Dementia patients given 'last orders' on Burnley brewery singalongs (From This Is Lancashire)

Dementia patients given 'last orders' on Burnley brewery singalongs

11:00am Thursday 16th February 2012 in News By Chris Gee, Reporter

A GROUP of dementia patients has been left feeling ‘bitter’ after a brewery called last orders on its weekly singalong.

Burnley-based Crossroads Care had agreed on a trial basis for around 20 of its clients to use a meeting room at Moorhouse's Brewery for therapeutic ‘singing workshops’.

But after only two sessions, bosses at the Accrington Road-based brewery said the noise from the enthusiastic singers was ‘disrupting day-to-day business’ and they would have to find somewhere else.

Now the group, whose members are all aged over 60 and come from East Lancashire, are looking for a new meeting place after the ‘very disappointing’ news.

John Rattigan, a trustee at Crossroads Care, organises the singing sessions, which take place from 1pm to 3pm on Mondays.

He said: “Last year we used a room at Burnley Business centre but the costs became prohibitive.

“For 2012 we had been looking for a suitable venue and Moorhouse's were kind enough to allow us to use one of their meeting rooms at a discounted rate.

“Around 10 clients attended on the first week and that more than doubled this Monday.

“Everyone said how enjoyable it had been, singing songs like Blue Moon, Delilah and When The Saints Go Marching In.

“No amplification is used and the only musical instrument used is an acoustic guitar on some of the songs.”

John said that staff at the brewery told Crossroads that the arrangement was not going to be extended at the end of Monday’s session, although they will be allowed to return for a final time next week.

“The staff and clients are very disappointed with this,” said John.

“We have printed flyers and posters giving the venue as Moorhouse's until April 2.

“Now we’re left looking for a suitable warm, bright, comfortable venue for the second time in a month.”

Anthony Daly, 84, from Church, said the group was a focal point of his social life.

He said: “Since I’ve had Alzhiemers I’ve thoroughly enjoyed these groups. We sing the songs, do the actions and it puts a smile on everyone’s face.

“The staff that run it are first class, it simply must continue.”

Moorhouse's managing director David Grant said it was made clear to all parties that the arrangement was on a trial basis.

He said: “There was other business going on in adjacent rooms and the company’s reception area, where our phones are answered, is nearby.

“Although I’m fully-supportive of this kind of therapy, the noise was disruptive and I could not let it affect our day to day business.

“My view is that the work of this valuable group would be much more suited to premises such as a church hall or community centre rather that a business centre like this.

“I’ve tried to help but it looks like it’s landed me in hot water.”

Anyone who may be able to assist the group finding suitable premises in Burnley for the Monday sessions can contact Crossroads Care on 01282 832548.