Summer Sing Along Inspired by Cliff Richard Hit Song

Yarm School brought some musical magic to people living with dementia in the local area as we hosted a summer sing along themed around the 1963 hit, Summer Holiday.

Part of the “Yarm Companions” project, which aims to take music into the local community, the school played host to individuals living with dementia and their carers for a musical extravaganza.

Taking inspiration from the Cliff Richard classic “Summer Holiday”, which was written at The Globe in Stockton, pupils and staff, with some help from the audience, performed hits from the 60s, including “Leaving on Jet Plane” and “Puppet on a String”.

The school, which was recently awarded dementia friendly status at Stockton Borough Council’s Dementia Friendly Business Awards, has hosted two previous musical events for members of the Dementia community.

Dr Huw Williams, Headmaster, said: “At Yarm we are lucky to work closely with the local community and it was great to see guests from the Age UK group at Yarm Fellowship Hall, Stockton Borough Council and many others who are living with dementia in attendance. The evening was full of fun and laughter, and demonstrated the power of music to bring people together, conjuring happy memories for all who took part. I am incredibly proud of everyone at the school who helped organise and support the event.”

Mike McGrother, Music Partnerships Coordinator and Music Teacher, said: “As a music department we passionately believe music can connect individuals and give them a voice which is extremely important for people living with dementia.

“This was the third Memento event, and it was great to see so many people enjoying the concert and connecting with each other.”