AODS is one of the Alton's prime performing arts societies and is committed to presenting the town and its surrounding villages with musical and dramatic performances that are both entertaining and stimulating. Of course, a great deal of work goes into our three major productions each year but there is much more that we do too...

AODS lends its voice to 'Singing for the Brain'

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 in the 40s

AODS goes into full swing for the town's 1940s day when it performs 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 give the society plenty of scope to show its versatility. AODS has become a regular feature of the 1940s event, though 2007s 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

More information on our other community activities will be posted here just as soon as we have prepared the text and photographs.