From the start of February to the end of May we ran 8 Music for the mind sessions plus a boccia session at the end of May and two trips, one in March and one in May.
The Music for the Mind sessions are always well attended and we average between 45 and 65 attendees per session. Lindy continues to do a grand job organising the warm up, exercises and singing ably supported by June on the accordion. Christine and Mike help out with any rounds which always sound very good. We had a special session at the end of March to celebrate Easter and people were encouraged to wear Easter bonnets. The photos show some of our members joining in the fun. Then on the 14th May we celebrated the group’s 9th anniversary of Music for the Mind. Lindy said that it was the 162nd session, the first one being on the 2nd session in May 2017. Several of our volunteers have only missed a handful of meetings, a wonderful achievement.
We ran a boccia session at the end of May on the 5th Thursday of the month. We run 3 or 4 sessions a year and it has grown in popularity. It is similar to bowls but it’s played indoors while sitting down. It is good fun and there is a great competitive atmosphere in the hall with plenty of encouragement from the spectators.
The Music for the Mind sessions and the boccia would not be so enjoyable without our catering staff. They always do a great job with Judith in charge with great help from Jayne and Jenny. Our other volunteers help to provide a wonderful atmosphere and make everyone feel welcome and at home.
Another cinema trip, the second of the year, was arranged at the Chocolate Quarter on 19th March. We watched The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel which was a gentle romantic comedy enjoyed by everyone. It was a full house with 30 of us enjoying the film and then popping into the restaurant for lunch. I’m sure there will be more cinema trips in the future.
Our latest trip out was on Thursday 21st May and was a boat trip on a barge on the canal at Bradford-on-Avon. There were 25 of us on the trip that included several volunteers. The cruise lasted for 90 minutes and while on board we were treated to a cream tea and a hot drink. It was all very peaceful and relaxing and there were plenty of ducks and swans to be seen plus ducklings and cygnets. Altogether it was a great day out.
Making Keynsham and Saltford dementia friendly 