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We had 26 members today. The new Tuesday Karaoke session was a great success again and then it was time for the chat session as usual at 2.30pm. There is always a lot of good chatting amongst members and today was lovely to also see Muriel and Ivor who have not joined for a while. Lisa welcomed everyone and also announced the M&S Whetstone bucket collection amount which was collected during the 2 days. Lisa mentioned how she also saw 2 of the members Gina and Chris who attended. Ian James our music entertainer then joined us and as always makes a grand entrance and likes to chat to everyone before he starts. Ian sang a variety of cockney songs and other 60’s favourites which everyone enjoyed singing along. In fact the feedback during the session was for more of the same from Ian in future sessions.

Rachel then joined us for the music dance exercise session and everyone was pleased to see her especially as she was away last week. Rachel introduced some new dance routines and new songs which everyone enjoyed and participated.

Kevin then organised a picture quiz today which everyone did very well but the winner was Gina and Chris as they had also a miniature battery operated singing James Brown model which was one of the quiz questions. Everyone was nicely surprised and apparently Gina and Chris have quite a number of other models they will show us.

Lisa then called out the Bingo numbers and as Lisa announced that she will be away tomorrow towards the end of the session as she has another work meeting, Lisa decided to keep calling the Bingo numbers and it obviously meant that everyone who participated today in the Bingo were winners.

We had 22 members today on this glorious sunny and warm day. The Karaoke session started at 2pm as usual which everyone really enjoyed and then our chat session started at 2.30pm. Lisa welcomed everyone. It was lovely to also see Sheila Mortimer one of the volunteers from Golders Green Rotary Club.  Katie Paine our music entertainer then joined us. We had not seen her for a couple of weeks and everyone gave her a warm welcome. Katie decided to sing Buddy Holly music today and ended up with singing ‘Rocking around the Clock’ for her final song which got everyone up dancing.

Eon then joined us for the exercises to music and Eon decided today to put some 50’s music. As usual everyone participated in the exercises which were great.

Lisa then continued with doing a reading today of someone’s memories  ‘All About Milk’ It was very interesting history. Lisa talked about how milk was delivered by horse and cart in the early 50’s and then the electric milk floats were introduced in 1923. Also brought memories about drinking milk at schools which was introduced in 1946 and then how it was withdrawn. It generated a very interesting chat. Lisa then called out the Bingo numbers and today’s winner was Booba Beryl and Hazel.

We had 22 members today. Everyone really enjoyed the Karaoke at 2pm and then the chat time started at 2.30pm.  Lisa welcomed everyone. There were some interesting chats today which was really nice and the new members participating. A few of the members were proud to show their haircuts. James Le Bec then joined with Joy. James sang a few songs and then strated the music quiz which was a bit challenging today but fun. The winner for the music quiz with 10 out of 10 was Chris and Gina.

Richard then joined to start the Yoga session which is always popular and then this follows on with Richard’s quiz which today was about the Royal Family. The winners were Pam and John with 9 out of 10. One of the questions which everyone found difficult to answer was whether the Queen needs to have a passport or a driving licence. The answer is NO but some people thought that perhaps she needed a driving licence. Pam and John’s pretend prize was an afternoon tea with the Queen and the tea would be Earl Grey tea which is the Queen’s favourite tea.

Lisa then called out the Bingo numbers and the winner today was Gina and Chris.

We had 30  members this evening. Lisa welcomed everyone and also welcomed her 2 visitors – Catherine Reed and Kath Vale from Dementia Adventure who were invited to talk to members about the holidays and services they provide. Kath did a presentation and also showed a short video and then members had a chance to ask questions. Everyone was very interested and in fact a couple of members had already booked beforehand.

When our visitors left about 8pm, the meeting then continued with various other discussions.

We also discussed care agencies. As Marcelo was at the meeting he was able to answer some questions this evening. He is the Managing Director of Christies Care. Rosetta also mentioned about the care company she works for called Unique Care and Lisa said that she would provide details of both in an email to members.
    
We also discussed care assessments and carers card scheme. Lisa provided this information a couple of weeks ago but informed members that she would email details again. Lisa  also said that she would try to invite Mike Rich CEO of Barnet Carers Centre to join our carers group meeting next Tuesday at 7pm to talk more about these and also to let us know about applying for any grants.

We also discussed personal alarms. Kevin mentioned a device which was recommended to him called Daytech Caregiver.

Daytech Caregiver Pager Wireless Call Button for Elderly Patient

Lisa also mentioned about another device called Argenti care technology which offers peace of mind not only in and around the house but also when you go out and even abroad. Information can be obtained through Barnet Council or the Argenti website. Please see the link below;

https://www.barnet.gov.uk/adult-social-care/independence-your-home/get-equipment-adaptations-technology-your-home/argenti

The meeting finished at 8.30pm

We had 21 members today and new members. The new Karaoke session started at 2pm and today it was a little longer than usual as there were a couple of tribute songs for His Royal Highness The Prince Philip Duke of Edinburgh who sadly recently passed away on Friday 9th April.  Everyone then met for the chat session a little later and was soon joined by Ian our music entertainer who always enters and welcomes everyone individually with a smile.

Ian sang some lovely songs which everyone enjoyed singing along to. We were then joined by Richard Kravetz today as Rachel who normally does the exercise session was away today. The Yoga session with Richard was great as usual.

Lisa then called out the Bingo numbers and the winner today was Joan.

Lisa then reminded everyone about this evening’s care group meeting and mentioned that unfortunately Andrew unable to do the seminar this evening as he had a family emergency.

