AN appreciative audience gathered at St Luke’s Church Milber, for a concert in aid of Horsemanship for Health, a small charity based in Newton Abbot, which I had the pleasure as having my chosen charity as mayor in 2021/22.

The audience was treated to a variety of music, firstly from The Kingsmen Barbershop Harmony who are based in Kingsbridge, a quartet of musicians from Saltash Town Band and from ‘We need music’.

The Kingsmen Barbershop Harmony Chorus were delighted to support Horsemanship for Health CIC in recognition of the great work being done in support of people struggling with their mental health.

As chair of the chorus, Stuart Newberry said: ‘Belinda’s work with the horses is making a huge difference to the mental wellbeing of her clients.

‘This is a local good cause and every penny raised, I know, will be going towards projects on the ground.’

‘Every year the Kingsmen raise funds for good causes and they were pleased to collaborate with St Lukes Church, Milber, as well as local musicians Bob Julian with his Brass Quartet, and Lyndon Forster who amazed us with his handpans in order to make this event happen.

The appreciative audience was treated to wonderful evening of music with a Christmas theme, and thanks to their generosity the event raised more than £400.

‘Laura and I have been musicians and music leaders/facilitators for quite a number of years, and we incorporated as a Community Interest Company – We Need Music CIC - in March 2020.

‘We use music as a tool for connecting with people, building confidence and self esteem and enabling creativity.

‘Over the past few years we have been fortunate to work in a wide range of settings with many different people.’

This has ranged from Laura’s regular ‘Lullabubbas’ parent/carer and baby groups which she runs in Torbay and Totnes; to workshops and 1:1 sessions in primary and secondary schools; with students at a local pupil referral unit; and with patients at Langdon Psychiatric Hospital.

Stuart added: ‘We have also delivered projects for young parents and young carers as well as working 1:1 with adults and children with a range of additional needs.’

Laura is a singer, songwriter and guitarist and Lyndon plays mainly percussion and handpan, a type of steel drum. Lyndon spent two years working with a company in Exeter, PanAmor handpans, building these instruments and he now uses them in most of his sessions along with other percussion instruments from across the world.

They both perform as solo artists as well as in a duo together. They met while playing in a band together 12 years ago before getting married in 2012.

The connection with Horsemanship for Health came about after a mutual friend introduced Lyndon to Belinda a few years ago. He took a couple of handpans to their fields to meet the horses and see what their reaction would be – the horses responded amazingly well to his playing with gentle curiosity and seemed to be visibly interested and relaxed by the music. It was a truly beautiful experience.

This led to two really successful collaborative sessions with Horsemanship for Health and Langdon Hospital. From this Lyndon has also continued to run music sessions with the Discovery Centre, a recovery college based at Langdon Hospital.

Lyndon has been based at Upton St. James Primary school in Torquay for the past year and a half delivering ’Creative Engagement’ sessions for two days per week to those children who for various reasons need extra support.

Stuart said: ‘We are currently awaiting news regarding funding that will hopefully mean that we are able to expand this program into other primary schools in the new year.

‘Laura is starting a Community singing circle in Paignton early next year and also continuing to run weekly Lullabubbas sessions.’

Details of the amazing work carried out by Horsemanship for Health can be found at https://horsemanshipforhealth.com/horsemanship-for-health/