There is something quietly magical about the moment a roomful of people make music together for the very first time. This July, Cranleigh’s Memory Lane group is preparing for exactly that, as a set of Indonesian bamboo chimes brings a brand-new sound to their gatherings.
From a full audience to a new adventure
Earlier this year, Memory Lane’s newly formed Dementia Choir performed a “Musical Memories” concert to a full audience, raising £350 for Dementia Support. As the choir continues, and may shortly visit care homes, the team have been encouraged by one of their guests to introduce something really new.
That guest is Kundy Scully, a carer who plays in an international group. Last month she trained a group of Memory Lane leaders to play the Angklung bamboo chimes, an Indonesian instrument that Kundy and the team will introduce to Memory Lane at their meeting on Monday 6th July.
Twenty-five instruments, one joyful sound
With 25 instruments, everyone will have a turn at harmoniously playing joyful music together. They will be backed up by the Memory Lane music group on keyboard, guitar, clarinet and choir.
This is a first for Memory Lane and a golden opportunity for both guests and team volunteers to enjoy a joyous time together as they learn something new.
A walk in the park, too
Between meetings in the Arts Centre, many of their guests enjoy the healthy “Walk in the Park”. At 10.30am each second Monday of the month, their stroll around the lakes of Cranleigh Knowle Park ends with a sing-song over coffee and biscuits.
When and where
The next meetings of Memory Lane will be at 2pm in Cranleigh Arts Centre on the 6th and 20th July, with the walk taking place at 10.30am on Monday 13th July in Knowle Park.
For details of all activities and meetings, or to volunteer or join as a guest caring for someone experiencing dementia, please call Memory Lane on 01483 274398 or email [email protected].
This article first appeared in the July 2026 issue of Cranleigh Magazine. Pick up your free copy around the village, or read more at cranleighmagazine.co.uk.
