1. art and entertainment
2. books and literature

Reminiscence
Resources
December 2014
eastsussex.gov.uk
1
Contents
Introduction ..............................................................................................................................................3
Reminiscence training and activity books .................................................................................................4
Collections of memories ...........................................................................................................................7
Pictures to Share ......................................................................................................................................8
Music ........................................................................................................................................................9
DVDs and Videos ...................................................................................................................................11
Exercise .................................................................................................................................................12
Pictures ..................................................................................................................................................13
Photocards ....................................................................................................................................... 113
Newspapers ........................................................................................................................................15
Documents .........................................................................................................................................15
Posters ...............................................................................................................................................16
Photographs .......................................................................................................................................16
Books..................................................................................................................................................17
Games....................................................................................................................................................18
Jigsaw puzzles .......................................................................................................................................21
Reminiscence Boxes ..............................................................................................................................22
Useful links .............................................................................................................................................26
2
Introduction
What are ‘reminiscence resources’?
Books, music, films, photocards, or objects which help to re-awaken people’s memories of their
experiences and lives.
Who are they for?
They can be used for working with older people and adults or children with disabilities, either in
a group setting or one-to-one. The materials are available to borrow free of charge to any library
member.
What is available?
Reminiscence activity books and training guides
Pictures
Games
Quizzes
Music and films
Jigsaws, including those with large, easy-to-handle pieces
Objects
How can I borrow items?
You need to be a library member to borrow items. It is free to join the library.
Items are free to borrow but if they are not returned, or are returned damaged or incomplete,
then a replacement charge will be made.
The Reminiscence collection is held at Eastbourne Library. Some items are available to browse
in the Health and Wellbeing section on the first floor. Other materials are held in the store and
available on request. All materials can be ordered online, by phone or in person and collected
from your local East Sussex Library.
Eastbourne Library
Grove Road
Eastbourne
East Sussex BN21 4TL
Phone: 0345 60 80 196 and ask for Eastbourne Library
Email: [email protected]
Online: www.eastsussex.gov.uk/elibrary
Search the catalogue online and place a reservation with your library card number and PIN. You
can choose which branch to collect your items from. If you do not know your PIN please phone
0345 60 80 196.
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Reminiscence training and activity books
How to Make your Care Home Fun: Simple Activities for People of All Abilities by
Kenneth Agar
Principles of good practice in reminiscence work by B. Arigho
Book Therapy in dementia care by Helen J. Bate
Handbook accompanying the Pictures to Share series
Groupwork with the elderly by Mike Bender
Activity year book by Anni Bowden
Week by week themed activities that can be easily implemented for use in elderly
day and residential care
Reminiscing with people with dementia: a handbook for carers by E. Bruce, S. Hodgson
and Pam Schweitzer
Activity ideas for the budget minded by D. Cassistre
Communication Activities with adults by J. Comins
More than a game – a new focus on senior activity by B. Corbett
Hidden treasures: music and memory activities for people with Alzheimer’s by C.
Cordrey
The art activity manual by Marylyn Cropley
This title provides one hour session plans and enables group facilitators to find a fast, efficient
and cost-effective way of meeting individual needs within an art group setting.
An hour before teatime by Jenny De Robeck
Written by an experienced Occupational Therapist this book has quizzes, activities and short
stories to fill an hour.
Keeping busy: a handbook of activities for persons with dementia by J.R. Dowling
Crafts in therapy and rehabilitation by M. Drake
Creative writing in group work by Robin Dynes
Memory games for groups by Robin Dynes
Practical handbook featuring 80 adaptable games and covering any issues that may arise.
The non-competitive activity book by Robin Dynes
Reminiscence puzzle book by Robin Dynes
Creative ideas: an activity organiser’s handbook by J. Fawdrey
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Validation: the Feil method by N. Feil
The senior moments memory workout by Tom Friedman – NEW!
More than 100 engaging exercises and anecdotes.
Reminscence and recall: a practical guide to reminiscence work by F. Gibson
Memories are made of this: reminiscence activities for person centred care by Julie
Heathcote, Alzheimer’s Society
Easy to follow guide provides suggestions, templates and handy hints for simple activities either
one-to-one or in groups.
Exploring the past: a practical guide to working with the memories of people with
Learning Disabilities by Sarah Housden – NEW!
This book provides a manual for working with memory in groups and individually, and includes a
chapter on working with people with learning disabilities who also have dementia.
Reading for elderly people by S. Hoy
The Successful Activity Co-ordinator by R. Hurtley
A learning resource for activity and care staff engaged in developing an active care home
Down memory lane: topics and ideas for reminiscence by Beckie Karras
Over 60 themed activity sessions for reminiscence groups.
Finishing lines by Beckie Karras – NEW!
