Today’s session was so full. I was so pleased to have all my volunteers – Melvyn, Eleanor, Arzu, Dr Angela and her friend Melissa and of course my husband Mark.

Lisa welcomed everyone and informed them of the new dementia club starting on Monday 21st January at Borehamwood and also informed them about some exciting outings being organised.

Lisa started off with reading some jokes and as always this is well received and everyone laughs a lot. She then introduced 2 guest visitors – Juliana Martins who is Head Chef at Carlton Court care home in Barnet who was accompanied by Steven who is activities coordinator at the care home.

Steven and Juliana from Carlton Court Care Home with Lisa holding a box of home made cookies
Steven and Juliana from Carlton Court Care Home with Lisa holding a box of home made cookies

Juliana is well known for her excellent culinary skills as she used to work for Gordon Ramsay. The residents at Carlton Court care home are very fortunate to have Juliana. Juliana gave Lisa some home cooked cookies she made and a couple of cupcakes and presented them in 2 beautiful glitter boxes also personally made. The cookies were absolutely delicious and were shared with the volunteers.

It was then time for some singing and Lisa gave all the members the song sheets. Every one enjoyed choosing their favourite songs and Terry and Joan sang together a Frank Sinatra song called ‘You make me feel so young’. A Vera Lynn song called ‘We’ll meet again’ was also played and Laurie one of the members stood up and told everyone how he once met Vera Lynn.

The session then followed with some exercise to music. Whilst Lisa ensures that all parts of the body are being exercised, Lisa always makes sure it is also fun.

It was then time to start the Tovertafel and everyone is always keen to play. Kevin one of the carers was in charge of the games and everyone really enjoyed it. There was also time for a short quiz which is also good fun.

My thanks again to all my volunteers who worked so hard looking after all the members needs and everyone left very happy.

Very busy session at Stephens House & Gardens. Mark started with a general knowledge quiz which as usual was challenging but fun.

This was followed by a Birthday celebration for one of our members Parthenis who was 83 years old and was celebrated in the usual DCUK fashion. He was accompanied with his wife and daughter Marina and they brought a very big home made lemon cake which was really delicious.

Richard then arrived and everyone was ready for their Yoga exercises which Richard makes very enjoyable. The session then followed with entertainment with Helen Tierney.

Helen played a variety of songs with the accordion, harp and piano and her theme today was ‘Sunshine’ as January is normally a dull and depressing month after Christmas.

There was no dancing today but everyone enjoyed singing along to the songs. Thank you to Risom who as usual looks after everyone so well during the session with making teas and coffees and setting the tables. Thank you also to Rotarian Kuljit and his wife for their support and to my husband Mark for all his help.

Today was a very busy session. It was great to see our volunteers Eleanor, Melvyn, Doctor Angela one of our Trustees and her friend Melissa and also my husband Mark.

Lisa started the session with fun picture quizzes and then read some jokes which everyone really enjoyed and laughed. Kevin one of the carers then prepared a ‘Family Fortunes’ quiz which is always great fun and members love competing between the tables.

Kevin leading the Family Fortunes quiz based upon answers from people in Barnet
Kevin leading the Family Fortunes quiz based upon answers from people in Barnet

Lisa then followed the session celebrating 2 birthdays – Peter and Dawn whose birthdays are one day apart. They were nicely surprised. This was celebrated in the usual Dementia Club UK fashion.

Dawn and Peter get a birthday cake each
Dawn and Peter get a birthday cake each

It was then time to play Bingo which everyone again really enjoys and concentrate hard. This was then followed with singing from song sheets prepared by Lisa and Tovertafel which is always welcomed.

Everyone left with a smile. Thank you to all my volunteers and also some of my carers who always step in to help.

Today's report is from Session Leader Danielle:

"Our first club gathering of 2019 was a great success. Moving the monthly session to a Tuesday enabled many more Dementia Club UK members and carers to come along.

Lucille was master of ceremony today calling out bingo numbers
Lucille was master of ceremony today calling out bingo numbers

The ladies from Northwick Park Rotary, Helen, Ritu and Lucille provided a post-Xmas tea with cakes and biscuits, whilst Stanmore’s Rotarian, Danielle, brought her funky 60s colouring in patterns and crayons. Lisa came to see us with her husband Mark.

Richard leading the Dementia Club UK members through some gentle stretching exercises
Richard leading the Dementia Club UK members through some gentle stretching exercises

Lisa congratulated Joy on her recent birthday and Lucille on her 55th emerald wedding anniversary. Everyone enjoyed a fun few games of bingo, run by Lucille, followed by chair-yoga with Richard, who added in some Tai Chi, to ring the changes.

Throwing the dice in
Throwing the dice in "Name that Tune" game organised by James LeBec

Musician/entertainer, James Lebec, got everyone up on their feet dancing and singing along to his rock & roll country 50s & 60s cabaret. His ‘name the song’ competition was a big hit, we didn’t want it to end

Thank-you to Stanmore’s Rotarians Dr Nandini for being on hand for medical questions and Peter for helping put the furniture way at the end and of course Helen, Ritu, Lucille, Lisa and Mark."

Report today from Justine who ran the session:

"Our members were served tea, coffee, lovely biscuits & cake at the start of our session and were happy chatting to each other.

The lovely Jane did some fun chair exercises with our members which everyone, including the helpers enjoyed! This was followed by an energetic session of entertainment provided by the very charming James LeBec.

Dementia Club UK members doing chair exercises led by Jane
Dementia Club UK members doing chair exercises led by Jane

James sang a variety of popular songs to which many of the members and helpers danced. He also did a music quiz and our members had to guess the name of the song! It got really competitive! The atmosphere was terrific!

James Le Bec entertaining the members
James Le Bec entertaining the members

After James left, it was time to go and our members left very happy & smiling! 14 members and carers attended the session with the assistance of five helpers from the synagogue who were:- Justine, Gilda, Stephen, Dot & Judy".