AT their annual church meeting in May 2017, Burley-in-Wharfedale’s Salem United Reformed Church voted for The Memory Tree @ Burley as their Church Charity of the Year 2017/18. Enthusiastic members and friends at Salem have worked tirelessly and imaginatively to raise funds and on Saturday, January 6 held a coffee morning at which Rev Jason McCullough presented a cheque for £500.

The Memory Tree @ Burley, a support group for people affected by dementia, was launched by Burley-in-Wharfedale Dementia Action Group last May and goes from strength to strength, attracting more people than expected. Susan Collins said: “The demand is there, so we must continue to do all that we can to support local people with dementia, their families and carers. This generous donation will help us to achieve that and we are enormously grateful to Salem for their kindness.

“Burley Dementia Action Group’s passionate volunteers are determined to make the village truly dementia friendly and a place where people with dementia are accepted, respected and able to live confidently in our community for as long as possible.

“To help accomplish our vision, we would welcome a few more volunteers. For more information please visit www.burleydementiafriends.weebly.com, www.facebook.com/burleydementiafriends or phone 01943 864424.”