West Wight Dementia Friendly Choir has been presented with £13,258 from Yarmouth Sailing Club after they were chosen as the club's charity of the year.

The monies raised will be used to secure the longevity of the choir, and has already helped support the starting up of another dementia choir in Cowes, made possible through the newly opening Alzheimer Café IOW Hub at Parklands.

The choir thanked previous Commodore, Martin Palmer, with Sue Tribe and Inez Newman, who played key roles in the fundraising, plus all the members who contributed.

Fundraising events included The Quest’s Quest circumnavigation of the Isle of Wight by 11 to 17 year olds, singalong afternoons, soup lunches, and a day of music in The Towers Garden, Yarmouth, supported by John Caulcutt.

Isle of Wight County Press: Cathy Hepburn (choir), Sue Tribe (YSC), Martin Palmer (former commodore of YSC), Inez Newman (YSC), Pam Wedgwood (musical director), Richard Britton (choir). Cathy Hepburn (choir), Sue Tribe (YSC), Martin Palmer (former commodore of YSC), Inez Newman (YSC), Pam Wedgwood (musical director), Richard Britton (choir). (Image: Contributed)

The choir offers singing and music for those whose lives are affected by dementia on Wednesday mornings at Freshwater Methodist Church from 10.30am. For more info call Pam Wedgwood on 07729 938893.

Pam said: “We have a great repertoire of music and information for anyone wishing to set up a similar choir on the Island.

"If you would like to come along to see what we do, then we will welcome you with open arms."

The choir will be holding its next concert with Newchurch Male Voice Choir at Christ Church, Totland, on Wednesday, May 8, at 7pm.