Local musician is top of the pops for Shannon Court residents

Staff and residents at Shannon Court, in Hindhead, have enjoyed a summer of sweet music, thanks to a local musician.

Residents and staff alike were so delighted when local musician, Pete Brill, performed for them in the Home’s gardens at the start of the pandemic, that he pledged to return every week to help keep up everyone’s spirits during lockdown.

Guitarist and singer Pete performs a medley of hits from the 40s to the 70s, on the Home’s patio. At a safe distance outside or from the Home’s lounge, residents love to dance, sing or clap along to Pete’s tunes.

Talented Pete, is a former member of 70s band Mike Pender’s Searchers. He has played with famous musicians and bands such as P.J. Proby, Marmalade, Manfred Mann, and Herman’s Hermits, travelling all over the world, during a music career spanning many years.

Pete discovered the transformative effect that music can have on people with the dementia first-hand when his mother developed Alzheimer’s disease a few years ago. The experience inspired him to train as a carer and fuelled his passion to perform in care homes.

Among the residents tapping her feet to the beat this week was 83 year old Betty Matthews and 89 year old June Sandle, who told carers: “I loved it! Pete is fantastic, he lifts everyone up with his music. It’s the highlight of the week!”

Pete says: “I still love to perform music and there is nothing better than performing in care homes and having the smiles from the residents, even throughout this difficult time.”

Home Activities Coordinator Sam Geddes, said: “

We’re so grateful to Pete for coming to play for us every week. Music is so uplifting and has so many health and wellbeing benefits for our residents. It has a hugely positive effect on everyone’s mood and is especially beneficial for our residents who have dementia.