New Voice Choir helps people with Parkinson’s disease, their carers and supporters

March 14, 2016 7:29pm

Douglas EstwickQuest Newspapers

New Voice Choir musical director Linda McIntyre with members Robin Smith, Margaret Heath, Chris West, Elaine West, Warwick Willis, Cynthia Cooper, Cliff Thomas and Chrissie Higgins at Sherwood Uniting Church. Picture: Richard Walker

A FLEDGLING group of choristers have big plans to make a positive impact in the Parkinson’s ­community.

Mount Crosby’s Linda McIntyre launched New Voice Choir last month, a project for people with Parkinson’s disease and their carers and supporters.

Sessions are held on Tuesdays at the Sherwood Uniting Church and Corinda State School.

Ms McIntyre is living with Parkinson’s and said she believed it was the only choir in Queensland dedicated to people with the ­condition.

“The Parkinson’s community has given me a great deal and it (choir) is my way of giving back,” Ms McIntyre said.

“My goal is that this choir will perform — it’s not just for fun.

“One day we would like to make an album to sell to cover costs and put profits back into the Parkinson’s community.”

While the choir has lofty ambitions, just getting together is having its benefits.

“We laugh so much it’s a wonder we get any work done,” Ms McIntyre said.

“We are finding it’s wonderful coming together and creating an extra community spirit.”

Ms McIntyre said supporters and carers of the choristers with Parkinson’s was important to the project.

“There are people whose voices are weakening through Parkinson’s. If you have people who are able-bodied with strong voices right next to them in the choir will help to support them and bring their voices out.”

For more information, contact 3310 4354 or 0400 111 160.

http://www.couriermail.com.au/questnews/southwest/new-voice-choir-helps-people-with-parkinsons-disease-their-carers-and-supporters/news-story/011ea88e971470c9e98ad7c86fae4288