Interactive book

In a UK first, Pine Martin Grange has published an interactive book containing the musical memories of the people living in the home – and a local charity is set to benefit from the sales.

Magical Musical Memories is the name of the book, which is a compilation of songs chosen by the ladies and gentlemen who live in Pine Martin Grange.

Their favourite songs are included with others picked by residents living in four other care homes owned by Dormy Care Communities.

People who buy the book won’t only be able to read why a song has particularly special memories for residents, they will also be able to watch and listen to the song on YouTube by pointing their smartphone camera on the QR reader on each page.

From classical music by greats such as Mozart and Beethoven to more modern songs by the likes of Queen, Tom Jones and Cyndi Lauper, the book includes residents’ favourite songs and any particular anecdotes/stories about them.

These were collated following interviews conducted with people who live in Pine Martin Grange, as well as Bramshott Grange Care Community in Hampshire, Brockington House Care Community in Hereford, Glenburnie Lodge Care Community in Wenvoe, Wales, and Foxhunters Care Community in Abergavenny, Wales.

It comes as a study by a UK university (Anglia Ruskin in Cambridge) reveals how music can reduce stress in people living with dementia and after former Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson and the daughter of singer Tony Christie revealed how music has helped prompt memories for their loved ones.

Manju Reji, Home Director at Pine Martin Grange Care Community, said: “We are thrilled to have been able to produce this book showcasing the musical memories of the ladies and gentlemen from Pine Martin Grange.

“From the songs that we danced to at our first school dance, to the albums that became the soundtrack of our lives, each memory is a testament to the ways in which music has shaped who we are and the moments that have defined us.

“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.”

Among the residents at Pine Martin Grange whose musical memories have been captured in the book are ; John Deadman, who selects ‘Lady in Red’ by Chris de Burgh as it reminds him of a dress his late wife used to wear; Tina Leeming chooses ‘Amazing Grace’ in memory of her mum Grace, and Val Straw opts for Gilbert & Sullivan’s ‘Three Little Maids From School Are We’ because she sang this a lot when she was in an operatic society.

Copies of the coffee table style book are being sold at £15 each and anyone interested in purchasing a copy can do so by contacting Pine Martin Grange on 01929 768 305. The home can take card payments over the phone and post the book out.

Pine Martin Grange will be selecting a local charity to receive a donation from some of the proceeds of the book.