Over the past three years, since June 2023, the Bunbury Parkinsong Group has been meeting every Friday of the school term at St Nicholas Australind. The group itself has been running much longer than that—for around 13 years—with different musical directors in various venues, including the Art Gallery. When the gallery could no longer accommodate Parkinsong, the Parish Council kindly agreed to holding it at St Nics, proving to be a real blessing to the group who immediately felt comfortable and at home in our church.
Parkinsong has been aimed at people with neurological conditions, along with their friends, family and carers. Participants have been encouraged to experience the enjoyment and fellowship of singing together, develop an increased understanding of the vocal apparatus, and broaden the community sense of belonging. Parkinsong’s musical director, Jackie Ross, a wonderful musician and singer in her own right as well as a qualified music therapist has been leading the group for eight years, bringing much joy to those involved.
Sadly, the time has come for Jackie to retire, and coordinator Suzanne Saunders to step down as well after 10 years. The group once had at least 18 participants, but numbers have dwindled to about five as the various conditions people suffered from have taken their toll. The group officially disbanded on 28th August but will continue to meet for lunch and to sing for the aged care residents at Bethanie Fields about once a term.
It has been a privilege for those involved to work with the group and experience the bonds of fellowship, encouraging and supporting each other through the journey of neurological impairment.
“Singing is the true mother tongue of all human kind: for it is the most natural and simple way in which we are undividedly present and able to communicate fully with all our experiences, feelings and hopes.” (Lord Yehudi Menuhin)
Parkinsong over the years… 2016 and 2023