Intergenerational choirs hits high note at village

AN intergenerational choir at the UK’s first fully integrated research nursery within a care setting, the Nursery in Belong, which is run by national charity Ready Generations and located at the Belong care village in Chester, has expanded to involve the local community after proving a hit with old and young alike.

Dubbed the ‘Sankofa Songsters’, the choir takes its name from the Ghanaian word meaning ‘to retrieve’, which is symbolised by a bird with forward-facing feet and its head turned backwards, carrying an egg in its mouth, representing the need to reflect on the past to build a successful future, a value that is enshrined in the nursery’s intergenerational curriculum.

Inspired by the nursery’s weekly intergenerational musical ‘stay and play’ sessions, residents came up with the idea of forming a choir together with the children.

Nursery manager Ruth Sandbach said: “The choir really has brought immense joy to village life. It’s particularly exciting that this is led by the residents and children.

“Even for people who might not be living with dementia, music has an almost unique ability to evoke joy and memories, which can help to maintain cognitive functioning and well-being.

“This is really helpful for people living with dementia and, of course, for our children as they develop their language and communication skills.”

Both initiatives are led by music teacher Amanda Wrigley, who runs music and movement sessions for schools, pre-schools and nurseries under the moniker ‘Live the Beat’.