Yorkshire care home residents become pen pals before meeting for the first time in Harrogate
Residents from Skipton and York have been exchanging stories about their childhoods, families, working lives and experiences of living in their respective care homes, before finally meeting in person over coffee and cake at the Chocolate Factory in Harrogate
Residents at two Yorkshire care homes have struck up friendships through a pen pal scheme – and finally got to meet each other in person over coffee and cake.
The initiative brought together residents from Threshfield Court in Skipton and Ouse View in Fulford, York, after activities coordinators at the two homes realised how much people enjoyed writing and receiving letters.
Residents have been exchanging stories about their childhoods, families, working lives and experiences of living in their respective care homes.
The scheme proved such a success that the homes arranged a meeting halfway between them, at the Chocolate Factory in Harrogate.
The residents spent time getting to know one another, sharing memories and discovering common interests.
Mavis, who lives at Threshfield Court, said: "It was lovely to meet everyone and get to talk about our common interests and what we get up to!"
Millie Nicholson, activities coordinator at Threshfield Court, said: "Our residents have really enjoyed sharing their stories with their counterparts at Ouse View, both through their letters and in person today.
"It is so lovely for everyone to be able to meet in person and put names to faces. They have all become such firm friends through the letters they regularly exchange where they put the world to rights!"