Burley in Wharfedale Dementia Action Group
Minutes of meeting held on 28 November 2019
Present: Quentin (chair), Niccola (treasurer), Susan (minutes), Eileen, Sue, Vernon, Val, Norah Anita Pearson (guest)
Apologies: John, Mary, Ann, Lisa, Paula, Dale
1. Anita Pearson outlined her new role in Shipley, 20 hours/week, funded by Community Partnerships to develop support for people affected by dementia.
2. Lynne Faulkes was a willing and enthusiastic supporter of BDAG before serious illness. Sadly, she died on 22 November. Her funeral will be in Cornwall, followed by a celebration of her life in Burley, in January. More details later.
3. Minutes of last meeting – accepted as a correct record.
4. Matters arising
a) Space, Fitness and Wellbeing initiative – no further progress. Agreed to put on hold until such time that a revised plan is suggested.
b) SPECAL Practitioner – although Specialised Early Care for Alzheiemer’s is not supported by the Alzheimer’s Society, it was agreed that we would like to learn more about this approach to communication. Paula to invite Karen Thornton to our January meeting.
5. The Memory Tree
i) Review from recent sessions
We all enjoyed another visit from Burley Nursery School, especially the singing. The play dough activity appealed to some of our members, while others preferred to play board games, dominos or do jigsaws. All to think about intergenerational craft/reminiscence activities. The next meeting, ‘Flea pits and back row at the movies’ prompted lots of memories! A wider variety of printed song sheets would be useful. Susan to talk to Dot. Two or three members of the activity group are showing signs of increased restlessness, so 1:1 volunteer support is encouraged to preserve Time Apart for the carers as far as possible. Joan Whitley was welcomed as an observer and is interested in joining the volunteer team.
ii) Memory Bags
Norah still to follow up with Elizabeth re. the contents in her memory bags.
iii) Pet Therapy
Permission obtained from Alastair Kirk for 2 pet ponies to visit the Parish Centre. Susan to arrange a date in the summer with Helen at Bond Barbering.
iv) Christmas preparations
Dec 5 - Norah to lead on craft activity: pine cone Christmas trees. Susan to bring sequins. All volunteers to bring any other tiny decorations.
Dec 19 – Christmas party. Norah to bring ‘pass the parcel’. Bob will have Christmas games available. Susan to buy crackers, napkins, drinks etc. All volunteers – donations of festive nibbles appreciated. (Not huge quantities!) Burley Ukulele Jammers will join us at 3pm for interactive musical entertainment.
v) Monitoring key information for Carers
Quentin will co-ordinate with Niccola and Janet to work out how best to monitor what information we have and how best to ensure that the carers have access to this. Lisa and Susan have met to discuss cataloguing our resources. Thanks to Lisa for moving this forward. Niccola – to review a Scottish publication, ‘A Dementia Checklist’, compiled by carers, for carers.
vi) Transport
We are delighted that, starting in January, Burley Good Neighbours will, on a trial basis, transport 2 or 3 less mobile couples who attend The Memory Tree. A voluntary contribution of £1 each way will help to cover expenses.
vii) Requests for participation in research studies
BDAG receives regular invitations. The potential value of dementia research is recognised and while we are happy to encourage members of our group to participate in studies, we agreed that this is not always feasible, especially when a considerable time commitment is required. We have been approached by a mental health nurse in Bradford who is facilitating a study that aims to improve the assessment of people with sight difficulties and also people with hearing difficulties for their cognitive abilities. Quentin and Eileen, and Sue and Vernon are interested. Susan to arrange. Janet to discuss with others at the next Memory Tree meeting.
viii) Sunflower Lanyards
For people with hidden disabilities. Marks & Spencer has donated lanyards. Niccola and Janet to bring these to the attention of our Carers. If ID cards/wallets are required, these can be purchased from group funds.
6. Reports of Events and Visits since last meeting.
a) Jigsaw Festival – Christchurch Ilkley.
