Centenarian chorister in Wellingborough goes digital during lockdown

A 100-year-old from Wellingborough has not let lockdown stop her hitting all the right notes with her choir.

Joan Furniss, who lives at Lancum House care home in Wellingborough, has been getting to grips with technology and been enjoying therapeutic singing sessions with the local ‘Dementia Sings Out’ community choir via the video conferencing app, Zoom.

The centenarian, who moved to Lancum House in 2017, has been a member of the choir for almost a year.

Mrs Furniss – who has three daughters, 17 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren – was a keen performer in her youth, often joining in with local ballroom dancing groups.

Activities champion at the Shaw healthcare run care home, Jackie Stapleton, said: “Maintaining high spirits in the home is of paramount importance to us, especially at a time when external trips for our residents are not possible.

“It just goes to show with Joan that you are never too old to try new things.

"She loved seeing herself on the screen, it brings a great big smile to her face, and ours.”

Lancum House in Bush Close, Wellingborough, provides accommodation for up to 43 people, including those living with dementia.

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