As is probably apparent by now, Peter and I really enjoy talking to people about living well with dementia, friendship and books (with the statutory yet subtle mention of Arsenal thrown in). In February we had delivered a talk to a staff group from Colten Care. This had clearly gone down pretty well and we were invited back for our encore. And we certainly weren’t going to eschew an opportunity to return to Bournemouth.
Peter Doyle, our main man (as it were) and the team made us all feel incredibly welcome – little gestures like a bottle of wine/box of chocolates on our arrival at Bourne View meant so much.
The conference - Connecting through Dementia - was well attended and I really got the sense of a staff team who were committed to learning and improving their understanding of dementia within their care homes. Unlike Arsenal’s performance against Bournemouth a couple of days after, there was no complacency within this team. Believe me, having worked for local authorities and organisations who preach their commitment to learning and supporting their staff yet never quite delivered, this particular staff group felt genuinely committed to developing their learning.
Peter and I enjoyed the workshops on offer but, of course, show people that we both are now, we really enjoyed the opportunity to share our story again as ‘the main act’ (if we are being theatrical about it) as well as being able to chat to staff after our talk more informally.
After our morning session, Peter was in action again, this time in being interviewed and filmed by a professional team. It’s great to know that his thoughts have been captured for further training.
A huge shout out must go to all those at Colten Care who organised, not only the conference (and the food! – so much food!) from the management team right through to the staff within the care home where we stayed but also for their wonderful gesture in thanking Peter. During the planning process, I might have mentioned to Peter D that Peter B would appreciate the opportunity to fly a plane as their thank you. And, boy, did they come up with the goods. Peter and Teresa were duly deposited in a small plane (with instructor, obviously!) and Peter was able to fly the plane over the south coast on a gloriously sunny October day.
Thanks to all for making us feel so welcome and special!
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