A CHOIR singer received a special visit at his Chesterfield care home from a chorus of his vocalist friends on his 87th birthday.
The Chesterfield Male Voice Choir gathered at Holmewood Care Home, on Barnfield Close, Holmewood, to mark the birthday of Ernest Holmes – a member of the group for 22 years.
Ernest and his fellow singers donned their uniform of black shirt and gold tie for the celebrations, when they performed several songs and shared memories of former performances and group members.
He was also joined by family and friends, including daughter Denise Wallace and wife Merilyn Holmes, who said: “Ernest started singing in the choir when he was 60 and made many friends.
“Singing brought him a lot of happiness. He loved joining in with all kinds of choir singing and was very sociable. It was lovely for him to see his friends again on his birthday.”
Born in Chesterfield on 29th April 1939, Ernest worked as a window cleaner and market trader. He later met Merilyn in church and the couple married in 1998.
After moving to Holmewood Care Home in August 2023, the home’s activities coordinator Corina Mihailici had the idea to contact his former choir for his birthday.
Chairman of the Chesterfield Male Voice Choir, Mike Spriggs, said the group was delighted to be invited to sing at Ernest’s birthday party.
Mike said: “Ernest was proudly wearing his choir tie and sat with the singers throughout the afternoon. It was lovely to meet Ernest again, along with his family and the other residents.
“We were all made extremely welcome, and the birthday cake was absolutely delicious. Thank you so much for your hospitality and kindness. We thoroughly enjoyed the occasion and hope we may be invited again in the future.”
Fellow choir member Stephen Ingle said: “I think Ernest really enjoyed the day. It was a fantastic occasion and we all enjoyed ourselves as well.
“We used to meet for rehearsals at Whittington Methodist Church. Ernest was always smiley and happy. It was a pleasure for all of us to make this a special day for Ernest – our colleague who has been singing with the choir for so many years.”
Corina added: “A massive thank you to the Chesterfield Male Voice Choir for making Ernest’s birthday such a special day. We held a wonderful party filled with beautiful songs, a lovely cake, laughter and warm memories.
“Everyone enjoyed the occasion and shared their best wishes with Ernest, who is loved and truly precious to all of us here at Holmewood Care Home.”