The Cajun Rascals were back at Tameside and Glossop Integrated Care NHS FT for a session of music and singing at the Stamford Unit at Tameside Hospital.

A planned session organised for Christmas had to be cancelled because of Covid restrictions.

Gary Kirkley, lead Rascal, explained that they could hardly play all the Christmas songs at the end of February, so they substituted those with more songs that ‘make you think of spring.’

“As always, we were received in the friendliest way, by both staff and patients,” he said.

“It’s always a pleasure to come to the Stamford Unit and see how wonderful the care is, with staff who are so sensitive to the complex needs of their patients.’

Rascal number 2 is now Ronnie Wakefield, formerly of Salford and ex-soldier and engineer, recently having celebrated his 87th birthday.

He remembers all the old songs, especially when people in the 1950s would get up in pubs and sing to a piano the hits of the days.

“This is like a new lease of life for me, singing songs like I did 50 and 60 years ago. Music is universal,” he said.

Gary added that patients quickly engage with the music and join in as the songs chosen always have a strong chorus.

“Sheila, in her 80s, came up afterwards and spoke of how it had sparked memories from her childhood in London,” he said.

“Bill told of how he had sung many of the songs in Germany, where he did National Service. Anita, one of the support staff, held the hand of Jill throughout the session and tapped out the rhythm, while joining in with the singing. I think for a couple of hours we touch people’s memories. This truly makes them and us happy!’