First opening its doors in 2017 at BBOWT’s Nature Discovery Centre, the Nature Memories Café provides a supportive space for West Berkshire residents living with dementia, together with their loved ones and carers. The free drop-in sessions are run by staff and volunteers who are on-hand to welcome and chat with guests, and help them with nature-themed crafts and activities.

Following its necessary closure in the wake of the 2020 lockdowns, the café was initially unable to reopen due to a lack of funding. However, thanks to the generosity of local and national charitable trusts and individual donors, who have so far provided funding to cover over a year of sessions, the café was able to open its doors once more this autumn.

Suzanne Adamantos, Mayor of Thatcham, attended a recent session along with Deputy Mayor Petra Pemberton. 

Suzanne Adamantos said:
“The first thing that struck me as I walked in was how many people were here, and that just shows the need for places like this. People I’ve spoken to have said how much they value the opportunity to get out and socialise, to do something different and see different people – as much for the carers as well as those who are living with dementia. They need the chance to be with people who understand what they’re going through and to be able to talk about that. Everyone is just really grateful that this is happening.”

One guest, who has attended on several occasions, said:
“There are lots of activities such as drawing to get involved with, but the talking is most important. You meet people here and they chat to you, and it’s a really good session. It’s well supported and we love it here. We’ve told two or three others about these sessions and encouraged them to join, and I was pleased to see them walk in today!”

Hosted in the scenic Lakeside room at the Centre, sessions have included nature-themed activities such as decorating terracotta pots and planting bulbs. Another session themed around Apple Day provided the opportunity for guests to use an apple press and enjoy the fresh juice from a variety of apples.

An upcoming festive session will take place on Tuesday 17 December, with a chance for guests to reflect on their childhood Christmas experiences, accompanied by music, board games and festive treats.

BBOWT’s Nature Memories Officer, Jone Ayres, said:
“We always have a range of activities for our guests, but if they’re happy to just have a chat around the table with some coffee and lovely piece of home-baked cake, that’s great! We have such beautiful natural surroundings, and you can see people visibly relaxing - the smiles on their faces speak volumes. I’ve only heard positivity so far, and it’s heart-warming for myself and for my brilliant volunteers. I’d reassure anyone who’s interested that you can feel at home with us, safe in the knowledge that we know your situation and everybody is in the same boat – you’ll find friends here.”

Book your free place

The café runs on the third Tuesday of each month between 10.30am-12.30pm. To book your free place, please visit bbowt.org.uk/events, or contact ndc@bbowt.org.uk.

BBOWT will be fundraising in 2025 to enable the Nature Memories Café to continue. If you would like to support the sessions financially, please contact jennymccallum@bbowt.org.uk.

The Nature Memories Café is funded in its entirety by charitable trusts and individual donors. BBOWT are very grateful for the support of Alpkit Foundation, Berkshire Masonic Charity, Colefax Charitable Trust, Englefield Charitable Trust, Greenham Trust, Helianthus Charitable Trust, The Joe & Rosa Frenkel Charitable Trust, McLay Dementia Trust, Thatcham Nursing Society, Thatcham Relief in Need Fund, Thatcham Town Council, and individual donors.