MEET OUR CHOIR

Julie

Julie was diagnosed with frontal temporal dementia in 2017 after 3 years of tests.

Being in the choir has meant so much to her. She says being with other people struggling with the same things makes her feel like she's not alone.

She enjoys singing with her choir family.

'It's great fun, we forget we have dementia and we just become a choir.'

Mick

Mick was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and Epilepsy in 2018 at the very early age of 51.

Since that day, his life and the lives of his family have been turned upside down, having been given a terminal diagnosis of Alzheimer’s and managing the progressive change over the years. Whilst living his life as fully as possible, day to day is hard and he is now in the mid to late stage of the disease. Our Dementia Choir is a lifeline for Mick and his family. His daughter, Hannah, is a volunteer and his wife, Karen, is the Charity Manager. It is most certainly a family affair – indeed the choir is their extended family!

Mick struggles with communication in daily life but when it comes to singing – he comes into his own! Literally ‘smashing it’ every time he is on stage! He loves singing and being centre stage – so watch out for Mick ‘Bringing You Sunshine!’

Jean

Jean is retired and independent!

Her family is very important to her, she has a daughter, a son, and three grandsons.

Jean's main interests are swimming and reading, singing and music, friends and holidays, and visiting interesting places, especially buildings.

Jean tries to keep busy all the time but occasionally likes to relax at home!

Ken

Ken was diagnosed with mixed dementia over four years ago.

Joining Our Dementia Choir in 2022 has been so good for him, he has always loved music.

Everyone is very friendly and makes him feel like part of the group although he has not been part of the choir for long.

A couple of his favourite songs are 'In My Life' and 'Sweet Caroline'.

Jill

Jill has a diagnosis of corticobasal degeneration (CBD) and has difficulties with speech, coordination, memory, and mobility. Because of this Jill has had to give up working, and is no longer able to play badminton and enjoy walks in the countryside with her husband and dogs. The choir helps to fill the void and Jill is very thankful for it.

Jill joined the choir in April 2022 and was immediately catapulted into a world of laughter, fun, friendliness, camaraderie, and support. Choir members and carers alike have a good rapport and are there for each other in all the good and not-so-good times that living with dementia brings.

The choir is a fabulous community to belong to.

George

I love music, in my younger days I used to perform in pubs and working men’s clubs with my brother, nowadays I enjoy playing the harmonica with the dementia choir.

I was diagnosed with vascular dementia during lockdown.

I live with my son Steven and daughter-in-law Naomi.

Singing with the choir has given me new friends and good times to look forward to.

Chris

Chris was diagnosed with unspecified dementia shortly after a car accident which seems to affect his behavior.

He always loved music and dancing and of course Elvis!

Being in the choir with all the lovely people, the singing and dancing brings him alive and makes him smile.

Molly

Mary

David

Angela

Hello, my name is Angela. I was diagnosed with Lewy body Dementia in 2019. I have trouble walking.

I have always loved singing I used to sing with my church choir and for 19 years as Burton Joyce choral society. I was head teacher for 13 years and loved my job. I was the editor of the Burton Joyce magazine. I used to love hopping on cruises and exploring. My favourite place is Norfolk. I have two children and have been married to my husband David for 57 years.

Lesley

June

Sarah

Sarah was diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer’s in 2019. Her condition caused difficulties with communication and speech and she was recommended to the Dementia Choir.

Her first rehearsal had a profound effect on her confidence and communication ability as she was able to meet and talk with others in a similar situation, supported by friendly and caring volunteers.

Sarah loves music and has attended many concerts and festivals over the years. She is really looking forward to getting back into music through the dementia choir.

Bob

Chris

Chris says he loves every minute of the choir and it's the highlight of the week for him!

He loves all the people involved, and it has been a real privilege to be a part of this wonderful group.

Ingrid

Ingrid was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s at the age of 65, she is now 71.

Her decline has been very rapid and the lockdown didn’t help.

Our daughter Hayley got in touch with the choir and we took her along. It’s had a huge impact on Ingrid, she’s been more alert and loves listening to music and seeing her new family, it’s such a lovely day out for us, and we have made some amazing friends.

Ingrid comes alive when she sees everyone and has a special bond with Vicky as they pull faces at each other!

Mel

Mel was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Dementia in August 2021. He joined the choir about 5 months after the diagnosis. We spent 5 months not knowing what to do next with hardly any support after his diagnosis.

With Karen Bonser's invitation, Mel joined the choir. As a member of the choir Mel has found it very uplifting and the support he gets is outstanding. He looks forward to seeing his newfound friends whenever he attends rehearsals and events and doesn’t like to miss a single one.

Thanks to Vicky, Karen, Mark and Daniela, and everyone else involved in making our lives so much happier.

Margaret

Music and singing have been part of Margaret’s life since she was very young.

Her piano playing was always valued at the primary school where she taught and her passion for singing led to many years in her local church choir.

Her favourite songs are classical and choral, but she loves singing and the choir gives her the chance to perform.

Margaret was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in 2021 - originally from Scotland, Margaret now lives in a nursing home in Nottingham near her family.

Ahmed

Ahmed was diagnosed with mixed dementia nearly 4 years ago.

Being a member of the Our Dementia Choir has been an uplifting experience and he has made many new friends as a result of participating.

He would like to thank Vicky, Karen, all volunteers, and most of all the choir for all their help and support.

Steve

Steve was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s last June 2022 having been through a long referral system.

Then we were introduced to the lovely choir and this came at the best time ever, because Steve he has always sung professionally and socially.

And, even through this dreadful disease it lights up his face and gives him HAPPINESS, his best song will always be New York but he loves lots of songs …

Robin

I first noticed changes in my speech in 2019 but was only diagnosed in Nov 2022 with PPA which affects all my communication, speaking, writing, and reading which is made worse under pressure.

I love being in the choir. I find it relaxing and joyful.

Singing has improved my ability to communicate significantly.

Kev

Kevin has Alzeimers, Parkinsons and Lewy Body Dementia. He joined the choir in early 2022 and loves the rehearsals and performing with his new found friends.

He has always loved singing and belonged to an amateur band with his friends called "Kevin and the Kevinettes" who performed mainly for fun.

Kevin played Badminton at county level and was a veteran champion. He is also a black belt in Karate and was a part of the Great Britain Karate Squad who fought at the European Championships in Paris.

He now lives at Larkhill Retirement Village and his cheeky smile and corny one-liners have made him as popular there as he always has been.

Gordon

Trish

Joyce

Brenda

Singing with Boots Choir and the Nottingham Hospital Choir, she has performed at the Concert Hall, Theatre Royal, Albert Hall and the opening of the Nottingham Ice Arena (as part of a 500 strong choir).

Brenda was diagnosed with dementia in 2015, and since the death of her husband, Alf, in 2020, has lived and been excellently cared for in The Conifers Rest Home in Bakersfields.

John

My name is Arthur John Rose but everybody calls me John. I used to be a bus driver for Nottingham City Transport. I am a very proud family man and have children and grandchildren. My hobbies used to include DIY but now I like to potter around my garden and keep my house tidy and run around playing with my youngest grandson. I loved to sing in the church choir when I as a lad and now I’m proud to be part of Our Dementia Choir.

Maureen

Maureen has always enjoyed singing with others in choirs. She was in several singing groups that rehearsed and gave concerts for over 30 years. Maureen was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 2014. The combination of Alzheimer's and lockdown during Covid has meant Maureen missed out on something that gave her real enjoyment. Joining the choir where people understand the issues around dementia has bought some real pleasure back into her days.