Purbrook Park pupils write heartfelt cards to bring some Christmas cheer to retired neighbours

FESTIVE spirit has arrived at a retired living development thanks to a special delivery from thoughtful Purbrook pupils.
By Belinda Dickins
Published 15th Dec 2020, 11:44 BST
Margaret and Graham Spooner from Shilling Place with some of the cards from Purbrook Park pupilsMargaret and Graham Spooner from Shilling Place with some of the cards from Purbrook Park pupils
Margaret and Graham Spooner from Shilling Place with some of the cards from Purbrook Park pupils

More than 30 Christmas cards handmade by Year 7 to 10 house ambassadors from Purbrook Park School brought joy to homeowners at nearby Shilling Place.

Residents of the development, in Stakes Road, were pleased to receive each card’s good tidings and festive messages from the pupils.

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Becky Smith, lead practitioner of pupil personal development at Purbrook Park School, said: ‘All of our pupils really enjoyed making and writing their cards. It was certainly a great way to get us all into the Christmas spirit and help to foster relationships between the generations.’

Christmas cards written by Purbrook Park School pupils for residents of Shilling PlaceChristmas cards written by Purbrook Park School pupils for residents of Shilling Place
Christmas cards written by Purbrook Park School pupils for residents of Shilling Place
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The homeowners at Shilling Place were so thrilled to receive their cards that as a thank-you they sent a little festive treat to all the children, in the form of chocolate coins.

Mrs Smith added: ‘We’d like to thank all of the homeowners at Shilling Place for sending their kind treats for the children.

‘The delivery was a wonderful surprise for the children, and they were absolutely delighted that the homeowners enjoyed their cards.’

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Designed for the over 60s, McCarthy and Stone’s Shilling Place was opened last September and recently celebrated a year of residents living in the complex named after Waterlooville inventor Beatrice Shilling.

SEE ALSO: Homeless and vulnerable people will be comforted by donations during a difficult time of year

Nicki Beswarick, divisional marketing manager for McCarthy and Stone Southern, said: ‘This year it was important for us to get creative and find new ways of bringing the community together, despite the challenges we’re all facing.

‘The pupils at Purbrook Park School have gone above and beyond to produce some incredible Christmas cards, which have truly brought some yuletide comfort and festive cheer to homeowners at Shilling Place.

‘Engagement with the communities in which we build is a key focus at McCarthy and Stone, never more so than throughout 2020 when we all might be feeling a little more isolated than before.

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‘We pride ourselves on creating a close-knit and supportive community, so we will continue to focus on innovative ways to forge these important connections until we can once again welcome everyone in person.’

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