Healthcare Management Solutions

Residents and carers at Morpeth’s Riverside House Care Home are the stars of a new short film following their ‘Forget Me Not’ dementia choir over several months, culminating in a final performance in front of VIPs and family members.

The choir comprises eight residents and was led by award winning activities co-ordinator Richard Dobinson, who was inspired to start the choir after watching Vicky McClures BBC documentary “Our Dementia Choir”.

Its inaugural performance at St James Community Hall saw the group dazzle a packed-out audience of more than 100 people. The group sung songs inspired by their childhood mixed in with a variety of Geordie anthems such as The Blaydon Races.

The choir spent over three months rehearsing twice a week and was fronted by former music teacher and resident Margaret Evans, who taught at Hirst School in Ashington.

Attendees at the final performance included Morpeth Mayor Alison Byard, resident’s friends and family, along with children from Goose Hill nursery who regularly visit the home as part of its intergenerational community work.

The short film produced by the choir follows the preparation of the performance and charts the highs and lows of the project, including the hospitalisation and subsequent passing of various members, rehearsals and the kind support of the local community who helped make the project possible.

Activities co-ordinator Richard Dobinson said “It’s fantastic to see the choir finally perform in front of a live audience. Our members have been working incredibly hard in perfecting their performance and to perform it in front of over 100 people is something really special.

“I was totally inspired by Vicky McClure’s dementia choir and after seeing how much it helped the members, we had to give it a go. We even had a video from the BBC choir wishing us luck for the performance, which totally blew me away. It’s been a real rollercoaster, but I am so grateful and proud of everyone who has been involved.

“Seeing the residents perform so brilliantly brought a tear to my eye and I’m looking forward to hosting more performances in the future. It has sparked lots of ideas in the home for our next big project and all I will say is watch this space, because big things are coming!”

Julie Roper, home manager said “Since the first rehearsal session the group has come on leaps and bounds. Richard has been amazing keeping the project on track and you have to admire his perseverance and love for this job. He has helped our residents’ families to forge even more special memories with their loved ones. So many of us had tears in our eyes during the performance, because when they are up there and singing, the dementia subsides and they are just themselves, enjoying the spotlight and being part of a group.

“I am very proud of all of our residents and Richard. We first had the conversation in November and since then the choir has snowballed and today has made the preparation work worth it.”

The short film can be viewed here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DpPEA2jhnu4

ENDS

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Notes to editors:

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