There were songs, dancing and plenty of laughter at Elmtree House Care Home in Newton-le-Willows recently, as the choir from St Mary’s Catholic Infant Primary Academy helped a resident celebrate her 100th birthday.
The visit was the latest chapter in a growing friendship between the school and the care home, which has seen the choir perform for residents on a number of occasions over the past year.
The connection began when St Mary’s launched its school choir and started looking for places to perform locally. One pupil suggested Elmtree House, where her great-grandmother lives, and the idea quickly grew into a series of visits that both the children and the residents now look forward to.
Since then, the choir has sung at the home for seasonal celebrations including Christmas and Valentine’s Day, as well as special milestone birthdays.
For the recent 100th birthday party, pupils performed songs, presented flowers and gifts, and shared handmade cards. A rendition of ‘On Top of the World’ by The Carpenters had residents, children and families singing and dancing together.
Jessica Kennedy, Activities Co-ordinator at Elmtree House, said: “We have developed strong links with St Mary’s Catholic Infant Primary Academy, which has enhanced the happiness and wellbeing of our residents. When they join in with activities together, a unique intergenerational bond is formed. The presence of the children brings a lot of laughter and joy, together with a renewed sense of enthusiasm.”
The regular visits have also helped to reduce feelings of isolation among residents and encouraged a stronger sense of community at the home.
Oney, a Year 2 pupil at St Mary’s, said: “I love singing at Elmtree because it makes the residents feel happy and loved. They join in with our actions. They even gave us a huge heart with their names on it to say thank you.”
Mrs Samantha Birchall, Executive Headteacher at St Mary’s Catholic Infant Primary Academy, said: “The connection between our choir and Elmtree House has been something quite special. Our pupils have grown in confidence and compassion through every visit, and it is clear how much happiness the children bring to the residents. We look forward to continuing this exciting partnership.”