John Bercow Visits Abbeyfield

As we reported earlier this year, Haddenham St Mary's CE School has linked up with Abbeyfield Residential Home in a project inspired by the Channel 4 programme 'Old People's Home For Four Year Olds'

At intervals throughout the academic year, staff from the school take a small group of children to visit residents at the home in Churchway where they chat to residents and participate in joint activities including board games and singing.

On Friday 20th April, the group of pupils were joined by an additional guest, Speaker of the House, John Bercow MP.

John explained his role to the youngsters, saying "I'm like the referee of a football match or the umpire of a tennis match, ensuring that those speaking in the House of Commons obey the rules and do not get too angry when they disagree with each other."

He interviewed the children to explore their favourite subjects at school, and maths and science stood out most prominently.

Said one youngster: "science is really good when there are explosions! And mixing baking soda with vinegar makes a really good fizz!"

John Bercow was suitably impressed.

The visit concluded with the children singing a number of songs, including some well known tunes from The Jungle Book and Mary Poppins and a hymn with actions.

Said Abbeyfield Manager, Lindsey McGibbon: "It's lovely to have the young children meet and engage with our elderly residents, and we were especially pleased to have John Bercow here today — he has been very supportive over the years and we regard him as a good friend."

(Click on any of the images to view an enlarged version).