Everyone loves to fill in the blanks. With this new original trivia book, your group will
have over 2,000 chances to complete famous quotes, song and book titles, movies and
TV names, proverbs, slang, rhymes, slogans, and similes.
Finishing words by Beckie Karras - NEW!
Players are challenged to complete words instead of sentences; eg. Words beginning with
CAT – a herd of cows = cattle. Words ending with CAT – someone who imitates everything
you do = copycat
Say it with music! Music games and trivia by Beckie Karras
A collection of music games and trivia quizzes. There are activities for those who are
trained musicians and for those without any musical background.
Workbook for memory skills by B. Kennedy
Reminiscence word games and puzzles by K. Kilpatrick
Book of activities by Sally Knocker, Alzheimer’s Society
An exciting resource that takes a fresh look at supporting people with dementia in any care
setting.
Recollections of the 1950’s by M. King
Time to remember: introducing reminiscence into elderly care by V. McLean
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A little, aloud: an anthology of prose and poetry for reading aloud to someone you care
for by Angela Macmillan
Collection of themed extracts, short stories and poems, complete with discussion points. Ideal
for reading aloud to a group or with an individual. See also our ‘Great books to read aloud’
list, available on request (contact details at front of catalogue).
Handbook of indoor social activities by F. Mercer
Good practice guide to therapeutic activities with older people in care settings produced
by NAPA (National Association of Providers of Activities for Older People)
Lifetimes: a handbook of memories and ideas by C. Osborn
Quiz book for groups: famous people by T. Payne
Wellbeing in Dementia: an occupational approach for therapists and carers by T. Perrin,
Elizabeth Anderson and Hazel May
Write on: starting out in creative writing by T. Perrin
Worksheet to copy with basic creative writing exercises.
The reminiscence skills training handbook by Anne Rainbow
Easy to use guide about how to set up and run individual and group activities.
We can do IT too: using computers in activity programmes for people with dementia by
N. Savitch and V. Stokes
Includes CD-Rom
Age Exchanges: reminiscence projects for children and older people by Pam Schweitzer
Remembering Yesterday, Caring Today: Reminiscence in Dementia Care by Pam
Schweitzer and Errollynn Bruce
Reminiscence Quiz Book by M. Sherman
Covering the years 1930 to 1969, it draws on memories and experiences of daily life and recalls major
events and celebrities.
Reminiscence: social and creative activities with people in care by R. Sim
What do you know: trivia fun and activities for seniors by T. Sumrall
Groupwork activities by D. Walsh
Collection of practical activities and ideas to use with all groups of elderly people.
Memory Bank Resource packs: DVD and book with discussion ideas
Fetes, Fairs and Fireworks
Holidays
Schooldays
Sporting Fun
Working Life
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Collections of memories
Memories of a Working River edited by Pam Schweitzer and Charles Wegner
The recollections of older Londoners who have lived by and worked on the River Thames.
Goodnight Children Everywhere – Memories of Evacuation in WWII edited by Pam
Schweitzer
A remarkable collection of first hand experiences of evacuation in the Second World War.
A Place to Stay – Memories of Pensioners from Many Lands
A unique collection of reflections by elders from many ethnic groups who have settled in Britain. Their frank
and often poignant stories re told in English and in the speakers’ original languages: Chinese,
Hindi,
Guajarati, Punjabi, Greek, Turkish, Polish and Italian.
Our Lovely Hops – Memories of Hop-Picking in Kent
Memories of hop-picking in Kent, plus over 100 delightful photos of work and play ‘down hopping’.
Photographic memories: Hazel and Jeff (DVD) by WRVS Heritage Plus
Memories of the 1950s and 60s from Hazel and Jeff Horsnell, includes memories of Saltdean
Butlins.
Photographic memories: Reuben, Ann and Jean (DVD) by WRVS Heritage Plus
Memories include the 1930s in Peacehaven, 1940s and the 2000s.
The Childhood Notebooks by WRVS Heritage Plus
Memories from the 1930s-1960s recorded in Hastings Old Town.
Life in our times by WRVS Heritage Plus
Short memories including school days, childhood and travel.
Life in our times II by WRVS Heritage Plus
Longer memories including WWII, gardening, evacuation and hop picking. Recorded in St
Leonards-on-Sea.
Living memory: a creative writing anthology and workbook by WRVS Heritage Plus
Created out of life history writing courses in Newhaven and Peacehaven. Includes writing
exercises.
The working lives of residents of Rathan Court, Newhaven by WRVS Heritage Plus
Memories and photographs about the topic of employment, created out of reminiscence
sessions at a sheltered housing complex in Newhaven. Experiences include a woman working
as a chef during WWII, the printing trade and engineering.
The Old Familiar Faces: Poems on the Experience of Ageing by S. Oldfield and G. Shaw
Written from memory: an audiobook of creative writing (audio CD)
Stories written and recorded in Newhaven and Peacehaven.
