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.”

Hungerford Memory Singers group meets on the third Monday of the month for singalongs at the British Legion in Hungerford. 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.

How to join the choir

The choir meets from 10.30am to 12noon on the third Monday of the month at Hungerford British Legion.

Except December when there will be a Christmas Concert on Saturday 9th December at 3pm at Our Lady of Lourdes Priory Road Hungerford RG17 0AF

There are still places available so if you have dementia or support someone else who does, please get in touch with Olivia on 07989 388827 or [email protected].