Thought For The Day – Tuesday 24^th September 2024

At the end of last academic year, in a unique event, many former staff and students returned to TBSHS on London Road, our former home,  to remember, and share, inspiring memories.

For a special moment, past, present and future were combined. 

Now we are creating new positive and memories at Beaumont Avenue each and every day.

For an important part of life is creating positive and wonderful memories, memorable moments, for ourselves and, even more importantly, for others.  Spreading the love.

But we know that some memories can be very difficult.   Some memories can be very challenging and beyond traumatic. 

Our last ever guest speaker at London Road in July 2024 was Hannah Lewis M.B.E.  Hannah is pictured above, when she also visited in 2023.   Hannah, now 87 years of age,  spoke with Year 10 and Year 12 students last academic year. Hannah talked of the memory, when Hannah was seven,  of  seeing her mum being shot and killed by the Nazis, after her mum gave up her life for Hannah.  Hannah’s family, and millions of others, were the victims of evil and negative prejudice and discrimination.

Hannah once said she learnt to “live alongside” her experience.  Hannah learnt English, moved to and settled in Britain, worked, married, had children and grandchildren.  Hannah talked and shared.  She was loved and she loved. Hannah is loved and still loves.  Hannah continues to share her story, which is very challenging and emotional for her to tell,  for it is her life not an impersonal  script, to make the world a better place.  To be with, speak to, hear and see Hannah today you would not think Hannah had this beyond traumatic experience and memory.  Hannah continues the truly inspirational legacy of her angelic and heavenly mother.  And the outstanding love of her father.   

Some people lose their short and/or long term memory.  This is so very challenging beyond words for them and their families.

Illnesses, such as Alzheimer’s and Dementia, can affect and destroy 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 or researching scientists, show massive resilience in such very challenging circumstances. 

Saturday 21^st September was World Alzheimer’s and Dementia Day.

The symbol of the Alzheimer’s Society, pictured below,  is a “forget-me-not” flower.

The Dementia charity “Playlist For Life” uses music to support people with dementia.  The charity’s “National Playlist Day” encourages people to choose memorable music. The power of music. The power of care.  The power of love.  

In a very moving interview, former football player and manager Sir Alex Ferguson talked with “BBC Breakfast” last week about this wonderful charity and his memorable life, rooted in memories, people, music,  sport and values: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3DF9Zch6aao

5 songs, 5 memories:  https://www.playlistforlife.org.uk/sir-alex-fergusons-personalised-playlist/  What would be on your five song playlist?