Carribbean Music Day

Having seen a Caribbean trio at Dorking Halls last year I decided it would be great if my husband, incarcerated in Nursing Home with advnaced Alzheiemrs, could hear them too. I could not really afford to hire all 3 musicians in the Steel Band I saw (£350) but the Leader of the trio kindly 'adjusted' the fee by suggesting we have just 2 musicians playing steel band music. They played for two hours for residents of Coombe Dingle Nursing Home in Caterham. The lounge "came alive", some, who were more able, dancing with others or staff, even on their own, if no partner was nearby. Senior Staff Nurse was about to go off shift for the day as music started, but decided to stay back for a few minutes. She was delighted with what she saw and heard. Some of the less active residents were seen to be trying to move their fingers, or hands, in time to the music, so they were gaining somthing from the entertainment as well.

The staff Nurse stayed over far longer than origianlly planned!

I approached local traders to try to get help in the form, either of a donated gift, as a raffle prize, or finger food for residents and relatives delight in the interval. They were so generous. I had expensive pictures, cycling gloves, a super rag doll, a multi picture frame,. puzzle book, set of paint brushes, posh talc,. crystal rose bowl and art deco candle holder. Tesco provided packs (96 different cakes in total) small selection of cakes, local Bakery gave 60 sausage rolls, and another bakery a bag of assorted cakes too. They all helped Management who provided other finger foods for the afternoon.

The raffle, so many prizes available, earned nearly £50, and I have requested Mangement to bank that money in a "Treats Kitty" in the hope that another relative, later in the year, will hire a musician to provide more music for the residents, as I did, and they will be able to use that "Treats KIitty" as a starter to pay for the next musician, hold another raffle,. to earn more cash towards the next relative's similar venture. Whether my brain child will come to fruition I shall have to wait and see. My plan is for a rolling over of musical events throughout the years.

There was so much feed back from relatives, and staff, about the success of the event. It was a joy to see so many clients smiling during that few hours when the musicans played their steel band music.(Harry Belafonte numbers included, together with some more usual modern sing a long ones) I have obtained contact details from another nursing home (where my husband first entered "care") and passed them to the Management at Coombe Dingle, which they could provide to relatives who may take up the similar challenge by engaging a different musician to entertain.

I approached the local Lions Club Organisation too, after that event. I know they do a lot of charity work aa my husband and I played for several Barn Dances they ran - John and I ran a Barn Dance Band in the late 80's /90's. They have kiindly organised for a lady to go to sing, and a gentleman, who plays accordion, to go to play for the residents later in the year.....and kindly will perform without expecting a fee. That was super news. Needless to say Mangement were delighted.

Tandridge Council operate a scheme Tandridge Music Project. That project visits, taking in many musical instruments which are handed round to clients who can then play along to the music being relayed on a tape/CD etc. The first visit is free and was a great success, and Manager has confirmed they will be visiting again next month. Music is oh, so important for dementia clients.

I have been told by Manager that she has arranged for more musical instruments to be purchased, similar, I assume, to those the Music Project supplied, and that she has taped the music, used during the first visit, intending to help clients to have a repeat in- house performance, organised by staff, ahead of the Project returning next month.

The Home's Owners are also keen to purchase an amplification system, complete with Super Woofers speakers, to help provide the "beat" that they said helped the Music Project visit to "get going"

I am absolutely delighted because they have been without an activity co ordinator for many months and stimulation for clients is so important. This, I feel and hope, will be a start to get things going again for the benefit of all in residence.