Musicians from the music charity Armonico Consort, sang and played for residents at River Meadows Care Centre, Warwickshire, Marston Court care home, Oxford (for residents of Marston Court and Isis House care homes), Meadowcroft, Thame, Dementia Action day centre, Marlow, Eton College – for residents of St Mark’s care home, Windsor, St Giles’s View Care Home, Winchester, Hartwood House, Lyndhurst, Lighthouse, Poole (for residents of Kingland House), The Lindsay, and The Links care homes, from the 10th to the 13th of September 2024, alongside TV presenter, wine expert and singer Oz Clarke.
The group visited care homes as part of their 200-mile fundraising bike challenge. They are aiming to raise £20,000 to support valuable singing projects for people living with dementia.
The musicians entertained residents with Armonico’s trademark mix of beautiful Baroque music and well-known songs. Listeners, including those living with dementia, were encouraged to sing along, clap and play percussion instruments.
“This event is really fantastic! It has a massive impact on our residents. Music is a big thing for people with dementia, it brings everyone together, they know the words, they can join in, and it’s just fantastic, so thank you so much for coming!” says Sharon, Care Home Manager
“Music can reach back to a time when people were young and happy and for people living with dementia, it remains in the memory when so much else has been forgotten. In every care home we visit, we see a transformational effect as that memory is awakened and the residents engage so well with the music and singing.” said Oz Clarke.
The musicians gave mini-performances at six care homes along the 200 miles from Armonico’s home in Warwick via Oxford, Windsor and Winchester, to Poole Lighthouse in Dorset.
Armonico Consort thanks EBCO, Tractivity and Bludog for their generous sponsorship and support this year.
