Christmas Joy For World’s Oldest Choir As It Sings Its Way Into The Record Books
A 17-strong choir, whose members are between 87 and 99 years old and has an average age of 94, made history today (Thursday 19 December) when it was crowned the ‘World’s Oldest Choir’ by Guinness World Records.
The choir, aka The Prime Timers, is made up of residents from seven care homes in Warwickshire run by Runwood Homes, who came together to break the record during a Christmas carol concert at the Crowne Plaza Hotel’s Grand Ballroom in Stratford-Upon-Avon. The concert was compèred actor Sian Reeves who advocates for therapeutic use of music, particularly in care homes.
The previous GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ title for the World’s Oldest Choir was held by St John’s House in York since April 2013, which had 13 members and an average age of 91.
While some members of the choir were born in the West Midlands, others come from as far and wide as Glasgow and London. Some have sung in choirs before, for many it’s their first time. One of these, Sidney Pickford (90) – a former book binder by trade who bound books for the TV show ‘This is Your Life’- was born on Christmas day 1934. He says he’ll have double the reason to celebrate this year, being both a birthday boy and world record holder.
Watched on by proud family and friends, The Prime Timers sang traditional festive favourites such as Jingle Bells and We Wish You A Merry Christmas, alongside joining Music for Dementia ambassador and singing legend Tony Christie, in a beautifully poignant rendition of Silent Night. The concert included Christmas Through The Years, a song written and released by The Prime Timers alongside Intergenerational Music Making.
Low Furlong Care Home resident (Shipston on Stour), Christopher Huddleston said: “It’s been a great honour and a remarkable day. Few of us at any age get to have an attempt at a world record, let alone at 90 or more and on the same bill as Tony Christie. It has been quite something.”
Carl Saville, adjudicator for Guinness World Records commented on the successful record attempt: “After reviewing the relevant documents and criteria, and witnessing the attempt today, I was delighted to announce The Prime Timers the new Guinness World Records’ holders for the world’s oldest choir. A massive congratulations to the whole team at Runwood Homes who spent many months planning and preparing for the events, as well as the amazing choir.”
The creation of The Prime Timers and the ambition for the choir to become the world’s oldest was the brainchild of Jasmine Kessey, Deputy Home Manager at Lower Meadow in Stratford, whose endeavours were supported by Runwood’s Head of Dementia Services, Paul Gaskell.
Jasmine said: “Having worked in care homes for over 10 years, I’ve seen firsthand the joy that music brings to residents. Their memory may not be as it once was but most of them will remember their favourite song and how it made them feel. Music creates a strong sense of community, reduces loneliness and brings a bit of a buzz to the home. It has so many positive and emotional benefits for residents that music plays an important role in all our care homes.”
Sarah Metcalfe, Managing Director at Music for Dementia, which has been supporting this record attempt explains: “The Primer Timers are proof you’re never too old to join a choir. Music for Dementia has loved working with them on their record attempt and now we’re encouraging everyone to join a choir in 2025 – especially if you’re living with dementia or caring for someone who has it.”
“Singing is proven to lift your mood and improve lung health, and music can help manage dementia symptoms like anxiety. All while making friends and getting out of the house. We’ve put a fun quiz on our website to help people find the best choir for them, plus information and advice for any care homes that want to set up their own choir. Music brings a care home alive!”
