ParkinSongsters Alan, Paul and Brenda ready to rehearse.

ParkinSongsters do it their way

Singing is a great boon for those suffering debilitating illnesses such as Parkinson’s Disease, as the St Leonards-based ParkinSongsters know well. They are now preparing for their summer concert, I Did It My Way, on Monday 31 July, as musical director Jane Metcalfe explains.

Anyone who’s been to a ParkinSongsters concert will know what it’s like to have their spirits lifted by a group of  people who, despite the issues arising from having Parkinson’s, give everything they’ve got to singing, enriching their own and other people’s lives.

Founded in 2010 by a small group of people with Parkinson’s looking for voice and breathing exercises to help with motor function, the group soon gravitated towards singing songs. Initially they sang for the Parkinson’s UK local branch Christmas lunch, and following invitations to sing at further functions and venues, the group, became the ParkinSongsters. John Horrigan, a regular member of the group, has this to say:

“Although as individual singers none of us are Caruso or Callas, when we rehearse on Monday afternoons, there are moments of pure magic, and we become a choir: comrades in song.” 

The ParkinSongsters meet every Monday, barring holiday breaks, in St Leonards on Sea. They give four seasonal concerts a year, and have sung – pre-lockdown – in Care Homes and Conquest Hospital as well as for private functions. The concerts are presented, not only for enjoyment, but to raise funds to enable the group to continue.

“The singers had warmth, harmony and joy in their voices. I felt energised and despite the grey weather, I left the concert with a bright sun in my head.” Member of the audience.

Recently ParkinSongsters were filmed for BBC SE News and were guest performers at the Art in the Park Wellbeing Day last month.

For this year’s summer concert The ParkinSongsters offer a varied programme of songs with a summery theme, including traditional and modern favourites and a medley that dips into the world of the crooners, with such favourites as Fly Me to the Moon, The Lady Is A Tramp and My Way.

Julie and Maya.

Guest performer is the talented young soprano Maya Godlonton-White, a major prize-winner in this year’s Hastings Music Festival. The granddaughter of one of our longest-standing members, Julie White, Maya joins the group for the third time to sing a couple of solos from classic musical theatre before beginning her studies on the Musical Theatre course at Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance this September.

The concert lasts about 45 minutes and is followed by tea and cake. Entrance is free, but donations are invited.

I Did It My Way: ParkinSongsters Summer Concert Monday 31 July, 3-4.30pm. St John The Evangelist, Upper Church Road, Hollington TN37 7AT.

For more information visit the ParkinSongsters’ website.

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