Luxury care home group, Dormy Care Communities, has made history in the UK by publishing an interactive book filled with the musical memories of the residents living in its five homes. Titled “Magical Musical Memories”, the book features a compilation of songs handpicked by the ladies and gentlemen living in the care homes located in Dorset, Hampshire, Wales, and Herefordshire.
Not only does the book provide insight into why each song holds a special place in the residents’ hearts, but it also includes a unique feature – a QR code reader on each page that allows readers to watch and listen to the songs on YouTube using their smartphone camera.
From iconic classical pieces by Mozart and Beethoven to more modern tunes from artists like Queen, Tom Jones, and Cyndi Lauper, the book showcases the diverse musical tastes of the residents, along with any anecdotes or stories associated with the songs.
These memories were gathered through interviews with the residents of Foxhunters Care Community in Abergavenny, Brockington House Care Community in Hereford, Pine Martin Grange Care Community in Wareham, Dorset, Bramshott Grange Care Community in Liphook, Hampshire, and Glenburnie Lodge Care Community in Wenvoe.
The release of “Magical Musical Memories” comes at a time when a study by Anglia Ruskin University in Cambridge has shown the positive effects of music on reducing stress in people with dementia. This sentiment is also echoed by former Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson and the daughter of singer Tony Christie, who have both shared how music has helped spark memories for their loved ones.
Helen Davies-Parsons, Chief Executive of Dormy Care Communities, expressed her excitement about the book, saying, “We are thrilled to have been able to produce this book showcasing the musical memories of the ladies and gentlemen in our care communities. Each memory is a testament to the ways in which music has shaped who we are and the moments that have defined us.”
She added, “Music has the unique ability to transport us back to a specific time and place, stirring up memories that we may have long forgotten, and through the recollections of these wonderful people, these memories will now live on forever.”
The book features a range of memories, including Doreen Binks from Bramshott Grange’s story of how she and her husband Gary managed to see John Denver perform live in the front row of a concert in Reno, Nevada, despite not having tickets. Meanwhile, John Deadman from Pine Martin Grange chose “Lady in Red” by Chris de Burgh as it reminds him of a dress his late wife used to wear.
Jane Harding from Foxhunters shares her love for Elvis, while Cherill Forster from Brockington House explains why she was Cliff Richard’s number one fan. Peter and Diana Andrews from Glenburnie Lodge recall their road trip to the USA, where Cyndi Lauper’s “True Colours” was constantly played on the radio.
Copies of the coffee table-style book are available for purchase at £15 each by contacting any of the five homes directly. The homes can take card payments over the phone and ship the book to interested buyers. A portion of the sales will be donated to local charities.
For more information or to purchase a copy, interested individuals can contact the homes at the following numbers: Bramshott Grange (01428 732042), Brockington House (01432 482177), Foxhunters (01873 593075), Glenburnie Lodge (02920 035343), and Pine Martin Grange (01929 768219).
The book is distributed by https://pressat.co.uk/.
