On Saturday 27th March 2021, staff, students, children from Blackburn Children’s University and residents of Eachstep Care Home took part in an online Easter celebration and tea party. For part of the day, children participated in a series of craft activities supported by undergraduates from Joint Honours courses at Blackburn University Centre and facilitated by Sara Burton, Children’s University Manager. The children made bookmarks, hanging decorations and Easter bonnets before decorating and writing cards for the residents which were later posted to them. The residents also made cards which were given to the children by Sara.
In the afternoon, the children and residents came together via Zoom to be entertained by the ‘Happy Voices’ choir, who sang a medley of local folk songs and songs from WWII. During the entertainment, the children enjoyed Easter eggs and other treats provided by Blackburn University Centre. Celebration cakes, Easter bonnets and 100 Easter eggs had previously been donated to staff and residents of Eachstep by project leads Sandra Nichol and Val Jessop for them to enjoy during the concert. The whole event was coordinated by Sara Burton, and the concert was led by Helen Washington and culminated with a rendition of ‘We’ll meet again’. Helen said ‘ choir members were delighted to see how much the children and residents enjoyed all the songs and music ‘.
Project leads Sandra Nichol and Val Jessop said ‘This was such an enjoyable celebration and everyone looked wonderful in their Easter bonnets. The children seemed to enjoy the singing and some were dancing to the music. Sara and Helen did a marvellous job of coordinating the different online activities, the choir were great, and everything ran smoothly. A thoroughly enjoyable day’.
Sara Burton commented ‘This was another fantastic session with Blackburn University Centre and Eachstep Care Home. It was a shame that we couldn’t have an actual tea party, however this online event was a huge success and enjoyed by all. The children really enjoyed the craft sessions where they made an Easter bonnet and a bookmark. For the celebration event Happy Voices choir performed a variety of songs and were amazing. Children and staff were able to join in the singing too! I loved seeing everyone together with their Easter bonnets on and enjoying eating their cakes and listening to the choir’.
Please take a look at the showreel of the event below…