Park House Care Home residents gripped by Eurovision fever

Peggy Batchelor, 94, who lives at Park House Care Home in Birkenhead was in the audience when the world's biggest music competition was staged in Edinburgh in 1972.

That year, Luxembourg won the song contest for the third time with the entry Aprés Toi performed by Vicky Leandros. The writer of the winning song, Yves Desca, also wrote the winning song of 1971 by Séverine.

It was the first time in the history of the Song Contest that the same songwriter won twice in a row and for two different countries.

Beg, Steal Or Borrow by British band The New Seekers who ended up in second place.

Peggy joined fellow residents embracing Eurovision fever and bringing the house down with their own take on some of the contest’s most famous performances.

Liverpool is hosting this year's Eurovision and the first semi-final took place in the city on Tuesday night (May 10). The second semi-final is on Thursday, with the grand final on Saturday.

Recalling her Eurovision experience, said: "I was lucky enough to be in the audience at the 1972 Eurovision Contest in Edinburgh as a family member was in a local band and was given tickets.

"We got all dressed up and my husband wore a tuxedo.

"It was such a memorable night; The New Seekers came second place.”

More than 100 Four Seasons Health Care Group care homes across the UK are taking part in the event with residents and carers taking inspiration from previous winners including Abba, Brotherhood of Man and Bucks Fizz.

Team member Hannah Lebrecht with resident Edna Grant (Image: Murdoch House Care Home)

Those who are a little too shy to take to the stage are representing the judges from different countries and scoring the acts, who will be trying their best to avoid nil points!

Resident Jean Segar, aged 91, will be cheering on The UK's Mae Muller (Image: Murdoch House Care Home)

As well as some spectacular shows, residents are enjoying a culinary trip around some of the contest’s participating countries and spending time reminiscing about past Eurovisions, dating back to the inaugural event in 1956, won by Switzerland. 

Park House Care Home is run by Four Seasons Health Care Group.

Steve Gardner, head of the company's Magic Moments activities programme, said: "Our residents and team members have really embraced everything Eurovision and have been putting on some amazing performances of their own.

Resident Connie Brownjohn, aged 93, enjoying the Eurovision events (Image: Murdoch House Care Home)

"We've also enjoyed sharing our memories of some of the most famous Eurovision entries over the years which has got us all singing along.

"Douze points all round!"