Short film puts Morpeth care home's dementia choir in the spotlight

Residents and carers at a care home in Morpeth are the stars of a new short film following their ‘Forget Me Not’ dementia choir over several months, culminating in a final performance in front of VIPs and family members.
By Andrew Coulson
Published 28th Apr 2023, 12:13 BST
Updated 28th Apr 2023, 12:13 BST
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The choir, led by award-winning activities co-ordinator Richard Dobinson, is made up of some of the residents at Riverside House in Low Stanners. Richard was inspired to start it after watching the ‘Our Dementia Choir with Vicky McClure’ documentary that was shown on the BBC.

Its inaugural performance at St James’ Community Centre saw the group dazzle a packed-out audience of more than 100 people. The choir sung songs inspired by their childhood mixed in with a variety of Geordie anthems such as The Blaydon Races.

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The choir spent over three months rehearsing twice a week and was fronted by former music teacher and resident Margaret Evans, who taught at Hirst School in Ashington.

The choir is made up of residents at Riverside House in Low Stanners.The choir is made up of residents at Riverside House in Low Stanners.
The choir is made up of residents at Riverside House in Low Stanners.

Attendees at the final performance included Morpeth Mayor Alison Byard, residents’ friends and family, along with children from Goosehill Nursery who regularly visit the home as part of its intergenerational community work.

Richard said: “It was fantastic to see the choir finally perform in front of a live audience. Our members have been working incredibly hard in perfecting their performance and to perform it in front of over 100 people is something really special.

“Seeing the residents perform so brilliantly brought a tear to my eye and I’m looking forward to hosting more performances in the future."

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Julie Roper, home manager, added: “Since the first rehearsal session, the group has come on leaps and bounds. Richard has been amazing keeping the project on track and you have to admire his perseverance and love for this job.”

The choir's inaugural performance at St James’ Community Centre saw the group dazzle a packed-out audience of more than 100 people.The choir's inaugural performance at St James’ Community Centre saw the group dazzle a packed-out audience of more than 100 people.
The choir's inaugural performance at St James’ Community Centre saw the group dazzle a packed-out audience of more than 100 people.

The short film can be viewed at www.youtube.com/watch?v=DpPEA2jhnu4

Meanwhile, residents at Riverside House Care Home will be sticking on their blue suede shoes to celebrate the coronation with a visit from ‘The King’ himself, Elvis Presley impersonator James Fox.

James will be performing a range of classics throughout the afternoon of Saturday, May 6. The event just for residents and their families at the home will also include coronation-themed games such as ‘Royal Bingo’ and a tea party.

Related topics:ResidentsMorpeth