Intergenerational Carol Service at The Great Hall, Downshire Estate

The Great Hall at the Downshire Estate played host to a festive intergenerational carol service on Thursday 5 December. The event brought together performers young and old, from Dementia NI’s Musical Memories Choir and pupils from local primary schools in Ballynahinch, Crossgar, Teconnaught and Downpatrick.

The service was organised by Downpatrick, Rowallane and Slieve Croob District Electoral Area (DEA) Forums in partnership with Dementia NI. Each of the choirs performed three songs entertaining the audience with classic, Christmas pop tunes interspersed with beautiful carols ranging from ‘Rocking Around the Christmas Tree’ to ‘Silent Night’.  The theme for the night was ‘festive dress’ and performers brought a little West End to the show with well-timed choreography.

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Vice Chairperson, Councillor Terry Andrews said, “I want to congratulate everyone involved in organising and participating in this wonderful intergenerational event, it has raised my festive spirit. Music has a way of crossing all age gaps and communication boundaries and it has been heart-warming to see the choirs performing together. May you all have a very Merry Christmas and a prosperous and peaceful new year.”

The carol service gave young and old the opportunity to meet, mingle and enjoy the music and magic of Christmas.  The Musical Memories Choir is made up of dementia sufferers, their family and carers who meet fortnightly to rehearse and perform at various events. Music can have many benefits in the setting of dementia. It can help reduce anxiety and depression, help maintain speech and language and enhances quality of life, it also has a positive impact on carers.

Theyoung people from Drumlins Integrated PS Ballynahinch, Cedar Integrated PS Crossgar, Holy Family PS Teconnaught and Our Lady and St Patricks PS, Downpatrick, particularly enjoyed a visit by Buddy the Elf and his helper who had a little gift for each child.