A story of song and karaoke
While sitting at Byways, quietly singing to myself, a few members of the WTG group began to join in. The moment sparked a little idea which grew. I asked everyone, half-jokingly, if I managed to get a new karaoke machine, would they come along to a party? The response was immediate and enthusiastic, everyone said yes!
That’s when Friends of New Byways came into the picture. The charity was set up by former trustees when the new Byways building opened in 2011, with the sole purpose of raising funds and receiving donations on behalf of residents. Over the years, their generosity has had a huge impact. They’ve previously funded vehicles for tenants’ use, including our current electric vehicle, and even covered the cost of installing the charging point.
Knowing how supportive they are, I asked whether they might help us with a karaoke machine and a small budget for food. Without hesitation, they agreed. With that, the plan for a joint karaoke and Easter party was born.
Party time
When the day arrived, everyone who had said they’d come did exactly that. They arrived, supported by their care workers, who made the event feel even more inclusive and welcoming. Maria and Annar from the Byways staff went above and beyond, preparing a wonderful spread of food for everyone to enjoy. We also held an Easter egg raffle, which added a lot of excitement and laughter to the afternoon. What followed was a truly beautiful celebration.
Residents from seven different services came together in one space, singing, laughing, and connecting. The atmosphere was joyful, inclusive, and full of warmth. This kind of moment reminds us exactly why we do what we do. It wasn’t just a party. It was a powerful reminder of the importance of community, collaboration, and shared experiences. We’re incredibly grateful to Friends of New Byways, our staff team, and everyone who attended and helped make the day so memorable. We’re already looking forward to the next one!
