05/09/2026
🎶 Today's Golden Oldies were a bit of a mixed bag... 🎶
Michael started the day at Polventon House in St Keverne for this morning's session.
Things got off to a slightly unusual start when Michael set up in a different position to normal. Looking back, this probably put him out of sight of a few residents – entirely his own doing!
The staff had also forgotten Michael was coming today, but thankfully the Golden Oldies set-up is small and compact, so it was no problem at all. Everything was soon ready and the music got underway.
Michael mixed things up a little with some lesser-played songs and was asked to perform "The Floral Dance", famously associated with the Brighouse and Rastrick Band and later made hugely popular with Terry Wogan's version.
One particular moment towards the end of the morning really made Michael's day. One lady, using her frame, danced her way from room to room as she went. ❤️
The nurse who was carrying out residents' foot care was also happily singing along while she worked, and there were some lovely comments about Michael's rather colourful choice of attire! 😂
After a quick trip to Rosenithon to see Mum and Dad, it was back on the road for the afternoon session.
This time it was another Anson Care Services Ltd – Crossroads House.
And this one was... interesting.
While setting up, Michael was met by one resident who, to put it mildly, isn't his biggest fan! 😂
His weight was questioned, his sexuality was questioned and he was eventually told he looked "f***ing ridiculous" in his waistcoat.
Michael understands that dementia and other illnesses can sometimes affect the way people behave and what they say. He absolutely doesn't want to judge someone for something that may be completely outside their control.
But if he's being completely honest, it's still difficult not to take personal comments personally, especially when they're directed straight at you.
After a few more barbed comments once the music had started, Michael quietly suggested to a member of staff that perhaps the lady might prefer not to stay for the session.
She chose to stay.
And eventually, she fell asleep. 😂
On the other side of the room, though, things were rather different.
More residents gradually came into the lounge as the session went on, including one lady who recognised Michael and was clearly very happy to see him again.
Then a newer resident joined the group, and the sheer delight on her face was infectious. It became even more special when her daughter and granddaughters arrived to visit her.
Watching that interaction was genuinely lovely.
And perhaps that's what today demonstrated better than anything.
Golden Oldies isn't always about everyone loving every song or every performance.
Some days are quieter. Some people don't want to join in. Some don't recognise Michael. Some might not even want him there.
And that's okay.
But then you get the lady dancing around Polventon House with her frame, someone singing along while having their feet cared for, or the smile on a resident's face when her family walks through the door.
Those are the moments that make all the other stuff worthwhile. ❤️🎶
Proper Job's Golden Oldies – Taking a Musical Trip Down Memory Lane.
