The Cuckoo Club is a Darlington support group for people affected by dementia – and its members are preparing to take to the stage for a unique talent contest as part of a choir. PETER BARRON joined them for rehearsals...
EVERY Thursday morning, there’s a buzz of excitement in the café at Darlington’s Hippodrome Theatre, as members of The Cuckoo Club meet for “a cuppa, a chat and a laugh”.
A special, close-knit group, made up of people with dementia and family members, the club owes its quirky name to the dark sense of humour of 80-year-old Trevor Collishaw.
“It came out of the blue,” says club member Trevor. “We were trying to think of a name, and I said ‘Well, we’re all a bit cuckoo – what about The Cuckoo Club?’ I was only joking but it just stuck.”
Humour clearly plays a big part in the group. “It’s something we all share – we have to,” explains Trevor, who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease four years ago and is now undergoing tests for dementia.
The Cuckoo Club is celebrating its second anniversary, having been started by The Alzheimer’s Society and Dementia Voice Darlington, as an informal support group.
Since March this year, it has been run by two magnificently dedicated women, Lesley Brown and Kath Leighton, who joined after their husbands were told they had dementia.
Kath’s husband, Keith, was diagnosed in January 2023 and has deteriorated rapidly. He now needs his food pureed and has no mobility without a wheelchair.
Initially, the group met fortnightly but, as it grew in popularity, meetings became weekly. There are now 34 members, including 13 men and four women with dementia, and the rest made up of family members.
“Initially, Kath and I were just members of the group, looking for support, but we gradually got more and more involved and ended up running it,” explains retired midwife, Lesley.
“It’s a lovely group and so rewarding to be part of it,” adds Kath. “It was a lifeline for me, and a lot of us would be lost without it.”
Games, such as dominoes, are played during the Thursday morning meetings in the Hippo Lounge at the theatre, and the bond between members is clear to see.
“The men, especially, communicate better when they’re together, and their carers say how much difference they see in them,” adds Kath. “The Hippodrome has been fantastic – so supportive.”
Beyond the Thursday meetings, other activities include social afternoons at Hopetown and Whessoe Workingmen’s Club, trips to see a show at the theatre at least once a month, ten-pin bowling outings, and parties. If anyone has a ‘big birthday’, there’s always a gift from the group.
On December 18, club members have been invited to Harrowgate Hill Primary School – a dementia-friendly school – for Christmas lunch. The day after, they’ll be treated to more festive fayre at the Memory Lane Activity Cafe, run by The Salvation Army.
In the meantime, The Cuckoo Club choir performed for the second year running at last night’s Christmas Carol Concert, in aid of The Alzheimer’s Society, at St Cuthbert’s Church.
The aim is to not only raise awareness of dementia, but to generate funds for the Alzheimer’s Society and dementia groups across the town.
Last Thursday, the choir members – under the joyful guidance of Megan Rawling, Community Music Director at St Cuthbert’s Church – were in fine voice at their latest rehearsal, with White Christmas the song being practised for the Christmas carol concert at the church.
Those performing in the choir will include Trevor, who gave The Cuckoo Club its name. “I’m really looking forward to it – there won’t be any nerves because we’re all in it together,” he says.
“As individuals, our singing’s rubbish but, somehow, we don’t sound too bad when we’re all joining in together!”
Iris, Trevor’s wife of 57 years, will also be singing, and she has no doubt about The Cuckoo Club’s value. “It’s such an important network for the carers too,” she explains.
“If anyone has a problem, there’s always someone in the group who’s there to help. Even if Trevor doesn’t feel up to coming, I can still come and feel the benefit.”
David and Margaret Fathers, who’ve been married for 64 years, are also in the choir and looking forward to the talent contest.
- Tickets for the show are available from the theatre box office on (01325 405405). For more information about the event, email joanne.hendry@darlington.homeinstead.co.uk
David, a joiner by trade who played football for Darlington FC reserves and Darlington Railway Athletic, was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and dementia three years ago.
As well as being in The Cuckoo Club, the music-loving couple are also members of a group called ‘Singing For The Brain’ that meets at St Teresa’s Hospice every fortnight.
“We both love music, and we always have records on at home – Billy Eckstine is David’s favourite and Sinatra, of course,” says Margaret.
“The Cuckoo Club gives us both such a lot of support, camaraderie and friendship, and being part of the choir lifts our spirits.”
For Lesley and Kath, the dynamic duo behind The Cuckoo Club, the chance to be part of the talent contest is a highlight to look forward to in the New Year.
“When people get dementia, they often become invisible in other people’s eyes, but the talent show is another way to demonstrate that there’s life after dementia. Those people are still there, playing an active part in society – they're visible,” says Kath.
The song the members of The Cuckoo Club Choir will be singing on January 21 is a closely guarded secret until the big night.
“Believe me, one song will be quite enough!” quips Kath, as the sound of laughter again fills the café at Darlington Hippodrome.
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