Orchard Singers have a song in their hearts

Age UK Shropshire Telford & Wrekin's community choirs bring together older people with a shared passion for singing.

The familiar chorus of Neil Diamond’s Sweet Caroline rings out from the echoey old hall near Shrewsbury’s iconic English Bridge. This is a gathering of the Orchard Singers, one of the popular singing groups organised especially for older people by Age UK Shropshire Telford & Wrekin.

‘Luckily, you don’t have to have the best voice in the world to be a part of this,’ says Linda. ‘Which is just as well,’ she laughs.

‘I first started coming here because I lost my partner, and I needed something that would take my mind off things and give me something to look forward to each week,’ says Linda. ‘So now I’ve got to know other members a bit, and I really enjoy it.’

From Moon River to From a Jack to a King, the men and women of the Orchard Singers run through song after song, led and accompanied on guitar by experienced musician and performer, Adrian Plant.

Another of the singers, Mary, says: ‘I’ve been coming here for two years now, and I find it’s fun, I love music, and there’s the social aspect as well. And it’s not the kind of choir where we try too hard to get it absolutely right.’

Says Kevin Dempsey, a member of the group for three years: ‘I enjoy the singing but I also enjoy the camaraderie. We’re all friends together.’

The Orchard Singers are a dementia friendly group for older people that meets at the United Reformed Church in Shrewsbury, every Tuesday afternoon. People with dementia are welcome if accompanied by their carers.

If you’d like to find out more about the Orchard Singers, call Age UK Shropshire Telford & Wrekin on 01743 233 123 and ask for the Wellbeing Services Team or email enquiries@ageukstw.org.uk