Love of music
Date of news/blog: 4th July 2025Even in his darkest hour, Chris Niles’ love of music, and of his wife, shone through.
As he waited to be treated in hospital after suffering a massive stroke, he was still able to turn to Vivienne and serenade her with five verses of “La vie en rose”, the classic love song
Now living at Bramshott Grange, he enjoys the wide range of stimulating, creative activities available and Vivienne has peace of mind that the man she first met at a dance 58 years ago is being well cared for.
“The staff at Bramshott are wonderful, very caring, very supportive, with attention to detail,” said Vivienne. “What is striking is that not only do they show great care for Chris but that they also show genuine concern for my welfare.”
Chris, a senior manager with BT before retiring, suffered severe brain trauma when he collapsed in 2021 and banged his head.
After leaving hospital he was in another residential home but Vivienne decided to move him as she felt he was not getting the best care and physio was lacking.
“At Bramshott they look to keep residents active with plenty of activities,” said Vivienne. “Chris also loves his food and it is very good. I keep saying he should have cereal but Chris insists on a full English breakfast!”
Family and friends are welcome at Bramshott and the couple’s two children Jacqueline and Rory and their two grandchildren visit often. Regular physio sessions have enabled Chris, 84, to be able to move about again using a Zimmer frame so he can join them in the garden.
Chris and Vivienne were founding members of a local choir which grew for nine members to 160 enjoying sell out concerts at venues as renowned as Exeter Cathedral and Plymouth Pavilions and Bramshott encourages residents to continue enjoying the things they love.
“We try lots of things to stimulate Chris’s memory, including photographs of holidays and when the children were young,” said Vivienne.
“He recognises me and to an extent the staff who care for him but it is music that brings him alive, he just needs a refrain and he will burst into song.”