September 2025 Issue
Annual Christmas holiday on Thursday 25th December 2025 and Thursday 1st January 2026, returning on Thursday 8th January 2026.
Introduction
Whoever suggested that there would be quiet phases for DSO? Since our last newsletter in July, Thursday morning life has been anything but sedate. In particular we have been bowled over by the number of newcomers whom we have welcomed to our sessions, almost all via word of mouth.
Our weekly birthdays have continued to add joy. Even this week Connie’s 100 years, Enid’s 84th and of course our own young Alan’s 21st (aka Anton du Beke) were all celebrated with hearty singing of ‘Happy Birthday’ and obligatory cake.
In maintaining our commitment to even more variety, one of many recent highlights was the visit by Roy and the Saracens, a band which includes our very own Julian on keyboards, with their wonderful repertoire of 1950s and 60s songs for which songsheets were required by only the youngest. The band themselves commented: “the most enjoyable gig we’ve ever done. We thoroughly enjoyed playing and giving pleasure to such a lot of wonderful people.”
Thursday mornings
We have been informed that, with immediate effect because of a change in ownership, we will no longer be able to park in the industrial unit over the road. We have been fortunate to use this facility free of charge for the last two years. This will obviously place a pressure on both our parking arrangements and individual manoeuvring skills. We regularly have 57 vehicles to accommodate, including minibuses and taxis, so we would urge you to be as considerate as possible in your parking.
One of the ongoing themes, for which we are eternally grateful, is the generosity of our friends which allows us to cover our running costs and thrive. Benefaction comes in various guises, large and smaller: charity runs and walks, quiz nights, donations following bereavement, summer fetes. The list is endless and humbling, but all gratefully received. Some benefactors have expressed a wish to remain anonymous and we will always respect that. However, we wanted to draw your attention to the most recent examples of support which we have received. Squires Mews Care Home raised over £1,500 from their summer fair.
We are also indebted to the Northamptonshire Community Foundation for their continued support via the Constance Travis Endowment Fund.
Thursday volunteers
Every organisation is only as successful as the unsung heroes and heroines who provide selfless support, and this week we said thank you to them with a quiz, beer and burger afternoon.
One of our notable successes of 2025 has been the provision of our new turquoise polo shirts for these incomparable people. We thought that you would like to meet some of those unsung coffee-makers, chair-humpers and dumpers and songsheet dispensers, so we will start with the pocket rocket – “all the best coffee-makers come in small packages” – that is Susan.
“I am one of 5 children and have 4 of my own, and have been in schools all my working life, and so I have thrived on noise and activity and being around others, trying to brighten up lives and making the most of every opportunity. Thursday morning is just an extension of this, and being able to share a love of music and seeing the smiles on so many faces is a weekly reminder of all that is good in the world. Thank you all for joining us.”
Thursday attendance
There are insufficient words to describe the spirit that is DSO, or as a visitor said, “we should have a DSO in every county”. “One of the quieter days today – only 115, but no less enjoyable.”
Some of us would argue that the weekly carrying of tea urns and coffee jugs, or the work of chair and table moving, are the most arduous parts of Thursday mornings. However, there is a little-known task which may be physically less demanding but is no less of a mental strain: that of calculating and providing data for the Charity Commission regarding weekly attendance.
We thought that it might be interesting to share some of the weekly data which we collect. Our average attendance in 2025 has been 129, though we have packed 166 movers and groovers in on one memorable occasion. Our Zoom facility is invaluable in extending our reach and we have had an average of 12 Zoom screens, half of whom are care homes. Our average in-person attendance of care homes is 5, and attendees are split 60:40 between care home residents and those living independently. We typically have 24 volunteers performing a variety of invaluable logistical roles, and additionally we welcome an average of 25 other supporters whose mere presence brings an added joy to us.
Thursday feedback
Another of our commitments has been in ensuring that we keep abreast of what carers feel about our weekly sessions. Our most recent customer satisfaction survey revealed a number of interesting comments which we would like to share.
- “Best morning of the week”
- “Our only problem is the long wait until next Thursday morning”
- “We had new people today who left disappointed … disappointed that they had not found us earlier”
- “Could we encourage something similar to the Playlist for Life initiative and include some personal favourites each week?”
- “We love the new idea of bringing in outside singers”
Community involvement events
Safeguarding training for volunteers and supporters, 9.30am to 10am, Thursday 2nd October 2025. Please email dementiasingsout@gmail.com if you would like to attend.
We are holding a fundraising quiz in Ecton on Friday 5th December for all members, volunteers and supporters. Please see the flyer below for further details.
Professional contacts
As well as the wonderful carers from care homes, and family members and neighbours who accompany attendees, we do see a number of independent professional carers who provide various support services. As trustees of a charity we cannot be seen to endorse or favour any one organisation or individual over any other, but we can have leaflets or publicity material available. If you would like to do this, please speak with one of our Trustees.
Home Fire Safety Visits from the fire service
Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service offers Home Fire Safety Visits to people living with dementia to help them feel safer at home. Visits include personalised advice to address issues people with dementia may have in keeping safe at home. The symptoms of dementia can increase the fire safety risk in the home, such as forgetting to turn electrical items on or off, or confusion around the use of appliances.
The fire service can offer advice on implementing practical fire safety steps such as shut-off devices which stop the gas supply if a cooker is left on, or a gas tap which can be turned off to prevent unsupervised cooking. It is very easy to request a visit, either for yourself or for someone who you think may need some help.
Individual requests: if you have internet access, please visit northantsfire.gov.uk/home-safety-checks to book a visit for yourself. Visits can also be requested by calling 01604 797000.
Professional agency referrals: online referrals can be made by completing the agency referral form.
Online Home Fire Safety Self-Checker: if you don’t want anyone to visit your home but you want to carry out your own fire safety check, you can use the online portal.
And finally
We are in the process of planning for our annual Christmas party and we will be sharing details with you soon. Gareth and ourselves will be taking our annual Christmas holidays on Thursday 25th December and Thursday 1st January 2026, returning on Thursday 8th January 2026.
Trustees: Judith, Steve, Baz, Cathie, Ruth, Lucy, Kathryn, Garry
September 2025