EVERYTHING from comic books to pre-decimal coinage comes under discussion at the Memory Tree group.

There was some lively chat around the table when I attended a recent gathering at Idle Baptist Church hall.

Memory Tree is a reminiscence group for people with dementia. Using friendly chat and hands-on activities, the idea is to stimulate discussion and spark memories. When I arrived, the group was talking about Armistice Day, which was about to take place, and the significance of the poppy.

They went on to make an advent calendar, using colourful cut-out numbers, a baking tray and chocolates, leading to a discussion about sweets from times past. “Parma Violets and Yorkshire Mixtures - who remember those?” says Bob Hutton, reminiscence group leader. “I liked Pontefract cakes,” smiles one lady in the group.

“We had a recent discussion about the old ‘penny tray’. This led to a chat about old money, and what was on coins,” says Bob. “One subject often leads to another, it unlocks memories.”

Memory Tree was set up by Dr Elizabeth Anderson in 2011 as part of the Community Interest Charity. It was originally the Tuesday Club at St Peter’s Church in Shipley. When carers were unable to attend meetings, because there was nobody to look after their loved ones at home, Elizabeth came up with the idea of bringing the two groups together, and the ‘Time Together, Time Apart’ format took place.

“We start with ‘Time Together’ - everyone meets up in a relaxed cafe setting, for coffee and biscuits, then we split into two groups for ‘Time Apart’,” says Bob.

‘Time Apart’ offers tailored activities for people with dementia and peer support for carers. The reminiscence group meets in one room and carers get together in another room.

Memory Tree embodies the Dementia Friends concept; meeting the needs of people with dementia in communities.

“This group was set up in September 2013 through Dementia Friends Idle meetings,” says Elizabeth.”The Reverend Tony Taylor, minister of Idle Baptist Church, and local councillors worked towards getting some kickstart funding for a local group.

“Our main funder for 2016 has been Awards for All. We can apply for continuation funding next year. Rotary Club of Greengates and Idle has paid our room hire for last two years."

Adds Elizabeth: "As well as the memory group, it’s a chance for carers to share experiences and help each other through the maze of finding the right kind of care.”

Darren Parr, ward officer for Bradford Council’s Neighbourhood Services worked with local councillors and the Alzheimer’s Society on identifying a need for the group in Idle. It was set up initially with £4,000 of council funding. “Idle became Dementia Friendly about three years ago. This group meets a big need in this community,” says Darren.

The reminiscence group covers a range of subjects. “We have different themes, and we keep it topical," says Bob. "We walk about things like Wash Day on a Monday, and for Bonfire Night we talked about fireworks and the food people have at that time of year. We use objects so it’s tactile; if we talk about old money, for example, we’ll pass coins around so people can feel them and look at the designs.

“Soon we’ll be making Christmas hats. We keep it jolly.”

Bob got involved after he retired. "I saw Elizabeth give a talk about dementia. I went on a training session and joined her Shipley group," he says.

The carers group is led by Chris McDermott, whose late wife had dementia. He got involved with Memory Tree after spotting a voluntary opportunity advertised in the Telegraph & Argus. “I did a three-month course on helping people in the community, then I came here,” he says.

“I lost my wife to dementia eight years ago. I had a stroke while I was looking after her, brought on by the stress. After she died I had depression. I know what the carers here are going through because I’ve been there too. The group offers a supportive, comforting environment where people can share experiences and talk through problems. It helps to know you’re not alone. Some people break down, it’s a chance to offload and open up. It’s an hour of respite, away from being a carer.

“It’s about fun and friendship too. There are tears and laughter in the carers group, we’re like a little family.”

For Eric Hocks of Idle, the group has been invaluable. “My wife, Irene, has dementia and can’t communicate. It can feel isolating, being a carer,” he says. “I enjoy coming here and meeting up with other carers who are going through similar experiences. This is a lovely, friendly group.”

* The Memory Tree runs at Idle Baptist Church the second and fourth Tuesday of the month, 10.30am-1.30pm; Kirkgate Community Centre, Shipley, second and fourth Wednesday, 10.30am-12.15pm; Aldersgate Methodist Church, Low Moor, first and third Wednesday, 10.30am-12noon; and Keighley Shared Church Hall, second and fourth Friday,1.45pm-3.30pm.

* For more information call Dr Elizabeth Anderson on (01274) 583364, email elizabeth@thememorytree.org.uk or visit thememorytree.org.uk