Basingstoke Museum to Showcase Poetry From Care Home Residents

Poetry written by local care home residents is set to be displayed at Willis Museum & Sainsbury Gallery from 7th October as part of a new collection celebrating the talents and stories of people living with dementia.

Residents at Homefield House in Rooksdown will see their work shown at the inspiring exhibition, which offers a window into the minds of people living with dementia and memory loss.

‘My Internal Reality – Dementia Voices’ – a compilation of some of the composed poetry with residents living at the care home captures their creativity, rich imagination, and humour. Copies of the poetry will be for sale.

Rosi Pineiro, activity champion at the Shaw healthcare-operated Homefield House, commented: “We hope that celebrating and showcasing the talents and stories of people living with dementia and memory loss will serve as an inspiration to others and highlight some of the wonderful things those living with dementia can accomplish.”

One of the poems on show, titled ‘I am the sea’, was written by resident Terry Hill. Born in India before moving to England when he was 12, Mr Hill worked in insurance and the army, travelling the world. He lives in Homefield House with his wife, Morag.

Jenny Stevens, community manager at The Willis Museum & Sainsbury Gallery added: “Hampshire Cultural Trust is honoured to provide the opportunity to display the resident’s work and allow our visitors to “see” their voices and both enjoy and learn from the exhibition.”