The Arsenal Foundation has helped fund Park Theatre’s Reminiscence Group for people with dementia. Stephen Whittle, 84, tells us how the sessions have helped him and his wife Brenda, 82, over recent years.
“We were both born in Islington, not too far from the Arsenal Stadium – then, of course, at Highbury. We met 68 years ago at a garden party and were married, in 1962, at the Holy Trinity Church in Cloudesley Square, Islington. We were unable to find anywhere to live locally but we managed to rent a flat in West Green, Tottenham, and we have lived there ever since.
“Brenda was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 2015. Six or seven years ago we received a letter from the Alzheimer’s Society inviting us to go to Park Theatre at Finsbury Park to find out more about the Alzheimer’s Society and activities available in the area for people with dementia. That’s where we learned about the theatre’s Reminiscence Group.
“We were welcomed into the group and immediately found out that Amy, the facilitator, and the volunteers were understanding of dementia and that everyone was accepted for who they were and what they did.
“Brenda and I enjoyed the activities and there was certainly nothing like this available anywhere else. Brenda’s powers of communication were greater then than they are now and she gave the group its motto “go with the flow”, which is certainly very apposite.
“I still remember our first session. We met on Park Theatre’s big stage and my first recollection is of everybody standing in a circle doing the tai chi exercises, then, in turn, trying to act out what a certain word meant to them, such as summer, sport, Halloween, school days, Remembrance Day, feeling good, medicine, toys and games, parks, and so on.
“Then, in small groups, we came up with a very short play in which we would act out a theme. The session ended with some exercises and then we socialised over tea and sandwiches – and this format has been constant over the years we have participated. It is remarkable that people like Brenda who live with dementia, when they are in their acting mode, are able to perform in most wonderful and unexpected ways.
“It is all very much fun. The highlights for me are when Brenda and the others are taken back into their former active lives and act – or relive – situations that have much meaning to them, doing it in a poignant and sometimes very funny way.
“The Reminiscence Group has certainly helped Brenda and me. We have made friends and, in some cases, have been able to socialise with them in situations outside of the group. Amy is a wonderful leader/facilitator who inspires the group. Her volunteers are helpful to everybody and make sure that everyone feels safe and secure within the group environment. The fact that the volunteers come regularly is testament to their dedication.
“It is important that people living with dementia get out as much as possible. We had no idea what would happen when we first attended, but we are so glad that we did and we will certainly continue to go along for as long as we can. We are so lucky that the Park Theatre facilitates such groups.
“Having lived the formative parts of our lives in Islington and then moved to Tottenham, we can honestly say that we are one of a rare group of individuals who support both Arsenal and Spurs. When they play one another we always hope they will draw! It is very important that clubs get involved in the local community and help directly or indirectly by supporting local charities which do good work. It is pleasing that football clubs realise they should be involved with their local communities.”
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Stephen and Brenda are regulars at Park Theatre’s Reminiscence Group, which leads physical activities and creative sessions to help those living with Alzheimer’s
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