Lisa Rutter chairman of Dementia Club UK announced that TfL will be providing a bus service to Finchley Memorial Hospital, she said:
“I am delighted to announce that my hard work for over 2 years working with TfL to provide a bus service to the Finchley Memorial Hospital has finally been achieved.
Artist rendering of 383 bus at Finchley Memorial Hospital
TfL confirmed to me today that a bus service to Finchley Memorial Hospital will be commencing as from the 1st August. This will be a temporary bus service extending the 383 bus from Woodside Park to the Finchley Memorial Hospital.
A consultation process later in the year is planned for the retention of the extension. This is welcoming news not only to staff and patients but also to all the local community who attend other services provided at the Finchley Memorial Hospital.
I know that this bus service is vital and know that many people will be looking forward to the extension becoming permanent.”
A hot glorious Summers Day. We had 24 members today plus their carers and families. Lisa welcomed everyone and also welcomed new members Carole and her husband Ronnie.
Lisa also welcomed a visitor Danine Irwin who is doing a Masters in Dementia Studies at the University of Hull and has chosen Dementia Club UK for her University Assignment. Everyone gave a warm welcome to Danine and also our new members. Lisa then announced the Magic Show again with Alan Hudson on Wednesday 22nd July at 3pm and asked members to note this date in their diaries.
Sylvia one of our carers whose husband passed away recently was going to join the session today but she was still feeling very emotional. Her daughter asked me to announce the amount that was fundraised in memory of her dad Pantelis and also wanted me to thank everyone that contributed. Pantelis was a very gentle and lovable person. He touched everyone’s hearts and he will be missed.
Lisa then introduced James Le Bec our music entertainer who sang a variety of songs and followed with the famous music quiz which everyone enjoys.
The session then followed with Richard Kravetz who today showed us ways of cooling our breath to keep cool and then got us working all our muscles. Richard then ended his session with a quiz and the winners of the quiz with the most points were Pamela and Melvyn. Richard held up the virtual prize today which was a tape measure so that we could all practice the 1 metre rule.
Lisa then followed with her reading of a joke and then finally the Bingo numbers. Today’s Bingo winners were Sotiris, Joyce and Maria De Vito. Well done to our winners.
Thank you of course to our engineer Mark who kept everyone tuned in and the session ran smoothly.
We had 18 members today with their carers join the session. Lisa welcomed all the members and volunteers and mentioned that she had organised and booked a Virtual Magic Show with Alan Hudson on Wednesday 22nd July at 3pm.
“Alan Hudson is one of the UK’s top magicians. He appeared for example on ITV’s Britain Got Talent, Penn & Teller. He is a regular performer at The Magic Circle in Hollywood and is also a members of the world famous – The Magic circle. In fact he’s a member of the Inner Magic Circle with Gold Star. The highest position you can achieve. Fewer than 250 magicians the world hold this position.”
Lisa then introduced Ian James who gave us a surprise today bringing to the stage his new puppy. All the members were very pleased to meet Ian’s new puppy. Ian sang various songs of the 50’s era today and also included a couple of tribute songs from Vera Lynn who recently passed away at the age of 103. As always members enjoyed Ian’s choice of music today.
The session then continued with Eon and as usual made everyone work all their body muscles. Always a great workout with Eon. Thank you to both Ian and Eon
Lisa then took over the session with 15 True and False quiz questions and then followed with reading a joke which members really enjoyed. It was then time finally for the Bingo numbers to be drawn and this week’s winner was Chrystalla and Helen. Well done to them.
A very successful session and thanks also to our engineer Mark for keeping the session running smoothly.
The weather today was not as sunny and warm but our Virtual dementia club session was busy. It was quite funny as everyone who joined at 2.30pm were all having their lunch today whilst chatting amongst each other. It was really lovely. Mark said to me how he enjoys seeing all the faces.
Lisa welcomed everyone and mentioned some good news with regards to an anti-inflammatory drug called Dexamethasone which has proved to reduce the risk of death on Coronavirus patients. We now wait with anticipation for the news when a vaccine can be developed to eliminate the virus.
Lisa then explained that in the latter part of the session today she would be leaving the meeting slightly early so that she could attend another virtual work meeting with the Guild of Freemen of the City of London. In the past she would have to forgo the Dementia Club meeting and go on the train to London, so not all these new “ways of working” are so bad. She assured everyone however that Mark would be taking over for the bingo.
