The Newberries Variety Group bringing some Christmas cheer to local care homes.

The Newberries are a local variety group that visit care homes to perform songs and put a smile on people’s faces. The group were formed by Freda Lamb in January 1972. There were 10 members at the start and their aims were to go to Care Homes in the area of Newbury Park, hence their name, Ilford, Romford, Barking and Dagenham (plus further afield), to bring fun laughter and joy to the residents.

They started out as an ‘Olde Tyme Music Hall’ group with lots of costumes and had a super pianist with them too. The team enjoyed hearing the audience sing up, sometimes with lyrics that were totally different from theirs! However, when they saw the smiling faces and sometimes a tear along with applause it gave them such a good feeling!

As the years went by their style of music changed more towards the 30’s, 40’s, War time and the 50’s. Then Elvis, The Beatles, Cliff Richard, Buddy Holly and many others have all been belted out by the team. Now, they are more Glen Campbell, Neil Diamond and Abba, and the shows are still tailor made for Care Home residents.

In 2022, the Newberries celebrated their 50th year and are still going strong, performing to Care Homes, Assisted Living Accommodations and Community Groups in and around Barking, Dagenham and Romford.

Member Mary-Rose told the Havering Daily:” Looking back over the 50 years of the Newberries, it has brought back lovely memories. A lot of laughs when things went wrong, mostly they didn’t. We don’t take ourselves too seriously.

Sadly but proudly, I am the last of the original 10 members and would not change a thing.

We are always looking for new Care Homes to bring our shows to, as well as, looking for new members to join our group.”

The team rehearse every Friday evening at the Wantz Community Hall in Dagenham. Contact  can be made through their facebook page ( facebook.com/newberriesvg ).

The Newberries performing at a Romford Care Home.

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