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Mar 23, 2022
A Cringleford care home resident, and former singing teacher, went back to school to teach a music lesson for local primary school pupils.
86-year-old Brenda Burman, from Care UK’s Cavell Court on Dragonfly Lane, wanted to encourage more children to sing in choirs as part of a nationwide initiative – Long Lost Hobbies.
The ‘Long Lost Hobbies’ initiative sees residents in Care UK homes across the country share their favourite hobbies and try new pastimes with younger generations after a national survey found 77% of adults feel technology is the cause of traditional skills being lost, including flower arranging, knitting and woodworking.
Brenda has loved singing since the age of just eight, and spent many years leading a local choir that performed at many events, and even care homes, in Norwich. To ensure this traditional hobby was not forgotten by younger generations, Brenda was keen to lead a singing lesson for the children of Cringleford Primary School, to help them to discover more about the enjoyable pastime.
Singing in the garden, their beautiful voices attracted the attention of other residents in the home, as well as local people, who listened and waved from the windows of their surrounding homes.
As part of the initiative, other activities in the home have also included 88-year-old Patricia teaching carers at the home how to knit, as well as group activities of pyrography and vintage baking.
Karen Curle, Home Manager at Cavell Court, said: “We had a fantastic time taking part in Long Lost Hobbies, and to see such a huge smile on Brenda’s face was incredible.
“Intergenerational relationships have proven to be incredibly enriching, as they provide an opportunity for younger and older generations to learn from each other. These relationships can be particularly beneficial for older people, as they can offer a sense of purpose and prompt conversations as residents reflect on their younger years.
“For those living with dementia, revisiting a past hobby, such as baking or knitting, can also help bring back memories, as well as providing an enjoyable way to connect with others through a familiar activity that once brought joy. These positive feelings gained from revisiting fond memories can help decrease stress, reduce agitation, and provide a feeling of success and confidence.
“We’d like to say a big thank you to Cringleford Primary School for taking part – Brenda can’t wait listen to them singing again very soon!”
For top tips on how you and your loved ones can revisit forgotten pastimes, please visit: careuk.com/long-lost-hobbies.
Cavell Court is a modern care home which provides full-time residential and dementia care, as well as short-term respite care. Designed to enable residents to live enjoyable and fulfilling lives, the care home has its very own cinema and hairdressers, and there is plenty of space both indoors and out for relaxation and recreation.
For further information on Cavell Court, please call Customer Relations Manager, Samantha Woods on 01324 804726, email samantha.woods@careuk.com, or visit: careuk.com/cavell-court.
140 Dragonfly Lane, Cringleford, Norwich, Norfolk, NR4 7SW
Cavell Court
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