A PIPER who played his own role in Hereford’s commemoration of the Battle of the Somme is attempting to develop dementia services within the county.

Alan Harrison, 75, from Ross-on- Wye, played at a special service at Hereford Cathedral last Thursday to mark 100 years since the start of the infamous battle.

Professor Harrison, pictured above, has worked and piped in 15 countries, including at a number of Second World War commemorative events.

His wife, Teresa, has dementia with several life-limiting ailments and he is keen to develop dementia services within the county. Having kept up to date with dementia research, he discovered the launch of the new UK Dementia Meeting Centre (DMC) in Leominster.

It is one of only two in the UK and follows on from a successful initiative in the Netherlands.

It offers support for carers and people with dementia as well as personalised support, activities and services alongside monthly information sessions.

Prof Harrison said: “The main benefits for people with dementia who visit the DMCs are that they show fewer depressive symptoms and they have a higher self-esteem than patients in regular daycare.

“Furthermore, admission to a care home is postponed. Carers benefit from enjoying the carers-organisers relationship where carer needs, wants and views affecting them and their loved-ones have a clear influence on the nature and content of the caring and other aspects of what happens.”

Prof Harrison hopes to see more DMCs established across the country and is calling for people to help make that happen.

“The project needs meetings people,” he said. “If you have experience of initiating anything at all in your local community, even better. But that’s not a condition. Enthusiasm for improving dementia services is the key requirement.”

Prof Harrison also uses his music skills as a form of therapy, helping people with learning disabilities as well as those at the meeting centre.

Commenting on his role at last week’s commemorative event and why it is important to remember, he added: “We would be sitting here in a very different world if the Nazis had won the war.”

For more information call or text 07952060505 or e-mail prof@afharrison.myzen.co.uk