. The children gain so much too – they learn patience, kindness, and that older people have fascinating stories to tell. It’s exactly what our Life Enrichment Programme is all about: creating meaningful experiences that bring purpose, connection, and genuine joy.”

The Life Enrichment Programme at Boutique Care Homes is built around six principles of wellbeing: Contribute, Grow, Reflect, Feel, Move, and Connect. Events like World Book Day celebrations tick multiple boxes – fostering social connection, encouraging mental stimulation, and creating opportunities for residents to contribute to younger lives through shared wisdom and companionship.

Intergenerational programmes have been shown to reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation in older adults while giving children positive role models and broader perspectives on life. At Keymer Hall, these connections aren’t one-off events but part of an ongoing relationship with the local community.

“We believe care is more than just a service, it’s about creating a home where every chapter is celebrated and everyone feels they belong,” Christine added. “Days like this prove it. Care so good, it’s unexpected.”