RAMS in Rhythm sing out loud for four charities

A LOCAL retired men’s choir raised €8,500 for charity during performances over the last four weeks, and they are hoping to raise even more when they carol-sing around the county in the coming days.

The Newcastle-based Retired Active Men’s Social (RAMS) choir, called RAMS in Rhythm, consists of retired men aged 75 and up – in recent weeks they have performed around the county.

A cornerstone of RAMS in Rhythm’s performances is that they always do it for a good cause, whether it’s to raise funds for charity or to bring an extra sense of levity to nursing home settings.

On November 28, the group performed in the Johnstown Garden Centre in aid of the Kildare branch of Down Syndrome Ireland.

RAMS in Rhythm also brought their uplifting repertoire to shoppers in The Square, Tallaght, on December 2, and The Mill Shopping Centre, Clondalkin, the following day, December 3.

On December 10, the choir had a well-received performance in Liffey Valley Shopping Centre, to the delight of shoppers and staff.

Matt Dowling from RAMS in Rhythm said there was an “overwhelming response from the shoppers, they were ecstatic.

“It was wonderful to see all ages out dancing in the aisles. What a fantastic Christmas atmosphere there was, in the Liffey Valley Centre.

“To the joy of young children who so enjoyed ‘Rudolf the Red Nosed Reindeer’ and brought real smiles to their faces. Also, ‘Santa Claus is Coming to Town’.”

The RAMS in Rhythm’s Christmas Carol CD was on sale at all of the performances, with the proceeds being split between the group’s chosen charities.

Matt added: “Our new release CD was a real treat to many of the shoppers, who were so generous in the donations and the purchase of the CDs.

“The donations from the CDs will be donated to our four charities before Christmas, as we have two more singing venues to perform before we relax ourselves after such a positive year.”

The group’s four chosen charities are the Kildare branch of Down Syndrome Ireland, St Vincent de Paul’s Four Districts branch, Our Lady’s Hospice, and the Capuchin Day Centre in Dublin.

RAMS in Rhythm will be making appearances at the Whitewater Shopping Centre in Newbridge on December 18, and they will be carol singing at the Coombe on December 19 from 4pm to 9pm.

The group’s final performance before they take a break for Christmas and the New Year will be on December 20 at Peamount Hospital where they will be carol-singing from 11am.

RAMS in Rhythm’s 18-track Christmas Carol CD will be on sale for a donation of €10 and can be purchased at any of their forthcoming events.

If you are unable to attend the group’s events, CDs can be purchased by contacting the RAMS in Rhythm’s musical director Liam O’Donnell on 087 265 5683.

“The RAMS in Rhythm would also like to acknowledge the great support, and funding we receive from South Dublin County Council,” said Matt.

He said the group also wanted to extend their thanks to “all the centres who make us so welcome, with assistance, hospitality and donations.”