Dear friends and subscribers, I wanted to write to you personally to let you know about an important change to my websites - and, I hope, the beginning of an exciting new chapter. After a lot of thought, I have decided that I will no longer be adding new posts to SimonDementia.co.uk or CST Song of the Day. Both websites will remain available for the time being, so you can continue to access the activities, songs and resources already there. I intend to keep them online until

In a change to usual proceedings, here is a video version of my "Talk Like A Pirate Day" CST activities page. Feel free to use it with your group. Please let me know what you think, I hear very little from you these days. Are you still there?

National First Love Day Memories, Music and Famous Romances National First Love Day is marked on 18 September. Although it began as an informal American celebration, it provides a lovely opportunity to remember young love, favourite romantic songs and some of the famous love stories that have captured our imaginations. This collection of Cognitive Stimulation Therapy activities approaches the subject warmly and sensitively. First love may bring happy, humorous, bittersweet or

Stirling Moss Day The Golden Age of Motoring Celebrate the birthday of British motor-racing legend Sir Stirling Moss, born on 17 September 1929. This nostalgic collection of CST activities explores famous drivers, classic cars, memorable television and movie vehicles, motoring memories and songs about cars and driving. Sir Stirling Moss Meet the man regarded as one of the greatest racing drivers of all time. Discover his remarkable achievements, greatest victories, honours an

Celebrating Marc Bolan, T. Rex and the Glittering World of Glam Rock Marc Bolan was one of the most distinctive and influential stars of the 1970s. With his unmistakable voice, poetic lyrics, flamboyant clothes and glitter-covered appearance, he helped transform British popular music and became known as one of the founding figures of glam rock. These Cognitive Stimulation Therapy activities commemorate Marc Bolan on the anniversary of his death on 16 September 1977. They cele

Mysteries, Memories and the Queen of Crime Agatha Christie’s ingenious plots, memorable characters and cleverly concealed clues have entertained generations of readers and television viewers. These Cognitive Stimulation Therapy activities celebrate the remarkable life and work of the world-famous Queen of Crime. Born in Torquay in 1890, Christie drew inspiration from her Devon childhood, her travels abroad and her wartime knowledge of medicines and poisons. Participants can e

A CST Celebration of History, Pictures, Music and Memories Nearly 1,000 years after it was created, the Bayeux Tapestry is coming to Britain for a historic exhibition at the British Museum. This remarkable embroidered picture story provides the inspiration for a varied collection of Cognitive Stimulation Therapy activities exploring history, France, textiles, music and memories. We begin with the extraordinary story of the Bayeux Tapestry itself - how its colourful scenes tel

Roald Dahl at 110; Stories, Imagination and Cardiff Connections The 110th anniversary of Roald Dahl’s birth offers a wonderful opportunity to revisit the stories, characters and magical worlds that have delighted generations of readers. Born in Llandaff, Cardiff, on 13 September 1916, Dahl retained strong connections with the city and his Norwegian heritage. He and his sisters were baptised at the Norwegian Church, where the family worshipped. Many years later, he helped cam

A Celebration of Music, Memories and Tradition The Last Night of the Proms is much more than a classical concert. It brings together magnificent orchestral music, familiar songs, colourful flags and the unmistakable sound of thousands of people singing together. These activities offer an accessible way to explore that special tradition. No knowledge of classical music is needed. Participants can listen, recognise familiar melodies, share memories, join a discussion or simply

October — A Month of Ideas for CST October offers a wonderfully varied collection of opportunities for Cognitive Stimulation Therapy. To make planning easier, I have carefully curated a calendar of awareness days, celebrations, anniversaries and seasonal events that can be developed into enjoyable, meaningful and age-appropriate CST sessions. I will also be making my own for every calendar day over at www.cstsongoftheday.co.uk The calendar begins with broader themes - includ

