Golden Memories group complete Alzheimer’s Society walk

The group were joined by six supporting family members from Greville Smythe Community Bowls Club at the Bristol Memory Walk on Saturday, 8^th September, starting in Millennium Square.

“It was incredible to see the lengths members of our group, many of which have significant physical challenges and health limitations of their own, wanted to go to support the work of one of the country’s biggest dementia charities,” said community coach, Jeff Tavender.

“After a busy day of bowling on Friday afternoon, and despite a few hiccups, all eight crossed the finishing line on Saturday to receive their well-deserved medals.

“These are a truly inspirational and supportive bunch of people.”

Golden Memories is a collaborative programme in partnership with the Bristol Sport Foundation and Sporting Memories Foundation, working over 55’s living with dementia and those challenged by social isolation, depression and loneliness.

The programme includes a reminiscence session - an informal and relaxed discussion group based around shared stories and exploring a range of sporting memorabilia and sensory objects.

This is followed by a time of social interaction over an old-fashioned cup of tea and a biscuit and then a period of light physical activity.

Weekly sessions run every Friday from 12:30-3:30pm, costing £5 per person or £8 per couple.

The programme is now moving into a new period of development to make the weekly session fully sustainable, and as such is open to all new support or sponsorship.

To find out more about Golden Memories, click here or contact programme manager, Kris Tavender (ktavender@bristolbearsrugby.com).