Year 10 students welcomed local senior citizens to enjoy an afternoon of fun, laughter and dancing at a Great Gatsby themed afternoon tea party in the Theatre on Wednesday 21 March.

Local community groups who attended the event included residents of Blackheath’s Morden College, a home for elderly residents, and Eltham Green Community Church. Grandparents of students past and present were also invited, and up to three generations of local families enjoyed the event together.

Local elderly residents were able to enjoy lively discussions with the students and feast on home-baked cakes while watching an array of entertainment including performances on the piano, singing and dance routines by the talented students.

Blackheath resident, 89 year-old Rosalie Vexter, a retired fashion consultant and local charity fundraiser, whose grand-daughter, Meriel Dhanowa, attended Blackheath High School from age 3 to 18 (1999-2013) has been attending the event for the last 10 years. She said: “The tea party gets better and better every year. This is the most stunning year yet. The dancing and musical performances are fantastic.” She even offered to teach the girls the Charleston.

Our entrepreneurial girls spent weeks organising the event, choosing the Great Gatsby theme, rehearsing musical pieces, dance routines and songs, designing and creating marketing materials, decorations, and baking an array of homemade cakes worthy of The Great British Big Bake-off competition. Mrs Reed, Head of Year 10, said “The students really enjoy spending time talking to our guests. Engaging with the older generations really helps build the student’s confidence, understanding and communication skills. Through organising the event they develop their leadership, creativity and teamwork skills.”

Mrs Chandler-Thompson, Head, said “We are delighted to host this event every year for local senior citizens. Our students really thrive on giving back to the local community and the experience of running their own event. With the school’s £18M major new build project due for completion at the end of the year, next year’s Senior Citizen Tea Party will be hosted in our brand-new school. So watch this space!”