Older Persons Day 2015

Published on August 19, 2015December 23, 2020 by ruthstrangeway

I’m delighted to have been invited to sing again at this year’s Older Persons Day celebrations in Selby as part of International Older People’s Day, a cause very close to my heart.

Last year’s event which was superbly organised by Selby District Over 50’s Forum, was opened with a warm welcome from the country’s youngest Major Councillor Rosie Corrigan, and was a wonderful example of you don’t have to be young to enjoy yourself.

This year’s event will take place on Thursday 1st October at Selby Town Hall starting at 1.30pm. I hope you can join me there for another afternoon of free entertainment and lots of fun.

Amira – The Voice Of An Angel

Published on July 11, 2015July 11, 2015 by ruthstrangeway

I was reduced to tears this morning as I watched video footage and listened to 10 year old Amira sing “O Mio Babbino Caro” conducted by Andre Rieu and accompanied by the wonderful Johann Strauss Orchestra. This little girl has the voice of an angel and a maturity which goes beyond her years.

I am sure you will agree too.

Singing At Killinghall

Published on June 21, 2015December 23, 2020 by ruthstrangeway

A week ago, I was delighted to be asked to sing at an evening of entertainment which was taking place in Killinghall, North Yorkshire. Killinghall is a pretty little village located a few miles outside of Harrogate.

Although it was a glorious evening, the event was very well supported and we were all treated to some excellent entertainment and food courtesy of the talented villagers, before my 30 minute slot which included songs from the 50’s, 60’s, 90’s and Music Hall days. I was warmly welcomed by the audience and thrilled that they graced my performance by joining in with several of my songs. The evening ended with a rousing encore of “We’ll Meet Again.”

You can watch me performing “Hello Dolly” below.

The Guardian – Care Home Idol Article – 29 October 2014

Published on October 31, 2014December 23, 2020 by ruthstrangeway

I was delighted to find myself and two members of “The Oldest Choir in the World” from St John’s House at Kirk Hammerton, mentioned in an on-line article on The Guardian website this week. We had been interviewed in connection with the Care Home Idol competition, an X Factor style competition for Care Homes, organised by carehome.co.uk and it was great to see the benefits of music for the elderly being endorsed on such a prestigious forum.

As one of three Activity Coordinators at St. John’s House, and being Choir Mistress to the Choir, I believe passionately in creating moments of magic for the elderly residents in our care, through music and movement, and have had great success in motivating, energising and inspiring Music Halls, Concerts, Talent Competitions and themed activities, which give residents, staff, families and friends alike the opportunity to work together and let down their hair for a few hours. I am a passionate advocate for continuing to tap into the gifts and resources of our incredible group of elderly citizens living in the U.K. today and those who know me, know that one of my favourite mantra’s is “You don’t have to be young to be amazing.”

Please read the Guardian article for further information.

Motivational Music

Published on February 14, 2014December 23, 2020 by ruthstrangeway

Motivational Music

Tailored to each group, my motivational music sessions get everyone singing and making music. They involve people, instruments, props, the voice and light movement, all designed to leave everyone feeling much more energised and uplifted than when they started.

Music has always been my passion and I love nothing better than to sing with all my heart rousing songs like “Que Sera Sera” and ”She’ll Be Coming Round The Mountain” with a room full of people.

In the 1980′s and 90′s much of my spare time was devoted to performing in amateur dramatic productions in Harrogate in roles such as Eliza (My Fair Lady); Dolly Levi (Hello Dolly); Audrey (Little Shop of Horrors); Milly (Seven Brides For Seven Brothers) and Anita (West Side Story).

However, as work commitments made it more difficult for me to attend regular rehearsals, I began performing concerts in Nursing & Residential Homes with my late friend and wonderful guitarist Richard Sykes.

Over the next years, we performed together in many concerts in aid of charity and even cut our own CD’s in a local recording studio.

Then, in 1997, whilst attending a Buddhist Meditation weekend, I met my husband Andy and together we began travelling all over the world to places I never imagined I would see. In 2001, I sold my flat in Harrogate and moved to Pocklington in the East Riding of Yorkshire until 2004 when Andy and I moved close to Stamford Bridge, York and made our commitment to each other official in a simple but moving ceremony.

As well as singing professionally at weddings, funerals and other special occasions my main passion is working with the elderly. I personally enjoy singing 30’s, 40’s, 50’s and 60’s music as well as music hall, war time and show music and have an extensive repertoire of songs which is well received by my audiences.

Using the skills I’ve also gained through drama, musical theatre and physical education, I’ve had much success bringing singing and motivational music to the elderly in a way which is fun, interactive and inspiring for all involved.

In 2013, I formed the Guinness World Record’s ‘Oldest Choir in the World’ which had an average age of 91 years and was very proud to be their Choir Mistress for several years.

The main objective of my business ” Motivational Music” is to encourage more and more elderly people to sing, move, make music and basically have lots of fun. We experience so many mental and physical benefits when we sing, I think it’s really important to encourage everyone, irrespective of age, to engage in the pastime.

My entertainment is always tailored to the specific needs of my audience. When I make a booking I try to understand my audience’s specific requirements. I also have lots of experience of bringing entertainment to those living with dementia and love seeing them joining in, singing, dancing and having a great time at my sessions.

I can provide sing-along sessions with or without songbooks full of songs that audiences will remember and love or motivational music sessions which include light instruments, some gentle movement and lots of fun and laughter or a combination of both. I also provide entertainment for special Birthday parties or themed musical events for example a Music Hall or a Cowboys and Indians afternoon complete with hats or for those more regular bookings I also have lots of experience of working with elderly audiences to form a choir!!

I also have experience in providing activities for elderly people and was awarded Best Activity Coordinator Award at the RBS Yorkshire and Humberside Care Awards 2013.

In 2017, I also started my fortnightly Music for the Mind sessions, specifically designed for those living with dementia and their carers in the Stamford Bridge, York area.

For more information or to book a session please contact me by email at sruthstrangeway@btinternet.com or phone me on 07810 807518

Young at Heart

Published on September 19, 2012December 23, 2020 by ruthstrangeway

This afternoon, I was privileged to spend my time with about thirty amazing elderly people in a Nursing Home in Harrogate. I visited them to present one of my Motivational Music sessions.

What a brilliant group of people to work with, singing their hearts out and making music to songs like “Don’t Dilly Dally On The Way” and “All the Nice Girls Love A Sailor.” But for me the icing on the cake was when a 91 year old lady got me up to dance with her. She told me that she hopes to live long enough to receive her telegram from the Queen. I am sure she will. What an inspiration she is to us all.