There was magic in the air on Saturday 21 October, when Calderdale Dementia Hub ran a successful Magical Memories event at St Paul’s Methodist Church, Sowerby Bridge.
The free event, which celebrated International Day of Older Persons, was for anyone over the age of 50, their families, friends and carers. The fantastic Phoenix Brass performed some musical sets and a group of volunteers provided a well-stocked refreshments stall.
Over 100 people attended the afternoon and the feedback was amazing, with many praising the lovely atmosphere, music, opportunity to make new friends and the cakes which were on offer!
Dawn Rogers, Volunteer Coordinator for Calderdale Dementia Hub, which is based in Halifax town centre, thanked the many volunteers who supported the event from the Hub, Memory Lane Café and Disability Partnership Calderdale. She was pleased with the outcome and feedback they received on the day.
“A 90-year-old who never goes out was reluctant to come to the event and had to be persuaded,” Dawn said. “Once he was there, he shouted out the name of the songs, sang along and even got up and danced in the aisle. Now he has returned home it has given him a story to talk to all his relatives about rather than just talking about his ailments. When his family heard that he had been persuaded to go and had had a great time, they were all very happy. It just goes to show that with events like this, it’s not just the individual who benefits, but the ripple effect that’s felt by people around those who attend.”
The event came about thanks to funding from Calderdale Council for an “Age Friendly Calderdale” event.
Published on November 1, 2023