Brain Cell Taster Success

‘This event should be run in every village in Dorset’ said Lisa Holmes of Age UK, who attended the Mind Your Head Challenge Taster on Friday 13^th at Stratton Village Hall. It was funded by the Dorset Community Foundation

Over twenty people attended the taster where they were encouraged to try a range of mind stimulating activities (Brain Cells). This included chess, King’s Cribbage, singing, volunteering, creative writing, University of the Third Age, memory sharing with Casterbridge Speakers, and Chi Kung with Patrick Harries of COREHealth. Social interaction is also important for a healthy brain, so the tea and cakes provided by the Chalkstream Catering Company allowed people to do that and were an integral part of the event. The finale was an interactive singing for the brain session which everyone joined in and was led by Angie Gape of the Alzheimer’s Society.

Kathie Prince, who runs the Dorchester Community Choir, created interest from a number of people to get involved with this summer’s events for the Diamond Jubilee.

The Mind Your Head Challenge is part of the 2012 Phoenix Legacy. The aim is to enable people to get actively involved in stimulating the mind, because research has shown that the brain thrives on stimulation and its vitality can be improved by keeping it active. Games such as a chess can have an impact on reducing the risk of Alzheimer’s. You are never too young or too old to start.

Other events are planned, including a major interactive Showcase at Kingston Maurward on August 12^th, when the public can try an even greater range of activities. There will also be the opportunity to meet Valerie Singleton, the famous former Blue Peter presenter, who at 75, is a fantastic advocate for the active older person.

If you would like to get a taste of these activities or would like to set a group up in your village, contact us by email or ring 01305 261540.