Reminiscence in Woodingdean
"The group called Winter Warmers has been using Reminiscence with and for older people in the area for the last 2 years. The team consists of 4 women: Adele, Gloria, Peggy and myself Millie. Reminiscence is a is a tried and tested activity which reinforces self worth and identity in older age which is why the sessions started and is one of our main aims. Thankfully, we are funded from The Healthy Neighbourhood Fund and supported by The Woodingdean Community Association and a big thanks must go to them. One of our sessions was called Salad Days and the memories of courting and the ensuing laughter was amazing. Today's youth have nothing on us!! Recently we combined with Pensioner Action and people from the Warm Home Team and The Harvest Programme of the Food Partnership team on a session called Eat or Heat. They gave out lots of information on heating our homes and tips on healthy eating in old age. What could be more appropriate in today's climate? Ravensbourne Retirement Home hosted the event in their resident's lounge and we were made very welcome by the residents. A great example of community involvement.
We always offer a free lunch and afternoon tea, and we find that this is the glue that cements the whole day together. Adele and Peggy make cakes and when I say cakes I mean wonderful cakes and last time a very large Tiramisu (which means 'pick you up' in Italian and it certainly did!) was offered which went down a treat with everybody, especially the young members of The Healthy Living Team. Beats veggie burgers! Also thanks to Gloria's valiant efforts we are able to run raffles which is always handy for any extra money to support our sessions and thank-you to all the local shops who have given the prizes. More please!
Later this year we are going to visit Age Exchange in Blackheath with a view to learning more about the wonderful work that the staff are doing there with and for and by older people, and which will inform and improve our practice. It is an amazing place and well worth a visit for those who are interested in older people's welfare. The centre is linked with the Maudsley hospital in London, and is doing sterling work with dementia patients. Who better to research dementia than those either suffering from it or caring for relatives? Also we had a hand in helping to design the wooden poles in the new Bupa Home in Woodingcdean. The memories of our youth and school days are etched in the poles along with the relevant images above the lettering. Go and see it! It is a permanent memory of our young days.
Lastly, thank-you you to all those who come to our days and who have contributed so much to everybody's enjoyment. A special thanks also to those of who help with the washing up! There is always room for more comers, and please look out for our next day which will be on 21st of September, at Holy Cross Parish Hall. Posters will be in the local shops, The Community Centre, mobile library etc. Any ideas for what the day should be around please ring 01273 697835 nearer the time. After all, it is your day, and its great FUN!
Adele, Gloria, Peggy and Millie"
