MEMBERS of the Penarth and Llandough Mothers’ Union were enthralled by a talk given on March 5 by Robert Aitken CBE, on ‘Music in Hospitals’.

Colonel Aitken talked about how music can uplift, inspire and encourage those who are ill in hospital or living in Residential or Nursing Homes.

Col Aitken, who heads Music in Hospitals in Wales, spoke passionately about the therapeutic value of music generally and how singing, in particular, is good for the brain.

“Music”, he said “has the power to connect with the brain in a remarkable way, and is a powerful tool for stimulating people who are ill, have dementia or who may just need cheering up”.

Music in Hospitals, a charity founded in 1948, and works across the whole of the UK where every year it gives 5000 concerts and performances in various settings, of which 500 are in Wales.

All concerts are given by professional musicians who give their services free, or charge minimal fees and travel expenses.

Col Aitken suggested that a very special birthday present to someone no longer living at home was to get Music in Hospitals to come and give a performance – particularly if the music chosen was known to be loved by the recipient.

Anyone wanting to ask Music in Hospital to come and perform for a group or individual should contact Col Aitkin on 02920 391415 or email Wales@musicinhospitals.org.uk.