ANGELA Rippon CBE and both Wellington and Taunton’s Mayors attended the official charity book launch of ‘Archie’s Adventures’ at Rumwell Farm Shop yesterday (November 4, 2021).
The book containing a series of short stories for children about Archie, a scarecrow with dementia, has been put together by the Somerset charity Reminiscence Learning.
Anne Mitchell, Joint Owner of Rumwell Farm Shop, which is located on the A38 between Taunton and Wellington, explains: “We were delighted to be the venue for the official launch of ‘Archie’s Adventures and the Pickles He Got Into’, which was written by the charity’s Chief Executive, Fiona Mahoney, to help raise awareness of dementia and the importance of educating children about it. We were so impressed with the charity and its work, that we’ve also selected it as one of our Charities of the Year for 2022.
“To have Angela Rippon CBE, who attended the book launch as Patron of Reminiscence Learning, and both Mayors, Mark Lithgow Mayor of Wellington Town Council and Mayor of Taunton, Councillor Sue Lees, as well as the Vice-Chair of Somerset West and Taunton Council, Councillor Dr Richard Lees, with us for the official launch was a real treat.
“It was wonderful also to meet Jane Barrie OBE, Her Majesty’s Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Somerset, who was standing in for Annie Maw HM Lord Lieutenant of Somerset and Ambassador for Reminiscence Learning and Tim Baverstock Deputy Director Adult Social Care, Somerset County Council. Jane gave a speech and Tim an excellent vote of thanks.”
Information about Archie and Wellington-based Reminiscence Learning will now be on display at Rumwell Farm Shop and the book will be on sale there too.
Fiona Mahoney, Chief Executive of dementia charity, Reminiscence Learning says: “This was the perfect way to launch ‘Archie’s Adventures’.
“I’m so grateful for the amazing support we’ve had from everyone connected with Rumwell Farm Shop and particularly the owner, Anne Mitchell, who couldn’t have been more helpful. It was fantastic to have had the use of the restaurant for the book launch. And to be told that Rumwell has decided to make Reminiscence Learning it’s Charity of the Year for 2022 made a special evening even better!”
The Archie Project is an exciting intergenerational dementia awareness initiative that links primary schools, care homes, sheltered housing schemes, businesses, services and community members to ultimately dispel the fear and stigma often associated with dementia, and to create more dementia friendly communities.
The brightly coloured knitted scarecrow was adopted by the charity as many people with dementia use mascots or dolls as a source of comfort and attachment.
The broadcaster and journalist, Angela Rippon CBE, who attended the book launch as Patron of Reminiscence Learning, adds: “I was thrilled to attend the book launch of ‘Archie’s Adventures’ and meet so many of Reminiscence Learning’s friends and supporters. Archie is the fantastic creation of the charity’s Chief Executive, Fiona Mahoney, and has already helped countless children learn about dementia through the charity’s educational materials for primary schools.
“Now Archie’s new adventures will reach out to even more children and families in and beyond Somerset. With Christmas approaching, ‘Archie’s Adventures’ would be a great stocking filler for families with young children!”
Archie is dressed in red and yellow as these are the last colours to go in the ageing eye and are easily recognisable, perceived as a contrast with lighter colours. These colours are therefore used in décor around the home to identify bedroom and bathroom doors, toilet seats, doorhandles and grab rails.
Archie was first introduced to the health care industry in 2001 when he was included as part of a European research project called ‘Remembering Yesterday, Caring Today’, where people with dementia and their carers joined together in reminiscence sessions, sharing memories and stories.
He was named by a gentleman called Bill. Every session Bill would greet Mr Scarecrow, as he was previously known, saying: “Good morning, Archie”, before he settled down within the group.
Rumwell Farm Shop is an independent, family-run, award-winning business owned by the Mitchell family. Originally a potato store, David and Anne Mitchell began selling their potatoes and free-range eggs at the gate more than 24 years ago.
Due to customer demand, the product range soon increased, and the business grew. David and Anne’s sons, James and Jack, are now also involved, as well as their daughters-in-law, Sophie and Donna.
Rumwell Farm Shop has a traditional Butchery counter selling its home-reared and free-range pork and Rumwell Angus beef. There is also a Rumwell Flower Shed, Delicatessen, Bakery, Jam Kitchen, Food Hall, Wine Cellar and Gift Room.
Its own, home-grown potatoes are available, when in season, as well as everything from fruit, vegetables and groceries to plants, Somerset-sourced cut flowers, gifts and cards.
The Rumwell Café is a large and spacious building. The food prepared in the café kitchen is sourced from the farm shop, the Mitchell family farm, which is just four miles away, and other regional suppliers.
Families are welcome to the café and there is a menu especially for children. The café also serves afternoon teas, roast lunches daily and is licensed to sell alcoholic beverages.
For more information, please call Rumwell Farm Shop, which is located in Rumwell between Taunton and Wellington, on 01823 461599 or visit www.rumwellfarmshop.com.
