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Cirencester singer receives medal from King Charles for Mindsong work
Katrina Hicks Beach, aged 56, has been awarded The British Empire Medal – an award for meritorious civil or military service worthy of recognition by the Crown – for her involvement in Mindsong charity which reaches people with dementia through music and song.
The BEM list notes applauded Katrina for being an ‘exceptionally committed and highly motivated trustee’ and described the charity’s ability to reach people suffering from dementia as ‘truly remarkable’ .
The classically trained singer found her calling when she was encouraged by a friend to volunteer at a Mindsong group singing session eight years ago.
She was extremely nervous when she first arrived and was faced with a room of elderly residents asleep in their chairs but quickly discovered the positive impact music had on their lives.
The charity has around 380 volunteers that sing in 62 care homes across Gloucestershire.
Katrina is now director of the volunteer-led services at Mindsong and explained that music triggers memories in the brain from early childhood.
She said the music therapy engages people living with dementia and gives them energy which can last for days after a session.
During lockdown volunteers stood outside the care homes and sang to the residents through the window and hosted many Zoom calls.
Katrina loves seeing residents to make friends through the group sessions and said it is heart warming to see how much they look out for each other.
Each session is tailored towards the interest of the group but they try to steer towards songs which have simple rhythms and chorus that are easy for everyone to follow.
Katrina: “I was extremely surprised when the letter form the Cabinet Office came through my door, my first reaction was oh no have I done something wrong.
“It is lovely to be nominated me but I do what I do because I love it, not for the recognition.
“I have always loved how music brings people together.
“The power of music is so incredible, it can have huge impacts on people living with dementia.
“They used to be hard working members of society and all have their own stories to tell.
“We tailor each session to the group’s interests, sometimes it’s like being a detective trying to find out what interests everyone.
“This charity has had such a profound impact on me and we have big plans for the future.”
To find out more about the charity visit
