Singing Back the Memories

A couple who want to help those suffering from dementia have launched a monthly Musical Memories session to encourage and help those afflicted.

Martyn and Kathleen Smith started their meetings some months ago at Mount Zion Church, Cliviger, and have developed a regular group of enthusiasts who sing along to many of the popular old songs to tweak happy memories.

“We are delighted that it has taken off and been well received with regular attendance. We use a selection of old songs and encourage everyone to join in. It is a lot of fun and enables those with dementia to recall many happy times,” said Kathleen.

She added: “The sessions are sometimes accompanied by a display stand of items from the period or the subject our songs highlighted. Our recent Victory in Europe meeting had a number of wartime newspapers on display along with artefacts from the period – including a gas mask.

“At a time when there are estimated to be about 982,000 dementia sufferers in the UK – a figure which is projected to be 1.4 million by 2040 – the sing-alongs are one way to offer a happy memory to dementia sufferers and a time of respite for their carers.

“We are pleased to say that our little group is beginning to grow and two of our original team are helping.”

“We got involved in setting up  Musical Memories seven years ago at our former church, the United Reform Church, in Burnley, at the suggestion of the minister, the Rev Liz Jewit. She was very keen to set up a support group for dementia sufferers and asked us if we would have a go.

“I visited a group in Padiham and was quite inspired by them. We got together a few volunteers from the church and decided that we would meet once a month, with me leading the meetings and Martyn accompanying on the piano. Much to our surprise, church members, who didn’t have dementia, also wanted to come. We kept going until Covid struck. After that, a decision was made to close the church due to financial and practical reasons.

“Both Martyn and I had connections with Mount Zion Church through being members of the Cliviger Ukulele band, which practices there. I also had known the leader of the band, Alan Scholes, since childhood, and it seemed a natural progression for us to start worshipping there and to belong to a caring, friendly church.

“I am 79 and Martyn is 81, but despite our ages, we approached the church leaders and congregation with a view to forming a Musical Memories group. They agreed, and it is part of the outreach program for Cliviger and the surrounding areas.

“We are pleased to say that our little group is beginning to grow, and two of our original team members are helping.”

The group meets on the first Wednesday of each month at 1 pm at Mount Zion Church, Burnley Road, Cliviger.

NorthernLife Sep/Oct/Nov 25