OUR New Year meeting started with a welcome from our President, Pat Moss. There was a short business meeting when we were reminded about returning the voting slip for this year’s resolution and outings that will take place later in the year.

The talk this month was given by David Pearson, a volunteer from the Alzheimer’s Society. We notice from the media that the government are increasing awareness of Alzheimers and Dementia and David Cameron has pledged £300 million to go towards research into these conditions. By getting volunteers to work alongside patients, he hopes to change the way that society respects and treats people with dementia.

David gave the talk from his personal experiences as a carer for his wife who was diagnosed with early onset Alzheimers in her 50’s. He outlined his life with her; and he gave us an insight as to what it was like to be a carer; and the support they received from the NHS and the Society. After his wife passed away David became a volunteer; and gave us an outline of the services that the Alzheimer’s Society offer in order to keep people with dementia as active as possible and to enjoy life as much as they can. It was a very thoughtful talk giving us plenty to think about way after the evening had ended.

Our next meeting will be our AGM on February 15. We will also be given a short demonstration on flower arranging by Josie Witts.

CECILIA EVANS