A GWENT singer gave a special VE Day performance to residents of a Torfaen care home.
Laura Sidney from Pontypool had been planning to perform at Panteg Nursing Home for residents prior to the coronavirus lockdown - but this was put on hold due to the lockdown. However, she was able to arrange a socially distant performance in the garden of the home to the delight of residents and staff.
Laura Sidney during her performance at Panteg Nursing Home on VE Day. Picture: Emily Sidney
Ms Sidney, a classically trained soprano who sings a variety of genres, said she wanted to perform for the home to give back to the community and cheer up the residents, especially after the lockdown meaning they were unable to see family.
Ms Sidney said: “I suggested singing for them in the garden, allowing the residents to still see me perform but from a safe distance. As it happens, the date fell on VE Day so I decided to treat them with some Vera Lynn numbers as well as a huge array of other songs.”
She added: “A few of the residents actually started to cry when I sang the Vera Lynn numbers and tissues were handed out. But they were waving their British flags for VE Day and the whole atmosphere was really poignant.”
Laura Sidney at Panteg Nursing Home. Picture: Emily Sidney
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Ms Sidney added: “The residents have not been able to see their families and to see a new face, although I wasn’t allowed too close, really made them smile.
“A few of the neighbours came to listen too. There were even people listening through their house windows. I think they were all so thankful to have something different and positive to listen to.
“It made my day singing there and I couldn’t have asked for better weather either.”
Some of the residents at Panteg Nursing Home who listened to Laura Sidney's performance. Picture: Emily Sidney
Ms Sidney is hoping to be able to return to the nursing home to perform again once lockdown and the coronavirus situation changes.
Alongside singing freelance, Ms Sidney also performs with the Welsh National Opera and is a radio broadcaster for BBC Radio Wales as a news and travel reporter. She has performed all across the UK including charity events and has decided to take the plunge to sing professionally – by setting up her own freelance singing business.
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