Music, laughter and cake at 1,000 voices
MEMBERS of the Mid Argyll Community Lunch Bunch joined other similar groups from across Argyll last week to celebrate the work of the 1,000 Voices Project.
1,000 Voices works mainly with older people to create opportunities for socialising, meeting new people and learning new skills; keeping well both physically and mentally and passing on their own skills to others.
The event, which took place in Helensburgh last week, was the first time groups from Oban, Dunoon, Kintyre, Helensburgh and Mid Argyll had come together, and what a turnout there was.
Sandra Johnston, chairwoman of the Mid Argyll Community Lunch Bunch, said: ‘It was amazing to see so many people. There were 1,000 paper dolls strung up, all with comments on them from people who have benefited from the project.
‘There was music from Helensburgh community choir, Local Vocals – the highlight of which was a gentleman in his 80s giving a fine rendering of Danny Boy.
‘We all joined in with a lot of the singing, with songs ranging from old Scottish folk songs, through film music to more contemporary tunes like the Beatles’ When I’m SixtyFour.’
She continued: ‘All the groups made a contribution to the food, the entertainment and the stalls. Our own Robbie Bell made a chicken and leek pie, which proved very popular, and there was lots of cake. It really was a great afternoon.’
The event was opened by Argyll and Bute MP Brendan O’Hara and was attended by representatives of funding organisations, including the Lottery, whose representative Lesley Galbraith remarked: ‘It was great to see the extent and range of what you [1,000 Voices project] do in the flesh and to meet more of the people involved.
‘It’s not an easy task organising an event – a packed event at that – and making it fun and lively – so congratulations to the team for doing that. A great representation of the 1,000 Voices work.’
Another event is planned for December in Campbeltown.