Flauti Felici to play Dementia Friendly Tea Concert at St Chad’s Church on July 17

FLAUTI Felici, a regular ensemble at the Dementia Friendly Tea Concerts in York, returns to St Chad’s Church, Campleshon Road, on July 17 at 2.30pm.

“This well-known York flute group gave us a wonderful recital last time and they will be bringing another interesting selection of music, so there will be something for everyone,” says co-organiser Alison Gammon.

“Please encourage your friends to come too, and as usual, there will be about 45 minutes of music, followed by tea, coffee and homemade cakes in the church hall.”

As well as a small church car park, on-street parking is available along Campleshon Road, but it can be busy, so do allow plenty of time. 

“If you are more mobile, it would really help if you could park on the street to allow for disabled parking in the car park. There is wheelchair access via the church hall,” says Alison.

“The event is a relaxed concert, and ideal for people who may not feel comfortable at a formal classical concert, so we do not mind if the audience wants to talk or move about!

“Seating is unreserved and there is no charge although donations are welcome. We give a donation to the church to cover heating and the rest goes to Alzheimer’s charities.”

In the tea concert diary for later this year are: August 14, Tina Sanderson and friends (string ensemble); September 18, Robert Gammon, piano; October 16, Giocoso Wind Ensemble; November 20, Billy Marshall, French horn, and Robert Gammon, piano, and December 11, Ripon Resound Choir.

MEANWHILE Bronte House is to hold a series of Welcome To The Bronte Club events, A Brew With Bronte at Middlethorpe Hall, Bishopthorpe Road, York, on July 10, August 7 and September 4 from 2pm to 4pm.

Take the opportunity to unwind in beautiful surroundings; explore the National Trust property’s gardens; chat with the gardening team as well as friends old and new; meet Bronte, the friendly in-house therapy dog, and enjoy a relaxing afternoon of tea, scones, cake and conversation.

Using the motto of “where passion and compassion meet relationship-based care”, the Bronte Club runs a social programme designed to support the wellbeing of older people, those living with dementia, care partners, family and friends.

The events are welcoming, inclusive and relaxed and the programme is open to both those supported by the club and to the wider community. For more details, visit brontehousegroup.co.uk.

To attend A Brew With Bronte, donate what you feel. A suggested minimum donation of £8 per person is advised, with all profits going to a charitable cause. Spaces are limited; booking is required on 01904 236 838 or via email to community@brontehousegroup.co.uk.

Flautist Jenefer Fraser and pianist Chris Hughes to play Dementia Friendly Tea Concert at St Chad’s Church on April 17

Flautist Jennifer Fraser

JENEFER Fraser, flute, and Chris Hughes, piano, will perform this month’s Dementia Friendly Tea Concert on Maundy Thursday at St Chad’s Church, Campleshon Road, York.

“I’m really looking forward to this solo flute recital, playing some really lovely and fun repertoire, including La Flute de Pan by Mouquet and Carmen Fantasy by Francis Borne,” says Jenefer, who  is studying for a MMus in Performance at the University of Leeds.

She will be joined by accompanist Hughes for the 2.30pm programme on April 17 that also will feature music by John Rutter and Massanet’s Meditation before concluding with Borne’s Carmen Fantasy, based on tunes from Bizet’s opera.

“It will be a great start to the Easter weekend,” says co-organiser Alison Gammon. “Please encourage your friends to come too! As usual, 45 minutes of music will be followed by tea, coffee and homemade cakes in the church hall.

“The event is a relaxed concert and ideal for people who may not feel comfortable at a formal classical concert, so we do not mind if the audience wants to talk or move about.

“Seating is unreserved and there is no charge although donations are welcome. We give a donation to the church to cover heating and the rest goes to Alzheimer’s charities.”

Along with a small car park at the church, on-street parking can be found on Campleshon Road, but it can become busy, so do allow plenty of time. “If you are more mobile, it would really help if you could park on the street to allow for disabled parking in the car park,” advises Alison. Wheelchair access is via the church hall.

Dates for the 2025 diary of Dementia Friendly Tea Concerts are: May 22, York Guitar Quartet; June 19, Patrick Wilson, trumpet, Maria Marshall, cello, and Robert Gammon, piano; July 17, Flauti Felice flute ensemble; Aug 14, Tina Sanderson and friends, string ensemble.

The season will continue on September 18, Robert Gammon, piano; October 16, Giocoso Wind Ensemble; November 20, Billy Marshall, French horn, and Robert Gammon, piano, and December 11, Ripon Resound Choir.