This was a really busy session. I am pleased that I had 2 volunteers today - Melvyn and Karish. When members were settled with their teas and cakes, Lisa gave members a general knowledge quiz which they really liked and worked together in groups. As usual quizzes start conversations and members also like competing with other groups.
The chatting continued as one of the carers Ernie showed members an old photo of when his father was 10 years old in 1921 at a primary school in Islington. In fact Ernie went to the school too. Members were very interested to see the photo which pictured a classroom very different to what classrooms are like now.
We also had a birthday to celebrate today. It was Francis’s birthday on the 28th July and she is 90 years old. Francis brought two cakes to share which included a birthday cake and of course the birthday was celebrated in the usual DCUK fashion.
Two new members joined us half way through the session. The other members made them feel welcome. They soon felt very comfortable and joined in with discussions. In fact David the new member wanted to sing an old time favourite and this then started all the other members to join in. More songs followed and everyone was having great fun.
It was now time to start the Tovertafel and Karish was very happy to lead. Members were given foam batons to reach on the table and plates to catch their fish.
We then had a lovely surprise when Dr Vivienne Watkin (Consultant Psychiatrist at Barnet Hospital) and Steve Bogen (Barnet social services) walked in to the room. They were visiting patients in the hospital and decided to also drop in to our dementia club. Dr Watkin was pleasantly surprised to see quite a few familiar faces and members were also delighted to see Dr Watkin. Dr Watkin was pleased to see how everyone was really happy and enjoying the session especially as she refers some of her patients to the dementia club. Dr Watkin and Steve were really interested to see the Tovertafel in action and were very impressed.
Members left with a smile and had a happy time. Thank you to the volunteers Melvyn and Karish for helping during the session.
