Year 6’s second community service visit to Holly Lea Retirement Village took place on Tuesday 5 August. On this occasion, the remaining boys from 6D armed themselves with games to play, a guitar, some piano music, two birdfeeders, and a willingness and determination to give of their best.
On arrival at Holly Lea, we were met and taken to the music room, which was a much larger venue than the one used the previous week. It had space for a grand piano and plenty of chairs for the residents, all of whom were eagerly awaiting the boys’ visit.
With George Wilson kicking off proceedings, each boy introduced himself. This was no small feat in itself, given the size of the audience and the unfamiliar surroundings. We then went straight into the music. Andy Esler was first up, playing the guitar and singing. It was his very first time performing in front of an audience, but you wouldn’t have known – he rose to the occasion magnificently and entertained us beautifully. Lobby Luo then took the reins and treated the residents to a delightful piano piece that many hoped would have gone on for longer.
Before challenging the residents to some games, we asked if anyone would like one of the birdfeeders made by the younger boys during the morning’s community service session. Two residents were delighted to receive the handmade gifts, and it’s hoped that the feeders will bring them much joy.
The games on offer from this group of boys were Connect 4, chess, and a variety of card games. Connect 4 and Uno proved the most popular, and four boys enjoyed some hard-fought contests. It should be noted that our boys didn’t win everything – the Holly Lea team put in a sterling effort! Top marks to Oliver Clarkson, Lobby Luo and Ellis Lee for engaging so well.
With the games well underway, it was time for the non-game playing boys to sing “He Honore”. This set the tone for some more choral activity, with the Holly Lea songbook being brought out. Led by one of the residents, we all enjoyed a good, old-fashioned singalong to some classics, and it was so good to see Michael Wang and Felix Li belting it out with the best of them.
Eventually, it was time to leave, but not before sharing a round of classic ‘dad’ jokes, all of which went down very well, with Nico Deacon and Liam Counsell testing the water a bit! Watching the inhibitions melt away on both sides was a real highlight to this visit, and it was a shame the afternoon had to come to an end.
By giving their time and energy, and sharing their passions, the boys of 6D took much from the afternoon. Each of them did something new, and it was a pleasure and a privilege to accompany them during this hour of community service.
