WATCH: Is this a late entry for the Christmas number one? Halstead care home residents write their v

Home news

Dec 24, 2020

Two residents at a Halstead care home have written their own festive song – and it might just be a late contender for the Christmas number one.

103-year-old Margaret Warburton, and 93-year-old Pearl Medd, from Care UK’s Colne View, on Dame Mary Walk, decided to pen the track as a lockdown project, and first performed their debut single for team members at the home.

Keen singer Pearl was inspired to write the song, titled ‘Remember the Ancient Story’, when reflecting on the past year in the hope that her words would bring comfort to people around the world this Christmas. Margaret, a classically trained pianist, took to the piano to provide a score, and the pair decided that ‘The Holly and The Ivy’ formed the perfect melody.

Pearl said: “I have a strong faith and I love to sing, which is why I decided to write the song. I hope that it will provide comfort and joy to everyone after this challenging year. We had great fun practicing and recording our music video – I think our band was a hit! 

Margaret added: “I was thrilled to provide the music to accompany Pearl’s wonderful song writing, and ‘The Holly and The Ivy’ was the perfect fit. Our performance and video were a huge success, and who knows, maybe next year we could release it for next year’s Christmas number one!”

Razvan Stanbeca, Home Manager at Colne View, commented: “We were honoured to be the first audience for Pearl and Margaret’s song, and it was really exciting setting up the camera and helping them to record their music video. 

“Here at Colne View, we actively encourage residents to continue their hobbies and lead fulfilling lives. Whether that’s playing piano each day, or forming a new girl band, we’re always there to support residents – the sky really is the limit!”

Colne View is a care home designed to deliver the very best standards of care, and to enable residents to live active and fulfilled lives. The home offers a range of services including residential care, specialist dementia care and respite care.

For more information about Colne View, please contact Senior Customer Relations Manager, Kim Richardson, 01787 389474 or email Kim.Richardson2@careuk.com

For more general information, visit careuk.com/care-homes/colne-view