Residents at Basingfield Court Residential Care Home in Old Basing enjoyed an afternoon full of songs, poetry, and dance as the finale of our Finding The Words project last week.

As part of its Community Engagement work, Anvil Arts has been working with residents at Basingfield Court over the past months. Professional musicians and artists led sessions over eighteen weeks in the Finding The Words project.

The twelve residents participating in the project wrote poems with Rebecca Lyon based on memories of such themes as travel and food. These were then printed and made into a celebratory booklet. Musician Olly Lewis composed two songs using the words and thoughts. And Maria Evans led sessions of movement and dance with the aid of colourful props such as scarves and ropes. 

A special showcase was held last Wednesday (22 Apr) at the Care Home so that residents, staff, and families could celebrate as the participants shared their work.

The Finding The Words project is designed to encourage creativity and confidence in those with varying degrees of dementia.