Saltstone Caring, held its first annual president’s lunch on Friday, March 3 at Thurlestone Hotel.

The president, Elizabeth Bewley-Jones, well-known local personality and a founder member of Saltstone Caring, introduced the speaker Dr Sarah Wollaston MP to more than 80 guests.

The audience appreciated an enlightening address on the topic of "building a

dementia friendly society".

A lively discussion ensued, which resulted in some practical suggestions. One of which was as an idea to introduce a `slow lane` in supermarkets, thereby allowing more time for those feeling pressed by the necessity to proceed at a faster pace than is comfortable for them.

Dr Wollaston highlighted the fact that colour-coding is used in some settings to help people with memory loss to find their way around.

Kingsbridge is currently working towards being recognised as a “dementia friendly town”, so the information exchanged during the occasion will undoubtedly be of use and inspirational.

Dr Wollaston said: "Saltstone Caring do an amazing job supporting people across our community. I enjoyed the opportunity to catch up with volunteers and supporters to share views on the future of health and social care, and especially to hear about the challenges facing those living with dementia and their carers.”

The event raised an amazing total of £1,176.50 for the charity.

The top prize of a £200 voucher for Brittany Ferries was won by Kingsbridge resident Val King.

The charity would like to thank everybody who attended and purchased draw tickets.

Saltstone Caring is a Kingsbridge-based charity providing a free befriending service to local people in need of support.

For enquiries or donations, please contact Saltstone Caring, Room 9, Quay House, Kingsbridge TQ9 1DZ.

Alternatively, please email [email protected], telephone 01548 854588 or visit their website at www.saltstonecaring.co.uk.