Local care home resident is a winner in nationwide creative writing competition

A resident from a local care home has been named as one of the winners in a recent nationwide creative writing competition organised by Barchester Care Homes.

Residents were asked to put on their creative hats and write a short story or a poem about a favourite pet as part of a reminiscence session. Viv wrote her original story, based on memories and memorable experiences that she shared with her dog, called Baron, and it certainly sounds as if they had the most remarkable relationship.

Viv, who moved into Cumberland Grange in Exeter at the beginning of this year has always enjoyed writing short stories and poems, and was absolutely thrilled that her story had been chosen as one of the winning entries and quite rightly so! With 250 care homes in the Barchester portfolio across the country, and a large number of competition entries, her win is even more special.

Viv, who moved into Cumberland Grange at the beginning of the year said “ I had a great time writing down my childhood memories of my dog Baron, we certainly did have some adventures together, and to think this has won a prize, at my age, well I’m quite speechless.”

Viv was presented with a beautiful bouquet of flowers, along with a £100 gift voucher by Cumberland Grange General Manager, Marc Chudley.

Here’s her short story;

My very best friend was a Bullmastiff called Baron: when visitors were expected we were instructed to lock him in the yard, because they did not appreciate being kissed by this slobbering animal. I did not want to learn to dance or to play our Grand Piano, so I conveniently forgot to secure Baron in the yard and both teachers refused to visit our home again.

During the war, Baron was evacuated to our weekend cottage in Wales and unfortunately discovered a liking for hen’s eggs and made it his mission to visit all the farms in the area and was sent back to Liverpool in disgrace. When the war was over I returned home and Baron was nowhere to be seen. I never asked about Baron because it was obvious that he was now living with another family and I would never see my best friend again. But I would have liked to thank him for all his help and friendship during the past years.