Alvin M. Keeling 
Before the pandemic, the Parkinson’s Choir of Eastbourne toured care and nursing homes to entertain residents.
Residents described the choir as “the best entertainment,” said the group’s treasurer and administrator, Veronika Lees.
Veronika said: ‘Visits stopped when the pandemic hit and we were just as vulnerable as the people in the homes as many people with Parkinson’s develop other autoimmune conditions and those in between we affected were forced to shield for 18 months or so until we were told we could rejoin the world. Many people with Parkinson’s disease will never recover because lack of exercise has made our condition worse.
Now the Reverend Ben Sleep of St Michaels and All Angels Church in Willingdon Road has invited the band to sing in the church every fourth Wednesday of the month.
Veronika said: “We were all thrilled to have this opportunity from Reverend Ben Sleep as we realized people in nursing homes could come whenever they wanted and it would be a day for them. We realize that not all retirement or nursing homes have their own minibus and when we find out who can and cannot come, we may be able to start visiting them again, but the earliest possible would be August or September .
“We extend our invitation to all who live in Eastbourne and surrounding areas to come and listen to us. It doesn’t matter to us who – elderly people with babies in arms, singles or groups – would be welcome. Once we have an idea of how many people would like to come, we hope to provide the lyrics either in hard copy or on a screen so that everyone can participate.
Performances begin this Wednesday (June 22) and will run from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., beginning with a 20-minute warm-up.
There will also be an annual fundraiser at the Birley Center (part of Eastbourne College in Carlisle Road) on July 7. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and the concert begins at 7 p.m. There will be refreshments and tickets cost £9. You can buy tickets here: https://www.wegottickets.com/event/549546
If you would like more information, please call Veronika on 01323 654468.
