Jewish Care

Residents' singalong at Jewish Care's Vi & John Rubens House

An Old Time Music Hall production brought tears to the eyes as 11 residents of Jewish Care’s Vi & John Rubens House care home in Clarence Avenue, Ilford, took to the stage. The show was put together by Jacklin Stephenson, the home’s social care coordinator and Iris Cohen, a keen amateur singer and dancer, who helped residents practise.

Welcoming the audience, Jacklin Stephenson said: “It gives me great pleasure to introduce our residents, the Vi & John Rubens Gang. They have been rehearsing for months and they are very committed to the project.”

Taking part in the show were Gilda Berman, Leah Brown, Marie Cirsch, Minnie Conway, Rita Frankel, Sarah Jimack, Leslie King, Lily Koren, Esther Levy, Celia Rockman and Hannah Soltz. Entertainer Alan Ferner accompanied the gang on piano. Staff member Angelo Gordon and Iris Cohen’s grandson and granddaughter, Billy and Megan Parker also joined in.

“Ma, he’s making eyes at me,” sang Leah Brown, 88. She also performed my Yiddisher Mama as part of a medley of songs.

She added: “It was wonderful – the songs bring back plenty of memories for me although the youngsters don’t know them, they only know their rock songs and pop music. The show was all Jacklin’s idea and we really have enjoyed rehearsing with Iris.”

Her friend Hannah Soltz, 96, added: “I’ve never done anything like this – I haven’t got a good voice but we all had a very good time. We’re not shy, we can speak up for ourselves and we have a laugh.”

Commenting on the performances, Iris Cohen said: “The residents enjoy singing; they have beautiful voices and it gave them a chance to show what they can do. I wanted to cry when I heard them. I spoke to Jacklin and offered to come into the home and teach them. It has given me a lot of pleasure.”

Iris has a special reason for helping Vi & John Rubens House as both of her parents lived there for a while before they died. She added: “It is a wonderful home and my parents were very happy here.”