Memory Cafe

Haydon Wick Parish Memory Café
Haydon Wick Parish Memory Café 1600 1200 Liz Matthews
Another brilliant morning at the Memory Café.
We kicked off the morning with a trivia and general knowledge quiz, and what a way to get the brain cells buzzing.
There were plenty of “I knew that!” moments, lots of laughter, and a bit of friendly rivalry too.
Then it was time for the entertainment. We were delighted to welcome Jason, who sang for us with a lovely mix of modern tunes and old favourites. Before long the whole room was singing along, and a few of our residents even got up for a dance.
The joy in the room was something special.
Mornings like this remind us just how powerful music, laughter and good company can be. They bring people together, spark happy memories and lift everyone’s spirits.
A huge thank you to Jason for such a fantastic performance, and to everyone who came along and made it such a joyful morning.
Want to join us? Everyone is welcome, whether you’re living with memory loss or caring for someone who is living with Dementia, pop along and see what we get up to.
The next Memory Café will be held on Wednesday 28th October, 10.30am–12.30pm, at Haydon Wick Bowls Club.
For more information, please get in touch:
📧 memorycafe@haydonwick.gov.uk
📞 01793 722446

Fish n Chip Friday at the Over 60s & Memory Café
Fish n Chip Friday at the Over 60s & Memory Café 1050 990 Liz Matthews
What a lovely day we had!
We tucked into some lovely, fresh and filling fish and chips, and Tony M joined us with a fantastic array of songs that had everyone singing along.
There was plenty of laughter and dancing too, which was just what we needed on a wet Friday afternoon. ☔💃🕺
Thank you to everyone who came along and made it such a happy afternoon. Here’s to doing it all again soon!
To find out more about this and other community events, please contact us on 01793 722446 or visit www.haydonwick.gov.uk.

Haydon Wick Parish Memory Café
Haydon Wick Parish Memory Café 1200 1600 Liz Matthews
What a wonderful session at Memory Café today.
Ben joined us for his very first visit and treated everyone to some singing. He soon had the whole room joining in. He even stayed on for Lin’s seated exercise class at the end of the session.
Music and movement can be so beneficial for people living with dementia. They can lift spirits, bring back happy memories, encourage connection, and keep everyone moving and flexible.
📅 The next Memory Café will be held on Wednesday 14th October, 10.30am–12.30pm, at Haydon Wick Bowls Club.
For more information, please get in touch:
📧 memorycafe@haydonwick.gov.uk
📞 01793 722446

Haydon Wick Parish Council to Donate Mobii Interactive Table to Prospect Hospice
Haydon Wick Parish Council to Donate Mobii Interactive Table to Prospect Hospice 2560 1707 Liz Matthews

Haydon Wick Parish Council agreed to donate its Mobii interactive activity table to Prospect Hospice on Moormead Road in Wroughton, ensuring the specialist equipment is used to its full potential to support patients with life-limiting illnesses.

The Mobii table was originally purchased to support community wellbeing activities such as the Haydon Wick Memory Café, but it has seen little use in recent years. Despite efforts to promote it for internal use, external hire, and use by local schools and care homes, demand remained low. Similar technology is now widely available across the care sector, further reducing interest in the Council’s unit.

By donating the Mobii table to Prospect Hospice, the Council aims to ensure the equipment continues to deliver meaningful value to the community. The interactive table will support:

  • Enhanced patient engagement and cognitive stimulation
  • Therapeutic and social activities for hospice users
  • Improved quality of stay for individuals receiving specialist care.

The handover of the Mobii interactive activity table comes at a particularly timely moment during Dementia Action Week, reinforcing the importance of tools and activities that support cognitive stimulation, communication, and wellbeing. As awareness is raised around improving understanding of dementia and promoting early intervention, the donation provides a practical resource that can help enhance engagement and quality of life for patients receiving care at Prospect Hospice.

The donation further complements the £2,000.00 community grant awarded from Haydon Wick Parish Council to the Prospect Hospice in June 2024, helping to support the Hospice at Home service for patients in Haydon Wick who wish to be cared for at home. The £2,000 donation funded 10 overnight visits for family carers needing respite, or almost 50 daytime visits supporting patients at home.

