Books bridge the generation gap

Books bridge the generation gap

Youngsters and older folk in Sprowston have been among the first to take part in a new collaboration encouraging reading as a way to make friends across the generations.

Pupils at Sprowston Infant School welcomed residents from Broadlands Lodge Care Home for a morning of stories and creativity.

Cromer author Jamie Payne has been working with the charity Friend in Deed on the project, bringing together schools and care homes around the county.

Jamie, who created the Biggle Dink and Friends books, met project worker Jo Herrieven on his radio show, and the idea was born.

“We are always looking for ways to give purpose to our intergenerational sessions and find opportunities of learning for all ages,” said Jo.

“After appearing on Jamie’s Kids Corner show on Poppyland Radio, we talked about how his brilliant books would be the perfect way to engage people of all ages to share a love of reading.

“The sessions we have collaborated on so far have brought together babies, nursery children and primary school-aged children with residents from care homes. They start sharing the books together and we have seen real friendships flourish.”

Jamie said: “When Jo first suggested the idea of working together, I knew it was something I wanted to be a part of.

“The visits we’ve been on together have been wonderful and it is truly magical witnessing the friendships flourish between the different generations.

“I am very much looking forward to working with Friend in Deed at future events throughout 2025 as we help to build intergenerational friendships through the power of reading and sharing books together.”

And it has begun to make a difference already.

Jordan Catchpole, lifestyle assistant at Broadlands Lodge, said: “The residents and I had a lovely morning with the children and it is definitely something that we would love to do again.

“We’d like to say a big thank-you to the school, children, teachers and Friend in Deed for organising this for us.”

The session began with Jamie talking about Biggle Dink and how he created the characters in his stories, as well as how his own children inspired him to begin writing.

The pupils were excited to create their own characters, ask questions about being an author, and have the chance to read more of Jamie’s stories to their older friends.

Emma Wyatt, deputy head at Sprowston Infant School, said: “We have been involved with Friend in Deed for a number of years.

“It is always a pleasure to join up with the care homes to sing, read, chat and celebrate.

“Our children enjoy making connections with our older friends.

“As a school we believe intergenerational work is important.”

To find out more about Friend In Deed and how to get involved, visit www.friendindeed.org.uk