Carol singing boosts club's festive fun

There was nothing bleak about mid-winter when a choir sang uplifting Christmas carols and favourite yuletide songs at a breakfast club run by Age UK Shropshire Telford & Wrekin.

Christmases past were evoked and wonderful Christmases yet to come were imagined by the charity’s very own Telford-based singing group, the Acorn Singers, when they appeared at the Telford Men’s Breakfast Club, many dressed in festive pullovers and Santa hats.

‘It’s such a joy to see not only the Acorn Singers having so much fun but also the audience thoroughly enjoying it,’ said Claire Fishlock, Service Development Officer at Age UK Shropshire Telford & Wrekin.

Members of the Telford Men’s Breakfast Club, along with guests and members of the public joined in with Jingle Bells, Silent Night, and Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas, as well as many other seasonal favourites.

Claire added: ‘The event has been staged at the Toby Carvery Telford at Shawbirch Cross Roads. Huge thanks go to all the staff and management at Toby Carvery Telford who continue to be a wonderful support to Age UK Shropshire Telford & Wrekin.’

Some of the singers were keen to talk about their enjoyment of being part of the Acorn Singers (a sister group to the Shrewsbury based Orchard Singers).

‘I’ve been part of the Acorn Singers for six years now and it’s the camaraderie that I love so much,’ said Vicky Jones from Priorslee. ‘It’s that lovely sense of belonging, being part of a team.’

Vicky added: ‘Before I came here, I would never let anyone hear me sing because I was shy, but since coming here I find my confidence has grown. It’s all about singing for pleasure.’

Mary Jolleys from Edgemond, a member for two years, said: ‘It gets you out of the house and it’s a nice change from work.’

And Dennis Sims from Trench said: ‘I’ve been a member of the choir since September 2019, and most of all it’s the company I enjoy.’

The Acorn Singers, a dementia-friendly group, meets every Wednesday afternoon at Hadley Community Centre. If you'd like to find out more about the choir, or any of our other activities for older people, call Age UK Shropshire Telford & Wrekin on 01743 233 123 or email enquiries@ageukstw.org.uk