Care home choirs sing for glory
RESIDENTS of a Burbage care home rehearsed for months to enter a choir competition held in their parish church.
More than 20 men and women from Moat House got together to learn songs for a competition held in St Catherine’s Church against choirs from other care homes from across Derbyshire, which are run by the same company.
Each choir sang two or three pieces, some seasonal as the contest was held in December, and were judged by a panel from St Catherine’s which comprised parish priest Father Andrew Hall and church choristers Roger Reay, Sue Anderton and Martin Mellor, who is also churchwarden.
Mr Mellor said: “We were pleased to be able to offer a venue and it was good to be able to support and encourage the singers.
“Singing is a great social thing to do and a shared experience, as well as being beneficial for health and mental wellbeing.”
Prizes were awarded in four categories, with Moat House winning the best large choir award.
Moat House resident Mary Woodhouse, 86, said: “It was a wonderful experience.
“I have enjoyed all the time the choir has spent together and know we will continue to sing after the competition is finished.”
The event was the first of its kind to have been organised by Adept Care Homes.
Managing director Dave Lock said: “Within our homes are many keen vocalists, from those who simply like to hum along to their favourite tune to those who’d love to perform to a live audience.
“Our choir competition was a little bit of fun for all involved and a great way of bringing our residents with shared interests together.”
Mr Mellor said St Catherine’s was looking forward to being able to host a repeat of the competition in 2018.