Lynn choir brings festive cheer to care home

Residents at a South Wootton care home had their festive spirits lifted when they received a yuletide visit from a group of young singers.

The Kingsmen Choir from Springwood High School in King’s Lynn treated the seniors at Woodlands to a range of seasonal favourites, from traditional carols to more contemporary classics.

It was the first time the school, which is part of the West Norfolk Academies Trust, had resumed links with care homes in the community since the Covid pandemic.

“The Wellbeing Co-ordinator at Woodlands Residential Home contacted the school wanting to create a link between us,” explained Alice Betts, who is Diversity and Equality Lead at Springwood, and organised the visit.

“The school had been keen to look into restarting the Christmas Party we used to have for the local care homes pre-Covid.”

Nine members of the Kingsmen Choir, ranging from Years 8 to 13 at the school, took part in the performance, where they also spent time talking to their appreciative audience.

“The residents really enjoyed the boys’ final song, ‘Rockin’ Robin’, and they appreciated the conversations that the boys had with them in between songs,” continued Mrs Betts.

“The choir really enjoyed being able to perform on a smaller scale and being able to talk to the residents about their lives and experiences.”

The success of the visit means that a follow up is now planned for the spring.

“Everyone enjoyed themselves, and we’re hopefully going back at Easter to take part in more activities,” added Mrs Betts.

“It’s really important for the school to build up community links, especially post-Covid. We want to get out more, so people can see the positive work of our students’. It’s also really important for our students to learn how to talk to a variety of people and build up their own confidence in these situations.

“We just hope it also provided a wellbeing boost for the residents at Woodlands over this Christmas period.”