Newark Dementia Carers’ Group appeal for games to be replaced after Newark Flowserve closure

A dementia carers’ group is appealing for donations after having to leave their equipment behind when forced to quit their last meeting place.

Newark Dementia Carers’ Group met at Newark Flowserve until it closed in May, and have not been able to collect their belongings.

They lost a set of indoor cricket equipment, dominoes, two sets of skittles and a half-size table tennis table.

Ken Daubney, 87, who founded the group, is now appealing for any table games suitable for people to play, such as card games.

He said: “We are not the only people that lost out. We lost what equipment we had.

“We have always provided as many activities as we could. What we are dealing with is providing something for the carer’s to take part in and giving them some time out.”

Some of the lost equipment had been bought by the group, while other items were donated from other organisations, including from Staythorpe Electricity Sports and Social Club when it closed in 2016.

Ken started the group in 2014 because his late wife had dementia and he wanted to support both those with the condition and their carers’.

He said table games were important to the group, as some members are not as mobile as others.

“We will try and find as many things that they are able to do while they can do it, such as table games,” Ken said.

The group now meets at Balderton Village Centre on Mondays, 1.30pm to 3.30pm.