Looking to go on an adventure before bedtime? We’ve got just the story… 

Whether it’s Peter Pan flying us around Neverland, Alice taking us through the looking glass, or Charlie showing us around his chocolate factory, children’s stories are often the first key to unlocking our imaginations and nurturing a lifelong love of reading.  

We all remember fondly the stories told to us as youngsters, often before bedtime, and the quality time spent reading them with loved ones. Unfortunately, we know not every child is lucky enough to have a grandparent to read to them, so we wanted to provide an alternate experience for families to enjoy.

That’s why this year, to celebrate National Storytelling Week – and to promote a love of literature in all ages – residents from our Cavell Court care home, in Norwich, have created short videos retelling four classic children’s tales. 

Jack and the Beanstalk

Resident Brenda Burman treats us to an old English fairy tale, with her version of Jack and the Beanstalk.

When Jack trades the family cow for a handful of magic beans, he finds himself climbing an enormous beanstalk, only to discover a surprise waiting for him at the top. 

Cinderella

Resident Peta Cremer introduces us to Cinderella, who lives with her wicked stepmother and two jealous stepsisters. 

When Cinderella’s fairy godmother appears and magically transforms her into a princess, her luck begins to change…

The Three Bears

Resident Nihal Goonetilleke transports us to a forest with Goldilocks.

Goldilocks stumbles across a group of furry friends in this retelling of The Three Bears.

The Three Little Pigs

Finally, Nancy Thompson teaches us a lesson about teamwork and fortune.

She introduces us to the wonderful story of The Three Little Pigs, who each must build a house and escape the big bad wolf.

But that’s not all, across the UK we’re encouraging team members and residents to share their love of reading throughout National Storytelling Week with their local communities. 

From Edinburgh to Dorset, residents will be welcoming school children, local authors and grandchildren to read their most treasured stories and share their favourite heroes and villains.  

In Stratford-upon-Avon, home to the world’s most famous storyteller, William Shakespeare, residents at Ambleside care home will be turning their lounge into Paddington Station to welcome local primary school students for a retelling of Paddington Bear. 

Meanwhile, at Pear Tree Court, in Portsmouth, a resident who was a former naval officer, will be sharing stories from her time out at sea through a poetry workshop with children from a local school. At Seccombe Court, in Banbury, residents will be welcoming a local theatre group and primary school class into their lounge for a theatrical retelling of We're Going on a Bear Hunt. 

Read more about how residents and colleagues in homes across the UK took part in our bedtime stories campaign.

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