MORE than 30 students at Commonweal school have been spreading the Christmas message to the local community with six whistle stop tours of residential homes for the elderly and at two supermarkets.

“One of the favourite events is the annual carol singing tour where two groups of songbirds go on tour of a total of six Old Town based care homes for the elderly," said Josie Williams, community arts development officer at Commonweal. “We used to perform at three homes, but we had such demand that we had to form two groups and visit another three!

“It’s a really special time of the year and the children love it! At lunchtime we all went to Connies Chinese restaurant in Devizes Road where Connie very kindly does a lunch for us. Then it’s off to another care home and then one group sings at Tesco, Ocotal Way whilst the other group perform at Sainsburys, Bridgemead, where shoppers thoroughly enjoyed the festive entertainment,” she added.

“Big thanks to Connie's Chinese for doing such an amazing buffet lunch. We were re-fuelled and soon on our way to spread more festive cheer to the older generation of Swindon.

“Student Reanna Nolan had her thirteenth birthday on the day and her mum very cleverly sneaked a cake into Connie’s Restaurant so that the students could sing her happy birthday, Reanna was really surprised, blew out the candles and shared the cake with her friends,” said Ali Sutcliffe, head of performing arts.

“We raised over £300 for the music department which will go towards equipment such as drums sticks, guitar leads and sheet music. Commonweal Performing Arts faculty prides itself on reaching out to all of Swindon with its talented students and staff. I am so proud of them all."

And the experience resonated with pupils as well.

“It was great to be asked to be part of the community choir. A whole school day where all I had to do was sing! Everyone we visited really liked it, “ said Kody Bowler age 11. His mother, Janine said: “What a wonderful thing for the school to do. Kody was thrilled to take part. The joy they clearly brought to the residents of the retirement homes will stay with them all Christmas. Singing is so good for the soul."

“Louie and Billy loved singing at the retirement homes. They said the residents really appreciated their efforts and they are hoping to be able to do it next year as well,” said Trish Hughes mother of the twins.

“Kyle really enjoyed himself and was thrilled to be able to spread Christmas joy to everyone. He loved the fact that he could sing all day too!! I think that it is a fantastic community event for the school to be involved in and I am sure Kyle would love to do this again!! Said Cheryl Iles, mother of Kyle.