Jessie Ware waxes lyrical about Apples and Honey, the pioneering nursery on the site of the Nightingale House care home in South London. So much so that the Brit Awards-nominated singer-songwriter has agreed to become the nursery’s first patron.

Ms Ware was among the guests at a party celebrating Apples and Honey’s first anniversary at Nightingale.

She said that having grown up in Clapham, she was aware of the home, at which family members had volunteered. She was keen to support the nursery, which has brought intergenerational activities into Nightingale’s daily programme.  

Unveiling a mosaic designed by Nightingale resident and former teacher Walter Goldstein and created collaboratively by residents and nursery children, Ms Ware said that being named a patron was “the greatest pleasure and honour.

“Pioneers in their field, I am positive that Apples and Honey will inspire many more intergenerational nurseries around the UK.”

Nursery principal Judith Ish-Horowicz said it had demonstrated “how valuable joint programmes between young and old are for both groups. We look forward to helping other care providers to create successful models of intergenerational engagement.”