Jean and I have spent this week touring the North of England, from Burnley to Lancaster to Newcastle and then just over the border to Chirnside. The weather has been pretty good, and it has been a joy to catch up with people we haven’t seen in a while. My post this week won’t be based on this week’s activities because I am going to have to catch up on all that has happened. I know that St Bride’s happened, Eagle Lodge happened because Jean saw Paul and John on their Facebook page. Saughton Park also took place on Thursday, so I am really looking forward to finding out how it all went.
While travelling between Newcastle and Berwick I came across one of those very posh camper vans, it looked lovely, but it had a message written on the back that upset me and if it were possible I would have spoken with the owner of the van. The comment said “Adventure before Dementia”. Why did this upset me so much? Well, because living with Dementia or caring for someone with a lived experience of dementia is an adventure that no one would choose, so to trivialise this journey for me is unacceptable. I am sure the person who had this on their van was not meaning to be offensive, but when you have walked with people on a journey that can be isolating, fearful and full of loss then that is how it felt. Over the past years I have discovered a deep sense of respect for all those who journey through dementia, I have learned so much from them and their experience. If we all set our discriminations aside and build authentic relationships with those living with dementia, then their journey doesn’t have to feel so isolating, fearful and full of loss. When working together we can learn from each other and discover a world in which we all have a part to play.
On Tuesday 13th August at the St Bride’s Community Centre in Dalry we are holding a Showcase of the work that Forget Me Notes deliver. The day will start at 2pm and finish at 6:45pm. At 2pm until 4:30pm we will feature the work of the Choir, Volunteer Project and Music Memories. We will also have an exhibition and an audio and video presentation. At 4:30pm we will provide a light tea for everyone. At 5:30pm we will share in an inclusive Ceilidh. This means we will have both traditional and chair dancing. Lucie from Capital Theatres will help us with the chair dancing and Kenny and his band will provide the music and call the dances for those dancing in the traditional way. All this will be free; however, we will have buckets for donations.
It is going to be a great day, and we would love for you to be a part of it. You can book a ticket for the Ceilidh at Eventbrite https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-forget-me-notes-showcase-ceilidh-tickets-922976767357
If you are not sure what to do, then let us know and we can help you book tickets.
Have a great week and I will catch up not only on last week but look forward to the week ahead.