President Eileen Williams welcomed fewer members than usual to the first meeting of 2008. Best wishes were to be passed on to those unable to attend due to illness.

Speaker Ken Crump gave a most informative and thought-provoking talk about his work with the Worcester branch of the Alzheimer's Society. He spoke about the onset of the illness and the fact there were two people in this illness - the carer and the patient. He also stressed the importance of early diagnosis if any change in the behaviour of the patient was noticed. He outlined the facilities available both for the patient and the carer in this area and that the most important thing was making the community aware of the help available. A 24-hour telephone helpline is available and there is an office providing literature.

When thanking Mr Crump, the feelings of the whole meeting were expressed that no one knew when this illness would strike, and that members were grateful to him for widening their knowledge on what was available if ever it should be needed. Members had collected unwanted and broken jewellery which would be forwarded to the Alzheimer's Society to help with dementia care and research, as although there were theories, it was not fully understood what caused the illness.

CLAIRE HASLAM