Susan attended and purchased jigsaws for The Memory Tree.
b) Addingham Memory Café Community Pop up Event
Janet and Susan attended to share ideas and experience.
7. Upcoming Events and Dates
a) DF Information sessions
Burley Oaks would like another session for Year 6 children in May. Val to confirm before Cathy Isaac goes on mat leave at Christmas.
Burley & Woodhead School – No reply received. Val to chase.
Library volunteers: 6 would like the training. Val and Niccola to arrange.
Parish Council - Lisa has asked for an electronic copy of the training to be sent to her and Bob F so the Parish Council can be persuaded to allocate enough time for the training. Val to send.
To consider - Ghyll Royd School, Scouts & Guides, DofE, YouthQuake, Burley Hall. Val and Norah
b) Ladies Please Christmas Concert – Fri 13 Dec, 7.00 – 9.00pm, Burley Methodist Church.
Val is selling tickets. Niccola to organise raffle. Thanks to Home Instead for donating prizes. Susan to coordinate refreshments. 9 BDAG/TMT volunteers have offered help.
c) The Wind in the Willows, Ilkley Playhouse – Sat 14 Dec, 2.30pm
d) Wizard of Oz, Leeds Playhouse - Tues 14 Jan
Val and Niccola to agree a price, to include afternoon tea at Leeds playhouse after the show. To start collecting names at TMT on 5 Dec.
e) Sleeping Beauty Pantomime – Queen’s Hall – Sat 8 Feb, 12 noon.
Susan arranging tickets for 22.
f) Community event – Dementia Action Week, 11-17 May 2020.
Wendy Mitchell has accepted an invitation to talk to us about Dementia Research. All - Save the date! Sunday 17 May. Susan to book venue.
8. Treasurer’s Report
No significant change.
9. Building Dementia Friendly Communities
a) Update on engaging businesses – The priority is to assist those businesses in Burley that have already expressed an interest in becoming part of our Dementia Friendly Community to write an Action Plan. Draft documentation developed for use in the Wharfe area was discussed and is expected to be ratified by local DFCs early in the New Year. A BDAG representative will then visit each business to explain the process. The longer term plan is to send a mail shot to every business and organisation in the village, with an invitation to become involved in our DFC. Val and Mary to consider what additional capacity may be required to identify each business/organisation in order to produce a composite list.
b) Update on painting the edges of steps - Val is corresponding with the 4 village churches for authorisation, and with Dale Smith about obtaining the special paint. This is another big task and will require volunteer help to see it through. Val and Mary to look at combining an analysis of steps with the audit in 9a above.
c) To consider a “sitting circle” – Carers often find it difficult to get even a little time for themselves and all agreed that offers of sitting by willing volunteers would be a generous and welcome gesture. Safeguarding and insurance implications were discussed and all agreed that arrangements would be strictly on a private basis.
d) Dementia-friendly walks – The recent Bolton Abbey walk arranged in partnership with Walkers are Welcome was very successful. It is hoped to organise something similar in the spring. Options for alternative walks for unaccompanied people with dementia were discussed. Quentin to investigate Champions Show the Way one hour Health Walks, departing from the library each Tuesday, 10.00am and followed by coffee at the Methodist church. Safeguarding and insurance implications apply as in 9c above, so arrangements to be made with willing volunteers privately.
10. Correspondence and publicity
a) Banner/T shirts – Norah is working on these.
b) BDAG website – Lisa is continuing to update.
c) Display boards – on semi-permanent loan – to be replaced in due course.
d) Christmas lights – Susan proposed commissioning a Christmas Light for the village, dedicated to BDAG/DFC. Susan to investigate potential cost.
11. Any Other Business
Wendy Mitchell has withdrawn from her role as an Alzheimer’s Society Ambassador.
Margaret Haley is planning a concert in the village to celebrate VE Day, possibly on Saturday, 9 May, with proceeds to BDAG. Val to liaise with Margaret regarding the details.
