Musicians jazz up care home

MUSIC students have shared their talents by entertaining elderly residents at a care home.

Students from St Vincent College in Gosport recently performed for Tudor Lodge Nursing Home in Fareham, using Zoom and Facebook Live to provide entertainment in real time.

With guitars, drums, a piano and singers, more than 20 students played a collection of assessed pieces and classic Christmas songs.

Kirsty Bailey, a learning support officer at the college, came up with the idea while talking to her mother Janette Broxton, who works at the home.

Kirsty said: ‘Mum was looking for activities for the residents in her care, and finding it increasingly difficult with the restrictions introduced as a result of the Coronavirus pandemic.

‘I said I would go and speak to Chris Harris who teaches music at St Vincent College, who in turn spoke to the students and they were really keen to do it.’

Janette added: ‘Lockdown has been very hard for residents who are used to seeing visitors, having live entertainment and taking part in interactive activities.

‘They can easily feel alone and isolated, and we were touched by how the students instantly understood and responded, giving their time and talents to help provide those moments of escapism.’

One care home resident, called Ken, said: ‘It was good to see the students enjoying themselves and doing something that can give them a future.

‘It gave us a lot of pleasure and I wish them all a Merry Christmas.’