Eyes down for saxophone bingo

Age UK Shropshire Telford & Wrekin’s dementia respite group at Withywood enjoyed a Saxophone and Memories session recently.

Neil Brookes and Dave Chesters from Shrewsbury dropped by the dementia respite group to share their saxophone-based reminiscence session with the members.

The pair created the activity especially for older people living with dementia, blending music, fun and nostalgia. One of the highlights was saxophone bingo, where players listen out for popular tunes and try to get a full house by naming the songs. It was a great chance for everyone to sing along, get up and dance, or simply enjoy the memories that the music brought back.

Neil and Dave generously offered this experience for free, as a way to support the vital work that Age UK Shropshire Telford & Wrekin does throughout the county.

Emma Wilde, Manager of Wellbeing services at Age UK Shropshire Telford & Wrekin, said: “I was very pleased to welcome Neil and Dave to the dementia respite group again. Their interactive musical activity was so well-received by our members. It was their 75th visit to one of our groups and it was a lovely event to help recognise our 75th anniversary.”

Neil first met Dave in 2019 when he was working for Age UK Shropshire Telford & Wrekin. At the time, Dave was volunteering with the charity’s Castlefields day centre and Befriending service in Shrewsbury.

Dave’s had a long and interesting musical journey. He began playing the saxophone at just 16 years old when he joined The Royal Greenjackets as a Junior Bandsman. Since then, he’s performed for legendary military figures like Generals Mountbatten and Montgomery, and played at some iconic venues: Westminster Abbey, Twickenham, Wembley, the Royal Festival Hall, and even during the Changing of the Guard at Windsor Castle.

Age UK Shropshire Telford & Wrekin’s dementia respite service provides respite for carers of people with dementia. It provides time for carers to run errands, meet friends or simply have a few hours to themselves, safe in the knowledge that their loved one is being cared for. The group is run by qualified carers supported by experienced volunteers and staff from the charity.

For more information about Age UK Shropshire Telford & Wrekin’s dementia services call 01743 233 123 or email enquiries@ageukstw.org.uk