The Last Night of the Proms is a much-loved British tradition, closing the BBC Proms season at the Royal Albert Hall in London with patriotic atmosphere and enthusiastic audience participation.
Not to be outdone by the London prommers, residents, guests and staff at Cambridge care home Waterbeach Lodge put the flags out in style last weekend and created their own version of this spectacular celebration.
“Mezzo soprano Olivia Barry sang for us to recreate that exciting proms atmosphere and there was lots of flag waving, bunting and exuberant singing.”
This year, because Waterbeach Lodge has just achieved its Veteran Friendly Framework accreditation, invitations were sent to local armed forces veterans, who also joined the celebration.
“Our residents were in fine voice at our very own proms on Sunday afternoon, with Olivia commenting that we were almost word perfect. Garlands, hats and flags were aplenty, and everyone said they thoroughly enjoyed the afternoon.
“All were welcomed with a drink and after the performance there was a delicious post-performance buffet. It has to be said that a few tears were shed for some of the songs which Olivia performed so beautifully. As war Veteran Angus Critchley Waring declared at the end, ‘ Bravo to you my dear, you can come again!’”
