Dementia-friendly Vintage Adventure celebrates third birthday at Thatcham Methodist Church

An inclusive and dementia-friendly community group has marked its third birthday with homemade cake, drinks and music.

Thatcham Methodist Church was full on Thursday (September 19) as churchgoers, guests and schoolchildren gathered for Vintage Adventure, a free monthly initiative designed by churches in Thatcham to welcome older residents seeking company and support.

Pangbourne artist Derry Pope entertained crowds with renditions of timeless classics from Broadway to James Bond.

The afternoon also included friendly chatter and homemade cake.

Guests included Mayor of Thatcham Suzanne Adamantos and pupils from Thatcham Park Primary School — whose involvement with Vintage Adventure was highlighted in their latest Ofsted inspection.

Pastoral development worker Karen Frost explained why she helped start the group three years ago.

“The Church recognises people across our communities are living longer,” she said.

“Particularly post-Covid, loneliness and social isolation have been huge issues.

“People living with dementia or who are older can’t always get up to get to a church service in the morning.

“If you’re caring for someone with dementia, you often can’t get to worship yourself.”

And discussing the impact the group has had since, she added: “It just brings them alive.

“Music is so powerful and just chatting and reminiscing.

“It’s about people having fun and make new friends.”

One visitor who has come to Vintage Adventure since the beginning told newburytoday why she keeps coming back.

“I didn’t know anybody at all,” she said. “It’s got me out of the house. I thoroughly enjoy everybody’s company.

“Of course, the music always cheers everybody up.

“Everybody is very kind. There is always somebody at the door to welcome you.”

Vintage Adventure runs from 2.30pm to 4pm every third Thursday of the month, except in December when it runs on the second Thursday for an additional half an hour. Transport is available to whoever needs it.

A typical afternoon can include crafts, song, guest speakers, activities, drinks, homemade cakes and informal Christian worship.

The next session will be held on Thursday, October 17.

Similar schemes also run in Newbury and Hungerford.

The Evergreen Fellowship meets on the fourth Wednesday of each month from 2.30pm to 4pm in the Wesley Hall at Newbury Methodist Church, offering informal time of worship, guest speakers, tea and homemade cake.

Hungerford Memory Worship is a dementia-friendly service held on the second Thursday each month at Hungerford Methodist Church.

It includes a 30 minute act of informal Christian worship for people living with dementia and their carers, followed by drinks and biscuits.

Please contact pastoraldevelopmentworker@outlook.com for further information or to volunteer at any of the groups.