Letters bridge Barnsley’s generation gap

THE GENERATION gap has been bridged in Barnsley as young and old become pen pals.

More than 20 letters have been flying back and forth between the residents of Deangate Care Home and pupils of Darton Primary School.

The Year 3 pupils have been introducing themselves, including details of their favourite foods, colours and pets in their handwritten letters and asking questions.

The care home residents were delighted to receive the post and have been writing back, responding with details of their own likes and dislikes.

Julia Chambers, home manager at Deangate Care Home Barnsley, said: “We were delighted when the primary school approached us to see if our residents would be interested in becoming pen pals with their year three class.

“The residents’ faces light up when they receive a letter from the young writers. It’s a form of communication they’re used to and delight in engaging with.

“The activity is also helping the children to improve their handwriting, learn about the elderly living in their community and the history of their town.

“It is a brilliant activity for everyone involved and we hope it will continue.”

Year 3 teacher Rebecca Horne said: “We want to establish more community links and, as part of our curriculum to write for a purpose, we thought this was the best way.

“The children thoroughly enjoyed writing the letters and look forward to receiving letters by return.”