“Wonderful to witness” as choir provides sing-along fun

The Lost Chord UK choir sessions at Maltby Salvation Army is led by a professional musician who chooses a variety of songs to encourage people to sing, dance and enjoy themselves.

Church leader Major Lucy Mann said: “We have grown-up children bringing their parents and neighbours bringing friends.

“Once you’re in the room and taking part, you don’t know who has dementia and who doesn’t, which allows people to just be themselves.

“For that hour and half it’s a break from the seriousness of life.”

National charity Lost Chord UK started in Maltby 25 years ago running singing in care homes, but has expanded and now works in a variety of community settings.

Sally Glennon, a musician who facilitates the Maltby sessions and a trustee of Lost Chord UK, said: “We see a real difference from when people walk in to start a session to when they walk out at the end.

“They are lifted, their body language is different, their posture has changed and they are smiling and laughing.

“I get requests and do themes, for example Eurovision songs, songs with colours in the title or different seasons – it helps trigger memories.

“We have people who come in who have been non-verbal, but in a matter of minutes, something will click and they will start singing.

“For family members to hear their voices again, to have even a few minutes of contact and chat, it’s wonderful to witness.”