Foresters - Tunstall 1839

20/06/2026

Do you know how to spot the signs of dementia?

In the early stages, symptoms can be subtle, easily overlooked and mistaken as part of ageing. Memory problems, confusion, or changes in mood and behaviour may not always raise immediate concern.

But noticing these changes matters.

It might not be dementia, but if it is, getting support early can make a real difference. An early diagnosis can help people access the right care, treatment, and guidance when they need it most.

If you recognise any of the signs in yourself or someone you care about, don’t ignore them – take that next step and speak to your GP.

You’re not alone 💙

[Image description: An infographic titled ‘Signs and symptoms of dementia’ features a light grey background and 10 navy blue illustrations accompanying each sign and symptom. From top right to bottom left, they read:Getting lost; Difficulty judging distances; Memory loss; Struggling to find the right word; Becoming easily upset; Struggling to make decisions; Acting inappropriately; Repeating questions and phrases; Putting objects in unusual places and Losing track of time and dates.]

19/06/2026

Don’t forget, our Annual General Meeting (known to some members as High Court) begins tomorrow in Llandudno! We hope to see you there!

18/06/2026

Note the closure

18/06/2026

We love hearing your stories!

Take a look at what one member kindly shared about their experience after receiving a discretionary grant from the Educational Award Fund.

“I applied for a grant for college stationery. Books for college, pens, paper are so expensive. I am so appreciative of this grant. Thank you so much.”– A satisfied member

If you’d like to explore the discretionary support available to members, visit: https://hubs.ly/Q04dm1MG0

18/06/2026

‘I was told by the consultant to “Go away and enjoy the rest of your Mum’s life, whilst she can remember you.” We were left heartbroken and had to navigate this whole new, very cruel world.’

Sarah is among thousands sharing their story this June, to help raise awareness of our Forget Me Not appeal and reshape the story of dementia - for her Mum, Sadie.

‘My Mum was an amazing, loving Mum, who dedicated herself to looking after our family. When she was diagnosed with dementia about 18 years ago, we knew nothing about this disease and had very little support.

‘My Dad died very suddenly, and this just turned my Mum’s world upside down and without doubt, accelerated her dementia.

‘After many falls in her home (mostly at night when I wasn’t there), we were given no choice but to put Mum into a care home. This guilt will forever stay with me.

‘After 9 very long and hard years, the last 5 of them my Mum no longer knowing who any of us were, my beautiful Mum lost her battle.

‘In June, I will wear my Forget Me Not with pride and love.

‘I am supporting Alzheimer’s Society in memory of my beautiful Mum, Sadie Molesworth, who lost her battle with this dreadful disease, 7 years ago.’

17/06/2026

We’ve made things simpler for 2026.

Annual membership payments are now paid by Direct Debit, a secure, hassle-free way to stay up to date.

No more due-date stress - just a simple, secure way for you to maintain your membership.

👉Please note, all members will be contacted ahead of your 2026 renewal date.

If you need any support or have any questions, please call our friendly team on 0800 101 8307 who are happy to help.

16/06/2026

‘In his last moments it was just the two of us, so we could enjoy each other’s company with no sense of judgement.

Mike cared for his husband, Tom, who lived with dementia, until Tom passed away in 2022.

‘We met in 1975. After a few dates, we arranged to live together – and this would last for 47 years.

'We were part of a generation that broke new ground for same-sex couples. Back then, we would have been arrested for holding hands, or showing any affection in public.

‘Tom began to experience mild memory problems around 2008, and by 2011, he was forced to retire on medical grounds.

'I gave up work with the fire brigade in 2014 to look after Tom full time. It was mostly rewarding, but could sometimes be confusing and frustrating.

'I made sure we crammed in as much as we could when we were together. We went out more. We cycled more. There was a lot of joy in those moments.

'But as the dementia progressed it got harder. When Tom started to struggle to speak, it changed. The lights just seemed to be turned down.

'All I was left with was Tom’s smile. And there was a lot of meaning in his smile. It was so important for me, right to the very end.

'In those last years, we crammed things in, but in a different way.

