Bourne singing group to help people with dementia invites new members to join

People are being urged to lend their voices to a singing group that supports people who are elderly or have dementia.

The group, led by Sandra Wilson from Bourne Salvation Army, has become a regular visitor to care homes in the town on Tuesday mornings.

Those involved sing hits from the 1950s and 1960s, including songs by Cliff Richard, The Beatles, Doris Day and Ricky Nelson, as well as well-known hymns such as All Things Bright and Beautiful and Give Me Oil in My Lamp.

And with a new song book arriving shortly, Sandra is keen to bolster numbers to learn a new repertoire together and keep the free entertainment going for local people.

“We’re on a high after going singing,” she said. “Our care home residents sing along, whistle or play tambourines, and some of those who don’t speak anymore, or who struggle with dementia, really benefit because they can remember the words and the tunes and join in.

“It’s something everyone benefits from and although we focus on the Bourne area, word has got around and we have even had requests from care homes further afield.”

The singing group is open to anyone who can spare some time on a Tuesday morning, usually from 10.30am for an hour or so, with no requirement to be able to read music or to be a ‘singer’.

To find out more, people can call Bourne Salvation Army Hall on 01778 393459 to speak to Jenny or leave a message for Sandra, or email Sandra directly on sandramaywilson@gmail.com.