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Pupils visit 'inspirational' resident at Harrogate care home

Tuesday, 11 March 2025 10:58

88-year-old resident Elizabeth Newby read for Springwater pupils at The Cuttings in Starbeck.

Harrogate pupils spent an afternoon with an 'inspirational' care home resident to celebrate World Book Day and International Women's Day.

Not-for-profit care provider, Harrogate Neighbours, hosted a community-led reading afternoon for 15 sixth form students from Springwater School.

They were invited to The Cuttings - Harrogate Neighbours’ extra care scheme - to enjoy an afternoon of reading and relaxation with 88-year-old Elizabeth Newby.

With at least three books on the go at any one time, Elizabeth has always been an avid reader with a love for spy thrillers.

Before retiring, she was involved in creating costumes for the theatre, which would have involved lots of reading for inspiration and fact checking.

She also wrote articles for the Yorkshire Post in her earlier years.

The students from Springwater, which caters for youngsters with physical and challenging needs, joined Elizabeth, residents and staff from Harrogate Neighbours for an afternoon of reading.

Elizabeth read an extract from The Jungle Book, one of her favourite books growing up bringing each mythical character to life through her delivery.

Talking about her love of reading and the event, resident at Harrogate Neighbours, Elizabeth Newby said:

“I was very pleased to be asked to read to the students.

“Books are so important to read at all ages and I always try to read different styles throughout the week.

“We should always encourage more ladies, young and old to read and write and let their voices be heard.”

Staff and volunteers then took to the floor to read passages Harry Potter, Aesops Fables and George’s Marvellous Medicine.

Dylan Clark a student at Springwater School said:

“The voices were so funny, that was great.”

Eryn Davies, a teacher at Springwater School added:

“Thank you so much for the afternoon – the pupils really enjoyed it, it was wonderful. “

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