A new addition to a care home’s garden has helped to sow the seeds of friendship across the generation gap by bringing together primary school pupils with older residents.

Pupils at St Ninian’s Primary School, in Prestwick, South Ayrshire, have helped residents at nearby Berelands House Care Home create a scarecrow for their newly renovated gardens, which has been given pride of place in the home’s courtyard.

The project saw the youngsters establish lasting friendships with the residents, with pupils even choosing to name the scarecrow Wally in honour of Berelands resident Squadron Leader Wally Lashbrook, who recently celebrated his 100th birthday, with teachers and pupils from the school attending the celebrations.

The Prestwick care home’s garden has recently undergone a makeover, with new additions including a vegetable bed and a sensory garden created in the courtyard, along with a rose garden and flower garden. The entrance has also been transformed, with window boxes, hanging baskets and flower tubs put in place at the entrance.

A bench and a water feature have also been donated to the care home, which are well used by residents, staff and visitors on sunny days.

The home, in Prestwick, South Ayrshire, is a modern, purpose-built facility that provides residential and nursing care for older people with a variety of needs and prides itself on offering a caring and comfortable environment both indoors and outdoors.

Residents at the home enjoy fresh, home-cooked food using locally-produced ingredients and have an on-site, dedicated activities co-ordinator experienced in working with older people.

The home also boasts a tea room featuring various reminiscence items, a visiting hairdresser and beautician outlets, shops, restaurants and cafes within walking distance

Home Manager Anne Smith said: “It is wonderful we have made a connection with St Ninian’s Primary School. Younger and older people can learn a lot from each other and it is heart-warming to see friendships being established between the two generations, despite the gap in age. Wally is extremely well-liked and respected by the pupils and was absolutely delighted the children decided to name the scarecrow after him. Working with St Ninian’s has really helped to bring a new dynamic and energy to the home, which is really lovely to see.”

St Ninian’s Headteacher Alexis McGhee said: “The pupils love speaking to Wally and the residents about their memories of the past. As well as being enjoyable it is helping them to learn about the social history of South Ayrshire. It is important that these memories are shared with the younger generations so that this wonderful living history is not lost.”

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