Bill hitting the right notes for dementia event

Saxophonist Bill Barrow, who has a long association with the Fylde coast jazz scene, will perform at the Garden of Memories event at Blackpool’s Winter Gardens tomorrow (Thursday).

Bill, of Harris Street, is well known in Fleetwood.

The ex-councillor on Fleetwood Town Council runs a busy advocacy service in the town and has also campaigned on various health issues.

He is particularly keen to support this week’s event, which is part of the Healthier Fleetwood initiative, because he has personal experience with the trauma of dementia within his own family.

And Bill says music can help dementia sufferers.

He said: “I discovered the power that music has to evoke memories and unlock parts of the brain that were closing.

“We use the history of venues like the Winter Gardens and Blackpool in general by playing archive recordings, live music and talking about the stars.

“It’s amazing to see somebody respond and recall happy times in their lives.”

The event takes place from 11am to 3pm and offers a mix of heritage and live entertainment for a good cause.

Included in the admission is a guided tour of some of the venue’s main rooms, a reminiscence therapy session, music from two acts, Pineapple Jack and Bill Barrow, as well as a whole host of festive refreshments.

Tickets for the event are on sale now from the Winter Gardens box office, Church Street, Blackpool and further information is available at www.wintergardenblackpool.co.uk