INTRODUCTION

Cakes continue to lead the way on Thursday mornings. Over recent weeks we have devoured every type of cake in celebration of many birthdays but arguably the best were the cup-cakes which were donated by our great supporters at Anstee & Co. and beautifully baked by Allie at The Garden Larder at Little Harrowden. The scrumptious DSO-themed birthday cake was courtesy of Cupalicious By Lisa for the Fifth Anniversary Celebration on 20^th July. The photographs by Melissa confirm that the whole morning was everything that we had hoped particularly because so many family members were able to join us.

 COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT

Trustees’ stated priority this year has been to work even more tirelessly at building even stronger links with the local community for the benefit of those living with Dementia and their carers. Network meetings in particular have helped open channels in navigating what are often difficult waters in supporting those who are living with Dementia.

 Because we see the mutual benefits when bringing together young people and those living with Dementia, once again, we were treated to over 40 members of All Saints School Choir visiting us. Our presentations have continued with recent visits to Anstee & Co and their clients, Northants Ladies Golf Veterans. Trustees have attended Lancum House’s Summer Fair, Earls Barton Singers’ concert which raised funds for DSO. Trustees attended the Dementia Roadshow at Kettering General Hospital as well as a Workshop Day held by Northants Community Foundation which developed further our networking including a link struck with a local African Youth workshop who have been invited to attend a Thursday morning session. It is only a question of time before we will all be experts at playing the Miramba!

 An invitation to visit us has been accepted by the recently-elected Wellingborough MP Gen Kitchen.

 DSO ADMIN

As Trustees we are constantly amazed at how much admin is demanded even though our sessions last 60 minutes per week! Despite being classified as a “small charity” we have been occupied in providing detailed returns to both the Charity Commission and National Lottery Fund. These have included ensuring reviews of about a dozen policies (ie Social Media, Safeguarding) all of which will be posted on our website to allow DSO stakeholders to consult. As a matter of interest it is worth reminding oneself of our philosophy and priorities which are each available on the DSO website. Speaking of which …… we would be interested in hearing from anyone with technical and artistic skills who might be able to help us in developing our DSO website.

THURSDAY FEEDBACK

We absolutely love the strapline which we have shamelessly stolen from one of our attendees: “Thursday morning Happy Hour”. Even after 5 years we are invigorated and humbled every week and there is always something new; last week for example we saw a number of Dirty Dancing lifts in our choreography. Speaking of which “Maurice, Eric and Ernie” or “Maurice Goes Viral” are both fitting social media headlines from last week. We average 2-300 views on each Instagram post, but incredibly Maurice’s “Bring Me Sunshine” prompted over 2,000 views. Because DSO seems to have an increasing reach we linked up with Eric Morecombe’s daughter, Gail, who was so touched that she shared in turn the video clip we passed to her with her siblings!

 “We never tire of your wonderful feedback and recommendations such as this on our Facebook page: “The most wonderful group of people who go out of their way to make everyone feel welcome ….. my mum totally changed when she went to choir, loving the music and the atmosphere despite her lack of understanding …. A true hidden gem”

 A new Customer Satisfaction Survey where we again seek your views on DSO and encourage your feedback including areas where we might improve.