THE under-threat Musical Memories group has been thrown a financial lifeline which will hopefully secure its short-term future

Fundraising and donations have been made via the D'Oyly Carte Trust, Asda at Pilsworth, and councillor Yvonne Wright who organised a successful two-day Bury's Biggest Tombola event.

This should ensure the Musical Memories initiative continues to run for at least another 18 months.

Launched last year by the Bury-based Carers Trust for All, formerly Bury Crossroads Care, it supports dementia sufferers through live music, group singing and use of percussion.

Its activities include listening to popular music from different eras and watching musicians perform live. Sessions are held at The Manna House in Irwell Street, Bury.

In June, a £10,000 fundraising quest was launched to prevent the Musical Memories sessions from being discontinued, because of a lack of funds.

Since then, the response has been positive, and organisers secured funding from the D'Oyly Carte Trust, which will pay for the musicians involved in the sessions for the next one-and-a-half years.

The Asda store in Pilsworth has also raised £1,236 thanks to customer donations, a tombola and other activities.

The store's community life champion Jill Brady handed over the cheque at a recent Musical Memories session.

Fundraising also received a significant boost to the tune of £1,400 following Cllr Wright's Bury's Biggest Tombola event held last Friday and Saturday in the town's Mill Gate centre.

Hailing the venture as a "great success," Cllr Wright said: "We had more than 750 prizes and my deep appreciation to the many companies, supermarkets and individuals who donated."

She also thanked centre manager Marie Gribben and the team of helpers, including staff from Asda, as well as generous shoppers.

"With this injection of cash, I hope this group can flourish and continue to bring pleasure to those attending," she added.

Disclosing the donation from the D'Oyly Carte Trust towards live musicians, Musical Memories' project leader Mr David Stopford added: "Even though further funding is needed to match that grant, Carers Trust for All have agreed to continue to support the ongoing sessions while further funds are raised."

* A fundraising fun quiz night will be held on Friday, November 21 at Elton Liberal Club in New George Street, Bury. Tickets are £3 and can be bought from Cllr Wright by calling 01706 823536.