Our Autumn Season began with a training session for Volunteers, led by our Chairman and Musical Leader, Jan. Volunteers explored the themes of "If I should get dementia" and how best to interact cheerfully and empathetically with members of Remember that Song, both those with dementia and their carers. Many interesting and useful ideas emerged from our discussions.

 The first singing session centred on a celebration of RtS's eighth birthday, with some impressive cakes. Our guests of honour were Maureen (Mo) and Chris Moore, loyal supporters of RtS. Mo's  late mother, Edna, was a much loved member of RtS and we had the privilege of celebrating Edna's 100th birthday at RtS in January 2020. In the photograph below, Mo joins musical leaders Jan and Maureen.

As well as our traditional themes of Harvest, Remembrance and Christmas, this Autumn we are singing songs about childhood, tea & traditions, songs with names in the title, and "songs that cheer us up" - which turns out to be most songs. Life is a Song Worth Singing!

 

End-of-Summer Celebrations at Remember that Song

Our last session of the summer was held on Tuesday 25th July, when two very different activities took place after our usual tea and chat ... first of all our AGM, which we always try to run as swiftly and efficiently as we can, so that we can get on with doing what we love most:  singing together! Here are some extracts from our Chairman's report which she delivered at the AGM:

"We have completed our first full year of “normal” singing since the strange times of 2020 -22. How wonderful it has been to welcome new members and introduce them to our supportive way of singing on a Tuesday afternoon, whilst continuing to enjoy the company of those who have been with us for longer.  We know that every single person goes home with their spirits lifted: in our safe, positive environment there are always smiles and laughter, a listening ear, an opportunity to socialise and, above all, a chance to raise the roof with lovely music. Medical research continues to prove that music/singing is therapeutic. It helps to manage mood and anxiety levels, trigger good memories and reconnect us all to those we love and care for. It can motivate, inspire, comfort, distract, stimulate and provide solace. Here at Remember that Song  we aim to sing all types of songs, so there’s something for everyone from the “soundtracks” of their lives. Highlights of the year included our birthday in September; our usual festive Christmas session, and a splendid array of crowns and royal robes at our “Right Royal Do” to celebrate the King’s coronation. 

None of what we do could happen without the steadfast support of committee members and all of our amazing volunteers who prepare the room; serve the refreshments; chat to our members with genuine interest; support the singing and help to clear up. Their loyalty, and willingness to step in and up whenever required is really something special. Thank you also to those who take every opportunity to spread the word about our successful organisation. Last Christmas committee members Stephanie and Jeannette created an RtS tree for the Christmas Tree Festival at Topsham Methodist Church, and more recently another volunteer, Mary, has been doing the rounds of local doctors’ surgeries with our brochure.  We also try to maintain our profile via our website, as well as local social media posts and contacts with other organisations. Secretary Barbara does a huge amount of work at home, ensuring effective communication with members, volunteers, potential members and anyone interested in our group. It’s good to know that we have inspired others to include music as part of their activities for people living with dementia."

Our singing session which followed on from the AGM was based on the theme of "Last Night of the Proms" and musical leaders Jan and Daphne did their usual trick of dressing up  ready for the rendition of "Rule Britannia", which was accompanied by lots of flag waving. Meanwhile, musical leader, Maureen, did a magnificent job for the whole session at the keyboard. 

And now we can look forward to being back with the RtS family for the Autumn session, which will feature some predictable topics (Harvest, Remembrance), and also some more general themes (e.g. "Happiness" and "Childhood").

 

Musical Leader, Maureen, at the keyboard

 

 

Each of our weekly sessions features songs which fit a certain theme and our summer session has featured some lively singing on themes relating to the Universe, England & St George and "A Right Royal Do" (i.e. the Coronation of King Charles III). As you can see from the photograph, volunteers dressed for the occasion!

 

As well as occasional programmes made up of "members' favourites", our future plans for the rest of our summer meetings include songs to celebrate Friendship, Gardens and "The Last Night of the Proms".

Remember that Song ended its "autumn term" sessions in the time-honoured manner: a visit from Father Christmas, a raffle, Christmas goodies on the refreshment table and lots and lots of Christmas songs, the most energetic of which was "Twelve Days of Christmas", complete with actions for each of the twelve days.

Volunteers Stephanie and Jeanette represented Remember that Song at the Christmas Tree Festival at St Nicholas Methodist Church, Topsham. The RtS tree was bedecked with angels, stars and bells to depict the carol "Ding Dong Merrily on High", and talented Stephanie crafted the lovely angels. As well as helping to raise the Festival's impressive total of £2,000 (divided equally between Action for Children and Exeter Food Bank), Jeanette and Stephanie took the opportunity to explain what we do at RtS (if you look very carefully, you'll see a pile of RtS brochures under the tree).

To take our minds of the rather awful January weather, our first sessions of the spring term have taken us travelling round the world with songs about sunshine and happy journeys; we've visited the "Swinging Sixities" ... and the Chinese New Year will also be featuring in our programme (it's the Year of the Rabbit, so "Run, Rabbit, Run" will be a must!). We'll also be having a session including songs with people's names in the title and we'll try to cover as many names of people in the group as we can. Should be fun!

Jeanette and Stephanie with their "Ding Dong Merrily on High" tree at Topsham