Thought For The Day – Monday 22^nd September 2025

What are (y)our memories?

From our earliest moments, we begin to develop memories of moments in life, whether they be positive, very challenging or somewhere in between.

Memories are both very deeply personal and so profoundly collective.

We hope your time at T.B.S.H.S. creates many happy memories for yourself and others.

It was very good to see some former students, now parents, at Prospective Parents’ Evening.  On this Open Evening, current student leaders, staff, and guests had another night to remember. “House Rugby” this Saturday, and everything else this coming week, will create more memories and moments.

Memory is important.    Important for examinations and tests.  Important for life.  Important for respect and morals.  We never forget.  In so many ways, memory links to honesty and integrity.  Keeping people, past, present, and future,  in our thoughts, and actions, is often the greatest gift that can be given and the ultimate tribute to their legacy.

Unfortunately,  through challenging illness, or traumatic accident, some people lose their short and/or long-term memory.  This is very challenging beyond words for them and for their families and friends.  Illnesses, such as Alzheimer’s and Dementia, affect irreplaceable nerve cells in the brain and lead to the loss of functions such as memory, language, perception, thinking, and problem-solving.  1 in 3 people in the U.K. develop Dementia.  Sufferers, and all who care for them, whether they be family members,  health care professionals and research scientists, show massive resilience in such very challenging circumstances.

Our very deepest thoughts are with all who suffer.  The true test of any community and society is how it cares for, and values,  the most vulnerable citizens and people.

Yesterday, Sunday 21st September, was World Alzheimer’s and Dementia Day. The symbol of The Alzheimer’s Society is a “forget-me-not” flower.

We do not forget the person, and their memories,  beyond any illness.

The theme of the global day for 2025 was “Ask About Dementia. Ask About Alzheimer’s.” This theme emphasizes the importance of asking questions, starting conversations and noticing if someone is not feeling quite right.  All vital life advice generally, whatever the challenge, circumstance or condition.  Look out for others.  Look out for ourselves.

The Dementia charity “Playlist For Life” uses music to support people with dementia.  The charity’s “National Playlist Day” encourages people to choose their memorable music. The soundtrack of and to life.

Music touches the soul. Music evokes memories of an emotion, a time,  a place and a people.    Thank you to Mr. Emery and the Music department for their enrichment of our lives at T.B.S.H.S. through performance and sound.

Whilst, as we commence “Languages Week” at T.B.S.H.S., with continued, and equal,  very grateful appreciation to Mr. Alexander and all who teach Languages and Language,  we remember that memories are so often shared in words and through cultures.

In a very moving interview, the legendary former men’s football player and manager Sir Alex Ferguson, from Govan in Glasgow, Scotland,  whose brother has been diagnosed with dementia, and who is now an ambassador for the charity “Playlist For Life”,  talked with “BBC Breakfast”  last week about this wonderful charity and his memorable life. This is rooted in memories of roots, family, people, work, sport, music,  values and always resiliently and respectfully responding to challenges: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zoGhYMMiVno

What would be your own top five songs on your “Playlist For Life”?

We treasure our memories.

We treasure the memories of others.

Sir Alex’s team talk and values:  https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/videos/c33drpxr7keo