The Prime Timers: A Lasting Legacy of Joy and Achievement for Members Aged 87 to 99
A 17-member choir, whose members are between 87 and 99 years old with an average age of 94, made history this December when they were crowned the World’s Oldest Choir by Guinness World Records. The choir, known as The Prime Timers, is made up of residents from seven care homes across the Runwood Homes group, located across Warwickshire. Their efforts came to fruition during a special Christmas carol concert at the Crowne Plaza Hotel’s Grand Ballroom in Stratford-upon-Avon.
The concert, which was part of the record-breaking event, featured traditional festive songs such as ‘Jingle Bells’ and ‘We Wish You A Merry Christmas.’ The choir also performed alongside Tony Christie, a renowned ambassador for Music for Dementia, in a moving rendition of ‘Silent Night.’ The evening also showcased the choir’s new Christmas song, ‘Christmas Through The Years,’ co-written by The Prime Timers and Intergenerational Music Making.
Among the members of the choir was Sidney Pickford (90), a former bookbinder who bound books for the famous TV show ‘This Is Your Life.’ Sidney, born on Christmas Day in 1934, was thrilled to have “double the reason to celebrate” as both a birthday boy and a world record holder.
Christopher Rightson, a resident of Low Furlong Care Home in Shipston-on-Stour, shared his excitement, saying, “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.”
91-year-old Sheila Barnett, who had been part of a choir in Bridgetown for nearly 40 years, called it “an honour” to be part of the choir. “I think it makes you happy if you can sing, and even if people don’t sing very well, it doesn’t matter. You can still sing along. Whatever you do, just sing!” Sheila said.
The creation of The Prime Timers and their world record attempt was spearheaded by Jasmine Kessey, Deputy Home Manager at Lower Meadow Care Home in Stratford. She was supported by Paul Gaskell, Runwood Homes’ Head of Dementia Services. Jasmine explained, “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 what it once was, but many still remember their favourite songs and how music makes them feel. Music creates a strong sense of community, reduces loneliness, and brings so much joy to our care homes.”
Runwood Homes’ commitment to enriching the lives of residents through music was clear through the support of Music for Dementia, a charity that provided guidance and resources for this incredible achievement. Sarah Metcalfe, Managing Director at Music for Dementia, said, “The Prime Timers are proof that you’re never too old to join a choir. Singing is proven to lift your mood and improve lung health. Music can help manage symptoms like anxiety and reduce feelings of isolation, especially for those living with dementia.”
Charlotte Miller, founder of Intergenerational Music Making, also shared her thoughts: “Writing ‘Christmas Through The Years’ with Runwood’s residents and staff has been a truly moving experience. It’s a beautiful reminder of how music can transcend generations, sparking conversations, evoking cherished memories, and fostering a profound sense of connection. Runwood and its choirs embody the power of care homes to create vibrant, inclusive communities where music becomes a bridge to shared stories, companionship, and joy—reducing isolation and enriching lives.”
The choir’s successful attempt has left a lasting legacy for everyone involved, with the memories of this special day creating a deep sense of pride for the residents, their families, and the Runwood Homes team.
When ‘The Prime Timers’ are not breaking world records, they continue to inspire with their music. Their new Christmas song, ‘Christmas Through The Years,’ is available for £1 on Bandcamp, with all proceeds benefiting the Warwickshire Reminiscence Action Project, a local dementia charity – https://bit.ly/3PrPu3S
The Prime Timers’ achievement is a beautiful reminder of the power of music to unite people across generations, bringing them together in ways that enrich their lives and connect them to cherished memories.
