Silver Song Club

Bye Bye Blackbird, Catch A Falling Star, Greensleeves and Bless Them All ... songs from the past had heads nodding and toes tapping as this singalong for older people, and their carers, got underway on Monday afternoon.

This monthly musical get-together is intended to be fun and sociable but it has a serious side, as it is organised by the Alzheimers Society and Memory Assessment And Support Team (MAST) with a view to keeping brains active.

The singalong was led by Matthew Raisbeck who said: "Fifty or sixty years ago community singing was something that one did. People went along to church halls and pubs and had a singalong...it was a normal part of everyday life. As soon as people here realise they know the music we are doing, they love joining in with it, and they find it can trigger off memories from when they were young."

Silver Song is a new monthly club and there are 12 sessions planned. Deborah Becker of MAST said: "We were only approached last month and had an offer of funding.

"This is very much about promoting social inclusion which is why we wanted it based in a community venue as opposed to a NHS or Social Services building."

The club is aimed at older people and those with memory problems, and so far there has been a good response from residential homes and also day centres, with over 20 people attending the first get-together.

Rosemary Iddenden, branch manager of Hastings and Rother Alzheimers Society, said: "I think the idea is excellent. Everyone seems to be participating at the level they are able to and I think it is encouraging to see the carers who care for the person at home being able to come to an activity which is jointly beneficial, because it takes you out of yourself.

"As the disease progresses they will have lots and lots that they cannot share, but the sharing of music goes right on through the stages."

For further details of Silver Song Club call 01424 720640.