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Pictures to Share
Pictures to Share are illustrated books and DVDs designed specifically for people with dementia and
their carers. They are based on general themes so that the carer can select a book that will particularly
interest an individual. They include a wide selection of powerful, colourful and attractive images and texts
so that there is usually something that will engage anyone with a liking for reading, books or pictures.
The following themed books and DVDs are available, alongside a guide to using them:
Beside the seaside in pictures by Helen Bate
Childhood in pictures by Helen Bate
Countryside in pictures by Helen Bate
Funny old world in pictures by Helen Bate
In the garden in pictures by Helen Bate
Pets in pictures by Helen Bate
Proverbs and sayings in pictures by Helen Bate
Sporting Life in pictures by Helen Bate
Travelling in pictures by Helen Bate
Women’s work in pictures by Helen Bate
Work and leisure in pictures by Helen Bate
Book therapy in dementia care by Helen Bate
Work and leisure by Pictures to Share – DVD of still images and music that portray the ups and
downs of a life of work and holidays
Childhood by Pictures to Share – DVD of still images and music that portrays the memories and
delights of childhood
Support to use the books can also be downloaded here: www.picturestoshare.co.uk
Pictures to Share titles can also be found at your local library.
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Music
50 Classic Pub Songs
50 classic tunes for a good old knees up!
101 Songs You Know by Heart by John McSweeney (CD & DVD)
This compilation over 100 songs and is unique because it is produced in karaoki style. No need
for a microphone or Karaoki machine, just play the DVD and follow the words on screen, then
everyone can join in!
This type of music for older people is very popular, particularly with people with dementia and
it's an easy and instant activity that’s enjoyed by everyone.
16 page small lyric booklet included.
102 Songs You Know By Heart by John McSweeney (CD & DVD)
Another collection of favourite songs as above
Songs that won the war: 105 nostalgic favourites (2 CDs and Songbook)
Including: We'll meet again, Bless Em All, White Cliffs of Dover and Run Rabbit Run
20 greatest hits by Nat King Cole (CD) – NEW!
CD includes A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square, It’s Only a Paper Moon and Straighten Up
and Fly Right.
Abide with me: 50 favourite hymns (CD) – NEW!
Includes Praise my soul the King of heaven, Dear Lord and father of mankind and Love divine
all loves excelling.
Eldersong bingo (CD)
Contains CD, Large Print bingo cards, laminated song list, dry wipe pen and full instructions.
English country dawn: restful, natural sounds (CD)
To aid relaxation
Frank Sinatra Karaoke: croon-a-long to the songs of Frank Sinatra - DVD
Forever by Cliff Richard (CD) – NEW!
Classics including Living doll, As time goes by and That’ll be the day.
I hear memories by Beckie Karras (CD)
Familiar sounds to identify and discuss memories
I hear music by Beckie Karras (CD)
CD, pictures and questions to stimulate discussion. Produced in USA so some American bias.
Large print song book: words for 100 popular songs by Ffion Mercer
Words for 100 popular songs in Large Print (16pt). Includes traditional folk songs, old time
variety show choruses, World War II songs, hymns and Christmas carols.
Memories shared through song by Joan Palmer (CD)
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CD of well known songs spanning the century, plus booklet with fun and serious information
about the year the song was composed.
Musical Bingo (cd)
Game pack includes 2 CDs containing 40 songs; 20 individual game sheets; printable song list
and a guidance booklet
Musical bingo (cassette)
40 traditional songs on cassette, cards and counters for up to 20 players
Musical quiz (CD)
People listen to a few bars of a well-known tune or song and then try to identify it
Music and the older generation by Bill Bulman (book)
Handbook of practical suggestions for all carers and musicians who wish to introduce musical
activities into programmes with elderly people.
Pub Sing-a-long (CD) – NEW!
Pub Piano Sing-a-long (CD) – NEW!
All the old favourites on one CD – from Knees up Mother Brown to Wish me luck as you wave
me goodbye
Singalong favourites: 30 great nostalgic songs by Max Bygraves (CD) – NEW!
This CD includes Run Rabbit Run, Lili Marlene, Apple Blossom Time, Whispering Grass,
Bless ‘em All and many more.
Sounds Nostalgic: radio theme tunes from the 40s and 50s (cassette and CD)
Excerpts of famous radio themes for the BBC Archives. Can be used as a quiz or as a tool for
general discussion about the place of the radio in people’s lives.
Sounds Nostalgic: voices from the 40s and 50s (CD)
Compiled from the BBC Radio Archives containing famous voices including politicians, radio
broadcasters, royalty and show business personalities. Can be used as a quiz or as a tool for
general discussion about the place of the radio in people’s lives
Teenager in love: 90 non stop hits from way back when (CD) – NEW!
