The popular Balhousie North Inch care home in the city centre of Perth was one of the stop-offs in a nationwide musical tour by veterans charity The Not Forgotten.
Residents enjoyed songs by Abba, Elvis, The Beatles and Vera Lynn from singers Lloyd Ellery and Annie Riley as part of the organisation’s whistlestop tour across Scotland.
“We’re visiting 20 homes over ten days,” said Annie, who joined Lloyd in the care home’s car park as residents watched from the dining room.
“Music provides such a boost to individuals’ emotional wellbeing and over the years we have seen incredibly positive reactions from residents who delight in the entertainment and the connection of interacting, at a safe distance, of course, with our performers,” said Brigadier James Stopford, CBE, CEO of The Not Forgotten. “We’re thrilled to embark on this morale boosting tour, building on the enormous success of last year’s events which had such a positive impact on so many care home residents during the pandemic.”
Launched on Monday 29th March in Kent, The Not Forgotten’s ‘Springtime Specials’ brings music, song and dance to 1000’s of UK residents during a tour that is visiting an incredible 100 care homes over ten weeks.
Abiding by the current social distancing regulations in UK care homes, the concerts are designed to entertain, boost morale and create new, joyful memories for residents.
Balhousie North Inch has long associations with military organisations. The care home is situated next to The Black Watch Castle and Museum in Perth and has been working with The Not Forgotten for many years.
Emma Roberts, Operations Manager at Balhousie North Inch, said: “It’s always such a boost to our residents’ spirits to get involved in a singalong like this. It makes their day and can be a talking point for a long time afterwards.
She added: “Music sparks memories and is enjoyed by everyone, including our staff. Thank you so much to The Not Forgotten for making Balhousie North Inch part of this important tour.”
