PRINCE AVENUE ACADEMY PUPILS SUPPORT THE LOCAL HAVEN COMMUNITY HUB

June 6, 2025

Pupils from Prince Avenue Academy were pleased to entertain members of the local community who gathered at the Havens Hub in Hamlet Court Road. They joined members of the Sound of Memories and Dementia Day Centre Choirs in an event organised by Age Concern Southend on Sea.

The Prince Avenue Choir, comprising pupils from years 4, 5 and 6 sang a selection of songs including: Let’s Twist, Top of the World and Rocking all over the World.

Two pupils reprised the talks they had recently given as part of the SEEAT Speaks event held at Deane’s Academy when three students from each of the nine South East Essex Academy Trust schools were invited to give a two-minute talk on a subject of their choice. The first speaker chose to speak about Maths, whilst the second speaker gave an account of Reading.

The afternoon was also filled with individual and group items, including poetry recitals and a rendition by a trio of year 6 girls of Million Dreams from the Greatest Showman, along with a dance item.

The students were particularly pleased to finish their performance by singing Downside along with the Sound of Memories and Dementia Day Centre Choirs.

The entertainment was choreographed by Mrs Siobhan Fraser who said: I was pleased that our pupils were able to contribute to the Age Concern event which was to raise money for the purchase of the Havens building, at present let to the charity. Prince Avenue Academy is keen to support the local community and today they were demonstrating the values of our school: Pride, Respect, Inclusion, Nurture, Courage and Excellence. Head teacher. Mrs Dennis added that this local charity which organises a number of clubs and activities for the elderly and vulnerable residents of the area and in particular supports those suffering from Dementia and their carers is much appreciated and the school was happy to support the ‘Save the Haven Campaign'.

Sarah Wilson, General Manager of Age Concern Southend –on Sea thanked the pupils, staff and parents of Prince Avenue Academy for treating the audience for a wonderful afternoon of entertainment, alongside our own choir. We strongly encourage intergenerational activities at the Haven Community Club and saying that today was a fantastic example of this. Young and not so young coming together for a common cause.

She continued by reporting how it is necessary for a total of £1,200,00 to be raised by the end of the year in order to complete the purchase of the sale of the Haven’s building. She added that in December 2024 a grant of £960,000 was received from the Community Ownership Fund leaving £240,000 to be raised by Age Concern Southend-on-Sea. With much appreciation for grants and the generosity and support of the local community over half of this amount has been raised. A total of £91,000 has still to be raised and we are grateful to anyone who donates to the Save the Haven Campaign