A Joyful Beginning: Ashford Dementia Chorus Sings its First Song
At the beginning of April 2026, something special began, the very first session of the Ashford Dementia Chorus. Bringing together a room full of people to make a beautiful sound, the choir is led by professional musician Emily Watts and delivered by Bright Shadow in partnership with Age UK.
From the moment people arrived at the Farrow Court Community Centre, the space was filled with both merriment and a gentle sense of anticipation. Some participants took their seats and quietly shared that they were ‘no good at singing’, something Emily quickly soothed with warmth and encouragement. After all, this choir is about new skills and connections, and everyone is welcome.
As she began to talk to the group, Emily was met with an unexpected and delightful interruption, an impromptu rendition of Edelweiss from 97-year-old Mary, who simply couldn’t wait for the singing to begin.
Connections formed quickly through a simple clapping and name game. As the group learned about one another, laughter helped to ease those first nerves. Lip trills and siren sounds soon followed, gently warming up voices and building confidence.
As soon as the music began, something shifted. People sat a little taller, eyes widened with recognition, and smiles spread across the room. By the second verse of Singing in the Rain, toes were tapping, and by the final chorus, hands were clapping and bodies swaying in time to the music.
As the session unfolded, people relaxed further. One participant began mirroring Emily, conducting the choir with playful flicks of their wrists. Another couldn’t resist jumping up to perform the Morecambe and Wise dance at the end of Bring Me Sunshine, a spontaneous moment of silliness to entertain the group.
“The song came on and we all knew it. I don’t know everything all the time anymore. I must have heard these songs so many times in my life that they are still in my brain.” – Mary
During the break the group exchanged raucous tales of festivals and gigs they went to in the 60’s and 70’s with The Kinks being played from mobile phones as they reminisced together.
Later, the choir explored pitch and playfulness through For the Longest Time by Billy Joel, stretching voices high and low while learning new skills together.
“I’ve not sung in a long time, this has been so lovely.” – Jackie
Dementia Chorus Ashford meets on Wednesday mornings at 10:15am for a 10:30am start. Sessions finish at 12pm.
Join us at Age UK Ashford, Farrow Court, Stanhope Rd, Ashford, Kent, TN23 5RF.
Pay what you can: suggested donation £5
Contact Age UK Hythe, Lyminge and Ashford for more info: 01303 269602 / demo@ageukhla.org.uk