Cathedral debut for Alzheimer's Society Choir
Published 7 December 2011
Gospel singers and a choir of people defying Alzheimer's will be among the performers taking part in a spectacular carol concert at Liverpool’s Anglican Cathedral.
Liverpool Harmonic Gospel Choir - which has previously supported Nina Simone and Ladysmith Black Mambazo - is among the lively line-up at 7.30pm, Friday (December 9).
Alzheimer's Society and BBC Radio Merseyside's Christmas Carol Service is in aid of the charity's Befriending Appeal, supporting vital volunteer visits to people with dementia.
And the Society's own 'Singing for the Brain' choir from Toxteth - formed by people with dementia and their carers - will be making its debut led by its own female version of inspirational TV choirmaster Gareth Malone.
Rosy Rea Smith, leader of the group, which has already recorded its own CD and contributed to a DVD, said:
'We love carols and are very excited to be singing in the cathedral - it's great to be able to show how much as a group we enjoy what we do and how important it is to us.'
Around 35 people go along to the group's fortnightly sessions, among them Dorothy Rowan and her husband John, who has dementia. The couple have been together 47 years and will be singing with the choir.
Dorothy said:
'Since going to Singing for the Brain we don't feel excluded any more. John is the most important person in the world to me and we are grabbing life with both hands - that's what is important.
'We've met lovely people at the group who understand how we feel. I never dreamed we would be performing at the Cathedral - I'm sure everyone will join in with the carols, I hope they will.'
Liverpool's Dovedale Junior School - which was attended by John Lennon and George Harrison - will also be taking part along with Liverpool University Brass Quintet
Legendary BBC Radio Merseyside presenter Billy Butler's will be there with a witty answer to the question 'Whatever happened to Christmas?'
Tickets are available from the station in Hanover Street, Liverpool, or on the door on the night.
Alzheimer's Society area fundraising manager Katrina Bury, said:
Tickets are also available from the Alzheimer's Society on 0151 298 2444.'All the money raised will go to our Befriending Appeal and each ticket sold will fund a visit to provide friendship and companionship to someone with dementia.
'We are aiming to recruit 100 volunteers and over the next few months reach a target of raising £60,000 to train the befriending volunteers so they can deliver 10,000 home visits over the next two years.'
