One of the things I love most about being a care home singer is that no two days are ever the same. Music is always at the centre of what I do, but every so often you are invited into moments that feel genuinely special, and they stay with you.

Recently, I had the pleasure of singing at a birthday celebration at Coxhill Manor Care Home in Chobham. It was one of those lovely occasions where the atmosphere is charged with the feeling that this is a special moment and means a lot to everyone involved, and I felt very privileged and honoured to be part of it.

When I arrived, there was a warm, relaxed atmosphere in the resident's lounge where everyone was gathered. The birthday lady arrived and was followed by the Mayor who had come along to help mark the special occasion.

I started things off with some light-hearted jazz and a bit of Motown, which set a relaxed tone. The music naturally moved into wartime favourites and well-known sing-along songs and that’s when the room really came alive! The birthday lady, residents, staff and visiting guests were smiling, tapping along, and there was even some dancing as people joined in with songs they had known for years. It’s always lovely to see and there's always a real lift in the room when that kind of energy comes through.

After the singing, the birthday celebrations continued with cake and everyone joining in with “Happy Birthday” alongside the staff. There’s something very special about that moment when everything feels unhurried and everyone is simply enjoying being together.

What I enjoy most about days like this is how quickly music brings people together. For a short while, it doesn’t matter who is singing along loudly or quietly, or who is just listening because everyone is sharing the same moment in their own way.

At the end of the afternoon the birthday lady told me the music was “right up her street,” which was the absolute best and perfect compliment.