Gosport singing club members aren't missing out as group meets virtually each week

Members of the Brendoncare Gosport voices Club, run by Winchester-based charity Brendoncare Clubs, were not left disappointed when their physical club was closed due to coronavirus restrictions thanks to organisers adapting to find a solution.

The weekly virtual meetings are being enjoyed by existing Brendoncare members, and new members are also being invited to join in the fun.

Sessions are being led by Tamsin Brainswood, the Voices instructor, on a Monday when the club would normally be meeting.

After one of the singing sessions, group member Hazel Batley, said: ‘I am a bit croaky, that’s being on one’s own, not talking, where I was out and about every day before all this happened, but it was lovely seeing everyone and we had a good laugh, which is good for you. See you next Monday.’

Another member, who did not want to be named, said: ‘[My wife] has Alzheimers, so the singing is good for her as she can remember all the oldies, but unfortunately can't remember us singing last night. The moment is the important thing as she enjoys it while we are there singing.’

Volunteers of the club are also starting to help people who want to join in with the virtual club, but who don't yet have the skills, confidence with technology, or the equipment to do so.

The plan is to develop further virtual clubs to help people connect with the outside world during this time of enforced isolation.

Brendoncare Clubs offers services for 1,700 older people in Hampshire and Dorset, through 94 clubs across 40 locations during the week and over the weekend.

The Brendoncare Voices Gosport usually meets every Monday from 6pm to 7.15pm, at Club Hampshire in The Anchorage.

Everyone is welcome to join the club, whether they have sung with a group before or not, with no audition to go through.

To learn more about Brendoncare Clubs please call 01962 857099, email [email protected] or visit brendoncare.org.uk/clubs.

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