A TAVISTOCK woman has been recognised for her dedicated and remarkable work in the support and care of those living with dementia in the town.

June Wildman is a founder member of Tavistock Memory Café, a charity which provides a range of activities for those living with dementia and offers sessions where carers can obtain support, advice and information.

Due to her commitment and compassion to those who have faced dementia challenges she was chosen as the winner in the ‘over 18 category’ for this year’s Mayoral Awards by West Devon Borough Council out of 13 other nominees.

On learning of her award, June said she felt ‘very humbled’.

‘I feel very honoured and I hope I can continue to help those living with dementia and their careers in the future not only through Tavistock Memory Café but also now in my capacity of chairman of Devon Memory Café Consortium, which covers all memory cafés in Devon and liaises with Devon County Council and NHS on their behalf.’

June was nominated for the award by Graham Coiley from Tavistock Memory Café as her contribution to the well-being of others was ‘unparalleled’ and her work in the support and care of those living with dementia in Tavistock has been ‘remarkable’.

Graham said: ‘As one of the founders of Tavistock Memory Café, June was something of a pioneer, with the café being one of the first in Devon. June’s influence and activity has extended beyond West Devon with her involvement in carers initiatives across Devon. She has led on a number of successful funding bids that have resulted in grants being awarded to support the local work of dementia services.’

Tavistock Memory Café is soon to celebrate its 14th birthday and its creation is thanks to the work of June and Gill Gorbutt, a former Tavistock councillor and mayor, who died in 2009.

‘My husband had dementia for 17 years. Both Gill and I were asked by social services at that time whether we would be interested in doing something for people with dementia and their carers. At that time there was nothing for those with dementia and their carers.

‘We set it up with six people and now we have 40 to 50 members — there was a big need for this.’

June added: ‘I would like to pay tribute to Gill Gorbutt who I was very close to and we worked very closely together. I would also like to thank those involved in the memory café for their support over the years.’

Cllr Tony Leech, mayor of West Devon, praised the dedication and commitment of this year’s worthy winners. 

Due to Covid-19, the award celebration has not taken place. Once life returns to normal, the winners will be invited to formally celebrate with the mayor.

Cllr Leech said: ‘I was very happy to see that we had a good variety of applications for the different categories that forms the mayor’s awards this year. It was, as usual, very difficult to come to a conclusion as to who should receive the awards and I thank Cllr Mott and Cllr Musgrave for helping me with this task. My thanks also go to Kathy Hoare for all the work that she puts into this process each year.’

The 18 and under award went to three recipients: South Zeal Brownies’ leader Christabel White; and Megan Letchford and Ella Kaye for their enterprise ‘Charms for Change’ where profits go to local charities. The Mayor’s Green Award went to Frances Rickwood for her role as environmental co-ordinator at Okehampton Primary School.