A spokesperson for Haydon Wick Parish Council said:

“This donation reflects our commitment to community wellbeing. Prospect Hospice is well placed to make full use of the Mobii table, ensuring it benefits local people when meaningful engagement and comfort matter most.”

The decision also reflects the Council’s wider approach to community support and responsible asset management, ensuring underused resources are redirected where they can have the greatest impact.

A spokesperson for Prospect Hospice, Wroughton, said:

“We are very grateful to Haydon Wick Parish Council for this generous donation. The Mobii interactive activity table will create valuable opportunities for engagement, stimulation, and social interaction for the people in our care.

Equipment like this can make a meaningful difference to patients and families by supporting wellbeing, encouraging connection, and enhancing the overall hospice experience. We are delighted to put the Mobii table to good use within our services.”

Together, the Mobii interactive table donation and ongoing grant support highlight the strong partnership between Haydon Wick Parish Council and Prospect Hospice, helping to improve comfort, wellbeing and care for local people and their families when they need it most.

Interested in Supporting our Community Cafes?
Interested in Supporting our Community Cafes? 2560 2560 Liz Matthews

Love people? Love community? Help us keep our Community Cafés thriving. 

Our community cafés are about connection, understanding, and creating welcoming spaces for people who need them most.
We currently run three much‑loved cafés:
Haydon Wick Haven – a warm, welcoming space for everyone in our community to connect
Memory Café – supporting people living with dementia
Companion Café – supporting those caring for loved ones living with dementia
These cafés run regularly and are incredibly important to those who attend. To ensure we continue delivering a safe, high‑quality and compassionate experience, we’re looking to train new volunteers to join our friendly team.
We are especially keen to hear from people who:
✅ Have some understanding or experience of dementia
✅ Are kind, patient, and reliable
✅ Can offer a few hours a week
Our volunteer team is a warm, supportive, and fun bunch — and volunteering with us is a chance to make a real difference in people’s lives.
If this sounds like something you’d enjoy and feel suited to,
contact us at: memorycafe@haydonwick.gov.uk – we’d love to hear from you!

Together, we can keep our cafés welcoming, supportive, and full of connection 💛☕

What a wonderful morning at the Memory Café
What a wonderful morning at the Memory Café 1100 1100 Liz Matthews
We were delighted to welcome Admiral Nurse Dee, who gave a beautifully clear and heartfelt insight into the incredible work Admiral Nurses do, both out in the community and within the hospital. 💙
We also had the pleasure of welcoming Sharon Tyler, who led a lively and interactive session taking us back to the 70s — and what life was like right here in Swindon during that era. 🕺🪩 It sparked so many wonderful memories, stories, and smiles around the room. 😊
A truly special morning of reminiscing, connecting, and celebrating shared experiences. We love seeing our community come together like this. 🌸🤝

The next Memory Café is on Wednesday 22nd April, 10.30am – 12.30pm, at the Haydon Wick Bowls Club.

Dementia Action Week 19th – 25th May 2025
Dementia Action Week 19th – 25th May 2025 1100 1100 Liz Matthews

Over the week we will continue to raise awareness of the importance of an early diagnosis for people affected by dementia.

 

What is Dementia?

  • Dementia is a syndrome associated with an ongoing decline of brain functioning. There are many different causes of dementia, and many different types.
  • Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type of dementia and, together with vascular dementia, makes up the majority of cases.
  • Dementia is a progressive disease, however, many people living with dementia leads active lives for many years.

Many factors can increase a person’s risk of developing dementia, including but not limited to:

  • Ageing
  • Genes
  • Lifestyle (physical activity, diet, smoking, alcohol intake)

The majority of people with dementia are over sixty-five, but dementia can also affect younger people.

What are the symptoms?

Dementia affects everyone in different ways. Below are some of the most common symptoms:

  • Memory loss
  • Difficulty thinking things through and planning.
  • Problems with language
  • Being confused about time or place
  • Visual-perceptual difficulties
  • Mood changes or difficulties controlling emotions.

Discover more at: Dementia Action Week | Alzheimer’s Society

A dementia diagnosis is vital

Diagnosis is vital to give people access to the care, treatment and support they desperately need. Yet, incredibly, 1 in 3 people with dementia do not have a diagnosis.

