AODS lends its voice to 'Singing for the Brain' (Closed in Summer 2008)

Most people recognise the joy that singing can bring and nowhere is this more apparent than at Alton's newly established "Singing for the Brain" group. More than just a get together and sing-along, "Singing for the Brain" has been set up by the Alzheimer's Society to help stimulate mind and body and brings real benefits to those suffering from Alzheimer's disease. The group is led by Sue Shapland, a trained facilitator, and supported by volunteers from the Alzheimer's Society and AODS.

Tony, Edith, James, Alison and Barbara shake it for the Brain

Our volunteers are there to help meet and greet people and to boost the singing, all have thoroughly enjoyed taking part and seeing the difference that this activity can make to the lives of others. The group aims to provide a fun and friendly environment in which people can meet, support one another and at the same time exercise both their body and mind through the medium of singing. It is very informal and newcomers are often surprised at how much laughter there is as we all try to get to grips with tongue-twisters, rounds, harmonies and action songs. For more information about dates and joining the group, please visit http://www.singingforthebrain.org for the Basingstoke branch contact details.

Alton Silver Song Club (The successor to 'Singing for the Brain')

AODS is pleased to be supporting 'Singing for the Brain's re-incarnation. The group is funded by 'Sing for Your Life' (a charity promoting therapeutic musical activities for the elderly) and meets on Friday mornings from 10.00am – 11.30am at Orchard House, Orchard Lane in Alton. The group is led by trained Facilitator and AODS member, Barbara Rayner, with choir volunteers from AODS helping to boost the singing by leading rounds, adding harmonies and generally singing lustily. The 'repertoire' is wide-ranging: everything from 'Jerusalem' to ‘Ye cannie shove yer grannie off the bus’ and all-sorts in between. From music hall to modern musicals and even some pop, pretty much anything goes! The emphasis is on having fun but there is no doubt that singing brings health benefits too: it improves your breathing, lifts your mood and boosts the immune system. Not only that, but the challenge of learning new songs, practising rounds, and tackling tongue-twisters, also gives the brain a thorough workout too. For more information about the Singing for the Brain and Silver Song Clubs, visit: www.singforyourlife.org.uk

Alton in the 40s

AODS went into full swing at the town's 1940's day on June 23rd when it performed a host of well-known numbers from the 1940s hit parade. Songs made famous by the likes of Glenn Miller, Bing Crosby, Louis Armstrong and the Andrews Sisters gave the society plenty of scope to show its versatility. AODS has become a regular feature of the 1940s event, though this year's programme had a new transatlantic twist to contrast with the staunchly British flag-waving numbers of previous years. The programme included such classics as "Jeepers Creepers", "Sentimental Journey", "Paper Doll" and "Don't sit under the Apple Tree".

Swinging out loud

AODS goes back to School

School visits - open to more invitations

AODS brings a touch of glamour to shop opening

CO-OP opening - open to more invitations

AODS lights up the town

Singing each year at the lighting of the Christmas tree in the Market Square

AODS enters into the spirit

Carols on the High Street raising funds for charities