A MUSIC charity celebrated its tenth anniversary with a party bringing together old and young.

Fiona Chapman set up Musical Connections in March 2009, supported by funding from City of York Council (CYC) and Arts Council England.

The charity runs choirs and weekly music groups in care and community settings, many of which are open to the general public, and also organises more than 50 cross-generational events a year, involving over 300 older residents, many of whom are vulnerable and at risk of social isolation.

In 2009, Fiona had five small music groups at council care homes, but ten years on the charity is thriving with ten groups and choirs across the city.

To celebrate its milestone anniversary, Musical Connections decided to bring together pupils from Rufforth Primary School and the residents of the Gale Farm Court sheltered housing scheme, which is based in Acomb.

The residents taught the children some of the classic games they used to play at birthday parties when they were youngsters,

such as Pass the Parcel, Balloon Musical Statues and I’ve a Pigeon in my Pocket.

The kids then entertained their hosts with fiesta songs from Hawaii and Sweden, which they had been practising since Christmas.

One of them, Gabby Lewis, aged nine, said: “It’s really nice when we play them music and see their faces light up.”

While Gale Farm Court resident Janet Barritt added: “We have become like family.”

The charity also organised an anniversary concert at the National Centre for Early Music.

Email enquiries@musicalconnections.org.uk or phone 01904 373 011 to find out more about Musical Connections’ weekly groups, many of which are open to the public.