This year a special calendar designed by children has been recognised in the inter-generational activity category.
tmactive, which is part of Tonbridge & Malling Parish Council, is shortlisted among dementia friendly sport and leisure organisations.
The town’s Dementia Friendly Community [DFC] is in the running for recognition for the second year in a row.
And its founder and Chairman, Chris Parker, is nominated for Outstanding Achievement.
Mrs Parker, who is Managing Director of Abbey Funeral Services in the High Street, has also won an Unsung Heroes of Kent Award, which celebrates ‘exceptional people at the heart of Kent’s family businesses’.
Taxi company Castle Cars is named among the best businesses in the county.
The winners will be announced at The Mercure Maidstone Great Danes Hotel on Friday October 5.
Children in four age groups from reception to Year 9 were asked to create an original work for the Dementia Art Competition with the theme ‘Living well with dementia’. The calendar is on sale at the offices of Abbey Funeral Services.
Mrs Parker said: “We wanted to engage with children and young people because so many will have grandparents with dementia, but also because they all have the potential to be the dementia carers of tomorrow.
“As a mother, grandmother and Sunday school leader, I have some experience with children, and it seemed to me that reaching out through the medium of art might work. And it did.
“We do tend this to be an annual event in Tonbridge and other areas are watching.”
She added: “Sadly we had no response from children above Year 9 as it was the big exam term, so next year it will end in September – which is World Alzheimer’s Month.”
tmactive has three regular events running each month which are designed to encourage and help people with dementia to achieve 150 minutes of moderate activity per week.
There are multi-sport sessions fortnightly at the Angel Centre on the first and third Friday of every month between 2pm and 3.30pm.
Activities on offer include table tennis, cycling on a static bike, short tennis, golf putting and boccia – a form of wheelchair bowls.
Tonbridge Swimming Pool also has a designated ‘dementia friend’ at the public swim on Fridays from 12.15pm to 1.15pm.
Poult Wood golf club provides a round on the nine-hole course and tuition on the driving range on the second Tuesday of every month from 11am.
Dog show raises funds for Dementia Friendly Community
Tonbridge & Malling Borough Council has chosen the town’s Dementia Friendly Community as its designated charity for the Dog Show on the Racecourse Sportsground on Sunday [September 30].
Registration starts at 10am with a £1.50 entry fee for each class. There will be a variety of novelty categories, including Beautiful Rescue, Best Trick, Fabulous Family, Cutest Puppy, Best Oldie, Fancy Dress and Waggiest Tail.
The event, run in association with Tonbridge Old Fire Station, is organised by the borough’s Dog Warden, Lorraine Baseden, and aims to promote responsible dog ownership.
