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This was our first session today at this new venue. Dementia Club UK is delighted to be working in association with GLL Barnet.

It was a bit of a problem getting to the venue room because of the new building works but to our surprise we had quite a few members and we also had 5 new members.

Although the room was small it was pleasant and it had a great view of the world famous swimming pool which members enjoyed looking at. Lisa welcomed everyone and members enjoyed their teas and coffees and lovely cakes whilst chatting. Annalisa then did some seated exercises with the members which was really good fun. James then arrived with Joy and was ready to provide some musical entertainment. Members really had a great time singing and dancing and also listening to some Christmas songs.

This was a very successful first session and everyone was very happy. However as building works are continuing for a few months at Copthall, the decision is that the sessions will be held at Burnt Oak until the new building is built at Copthall.

We had a very busy session as usual.

Lisa welcomed the members and then started with a picture quiz to name some famous faces. Each table worked as a team. However it didn’t take long when members wanted Lisa to provide some clues which then helped.

The session then followed with Lisa’s seated exercises which everyone really looks forward to. Lisa makes sure members exercise from top to toe and also have a sing along to some of their favourite songs.

It was then time for Tovertafel and we also had Mehdi today who was able to show us 2 new games. Members always enjoy playing as it is lots of fun.

Those members not playing with Tovertafel play other games which Lisa distributes and also enjoy chatting.

Today’s report is from session leader Justine:

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

The children from our nursery school then came in & sang some lovely songs about Chanukkah which all our members loved. The children were so cute & happy! They made everyone smile!

After a short while, a lovely lady called Jane did some fun exercises with our members which everyone thoroughly enjoyed!

This was followed by a lively session of entertainment provided by the very talented James LeBec. 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 was great fun! The atmosphere was fantastic!

After James left, the members continued to chat and there was also table tennis & darts! 22 members and carers attended the session with the assistance of six helpers from the synagogue who were:- Justine, Gilda, Stephen, Dot, Judy & Keith.

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I was invited this evening as a guest speaker to an informal networking event at Metro Bank the Broad Walk Centre in Edgware to talk about my charity Dementia Club UK. I was delighted to meet Stephen Carr the local Area Director for Edgware and also Tracey–Emma Ekanem the local Business Manager.

I was pleased after my talk to meet all the people that attended. I would like to thank Metro Bank for hosting this event and I am grateful for the opportunity to talk about Dementia Club UK to raise more awareness about this terrible disease.

Today’s session at Hendon Town Hall was extra special for so many reasons. We not only had quite a few members but we also had a new member join us with their family. Lisa the Chairman welcomed the members and introduced the three members of Rotary Club of Hendon informing members that the dementia club at Hendon Town Hall will be led by Rotary Club of Hendon. The Rotarians were led by their President Eugenia Dike, Charlyn Duru Club Secretary and Rita Nwokeji a registered mental health nurse and Vice President of the club. Members were very receptive of the new volunteers and were made to feel very welcomed.

Charlyn led the session and started with a Quiz. Members enjoyed it thoroughly as they were able to give correct answers to most of the questions.

The session then followed with exercises led by Eon and Jane. Members were spoilt today having two exercise instructors. It was the first time Eon attended and members thought he was great.

It was then time for some music entertainment by James – a new entertainer who played lovely music from the forties, fifties and sixties reminiscent of older days. Members enjoyed James’s choice of music so much to the extent that they engaged James in conversation about his career. James has performed all around the country and abroad including the entertainment capital of the world- Las Vegas. Rotarians and Members danced to the music. There was conviviality amongst the dancers and some were shouting ‘ENCORE’

Eugenia’s mum Elizabeth also attended as a visitor who said she enjoyed all the activities. She exclaimed (her own words) ‘I have now come to London, it is a beautiful experience’

Feedback from members and their family carers was very positive and said they were all looking forward to the future sessions. Everyone left with a smile.

It was a rainy day but this did not stop members. This was a very busy session.

Nick one of the Trustees and Lisa’s son, attended the session to show members what he created with the figurines he took away with him last week. Nick made a long banner sticking all the figurines made by all members together. Everyone was so pleased to see their work. Members were really delighted and thanked and applauded Nick. The banner was held up by members and a photo was taken.

Nick also showed members the leaflet he made for the Christmas tree festival at Christ Church which everyone also liked very much.

The session then followed with a presentation from Samantha – a solicitor from Michael Anvoner & Company, a firm of solicitors based in Barnet. Her presentation was excellent and everyone was really interested to learn about Wills and Powers of Attorney. Samantha talked about some of the problems that occur with Wills and included some examples which was helpful. Whereas a Will looks after your assets when you die, a Lasting Power of Attorney allows you to appoint one or more persons to look after your affairs when you don’t have the mental or physical capacity to do it yourself.

Samantha talked about the two different types of Lasting Power of Attorney. One which relates to your property and financial affairs and the second relating to your health and welfare. Again some very interesting examples were used which was very helpful.

Members had quite a few questions to ask. Samantha then gave out some leaflets and a voucher which would allow members to make an appointment and have their first consultation free of charge. Everyone thanked Samantha for her excellent presentation and advice.

The session then followed with a birthday celebration. It was Shital’s 63rd birthday two days ago and it was celebrated in the usual DCUK fashion.

Lisa then did a quick quiz asking members to provide answers to the questions using only 4 letters and the fourth letter to end in o. Members did really well. It was then time for some exercise and Lisa got all the members ready to do some whole body exercises which they all really enjoyed. It was then time to have a sing along to their favourite songs. Everyone had an enjoyable session and left with a smile.

This was a busy session with the arrival of 15 ‘Friends in Need’ members.

Rotarian John was away today so Lisa took over running the session. Jim the Rotary President attended with Malcolm, Victor and Simon.

Once everyone settled, Lisa started the session and then asked Simon to introduce the quiz which was a name the faces quiz. It was not easy however and members kept asking for some clues.

Richard then attended to do some Yoga. Everyone joined in as Richard makes exercising enjoyable.

 James Le Bec then arrived and members were ready for a little dance. Thank you again to our Rotarians, Andrew from the Church and our ladies Dorothy, Brenda and Sue for making the teas and coffees and looking after the members.

Thank you also to my husband Mark and also our doctor – Dr Rebecca Hatjiosif who attended to take some blood pressures.