Argyle Rockers choir: champion singers

A small bunch of dedicated singers at Argyles Nursing Home became a choir of around 25 voices.

Families join in weekly singing sessions and stay to socialise afterwards over coffee. You may even see the Argyle Rockers perform around Newbury sometime.

A life full of song

“I've sung all my life. My mum would wake me in the morning singing,” says Bob, a founding member of the Argyle Rockers.

Singing is a shared passion at Argyles. Along with Bob, Joan is one of the Rockers’ most committed members.

As Joan says: "I love singing – it makes me feel happy." Along with four or five other residents, Bob and Joan were at first part of a small singing club at the home.

But singing was never confined to their club meetings. Residents (and staff) are apt to break into song during their daily routine.

Some of Argyles' keenest resident vocalists will often belt out tunes using a karaoke microphone.

“We’re a lively home,” says Rosemary Austin, senior activity co-ordinator at Argyles. “And singing’s the residents’ favourite thing.”

A choir is born

Argyles’ 2009 summer fete was the start of something bigger. Seven residents performed old favourites such as ‘It’s a Long Way to Tipperary’ at the June event.

The Rockers picked up their name on that day (a musician in the backing band suggested it). And the performance went down so well that Rosemary was inspired to help the choir grow.

Now, there’s always a big turnout for weekly choir practice.

With 25 residents and family too, “the lounge is so packed, it’s unbelievable,” says Rosemary.
The singing is led by a volunteer from a local group of older choral singers – “with a lovely voice”.

You don’t need to be Vera Lynn

“If you’re part of a big group, you can just sit there and blend into the background, can’t you?” Rosemary explains that some residents join in by clapping to the beat.

“It’s just a really nice way of socialising,“ says Rosemary. “We have a laugh. We don’t take ourselves too seriously.”

Despite that, the choir tackles new material as well as old-time tunes. They might try some gospel, but often fall back on familiar favourites such as ‘We’ll Meet Again’.

New members join all the time. Gladys, one of the Rockers’ latest recruits, explains the choir’s appeal: "I enjoy it – it makes me feel contented."

Winning performances

The Argyle Rockers have twice competed in ‘Bupa Wants Talent’ – coming third on their first attempt and taking the winner’s trophy the following year.

‘Bupa Wants Talent’ was first introduced as part of the Big 12 (a calendar of themed events for all Bupa care homes). Now, Argyles continues the competition locally.

The Rockers are always keen competitors. “They sing their hearts out,” says Rosemary.

“Singing is such a joyous thing and really lifts your spirits.”

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