The participants for this project are all members of the Romsey Music Group, and were approached at the group to volunteer to be part of an advisory group for the University of Southampton Alzheimer’s Society funded Doctoral Training Centre. The advisory group talk to PhD students about their projects and offer insights based on their experiences of living with dementia.

When forming an advisory group, it is helpful to offer something novel and unusual to the new recruits, something that perhaps they would not be offered elsewhere.  At the first introductory meeting for the advisory group, we asked if people might like to be involved with the exhibition and have their portraits done. We were met with considerable enthusiasm, and those who volunteered have had their portraits done.

Thanks to Amelia Abbott (PhD student at the University of Southampton Doctoral Training Centre and Romsey Music Group volunteer) for putting us in touch with our participants. They are Denis and Dorothy Leggett, Eddy and Janet Roberts,  Roy Browting, Ian Hill and Andrew Knight.

Andrew Knight is the facilitator (extraordinaire)  at Romsey Music Group, who we asked to be involved because of his passion and dedication to bring joy and light to the lives of people living with dementia though the music groups.

Romsey Music Group meets at Crosfield Hall, Broadwater Road, Romsey, Hampshire, SO51 8GL on 2nd & 4th Wednesdays of the month, at 10 am for tea and coffee before 10.30 start – 12 noon.