Music memories & mocktails in Stalybridge

Residents from across the borough came together for a heart-warming afternoon of singalong music memories and mocktails in aid of the Alzheimer's Society.

On Monday (15 May), Tameside Community Voices Choir hosted a special fundraiser for the start of Dementia Action Week at Bower Fold Events Lounge on Mottram Road

This week marks a global opportunity to raise awareness around, educate, encourage support of and demystify dementia.

Angela Wild, a Stalybridge-based Dementia Support Worker, said that she had decided to plan something to 'help bring people together to start a week of events including bucket collections within Morrisons Stores'.

Tameside Community Voices had everyone singing along to some of their favourite songs, including a Beatles Medley, Moor River and ending the tremendous afternoon for 'Thank You For The Music'.

Angie said: "It's been wonderful to see so many people here; some of those living with dementia, their amazing carers, care home staff, residents, family, friends. It's really just about us all coming together for a lovely afternoon.

"Mocktails have gone down a storm, I asked some colleagues for name suggestions and my favourite was 'Forget Me Not'.

"It's been an amazing turnout, we're full to the rafters! I'm delighted that it was such a huge success. It's definitely something that was needed - it's so important for those with dementia to hear the music, it's been shown to improve so many aspects of their life and perception.

"Dementia is something very close to my heart and I was quite emotional towards the end when I told everyone that my Auntie Pat has recently passed away with dementia."

Mike Glover, Civic Mayor of Tameside, added: "It's lovely to have been invited here as a part of this awareness week. A lot of memories come from music; the way they've put it on and dressed it up is great. The room is full and everyone looks happy singing along - it's smashing."

Joyce Hansell, musical director of Tameside Community Voices, said: "Angie approached me and wondered if we could provide an afternoon's entertainment, specifically keeping in mind our audience.

"We've been going for 12 years now, and we still have some original members - we had around 42 on our first night and about 30 of those are still with us. We've gathered many more along the way and now have over 80 on the books.

"St George's Church in Stalybridge has been our rehearsal home for the past twelve years and they're so accommodating with us."

The choir also have plans in the pipeline for a concert at the church on Saturday 24 June raising vital funds for Open Doors, a Christian charity assisting females who have been trafficked.