(Image: Stuart Boulton)
Residents at a Darlington retirement village are keeping active and boosting their wellbeing through weekly singing sessions led by a professional singer.
Middleton Hall Retirement Village in Middleton St George runs the sessions for residents in independent homes, supported apartments and care services.
Ayme Fitzgerald, a wellbeing coordinator and professional singer with more than 30 years’ experience, leads the sessions, called Singing for the Soul.
Independent retirement property resident Roger Stephenson (Image: Stuart Boulton)
Ms Fitzgerald said: "The exercises can help strengthen the muscles used for singing and breathing and residents also enjoy a hand jive or get up to dance at the end of the session.
"Familiar songs can spark conversations and recollections, while singing together gives residents an opportunity to socialise and feel part of a shared experience."
Each session combines vocal exercises, breathing techniques and movement with familiar songs.
Middleton Hall Commis Chef Sam Wilks often brings live music to the sessions (Image: Stuart Boulton)
The sessions support residents’ health and wellbeing by encouraging them to join in, talk and stay active through music.
Sam Wilks, a Middleton Hall commis chef who studied performing arts at Stockton Riverside College, joins in when he can.
He said: "I offered to come along and play because, like Ayme, I know what music does for people.
The sessions often end with dancing (Image: Stuart Boulton)
"I can see the difference it makes to our residents even if they can’t express it themselves.
"I’ve been playing guitar since I was 13 and I’ve performed in hard rock bands.
"Now I’m playing songs by Neil Diamond and The Carpenters.
"It really is a two-way relationship.
"Residents get to enjoy songs that are a part of their lives, and I get to see the looks on their faces and the joy I’m helping to bring to the room."
Residents can request their favourite songs, with past choices including Tom Jones, Cliff Richard, Barbra Streisand and John Denver.
Roger Stephenson, a resident, said: "If you ask my family they will all say how much I look forward to Wednesday mornings.
"The togetherness that it brings, bringing back memories – when I look around the room everyone knows all the words."
Resident Yvonne Tilley said it is one activity she never wants to miss.
She said: "In my opinion, it’s the best morning of the week.
"It’s a pleasure to come with lovely people.
"It’s fully appreciated by everyone, and everyone leaves smiling."
Geoff Mansfield lives in a supported apartment with his wife, Sheila, and previously played piano for his local Gilbert and Sullivan Society.
He recently started playing piano again after Ms Fitzgerald invited him to perform at a Christmas concert.
Mr Mansfield said: "Ayme is the reason we go.
"The energy she puts into the sessions is entertaining in itself – she’s fabulous.
"The breathing exercises make you feel very relaxed and the company of everyone in the group is great.
"It’s the highlight of the week."
Ms Fitzgerald said residents of all abilities and care needs can join in the sessions.
She said: "Everyone can take part, from our residents who live independently to those living in care, including residents living with dementia.
"Even those of our residents who are non-verbal can make the shape of words or simply enjoy the music.
"It’s lovely to see how a song can unlock a memory or start a conversation.
Read more
Newton Aycliffe family return to hospital where daughter died to donate 102 bunnies
£1.5m fund to support 33 community projects across County Durham
Plaque honouring All Creatures Great and Small author unveiled at his former home
"Sometimes people will laugh, sometimes they will become emotional, but they are all experiencing something together.
"That is what makes the sessions so special."
Middleton Hall Retirement Village sits on a 45-acre estate and offers older adults a range of homes and care services.