Well, what a musical week we have had! NAPA (National Association for Providers of Activities for Older People) promotes an annual challenge to care settings to try to encourage more to be done to bring music to life in care settings beyond the traditional sing-alongs and visiting entertainers. I believe we certainly rose to the challenge thanks to Robin (mum) who organised a fun packed week for the residents and staff at Valerie Manor. We had line dancing from the chair to start off the week, singing from the Towers Convent School bringing the old and young together, a glitzy day with visiting entertainers where the residents actually joined in with musical instruments and donned glitter top hats. There were going to be exercises with pom poms but the football took over and the residents chose to wear England dress – they did however manage to exercise a little with the poms poms and football dress......Maybe the residents at Valerie Manor can be the England cheerleaders! Song scrabble and musical hats were enjoyed with the students from Steyning Grammar School participating well. Sunday was thoroughly enjoyed by all, Robin and John brought all the musical instruments from their house (we have always been a musical family) and the residents all chose an instrument to play to the music that they enjoyed. One of our residents used to play the piano so he had the keyboard, he hasn’t played for 20 years but remembered and immediately started to play God Save our Gracious Queen. It certainly brought back memories for everyone in the room. Amelia, our lovely student came in on Sunday and played the residents two songs from her violin ‘In the Dark’ and ‘Medieval Tale’ which was lovely – thank you to Amelia for giving up her Sunday to share her music with the residents. One thing that no-one was any good at was the trumpet, several of us had a little go but not a note was heard!

Well, the finale was a good old fashioned sing-along and then the residents listening to their favourite music whilst Robin and I tap danced......yes, you did read that right! The residents have known that I used to dance several years ago and I have been promising to show them some tap dancing for months now. I put my top hat and tails on and danced to their favourite songs in the lounge. I must say, I haven’t tapped for some years now but it was lovely to see the residents so thrilled with what I did and brighten up their day. Of course, mum out shone me with her dancing skills after having a dancing school for over 20 years now (Let’s Dance Hassocks) but it was an honour to dance with her once again.

Thank you Robin for organising a spectacular week for the residents and staff, fingers crossed that we may win the challenge!