Care home residents in Wrexham were left smiling, singing and clapping along after live music sessions brought back cherished memories.

The feel-good workshops were held at Pendine Park’s care homes and saw residents join in a lively mass sing-along led by music therapist Izzy Fitzsimmons.

Beaming faces and emotional reactions followed as Izzy played guitar, sang well-known favourites and handed out percussion instruments so everyone could take part.

The sessions, run in partnership with Wrexham Sounds, took place at Pendine’s Penybryn, Bryn Bella, Highfield and Hillbury care homes.

Wrexham Sounds managing director Olivia Gallagher thanked Pendine Park and other care homes in Wrexham for taking up the offer of the free music sessions.

A not-for-profit organisation, it was originally set up to give disadvantaged young people the chance to learn new skills and gain confidence through music, social integration and play.

Over the years it has expanded its activities to offer music lessons and courses, music sessions for wellbeing, and community outreach projects in schools, social clubs, pensioners’ groups and community halls.

More recent projects have seen the charity forge new links with the social care sector.

Olivia said: “Music is for everyone and can bring such enormous benefits in terms of mental well-being. Our aim is to make music and social interaction accessible to as many people in our community as possible.

“Up until now Wrexham Sounds has largely worked with children and young people, especially those who cannot afford mainstream music lessions.

“But in our latest project, we have worked to expand our work to encompass older age groups, particularly those who may feel isolated, maybe through mobility issues or other difficulties. We want our sessions to be inclusive and reach all sectors of society including the elderly.”

The visits to Pendine Park are part of a project helped by Cadwyn Clwyd’s supporting prosperous communities via the  Wrexham Key Fund.

Cadwyn Clwyd funding has enabled Wrexham sounds to run 40 one hour music sessions across Wrexham, with 11 different organisations, including Pendine Park.

Pendine Park consultant artist in residence Sarah Edwards said: “We were delighted to welcome Izzy to work with us because the arts in general and music in particular are the golden thread that runs through everything we do at Pendine.

“It’s something our owners Mario and Gill Kreft are passionate about because they understand the value of the arts in all its form in terms of well-being and enhancing the quality of life of  our residents and staff alike.

“We have our own musician in residence and I have been the artist in residence for three decades and it is an absolute joy to work here.

“It is always good to have a varied programme of arts and music, and Wrexham Sounds has become known for the quality of its music for wellbeing sessions across the community.

“We were pleased to help them in their efforts to expand their activities, particularly in the realm of working with adults and people in social care.”

Izzy Fitzsimmons, who trained at the Guildhall School of Music and is a music for wellbeing tutor, said the workshop was her first visit to Pendine Park and it was interesting to meet the residents and hear about their musical likes and dislikes.

Resident Emma Barber said: “I love music. It’s joyful and empowering and it always reminds me of times with my dad when I was younger. He was a big music fan.

‘One of my favourites films is The Sound of Music and another is Carousel. Many people don’t realise that the song ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’ comes from Carousel. It is one of my very favourites.”

On Emma’s request Izzy led the group in singing the number which these days has become famously known as the inspirational football anthem of the Kop at Liverpool FC.

Another resident Gary Grant, waved his arms and smiled widely as Izzy and Co launched into the hit sixties pop song Hey Baby, Will You Be My Girl. Gary said it was his very favourite.

Adding to the fun Izzy had handed out an array of percussion instruments including tambourines, maracas, bells, and egg shakers for residents to try their hands at.

They played along to the beat as Izzy played guitar and sang one of her own favourite numbers from the 1970s, Country Roads, followed by the popular Neil Diamond crowd-pleaser Sweet Caroline.

Izzy said it was a joy to hear them all in such good spirits.