WHY are so many people so negative about St Austell? Nothing happens here, they say, the place is dead.

This is simply not true. There are a lot of positive things happening in St Austell – if you look hard enough: Sports Clubs, a busy Arts Centre, churches with activities throughout the week...and much more.

One recent addition to the town’s calendar is the Forget-Me-Not Chorus – a choir for people suffering from dementia, accompanied by their carers. It began just over a year ago and has been steadily growing since.

On alternate Wednesday afternoons, a lively and cheerful group gather together to sing favourites from the past – pop, folk, songs from the shows – under the guidance of their gifted and enthusiastic conductor, Caroline. Caroline often challenges the group to sing in parts and to add actions to the songs and I am always impressed at the high standards they achieve.

The chatter during the halftime tea break is animated and the carers appreciate the time to talk to others in a similar situation.

Two or three times a year, the group holds an Open Afternoon to show off what they have been learning. If you know of anyone who might benefit from joining this group, why not suggest that they go along to the next Open Afternoon, which is on Saturday, September 13, at 2pm at Mount Charles Methodist Church?

The benefits of singing for people with dementia have been well-documented. Clinical trials have found that music therapy can improve language and verbal skills in people with dementia. Singing in a choir can also enhance mood, help the immune system and reduce feelings of chronic pain.

We thank God for music and for all the ways in which it makes us feel healthier.