A GROUP of retired residents in Teddington have been singing their way down memory lane, thanks to a new project from Richmond Music Trust and Richmond Housing Partnership (RHP).

Tenants from Gresham House, one of RHP's 18 retirement schemes in the borough, have been taking part in music therapy sessions with the trust as one of the regular social activities organised by their landlord.

Residents have been relishing the opportunity to try out an amazing array of instruments brought along to their communal lounge every week by local music therapist Andreas Rosenboom.

They have been learning to perform a variety of folk songs and jazz music from the 1920s and 30s using drums and other percussion instruments, including xylophones, wind chimes, cymbals, keyboard, bells, metalophones, horns and more. One of the most popular parts of the course has been learning to sing the old favourites, including Danny Boy, The Bells Are Ringing For Me and My Girl and Amazing Grace.

The course has been designed for people with differing musical abilities, and gives people the chance to talk about personal memories that the music evokes, both happy and sad. Several of the group have enjoyed having the chance to stretch their vocal cords after many years.

Resident Percival Berry used to sing at functions all around London.

He said: "I've enjoyed being able to perform some of my favourite numbers again. I've never taken a fee in my life and didn't tour professionally because I had a family, but perhaps if someone is looking for a singer now...!"

As well as proving to be a lot of fun, many members of the group have found the sessions to be the perfect route to relaxation.

Richmond Music Trust was established as a music education charity in April 1994 to provide a range of high quality musical and educational opportunities for the benefit of young people and others in and around Richmond borough.

It is increasingly becoming involved in community projects such as this. Mr Rosenboom commented: "People with a huge variety of musical abilities have been able to enjoy and benefit from this course. The group at Gresham House has demonstrated that the songs and rhythms always come back to you. Even when people have not been very confident they have made some beautiful music."

The music therapy sessions are just one example of the wide variety of social activities on offer to residents who live in Richmond Housing Partnership's retirement schemes. Other activities have included IT training courses, day trips, barbecues and sign language classes.