Members of Consett Rotary visited Beamish Museum at Christmas time in 2022 to sing as part of Consett’s Red Dust Choir.
They were joined at Beamish by two Dementia Friendly Choirs from other areas of County Durham. All three choirs were lead by Bethany Coyle, a professional musician.
They enthused at how beneficial being part of a choir was to people living with dementia, so put the idea forward their Rotary Club.
Consett Rotary members agreed to start a choir early in 2023 and with a Grant from Derwent Valley Area Action Partnership, a Dementia Friendly choir was launched in May 2023, led by Bethany Coyle.
The Choir meets weekly in Citizens House on Station Road Consett on Tuesday afternoons, between 1.30 and 3.30pm. Well over 20 people attend on a regular basis.
It is free of charge and is for everyone who enjoys singing. Anyone who is having any memory problems is warmly welcomed, as are people who may feel lonely and are looking for company.
It is well-recorded and researched that singing is excellent therapy for all, but is is especially stimulating for people who may be experiencing memory loss.
The members of the choir after much deliberation and discussion agreed to the name Consett Memory Makers Choir
The funding from the Area Action Partnership is coming to an end in the next few months and Consett Rotary are looking for funding or sponsorship to continue the choir, which is growing in numbers monthly.
Are there any musicians or interested parties out there who would like to support this community based project? You can get in touch with us on our Facebook page – Rotary Club of Consett – or make contact with our treasurer Norman Sellar normansellar@gmail.com
If you would like to donate to the choir, you can do so by accessing the Consett Rotary Charity Account with a note that it is for the Dementia Friendly Choir. Details below.
Consett Rotary also run a monthly Dementia Cafe on the 3rd Thursday of each month at Consett Methodist Church, Station Road at 2pm. This is for people living with Dementia and their carers to enjoy a chat, to reminisce, participate in games and share a cuppa. You will be made very welcome.
Consett Rotary Charity Account
Sort Code: 30-19-54
Account Number: 02987504
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