The Desert Island Discs event occurs on Friday mornings. This inspiring and joyous programme was instigated and devised by Suad, Resident of Wigoder Household.
“I wanted to find a way to get the Residents of Hammerson House to take part in a musical activity. After a stroke at a relatively young age, music was what kept me going. Music is so good for the soul, and I couldn’t live without it. I find the music of Mozart very moving, and I wanted to share my love of classical music with the Residents.
So, I set up a programme of classical music and each other week, I chose a composer to talk about and listen to. It was very popular, so I thought perhaps it would be nice to set up a programme where each Resident chose a favourite piece of music. I felt if we do a musical programme that engages the Residents in an inclusive way, it will increase their confidence and enhance social connection between us all. It has been hugely successful with the Residents; they really love it and if we have a break, they ask me when we are having the next one!”
Residents, volunteers and employees of Nightingale Hammerson are invited to partake in the programme. Songs have ranged from classical music to classics of Frank Sinatra, Elvis Presley, jazz, soul and pop.
“I go every fortnight, to the Desert Island Discs. When it was my turn, I decided to find a song about my home; I used to live in Bournemouth by the sea. So instead of finding a tune, I decided to sing, “We all like to live beside the seaside. Everyone joined in and sang with me. It was such a fun-filled morning.” – Janet Pins, Resident of Hammerson House
Every alternate Friday morning a group of six people choose one song that resonates for them. They talk about the memories the song evokes and why it is important. Suad asks them where they were born and brought up, which role music has played in their lives and why they chose that particular piece of music.
According to Suad, music evokes memories, and the Residents enjoy talking about their past and their connection to each individual piece.
“There were six members of staff and we each chose a piece of music that was special for us. I grew up with 80’s music and chose Luther Van Dross, Never Too Much, as it reminds me of when I first met my husband. We all loved the event; it was so nice to hear what the music meant to everyone.” – Tanya, Hospitality Team Leader.