LOCHWINNOCH residents are making good progress with moves to make their village ‘dementia friendly’ in 2018.

The community came together for a fun tea dance which saw them discuss the ambitious plans and how to take them forward.

Villagers were also asked to complete a survey to provide some guidance on how the steering group should address some of the issues that dementia is causing to local people.

And children at Lochwinnoch Primary School have also got involved, taking part in dementia training, with group members staging advice sessions for pupils in primary six and seven.

Youngsters are said to have responded very well, with organisers now planning to extend the training to pupils in local secondary schools.

There are also proposals for a service which will mentally stimulate dementia sufferers through the use of crafts and reminiscence boxes containing scents and old photos.

Morag Thow, who is one of the co-ordinators behind the Lochwinnoch Dementia Friendly Village group, was also delighted with the turnout at the free tea dance staged in support of the plans.

Speaking about the event, she told The Gazette: “A great afternoon of dancing and singing was had by all.

“Music Box provided fantastic music for the dancers, who were joined by the eight captains from Lochwinnoch Primary School.

“The Small Fezzes had the crowd singing well too.

“A huge thanks goes to Mr Cochrane, who sponsored the dance, as well as to Janice and the team at the golf club and Ann Arnold’s Contact the Elderly team for providing transport.

“We’d also like to thank councillors Andy Doig and Derek Bibby for joining in the fun.”

The next Lochwinnoch Dementia Friendly Village meeting will take place tonight, starting at 8pm, in the hall at the Calder United Free Church.

There will be another tea dance on Friday, March 2, with further information to be announced nearer the time.

Find out how to get involved by contacting Morag by email at Morag.Thow@gcu.ac.uk.