If you’re worried about yourself, or someone close to you, get help describing your symptoms to a GP by filling in our symptoms checklist. Go to: Checklist for dementia symptoms | Alzheimer’s Society

If you’d like to find out more about our dementia friendly group please contact: Memory Café & Community Co-ordinator Jo at: memorycafe@haydonwick.gov.uk, or call the Parish Council on: 01793 722446

Memory Cafe – Fish ‘n’ Chips Friday Success
Memory Cafe – Fish ‘n’ Chips Friday Success 2560 1919 Liz Matthews
Fish ‘n’ Chips Friday Success! 🐟🍟
Nothing beats the community spirit of Fish n Chip Friday. The amazing aroma from @fishandchipsonthamesavenue filled the air while Mitch Coleman absolutely smashed his performance of all our old favourites!
It was heart warming to see everyone singing along and making memories. These events truly show what our community is all about – good food, great music, and even better company!
For more details of these types of events contact Memory Café & Community Co-ordinator Jo at: memorycafe@haydonwick.gov.uk, or call us on: 01793 722446

The Virtual Dementia Bus Came to Haydon Wick Parish Offices
The Virtual Dementia Bus Came to Haydon Wick Parish Offices 1600 1026 Liz Matthews
Experience the Virtual Dementia Bus at Our Parish
On Thursday 3rd April, Haydon Wick Parish Council hosted the Virtual Dementia Bus – a truly eye-opening experience that simulates what it’s like for a person to live with dementia. This unique program allows participants to step into the shoes of those affected by this condition, providing invaluable insight that words alone cannot convey.
By temporarily altering sensory perception and cognitive function, the Virtual Dementia Bus helps companions, and professionals working alongside people living with Dementia develop a greater empathy and understanding.
Thank you to everyone who participated in this important learning opportunity. These experiences help us build a more compassionate and supportive community for those living with dementia and their loved ones.
For more information, reach out to our Memory Café & Community Co-Ordinator Jo:
📧 memorycafe@haydonwick.gov.uk
☎01793 722446
Visit our website to find out more: https://haydonwick.gov.uk/memory-cafe/
@training2careuk @Dementia UK

Community Spirit with Festive Events at the Haydon Wick Haven and Memory Café
Community Spirit with Festive Events at the Haydon Wick Haven and Memory Café 2333 1750 Liz Matthews

Haydon Wick Parish Council has wrapped up 2024 with a series of successful community events, bringing together seniors and those living with dementia for festive celebrations that exemplify the council’s commitment to fostering an inclusive, supportive community.

The Haven, the council’s dedicated group for residents, hosted two special December events designed to combat isolation and create meaningful connections. The month began with a Christmas Buffet and Quiz on December 2nd, followed by a vibrant Bingo and Festive Raffle session on December 16th. These bi-weekly meetups have proven to be a vital social connection for many members, supported by a convenient door-to-door transport service ensuring accessibility for all.

The Memory Café, specialising in support for people living with dementia and their companions, hosted particularly memorable events this month. On December 11th, participants engaged in creative Christmas crafts, decorating tree candle holders while enjoying performances by ‘Even More,’ who delivered a delightful mix of classics and traditional folk songs. The session also included important health initiatives, with NHS nurses providing COVID and flu vaccinations to community members and staff.

The Memory Café’s year culminated in a spectacular celebration on December 18th, featuring bellringers, a special visit from Father Christmas distributing community-donated raffle prizes, and an uplifting performance by the Arval choir. The event was enhanced by homemade treats and concluded with a Christmas meal at Toby Carvery on December 19th.

Both programs will resume in the new year, with The Haven’s first 2025 session scheduled for Monday, January 6th. The Memory Café resumes on January 8th. New members are always welcome to join either group.

 

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About Us

We are the Parish Council that wants to lead and develop our local community. We are self-aware and are committed to focussing on the urban issues that are important to the entire community.

 

Our Address
Haydon Wick Parish Council
Thames Avenue
Haydon Wick
Swindon
SN25 1QQ

 

 

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Our thanks to Mark Weaving, Phil Jefferies, Rimpy and Shohini Dutta Kanungo for many of the photographs used across the website

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