THE sweet tones of a newly-composed Christmas Carol filled the air at a special festive event in Salisbury.

Members of four singing groups run by the Sounds Better CIC joined forces for a special performance at the St Thomas’ Church Christmas Tree Festival opening night, on December 3.

It was the first time the groups had united in song, having worked together to compose the ditty especially for the occasion.

Called Memories Round the Christmas Tree, each Sounds Better group took part in composing it.

The Downton Downtime group, for people living with Dementia and those who support them, meet on a Tuesday morning and began by composing a verse.

Sounds Better singers united to create and perform the new Christmas carol

The Salisbury Breathless Singers group, for those living with lung conditions, meets on a Tuesday afternoon in Wilton – and composed the next verse.

Harmony for Health, also for those living with lung conditions, meets in Mere each Thursday, and composed the chorus.

Finally, Salisbury Singing for Parkinson’s – which meets on the first and third Mondays of each month at St Francis Church – put together the final verse.

Sounds Better singers united to create and perform the new Christmas carol

Liv McLennan, director of Sounds Better CIC, said the concert was a big success.

“It’s certainly been a challenge to organise that many people, not only to compose and learn a new song but also to get to the church and perform – but I’m so proud of what our groups achieved. They sounded amazing,” she said.

Sounds Better CIC also runs six-week Sing and Breathe introductory courses in partnership with Salisbury’s Parish Nurse at various venues around the city, as well as online, via Zoom.