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Gnosall Parish Logo (Image) 

Gnosall Parish Council           

 (Including the wards of Moreton and Knightley)                                   

 

Dementia Friends Logo (Image)

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The Dementia Sensory Garden-at last!

In previous GMKs, we have outlined the Parish Council’s commitment to be Dementia Friends. As a large village with a mature demographic, we are likely to have a significant number of parishioners diagnosed with Dementia and related conditions and that means we will also have a very significant number of individuals and families who are supporting those with the condition. As many of us know from personal experience, the demands of supporting and caring can be very heavy indeed. Dementia sufferers often find that noise and bustle confuse them and they become anxious in noisy environments. Carers often value a bit of peace and quiet in which to reflect or sit quietly with their relative. From the early days of our commitment to become Dementia Friends, we have wanted to create a quiet sensory area at the rear of the Parish Office. However, the demands of other projects, the commitments of councillors and the shortage of funds, have limited our progress on this important project.

 

That is not to say that nothing has happened: we are storing a beautiful bench, kindly donated by a parishioner, for use in the Garden and several other parishioners are busily growing plants for the garden. But the main stumbling block has been funding such a project. I am happy to report to you that, thanks to donations, a very profitable and enjoyable Quiz Night, and successful bids for funding, we are now in a position to move forward. The reconvened subcommittee has met to clarify plans and we are at this moment putting works out to tender. I really hope that it won’t be too long before we see the garden taking shape. Of course, once constructed and planted, we shall need help in maintaining it, so stand by for appeals to give an hour or so to weeding beds and so forth! We have waited so long for it to appear that we cannot allow it to become shabby. You have been warned!

 

Can I also remind you that if local groups wish to host dementia-related events, such as socials for sufferers or support meetings for carers, drop-in meetings and so forth, we would waive our booking fee for the Grosvenor Centre. We hope this will encourage parishioners to join together to do what they can to support members of the community but nobody has taken us up on it as yet. Will you be the first?

Cllr Gail Gregory

Chair of Gnosall Parish Council