Words & photos: Diane Sullivan
“Let’s get Kirkstall singing,” was the message Steven Joynson and fellow band members delivered at the Aspire CBS Christmas party. And they certainly achieved that!
Steven, from the Sky Fallers, told a delighted audience: “When you smile it makes us happy – that’s why we do what we do.”
With an impressive selection of songs ranging from War is Over, Mellow Yellow, Little Drummer Boy, Tainted Love and Santa is Coming to Town the band had everyone in the room either singing, dancing or beaming with delight.
The band is made up of Steven, Megan Nunn, Jenny Robinson and Des Thompson, who all have learning disabilities. They encouraged everyone to get involved and invited a delighted Marie Carr to take the microphone and sing along.
Jenny, singer and ukulele player, has been a member of the band for about six years. Jenny spoke with enthusiasm about how she learned to play the ukulele during lockdown and how she loves playing with such an incredible band.
Megan spoke with pride about how she loves to sing and the lovely feeling she gets when she sees just one person smile when she sings.
“It has been amazing for Megan to be in the band,” said Megan’s mum Steph Dwyer.
Steven sings and plays the keyboard and Des Thompson also sings and plays the drums.
The band members are all extremely talented and they are organised by Aspire CBS and supported by David Turner on Guitar and Alex Gray on Bass. They will be celebrating their 10th anniversary next year.
Following an uplifting and brilliant performance the band welcomed Councillor Kevin Ritchie (Lab, Bramley & Stanningley), Board Member of Aspire CBS and a disability champion at Leeds City Council on the stage to thank him for his support.
Councillor Ritchie told WLD that the work Aspire do in supporting people with learning disabilities is fantastic and that it was lovely to see everyone enjoying the festive celebrations.
Theresa Jardine, support leader at Aspire CBS, was delighted that the party was so well attended with over 30 day service users from Kirkstall and Aireborough attending.
Shireen Causebrook, fellow support worker Alexandra Hams and colleagues joined in the festivities making sure that everyone had a great time. The smiles on so many faces and the uplifting and heartwarming atmosphere said it all!
The event, which was held at Kirkstall Leisure Centre, was a huge success and Steven’s words “when you smile it makes us happy” really captured the festive spirit and atmosphere on the day.
Aspire Community Benefit Society is a staff-owned, not-for-profit social enterprise with charitable status. Aspire CBS deliver day services for adults with learning disabilities across Leeds. For further information visit www.aspirecbs.org.uk email info@aspirecbs.org.uk.
Sky Fallers are a band of people with a learning disability organised by Aspire CBS. Sky Fallers have a big set of rock, pop, blues and soul music.
Sponsored content
