Hungerford resident Olivia Simmonds was inspired by Vicky McClure’s Our Dementia Choir in Nottingham to create the Hungerford Memory Singers, a dementia choir in memory of her mother who responded well to music during the years she lived with dementia.
Music is known to bring huge benefits to people living with dementia and can rebuild confidence, stimulate conversation and bring back happy memories.
“My mother lived with dementia for many years,” Olivia said, “and we discovered that music was a wonderful medium for stimulating both conversation and memories.”
They are entirely run by volunteers with Carolyn Bartholomew leading the singing and accompanied by Giulia Rowland on the piano. Most importantly it is a place for people with dementia plus a member of their family or carer to come to socialise and have fun.
Olivia is very grateful for support from Victoria at Age UK over the past few months, educating the volunteer team about dementia.
For more details please listen to Penny’s radio interview with Olivia.
2024 Dates
Hungerford Memory Singers group meets on the third Monday of the month (except August) 10.30am to 12pm for singalongs at the British Legion in Hungerford.
The dates are 15 January, 19 February, 18 March, 15 April, 20 May, 15 June, 17 July, 16 September, 21 October, 18 November, 16 December.
How to join the choir
The choir meets from 10.30am to 12noon on the third Monday of the month at Hungerford British Legion.
The Next Singalongs for 2024 will commence on Monday 15 January 10.30am -12pm. Cost £2.50 includes light refreshments. To book a space please contact Olivia Simmonds on 07989 388827 or dementia.choir@gmail.com
Author: Penny Post
Penny Post is a community notice board serving West Berkshire, Wantage, Swindon, Marlborough and surrounding areas so there
