Youngsters from a Wrexham primary school brought Christmas joy to a local care home when they visited to sing carols for the residents.
The pupils of Gwersyllt Primary School rekindled their partnership with the Pendine Park care organisation which had been interrupted by the pandemic and there was a double family connection to celebrate too.
Among the carol-singers were Ellie Mai Williams, 10, whose mum, Sharon, is a life enrichment practitioner and nail technician with Pendine Park, and Brooke Filmer, 11, whose big sister, Laura Shone, is a staff trainer.
It was a return to Pendine Park for the school after a three-year break and they performed to delighted audiences in the Seren Lounge and then in the Highfield care home with the promise to be back soon.
Ellie Mai and Brooke both sang solos and afterwards resident Coral Pickard, from Connah’s Quay, said: “It was lovely. It was brilliant. I’m 88 and that was another wonderful memory for me.
“At my age you collect those memories. It was gorgeous.”
Assistant Headteacher Jacqueline O’Toole said: “The children used to come here every week and do arts and crafts with the residents but since Covid we haven’t been able to and this is our first visit for three years.
“The pupils really enjoy coming here and get so much out of it. They say coming here to Pendine is one of the most special things they do so we’re delighted that the arts and crafts visits will resume next term.”
Sharon Williams said she had been listening to daughter Ellie Mai practising for the visit and added: “I think I know all the words to the carols myself now because she has been singing them so much.
“I’ve been here for six years and really love my job – I used to be a teaching assistant but my mum had breast cancer and I just wanted to give something back so I volunteered here for 12 months.
“I paint nails and give hand massage and I got the job after some of the residents wrote to Pendine Park on my behalf.”
Highfield Manager Tracey Smith said: “This is the first time the school have been able to come back since Covid and it was wonderful to have them here again.
“The residents love the music and the singing – you can see it in their faces.
“We’re all very festive here. We try and make it as Christmassy as possible.”
