There were many members today and we also had 2 new members.

Lisa welcomed the members and then Mark gave members a fun quiz to do which was challenging as usual. Lisa then gave members a word ‘Television’ and asked them to try and make as many words as they could. Two of the members were successful in making the most words.

Fantastic amount of words from one word - 'Television'
Fantastic amount of words from one word - 'Television'

The session then followed with the arrival of Annalisa who gave members a variety of fun exercises which also included Lisa getting members to exercise with their favourite song ‘Coming Round The Mountain’.

Members were then ready for more fun when the music entertainer arrived. Members were up dancing and singing and one of the carers Jacqueline got up and led ‘The Macarena’ dance routine to a few other members. This dance was the rage in the 90’s. This was a very enjoyable session and everyone left happy.

Thank you to our volunteers today Melvyn, Carlos, Mark my husband and Trustee. Thank you also to our Rotarians Mollie, Ritu, and Dr Nandini. Also thanks to Beryl who was the premises manager but continues to attend to set up for us. We are very grateful.

Our new venue is slowly building up numbers. The session started with a quiz from Mark and then followed with Richard showing members some chair yoga exercises and some New challenging stand up exercises.

The session then followed with Ronnie and his music entertainment which always gets members up to dance.

Thank you today to Sasha and Maricca for attending as volunteers to help during the session and of course my husband and Trustee Mark who did the quiz with the members before Richard attended.

I was delighted to be invited on Wednesday 12th September to speak about dementia and Dementia Club UK by Maria Paschali one of the ladies from the Greek Women’s Philanthropic Association ‘GWPA’. The GWPA which is a registered charity holds it's meetings at St Katherine’s Orthodox Church at Friern Barnet Lane N20 0NL.

Greek Women’s Philanthropic Association ‘GWPA’ at St Katherine’s Orthodox Church at Friern Barnet Lane N20 0NL
Greek Women’s Philanthropic Association ‘GWPA’ at St Katherine’s Orthodox Church at Friern Barnet Lane N20 0NL

It was a pleasure to meet the ladies at their coffee morning. I also brought with me 2 of my dementia club members Marina and Andreas who were delighted to meet everyone. The GWPA meet for coffee every 3 months and fundraise for a different charity of their choice each time.

I was delighted that they decided to fundraise for Dementia Club UK and would like to thank Maria and all the ladies for their generous contribution which will go towards helping more people suffering with dementia and also providing help and advice to carers and families.

We had a very busy session as usual. Lisa talked about various updates and upcoming outings to members whilst they were enjoying their teas and cakes and then she introduced a poem by Ronald Dhal.

Lisa told members that as Thursday 13th September is a celebration day for Ronald Dhal (the world’s number one story teller for children) she had a poem called The Three Little Pigs to be read. As this had 19 verses Lisa asked different members to read each verse. It was very amusing and members enjoyed it.

Lisa then played Bingo which everyone always enjoys and there is lots of concentration. The session then followed with singing from Lisa’s song sheets and also some dancing when they hear their favourites.

The session finishes off with some True/False quiz questions which always gets members chatting amongst themselves.

Image courtesy of Melissa
Image courtesy of Melissa

It was a very enjoyable session. Thank you to Dr Angela who was busy taking blood pressures and talking to members with any medical concerns. Melissa who is always a great hit with members with her bubbly character. Thank you to Melvyn and Eleanor for helping setting up and throughout the session and also to our new volunteer Carlos who has also been attending and has been very helpful.

Today was the Jewish New Year so a few of the members were missing.

Lisa did a 1950’s quiz which brought back many memories and encouraged chatting amongst members.

Annalisa the exercise instructor then came and everyone was ready for exercises. Members have really taken to Annalisa as she makes exercising really fun.

 Annalisa makes exercising really fun
Annalisa makes exercising really fun

The session then followed with Helen Tierney who as usual always gets members to sing along to famous favourites. Members are always amazed at how Helen jumps from playing the keyboard, the accordion and the harp. She creates such an exciting atmosphere and this motivates members to get up dancing.

Helen plays the keyboard, accordion and the harp who as usual gets members to sing along to famous favourites
Helen plays the keyboard, accordion and the harp who as usual gets members to sing along to famous favourites

Everyone had a very happy afternoon.