Ever noticed how a TV theme tune or newsreel can spark memories from a forgotten time? That’s the idea behind a new show called Radio Recall, on BBC Radio Scotland.
Yesterday saw the first broadcast of Radio Recall, a programme on BBC Radio Scotland which features clips from songs, TV shows, radio shows and newsreels to help trigger memories in the older generations.
The show is being presented by Sally Magnusson, who is best known for writing about her mother’s struggle with dementia in Where Memories Go. In the first episode, Sally meets Henry Rankin, 63, who has vascular dementia.
She played clips from Music from the 1950s children’s TV show Champion The Wonder Horse and newsreels of the Great Train Robbery. She also played the song A Whiter Shade of Pale by Procol Harum, which was the song played for the first dance at Henry’s wedding, and which also triggered memories of a Scotland v England match which happened on the same day.
‘It was a lot of fun to be honest and brought lots of things back,’ said Henry. ‘Champion The Wonder Horse was the first TV show I ever watched. My dad worked two jobs to get us that TV.
‘I still have a life with my dementia. I think people think we have something wrong with us but most of the time the idea of people who can’t speak properly is right in the end-stage.’
His wife Anne admits that music has been a great way to help Henry and his family reconnect.
‘We know we can’t change everything for Henry but by doing things like this maybe we can make it better for other people.’
The first show was broadcast to mark Scotland’s Dementia Awareness Week which runs from 30 May to 5 June. Click here to listen to the show.
Radio Recall forms part of a programme designed to help and support people living with dementia, called Memories and Conversations. As well as radio shows, they’re providing archive clips and resources to help trigger memories and reminiscence in those with the condition, as well as tips on how to live well with dementia.
Click here for more information.
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