Woodland Grove crooners rock around the Christmas tree to create fundraising song for charity

A former jazz singer and her fellow care home residents in Loughton hope their version of a Christmas classic will raise lots of money for a Chigwell charity.

Susan Sansby, 75, was taken back to her time singing at venues such as Ronnie Scott’s when the lounge at Woodland Grove care home was turned into a recording studio.

She and more than 20 other residents donned their festive outfits and laid down the vocals to ‘Rocking Around the Christmas Tree’ with the help of Surrey-based musician and producer, Jez Larder.

“I loved it, it was wonderful to be able to sing again,” said Susan, who has lived at the Rectory Lane home since 2023.

“I’ve performed all over London and the southeast. I’ve even sung at Westminster Abbey, but my health isn’t what it was.  I never thought I’d have the chance to do this again, but the staff here have made it happen!”

The idea for the recording came from a recent visit to the home by heating engineer and part-time musician, Gary Plummer.  Staff at Woodland Grove knew of his musical background and asked if he could help make the idea a reality.

“Luckily, I’m a good friend of Jez Larder.  He is used to working with older singers, having helped launch the careers of The Zimmers, a group of older people and care home residents, a number of years ago.  They covered songs by The Who and The Beastie Boys but the residents at Woodland Grove chose something a bit more traditional.”

Woodland Grove is a purpose-built care home on Rectory Lane which is home to 72 residents.  Staff provide residential, nursing, memory and respite care and residents from every floor have been involved with the project.

Among them is Ted Martin who was a drummer in his youth.  He is living with dementia but hasn’t lost his sense of rhythm, tapping along with the beat on a hand drum on the two-minute track.

The song has been uploaded to the YouTube channel of the home’s parent company, Oakland Care.   Donations can be made via the page to The Grange Farm Centre in Chigwell which supports a number of activities the residents both visit and enjoy in the home.

Lifestyles Manager at Woodland Grove, Michela Volpe, said recording the song has brought the Christmas spirit into Woodland Grove.

“Music touches everyone and it’s brought us all together.  We’ve been thrilled to take Susan and Ted back to very happy times in their lives and to give other residents a taste of something completely new!

“We’re all excited to see how much money we raise!”

You can watch the festive video and make a donation here – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ifQJvdkSmhE