2 CDs of 1960s pop classics from the golden era pre-Beatles.
Ulverscroft large print song book (music edition)
Words and music in Large Print.
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Walk right back: 80 non stop hits from the best of times (CD) – NEW!
2 CDs of music from the early 1960s, pre-Beatles.
We’ll meet again: the very best of Vera Lynn (CD) – NEW!
Twenty tracks from the original forces sweetheart, including the nations favourite war time
songs 'We'll Meet Again', 'There'll Be Blue Birds Over The White Cliffs Of Dover' and 'As Time
Goes By'.
Words for you: the greatest poems, the finest voices, glorious music by various artists
(CD) – NEW!
Words For You is a stunning collection of 27 of the greatest poems of all time, read by 12 of the
best voices in British acting and set to the greatest classical music ever composed. For
example, combining William Shakespeare’s ‘Sonnet 18’ read by Joanna Lumley with
Beethoven’s Piano Sonata No. 8.
Videos
Library of 20th century newsreels
Golden years of British comedy: the 1940s
Golden years of British comedy: the 1950s
DVDs
British Comedy of the 40s, 50s and 60s
Ping Pong: never too old for gold:
Terry (81) having been given a week to live, gets in sight of winning gold. Inge
(89) has used table tennis to train her way out of the dementia ward she committed herself to. Australian legend Dorothy deLow is 100,
and finds herself a mega celebrity in this rarefied world and Texan Lisa Modlich, a new-comer at 85 years old, is determined to do
whatever it takes to win her first gold. This film is as much about the tenacity of the human spirit as it is a meditation on mortality.
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Exercise
Seatworks: keep fit whilst you sit (CD)
CD of seated exercises which concentrate on simple body movements.
Chair exercises: for senior adults (CD)
The routines on this recording are easy to follow and can be performed in, and even around the
chair. The music is a collection of old favorites from the 30s, 40s and 50s. Some of the tunes
included are: September In The Rain, Bye, Bye Blackird, Poor Butterfly, Ain't She Sweet, Tea
For Two and more. Narration provides easy to follow directions. Made in the USA.
Stay young with Eileen Fowler (video)
Gentle exercises and movement for frail people
This pack contains a book and 48 instruction cards which illustrate and describe specific
exercises. All exercises have been tried and tested and widely used with elderly people
including those who are confused or disabled.
Gently Does It (DVD)
Select from seated or standing exercises that are particularly suited for older people who are
less mobile
Welcome to Catherine MacRae’s gently fitness – you deserve to feel good! (DVD)
Gentle, mostly seated exercises using the fundamentals of yoga and t’ai chi
Move it or Lose it! Routine 1 (DVD)
Fitness programme aimed at older people wishing to stay active. The routine is carried out while
sitting down and works on all areas of the body
Move it or Lose it! Routine 2 (DVD)
Fitness programme aimed at older people wishing to stay active. The routine is carried out while
sitting down and works on all areas of the body
Chair Yoga (DVD)
Chair yoga is a revolutionary concept designed to make the numerous benefits of classical yoga
available to a wider range of physical abilities. This step-by-step program can be practiced by
virtually anyone, anywhere, in any chair, to stimulate physical and mental well-being
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Pictures
Photocards
Most sets of photocards have explanatory notes or booklets with suggestions for use.
Colourcards Animals and birds
Colourcards Home
Colourcards Food
Memory Joggers: Royalty 1940-1989
50 laminated cards
Memory Joggers: Entertainers 1940-1989
50 laminated cards, one entertainer for each year.
Famous faces: talking and remembering
50 portrait cards from post-war period to modern day, biographical information on reverse.
By-gone decades: Remembering the 30s (in pack with video)
Nostalgia -Then and now – Objects
Reminiscence cards
Grocery
Household treasures
25 postcards and shaped colour cards depicting original household or grocery items from the
first half of the twentieth century.
Post Office Pack
Cards featuring many common items you would find in your local Post Office 30 years or more
ago.
Many happy returns 1940s
A set of cards to share and enjoy with anyone who can remember the decade, complete with
the stories behind the images and useful conversation prompts.
Chatterbox 1950s
A set of cards to share and enjoy with anyone who can remember the decade, complete with
the stories behind the images and useful conversation prompts.
Garden reminiscence pack – NEW!
Set of reproduction advertisements, trade cards, brochures and newspapers.
Beatles reminiscence pack – NEW!
Set of reproduction concert tickets and programmes, fan club memorabilia, photographs and
other items.
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1950s household reminiscence pack – NEW!
Reproduction ration book, postcards, household bills, TV and radio brochure and other items.
1960s childhood reminiscence pack – NEW!
Set of reproduction advertisements, trade cards, Beatles concert ticket and a school report and
essay.
