Support group working with the Cheyne Gang to stay on song

A popular national charity has lent its voice to Angus lung disease sufferers in a bid to keep their busy group on song.

Formed around a decade ago, Forfar Airways now regularly attracts dozens of people to its weekly meetings in the town’s community fire station.

The group aims to support those affected by chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and has been praised at local and national level for its pioneering work.

A successful strand of its activity programme has been the development of singing sessions, and the group has received a helping hand from the Cheyne Gang charity in to keep the music going.

The Cheyne Gang was created by three practice nurses in 2013 and has seven singing-for-breathing groups established in Edinburgh, Glasgow and the Borders. CARNOUSTIE Carnoustie High School pupils Emily Garness, 15, and Anna Hunter and Freya Ross, both 16, will be bag-packing at the Co-op today to fundraise for a trip to Costa Rica.

The girls will spend four weeks working on community projects as well environmental and conservation initiatives next summer.

MONTROSE Montrose Accordion and Fiddle Club welcome the Ian Cruickshanks Trio as special guests next Friday from 7.30-10.30pm at the Park Hotel.

BRECHIN

Brechin Probus Club meets in the Northern Hotel at 10am on Tuesday when the speaker will be Ian Bell on the subject

Forfar Airways chairman Ian Baxter said: “Singing and learning natural breathing techniques in a group with a specially-trained voice coach has positive physical, mental and social health benefits for people living with a lung condition.

“As part of our two-hourly weekly meetings, Forfar Airways have been involved in singing under the direction of music therapist Mary Veal who has recently, due to other work commitments, had to forgoe her regular attendance with the group.

“We are keen to find someone to replace Mary and the Cheyne Gang are willing to help with this.”

Angus North and Mearns MSP Mairi Gougeon also visited the group to learn more about the range of support Forfar Airways offers to the local community. of snuff boxes and Mauchline ware.

LIFESAVING

Free Heartstart Discovery sessions will be held in Montrose on October 21, Carnoustie on October 29 and Dundee the following day.

For details contact Helen Brady on 01382 740400/07864513742 or helenjbrady@nhs.net

LAURENCEKIRK Mearns Library is hosting an evening of Doric performance poetry with Jo Gilbert on Thursday at 7pm.

Tickets payable on the night.

FORFAR

Angus Cat Rescue is staging a fancy dress disco in the West End Social Club on October 18 from 8pm to midnight.

Cheyne Gang founder Anne Ritchie with MSP Mairi Gougeon in the second row.