School choir brings Christmas cheer to care home

A primary school choir has visited a care home to sing and bring Christmas cheer to its residents.

A total of 30 pupils, aged between seven and 11, from Silverdale Primary Academy in St Leonards, East Sussex, visited MHA Lauriston care home in the town.

The newly formed choir performed for the residents, some of whom have dementia.

Philippa Watt, who set up the choir, said: "We're just here to spread a little bit of Christmas joy."

Luca, nine, said: "I hope to make the old people really happy.

"It felt really nice singing for them."

Frankie, also nine, said: "I want to make sure the elderly people are happy at Christmas.

"It felt good as I heard them all laughing and singing along."

Hunter, seven, said: "I want to bring them joy."

Eliza, also seven, said: "I felt happy doing something kind."

Mary Apps, a care home resident, said: "It was lovely. I really enjoyed it.

"It just makes you feel happy."

Ann Waghorne, whose husband Bob is a resident, said: "When there's children or any singing they are all joining in.

"They may not talk much, but they all know the words to the songs."

Ms Watt, who is a teaching assistant and professional singer, said: "It is so nice to be out in the community.

"The children have worked so hard and it's great to give something back to the older generation."

She said she hoped to create more choirs in other local schools as singing in schools had "dropped off" in recent years.

Dionne McEwan, manager of the care home, said: "The inter-generational activities go down really well and it takes residents back to their school days.

"Singing is wonderful for the people here and they absolutely adore the children."

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