Seaside holiday reminiscence pack – NEW!
Reproduction items including postcards, entertainment programmes, railway handbill and hotel
leaflets.
Golden age of motoring reminiscence pack – NEW!
Reproduction items including Autocar magazine, car care booklets, tax disc, petrol coupons and
cigarette cards.
Christmas past reminiscence pack – NEW!
Reproduction items including Christmas Day TV listings, gift catalogue, panto programme and
children’s carol booklet.
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Newspapers
Newspaper posters
Ten large format posters, featuring exact reproductions of the front pages of newspapers reporting major
events between 1936 and 1981.
The Daily Mirror of your Decade: Books with front pages, headlines and photographs
Your Decade 1930s
Your Decade 1940s
Your Decade 1950s
Your Decade 1960s
Your Decade 1970s
Documents
Children in war: documents relating to the British home front 1939-45
Reproduction documents including letters from evacuees, an essay about air raids, leaflets,
posters and a child’s diary of the Blitz.
Home Front: documents relating to life in Britain 1939-45
Reproduction documents from the Second World War in wallet. Includes posters,
advertisements, letter from evacuee, map and evacuation label.
Home Front – sixty years on
Second World War resource pack produced by East Sussex Libraries
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Posters
Posters from the Home Front
Reproduction posters from WWII
Newspaper Posters
Ten large format posters, featuring exact reproductions of the front pages of newspapers
reporting major events between 1936 and 1981.
International posters
A3 laminated colour posters with images from a range of different countries. For discussion with
people born in other countries, or who may have travelled.
• Bangladesh
• India
• Punjab
• Pakistan
• West Indies
Photographs
Photographs of street scenes from the Local History Collection at Hastings Library
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Shops and traders
Street scenes
Fishing
Leisure
12 A3 laminated photographs per pack taken around Hastings and St Leonards. Images date
from approx. 1850-1920.
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Books
Britain in Pictures
Books of photographs of key events from a decade from the Press Association archives.
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The 1960s by Press Association, Ltd
The 1970s by Press Association, Ltd
The 1980s by Press Association, Ltd
The 1990s by Press Association, Ltd
The 1930s scrapbook by Robert Opie
Over 1,000 images from popular culture including Butlins holiday camps, sliced bread, royalty,
toys and games, foods and confectionary.
The wartime scrapbook: on the Home front 1939-1945 by Robert Opie
Images of song sheets, magazine covers, comic postcards, fashion and food, games, propaganda
posters and a wealth of wartime ephemera.
The 1950s scrapbook by Robert Opie
Over 1,000 images from popular culture including Dan Dare, the Mini, rock’n’roll and rationing.
The 1960s scrapbook by Robert Opie
Over 1,000 images from popular culture including Beatlemania, Twiggy, fashion and films.
The 1970s scrapbook by Robert Opie
Over 1,000 images from popular culture including glam rock. Discomania, film posters and
home furnishings.
The Victory Cookbook: Nostalgic Food and Facts from 1940-1954
by Marguerite Patten
This is a nostalgic look at the celebrations that marked the end of World War II, illustrated with
authentic photographs, illustrations and cartoons, giving an insight into the spirit and history of
the period.
You know you’re a child of the 50’s when…
Pin up your Marilyn Monroe poster, shake off your Teddy Boy jacket and be whisked back to the
fabulous fifties to discover if you are a true baby boomer
Fashion Ilustration: 1930-1970 by Marnie Fogg
Large illustrated book featuring popular fashions from over the decades.
Good Housekeeping: Best of the 1940’s
Lovingly selected from "Good Housekeeping's" archive, this nostalgic facsimile reproduction of the food,
fashion, fiction and fitness features that formed the backbone of Britain's wartime homemaking is sure to
delight and inspire.
The 70s: the decade that style forgot by Tracey Turner
Humorous images of 1970s fashion.
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Games
Giant scrabble
Reminiscence bingo
A game to improve social interaction, orientation, concentration and self-esteem.
Life histories game
This multi-purpose board game has been designed to aid reminiscing, individuals getting to
know each, facilitating the sharing of experiences and for people writing their life histories. It can
be played by 2-8 people, independently or supported by staff.
Treasured memories board game
Quiz based board game for 2-8 players
Nostalgia – board game
Quiz based board game for 2+ players
A very British quiz
9 uniquely British audio quiz games on CD to test your knowledge of British culture, hosted by
Brian Blessed.
Remember when…?
9 audio quiz games on CD to test your memory of everything nostalgic.
Quiz Cube- NEW!
3 x 99 track cd’s – questions include music, tv, theatre etc
Quiz boxes 1 & 2
Cards with quiz questions.
Let’s talk by Pat Roe
78 large print cards to encourage participants to talk about themselves
Re-fraze: It’s a name game” 1970’s pop edition – NEW!