12. Date of next meeting: Thursday 23 January at 2pm at the Parish Centre. (No meeting in December.)
Minutes of meeting held on 28 November 2019
Present: Quentin (chair), Niccola (treasurer), Susan (minutes), Eileen, Sue, Vernon, Val, Norah Anita Pearson (guest)
Apologies: John, Mary, Ann, Lisa, Paula, Dale
1. Anita Pearson outlined her new role in Shipley, 20 hours/week, funded by Community Partnerships to develop support for people affected by dementia.
2. Lynne Faulkes was a willing and enthusiastic supporter of BDAG before serious illness. Sadly, she died on 22 November. Her funeral will be in Cornwall, followed by a celebration of her life in Burley, in January. More details later.
3. Minutes of last meeting – accepted as a correct record.
4. Matters arising
a) Space, Fitness and Wellbeing initiative – no further progress. Agreed to put on hold until such time that a revised plan is suggested.
b) SPECAL Practitioner – although Specialised Early Care for Alzheiemer’s is not supported by the Alzheimer’s Society, it was agreed that we would like to learn more about this approach to communication. Paula to invite Karen Thornton to our January meeting.
5. The Memory Tree
i) Review from recent sessions
We all enjoyed another visit from Burley Nursery School, especially the singing. The play dough activity appealed to some of our members, while others preferred to play board games, dominos or do jigsaws. All to think about intergenerational craft/reminiscence activities. The next meeting, ‘Flea pits and back row at the movies’ prompted lots of memories! A wider variety of printed song sheets would be useful. Susan to talk to Dot. Two or three members of the activity group are showing signs of increased restlessness, so 1:1 volunteer support is encouraged to preserve Time Apart for the carers as far as possible. Joan Whitley was welcomed as an observer and is interested in joining the volunteer team.
ii) Memory Bags
Norah still to follow up with Elizabeth re. the contents in her memory bags.
iii) Pet Therapy
Permission obtained from Alastair Kirk for 2 pet ponies to visit the Parish Centre. Susan to arrange a date in the summer with Helen at Bond Barbering.
iv) Christmas preparations
Dec 5 - Norah to lead on craft activity: pine cone Christmas trees. Susan to bring sequins. All volunteers to bring any other tiny decorations.
Dec 19 – Christmas party. Norah to bring ‘pass the parcel’. Bob will have Christmas games available. Susan to buy crackers, napkins, drinks etc. All volunteers – donations of festive nibbles appreciated. (Not huge quantities!) Burley Ukulele Jammers will join us at 3pm for interactive musical entertainment.
v) Monitoring key information for Carers
Quentin will co-ordinate with Niccola and Janet to work out how best to monitor what information we have and how best to ensure that the carers have access to this. Lisa and Susan have met to discuss cataloguing our resources. Thanks to Lisa for moving this forward. Niccola – to review a Scottish publication, ‘A Dementia Checklist’, compiled by carers, for carers.
vi) Transport
We are delighted that, starting in January, Burley Good Neighbours will, on a trial basis, transport 2 or 3 less mobile couples who attend The Memory Tree. A voluntary contribution of £1 each way will help to cover expenses.
vii) Requests for participation in research studies
BDAG receives regular invitations. The potential value of dementia research is recognised and while we are happy to encourage members of our group to participate in studies, we agreed that this is not always feasible, especially when a considerable time commitment is required. We have been approached by a mental health nurse in Bradford who is facilitating a study that aims to improve the assessment of people with sight difficulties and also people with hearing difficulties for their cognitive abilities. Quentin and Eileen, and Sue and Vernon are interested. Susan to arrange. Janet to discuss with others at the next Memory Tree meeting.
viii) Sunflower Lanyards
For people with hidden disabilities. Marks & Spencer has donated lanyards. Niccola and Janet to bring these to the attention of our Carers. If ID cards/wallets are required, these can be purchased from group funds.
6. Reports of Events and Visits since last meeting.
a) Jigsaw Festival – Christchurch Ilkley.
