Portsmouth singer transports care home residents back in time during VE Day singalong
A VINTAGE singer who specialises in music from the 1940’s has been visiting local care homes to help residents reminisce about the joyous scenes of VE Day.
Miranda Williamson, 45, visited Pear Tree Court Care Home in Horndean and The Wedge Care Home on Hayling Island where she transported residents back to their youth with renditions of wartime classics including ‘We’ll Meet Again’ and ‘Wish me Luck as you Wave me Goodbye’.
Pam Sykes, who was six on VE Day, commented: ‘I really enjoyed the performance, especially being able to come outside. I loved hearing the music on VE Day. It is important we remember those people who gave up everything for us.
‘I think it is even more poignant with what is going on at the moment with coronavirus.’
Another resident, who asked not to be named, added: ‘We really enjoyed the music and it made our VE Day celebrations extra special. We do love a good singalong.’
As well as singing, Miranda also played wartime music on her saxophone and flute. For the singer and teacher the emotive power of music should not be underestimated.
Miranda said: ‘Music can be very powerful in helping people to remember an reminisce about their past. In some of the care homes I have performed in there can often be people who have been involved in the conflict and they can get quite emotional when they hear songs from that period.
‘Sometimes with residents who have dementia, music is the only way of getting people to remember. You start to sing and you see a little smile and they start to tap their feet.’
After visiting the two nursing homes, Miranda performed an hour long set for her neighbours on Hilary Avenue in Cosham where residents were celebrating the event with a street party. Children were able to join in the fun with a social distancing rendition of the Hokey Cokey, which was first performed in 1942.
Miranda said: ‘It’s really important we remember the sacrifices that people made. Today’s events have really helped to bring communities together at what is a difficult time.’