The energy around the Forget Me Notes Project is something else! This week, while trying to keep up with all that has been happening has been tiring, I wouldn’t have missed it for the world.
The showcase on Tuesday was just wonderful. We had the privilege of hearing the stories of two carers who have received services from our Volunteer Project. The courage that they showed in sharing their stories was so precious, and I know that those present to hear couldn’t help but be moved and inspired.
We also listened to great presentations from Music Therapy, Music Memories, Choir and two new projects Come On Over To My Place and This is Me. Thank you to all who contributed to helping make this happen.
While part of the showcase was taking place in the cafe, the All Singing and Dancing group were in the main theatre, and it was great to see people being helped and encouraged to express themselves through music and movement.
It was a pleasure to have with us the Lord Provost of Edinburgh who is a paid-up member of The Forget Me Notes Project. He spoke to us about the importance of volunteering, and the contributions volunteers make within the city. The Lord Provost joined in and sang with us all, and then he left to the song “So Long, Farewell” from The Sound of Music. As we say in Scotland “Haste Ye Back”.
The 50’s & 60’s evening was unbelievable. We had nearly 100 hundred people all dancing and singing together. We had people in wheelchairs with carers, people living with dementia and others all celebrating together. I think by the end of the night it was only the inspirational nature of the day that kept me going. I was exhausted!
On Thursday we were in Saughton Park and again we had as many as 60 people, some with additional needs, others living with dementia, some younger people and some older people. Saughton Park has a great energy, just by singing in a park with nature all around provides a context that is a joy.
On Friday I was at Ashbrook and the room was so full we had to bring in extra chairs. It was lovely to have people for the first time sharing in singing together. The environment of support for one another was self-evident.
We finished off the week with Together in Song at the Festival Theatre. Once again, a full room with more chairs and tables required. What makes it so infectious is the environment that enables people to build friendships together. We often refer to music as the pathway to something and not the product, and this week has seen it in bucket loads. Yes, the music is great, yes, the music is therapeutic, but the relationships are just a different class.
Hope you have a great week. I am on holiday from Thursday for ten days so no post from me for a short while, but we will speak soon.