Halstead care home residents and schoolchildren celebrate Christmas with sing-along

A care home in Halstead has teamed up with two local schools for a special musical extravaganza.

To celebrate the festive season, residents at Care UK’s Colne View, on Dame Mary Walk off Colchester Road, spent a morning singing much-loved Christmas songs alongside Halstead Dementia Friendly Choir and pupils from Richard de Clare Primary School and Ramsey Academy.

The concert took place at the Empire Theatre, where the schoolchildren and guests from the community sang along to classics such as Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer and 12 Days of Christmas.

Resident Pat Hobbs, 86, said: “It was quite remarkable, there was such an energy from everyone and the Christmas joy was spread by all! It was particularly joyful with the performances from the children. I always enjoy attending the Dementia Friendly Choir, it is a highlight of my week and the concert was a highlight of my year!”

Kim Richardson, Senior Customer Relations Manager at Colne View, said: “Hearing residents and children sing together filled the day with such joy. For many residents, these are cherished songs from their own childhood and sharing them with the younger generation was a beautiful way to keep tradition alive.

“The activity really complemented the true spirit of the season and we are so grateful to Ramsey Academy, Richard de Clare Primary School and of course the support of Councillor Andy Munday, Mayor of Halstead, Keith Brownlee, President of the Rotary Club, and all of the other supporters who have generously donated towards the charity over the last year for joining us in bringing the festivities to Halstead.”

Colne View is a purpose-built care home designed to deliver the very best standards of care and enable residents to lead active and fulfilling lives. It offers full-time residential, dementia and nursing care, as well as short-term respite care, and boasts luxury facilities including its own cinema, café and hair and beauty salon.