Transport of delight at dementia support group

Vintage tractors, double-decker buses and a stunningly restored classic car from the 1930s were among the talking points at an Age UK Shropshire Telford & Wrekin dementia support group recently.

Even children from the local nursery school came out to see the gleaming 1937 Alvis motor car, the star attraction on the day.

The themed event at Pontesbury put smiles on many faces and is typical of the nostalgia-filled fun days enjoyed by regulars who meet at our dementia support groups at venues across the county, from Bishop’s Castle to Shrewsbury, from Bridgnorth to Donnington and Ketley Bank.

‘Our dementia support groups offer the attending carers and people with dementia an opportunity to take part in interesting and varied themes, to ensure we meet the needs of all group members,’ said Emma Wilde, Wellbeing Services Manager for Age UK Shropshire Telford & Wrekin.

‘At our Pontesbury group we recently focused on transport. People living with dementia were encouraged to bring in memorabilia so they could share their experiences with the group. One lady brought in photos of her husband and carer on his restored Fordson tractors and told us of his winning prizes and the times she rode out with him at shows.’

‘Then, a local gentleman, who loved to work with his hands, bought in wooden replica vehicles that he had made of a double decker bus and lorry with attached trailer. He really enjoyed showing off these beautiful, crafted items, and sharing his working Meccano sets that he made as a younger man. At 87 years he is still making sets, currently a smaller version of a carousel for his son to use at a local show.’

‘The highlight of the morning was a beautiful 1937 Alvis motor car brought in by a carer for us all to look at and sit in. He purchased it in 1963 for £80, trading it against his MG VA sports car for which they gave him £20.’

‘It bought so much joy to everyone to see this beautifully restored car and share memories of driving in the past. One older lady, at 87, was reluctant to sit in the car due to her mobility issues but with a little persuasion and help got into the driving seat and was smiling away.’

‘The local nursery children also came out to see it, the carer gave them a klaxon (old horn) to have a go at honking. It gave him so much joy to see these children excitedly peeping the horn.’

To find out more about the dementia support groups run by Age UK Shropshire Telford & Wrekin, call us on 01743 233 233 or email enquiries@ageukstw.org.uk