A CHOIR which has transformed the lives of its young members celebrated a year of success when they performed a Christmas concert at Broadway Shopping Centre in Bexleyheath.

Several members of the Crayford-based Shenstone School choir are unable to use verbal speech, due to their complex and severe learning difficulties, but light up to the sound of music.

They brought joy to the aisles with a festive performance at Sainsbury’s in Broadway Shopping Centre, to thank staff and shoppers for their support in raising funds for new specialised playground equipment and a mini bus.

Shenstone School, which caters for children with severe or profound learning difficulties, formed a choir 12 months ago and is Sainsbury’s Bexleyheath’s Local Charity of the Year.

They choir has transformed the lives of its pupils, helping them to transcend communication barriers and greatly enhancing their social skills.

Among those singing on Friday, December 16, was 10-year-old George Ramshaw, from Slade Green, Bexley, who has autism and learning difficulties.

His proud mum Natalie said: “As soon as the music starts he claps and dances. Although George cannot talk he always joins in with the singing and dancing and had a big smile on his face during the concert.

“Singing and dancing is his favourite thing to do. He loves any music that’s upbeat, especially the song ‘Happy’.

“He’s been at Shenstone since nursery and we love the school. He attends drama club at lunchtime and has even been to the Mick Jagger Centre in Dartford with other schools.

“Music brings him out of his shell and he absolutely loves an audience. When he likes the music on the TV he rewinds it so we never see the whole of anything.”

Also enjoying the limelight was Paul Merryweather, 11, who couldn’t wait to perform again in front of an audience.

Mum Alice Merryweather, 44, from Erith, said: “Paul loves singing and music. I’m so proud of Paul in whatever he does.

“He loves his school and even when we’re on holiday he wants to go back to school. During the concert he was smiling away at all the customers. He enjoyed it all and was really excited.

“He’s so excited about Christmas, it’s his favourite time of year. The supermarket was really busy and Christmassy so it was lovely.”

The Shenstone school choir meets at lunchtimes and performed at the Royal Festival Hall in London last year alongside other Bexley schools.

Head teacher Lori Mackey said the concert had rounded off a successful first year for the choir, whose members are aged from seven up to 11.

“It was fantastic. There was a lot of positive energy around. The customers all seemed to love it,” she said.

“Many of our children are non-verbal and it’s about the rhythm of the music and using the instruments like the bells to feel the beat. Music has been instrumental for a lot of these children in developing their self-confidence.

“For the first time this year, we’ve hired a music specialist to work with the classes. She’s excellent and helps the music come to life and understands the needs of the children very well. There have been real benefits.

“I was so proud watching the concert. It was amazing. Everything the children do is amazing but they certainly shone when they performed.

“They love music and performing in public. We love celebrating how well they’re doing at school.”

The school was voted by the public as Sainsbury’s Bexleyheath’s Local Charity of the Year which means in-store fundraising takes place throughout the year for the cause. “Sainsbury’s has been brilliant in allowing us to fundraise in this way and supporting us throughout the year,” said Lori.

“We’ve a little project on the go to create a playground for children who have more complex medical needs and we’re also raising money for a new mini bus.”

Annie Wong, PR ambassador for Sainsbury’s played her clarinet alongside the children. “There were lots of parents and friends of the children taking photos and a big crowd of customers,” said Annie.

“It definitely got everybody into the Christmas spirit. Lots of the children had instruments and were really enjoying themselves and singing their hearts out. Even the teaching assistants joined in and the music teacher played the guitar.

“It was a wonderful morning. Lots of customers gave the children their support and I would like to thank them for their generosity. The children were all really well behaved and thoroughly enjoyed themselves.”

Broadway Shopping Centre’s General Manager Peter Sedge said: “The Shenstone School does wonderful work in our community. It was a pleasure to have the children performing here, and know all the money raised will go to support their education.”

For more information about stores at Broadway Shopping Centre go to www.broadwayshoppingcentre.com or visit the centre’s Facebook page or Twitter account @BroadwayBexley Based on information supplied by Deb James.