DAY TRIP TO OAKHAM TREASURES
At the start of May we arranged a trip to Oakham Treasurers which is in Portbury. We have been there a couple of times before but it is always good value for a day trip. The exhibits include cars, bikes, farm machinery. household goods, toys and lots of other things that we loved and forgotten about through the last 80 years or so. Most of us used Dial-a-Ride but a few drove themselves. In total there was just over 20 in all. We had a drink when we arrived, then had a walk round before lunch and then free time before we returned home. Everybody seemed to enjoy it.
THE KEYNSHAM MUSIC FESTIVAL
The Keynsham Music Festival took place over the weekend of 4th to 6th July. For the third year running we were invited to put on a Music for the Mind session in the Big Top in Keynsham Park. This time we ran it in the morning rather than in the afternoon and it proved to be the best session we have done there with between 70 and 80 people in attendance. We put on all the refreshments and biscuits and the festival provided us with acts from the festival that included the bubble man, a couple of acrobats and a singer accompanied by an organist. Then the final hour saw Lindy lead one of our music sessions with June and John Hare providing the backing.
On the Sunday afternoon of the festival there were lots of bands playing throughout the day and there were many stalls selling all sorts of things. Julie, one of our volunteers, ran a tombola stall all day and the proceeds from the stall, about £400’ will be donated to our charity. Julie is a member of a ladies group in Whitchurch, and they made our DAA their Charity of the Year. Many thanks to Julie and all her friends for all their hard work.
AFTERNOON TEA AND CONCERT
Tuesday 19th August was the day of our annual tea party organised and arranged by our Judith, our Head of Kitchen. She had a lot of support from our regulars Jane and Jenny plus other volunteers. The afternoon starts off with Lindy, who runs our Music for the Mind sessions, showing us what a great voice she has. She was ably supported by Geoff on organ. Lindy sang several songs from the old musicals, Geoff read out a couple of humorous poems and Judith entertained us with some very good jokes. This was then followed by tea which consisted of scone with jam and cream Cornish fashion, plus cakes and hot drinks. There were between 40 and 50 present who all enjoyed the afternoon and I’m sure Judith will arrange another one next year if we ask her nicely.
MUSIC FOR THE MIND
As well as all the above going on, our twice monthly Music for the Mind sessions continue in St Dunstan’s Church Hall from 10.30 until 12.15. It’s free and it’s open to all with dementia as long as they are accompanied by a relative or friend.
Since May there has been 2 sessions of boccia on the 5th Thursday of May and July. The next one at the end of October will be the last one for 2025.
On the morning of 14th July 13 of our volunteers took part in a First Aid course that was run by a tutor from the Red Cross. It was a wonderful opportunity for us all to refresh our knowledge of first aid and to give us the knowledge and confidence to give help to those that need it during our sessions.
DONATION FROM MERYTON PLACE CARE HOME
On the 26th August, Meryton Place Care Home held a beach party for their residents and friends. The weather was good and lots of people turned up to wander around all the stalls. Food and drink were plentiful and everybody enjoyed a great afternoon. The proceeds from the afternoon were donated to our dementia group along with other money they had collected during the year.
Sarah and Cheryl from Meryton Place came along to our Music for the Mind session on the 14th August and handed over a cheque for £730 to June, Merrial and Mike. We would like to take this opportunity to thank Meryton for their kind donation on behalf of our committee, our volunteers and all our members.
Making Keynsham and Saltford dementia friendly 