THERE were celebrations in Bere Alston after the regeneration charity that manages the parish hall received a double whammy of grants.

Grants of £2,500 were received from the Dulverton Trust and £2,952 from the National Lottery's Awards for All grant scheme. The money will go towards two projects for the charity Beregen — the Bere Alston Memory Café and the Out to Lunch project.

Bere Alston Memory Café will start on November 6 on Wednesdays from 1.30pm to 3pm. It is designed for all those with short term memory problems and their carers.

Although memory cafés are not a new concept in West Devon, the one in Bere Alston will be different as the Dulverton Trust money has provided a trained cognitive stimulation therapist from Memory Matters South West, a community interest company.

Cognitive stimulation therapy is designed to provide a multi-sensory programme of activities that is clinically proven to be as effective as medication in the early stages of memory problems.

Hannah Avent, cognitive stimulation therapist said: I am delighted at this grant because it means we can provide a valuable resource not only to the community of Bere Alston but also to all those needing support in the wider West Devon community.

'This project is run weekly and is designed to supplement the already fantastic cafés provided in Tavistock and Yelverton.'

The Out to Lunch project is designed to get people out of their homes and socialising together. This will happen on the fourth Monday of every month at midday.

For £5, people will be able to come to the hall and have a two-course meal, as much tea and coffee as they can drink and stay for an afternoon activity. The project is open to all ages and designed to bring the community together.

It comes after the success of the Chef's Night Off – a family dining event where families come together to eat out in a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere.

Sara Pike, Beregen trustee said: 'The Awards for All grant has come just at the right time. The equipment provided will support this new venture and allow us to cook more efficiently on site. One of Beregen's main aims is to bring the community together, not just manage the parish hall and this will certainly help us do that.'

The meals for the Out to Lunch project will be provided by Chrissy's Kitchen which already provides a meals at home service on the peninsula and the catering for Chef's Night Off.

Those wanting further information, help with transport or to book a lunch can contact Sara on 01822 841417.