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It was during a regular coffee morning that the residents at Orchard House Care Home in Wisbech decided that they wanted to start their very own choir.

That was three months ago and since then they have held regular practices. It was decided that their first live performance to an audience would be at a residents’ and family garden party; the first get-together in a very long 17 months.

New General Manager Sarah Watson of the Nursing, Dementia and Residential Home thought this would be a perfect way to mark the occasion.

Community was definitely at the heart of the event as other businesses supported the event to make it even more special.

This included; local balloon and party decoration business, ‘A Bit of a Do’ who generously sponsored the Orchard House Residents Choir’s lovely bright yellow t-shirts; they also donated all of the balloons for the event.

Also, florist Janet & Jayne donated all of the flowers so that the residents could make table arrangements for the garden party.

Local professional Chef Dave from The Barn Restaurant in Wisbech helped Orchard Chefs create the cheese boards and designed the centrepiece cake with the home’s logo, to celebrate RCH Care Homes 30th year.

On the day of the event, the weather was perfect and the cheese and wine were delicious and very tasty according to Orchard House Resident Amanda, “the food was delicious and it was well put together.”

The highlight of the day was the first ever performance by Orchard House Residents Choir, who tunefully filled the garden with their personally chosen favourite songs including a special rendition of ‘You Are My Sunshine’. “The singing was brilliant and I would love to do it all over again.” Pauline, Orchard House Resident.

The event was an overwhelming success and thoroughly enjoyed by everyone who attended, “It was a pleasant evening, I liked that we all worked together to sing and be happy to make it work. It went beautifully.” Phyliss, Orchard House Resident

It wasn’t only the residents and staff who enjoyed the event but families were excited to be able to make new memories together again, “I thoroughly enjoyed the outdoor meeting; it was so nice to meet other people who mum lives with and see what she does in her time there. The food was second to none. It was nice to meet other members of staff we don’t normally get to see.” Glenn Ryan, son of Orchard House Resident

For new General Manager Sarah, it was a great to reconnect with the families, “It was the perfect opportunity for the relatives to catch up with me since changing my role from Deputy Manager to General Manager. It was exciting to be able to share all of our future plans and developments. Everyone had an amazing evening; it was so lovely to feel a bit of normality.” Sarah Watson Orchard House General Manager.

The final word goes to Orchard House Resident Fred, who summed up the evening, “The organisation and team deserve a pat on the back for their hard work. It was lovely to see everyone so happy.”

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