A resident at Housing 21’s Extra Care scheme, Winehala Court has published a poetry book titled, ‘This is Me in Poetry’. The collection includes a heartfelt tribute to the scheme he now calls home.
Thomas, a resident at the Extra Care scheme in Willenhall, has always enjoyed writing poetry and he found inspiration after settling into his new community.
He dedicated a special piece to the staff and residents at Winehala Court. In it, he celebrates the Care Workers, kitchen staff and management team who he says “always go over and above” to support residents.
Tom said, “I did not set out to write a book. My first poem at Winehala Court was titled Longevity, followed by The Way Forward.
“I soon realised that the poems were personal, hence the poem Me and the title of the book, This is Me in Poetry. Some of the poems are about me and my family and others are my views on life and the future.
“I shared many of my poems with fellow residents to see if they thought they were any good. I had a very encouraging responses and this gave me the heart to continue.”
Ashleigh Kilmister, Assistant Housing Manager at Winehala Court, said: “We are so proud of Tom and all that he has achieved with his new book. His poems not only showcase his creativity but also highlight the sense of community here at Winehala Court.
"It is wonderful to see residents pursuing their passions and sharing their talents with others – it enriches the life of the whole scheme.”
As well as poetry, Tom enjoys writing plays and playing the piano and keyboard, he was previously a church organist until 2017.