Cyril Hall lived in Hildenborough for over 50 years and was a local dentist. He loved the village and anything social, visits from family, friends and even strangers. He was very involved within the community and particularly enjoyed church, concerts and the farmers market. A highlight of these events and visits was always a cup of tea and a biscuit.

For the last few years of his life Cyril suffered with dementia. His tea making skills started to become rather unconventional. The kettle became a modern teapot on a regular basis.

His sense of direction became muddled. He couldn't remember which day it was. He got confused about arrangements. He hid his dementia very well in the early days but when he turned up for an appointment at the memory clinic he was a day too early. He drove himself into the medical staff parking bay where he struggled to interpret the road signs, fought to manoeuvre and then scraped the car. By this time most of the medical staff were in the car park helping him. When we turned up for his appointment a day later his assessment was half done and his driving days were over. On behalf of Hildenborough village and all road users we breathed a deep sigh of relief.

But Cyril managed to stay living at home with the support of carers and family and friends and neighbours. It was at times disastrous and felt unsafe. We increased the care, took over jobs that Cyril found difficult, found the things lost daily, fished the teabags out of the kettle, pretended to fix the phone that was off the hook again, made his appointments and cooked his lunch. Despite family support and a caring community he was often lonely and felt isolated.

Sadly on the 17th September 2017, Cyril Hall died peacefully after a 6 week stay at Pembury Hospital.

Forget - Me - Not Cafes, run under the auspices of “Creating a Dementia Friendly Tonbridge," already have three cafes set up. One in Edenbridge, Sevenoaks and Westerham. They create a safe space once a month that allows people who suffer with dementia and those who care for them to attend a social event and have companionship. We hope to raise at least £1,500 as this will allow them to set up a new cafe once a month in Hildenbough and run it for a year.

Cyril’s spirt was always lifted when in the company of others, especially when they made him a cup of tea. And thats how we want him to be remembered. So please donate and help others in the local community who suffer with dementia come together and find happiness with one another.