In a five-hectare wooded park in Bois-Guillaume, near Rouen, the Regional Center for Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (CRMPR) “Les Herbiers” is an establishment which provides medical and rehabilitation care to people suffering from medical conditions. neurological, cardiological or of the musculoskeletal system, particularly following an accident or illness.
Its objective is to enable patients to regain the fullest possible use of their functional and/or neurological capacities and thus to reduce the impact of the disability on their daily life.
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The 152 patients benefit from all the cutting-edge equipment and services on site but also from more unexpected activities such as the writing and singing workshop.
Every Thursday, since September 2023, musician Pierre Lacheray, member of the group Moobox, and Annabelle Cavellin alias Lady Arlette, singer-songwriter, sit in the entertainment room to receive two groups of volunteer patients and nursing staff.
Valérie, psychologist, is involved: “This is a culture-health project in a healthcare environment set up in partnership with the La Clé association in Rouen for people with mental disorders and the Le concert hall. Trianon in Sotteville-lès-Rouen.
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“You make us evolve during this period of time”
“During two one-hour sessions, the goal was to get patients to write and sing.
They were often just passing through - which is what we hope for them - but, over time, regulars returned each time.
Initially for covers of well-known titles.
Then, one day, Richemonde asked me to transcribe Florent Pagny's song, My freedom to think into My freedom to sing.
We recorded it.
And, finally, we took the plunge.
In writing their own songs,” says Annabelle Cavellin, the singer.
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In a few weeks, among the fifteen participants, Benjamin submitted the text of the “Adventures of Lemmy” (“Be careful Lemmy, you don't have a chance, don't worry, I don't care, because Lemmy pleases") and another patient, who was only present twice, left "She is".
“Even if the principle is to be good and have a good time,” says Anabelle Cavellin, “we decided together to work on these texts in chorus.
During each appointment, we repeat them.
Here we are in the recording phase.
Everyone will have the songs mixed and arranged by Pierre, the musician, on a USB key.
A CD was more complicated, because the room acoustically is not suitable.
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“Anyway, in May, we will organize a concert at Les Herbiers,” announces the singer.
Eric, one of the faithful choristers, approves: “You make us evolve during these periods of time”.
Clearly shared pleasure: “Clearly, these workshops changed my vision,” recognizes Lady Arlette, Annabelle’s stage name, “they allowed me to open my eyes to disability and the effects of illness.
With Pierre Lacheray (the musician), we want to give pleasure but also have fun and achieve results.
At first, I was shocked.
Today is a revelation.
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