On Thursday February 23 last week the Music Well, which provides music therapy locally, organised a party for its friends at the Scouts’ Hut. Liz Butt, who is the founder of the Music Well, said the party “is becoming an established chance for everyone to come and enjoy some live music and to hear about the latest projects as I believe in the power of music to enhance well being, support mental health and raise the spirits”.
It was a lovely evening with food, wine and music from Sally Bayley and Michel Duvoisin, local musicians who can be hired for weddings and parties or other functions. They had stepped in at the last minute as the usual band disbanded shortly before the party.
We also heard from The Music Well Singers for Well Being. They were set up in 2011. I have followed them over the years and they sounded absolutely great under the direction of Louise Fletcher. The members said just how much fun the learning, singing and performing is. Among the soloists was a proud 95 year old whose strong voice started the song “I am sailing” and touched everyone.
Liz Butt told me that the Music Well’s latest project is singing for better breathing with its ability to improve lung functioning such as COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease), lift depression and bring people together.
These free sessions will begin on March 6, lasting for 12 weeks and will be in Camber, Monday 11am-12 noon ; Winchelsea Beach Monday 1-2pm, and Rye Harbour Monday 3-4pm. For more information contact Di White on 01303-220870 or di.white@canterbury.ac.uk
At the party we were reminded of Mary’s Fund, set up after the death of seven year old Mary Shipstone who lived in Northiam and was murdered by her father in 2014. Liz Butt said: ” Mary had a course of music therapy in the years before her death which her mother had found ‘the most helpful support we received’ for Mary to deal with the emotional consequences of seeing her father being abusive to her mother.”
It was a very enjoyable evening.
If anyone would like more information about the Music Well, or find out how to benefit from Mary’s Fund, or indeed would like to contribute some funds as it is a continuous challenge to keep the ‘”well” filled to support the many children who would find it beneficial, visit the website.
Photos: Heidi Foster