Pupils at Whetley Academy join care home residents for 'virtual cruise'

Cooper House Care Home in Buttershaw is being transformed into a cruise ship, with three ‘decks’ offering entertainment, crafts, films and music from around the world. The venture is aimed at helping residents remember and reminisce about past holidays and countries they visited or came from. “We have residents from Ireland and India, and one from Austria. Some residents have been on cruise holidays and have photos,” said activities manager Dawn McCormack. “We’re re-creating the experience of a cruise ship, visiting various countries and highlighting different cultures.”

The ‘cruise’ sails from Ireland next month, ending in America in July, on Independence Day. When Whetley Academy heard about the project, youngsters set about making artwork for the virtual ship. Learning support assistant Farheen Hussain said: "Pupils painted port holes and underwater scenes, including mermaids, sharks and jelly fish. They've really enjoyed it."