Card game featuring 70’s pop songs for players to rephrase and correctly identify
The memory box by Robin Dynes
Includes a guidebook and 120 discussion cards to help stimulate general reminiscence. Topics
covered include family and childhood, working life, events and achievements.
Abstract Memory Game
Extremely large crossword with keywords
Large print word search (can be photocopied)
Parachute play by D. Wilmes
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Book about using large coloured parachutes with children or adults, encourages co-operative
play and teamwork.
Parachutes available separately in sizes:
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24' diameter parachute with parachute activity cassette
20' diameter parachute with parachute activity cassette
12' diameter parachute with parachute activity cassette
6’ diameter parachute with parachute activity cassette
Toss n Talk-about Movement Ball
A perfect way to break the ice, create conversation and keep fit.
The Original Corinthian Bagatelle
Wooden reproduction of the traditional pin ball game.
Reminiscence Wooden games
Table skittles -- Tic-tac-toe -- Pick-up sticks -- Whip and top -- Cup and ball -- Skipping rope -YoYo -- Diabolo -- Hoop-la
Bean bag game
Wooden target board with holes for bean bags to be thrown through. Ideal seated game.
Decades Discussion Cards: 50’s and 60’s
40 photographic cards to introduce, remind and inform about people, places and events of the
1950s and 60s.
Floor basketball set
Specially designed for seated players, includes soft ball and net.
Wooden card holder
Playing card holder, available for four players.
Low vision playing cards
Pack of cards with larger numbers for people with visual impairments.
Name dropping
Quick-fire game to describe mystery celebrities for your team mates to guess, you can use any
clue apart from their name. Celebrities include Charlie Chaplin, Tom and Jerry and Richard
Nixon.
The talking tool: the discuss this game
This game can be used in numerous ways to facilitate discussion, exchange ideas and examine
issues. The main activity of the game is around conversation or story telling. The group leader
uses a list of 10 prepared questions pertinent to the subject to be discussed. Players answer
questions, air views, exchange ideas, discuss topics in a non-threatening, easy to understand
environment. The accompanying facilitator’s booklet includes full instructions and examples of
application.
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For the record: rock & roll trivia game 50's, 60's & 70's – NEW!
Board game with trivia questions about rock and roll in the 1950s, 60s and 70s, 2-4 players or
teams.
1960s-2000s Reminiscing game – NEW!
Trivia board game covering 1960s-2000s, 2-4 players or teams.
Musical Bingo
1 x music CD, 20 x bingo sheets on cd to print, 1 rules booklet
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Jigsaw puzzles
A range of jigsaws, some with larger pieces, ideal for use with people who have poor grip or
concentration
Wentworth wooden puzzles
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Spitfires over London 12 pieces
Le pont Japonais by Monet Garden scene, 20 pieces
The shortening winter’s day Rural scene of sheep in the snow, 20 pieces
Classic art
36 pieces
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Woodcock - Classic wings Spitfire aeroplane
Renoir - Dance a la Campagne Man and woman dancing in evening dress
Renoir - On the terrace Woman and child in countryside scene
Ben’s Puzzles
Specifically designed for people with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. Each puzzle has 11
large pieces.
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Steam locomotive
Helping in the garden
Man’s best friend (dog)
Fun at the seaside
Hit for six (cricket)
Mountain view
London bus
Poppy fields
Memories of the 1970s – 250 piece jigsaw of items found in the 1970s shopping basket
The magic of steam – 2 x 500 piece jigsaws in a box depicting steam trains
Open all hours – 2 x 500 piece jigsaws in a box showing shops and shopping from the 1940s
Reach for the skies – 4 x 250 piece jigsaws depicting WW2 aeroplanes, includes audio CD of
classic WW2 film themes.
The age of steam – 4 x 250 piece jigsaws in a box depicting steam trains, includes audio CD of
steam strain sounds.
Happy days, London – 1,000 piece jigsaw showing London buses and cars from the 1960s.
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Reminiscence Boxes
WRVS Boxes
Created by the WRVS in Eastbourne as part of a reminiscence and oral history project.
Collections of themed objects, books, games and activities.
Box 1: Food and Drink - Sweet container (Aniseed); Dinner plate (floral); Picnic hamper; Picnic
cloth (orange); Egg holder/cup; Rum bottle; Jelly mould; Colmans mustard; Whisk; Alcohol
bottle (green); Sieve; Tin opener (wooden handle); Laminated recipes (5); Laminated images of
kitchen utensils (6); Postcards; Book 'Cold meat and how to disguise it'; Kia ora bottle;
Worthington ale bottle; Glycerin pastiles tin; Funnel; Shilling and half penny; Dolly mixture
packet; Allenburys pastilles; Butter pats (wooden); Knife and fork; Ration books (4); Dried peas
box; Marmite cubes; Cadbury's chocolate box; Cadbury's price tags; Crème de Menthe tin;
Senna laxative pastilles.
