Posted: 25/11/16
Young and old make special memories
Mansfield Rotary Club’s first female president has brought young and old together for an afternoon of memories and fun at West Nottinghamshire College this week.
Members of Mansfield's Memory Cafe enjoyed an afternoon at West Notts College's Relish bistro
Cate Hunt took up her role this year as the club’s first female president in its 88 year history. She retired from West Nottinghamshire College this summer after 17 years’ service, leaving her latest role as advice and student support service manager.
Shortly before her retirement, avid walker Cate walked the coastline of Jersey to raise funds. She successfully trekked the 48.1 miles in 14 hours 13 minutes and proudly raised £830, which Cate wanted to put to good use in the community.
She said: “My father suffered with dementia for many years before his death and he actually forgot who I was. Having had this experience I wanted to be able to support the Alzheimer’s Society with my fundraising and decided that the funds would help the Mansfield Memory Café with a few events for service users and their carers.”
The Mansfield Memory Café meet once a month and sees people with dementia, with their partners and carers, enjoy tea and coffee and social activities. It’s a positive way for people to get out and about and share their experiences and memories.
This week, (22 November) Cate joined members of the Mansfield Memory Café and representatives from the Alzheimer’s Society at the college’s Relish bistro for an afternoon of quiz games and refreshments.
Level 1 catering students were on hand to compere the quiz and serve a high tea to 25 members and carers, as well as a birthday cake for one member celebrating his 80th birthday.
Cate said: “This group usually meets at The Towers in Mansfield but I thought it would be great to host it at the college.
“I was really keen to get the young students and not so young members to meet and share memories and enjoy the hospitality courtesy of the students who are preparing for careers in the catering industry. It’s been a lovely afternoon.”
Carol Hinson was at the high tea with her husband Brian. Carol said: “I’ve just started coming to Mansfield Memory Café with my husband who has the early signs of dementia. This afternoon has been a lovely change and the students have served some very tasty cakes and sandwiches.
“We’d definitely come again as my husband doesn’t get out much these days and the Memory Café is a great way to socialise.”
The event was also attended by the Alzheimer’s Society’s café co-ordinator Andrew Morton and dementia support worker Angela Richardson.
