Community Care

PUZZLE POWER

Puzzles are such a great way to stay busy and mentally stimulated, there are lots to choose from, but we are going to focus on jigsaw puzzles. Jigsaws are relatively cheap, easy to get hold of; available from book, charity and stationery shops (plus picking one up from your village or town will help local businesses too) and of course, there are plenty of options to buy online. While puzzles benefit people of all ages, the benefits of jigsaws are especially noticeable for older people.

Studies have shown that doing jigsaw puzzles can improve cognition and visualspatial reasoning. The act of putting the pieces of a puzzle together requires concentration and improves short-term memory and problem solving. According to Harvard Health Publishing building a healthy cognitive reserve can potentially help reduce the risk of developing dementias like Alzheimer’s disease. Physiotherapists working with older people have noted how the small, precise movements required when doing a jigsaw are beneficial especially when people do not have many opportunities to use their hands in daily activities. And because a jigsaw is so focused it is naturally relaxing to the mind and body and a good way to help stay calm and reduce anxiety.

Jigsaw puzzles are also a great way to reminisce and look back on happy memories either on your own or with a friend or family member. There are such a huge variety of subjects, scenes and landscapes printed onto puzzle pieces. I recently bought a jigsaw for myself that featured characters from the TV shows of my childhood it was great to bring it to life and remember with fondness Mr Ben, Bagpuss, The Adventures of Parsley the Lion and The Wombles! I then passed it on to my brother and sister-inlaw who enjoyed putting it together with their children who couldn’t quite believe what we all used to watch when we were young.

We can pick up puzzles that feature our favourite places too, the locations of where we used to visit for days out and the destinations of our family holidays. There are even nostalgia puzzles with scenes of films from years gone by, royal celebrations and comic books. It is also possible to have our own personal images printed onto jigsaw pieces, for example, a family portrait, a much-loved pet or a special memory such as a wedding.

Whether you puzzle alone, share it with family or friends, decide to puzzle in one go or spread it over days and weeks you will benefit in so many ways – give it a go!

Karen Perry Founder, alice chilton In-Home Care Services www.alicechilton.com www.alicechiltoncleaning.co.uk

Club News

BRAMHALL GOLF CLUB SOCIAL NEWS

The social scene at Bramhall is the very fabric that makes this club a fantastic place to be a member. June saw the welcome return of the larger social events that follow the major competitions. Lady Captains Day which was followed by the very well attended Ladies Captains Party got things off to a cracking start. The ladies at Bramhall certainly know how to let their hair down. Following this just a couple of weeks ago towards the end of July the club welcomed Presidents Weekend with our President hosting the weekend in emphatic style. The Friday saw the return of the snake competition which hasn’t been played for a few years. This is a very social event which includes teams of 6 pitting the wits against each other over a cross country style 4-hole course. (Drinking is optional, although possibly expected). I can honestly say this is fantastic fun and the entry fee from all competitors was donated to the Lady Captain and Captain’s charity, St Anns Hospice.

Saturday was the beginning of the two-day competition. There were some great scores, and it left the competitors with a quandary as the social event was scheduled for Saturday evening. A Mixed, relaxed environment to include a BBQ and entertainment, was organised by the President. What a night it was! As Singer and Entertainer Aaron Welby thrilled the crowd the hopes and dreams of some of the competitors faded with each passing drink that was consumed. It is safe to say that Sunday morning brought some sore heads, some regretful looks and some interesting second day scoring. The event was superb and just goes to show the camaraderie felt within Bramhall’s membership. Captain fancy dresss The Jubilee was played on the last weekend of July having been cancelled on its original date due to poor weather. The weather didn’t disappoint, Presidents Evening and the scoring was fantastic. Lady Vice Captain and Mr Vice Captain laid on a great event and the BBQ style menu running along side the lionesses winning the Euro’s made for a great atmosphere in the bar during the presentation. At the end of September, we held our annual Captains AmAm. the day was a great success and we raised over £4,500 for St Ann’s Hospice. It has been fantastic to see the club so full and vibrant after the last few years and just emphasises that despite all that has transpired, Presidents Winner we are still social creatures at heart. Anthony Herbert General Manager Bramhall Golf Club

Platinum Jubilee Prize Table