Special tea dance for people living with effects of dementia

News

By Barrie Hudson - 31 August 2023

Over the last few years, the parish council’s award-winning Memory Café has hosted numerous events for attendees, other people living with dementia, their care companions and the over-60s living within the parish.

The aim of this combined vintage tea dance was to provide an opportunity for everyone to come together to do something a little bit different.

Guests were able to enjoy an afternoon of live entertainment, dancing, reminiscing and interaction while enjoying afternoon tea.

Attendees were greeted by the council’s Memory Café co-ordinator and her much-loved team of volunteers, who had come dressed to impress in vintage '50s wear which was mirrored by most of the attendees.

The event was kick started with some dancing led by Erica Fowers from Swing Out Swindon and singing from Laura Sings.

Erica was praised for getting everyone up dancing and learning some new steps.

Local care company Abi Care brought along a few of their regular service users who thoroughly enjoyed the afternoon, thriving in being in a different setting, meeting new people and sharing a cup of tea and cake reminiscing about the '50s.

The style of music and dance became quite overwhelming for some as it triggered fond memories of sharing real tea dances with their loved ones throughout the years.

Cllr Vinay Manro, Chairman of the council and Cllr Rebecca Ross, Chair of the Community Development Committee both enjoyed attending the event and getting up on the dance floor.

Cllr Ross said: “For the older community, who may be feeling more isolated this was a great opportunity for them to meet new people.

"It was really uplifting to see everyone come together to dance, reminisce, and enjoy an afternoon of entertainment and fun.

"Everything about it was fabulous, the venue, the tea and the entertainment. And what great dancing by everyone! A big thank you to everyone who attended and to all those involved in making the event such a success! “

Some of the refreshments were donated by Asda Orbital.

Feedback received since the dance has included:

“We’ve had such a fantastic afternoon; Lorraine hasn’t stopped dancing”.

“This is one of the best tea dances I have attended, it was wonderful”.

“Thank you to Jo and her Volunteers. It was a nice little do”.

“This is a fantastic idea; we’ve loved the afternoon and you should definitely hold more”.

The council is going to plan an even bigger dance next year.

To keep up to date with the council’s upcoming news and events, people can subscribe to the monthly News Bulletin via https://haydonwick.gov.uk/latest-news/

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