The story of Dorset Memory Box Library — and the volunteers, donors and care workers who keep it going.
The memory box seed was sown in a cupboard at Westhaven Hospital, Weymouth. Mary Feddery, an Activity Coordinator, realised the potential of old items for rekindling memories in people suffering memory loss — and with it, the therapeutic benefit. She brought in items from her own home, and her colleagues did likewise. The items were initially stored in that cupboard; more were sourced from donations, from charity shops and from car-boot sales.
The potential became a reality: Dorset Memory Box Library was formed in 1996 with support from Weymouth Lions, the National Lottery and many other local organisations, and a growing band of volunteers. Charity status was gained in October 1996.
The enterprise moved to its current location at Weymouth Community Hospital in 2006. Themed boxes joined the original selections and quickly became popular with our clients.
We now have over 160 boxes, some of which are themed. Dorset Memory Box Library is operated solely by unpaid volunteers: a team of three at the Headquarters (one admin, two on box replenishment and hygiene) and six drivers who use their own cars to make fortnightly deliveries throughout Dorset, into east Devon and south Somerset. Now in its 31st year, the Library continues to attract new customers and returning former ones — at the box-hire price unchanged since 1997.
"A lovely box — all the items created a lot of interest and got everybody talking about old times. Thank you."
"The Memory Box activity is the one that holds the attention of my clients for the longest."
— Dorset Activities Coordinator, specialist dementia residential home