Garden Project

Early in 2008 a group of our church members met up at an ‘Away Day’, during which we discussed our church’s mission within the town.  A gap in the needs of care of those living with dementia was identified and three of our members – Trevor, Horace and Ruth – offered to investigate this to see how our church could help.   

In November, 2008, after much research, a public meeting was called to consider the needs of those locally diagnosed with dementia, and their carers.  A committee was then formed with representatives of local organisations and churches called The Wymondham Pabulum Café Committee.

The first Café was held in March 2009 with six persons with dementia and their carers attending following a period of fund raising with support from Norfolk Community Foundation; The Geoffrey Watling Charity and Wymondham Town Council linked to free use of Fairland Church Centre for the first six months of service.

The style of the Café provides a friendly meeting place  where those with dementia, their carers, family members and other interested parties (e.g. health and social care professionals) can come together and receive support, guidance and information in a relaxed atmosphere whilst enjoying refreshments

Pabulum Garden

Behind our church we had a narrow piece of land which had no practical use to us as a church and we were approached by Pabulum organisers who asked whether it could be used as a garden for those attending the cafes.

During the summer and autumn of 2015 volunteers started working to create a safe Dementia Friendly Garden. Initially ground had to be cleared and the old stone wall to the church yard repaired – the latter utilising the skills of one of the volunteers.  The project was led by another volunteer Tony, who spent many hours creating what is now a wonderful garden benefiting from his woodworking skills. The whole team of volunteers and members turned this uneven waste ground into a wheelchair friendly garden that includes raised flower beds.

In July 2016 the garden was officially opened by Pabulum’s Patron The Lady Dannatt MBE and a sunny day was enjoyed by all.

The garden continues to be looked after by a small, dedicated team of Pabulum volunteers and it is thanks to them that it continues to be enjoyed.

Although, as a church, we are not involved in looking after this garden, we feel blessed that we have been able to contribute in some way to the work and life of the Dementia Cafe.