9/11 🌹 25 Years of Remembrance The anniversary of 11 September 2001 is not an ordinary subject for an activities session. For many people, the images and memories remain vivid, even after twenty-five years. Some participants may remember exactly where they were when they heard the news; others may simply wish to listen. This collection should therefore be approached gently, allowing everyone to take part in whatever way feels comfortable and to step away whenever they need t

Celebrating 180 Years of the Sewing Machine On 9 September 2026, we mark 180 years since American inventor Elias Howe patented an important lockstitch sewing machine in 1846. Sewing machines existed before Howe’s patent, but his design helped transform sewing from a slow, entirely hand-worked task into a much faster domestic and industrial process. These activities explore the history of the sewing machine while celebrating the clothes, fabrics, skills and memories connected

Blackpool Illuminations, Seaside Memories and Entertainment Welcome to my Blackpool-themed CST activities - a colourful celebration of one of Britain’s best-loved seaside resorts. Blackpool has been creating happy holiday memories for generations. From its famous Tower, three piers and Pleasure Beach to the dazzling Illuminations, Tower Ballroom and mighty Wurlitzer organ, there is plenty to inspire conversation, reminiscence and laughter. The activities include fascinating B

Please Help Support Simon’s CST Activities I create and share all of my CST activities freely and openly, so that people living with dementia, families, carers and professionals can use them whenever they are needed. If you enjoy the activities or find them helpful, please consider supporting my work in one of these simple ways: Leave a comment: Comments let me know that the resources are being used and help me understand which activities people enjoy most. At present, I rece

As summer draws to a close, we welcome autumn - a season of changing colours, misty mornings, harvest traditions and memories of years gone by. This collection of activities is designed to stimulate conversation, encourage reminiscence and exercise a wide range of thinking skills while enjoying everything the season has to offer. There is the The Great Autumn Quiz, featuring 40 questions about seasonal traditions, nature, wildlife and autumn weather. There are also picture ch

STAR TREK AT 60 Boldly Going Since 1966! On 8 September 2026, Star Trek celebrates the 60th anniversary of its first television broadcast in America. Created by Gene Roddenberry, the original series introduced Captain Kirk,, Mr Spock, Dr McCoy and the crew of the USS Enterprise. Its optimistic vision of people working together to explore space has inspired generations of viewers, scientists and inventors - and developed into numerous television series and films. We’ll begin w

Today we’re preparing for the changing seasons by meeting the new UK storm names for 2026/27 and exploring the fascinating world of autumn and winter weather. We’ll discover who chooses the storm names and why storms are named, before seeing how many of this year’s names we can remember. We’ll also look back at some unforgettable British weather events, including the Great Storm of 1987—often called “Michael Fish’s Storm”—and the Beast from the East. There are plenty of oppor

Today we’re celebrating World Beard Day with a wonderfully hairy collection of Cognitive Stimulation Therapy activities! We’ll begin with some Facts About World Beard Day, followed by Let’s Talk Beards - an opportunity to share memories and discuss how attitudes towards beards have changed over the years. Next, we’ll test our powers of observation with Name These Different Types of Beard, followed by a Memory Challenge. We’ll then meet some Famous Bearded Faces from History a

Today we’re celebrating National Wildlife Day with a collection of CST activities inspired by the wonderful wildlife found across the British Isles - from the animals in our gardens and countryside to the creatures living around our coasts and seas. We’ll begin with some fascinating Facts About National Wildlife Day, before enjoying a Let’s Talk Wildlifediscussion. Which wild animals did you see when you were growing up? Did you feed the birds, visit the seaside, go on countr

Today we’re celebrating Skyscraper Day with a towering collection of facts, conversation, reminiscence, quizzes, music and practical activities. We’ll begin with some fascinating Facts About Skyscraper Day, before having a Let’s Talk Skyscrapers discussion. Have you ever visited a skyscraper, admired a city skyline or felt nervous looking down from a great height? Our first memory challenge asks you to name some of the world’s most famous skyscrapers and towers, from historic