THERE may have been 70 years between them, but young vocalists and older musicians raised the roof for a rousing sing-along with a difference.

Under-fours from Polstead Preschool in North Oxford joined pensioners from the Limes Club dementia group for a cheerful performance of nursery rhymes – complete with actions – to accomplished accompaniment from older fellow-music lovers.

The two groups have their homes in different parts of the ornate Victorian St Margaret’s Institute in Polstead Road, off Woodstock Road, but joined together to enjoy some old fashioned tunes.

Polstead Preschool is a parent-run nursery school which has been at the heart of its community for 35 years. Its multilingual, highly-trained staff care for an international group of children from as far away as the USA, South America and Japan, many with parents attached to Oxford University and the University Hospitals.

Oxford Mail: Polstead Preschool, Oxford. Children sing for members of the Limes Club for dementia sufferers

The Limes Club is one of four groups in Oxford for older people with mild-to-moderate dementia run by social and therapeutic respite provider Daybreak. The clubs help couples stay together at home, delaying or avoiding residential care.

Clients enjoy socialising which helps reduce their social isolation, and join in group activities which stimulate them mentally. Activities include music and art therapy, games and focused conversation – advised treatment for slowing cognitive decline.

Limes Club Manager Jitka Fort, said “Our clients greatly enjoyed the children’s visit. Keeping people across the generations engaged with each other is so important for all of us. For our dementia clients, socialising and engaging with others is crucial for their well-being.”

Oxford Mail: Polstead Preschool, Oxford. Children sing for members of the Limes Club for dementia sufferers

Preschool manager Adriana Hughes said young and old had enjoyed the end-of-term music morning. She said: “We were thrilled to have our talented young singers invited to perform some of their favourite songs and rhymes with our neighbours at the Limes Club. While there was an age gap of at least 70 years, everyone enjoyed it and joined in singing and clapping – with some wonderful piano playing from one senior musician.”

She added: “Listening to the children sing – and enthusiastically joining in with them – clearly brought pleasure to the seniors. There were smiles all around.”

Polstead Preschool can accommodate up to 24 children from two to five years-old. It is inviting admissions for the next academic year, which starts on September 2.

Oxford Mail: Polstead Preschool, Oxford. Children sing for members of the Limes Club for dementia sufferers

Committee member and parent Anna Morris, from North Oxford, said: “This was such a lovely event and everyone enjoyed it.

“The nursery has a wonderful caring staff team and a great programme to develop their bright sparks. It is a stimulating and fun environment where children learn without realising.

“I have seen how my little one grew and flourished in such a secure and happy environment. I see the passion the staff all have for the children and families, and the enormous amount of planning, thought and care which goes into ensuring every single child is looked after and supported in the appropriate way. It is a forward thinking, fun, stimulating and extremely caring environment for children to develop and enjoy themselves.”

  • For more details on Polstead Preschool see Polstead.org.uk

 

  • ​Daybreak offers support to those with mild-to-moderate dementia at clubs in North Oxford, Kidlington and Greater Leys. For more information see Daybreak-Oxford.org.uk, or contact admin@daybreak-oxford.org.uk or 01865 776744.