Category: Friends Group

The warm weather seemed to delay some of our group, but in the end we had a lot of chatting people, doing quizzes and colouring.

While everyone settled in we asked them to complete a questionnaire about their use (or non use) of the internet. We aim to gain a clearer understanding of whether our members use the web to access information they need. As many services are now wholly or mainly accessible only via web sites, it will be interesting to see if these “solutions” meet our groups needs.

It was soon time for some singing from Viki and group members.

Then the dancing started…

and continued to our close at 3pm

The sun was out and we all enjoyed another fun afternoon.

 

 

 

 

 

 

We started quietly, with a few gentle quizzes.

Until Jamie started to perform.

Then there was singing and dancing.

Janet gave us a twirl and our newest volunteer, Ann, joined in and had fun.

We were also pleased to welcome Natasha from The Greenwich Carers Centre who popped in.

More next time.

 

 

 

 

We had a few “old friends” drop-in to see us this week, which was lovely. We were pleased Kirsty (Commissioning Manager, Older People, for Greenwich) came to discuss the current and future provision of dementia advice services in the Borough. She spoke to people individually for two hours and still didn’t get to hear from everyone – so, we are collecting names of people who are interested, for Kirsty to call them

Tony continues to entertain the group – he might be due for a long service award from Reflections soon.

He quickly got people up and dancing.

They have all got more energy than me!

As part of Dementia Action Week the Royal borough of Greenwich is holding an event at the Maritime Museum on 9th May and we will be there and running two activities – more info here.

See you soon,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This week we had the pleasure of Elvis performing some of his greatest hits. He was very popular, as he interacted with the group, and gave out some garlands.

There was plenty of opportunity for dancing.

Before his arrival, people were busy chatting, colouring, doing Easter themed puzzles and eating cakes kindly donated by Asda Charlton – brought by Caroline.

We are very pleased and grateful to Caroline, and Asda Charlton, for their support. We received the most tokens in their green token scheme and were awarded £500!

See you all in two weeks time.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As usual we started the afternoon with conversations, jigsaws and other puzzles.

We had guests with us at the group again today, all having relaxed chats with our members. Today there was Tricia, continuing her research interviews about people’s experiences with dentists and two student nurses from Oxleas.

The domino crew were too busy playing to have their picture taken. But our domino scorer and artist David managed a short break to discuss his latest idea – painting water-colour pictures of group members, based on photos from the Reflections Friendship Group Memory Book, and raising money from the resulting masterpieces for the group. The paintings will be presented in a frame. Interested group members were invited to chat to our artist. Janet and I are keen to have our very own painting and are very grateful that David has come up with this initiative.

It was soon showtime. Our visiting students joined in the fun.

Jamie, our favourite pantomime dame (now appearing at Butlins Bognor and Minehead as Queen Camila in Sleeping Beauty), gave us a rock ‘n’ roll sing-a-long.

Buddy Holly and friends sang tunes that we all enjoyed – and most of us knew all the words too.

 

More fun in a fortnight.

 

 

 

 

For the first time we had all 11 of our regular Friendship Group volunteers at a session at the same time – a big help with a busy afternoon.

We had several visitors to the session today. Tricia came to ask people about their experiences with dentists as part of research for her PhD. She was so engrossed in chatting to group members that she plans to come to our next session to talk to the ones she missed. Pauline came with two of her colleagues from Home Instead Greenwich and Bexley. They are looking to set  up a “Dementia Hub for Home Instead” soon. Watch this space. And finally, Alf came to speak to me about a Dementia Friends session I am running for his group on the 21st March. It should be fun and educational as usual. More information about Dementia Friends here.

While this was going on we also enjoyed some word-puzzles and jigsaws.

The energetic types played balloon tennis.

Our new singer, Nikki, was slightly delayed – but launched into her set soon after she arrived.

The group joined-in with dancing and singing.

With the new year comes a new main funder for Reflections. We thank Metro Gavs and Greenwich Council for funding us for the last two years and are very pleased to say the Lottery Community Fund is supporting us for 2019-20 and 2020-21. We also need to say thank you to our volunteers, who give all their time for free. Lovely people!

 

See you next month.

 

 

 

A busy day – a fun day

Tony returned for the second time this year and sang-up a storm.

There was lots to do, including a bit of colouring…

and word-searches and we introduced Lego (you have to look closely, they were using rather small pieces).

Our resident artist presented the group with a group painting. Fabulous!

There was rather a lot of dancing and some singing.

The very wonderful Caroline came from Asda to give us a cheque for our Christmas party (it’s only nine months away, are you ready?).

See you very soon,

 

We welcomed another new singer today – and we shall be welcoming him back in the future – Neill was a definite success with the group.

Before today’s entertainment, we introduced everyone to the new layout for Reflections in Shrewsbury House:

From 1-2pm group members are invited to use Room 1 – the Silver room

and Room 2 – the Green room.

We have the usual games, quizzes, jigsaw puzzles, painting, dominoes etc in both rooms.

From 2-3pm members have the choice of the Library for the entertainment, or  Room 1 – the Silver room for peace, quiet and games/quizzes etc.

It all worked remarkably well for a first effort, thanks to our wonderful volunteers (including Mo, our newest recruit), helpful group members, and Darren (managing the chairs).

The Library, minus tables, offered more space for dancing and generally moving around. A much safer solution, given our increasing numbers.

Neill sang a variety of well known tunes and got everyone involved.

See you next time,

 

 

February and time for a signer new to us. Viki went down a storm. Group members appreciated her lovely voice and her interaction with everyone (even me).

As Valentine’s Day is coming our new craft lady, Gyda, helped with designing and making some lovely cards.

When the dancing picked up even the jigsaws were left behind.

Next time we will have more rooms, more activities, another new singer and more space for dancing!