A popular Worthing community group was in perfect pitch on Wednesday 17^th June as it celebrated its 500th ‘Singing for Fun’ session at Guild Care’s Holland House Community Hub.

Run by dedicated volunteers Roger and Sheila, the group has been bringing people aged 65 and over together through music for the past 10 years, helping to build friendships and reduce loneliness in the local community as part of Guild Care’s Creating Connections activities.

The milestone session began on a high note with ‘Sweet Caroline’ as a nod to the football World Cup followed by good old ‘Sussex by the Sea’ to mark Sussex Day, creating a lively atmosphere for the 30 members who now regularly take part with gusto.

“When we first started only two people came along and the following week it was five,” Roger recalls. “Now it’s wonderful to see so many people in the room and everyone joins in. It’s mostly songs from when we were younger, from Vera Lynn to The Beatles. and, as some here today would say, the old songs are the best!

“Sheila and I thoroughly enjoy coming and would like to say thank you to Guild Care for supporting us to run the group. Let’s carry on and see if we can make it 1,000!”

Roger’s wife Sheila, added, “Singing for fun really boosts morale and it’s lovely to see the friendships made between the people who come along. It’s really nice to see everybody here and we enjoy it as well.”

Jo Machin, Guild Care’s Creating Connections Manager, said, “This is a very special day to celebrate our 500th session of Singing for Fun and over 10 years of song. We love having Roger and Sheila here and these sessions are a real highlight of the week. Thank you both for all you’ve contributed over the years and the difference you’ve made, and continue to make, through making music and song so much fun.”

The Singing for Fun sessions form part of Guild Care’s Creating Connections programme, which aims to reduce social isolation and loneliness among older people in Worthing and the surrounding area. The group is free to attend and is open to anyone aged over 65.

New members are always welcome to join the friendly Wednesday afternoon sessions. Anyone interested can find out more by getting in touch with Guild Care’s Creating Connections team on 01903 528635 or discover the full range of activities at Creating Connections - reducing social isolation and loneliness.