Benson House Residents Entertained By RAF Benson Military Wives Choir
With Remembrance Sunday on the horizon, Customer Relationship Manager, George King, reached out to Ashley Baines, leader of the Benson Military Wives Choir, whose members are all wives of serving RAF personnel based at RAF Benson. As well as being a support helicopter main operating base, RAF Benson is also home to the civilian National Police Air Service and the Thames Valley Air Ambulance, which operate 24 hours a day.
A Rousing Performance Brings the Community Together
The choir was confirmed and on the day itself, residents and their families gathered in the lounge to enjoy a wonderful performance which included a selection of popular songs and finished with a rousing favourite, ‘Land of Hope and Glory’. The audience was hugely impressed by the choir’s beautiful harmonies and professional performance.
Afterwards, everyone mingled and chatted over tea and cake, including Peter Eldridge from the Royal British Legion who was invited to the performance. Peter said, “It’s so lovely to interact with the local community and to see some familiar faces”. Benson House residents and team were delighted to welcome Peter again on 10th November to take part in the Remembrance Day Service at the care home. The service was led by local church warden Albert Bevan who conducted a holy communion and readings for residents and their families.
Remembrance Day Service Attended by Local Air Cadets
The team at Benson House were also delighted to welcome children from the Air Cadets at RAF Benson. Their commander, Flight Lieutenant Ian Stanley commented that it was a great experience for the cadets to meet the residents and interact with some of the older members of the community. Resident Gwenda remarked, “The ladies singing was lovely to hear and seeing the cadets in uniform was fabulous”.
Reflecting on the two events, George said, “Having the Benson Military Wives Choir sing for our residents felt even more special as it was close to Remembrance Sunday. The choir performed beautifully and many of our residents have shared their own wartime memories, which often include music and song. Albert’s service on Remembrance Sunday was a lovely tribute which our residents and their families very much appreciated, and our residents got a lot of pleasure from chatting to the Air Cadets. Connecting with the community at gatherings like these – especially when different generations come together - makes such a difference to the residents at Benson House”.
Discover Benson House Care Home
Benson House is a purpose-built, luxury care home which provides residential, nursing and specialist dementia care. Set within landscaped gardens, the home offers numerous activities, plenty of space and tranquil surroundings where you can relax or welcome friends and family. If you would like to learn more about the types of care and services available from Caring Homes, please visit our website page. Please don’t hesitate to get in touch if you have any questions or would like to learn more.
