The Elvis Presley hit ‘You were always on my mind’ filled Grimsargh Village Hall as music-loving members of community group Rosemary and Time met recently.
I was invited to join the group, which supports those living with dementia and the older community, for its Monday Music session, led by musical director Joe Martin.
I’m a keen singer anyway so particularly enjoyed sitting alongside members as we went from Singin’ in the rain to Mamma Mia via Oh what a beautiful morning, Pinball Wizard and the group’s signature song, Together we’ll be ok. It’s a lovely laidback session where attendees can shout out requests from a songbook and play along with drums if they wish to, with plenty of laughs when approaching some of the high notes!
In demand
But it was also fascinating to speak to members and organisers about the session, which currently has a waiting list, and others offered by the community interest company.
Donna Rowe-Green, a horticultural therapist, set up the National Lottery-funded organisation in 2019 and was later joined by Alison Critchley (both pictured below), who ran a market stall selling dog food but shared that she feels this is what she was meant to do.
Supported
They’re assisted by ten volunteers, including one who was at the Monday session using her work volunteer days and another who has carried on attending after a family member previously used the group.
About 60 people are supported across their different sessions, which include a young onset dementia café (with the youngest members in their 50s), a gardening group, seated exercise class and Friday Friends group, along with special trips. The day after my visit, a group was going to feed the alpacas at Wood End Farm in Dunsop Bridge and they’re regular performers at Grimsargh Field Day. There’s also support for carers who come along.
Lovely group
Donna explained the organisation was set up due to local need but members now come from further afield, it’s so popular. A feedback board filled with photographs and bright sticky notes was lovely to read, with comments about the “heartwarming atmosphere, always”, praise for the gardening club that allows time for contemplation and the conclusion that Rosemary and Time is “a blooming lovely group”!
I wholeheartedly agree.
