A pensioner got into the Eurovision spirit 51 years after attending the final the last time the UK hosted.
Peggy Batchelor, who is a resident at Croxteth Park Care Home on Moss Way, has been celebrating and reminiscing as Eurovision comes to Liverpool. The 94-year-old said she was in the audience in the 1972 Eurovision Contest in Edinburgh as a family member was in a band and given tickets.
The contest was held at the Usher Hall on March 25 and was hosted by Scottish ballet dancer Moira Shearer. Eighteen countries took part in the contest, the same countries as the previous year and the winner was Luxembourg with the song "Après toi", performed by Vicky Leandros.
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Peggy said: “I was lucky enough to be in the audience at the 1972 Eurovision Contest in Edinburgh as a family member was in a local band and was given tickets. We got all dressed up and my husband wore a tuxedo. It was such a memorable night; The New Seekers came second place.”
Other residents at Croxteth Park Care Home have also been embracing Eurovision fever and bringing the house down with their own take on some of the contest’s most famous performances.
Over 100 Four Seasons Health Care Group care homes across the UK are taking part in the event with residents and carers taking inspiration from previous winners including Abba, Brotherhood of Man and Bucks Fizz. Those who are a little too shy to take to the stage are representing the judges from different countries and scoring the acts, who will be trying their best to avoid nil points.
Residents have also enjoyed a special Eurovision touring performance of ‘Songs for Europe’ at the care home, as part of Liverpool’s EuroStreet programme. Culture Liverpool commissioned Nwoko Arts to produce a show designed especially for people living with dementia which included music, comedy, movement, and the infectious energy of Eurovision.
As well as the spectacular shows, residents are enjoying a culinary trip around some of the contest’s participating countries and spending time reminiscing about past Eurovisions, dating back to the inaugural event in 1956, won by Switzerland.
Steve Gardner, who heads up the Magic Moments activities programme at Four Seasons Health Care Group, said: “Our residents and team members have really embraced everything Eurovision and have been putting on some amazing performances of their own.
"We’ve also enjoyed sharing our memories of some of the most famous Eurovision entries over the years which has got us all singing along. Douze points all round.”
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