A veteran from Bewdley has been reminiscing about his love for rock and roll thanks to the support of a Wyre Forest dementia group.

Friends of the Elderly’s Kidderminster Day Care, a charity supporting those with age-related conditions, has been offering a safe space to 88-year-old Leonard for more than eight years since November 2015.

The former farmer visits the service three days a week and is a well-loved member of the daycare group which supports his daughter, Wendy, by providing fun and stimulating activities for her dad.

She said: “I needed somewhere Dad could go and be well cared for. It was extremely important that I found somewhere that was safe, had a ‘home from home’ feel and was a place where dad was comfortable. Kidderminster Day Care ticked all the boxes.”

Leonard added: “I do like to have a laugh and everyone here is so nice and friendly. I am so well looked after and feel so safe, I couldn’t wish for a better place to be.”

Kidderminster Shuttle: From left to right, Shirley Bradley, Leonard and Jeanette Samuels From left to right, Shirley Bradley, Leonard and Jeanette Samuels (Image: Friends of the Elderly)

The Day Care is run by a friendly team of dedicated staff with facilities including an open plan kitchen and lounge area and entertainment like gardening, quizzes and crafts for guests.

It is open Monday to Friday from 9.30am to 3.30pm and clients can choose to come along for a couple of hours up to a full day or over several days a week.

Friends of the Elderly’s head of day care services, Shirley Bradley, said: “Leonard is one of our longest-standing clients and an absolute pleasure to be around.

“He sometimes sits with his eyes closed and then suddenly shouts out an answer to questions being asked in a quiz and that always makes us giggle.

“When he goes home at the end of the day, he usually does a little jig when he walks across the room, and it never fails to make us laugh.”

Deputy manager at Kidderminster Day Care, Jeanette Samuels, added: “One of my highlights with Len is when the entertainer Richard Ryan comes into sing, Len absolutely loves it when he signs Status Quo songs.

“He’s fully engaged, feet tapping along and his face lights up. It’s just so lovely.”

The veteran has led a life packed with adventure including during his National Service where he travelled as far as Egypt and Cyprus before returning to England as a herdsman.

He married his wife, Shirley, in June 1958 and soon changed his job to support their growing family by working in the Kidderminster Carpet industry.

His daughter said: “Dad has always given me good advice, especially when I was younger. Two pieces of his wisdom still make me laugh.

“Firstly, dad told me never to argue with, or answer back to a policeman and secondly not to get married young. He said I should enjoy myself.”

For more information on Kidderminster Day Care visit www.fote.org.uk/day-care/kidderminster/