Box 2: House and Home - Fireplace dust pan and brush (brass); Ornament (green porcelain
rabbit); Wright's coal tar soap; Colman's powder starch; Wild Woodbine cigaretts; Gas mask;
Hand mirror (dark wood frame with silver ornamentation on back); Union Flag; Large wash jug
(yellow enamel); Book 'What did you do in the war, Mum', Age Exchange Theatre Trust, 3rd ed
2000;Book 'All our Christmases', Age Exchange Theatre Trust, 1983; Iron stand; Electric iron
(blue, Timothy Whites, model no. 4.9S); Rinso promotion (laminated); Lloyds' Skipper Navy Cut
tobacco tin; Biscuit tin (Cadbury's milk chocolate wafers); Coronation tea caddy; Jug (porcelain
with leaf design); Postcard (Pears soap advertisement); Tea towel (map of East Anglian
wartime airfields); Coronation handleless mug; Wooden washing posser; Newspapers (6
reprinted editions of Daily Mirror 1939-45)
Box 3: Childhood - Teddy bear (pale brown, fur fabric); Mammoth jigsaw puzzle (Cornish
fishing village, over 400 pieces); Book 'Nostalia about comics' by Phil Clarke & Mike Higgs;
Playing cards (Belisha); small blackboard; School reports (4,laminated) for Margaret Tingley
(Christ Church Junior School, Eastbourne, 1939; Bedewell C. of E. Secondary School,
Eastbourne, Autumn 1942, Christmas and Summer 1945; Book 'Three little kittens' (Purnell,
1959); Spinning top (wooden) with whip; Word game (laminated words in envelope); Suitcase
for evacuee; Empire dominoes (in tin box); Birthday card; Skippping rope (leather with wooden
handles); Marbles; Union Flag; Book 'Blue Peter, special assignment London, Amsterdam and
Edinburgh' 1973; Girl Guide belt (leather)
Box 4: Chinese memorabilia, the items in this box are traditional to may households in
China - Chinese lunar calendar, 2006; Map of China (laminated); Traditional bamboo utensil for
cleaning wok; Traditional wine bottle (dark brown porcelain); Wok; Fisherman's hat (canework);
Incense (joss sticks); Traditional food bowls (2)- white porcelain with flower and cockerel motifs;
Decorative lanterns for Moon Cake festival (2)- expanding paper; Small Buddah (Lady God on a
lotus flower); Red scroll (prosperity; Red scroll (good luck and happiness); Traditional teapot
and 2 cups; Cooking utensil for wok (metal); Bamboo food steamer; Soup spoon; Pin cushion;
Sandal wood soap; Chairman Mau badge; Chopsticks (pack); Paint brush; Red decorative
wallets; Decorative paper to burn; Picture of Guan Yu (laminated); Picture representing Taoist
religion (laminated)
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Ditchling Museum Boxes
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What did we do before television?
Holidays
A night out on the town
Collections of artefacts and memories relating to the themes
East Sussex Libraries Boxes
Reminiscence box: memories of Sussex
Contents: 2 sticks of rock, fishing net, windmill, pebbles, knitted swimming costume, bubble
blowing kit, Brighton crested china vase, 14 old postcards, "East Sussex Events" book, "Lewes
Then and Now" book, "Sussex in the Old Days" book, 5 pamphlets, Harvey's Brewery
Bicentenary brochure, 13 laminated sheets of local historical photographs and seaside songs.
Reminiscence box: memories of the 1950s
Contents: Coronation newspaper, coronation beaker, Brooke Bond card catalogues and loose
cards, seamed stockings, 2 records - 78s, cruet set, pie dish, 6 toy cars, Canasta cards, clip-on
earrings, hairnet, greeting telegram, Olio cookbook, 1950s recipes, Ration book 1951-1952, 2
knitting patterns, Buddy Holly postcard, 6 laminated photographs, and a variety of brochures,
booklets and papers.
Reminiscence box: Groovy 1960s
Contents: knitting pattern, sewing pattern, two singles – ‘I’m a believer’ and ‘I feel fine’, replica
memorabilia pack Beatles themed, replica memorabilia pack 1960s childhood, slinky, bangle,
make up bag, alarm clock, orange picnic set, chain belt, Ladybird books – ‘The builder’ and
‘Night sky’, 1968/69 railway timetable, Spirograph booklet, winklepicker, 1960s book,
teatowel/calendar from 1969, 4 seaside photographs, pictures of Diana Rigg, Twiggy, Cassius
Clay and Mick Jagger, song lyrics for ‘I want to hold your hand’ and ‘Let’s twist again’.
