Coronavirus has forced numerous changes to what was once our normal way of living, most typically around the wearing of masks and adoption of rigorous hand-washing routines. But one new adaptation you probably wouldn’t have expected is the return of the old-fashioned serenade!
Our residents at 73 Mildmays, the extra care service in Islington, have been isolating in their flats since March, which has understandably been difficult. So, to bring some much-needed cheer, last month we enlisted the help from Dan, singer and musician from Healthy Generations.
With his guitar and repertoire of old hits, Dan came along one Wednesday afternoon and called the residents out to their balconies so they could listen to him perform in the courtyard. Spirits were soon lifted across the scheme. Residents began to sing along and call out requests.
“Dan has a good voice”, according to Keith, who lives at Mildmays. Fellow resident Jennifer likes that she’s able to get a clear view from her balcony. “Listening to the music makes me want to dance. I wish he would come every day,” she added.
Although we can’t bring Dan back every day, the good news is that we’ve secured funding from Islington Council so Dan can come once a week. Residents can look forward to more performances of old favourites such as Take Me Home, Country Roads, Red Red Wine, hits from the musical Oklahoma! and covers of songs by Ray Charles, Bob Marley and Johnny Cash.
We’re delighted to have been able to lift spirits by bringing live performances to Mildmays. We’ve been told that even some of Mildmays’ neighbours join in.