A Salford dementia support group took a visit to each decade in their grand celebrations of Salford’s 100th birthday as dancing residents reminisced about the 50’s, 60’s, 70’s and 80’s eras through music.
Residents who frequently attend Dancing with Dementia’s events week in and week out were invited to roll back the years as the group threw a party to celebrate Salford’s centenary at the Humphrey Booth centre in Swinton.
Lesley Fisher, a Dancing with Dementia trustee who calls herself an “adopted Salfordian” because of her Walkden birth, said she is “all encompassed” by the city and the spirit of its people.
Lesley explained that conversations with her sister made her more conscious of the past and emphasised that the centenary was the perfect moment to remember Salford’s history, while celebrating the city’s transformation.
“What I found from talking to my sister, who grew up in a different era, was that social history was brought to life, because she was absolutely thrilled that the street lights were on. Isn’t it good we don’t have to go everywhere in the dark?” she said.
“We’ve read about the war and seen it in textbooks, but she actually lived it and it must’ve been frightening.”
“The innovation, the energy, the change that’s been brought to Salford by Salford people is something we must celebrate.”
Dancing with Dementia was awarded the prestigious King’s Award for Voluntary Service 2024. Equivalent to an MBE, it is the highest award given to local voluntary groups in the UK.
Lesley added: “I think we understand people’s needs because we have had our own dementia journey.
“It can be said about many Salford people, they are the life and soul of the party, they show grit and determination to deal with anything head-on.
“It’s that gusto…that they approach life with a ‘we’re going to make the best out of this.'”
At the event, she said: “It’s a celebration of life, no matter how poorly the person is, we can give them a lift. It’s a way of bringing families together. We love the people, we love the quick whips, the little jokes that they tell.”
“Salford has been innovative in change, we’ve gone from the docks… the liners that came from all over the world, we’ve always had an integrated population from the sailors going all over the world and deciding to stay” and described it as a “mix of people and cultures.”
Jeanette Cutt, one of the four treasurers, said that they were thinking of those who could not be here to celebrate today.
“I channel my grief into dancing with dementia.”
“I’ve never been able to celebrate my sister Rosemary’s passing… but I think everything I do is in her memory.”
She remembered thinking: “Why can’t my sister have a good time with dementia?” This inspired her to help the group, and Jeanette expressed her pride at being Salfordian as the city and the dancing volunteer group celebrated the centenary in style.
