Jan 2021
Choir transports Marston Court care home residents somewhere over the rainbow
Penny with the Sweet Charity Choir performance of 'Somewhere over the rainbow' dedicated to the care home.
Residents and employees at Oxford’s Marston Court care home have been cheered thanks to an uplifting performance of ‘Somewhere over the Rainbow’, sung to them by the Sweet Charity Choir. The care home, which is run by OSJCT, also received a £250 donation by the Choir, thanks to fundraising by its members.
The performance is a special online and signed recording which has been dedicated to Marston Court along with London-based charity, Deaf-SELF. It was published with the message: ‘We dedicate this song to them in the hope of bright and cheerful years to come’.
The recording is available on YouTube and via the Choir’s Facebook page @sweetcharitychoir. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TCXI2WHYnwc
Home Manager, Sharon Fenn, said: “The recording by the choir is absolutely beautiful. When we showed the residents the video there wasn't a dry eye in the house. We are so honoured and thrilled to have been chosen by the Sweet Charity Choir and really can't thank them enough.”
Residents at the care home regularly watch songs and performances via video by the Sweet Charity Choir, led by the amazing Jenny Deacon. The choir has members across the country including supporter of Marston Court, Kym Mason, who is the sister of Activities Coordinator Penny Jenner. Kym nominated the care home to Sweet Charity Choir for the dedication.
Enjoying videos and online concerts during lockdown and singing along has helped residents to feel connected to the outside world. Before COVID-19, the home would regularly welcome in entertainers, local choirs and school groups.
Penny said: “During the pandemic recordings by music groups such as the Sweet Charity Choir have been invaluable to keep spirts up in such difficult times. This donation will enable us to book some of our regular entertainers to perform via zoom for residents, keeping them in work and us entertained. It’s a win, win!
“We can't thank the Sweet Charity Choir enough for thinking of us!"