A very worthy local initiative I am delighted to be involved with is St Chad’s Church hall based weekly ‘Lyrics & Lunch‘ events.

The Lyrics & Lunch booklet which I provided some photography for.

The group was set up in 2013 by former primary school music teacher and now Third Age Coordinator, Jeanette Main from Lancaster’s St Thomas’ Church.

The aim of the group is to offer regular fun, good food and friendship to local, mainly elderly, people living with dementia. The main focus is on singing, lead by Jeanette and helpers, sometimes along with instruments and a bit of animation. Or, as it says on the booklet, ‘Music to feed the brain and lunch to enjoy together for people living with dementia and their carers.’

Jeanette and helper Lauren sing their hearts out at the keyboards.

This week, Lyrics & Lunch went national with a special launch celebration at St Thomas’s Church, to encourage and support new groups to be set up, as well as capture some welcome publicity.

Renowned singer & musician Jonathan Veira performing at the launch event.

 

At the heart of Lyrics & Lunch are the people who  make it such a

Sweet treats with excellent home baking.

loving, caring and non-judgemental environment.

 

My mission was to capture some good shots of  personalities and the atmosphere at one of the sessions. I am delighted that some of my work has already been well used in their booklet, leaflets and website. It’s always satisfying to see the fruits of your labour.

 

 

An important ingredient, lunch!

Supa soup, served by Lauren.

Popular song lyrics are often remembered well, despite dementia’s memory issues.

Norman, a regular, is always in fine voice and being an ex-singer, very enthusiastic!

Exercising body and voice!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bringing another challenge to the photography was when plenty of movement was introduced when some songs get a bit of animation. It’s not just a matter of sitting still and singing (or standing still and photographing)! Most regulars look forward to when the musical instruments are brought out, so everyone can make a bit of noise!

Instruments are popular.

From behind the keyboard.

 

 

If you would like more information about ‘Lyrics & lunch’ in Lancaster, or are interested in setting up a new group, contact Jeanette Main at jeanette@st.tees.org.uk or visit the website at www.lyricsandlunch.org