After 4 days cycling in a heatwave, 200 miles in the saddle, and mini concerts at 7 care homes, we are thrilled to announce that ‘Oz & Armonico’s Bike Challenge 2023 – The Encore Tour’, has smashed our £20,000 fundraising target.
Thanks to your generosity we have raised £22,086.88 to help us fund vital new Memory Singers groups for people living with dementia in the Solihull, Coventry and Warwickshire.
Here’s a look at how we got on …
The team set off from Market Square Warwick on a route that took them via the ‘Three Choirs’ of Worcester, Hereford and Gloucester, and on to Wells Cathedral in Somerset (where Armonico’s Artistic Director Christopher Monks began his career as organ scholar).
First stop: Studley Rose Care Home for some foot-tapping Baroque and a hearty singalong of favourite songs with residents
“It was truly amazing, such talent, lovely to see our residents who are living with dementia sing and smile. Music really is a great leveller, and this music was wonderful.” Maria Willis, Registered Manager at Studley Rose Care Home, Studley, Warwks
Then on to Latimer Court, Worcester, where the team sang and played outside and had everyone joining in with shakers and tambourines. We were chuffed that Worcester News came along and filmed a Facebook Live event.
“We were delighted to be treated to a concert by Oz Clarke and Armonico Consort. Our residents loved the performance and singing along. Music plays a special role in sparking memories and providing connection, especially for those living with dementia.” Ruth Jeffries, Activities Co-ordinator at Chestnut Court, Quedgeley, Gloucestershire
“It was wonderful! Such a surprise, and such a lovely way to spend an afternoon. Weren’t they good? They played lots of old favourites and the singing was beautiful.” Chestnut Court resident, Ron
At The Hollies Care Centre in Dursley, Gloucestershire, kind supporters raised £1,000 towards the tour’s target as well as sponsoring Oz’s bike hire and team t-shirts
“It was such a lovely afternoon with beautiful singers performing as if they were on a theatre stage. The pieces from the musicals were wonderful especially with so many people singing along.” Resident at The Hollies Care Centre
Time for another photo op
Our musicians were joined by singers and musicians from Wells Cathedral School for a grand finale at Crandon Springs Carte Home in Wells, and it was wonderful to be greeted by ITV News who filmed the mini concert and reported on the tangible impact music has on the residents. It was especially interesting to hear the observations of the Wells students, the first time they’d witnessed it first hand.
WATCH ITV’S REPORT ON THE POWER OF MUSIC FOR PEOPLE WITH DEMENTIA
“The transformational effect of music is incredible, especially on people living with dementia. When we arrive, the place is silent and when we leave, we’re leaving a party. Music seems to stay in people’s minds when much else has been lost. That’s why we undertook this 200 mile challenge for a fifth successive year.” Oz Clarke
At last, a chance to toast the success of the tour with a well-earned glass of fizz outside Wells Cathedral …
… then Oz cycles off into the sunset
And finally. There was a surprise delivery for soprano Laura Moretto who was following the cyclists in the support van. She went into early labour midway through the challenge and later gave birth to baby Massimo.
Christopher Monks, Artistic Director of Armonico Consort said, “We’re thrilled to have smashed through our £20K target and grateful to all our supporters including the care homes who have held dog shows, cake sales and other fundraising events to help us in our mission to bring the power of music to people living with dementia.”
Huge thanks to Roger Medwell MBE DL, Paul Rivers and Tractivity, Bludog, Stratford Bike Hire and The Hollies Care Centre for their support of this year’s tour, we couldn’t have done it without you.
If you missed the chance to donate to Oz & Armonico’s Bike Challenge – The Encore Tour, don’t worry, you can still donate to our £300K Encore Appeal.
