A POIGNANT play about dementia will be performed at Idle Working Men’s Club in memory of a longterm member who had the condition.

The Last Memory is inspired by the real life story of a daughter caring for her father. The play, by Bradford playwright, Alan Stockdill, uses stories, letters and memories to explore the moving, occasionally funny experiences of Catherine Pasek and her late father, Edwin Harrison.

In the play, Catherine plays Lynne, who looks after her father, Ernest. Diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease, he wants to leave an imprint of who he is, and wants Lynne to be the keeper of his memories.

Catherine’s parents both had dementia and died within six weeks of each other, in 2016. She said the play was “written from the heart”.

“Despite the situation, we aim to show how it’s possible to extract joy from the pain and laughter from the tears,” she added.

The play, by Talking Stock Productions, will be performed this weekend in tribute to the late George Kneeshaw, a well known figure in Idle. Born in the village, he lived there all his life and was a member of Idle Working Men’s Club for more than 70 years, for many years as club president.

“Although he had vascular dementia in his last two years, and was looked after at Beckfield Care Home, he still managed to enjoy evenings with his family and many friends at the club before passing away earlier this year,” said Catherine. “The performance is free, with a donation. Proceeds will go to support The Memory Tree @Idle, which works with people who have dementia and their carers.”

The Memory Tree, founded in 2012, supports families affected by dementia; providing reminiscence sessions for people with the condition, and respite for carers. There is a network of five Memory Clubs in the Bradford district, at Idle, Shipley, Keighley, Low Moor and Burley-in-Wharfedale.

Founder, Elizabeth Anderson said: “Memory Clubs were developed from consultation with local carers. We found there was a particular need for support groups meeting locally on a regular basis - carers also said they would value a bit of time apart from their loved one with other carers, so all our Memory Clubs use our ‘Time Together - Time Apart’ structure. People come together and enjoy relaxed chat and tea/coffee in the first part, and in the second part we divide into two groups - a reminiscence group for the people with dementia and peer support group for the carers. We are thrilled that Talking Stock are supporting us.”

* The Last Memory is at Idle Working Men’s Club on Sunday at 6pm. Call (01274) 613602.

* For more about Memory Tree call (01274) 583364 or visit thememorytree.org.uk