By Diane Sullivan
Music makes people come alive! It just makes such a difference to people, Pam Ward said on a sunny Tuesday afternoon at the Pudsey Congs Cricket Club.
Pam recalls being involved in setting up Penny Lane as a dementia friendly café in November 2009.
“Everyone is familiar with the Beatles song Penny Lane” says Pam and that is how the now hugely popular twice monthly event was named,” she said.
On arriving at Penny Lane, which is held at Pudsey Congs Cricket Club, everyone is assured of a very warm welcome.
Mike Barr, Volunteer/Helper likes nothing better than to make everyone welcome and is not deterred by the weather!
When it’s raining Mike can be seen standing outside with his umbrella ready to assist members entering the club house.
This all adds to the occasion – everyone is made to feel really special.
“We are all like one big happy family here,” is a view shared by Karen Mitchell, MHA Community Co-ordinator whom along with a team of volunteers, makes Penny Lane so special and so welcoming.
“I have worked in the care sector for about 40 years and I am passionate about raising awareness of dementia,” added Karen.
Live entertainment, a hot drink and refreshments on arrival as well as a raffle all help to make fortnightly Tuesday afternoons such a big hit. Regular Keith Spellman described Penny Lane as “the best thing since sliced bread”.
Pam Ward, who herself is now a volunteer, also has similar thoughts. She added: “It’s just life-changing seeing people when their lives light up.”
There was a real buzz in the air on Tuesday when Hayley J opened the afternoon’s live entertainment with Love is in the Air.
“It just makes it so special for me when people are enjoying my singing,” says Haley. who always enjoys singing at Penny Lane – something that she has done for a few years. “Everyone is so welcoming” added Haley, whose real surname is Walsh.
Another great singer on the day was member Shirley Webster, with her rendition of Viva Espana. “I like cheerful songs,” said Shirley who has always enjoyed singing. There was certainly no shortage of cheerful songs on Tuesday, which created quite a party atmosphere.
Annette Wilks, who is a regular attender along with mum Ellen Wood, told West Leeds Dispatch that she has found that dementia may cause anxiety. “Getting up and dancing, making friends and listening to songs that you recognise can all help,” says Annette, who likes the inclusivity and being able to dance with her mum and others.
Oli Craven, MHA Scheme Manager, is proud of the success of Penny Lane which is MHA’s longest running activity in Pudsey and the only one of its kind in the area.
“We now have an open membership,” explained Oli which means Penny Lane is suitable for anyone living with dementia, carers, professionals, family and wider membership.
“The open membership we introduced has led to a really good vibe and great interaction” Oli told West Leeds Dispatch.
The afternoon closed with Haley J singing Simply the Best, which captured the essence of Penny Lane!
- Penny Lane is held on the second and fourth Tuesday of the month and the cost is £5 per session. Call 0113 256 2717 for further information. Full details of services and activities provided for the over 55’s in Pudsey and Farsley are available here.
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