Sheltered residents applaud pupils’ performance at Easter party

Sheltered scheme residents from Staple Hill were transported to the Far East in a magical love story performed by children from a Staple Hill school last week.

The performance by Year 5 pupils from Christ Church Junior School was the main attraction at the Easter party held by Merlin Housing Society for residents of its sheltered housing schemes in Staple Hill. The society arranged transport for residents at other schemes in the area so as many of them as possible could enjoy the party.

The pupils have been learning about Chinese history and culture and their play told the tragic love story of Knoon-se and Chang, which is the inspiration for the blue and white patterned Chinese Willow patterned porcelain. The 20 minute play included several songs and residents sang along with the children as they performed their play and gave them a rousing round of applause at the end.

Support co-ordinator Kate Lockier said: “Residents really enjoyed the pupil’s performance and it was lovely to see so many of them singing along with the children. It was a very successful event and we are pleased that so many residents from our other sheltered schemes in the area were able to come along.

“We are keen to build up links with the wider community in Staple Hill, so were delighted that the children were able to come and perform and hope to invite them back later in the year.”

Many of the residents also baked cakes for the party, and the money raised from their sale and from a raffle will go towards funding future events.