From Pen to Person: Sherborne Students Meet Their Abbey View Pen Pals

After five years of exchanging letters, students from Sherborne Girls recently met their pen pals in person at Abbey View care home in Sherborne, bringing handwritten friendships to life across the generations.

The visit marked a joyful milestone in an intergenerational initiative that began during the pandemic, when Abbey View and Sherborne Girls launched their ‘letters of friendship’ scheme. With in-person visits paused during lockdown, residents and pupils found connection through the simple act of writing.

Now, seven students each write regularly to an Abbey View resident, forming bonds built on shared stories, kindness, and mutual encouragement.

One of the most moving encounters was between student Imogen and resident David Froud. Their letters revealed a powerful connection, not only through shared interests, but through life goals. David had written about his grandson Joseph, a university student studying medicine. This turned out to be an unexpected moment of inspiration for Imogen, who had quietly hoped to pursue a career as a doctor herself.

“It’s incredibly inspiring,” Imogen wrote in reply. “It’s given me even more motivation to work hard towards my goal. I feel the same way Joseph did, like I’ve always known what I wanted to do.”

David encouraged her warmly: “I’m sure you will make a fine doctor. You have many qualities and a great deal of humanity.”

Other pen pals also enjoyed meaningful face-to-face conversations. Resident Eve Walsh Waring shared stories and artefacts with Rainie, her pen pal who, like Eve, was born in Hong Kong. Meanwhile, students Nicolette and Elinor enjoyed in-depth chats with residents Keith Piddell and Roy Carne.

Bev de Bruyn, Companionship Team Leader at Abbey View, said:
“This has been such a rewarding experience for everyone involved. The friendships formed through these letters have been heartfelt and genuine. Seeing our residents and their pen pals meet in person was incredibly special.”