Some typical programmes

Who we are and what we do

Songs on Wheels is a group of friends, mainly retired people based in the Wimbledon area. Since January 2014 we have been travelling to care homes, day centres and clubs for older people or those with physical or mental disabilities to share the enjoyment of singing old songs.

During the pandemic, we had to adapt. During strict lockdowns, we made videos remotely; when possible, we took very small numbers to sing in gardens, and then we gradually got back to normal, and it has been wonderful to be able to include the audiences much more actively in the music again.

The programmes last just under an hour and include show tunes and popular songs mainly from the 30s, 40s, 50s, and even 60s, as well as comedy songs, traditional songs, and light classics. The group sings mainly in 4-part harmony, and is accompanied by a professional pianist. Where venues have no piano, we bring a keyboard. We supply programmes with the words of the songs, (sent by email in advance) and simple props and costumes, which our audiences always find engaging. We have home-made Pearly King and Queen hats, some honeysuckle and an outsize bee, and an itsy-bitsy, teeny-weeny yellow polka-dot bikini, recently modelled with panache by a lady on her 100th birthday.

We always get people joining in, whatever their physical or mental frailty. It is particularly rewarding to see people living with dementia heartily singing every word of songs they knew when they were younger, and shaking off their confusion or anxiety during that time.

We have a pool of 24 singers: between 8 and 16 will come out on most outings, depending on the size of the venue. 

We ask for a fee of £70 per session, to cover the costs of our pianists, and preparation of the music. All the singers are volunteers.

Some comments

Kew House care home, Wimbledon
Dear Libby and your fantastic army of volunteers,
Thank you so much for your continued love and support that you show our home and residents. Music is such a powerful thing and your visits have a huge positive impact on everyone here.

Eastway Day Centre, Morden
It’s great to get feedback from our clients as they often don’t remember from one minute to the next, your team of very talented singers obviously make an impact on our ladies and gents.

Sherwood Grange care home, Kingston Vale
A big thank you for last Wednesday! Our residents loved your singing and they talked about it for a few days afterwards.

The White House Nursing Home, New Malden
Just a very big thank you, for the wonderful concert yesterday, The residents absolutely loved it, ( as did I ) I really can’t express how you lift us all up!

Tennyson Grange, Carshalton
Songs on Wheels are a wonderful mature singing group who always provide fun & engaging musical sessions. They excelled themselves with a really lively Christmas concert. Thank you so much.

St Mary’s Day Centre for adults with a learning disability, Roehampton
The service users will look forward to your visit - they often ask when you guys will be coming back!!