The Peterborough Evening Telegraph
The hidden benefits of singing
When Rotarian Chris Shannon decided to form Rotary Voices, he knew joining the choir would help Rotarians and friends kick those blues and boost their social life.
It is well documented that regular singing in a choir improves the quality of life and can even increase life expectancy. It beats going to the gym!
Add the element of fun and fundraising and it was sure to be a winner.
Recently, Rotary Voices choir got together with Stukeley Meadows Primary School choir to present a superb evening of musical entertainment. The concert kicked off with chart topping songs by the school’s own choir. Then both students and audience were delighted by a rendition of George Formby numbers by head teacher James Singleberry who sang and played his ukulele banjo. The first half of the show ended when choirmaster Chris conducted several numbers sung by Rotary Voices. After the interval the St Ivo Academy Samba band entertained us. With great enthusiasm their drums and whistles produced loud and lively music. The climax had to be when the concert ended with both choirs joining together to sing songs from the shows. This resulted in an amazing sound, all the more impressive as they had never sung together prior to Chris organising a brief practice session during the interval.
Rotarians also are aware that music, especially singing, can help to unlock memories for those living with dementia. It seems to reach parts of the damaged brain in ways other forms of communication cannot. Hence, music is built into the entertainment programme for our Rotary Memory Café in Peterborough.
At the December meeting of our Crocus Café, six delightful youngsters from
Fulbridge Primary Academy came along to sing for our members and carers. Their visit is always a favourite and, despite the smaller number of children this year, we were not disappointed. Their repertoire included favourite carols and Christmas songs accompanied by lively actions and jingle bells.
After the refreshment break, they sang again before returning to school. Enjoyed by adults and children alike we hope they will come again next year.