It's back to school for Hungerford senior citizens

GUESTS from Hungerford's senior community were invited 'back to school' last week, as part of John O'Gaunt School's 'All Aboard' project.

The venture aims to bring the generations closer.

Guests were treated to a school meal and were waited on by Year 7 pupils.

Afterwards they were entertained by their hosts and played board games in the school library.

School librarian Nicola Chester said: "School experiences were shared and topical discussions and friendly debates were had.

"Before long, views were being sought across the generations on topics as varied as the environment, modern art, mobile phones and social media, advances in science and the future.

"New games were learnt and shared too – the guests learned how to play Uno and Bananagrams, and students learnt how to play draughts and improve their Scrabble scores and chess moves."

Head of School Richard Hawthorne said: "No topic was left uncovered; it was heart-warming to listen to the conversations flowing.

"We are proud to be a community school and events and opportunities like this spark joy, understanding and empathy – they grow and strengthen all our relationships and common ground is readily found."

Teacher Debi Arden-Hunt, who organised the revived, regular 'All Aboard' event, said: "It was a great success, and just wonderful to get these different age groups together, relaxed and chatting face to face, when both have missed out on this, due to the pandemic.

"Both groups learnt so much from each other and there was a lot of laughter.

"It was also very moving."