Banbury care home welcomes children's author

The visit coincided with the weekly visit to the home of pupils from Hardwick Primary School who have been forging relationships with residents of Green Pastures Christian Nursing Home as 'dementia friends'.

Julie Hawkin, head teacher said: "All of these students are dementia friends and have been trained. We come and visit at least once a month. The kids love it.

"They got in contact with us and asked if we would be interested. Then they all had training so they know what to expect, what to say and how to behave."

Pupils have now been visiting the care home for the past two and a half years.

Lawrence, who now has three children's books under his belt, spoke to residents and pupils about their favourite books and his inspirations during the afternoon session.

"They invited me here, with the kids from Hardwick school who come here and work with some of the residents. Today they have a Christmas theme going on and I've been invited to read to the kids and spend some time with them.

"It's the first time I have been here and they explained what they do with some of the local schools and the residents and they thought it would be nice if I came down, so I said yes I'll volunteer," said Lawrence.

The care home works with a number of schools including Hobby Horse and Bloxham School and plan to do a similar, author led event next year.

Lorraine Roberts, activity coordinator at Green Pastures, said: "We've got AP Bazeley coming in January with the students from Bloxham School. They are coming to sit with her as she writes for older readers, not children.

"Bloxham School come to us every Thursday. We are very much about community, for the community. Bloxham come in and do poetry, singing, arts and crafts, show and tell, we do lots of things with them.

Lorraine added: "We try to get everybody involved because I think people get scared of 'Christian Nursing Home', but it's not just for Christians, it's for everybody."