Oz & Armonico’s Great Bike Challenge – The Encore Tour

Help us bring the benefits of music to people living with dementia by supporting our cyclists!

For the fifth successive year, TV presenter, wine expert and singer Oz Clarke will lead Armonico Consort’s team of intrepid cyclists in a challenging, four-day bike tour (6-9 September 2023).

Covering 200 miles and climbing 10,000ft, the journey will take them cross country, from Armonico’s base in Warwick, via the ‘Three Choirs’ of Worcester, Hereford and Gloucester, and then on to Wells Cathedral in Somerset.

Their aim is to raise £20,000 to set up more Memory Singers choirs for people living with dementia and their carers.

Residents enjoying singing at one of the visited care homes during the Bike Tour September 2023.

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Calling in at care homes along the way, the musicians will entertain residents with Armonico’s trademark mix of beautiful baroque music, well-known songs, inspiring rhythms and irreverent fun. Even residents with advanced dementia respond by singing along, clapping and playing percussion.

This year’s Bike Challenge is part of Armonico Consort’s £300,000 Encore Appeal and our President, Roger Medwell MBE DL, will donate 30p in the £ up to the first £100,000 raised, which means your donation could go a whole lot further.

Oz bike 2022 Brampton Manor Newmarket 5
Oz bike 2022 cycling group CROP

Your donation will help us:

Establish new Memory Singers groups in different locations, replicating Armonico’s proven successful model

Support at least 40 people living with dementia and their carers each week at their local Memory Singers (approx. 1,000 beneficiaries via rolling recruitment)

WITH SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR 2023 SPONSORS

Many thanks to Roger Medwell MBE DL, and Paul Rivers and Tractivity for their sponsorship. Our thanks also to Bludog, Stratford Bike Hire and The Hollies Care Centre for their support.

Follow the progress of our cyclists during the ride on our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram accounts.