There were many people as usual today. Everyone first wanted to hear about Lisa’s Buckingham Palace visit and her meeting with Prince Charles. Everyone was pleased to hear about it.

We had a lovely surprise visit from Annette and Eleanor today. Everyone gave them both a warm welcome. Lisa welcomed all the members and began with informing members that today was Ash Wednesday which always follows after Shrove Tuesday. Lisa read out some examples of how various cultures celebrate Ash Wednesday which members found very interesting.

Lisa then introduced a visitor Neil Aitken from ‘The Wayback. Neil was just visiting today with a view to attending again at a future session to do a presentation of his product. Lisa asked Neil to introduce himself and mention briefly about the product which members found interesting. The product uses simple technology to show a virtual reality film designed to trigger memories and spark conversations for those living with dementia, their carers and loved ones. Neil went on to say:

The Wayback is a virtual reality film series designed to trigger memories and spark conversations for those living with dementia, their carers and loved ones. The 360-degree films immerse the viewer in incredibly detailed, recreated, positive moments from the past – which evoke the feelings that went with them - in order to create positive connections and conversations in the present. Using simple technology, our ambition is to share these films with as many people living with dementia as possible, their carers and families, helping them to remain connected to the people around them and maintaining their identity.

There was a birthday to celebrate today. Maria who attends with her husband Donato was celebrating her 94th birthday. As with the usual Dementia Club UK tradition of celebrating birthdays, Lisa brought out the birthday cake with the firework candle and everyone sang.

Lisa then introduced Lizzy’s poetry book called ‘A Poet’s Emotions’ by Liz Ragout which can be found here, Lizzy who is one of our new volunteers has written quite a few poems which have been published. Members applauded Lizzy and were very interested to hear a couple of the poems which Lisa read out.

Lisa followed with reading a few jokes which everyone loves and then it was time to introduce the special visitor Tess – a beautiful collie. She was brought by Niamh and Bill from Therapaws. Tess received a lot of attention from members as Bill was taking her around the room. All the members were delighted and Tess was even dancing with one of the members to music. Members definitely would like to see Tess again as she was a great hit with everyone.

The session then followed with Tovertafel and as usual this is always great fun for members. This was a very enjoyable session and everyone left with happy smiles.

Thank you to our volunteers – Mark (one of our Trustees), Melvyn, Lizzy, Annette and Eleanor.