RESIDENTS at a west Wiltshire care home have been hard at work during the Covid-19 pandemic creating a children’s book containing a compilation of original poems, artwork, and childhood memories.

Following the success of an art exhibition earlier this year, they quickly embarked on another project, resulting in the Wiltshire Heights Bumper Book.

It contains a selection of poems written by resident Mary Cutler plus photographs taken by the Wiltshire Heights Photography Club and pictures of paintings and items made for other occasions such as floral displays and handmade crafts.

The residents also fondly recalled childhood memories and sayings to include in the book.

Home manager Sharon Adams said: “Over the years, we have created lots of things we’re proud of and the publication of this book is definitely one of our proudest moments yet."The residents have worked hard to channel their passion for art into a book which can be enjoyed by countless people in our community. I’m really proud of everyone who was involved in its creation – it’s a fantastic achievement.”

The Bumper Book was started with the home’s local community in mind and has already been professionally printed in both hardback and paperback with a Kindle version available too.

It has also been sent to The South Bank in London as part of their Art by Post initiative.

Thanks to a very successful intergenerational project and good community links, Wiltshire Heights has good relationships with many of the nurseries and schools in Bradford on Avon.

As such, they plan to present the pupils of Shambles and Westview Nursery, Westwood School, Fitzmaurice Primary School and Christchurch Primary School with their own copy of the book for Christmas.

Wiltshire Heights Care Home provides 24-hour residential, nursing, dementia and respite care for a range of health needs on a long or short term basis.