For a group of retirees from Meadow Gardens Village in Delacombe, their aim is to bring back memories, not only in song, but to those afflicted with dementia.

The Village Singers were formed in 2011 after retiree Helen Lee met with fellow members of the home who wanted to sing around the piano. She gave an impromptu concert with her son, and after the demonstration there was more and more interest in forming a more structured singing group. They sing free-of-charge to nursing homes and at special functions.

The group now has 29 members. The youngest is musical director Helen Lee at 67; there’s another member in her 90s who performs regularly. Some have sung in church choirs, or with BLOC, or in amateur musicals. Helen herself is the organist at St Patrick’s Cathedral, after beginning her singing career at age five.

“They are just the most lovely group of people,” says Helen.

“We sing older songs and show music mostly. The dementia patients we sing to; some of them can’t speak, but the music helps them sing along.”

The group practice each Wednesday, and are in great demand.