Older people from Ards Senior Forum recently launched a booklet of old remedies, cures and charms.  They have been meeting since January to reminisce and produce the book.

As well as recalling old remedies and charms they have been taking part in a variety of classes facilitated by the WEA including ICT, creative writing and reminiscence to help them develop the book full of all their remedies.

WEA Development Officer Carolyn Hale comments, “Reminiscence can be an extremely beneficial activity for older people.  It’s a great source of stimulation and social interaction and the benefits in terms of health and well-being are now widely recognised.”

One member of the Ards Senior Forum Florence Norris recalled a charm for mumps that was used on her brother and herself when they were children.

Florence explains, “It was the summer of 1954 and my brother Billy and I were quite ill with mumps, I was 8 years old and Billy was 14 months older.  Back then mumps were severe and painful, our jaws were swollen and we couldn’t eat, laugh or talk.

“Luckily Great Uncle Tom came to the rescue; he’d a cure for mumps.  I was first to go.  Horses’ blinkers were put around my head and neck and I was led into the stable with horses’ reins.  I remember it was almost instant pain relief.  After living for days on sweet tea and bread dipped we ate our first meal that evening.

“Neighbours came to see us the next day and couldn’t believe the swelling had gone.  After this we were dedicated believers in charms, I remember having charms for sprains, sties, ringworm, warts and burns.”

Frances Hughes, EDRCN Development Officer commented, “The Reminiscence, Relationships and Remedies Project was a completely new experience for many of the participants as it created opportunities for older people living in Rural Ards not just to share life experiences on handed down remedies and charms for minor ailments but it also encouraged the development of new skills through IT workshops.  I believe this project has strongly benefited these older people in valuing them and their stories and their booklet will allow them to give something back to the local community.  Furthermore the new IT skills they have gained have empowered them to access a wider variety of information through the Internet and helped them connect with more people, be it their families, friends or the wider community, which helps reduce isolation.”

For further information on the Older People Learning project contact Carolyn Hale on (028) 9032 9718 or email carolyn.hale@wea-ni.com.