29 Oct 20Memories

I was strolling along Exmouth seafront a few weeks ago in the wind and rain. I was day-dreaming whilst walking to my destination to watch the Exeter Chiefs play in the first European Cup final. (What a mega few weeks they have had!)

I heard my name called and turned to see one of my favourite school teachers, in fact my first-year tutor, Mrs Ross as I knew her. We probably had not spoken for over thirty years. Yet, in those few minutes of conversation I was immediately taken back to room 4, at Exmouth Community College in 1994. I could see the chairs and tables aligned, the high ceiling and smell the chalk on the blackboard. I had not recalled these thoughts, visions and smells for decades but now they were back, front and centre in my mind for the rest of the day.

Our memory is an amazing thing. But sometimes it fails us. There are more people living with forms of dementia in East Devon (per head of population) than anywhere else in the UK. This is because we have an older community. This is a major issue for them and their carers.

My flashback with Mrs Ross prompted me research this part of our community. If stimulated they too can recollect memories long forgotten from years past. Working with another charity, Memory Matters, we have planned to run virtual Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (CST) sessions. These 45 minute sessions stimulate and engage people with dementia improving their memory skills whilst giving a much-needed break for the carer.

We require volunteer facilitators to run these sessions. Full training and guidance will be provided. Please contact the Budleigh Hub if you think you can help.

A weekend of Chiefs winning, bumping into a favourite teacher and a new program planned because of it. A win all-round I think.