Written by Sara Dennis, contributor

Research & Writing

To date, writer Sara Dennis has a number of stories to work with and develop into workable excerpts for the book. The stories are from both those directly experiencing dementia and those indirectly experiencing dementia (carers/spouses/their adult children). Their stories are humorous and are filled with local history references.  With this in mind, the book will include short sections of histories about local landmarks including:

• Middlesbrough General Hospital
• Ayresome Park (original Middlesbrough football ground)
• ICI & British Steel (colloquially referred to as ‘the works’)
• Local parks
• Local schools
• Middlesbrough Central Library (the original hosting venue for this project)

Unfortunately, some of the contributors have progressed with their illnesses and some have sadly died. In order to protect their privacy and the feelings of their families, we will not be using their stories (unless this was expressly requested). Details of attendees and carers are not recorded as the cafes run on a drop in basis. This has set the project back somewhat but more stories are being collected. The lead of the local Alzheimers Society will write a foreword.

The Book: sourcing publication

Diane Fleet and Sara Dennis have met with publisher, Bob Watson from Quoin, a local digital printing house who can print on demand. He brought along examples of books he can produce and will work with us to create the best final product. Budgets were discussed and a final quote will be generated upon completion of a first draft.  

It has been decided that the book will be approximately A5 size and approximately 70 pages long. It will allow two pages per story with a brief piece about the contributor and photographs/images. There will be two pages per local history landmark with text and images.

Completion

The aim is to complete the project by mid May.