BRAZLEY Dementia Choir performed their first concert along with children from Claypool Primary School and they raised the roof!

People who attend the Brazley Centre, run by Bolton Cares, have been practising songs from The Beatles and joined children from Claypool School Choir to perform their first concert for family members, parents and carers.

Inspired by Vicky McClure’s dementia choir, Stella Truman, day services manager at The Brazley Centre, was supported by Age UK Bolton.

There is growing evidence that music can help alleviate some of the symptoms of dementia, as well as bring some much-needed moments of joy.

John Livesey, chief executive at Bolton Cares, said: “The performance was fantastic. The team at the Brazley Centre, the people we support and the children from Claypool Primary School have put a lot of hard work into the choir and the result is outstanding. The performance brought tears to the eyes of many people watching and was thoroughly enjoyed by everyone. We look forward to many more performances!”

Amanda Hulme, Headteacher at Claypool Primary School, said: “This was a fabulous opportunity for our children to support members of the local community. The children loved learning the songs and enjoyed getting to know the senior choir. This was not a one off event – we already have great plans for the coming months”.

Bert, husband to Barbara, who attends the Brazley Centre, said: “I never thought I’d see my wife sing like this again! What the Brazley Centre has achieved is phenomenal.”

Whilst this is the first performance of the choir, the Brazley Centre, along with Claypool Primary School, plan to have many more concerts in the future.