James Le Bec was now ready to start his music entertainment and as usual got everyone singing and excited. His music quiz is also a real favourite with members as they enjoy trying to guess the title or artist etc. for each song. James finishes off with getting everyone to sing ‘She’ll be Coming Round the Mountain’.
Richard was now ready to start his Yoga chair exercise session and again members really enjoy doing the exercises which are great fun too. Richard’s quiz which follows the exercise is also a great hit with members.
This is now where Mark took over the last part of the session. Mark read out a joke and then called out today’s Bingo numbers which was won by Joan. This must be Joan’s lucky week as she has won twice now. She needs one more win and we will send her a prize. Well done Joan. A really wonderful session. Thank you to Mark our engineer and for also stepping in today.
Today was our first Virtual Monday dementia club session and it was a great success with 17 participants and their families.
Lisa’s background was the Finchley Cricket Club ‘FCC’ and we were delighted to specially welcome Julian Powe the Chairman of the FCC who joined us and also gave a few words about the FCC and how it has been affected during the pandemic and how he has also been busy refurbishing and painting the FCC getting it prepared for when we all return back to normal. Everyone cheered with delight. Thank you Julian
Lisa hosting the virtual Dementia Club UK session
Lisa then informed members what was planned for today’s session starting with Ian James our music entertainer followed by Eon Walters for the chair exercises and then Lisa’s quiz time, Bingo and reading of jokes.
Ian was absolutely fantastic appearing in an impressive star background. He was a Star and his music was electrifying getting everyone participating. Thank you Ian and we look forward to your future performances when I know you have some surprises in store for us all.
Ian entertains us with his ballards
It was then time for Eon who was ready and waiting and welcomed everyone. There is no hiding from Eon as he makes sure everyone is participating safely. Eon makes exercises fun but also makes you feel you have worked out. Thank you Eon.
Eon puts us through our paces
Lisa then did a short 10 questions quiz which members enjoyed – although was a little challenging! The Bingo numbers were then drawn and today’s winner was Joan. Well done Joan.
To end the session Lisa as usual reads a few jokes and today Mark showed 2 short funny films which members really found very funny. It was a very enjoyable session for all. Thank you as usual to our engineer Mark keeping the session running smoothly.
Another successful Virtual session today with 36 participants and their families totalling over 70 people.
Thank you to everyone with their lovely feedback messages. We have added 2 feedback messages from members below. Lisa welcomed everyone – Members, Volunteers, Friends and Trustees and introduced 2 special guests – Medhi from Tovertafel who members know very well and also a new guest Ian Smith who was visiting as he saw our BBC1 film in February and was interested to visit us. Thank you both for attending and you are both very welcome any time.
Lisa in her new virtual studio
As this week is also Carers Week, Lisa asked everyone to give themselves a big hug. Lisa also mentioned that today is Prince Philip’s birthday and is 99 years old. All the members at Dementia Club UK and Trustees would like to wish Prince Philip a very Happy Birthday and look forward to his 100th Birthday next year with health and happiness.
Today’s session as seen in Lisa’s Virtual background was at The Finchley Memorial Hospital. Our entertainment with James le Bec as usual was excellent and members enjoy the music quiz challenge. This was followed with Richard Kravetz chair Yoga session and got all the members following all the moves. Richard also followed with a 10 minute – 10 questions General Knowledge quiz which had a ‘Numbers’ theme. The winner who got 9 out of 10 was Pamela. Well done Pamela.
It was Pamela’s lucky day today as her numbers also won in the Bingo with another member Maria De Vito with her daughter Gianna. Well done both of you.
Lisa ended the session reading a few jokes as usual and some words of advice to stay safe and well and wear masks and gloves when going out to shops.
Our next Virtual dementia club session is on Monday 15th and Lisa’s Virtual background will be at The Finchley Cricket Club. We are hoping that Julian Powe the Chairman will also be attending.
Thank you to my IT support engineer Mark for making sure the session is run smoothly with no technical issues.
