31st August 2023

Phyllis has never forgotten the colour of Mrs Thomas' skirt.

As a four-year-old evacuee in rural Wales, she was overcome by shyness and hid behind it when her mother, already a becoming a stranger after their wartime separation, came to visit from London.

Her mother was so upset to find her daugher shy of her that she took Phyllis home to the city where they saw out the Blitz together. But they stayed in touch with kind Mrs Thomas.

Phyllis, who now lives with dementia in Wiltshire, recreated the image at Alzheimer's Support's art group in Pewsey which she attends each week.

She said she remembered the exact shade of red of the skirt, and took a long time to mix the paint to match. And she told the story to her friends at the group. 

It was part of a memory jar session led by artist Belinda Chandler, who brings different ideas and project to the group each term. 

Pewsey Art Group meets at the Bouverie Hall every Wednesday morning. It currently needs more volunteers to support Belinda, help with refreshments and chat to group members. 

More about Alzheimer's Support's art groups

Volunteer at the art group