Residents and members of the team at Chesham Leys, ensured they were ‘on song’ for a special performance at the NAPA Gala Awards in Knightsbridge, with honorary guest Sharon Allen OBE, Chief Executive Officer, Skills for Care.

Members of the Chesham Leys Choir were invited to attend the prestigious event following their contribution to the National Activity Providers Association (NAPA) Choir initiative, supported by Comic Relief.

Local charity, The Fremantle Trust, was one of a number of care providers to be selected to create choirs in three of its care homes - Chesham Leys, Farnham Common House and Apthorp Care Centre - with fortnightly singing sessions and a finale performance, as well as longer terms links developed within local community choirs.

A professionally qualified musical facilitator helped to develop the Chesham Leys choir, as part of the NAPA Choir programme. Members of the care team at Chesham Leys, run by the Trust, were paired up with residents with a passion for singing to create a ‘buddy scheme’ to talk about the singing experience and to make involvement in the initiative as rewarding as possible for everyone.

Singers in the Chesham Leys choir enjoyed a formal afternoon tea at the NAPA Gala Awards as part of the proceedings and gave a special performance to all attendees.

Commenting on the event, Sue Faulkner, leisure and lifestyle manager at The Fremantle Trust, said:

“We were honoured to be invited to perform at the NAPA Gala Awards. It was a very special experience for everyone involved and a wonderful way to showcase our involvement in the choir initiative, which has brought real lasting pleasure to both residents and team members.

“The event has created some memories to treasure forever and we hope to continue the choir moving forward as it brings such joy to everyone involved.”