Staffordshire friendship group marks second anniversary in Burntwood

More than 30 people attended a second‑anniversary event for Magnolia Friends, a Burntwood group for people and families affected by memory loss; the group meets every Thursday at Burntwood Memorial Hall and is supported by four founders and about 14 volunteers.

More than 30 people attended a special event marking the second anniversary of Magnolia Friends in Burntwood. The group was set up to provide sessions for residents and relatives living with memory loss and dementia. It meets every Thursday at Burntwood Memorial Hall and aims to offer a relaxed space for companionship and activities. The group was launched by founders Karen Hurmson, Sue Bevington, Dawn Roberts and Janet Williams and is supported by about 14 volunteers. What we know: - More than 30 people attended the second‑anniversary event. - The group meets every Thursday at Burntwood Memorial Hall and serves people with memory loss and their relatives. - Founders are Karen Hurmson, Sue Bevington, Dawn Roberts and Janet Williams and about 14 volunteers support the group. - Weekly activities include word searches, quizzes, seated exercise and sing‑alongs, and sometimes guest speakers or entertainers. - Past events and outings included a community pantomime, trips to the National Memorial Arboretum and Llandudno, and participation in the Dementia Friends Burntwood walk. - Supporters named include Burntwood Rotary, Bloxwich Golf Club, Techcare (which covered room hire for a year), Oh Travel and local organisations including the Alzheimer's Society. Summary: The group aims to reduce isolation and help people with memory loss remain active through social and recreational activities. Organisers say community backing has been important to sustaining sessions and events. Magnolia Friends said it looks forward to continuing its activities in 2026.