We had 21 members today. The karaoke session started at 2pm and then the chat session started at 2.30pm as usual. Everyone had lots to chat about after the weekend and of course everyone was very sad of His Majesty Prince Philip The Duke of Edinburgh passing away recently. We had a slight change of the programme today as Katie who normally does the music entertainment was away. James Le Bec kindly stepped in and sang a variety of songs which got everyone singing. Thank you James.

Eon then joined us for the exercise session and everyone as always enjoys Eon’s workout. There was a lot of energy today as some members chose to exercise harder.

Kevin then continued to do a Family Fortunes quiz and this is always popular with Kevin who makes it fun and challenging. Thank you Kevin. The winner with the highest score was Helen.

Lisa then followed to call out the Bingo numbers and the winner today was Pam and John.

Lisa then reminded everyone about the carers group meeting tomorrow and the visitor from Dementia Adventure.

We had 25 members today. The session started with the Karaoke show at 2pm and then at 2.30pm the chat time started. Lisa welcomed everyone and there were also new members. James Le Bec and Joy then joined to start the music entertainment. James sang a few songs before starting the music quiz which everyone really enjoys. The winner today for the music quiz was Jackie and Joan. Its’s all good fun and James makes sure of that. As it was Marina’s birthday today everyone also sang Happy Birthday and James sang a Dean Martin song. Helen recorded it for Marina.

Richard then joined the session to start the Yoga which everyone really looks forward to and then Richard does a fun quiz after. The quiz today was Advertising slogans and the winners for this was Helen, Andrew Mills, Gina and Chris and Lillian and Keren. Their pretend prizes were roll on deodorants and a Lindt chocolate. Lisa then called out the Bingo numbers and the winner today was Karin and Corrado 

We had 32 members this evening. Lisa welcomed everyone and also introduced and welcomed her 2 visitors – Helen Newman –  CEO Age UK Barnet and Avinash Mandalia – Welfare and Advice Manager at Sangam centre. Lisa also welcomed her Trustees and also welcomed Andrew Wrensch- Community Development Manager at Carlton Court Care Home and also Eshwan Seedoyal – Barnet Memory Service Team Leader.

During the first half hour from 7pm, Lisa first asked Helen to say a few words and then Avinash. Members then had the opportunity to ask some questions. Both Helen and Avinash gave a brief summary of the services they provide. Age UK Barnet was recently awarded the contract by Barnet Council to provide dementia services from the 1st April and the Sangam centre are celebrating 50 years this year. Members were interested to hear about the respite for carers offered by Age UK Barnet.  Avinash briefly summarised some of the services especially the counselling services provided for people who need help with depression, violence and abuse, divorce, bullying etc. They provide 14 sessions free of charge.  Lisa congratulated both Helen and Avinash and mentioned how important it was for organisations to work together and help as many people as possible especially after the very difficult year we had with the pandemic. Lisa wished them both well. There was not enough time for all questions but Lisa assured everyone that there will be an opportunity again to continue questions at 8pm after Andrew’s seminar. Lisa also reminded everyone about the Pay Pal competition and asked Nick (one of the Trustees) to provide further explanation.

Lisa further assured everyone that she will write her report at the end of the evening and will attach and email to everyone any attachments from Age UK Barnet and the Sangam centre and also information and advice about the Smile. Amazon and Pay Pal.

At 7.30pm Andrew started his seminar and the topic this week was an introduction to Mindfulness. The topic was called ‘Be Kind to Yourself – Mindfulness ideas’.  Andrew presented some slides explaining about Mindfulness which is all about paying attention to what is happening in the present moment. It was very interesting learning and Andrew also introduced some meditation practices. Everyone’s feedback was how excellent this seminar was and felt really good after the meditation.

At 8pm when Andrew finished, members continued with questions to Helen, Avinash and also Eshwan and Andrew. Members had various questions, one of which was about how we can get rid of the stigma of dementia. Lisa responded giving an example when she was raising awareness about dementia at Brent Cross Chopping Centre and someone approaching to take a leaflet decided not to take the leaflet because they were afraid that they would catch dementia. One of the carers Gillian, came up with a very good slogan – ‘It’s not catching –its caring’  Everyone thought this was brilliant.

Lisa thanked everyone and the two visitors and the meeting finished at 8.35pm.

We had 24 members today. Lisa introduced the new Karaoke session which everyone really enjoyed as usual and then the chat session started at 2.30pm. Lisa welcomed everyone, gave some updates and also welcomed the new members Ralph and Marion. Ian our music entertainer then joined us and gave a warm welcome to everyone. Ian always makes everyone smile with his humour. Ian sang a lovely variety of songs today which everyone sang along to. Rachel then joined us for the exercise dance session which everyone participates to and enjoys.

Lisa then called out the Bingo numbers and todays winner was John and Audrey.

We had 23 members today. Everyone enjoyed the Karaoke at 2pm and then the look forward to the 2.30pm chat. Lisa reminded everyone that there is no session on Bank Holiday Monday 5th April and also reminded them of our visitor Helen Newman CEO of Age UK Barnet joining the carers group meeting on Tuesday 6th April.

James Le Bec then joined us with Joy for the music entertainment. As it has been a sunny warm week, James decided to sing a variety of happy songs for everyone to sing along to. The music quiz today was television programmes and the members with the highest points was Pam and John with 9 out of 10. James then finished off with another happy funny song called ‘What shall we do with the drunken Sailor’

Richard Kravetz then joined us and as usual got everyone exercising in a fun way. Richard’s quiz today was an Easter Quiz about chocolate slogans. Some of the questions were tricky but with a few hints it helped. Gina and Chris and Jackie and Joan got 10 out of 10 and their jokey prize was an empty egg carton.

Lisa then called out the Bingo numbers and mentioned to everyone that she was not starting a new game so that she could give another members another chance to win. The Bingo winner was Laurie Porter.

Lisa then wished everyone a Happy Easter and Happy Passover