Bromsgrove IB Students host Tea and Carols for Local Residents

11 Dec 2017

As has become something of an annual tradition, Bromsgrove School invited residents of Bromsgrove Care Homes to spend an afternoon of “Tea and Carols” at Housman Hall on Wednesday 6th December.

The School’s International Baccalaureate students organise and plan this event independently, learning valuable skills and, ultimately, giving service to the community in which we live.

Many hours of preparation went into this afternoon of festive cheer: crafting decorations and seasonal presents during lunchtimes, foraging for holly in the School grounds, planning and presenting the food, decorating, welcoming and supporting on the day, providing the sound system and keyboard and above all, rehearsing the large group of singers and musicians.

Thirty care home residents from Rashwood and Burcott Grange respectively enjoyed an afternoon of music, Christmas nibbles and good company, culminating in an enthusiastic raffle draw.

Fion Tse, Anna Huang (both general organising), Daisy Scott (decoration), Amy Nolan and Emily Schmid (music), Coco Wallentin (food and drink) worked tirelessly ahead of the event. Theresa Seisl revealed hidden talents as compère on the day and Yana Sergeeva was superb as official CAS photographer. Over twenty-five students were involved.

Huge thanks to the hard-working members of the Choir who provided the atmospheric backbone to the afternoon and whose musicality was very much appreciated.

It was fantastic to see lots of Housman students chipping in ad hoc, generously helping set up and clear away afterwards, as well as welcoming guests to the School courteously and warmly.  The elderly guests, as well as the staff who accompanied them commented on how wonderful the “young people” had been, bringing many of the quieter residents out of their shells.

Thank you to Emma and Ailean – the Events Coordinators of the Care Homes, who worked tirelessly to arrange transport and joined in the singing with gusto on the day.