Chartwell House Resident Launches Debut Book with Local Schoolchildren on World Book Day

World Book Day at Chartwell House in Broadstairs was a truly memorable occasion this year, as residents, team members, and visiting schoolchildren came together to celebrate the launch of resident Gerald Gold’s debut children’s book, Two Tree Island.

Inspired by his lifelong love of reading and the sea and dedicated to great-granddaughter Willow, Gerald’s adventure story follows young explorers William and Anne-Marie as they join the spirited Captain Salt on a daring voyage to a mysterious island. Along the way, they encounter excitement, friendship, and nautical intrigue — a tale that has already captured the imaginations of residents, team members, and local children alike.

To mark the special occasion, over thirty pupils from Cliftonville Primary School, Newington Community Primary School and Bromstone Primary School visited Chartwell House to meet Gerald and join residents for a joyful day of storytelling and shared reading. Gerald, dressed as Captain Salt, read aloud from his book, bringing the seafaring adventure to life for his young audience. The children were captivated by the story, while residents beamed with pride at seeing Gerald’s achievement celebrated in such a heartwarming way.

Gerald has also been personally signing copies of Two Tree Island, with all donations going to Books For Africa, a charity working to improve literacy and provide access to books for children across the continent. Through this initiative, Gerald’s passion for storytelling is being shared not only within his home but with young readers around the world.

Alongside Gerald’s book launch, residents and children enjoyed a day filled with storytelling, as pupils read their favourite books to residents, who in turn shared treasured memories of childhood stories they loved. These moments of laughter, curiosity, and conversation sparked connections between generations and highlighted the power of stories to unite people of all ages.

Joyce, a resident at Chartwell House, summed up the sense of wonder felt throughout the day, saying; “It’s like stepping into a different world, a more cheerful world full of adventure and excitement!”

As part of the celebrations, Chartwell House also organised a book collection, inviting residents, team members and families to donate books for the three local schools. To commemorate the day, Admissions Manager, Jude Coveney worked with residents and children to create a beautiful World Book Day wreath, which will soon be displayed in Cliftonville Primary School’s new library — a lasting symbol of the friendship between Chartwell House and the local community.

Reflecting on the day, Jude Coveney said; “Building strong connections with our local community is something we truly value at Chartwell House. World Book Day gives us a chance to open our doors, welcome local children into our home, and create lasting bonds through the love of books. It’s wonderful to see residents and children learning from each other, sharing stories and laughter, and creating memories that extend far beyond the day itself.”

Chartwell House, part of Boutique Care Homes, offers exceptional residential, dementia and short-stay care, embodying the group’s ethos of being “a warm and loving family where everyone feels at home” and their commitment to delivering care so good, it’s unexpected.

To discover more about Chartwell House or Boutique Care Homes, please visit www.boutiquecarehomes.co.uk or call 01843 260 970.