Bringing sunshine and smiles to Suffolk Lodge

A group of 25 singers from the choir and CLASP sang a variety of songs ranging from You’ve got a Friend in Me to Morecambe and Wise classic Bring me Sunshine to assembled residents at Suffolk Lodge.

The choir was led by Musical Director Dorian Edwards who introduced each song to the audience, conducted the singers and entertained everyone.

Choir member Clare Waters said, “Bringing together the two groups from CLASP and the Sing Healthy Choir was a great opportunity to participate in a group activity, make friends and do something that anyone can do - SING!” The choir performance was very engaging as people with dementia respond very well to music. Alison Clarke CLASP Project Support Worker said, “The residents really joined in when we sang some of the oldies like Friends and Neighbours and they were clapping and tapping their feet to the music.

“One of the ladies in the choir is partially sighted and has a guide dog. The Suffolk Lodge residents loved having the dog there and made a real fuss of her.”

The Sing Healthy Choir hope to perform again at Suffolk Lodge at Christmas. The group meet every Friday during term time 10.30am until 12pm (changing to every Wednesday 11.00am to 12.30pm from October 2016). CLASP is open to anybody with a learning disability over 18 years old, the office is open Monday to Friday 9am to 4pm. For more information go to our website: www.wokinghamclasp.org.uk.

Notes for Editors:

1. Photo caption: The Wokingham Sing Healthy Choir and CLASP gave a special performance at Optalis-run Suffolk Lodge

2. For more information about Optalis please visit our website at: www.optalis.org