Reminiscence box: 1960s fab memories
Knitting pattern, sewing pattern, two singles –‘Love me tender’ and ‘That girl belongs to
yesterday’, replica memorabilia pack of the Beatles, replica pack of 1960s childhood, slinky, clip
on earrings, Green Shield stamp book, Sewing Susan packet, Spirograph rings, orange picnic
set, sugar shaker, camera, chain belt, Ladybird books – ‘Alexander the Great’ and ‘Butterflies
and moths’, winklepicker, 1960s book, 4 sheets seaside photographs, pictures of Twiggy, Mick
Jagger, Diana Rigg and Cassius Clay, lyric sheets for ‘She loves you’ and ‘Save the last dance
for me’.
The Royal Box
Box containing knitted Queen, Prince Charles and three corgis, 2 small Union Jack flags, Glass
celebrating the Silver Jubilee in 1977, Mug celebrating Charles and Diana wedding in 1981,
Mug celebrating the Golden Jubilee in 2012 Illustrated London news record of the reign of King
Edward VII, Illustrated London news 01/02/1936 reporting on the funeral of George V, Country
Life 28/11/47 – Royal wedding edition, Illustrated London News 29/11/47, Royal wedding
edition, Illustrated London News 28/10/50, marking the christening of Princess Anne, The Times
16/02/52, reporting on the funeral of King George VI, Illustrated London News- 16/02/52 and
23/10/52, reporting on the funeral of King George VI, Order of service for Trinity Sunday,
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31/05/53, The Telegraph special Coronation supplement, The Times - 05/06/53, Coronation
Day, Souvenir programme – Coronation Day, Brochure of Selfridge’s decorations for the
Coronation, Country Life - Coronation edition, A Royal Garland – panorama of events of June
1953, Illustrated London News - Coronation week double number, Illustrated London NewsCoronation ceremony number, Coronation year illustrated, Illustrated London News – The Silver
Jubilee, July 1977, Illustrated London News- Charles and Diana wedding August 1981, Lyrics of
“God Save the Queen.”
Activities to Share Boxes
Box 1 – Household Items
Conversation cards and objects in a 27cm x 33cm vintage style box
16 authentic items including: 1960s pound note; darning mushroom; yoyo; lavender oil; shaving
brush; skipping rope; tape measure; dummy; tea strainer; ration book; thimble; old penny on
postcard; carbolic soap; dolly peg; rolling pin; spinning top; contents list and conversation cards
Box 2 – Household Items
Conversation cards and objects in a 27cm x 33cm vintage style box
Contains 16 authentic items including: Pipe; Tea Cosy; Braces; Shamy Leather; Balloon whisk;
Pears Soap; Mouse Trap; Leather elbow patch; Flick book; Pastry brush; Bicycle clip; Ten
Shilling Note; Maracas; Violet essential oil; Tradional pinny; Cup and Ball
Washday Reminiscence Basket
Wicker laundry basket; traditional washboard; wooden wash tongs; 24 dolly pegs; peg bag;
vintage style apron; 3 colourful tea towels; 2 traditional soaps.
Happy Days Collections – NEW!!
Baking Day
Cake tin filled with assorted prompts and pictures for conversation
Jelly Mould, fabric cakes, pastry brush
Favourite Foods
Bourbon biscuit shaped tin filled with prompts and pictures for conversation
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Fix This
Prompt cards and various “do-it-yourself” items – available in a box or tool bag
Glorious Gardening
Assorted prompts and pictures, 3 metre bunting, gardening gloves, flowers, novelty spectacles,
robin ornament, pine cones, watering can rose, trowel, fork, plant pot, ladybird ornament, patios
and courtyards book, birdwatcher's pocket guide book
Other boxed collections
World War II memorabilia
Collection of household items including hairnet, mousetrap, old money
Smells for reminiscence
Phials of scents including Lily of the Valley, the dentist, cut grass and leather.
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Useful links
Occupation Arts
East Sussex based Community Interest Company providing reminiscence training and events.
www.occupationarts.org
WRVS Heritage Plus
Publications from a project that ran in East Sussex 2007-2010 collecting the memories of local
residents. www.memorywall.org.uk
Age Exchange Publications
Age Exchange publishes collections of reminiscences on a range of topics. They can be read
aloud to a group or shared 1-1. For more information see: www.age-exchange.org.uk
Daily Sparkle
Reminiscence newspaper and CD. Includes 21 day free trial.
www.dailysparkle.co.uk
Ben’s Puzzles – specifically designed for people with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease
www.active-minds.co.uk/dementia-jigsaw-puzzles/puzzles
Winslow Resources
Supplier of reminiscence books, games and objects
www.winslowresources.com
Activities to Share
Supplier of reminiscence and activity books, games and objects
www.activitiestoshare.co.uk
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