City of Westminster College students entertained residents of three local residential/respite homes for older people in the run up to Christmas by organising a glee club-style performance.

City of Westminster Christmas Choir was the brainchild of A-level student, Class Representative and Students’ Council Treasurer Rebecca Drummond, 21, who wanted to do something to link students with the older generation. She enlisted support from other A-level students at the College and a choir was formed.

Rebecca, who is studying Biology, Chemistry, Maths and Physics and is in her first year of the two-year course, says: “We wanted to do something to link younger people with the older generation. Some of us have sung in choirs before, but we’re not performers - so our biggest problem was organising rehearsal time (everyone has different class schedules) and then getting up there to do it!

“We took along as many songs as we could, encouraging the residents to join in and give us their requests. There was really positive feedback from all the homes we visited – so we hope the choir will be re-forming next Christmas.”

City of Westminster College Students’ Council supports the care and wellbeing of older people through activities such as fundraising, but the choir was seen as a more active way to get involved – also raising awareness among students and strengthening links with local residents.

As a result of the concert, one firm friendship has already been formed. When he discovered that a gentleman he met in one of the care homes loved playing chess, but didn’t have anyone to play with, one of the choir members agreed to be his opponent and now visits regularly for a game.