On the week of Monday, May 13 (Dementia Action Week), participants from the Dementia Matters in Powys (DMiP) Llandrindod Wells meeting centre took part in heritage work as part of their current project, called ‘Ourselves within Time and Place’.

They learnt about object archaeology which was tied in with a trip to Arthur’s Stone on Friday, May 17. Both sessions were led by archaeologist and DMiP group coordinator, Yvie George.

Yvie spoke about the history of Arthur’s Stone and its surrounding area. Running with the theme of object archaeology, participants brought objects with them that showed their identity. Each person shared their object with the group, and the story behind them. Objects included a spirit level, bracelet, childhood figurines and a poetry book.

This was followed up by Rachel Freeman from ‘Everybody Dance’ leading the group in some movement exercises.

Yvie George told the Brecon and Radnor Express: “The first part of Ourselves within Time and Place started with the group hearing about the Bronze Age, Heyope Hoard, with the replicas on loan with kind permission from Radnorshire Museum in Llandrindod.

“The exploration of the story of the 'gold torcs' prepared participants to go home and choose a personal object that imbues their identity. Living with dementia has an effect on personal identity and so we created this interesting way of appreciating this. The visit to Arthur's Stone was a way of supporting people to look at their identities in deep time.”

DMiP
DMiP (B&R)

Chief officer for DMiP Deborah Gerrard, along with Yvie, raised awareness for the dementia charity at Tesco in Llandrindod Wells earlier in the week by chatting to shoppers about Dementia Action Week and their meeting centres around the county.

Dementia Action Week 2024
Chief Officer for Dementia Matters in Powys Deborah Gerrard (left), Group Coordinator & Archaeologist Yvie Georgie (Centre), and Charlotte Sheffner from a Memory Assessment Service. (B&R)

Dementia Matters in Powys are also appealing for more people to join their meeting centres and can join in for a taster session if they wish to. The Llandrindod meeting centre takes place at Howey Village Hall on Mondays from 11am to 3pm, with the Brecon meeting centre meeting on Thursdays at 11am to 3pm.

They are also on the look out for trustees and help for this year's Summer Games in August.