SAM [Songs & Memories]
How it all began
Members of Monifieth Parish Church wanted to do something with music to help people with dementia and their carers, so after attending a seminar on 'singing for the brain', they started Songs And Memories [SAM] in November 2013. SAM was initially aimed at those with dementia and their carers and numbers attending were just 9 to 15. However, it soon became apparent that the social and therapeutic benefits of community singing were attracting a much wider cross-section of people.
...........now
We meet in the Church. Numbers have grown steadily to somewhere between 60 and 70 over the years, as have our repertoire of songs and helpers. Although SAM is run by Monifieth South Angus Church, it is a non-denominational group open to anyone who wants a social afternoon. It is also a 'drop in' group with no membership and no charge.
The day to day funding for refreshments comes from the generosity of those who attend. We have also been fortunate to receive some larger donations: being nominated as a "Deserving Cause" by Monifieth Masonic Lodge, they donated a digital piano and cash; the Northwood Trust, linked to the Church of Scotland, awarded us £1,500 last year. The money enabled us to purchase a variety of percussion instruments (which are very popular with our singers) and to cover the expenses of last year's Christmas party.
The smiles on the faces of people during and after each session are evidence of the 'feel good' benefits of singing together.
Our motto, if we have one, is:-
'ALL ARE WELCOME'
We meet on Wednesdays from 2.00 to 4.00 pm.