Our Locations

Abberton Manor

  • Colchester
  • 01206 735590
Find out More

Astley Hall

  • Stourport-on-Severn
  • 01299 827020
Find out More

Newstead

  • Hereford
  • 01432 263131
Find out More

Nowton Court

  • Bury St Edmunds
  • 01284 756610
Find out More

Summerdyne

  • Worcestershire
  • 01299 403260
Find out More

The Lawns

  • Worcester
  • 01905 821388
Find out More

West Eaton

  • Leominster
  • 01568 610395
Find out More
Change
Location

There have been many studies into the benefits of music as therapy – how it reduces stress, helps easy anxieties and boosts mood. It is food for the soul and is hardwired into our beings. How often do you hear a song that triggers a memory or emotion? Or a song which prompts a spontaneous dance around the kitchen? Or, as was the case here, our home manager Matthew entertaining residents with The Twist. Everyone remembered Chubby Checker’s Let’s Twist Again.

The British Association for Music Therapy says:

Music is something that we can all relate to regardless of age, and is often central to a person’s sense of identity. It provides us with ways to connect and share feeling, memories and moments with others, and offers stimulation and encourages expression.”

The benefits of music here at Astley

We see first-hand with our residents just how uplifting music can be. From calming, soothing music during our Namaste therapy afternoons, to karaoke classics during our Friday singalongs. It transpires we have our own Three Tenors in Derek and the two Tony’s!

Our Forget-me-not café in a quieter corner of our home for beautiful afternoon teas, with music from The Rat Pack. Lovely to use our donated vintage crockery and enjoy cakes and pastries made by our chefs Li and Flori.

We have joined the English Symphony Orchestra Concerts in Carehomes Programme and are enjoying their series of concerts. Most recently a choir singing Over the Rainbow and Bach on the violin. 

We are also taking part in Singing for the Brain, which is an Alzheimer’s Society initiative to bring people together. Sarah, our Lifestyle and Well-being Coordinator is training to be a leader for Singing for the Brain. It incorporates fun vocal exercises to help improve brain activity and well-being.

And lets not forget our fabulous staffs re-enactment of Thriller for Halloween – priceless! https://www.facebook.com/astleyhallheritage/videos/786657578840639

The benefits of music as part of theme days

This Autumn, we celebrated International Music Day with music from different countries and regions. We had our very own Carmen Miranda, and Derek did his interpretation of the Dance of the Seven Veils. This was followed by Sarah and Pam dancing to Zorba the Greek. So much fun!

Then we had Spanish Day to celebrate Pablo Picasso’s birthday, with flamenco music and dance. Our chefs created a Spanish style tapas lunch. During the week we had virtual tour of the Prado Museum and also the Alhambra of Grenada. There was also a hilarious craft workshop creating Picasso style self-portraits.

Thank you

A huge thank you to the family of Tony Deakin, one of our residents, for donating a keyboard to our home. So lovely for our musical residents and staff to play. It will be fabulous at Christmas for carols and other festive favourites.

Talking of Christmas…….

This year, due to the coronavirus restrictions we are unable to welcome school children, entertainers or carol singers into our home. Not to be deterred we are asking for your help.

We have launched “We All Sing Together” and ask for your help to make this Christmas special for our residents. Please click the link here for all the information https://www.heritagemanor.co.uk/2020/11/sing-together-christmas-community-project-2020/