Dear Lisa,
I just wanted to tell you how brilliant that Zoom Dementia club was. So much fun, variety and stimulation for my parents and all the other people in a kind, supportive setting. I am very grateful to all involved for providing this wonderful service. Sometimes, as a carer – albeit not a full-time one in my case- it’s easy to feel very isolated, as if everything is on your shoulders, especially during lockdown, so it was lovely to spend sometime with my parents just having fun.
Many thanks,
R_____ M_______
“Dear Lisa
Thank you for another enjoyable session this afternoon. We really look forward to seeing everyone and joining in with James and Richard. So sorry I didn’t know how to unmute myself after the bingo I did try pressing the red mute icon but it didn’t seem to work. So pleased you have organised another session for Monday and look forward to joining you then.
Due to the success of our new virtual Dementia club sessions we have had lots queries from prospective new members on how to join the sessions. We have written a Zoom guide to help people.
Zoom Guidelines
Click on the image on the left to view our shared download folder. Click on the “guidelinesForZoom.pdf” to download
Our second session today and our virtual background was set at Finchley Memorial Hospital to give our members a sense of familiarity. Lisa made sure the tables were set up with the plates of biscuits Another tremendous virtual session.
Lisa with green screen playing virtual Bingo
Lisa welcomed members, volunteers and Trustees and gave a few updates. Lisa mentioned the new updated website and social media and donations page updates. She also informed members about the recent disappointing response from BBC refusing to allow our charity to show our film which was featured on InsideOut London on the 10th February this year.
Lisa then thanked all the volunteers as this week is Volunteers week. She also announced Joan’s birthday which was today and everyone sang and wished Joan a Happy Birthday.
It was now time for James Le Bec to perform and as usual James soon got everyone’s attention singing and swinging. James’s music quiz at the end is always a big hit especially as there are points to score. James was happy to report that we scored 20 points today and the highest so far.
James Le Bec viewed from one of our members iPad
Thank you James for a wonderful performance. Lisa then introduced Richard Kravetz and as usual Richard got everyone exercising every part of the body. His style and techniques of teaching makes exercising fun. Thank you Richard.
Richard Kravetz taking us through a chair yoga routine
Lisa then read out a few jokes as “laughter is the best medicine” It was then time for the Bingo. Lisa called out the numbers and soon one of the members called out “Bingo”. Well done Jo, Grazia and Enzo.
Thank you to Mark my technical assistant next to me and also Nick for his background technical support which is invaluable.
On the 10th February 2020 we were delighted that our charity Dementia Club UK was featured on the BBC1 Inside Out London Programme.
People that missed the film have been asking us where they can view the film as it is not on the iPlayer any more.
Unfortunately we have been told by the BBC that they will not allow us to show the film despite much correspondence. In their words they said; “We have checked this with the appropriate areas and have been advised that this material should not be licensed for use on your charity’s website due to the sensitive nature of the material, and the fact that such use might imply BBC endorsement of the charity”
The whole purpose of the film was to raise awareness of dementia and help as many people as possible. This is very disappointing and a real shame especially as dementia is now the biggest health concern and is increasing at an alarming rate.
We had a tremendous response to our first virtual Dementia Club session today with 37 participants with their families which equated to about 70 people engaged in the session.
Lisa did her usual welcome which initiated a lot of waving and everybody chatting and trying to talk at the same time. It was lovely to see so many familiar and new faces after such a long lock down. It was very overwhelming for everybody.
Lisa running the first virtual session from her office
Lisa then introduced our musical entertainer, James Le Bec who was pleased to see everyone. He did a number of favourite sing-a-longs and although everyone was muted during his performance you could see everyone was singing and waving their arms.
James then did his usual music quiz which everyone enjoyed. Everyone was un-muted for this part of the session which produced a lot of excitement from members shouting out answers.
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Lisa then introduced Richard Kravetz who gave fun yoga chair exercises. It was hard work for some members due to the lack or exercise during lock down but there were still lots of smiles and laughter. Everyone thanked James and Richard for their fantastic performances.
To finish off Lisa read a couple of jokes as Lisa has always said to members “laughter is the best medicine” and finally got everyone to sing their favourite song – “She’ll be be coming round the mountain”, then wishing everyone a safe journey “home”.
Due to the success of this session we will be running this every Wednesday at 3pm. We will consider more sessions if there is a demand.
