Lord Lieutenant of Hampshire Nigel Atkinson has presented the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service to Dementia-friendly Alton.

The ceremony took place at Alton Community Centre, the home of the Memory Lane Club, last Thursday. It was rescheduled from September following the death of the Queen.

During a buffet lunch accompanied by harp music, Mr Atkinson chatted to members and volunteers about their lives and why they thought Dementia-friendly Alton had won the award.

He said: “This nomination stood out, as it was clear the group made a huge difference to people living with dementia. I’m sure Alton is very proud of you, as is the rest of

Hampshire.”

Karen Murrell, Dementia-friendly Alton’s co-ordinator and a founding volunteer, was proud of the organisation receiving recognition for its eight years of activities supporting local people with dementia and their carers.

She said: “Thanks to those who have made this possible through financial contributions, including Alton Town Council, East Hampshire District Council, NHS Hampshire and Isle of Wight, Allen Lane Foundation, Alton Beer Festival, Haskins, Screwfix and Tesco, 2023 will see our strongest programme ever.”

Dementia-friendly Alton is holding a carol service, featuring the Dementia Choir which includes pupils from St Lawrence CE Primary School, at All Saints Church in Butts Road, Alton, on Tuesday from 2pm to 3pm.

It is also holding a free Christmas wreath-making workshop at the Allen Gallery in Church Street, Alton, on December 19 from 10.30am to 12.30pm.