Documentaries
Oaps PAULEEN DAVIES AND BERYL POULSON reunite with their pre-school pals
Old People’s Home for 4 Year Olds
and George Clarke’s Amazing Spaces Winter Wonderland
Old People’s Home for 4 Year Olds: Christmas
wednesday, C4 HD, 9pm
AS ANYONE WATCHING C4’s heartwarming documentary Old People’s Home for 4 Year Olds will have seen, Lark Hill’s OAP residents created some very special bonds with the lively bunch of four-year-olds who brought joy and laughter to their peaceful retirement village in Nottingham.
This week, the pensioners are reunited with their exuberant little companions for a one-off Christmas special.
‘It was lots of fun,’ says Beryl Poulson, 85. ‘The children all received a Christmas present from Santa, so they were very busy opening up their parcels.’
Among the entertainment on offer was a surprise performance from opera singer Alfie Boe – who went down better with the adults than with the children
‘Their reaction was hilarious,’ says retired magistrate Pauleen Davies, 92. ‘When Alfie started singing, the kids put their hands over their ears as if they couldn’t bear the noise. Alfie was lovely. He cracked up laughing.’
The original documentary showed how both old and young can benefit from each other’s company and Pauleen was delighted with the reunion.
‘We certainly noticed a difference,’ she says. ‘Some have started at infant school and they seemed more mature. They were more talkative, eager to tell us about their new school. I’ve kept in touch with Ismail, who is a
gorgeous little boy. I spoke to his mother today actually, and I’m also going to visit their house when his brothers and sister have got over the chickenpox.’
Pauleen says her own experiences with the children have also had an effect on her well-being.
‘My sciatica has improved and I think I’m a bit more tolerant and less impatient now,’ she says. ‘I like this idea of integration between the elderly and the young. It works very well and it doesn’t matter if you’re not related to the children; they are just such a delight to be with.’
Meanwhile, retired secretary Beryl admits to enjoying her new-found celebrity status.
‘People recognise me now. I’ve been stopped in the local shop and people say, “Oh, I’ve seen you on the television!” I didn’t expect that at my age.’