Grandparents enter the Christmas spirit

GRANDPARENTS came from near and far to enjoy a traditional Longridge event that has become hugely popular.

The ‘Grandparents Tea’ brings together grandparents, and parents, of pupils at all levels in the School, and this week they enjoyed an afternoon of musical performances from Early Years to Sixth Form students, and some communal singing of Christmas favourites, as well a wonderful tea made by our skilled Longridge catering team.

Eric and Ruth Cazaly were attending their first Grandparents Tea and they said they were blown away by the quality of the young performers.

“With it being our first time here, we didn’t really know what to expect,” said Eric, “but it has been absolutely fantastic. It’s been fabulous to listen to all the talented performers across the ages, and enjoy a lovely start to Christmas really.

Ruth and Eric enjoyed their first Tea

“Our granddaughter came to Longridge from a small village school, and I’m sure it will have been a bit daunting to come to this wonderful big school at first, but she has loved it.

“And it’s really nice to be invited by the school and have the opportunity to come and see it for ourselves in such a lovely event. It’s been a fantastic afternoon.”

Carol and William had sons that attended Longridge and now have a grandson and granddaughter at the school, and though they were not performing this week, they would not miss the Tea.

Carol and William came even thought their grandchildren were not performing this time

“We love the event and we come along to support the school,” said Carol. “It’s a great school and very supportive of the children.”

William said: “I really enjoyed it today and we love coming along. I feel like I’ve been coming for years! But it’s always worthwhile.”

Parent Kyra Thompson came with her mother Margaret,

Kyra and Margaret love the encouragement of music and performing at the school

“My son wasn’t performing today but he has done so in the past, playing the piano, and he loves his music, and it’s nice to see the talent encouraged right through the school.

“We’ve been to a few of these events now and they are always really nice; it just gets you into the festive spirit. The children are so talented, some lovely voices. It’s such a brave thing to stand up and sing on your own in front of so many people, but a great opportunity for them.”

Granny Margaret added: “It is lovely that they put this on and invite us in because it’s nice to see the children in their environment. I think it is a lovely school and everyone is very friendly, and you don’t often get the chance to see so many children performing like this. It’s nice to have something nice to eat and watch the kids singing – so many good voices.”

Several students performed wonderful solos. Mimi showed she had a rare singing talent and, after performing ‘Heart of Stone’ from the musical Six, revealed she would love to have a career in musical theatre.

She said: “I’ve sung this song many times and always feel quite emotional with the character Jane Seymour. It’s like my dream role and I definitely want to do stuff like this in the future.

“I’m involved with the Young Singing Leaders in school and I really enjoy leading the choir with others. Singing has given me confidence – it’s a real adrenaline rush; I love it – and performing is something that I really want to pursue in the future.”

Younger student Dougal sang ‘A Million Dreams’ from The Greatest Showman, and he said afterwards: “ I found out that I had a passion for singing when I was younger and I never told anyone, but I’ve been encouraged to take singing lessons and I’ve just got better at it, so I like singing for people now.

“I practise singing every Monday now and it’s given me confidence. I don’t feel nervous in front of big crowds, and I enjoyed it today with all the grandparents. I just come up, have a big smile on my face and start singing, and then I feel comfortable.”

Smiles broke out across the students and family members and Dr Hardy, Director of Music, and teacher of physics and maths at the school, said that it was special for the staff too.

He said: “The highlight of my year is seeing the children perform in front of a live audience, because that’s when they are at their best. There is a pressure that comes with that but it raises everything up a level and provides a real focus for our rehearsals.

“If we just rehearse and don’t perform, then you don’t get better and better. Every concert brings a real focus on seeking to attain perfection and you see how much it means to the pupils to be out there in front of an audience, and that’s where the improvement comes. As a teacher it is wonderful to see the pupils enjoy the experience of performing, and to express themselves so well.”