A sing-along concert was music to the ears of residents of the Erskine Home in Bishopton, organised by veterans charity The Not Forgotten. 

Abiding by current social distancing regulations in UK care homes, residents and staff gathered for a fun-filled morning of music, song and dance as The Not Forgotten’s professional entertainment team brought a party atmosphere to their home on May 18.

The Not Forgotten, a British Armed Forces charity which supports serving and ex-service men and women launched their ‘Springtime Special’ series of nationwide outdoor concerts to boost the morale of 1000’s of care home residents across the nation, who have been some of the hardest affected by loneliness and isolation during lockdown.

The staff and residents were treated to classic hits from the 60’s and 70’s including songs from music greats such as Elvis, ABBA and the Beatles. 

Derek Barron, Director of Care said: “This was a joyous occasion for our residents, and staff, who joined in singing and dancing to the music.  After almost 15 months without live concerts this was a wonderful way to welcome back a little bit of how Erskine used to be.  Huge thanks to The Not Forgotten team for performing here”. 

The Not Forgotten, a British Armed Forces charity which supports serving and ex-service men and women launched their ‘Springtime Special’ series of nationwide outdoor concerts to boost the morale of 1000’s of care home residents across the nation, who have been some of the hardest affected by loneliness and isolation during lockdown.

Commenting on the launch, Brigadier James Stopford, CBE, CEO of The Not Forgotten said: “We’re thrilled to embark on this morale boosting tour, building on the enormous success of last year’s events which had such a positive impact on so many care home residents during the pandemic. 

“Music provides such a boost to individuals' emotional wellbeing and over the years we have seen incredibly positive reactions from residents who delight in the entertainment and the connection of interacting, at a safe distance, of course, with our performers.

“One hundred years ago soprano Marta Cunningham founded The Not Forgotten based on the principles of providing entertainment and recreation to those who have worn their nation’s uniform and now suffer and we are delighted that to this day, a big part of our work continues to bring entertainment to those we support across the UK.”