'We spoke publicly. We did radio interviews and newspaper interviews. Tom couldn’t speak, but he was with me. He still contributed. And that gave a sense of purpose, a sense of meaning.

'In our last moments together, we were alone. The nurse had told me that Tom was likely to only have a few hours to live.

'I asked her to let us be alone. And there, I could caress his hair and face and hold his hands. I had promised him, that in his last moments, it would be just the two of us and that we could enjoy each other’s company with no sense of judgement.

'I am still invited to talk about Tom and about caring for someone with dementia. It gives me enormous satisfaction now to still talk about the man I love, and how to best look after people with dementia.

'That is what gives me purpose and meaning now.'

16/06/2026

‘It is my absolute pleasure to share my heartfelt poem with you and I hope that it delivers a message to all those who read it or listen to it, so we all can learn to look through the eyes or walk in the shoes of people with dementia.'

Jo has written this poem about dementia, titled ‘Forget Me Not’.

The poem reads:

I look at your beautiful face but I cannot remember your name ‘cos I forgot,

However I still love you dearly so please forget me not.

Don’t ask me to remember things as my memory is not as it used to be,

Don’t treat me differently as deep down I’m still here - it’s still me!

At times I try to say something, but it’s hard to utter the right words,

Be patient with me, hug me and forgive me when I release emotional outbursts.

There might be instances when I keep repeating myself or stare at a clock,

Come and sit with me, cuddle me, reassure me - forget me not!

When I get agitated and find it hard to sleep at night,

Speak to me softly, hold my hand gently and tell me that everything’s gonna be alright!

I enjoy the outdoors where I can see flowers, trees and the sea which I prefer most,

Don’t leave me, stand beside me, as I get scared if I get lost.

Don’t ask me to tell you what day it is, ‘cos no matter how hard I try to remember, I cannot,

However recall those times when I taught YOU the names of the days of the week, so forget me not!

Sometimes I find it hard to look after myself ‘cos I forgot how,

Please don’t shout at me or scold me as this is how I am now.

When I don’t eat please help me, don’t tell me off and make me cry,

Be compassionate, understand me and do praise me when I try.

Life can be hard, so let’s enjoy the happy times as I don’t know how many moments together we’ve got,

Look after me, make me happy and when the parting time comes, forget me not!

16/06/2026

A possible future night out but remember you will be paying all costs incurred

CENTRAL AREA SOCIAL



MONMORE GREEN GREYHOUND RACING NIGHT PLUS THREE COURSE DINNER Sutherland Road, Wolverhampton WV2 2JJ, SATURDAY, 15 AUGUST 2026

Doors open: 5.30 p.m.

First Race: 6.14 p.m.

Last Race: 9.39 p.m.

Last Orders at the Bar: 10.45 p.m.



The tickets for the evening including the three-course meal, race card and table service betting cost £35 each, but Foresters are offering these to members at £25 per person or £30 non-members (limited ticket availability on first come first served basis)

Guests will be shown to their tables on arrival and orders for your meal taken after you are seated (tables are allocated by venue staff and parties wanting to sit together cannot be guaranteed). Anyone with special dietary requirements need to contact Sue at least five days before the event. There will be approximately 12 races on the night and race cards will be provided on the evening. Bets start from £1 per race (all bets are CASH ONLY) and the venue offers table service for these.

To book please email [email protected]

16/06/2026

Some of our members live near Leek. But remember you will be responsible for all costs incurred

Tuesday Lunch Club is Back

Looking for good food and great company?

Join Leek Court 2005 Foresters Friendly Society tomorrow (Tuesday) 16th June at Leek Town Football Club for our regular Lunch Club!

Here is what’s on the menu this week:

Main: Delicious Chicken or Veggie Curry served with fluffy Naan Bread.
Dessert: Classic Jam and Cream Scones.

The Details:
Tuesday, June 16th at 11:45 AM
Leek Town Football Club

Cost: Only £6 for Leek Court 2005 members or £8 for non-members (Everyone is welcome!)

Spaces are limited, so make sure to save your spot at the table!

To book, please call Sharon +44 7814 617536.

See you there!

Adrian. Court 2005 Secretary.