Susan attended and purchased jigsaws for The Memory Tree.
b) Addingham Memory Café Community Pop up Event
Janet and Susan attended to share ideas and experience.
7. Upcoming Events and Dates
a) DF Information sessions
Burley Oaks would like another session for Year 6 children in May. Val to confirm before Cathy Isaac goes on mat leave at Christmas.
Burley & Woodhead School – No reply received. Val to chase.
Library volunteers: 6 would like the training. Val and Niccola to arrange.
Parish Council - Lisa has asked for an electronic copy of the training to be sent to her and Bob F so the Parish Council can be persuaded to allocate enough time for the training. Val to send.
To consider - Ghyll Royd School, Scouts & Guides, DofE, YouthQuake, Burley Hall. Val and Norah
b) Ladies Please Christmas Concert – Fri 13 Dec, 7.00 – 9.00pm, Burley Methodist Church.
Val is selling tickets. Niccola to organise raffle. Thanks to Home Instead for donating prizes. Susan to coordinate refreshments. 9 BDAG/TMT volunteers have offered help.
c) The Wind in the Willows, Ilkley Playhouse – Sat 14 Dec, 2.30pm
d) Wizard of Oz, Leeds Playhouse - Tues 14 Jan
Val and Niccola to agree a price, to include afternoon tea at Leeds playhouse after the show. To start collecting names at TMT on 5 Dec.
e) Sleeping Beauty Pantomime – Queen’s Hall – Sat 8 Feb, 12 noon.
Susan arranging tickets for 22.
f) Community event – Dementia Action Week, 11-17 May 2020.
Wendy Mitchell has accepted an invitation to talk to us about Dementia Research. All - Save the date! Sunday 17 May. Susan to book venue.
8. Treasurer’s Report
No significant change.
9. Building Dementia Friendly Communities
a) Update on engaging businesses – The priority is to assist those businesses in Burley that have already expressed an interest in becoming part of our Dementia Friendly Community to write an Action Plan. Draft documentation developed for use in the Wharfe area was discussed and is expected to be ratified by local DFCs early in the New Year. A BDAG representative will then visit each business to explain the process. The longer term plan is to send a mail shot to every business and organisation in the village, with an invitation to become involved in our DFC. Val and Mary to consider what additional capacity may be required to identify each business/organisation in order to produce a composite list.
b) Update on painting the edges of steps - Val is corresponding with the 4 village churches for authorisation, and with Dale Smith about obtaining the special paint. This is another big task and will require volunteer help to see it through. Val and Mary to look at combining an analysis of steps with the audit in 9a above.
c) To consider a “sitting circle” – Carers often find it difficult to get even a little time for themselves and all agreed that offers of sitting by willing volunteers would be a generous and welcome gesture. Safeguarding and insurance implications were discussed and all agreed that arrangements would be strictly on a private basis.
d) Dementia-friendly walks – The recent Bolton Abbey walk arranged in partnership with Walkers are Welcome was very successful. It is hoped to organise something similar in the spring. Options for alternative walks for unaccompanied people with dementia were discussed. Quentin to investigate Champions Show the Way one hour Health Walks, departing from the library each Tuesday, 10.00am and followed by coffee at the Methodist church. Safeguarding and insurance implications apply as in 9c above, so arrangements to be made with willing volunteers privately.
10. Correspondence and publicity
a) Banner/T shirts – Norah is working on these.
b) BDAG website – Lisa is continuing to update.
c) Display boards – on semi-permanent loan – to be replaced in due course.
d) Christmas lights – Susan proposed commissioning a Christmas Light for the village, dedicated to BDAG/DFC. Susan to investigate potential cost.
11. Any Other Business
Wendy Mitchell has withdrawn from her role as an Alzheimer’s Society Ambassador.
Margaret Haley is planning a concert in the village to celebrate VE Day, possibly on Saturday, 9 May, with proceeds to BDAG. Val to liaise with Margaret regarding the details.
12. Date of next meeting: Thursday 23 January at 2pm at the Parish Centre. (No meeting in December.)