This Trustees Week we would like to say a huge thank you to our amazing trustees for all of their hard work as we come towards the end of this challenging year and look to the future.
John Middleton will be retiring from his role as Vice Chair. John has given 10 years of time and support as a trustee to the charity, which we thank him greatly for and wish him well for the future.
What do you love about Music in Hospitals & Care?
Simply that it brings live music – in a huge variety of forms – to people of all ages in care homes and hospitals; people who would otherwise have no, or at best very limited, access to live music. The interaction between musicians and their audiences – and vice versa.
What have you most enjoyed about being a Trustee?
Knowing that in however small a way I am contributing to the work of the charity in delivering live music. Getting to know fellow trustees and the team of totally dedicated, enthusiastic and hardworking staff.
What would you say to someone thinking about becoming a Trustee of a Charity?
Do it!
What has been your favourite song/piece of music during lockdown?
For some reason music by a French composer I’d hardly heard of – Daniel Auber. I will forever associate ‘Lockdown 1’ with a Naxos CD of his overtures. Utterly charming and elegant music!
The Vice Chair position will be filled by our trustee Maureen Hall. Maureen brings her skills and experience as a solicitor.
What do you love about Music in Hospitals & Care?
The passion that everyone shares to bring the joy of live music to as many people as possible, and our great Chief Executive.
What do you enjoy most about being a Trustee?
The chance to use my skills and experience to help an organisation and cause that I believe in and makes a difference to others’ lives.
What would you say to someone thinking about becoming a Trustee of a charity?
Pick a cause that you are really keen on and devote time and energy to being an active trustee – charities cannot afford to have passengers!
What has been your favourite song/piece of music during lockdown?
Mozart’s Ave Verum Corpus which was the first piece I ever recorded online for a virtual performance with the London Symphony Chorus. It will forever remind me of the comfort I found in music in those initial dark days early in 2020.
Arts in Care Homes Day: Thanking Bert Smith
This Arts in Care Homes Day, we’re taking the time to thank Moyness Care Home’s Activities Coordinator Bert Smith, who has championed live music for care homes in Dundee for over 30 years. As Bert approaches retirement, he is looking back on his career and years of work with Music in Hospitals & Care.
World Alzheimer’s Month: Lifting spirits in Cumbria
Our musician Andy McKay has been visiting wards and care homes across Barrow-in-Furness in Cumbria, where we have been able to share 29 hours of live music between September 2025 and May 2026. One of the spaces Andy visited is the Ramsey Unit at Furness General Hospital, an assessment unit for patients with organic illnesses such as dementia.
Read our latest annual report
In 2025/26 we focused on setting the right note for the future. Despite a challenging landscape, we are proud of what we have been able to achieve with your support.