When words fail, music speaks – and for those living with dementia, it can bring memories flooding back. And thanks to two piano recitals held at St. Bartholomew’s Church vital funds have been raised to help those with dementia.

Organised by HHH Concerts, William Bracken delivered a stunning performance of Bach, Brahms, and Beethoven in aid of The Hunter Centre In January. Another performance later in the month by Milda Daunoraite captivated the audience with a diverse programme featuring Schubert, Ligeti, Chopin, and Ginastera.

Margaret Barlow, Hunter Centre Ambassador, thanked the musicians, organisers, and supporters.

Quoting Dr Oliver Sacks, she highlighted the deep connection between music and memory: “Music imprints itself on the brain deeper than any other human experience. Music evokes emotion, and emotion can bring with it memory. Music brings back the feeling of life when nothing else can.”

She emphasised the vital role music plays in The Hunter Centre’s work supporting those with dementia.

The concerts raised £1,550 through retiring collections, helping to fund activities at the Haslemere Day Centre. Barlow also thanked the church for its hospitality and the WI for providing homemade biscuits and cakes enjoyed by all.

NHS England’s National Clinical Director for Dementia has recognised music’s ability to reduce anxiety and depression, support speech and language, and enhance well-being. She said: “Listening to, and enjoying music, is a universal experience. Music and memory have a powerful connector.”

Music can have many benefits in the setting of dementia. It can help reduce anxiety and depression, help maintain speech and language, is helpful at the end of life, enhances quality of life and has a positive impact on carers. Music holds powerful stories – whether tied to a first dance, a wedding song, or to remember people at funerals.

For more about The Hunter Centre’s work, visit www.thehuntercentre.co.uk