We have been a part of the second National Dementia Arts Festival in Scotland, which this year was based in Edinburgh. The Choir sang at the opening reception which was attended by the Scottish Health Minister. We were also able to show a film of our work, have an exhibition stand that featured the volunteer project and do a presentation on music for health and wellbeing. It was also good to meet up with people you haven’t seen for a while. The quality of the festival was excellent with some great films to watch from the group Meeting Places and then a wonderful disco on the Thursday. All round it was an excellent event.
Along with the various Music Memories sessions and indoor choir it was a busy week. I also had the privilege of accompanying one of our trustees to an All Singing and Dancing group on Tuesday. All Singing and Dancing is a group for those living with additional needs. It is inspiring to see how people are given the freedom to move and enjoy the music in a way that is appropriate to them. Kenny who runs the group and I are going to deliver three sessions at a school for children with additional needs based on the story of Cinderella. Cinderella in 30 minutes will be a challenge, but it is a challenge that I am really looking forward to.
The new Dementia strategy in Scotland brings in the community of those living with additional needs and in particular Down’s Syndrome closer together with the traditional support offered to those living with Dementia. Being able to work with this group of amazing people will be a wonderful opportunity for Forget Me Notes and for me. What do they say? learn something new it’s good for the brain. Well, I think I will be learning a lot through this new experience.
We are getting closer to December and those well-known Christmas songs are beginning to be dusted off and used again. By January I think Frosty the Snowman will just about have run out of steam. Talking of snow, I think there is a chance of seeing some this week.
Keep wrapped up and I’ll speak to you next week.