Magical melodies free up wedding memories thanks to Lost Chord charity

Professional soprano and pianist Rebecca Dale and Chris Taylor were stunned by the impact of their performance on one resident at Broom Lane Care Home.

As she listened to the couple’s selection of wedding-themed melodies, Margaret Newey, who lives with dementia, was inspired to share memories of her own wedding day.

She amazed everybody when she was even able to recite for the first time in many years her specially-written rhyming marriage vows.

Rebecca and Chris are part of the team of professional musicians who tour care homes and day centres across the region with dementia charity Lost Chord to perform for residents with the condition.

Lost Chord chief executive Helena Muller was at the Broom session and able to take down and save for posterity Margaret’s wedding day memory.

“Rebecca’s singing of wedding-related songs brought Margaret to life and she delighted us all by reciting her wedding vows which she gave in the form of a poem,” said Helena.

“She could remember every single word and it brought her so much joy to recite them again.

“We encounter some amazing responses from people who often can’t walk, talk, feed themselves or communicate in any way.

“The music evokes memories from their long lost past giving thoughts of happy times in their lives and we often experience people with dementia speaking for the first time in months or years.

“To witness a person with dementia speak for the first time during a Lost Chord session is tangible, powerful and emotional for all to see.”

Margaret’s wedding vows were as follows:

“I mark the days one by one, hoping that it won’t be long,

“Before I mark a certain day, yes my darling our wedding day,

“No fuss no bother just a quiet do, an ice cream tea and a pint or two,

“Because, when I hear you say: ‘I Will’, the tears of joy my eyes will fill,

“On my finger a ring will come, a symbol of love that will never die,

“I will love you all my life, love and kisses from your future wife”

A RADIO appeal by opera favourite Lesley Garrett delivered a special late Christmas present to Lost Chord.

The Doncaster Diva is a patron and keen supporter of the charity and made the appeal last Christmas on Radio 4.

It has now been confirmed that the request for donations by the singing star has raised £20,000 for the charity.

Lesley will share the stage with pop legend Cliff Richard for a Lost Chord 20th anniversary fundraising concert in London on July 15.

Visit www.lost-chord.org.uk to find out more about the charity’s birthday celebration and book tickets.