Senior citizens enjoyed a community Christmas party full of festive cheer at St Thomas More Catholic Voluntary Academy in Buxton.
Around 40 guests joined pupils and staff for an afternoon of Christmas songs and music from pupils, refreshments, bingo and a raffle.
St Thomas More pupils welcomed everyone, served teas and coffees, ran the bingo session and sold raffle tickets while younger children from St Anne’s Catholic Voluntary Academy also sang and played music.
The event was organised by Jane Bennett, Assistant Headteacher for Character Life and Character Education at St Thomas More, and Shelley Gray, Head of Expressive Arts.
Evelyn, 14, a pupil at St Thomas More, said she really enjoyed welcoming the local community.
She said: “I was asking everyone if they wanted a tea or a coffee and then delivering the drinks as well. I think it was a lovely event for everyone, for the people who came along and for the staff and pupils. Something like this makes us feel a lot more together as a community. I think it went really well. Our guests enjoyed it and said that they liked the music and the singing. It’s also been nice to see pupils from our partner primary school, St Anne’s, here too.”
St Anne’s pupil Flossy, nine, said: “We did some singing and we had been doing lots of practicing at a care home and a Christmas service. We’ve been very busy. I think everyone has enjoyed it and I love making people’s day.”
Dennis Pimblett, 74, said it was the first time he had been back to St Thomas More since his daughter attended the school in the 1980s.
He said: “It’s the first time I’ve been back in over 30 years. I came here to watch so many plays and I have lots of great memories of the school. I think it’s been a lovely event and it’s nice to do something for the local community. I also think it helps to give the pupils confidence and it’s been lovely to meet them today.”
David Redfern, Headteacher, said: “We are delighted to host events like this that bring together different generations in our community. Seeing our pupils and staff create a warm, festive atmosphere for our senior guests highlights the importance of kindness, service, and togetherness. It is a testament to our school’s values, and we hope this tradition continues to strengthen our community ties.”
