MORE than 30 people, the majority aged 70-plus and many living with dementia, raised the roof of the Farnham Maltings cellar bar last weekend in a Musical Memories concert, organised by charity Right at Home GF to raise money for its regular Singing for the Mind sessions.

With the support of Barringtons Solicitors, Woodlands Hillbrow and Leightons Opticians & Hearing, Right at Home GF raised nearly £500 - enough money to ensure that the regular singing group continues to run despite the Alzheimer’s Society reluctantly having to step down.

The group has proved extremely popular and is an important part of many people’s social diaries.

Music, and singing in particular, has been shown to boost brain activity and therefore plays an important part in slowing the progress of dementia.

It certainly seemed to be having an effect on Saturday with many of the guests singing along or tapping their feet to the music. Favourites included Don’t sit under the apple tree, Bridge over troubled water, and an impressive Beatles medley.

“Seeing husbands and wives, mothers and daughters enjoying the music together was very rewarding,” said Alastair Shanks, managing director of Right at Home GF.

“I’m so glad that, together with our generous sponsors, we have raised enough money to continue the regular Singing for the Mind sessions that take place at the Maltings.”

Singing for the Mind takes place on the second, third and fourth Mondays of every month at the Maltings. The afternoon begins at 1.30pm with the opportunity to have a chat over a cup of coffee, followed by a sing-along led by professional singer Barbara Rayner.

For further information, call Farnham Maltings on 01252 745444.