Young and old mixed freely at Bury and Whitefield Jewish Primary School on 16th November, as Heathlands Village residents were treated to a history-themed play, followed by a delicious school lunch.
As part of the community’s Mitzvah Day celebrations, a dozen residents had been invited to enjoy an action-packed morning, with front-row seating to the pupils’ production followed by socialising with the cast members.
Bury and Whitefield Head Mistress, Claire Simon, said “As part of Mitzvah Day, we want to help others in the community, and what better to do a mitzvah than by including Heathlands Village and The Fed.
Older people have such rich life experience, and I firmly believe that those memories are something that our pupils can grab onto.”
Jennifer Berger, The Fed’s Activity Centre Deputy Manager, who co-ordinated the visit with Mrs Simon, enthused: “Our residents’ faces simply light up when they see the kids in school.
We’ve been going to Bury and Whitefield as part of Mitzvah Day for eight years now – every year we get a phone call inviting us, and it’s a highlight of the calendar.”
Heathlands Village resident, Faye Varley, agreed: “The children were wonderful – what a fantastic performance… we love coming here!”
Following the play, residents and pupils mingled freely, with friendships being kindled and memories and experiences shared, before a delicious lunch was served for all.
Mrs Simon continued, “Intergenerational work is of such importance to us – both The Fed and Bury and Whitefield. Older people have so much to give our young; our pupils learn so much from hearing from the residents, and the residents get a deep sense of satisfaction and enjoyment when they spend time with children.”