A choir of care home residents, families, friends, staff and volunteers were in fine voice to round off months of activity in support of a Christmas tree festival.
Performers from Colten Care’s Avon Reach in Mudeford, Dorset, sang carols and other seasonal favourites in an evening show at the Highcliffe Castle event, now in its second year.
It followed a series of crafts sessions in which residents designed and created handmade decorations for a tree the home contributed alongside others from local businesses, charities and community groups.
Under the direction of Colten Care’s Music and Arts Partner, professional musician Fiona Pritchard, the choir went centre stage in the castle’s Great Hall close to its giant stained-glass window and amid the tree display.
“We received such a warm welcome,” Fiona said. “And the sound of the choir was enhanced by the wonderful acoustics of the hall. Visitors stopped to admire and join in our musical celebration which included traditional favourites such as Silent Night and Oh Little Town Of Bethlehem. We even had some sleigh bell accompaniment for our take on the 1940s hit Let it Snow.”
Avon Reach residents spoke of their joy at taking part.
Ted Griffin said: “I’ve never done anything like this in my life. It’s been the best thing ever.”
Brenda Edwards said: “I could do it all again now.”
Complementing choir rehearsals, the craft sessions in advance of their performance gave residents the opportunity to decorate shells, reinforcing the seaside feel of Avon Reach, and make other adornments for the tree which they titled ‘Shells and Bells’.
When all was ready, a group of residents visited Highcliffe Castle to dress the tree themselves ready for public view.
The Christmas fun at Avon Reach also featured a multi-generational party with children, mums and volunteers from the Truth Be Told storytelling group.
Hosts and visitors sang Yuletide songs together while resident Ted took on the role of Father Christmas himself to hand out gifts and chocolate coins to the children.
