A KIDDERMINSTER podcaster recorded a harp session at Brookdale Nursing Home with harpist Laima Kasatkina.
Miriam Cunliffe joined Laima who was at the home to both provide music and let the residents have a go at playing the string instrument themselves.
Picture by Miriam Cunliffe from Miriam Cunliffe Photography. s
Miriam has been passionate about recording conversations with small business owners, such as Laima, and charities which she comes across.
Having worked as a press photographer in the past, Miriam knows what makes a good story and wants to help promote other people’s business stories.
This episode was inspired by one she recorded with The Gospelites choir which mixed conversation and music. The concept proved popular with the listeners so Miriam decided to repeat it with Laima.
Picture by Miriam Cunliffe from Miriam Cunliffe Photography. s
Miriam said: “I’ve loved stories from a young age, hearing them, reading them and later on photographing them through my work as a press photographer and media consultant.
“As an avid fan of podcasts myself, I decided to create my own, with help from the wonderful West Midlands Podcast Club.
“They gave me the confidence to record my first series of episodes of Mim’s Moments.
“With Laima I had heard her play before and so the idea came to record it and speak to the audience members themselves to get their reactions.”
Picture by Miriam Cunliffe from Miriam Cunliffe Photography. s
Laima said: “The idea of introducing a harp workshop to the older generation was inspired by the belief that it’s never too late to learn something new.
“Harp music has been shown to offer numerous benefits, including cognitive stimulation, enhanced fine motor skills, and emotional wellbeing.”
Picture by Miriam Cunliffe from Miriam Cunliffe Photography. s
Emma Deakin, activities co-ordinator at Brookdale Nursing Home, said: “They hadn’t had a harpist before and I thought it would be very soothing music and calming.
“The residents are looking forward to having a go themselves.”
