WOODLANDS Park Primary School presented a cheque for more than £660 to the Memory Cafe in Ivybridge earlier this month.

The money was raised at Woodfest, a community music festival held in June in Ivybridge, attended by 500 people.

The event was organised by Debbie Down, a music specialist at Woodlands Park School, who is involved in linking music to memory.

The pupils at the school worked alongside members of the Memory Cafe in workshops, before performing at Woodfest with other members of the community.

When somebody suffers from dementia, musical memories are some of the last memories to be lost, so music can play an important role in reconnecting with the past.

Further workshops will continue in September with a new group of children who love music and helping others.

A cheque for £662.20 was presented to Colin Allum, a co-ordinator of the charity during the last workshop of the year.

Ivybridge Memory Cafe is open to anyone worried about their memory, worried about someone else’s memory or affected by dementia.

The cafe provides practical information and support, as well as the opportunity for people with dementia, their families and carers to ask questions and to listen to others’ experiences.

It also offers an informal and social environment in which to learn new skills, undertake meaningful activities and listen to guest speakers.

The group meet between 2pm and 4pm, every other Wednesday at the Sportsman’s Inn, Exeter Road, Ivybridge.

For further information, visit the website www.ivybridgecaring.co.uk.