The primary focus of the Living Memory Association/Wee Museum of Memory is reminiscence and the sharing of memories and experiences. We welcome over 100 visitors a day into our museum in Ocean Terminal, usually passers-by intrigued by the objects on display. However, we also welcome regulars who come along to our weekly groups.

The Thursday morning group combines reminiscence with activities. The group, including newcomers or passers-by (anyone who looks interested or pauses nearby are invited to join), volunteers, and staff, can join in new or favourite activities as we share stories and memories.

The sessions run throughout the year and the activities are designed to engage and stimulate participants in a variety of ways. Whatever we do it’s clear that regular activity, exercise, conversation, companionship, and laughter help with loneliness, bereavement, ageing, memory issues, and loss of purpose or confidence.

The Thursday group evolved from a Creative Scotland-funded project run by artist Frances Priest. This was primarily an art programme with practical skills-based sessions, visits, and presentations led by visiting makers. When it finished the members were keen to continue to meet at the Wee Museum. Although uncertain what the format might take, we knew the comfy sofas and chairs in our museum would offer a welcoming and safe space for everyone no matter what background or ability.

One of the first activities that we introduced was singing. Singing is a fantastic way to encourage deep breathing, exercise facial muscles, and help concentration and memory. Ability to sing or be musical is not important. YouTube videos of original performances prompt reminiscences and stories about the songs, artists and bands, the purchase of records, and where folk were or were doing at the time.

The group choose a theme and we have a great time singing along, laughing at the fashions, commenting on the lyrics. A recent session with 1950s music led to a long chat about Brylcreem and stiletto-heeled shoes. We’ve also had live sessions with traditional folk songs, sea shanties, jazz drumming, and show songs. All have been much appreciated.

Over the summer of 2025, a small grant funded Connor Bristow to create musical compositions. A graduate of the Scottish Conservatoire, Connor had previously improvised melodies prompted by mood, places, tempo, and words suggested by the group. The Memory Soundscape project evolved from this and the group wrote a song ‘My Home’ to a melody composed by Connor. A second piano composition – aptly named ‘Ocean Terminal’ – conveyed an imagined journey from cold frozen ice through twinkling streams, gushing rivers, thundering waterfalls before finally drifting out to sea.

This project tapped into shared imaginations, and the chance to contribute and create something totally original.

Physical activity to maintain and improve circulation, balance, co-ordination, mobility and flexibility is important. Our exercise sessions have been led by Caroline with stretching and bouncing – sitting down if needed – to music. More sedate, but still fun, exercise sessions have been bingo related. Instead of numbers, the bingo cards feature a range of movements which have to be attempted and then crossed off. We’ve also tried Boccia, a form of indoor bowls with soft balls, however indoor curling has turned out to be the unexpected hit – even enticing some younger visitors to join in to boost the team numbers.

Some participants have been less confident about attempting ‘arty/crafty’ stuff – often a remnant from criticism at school – but collage, decoupage, repurposing bags and boxes, mindful doodling or colouring-in, and card making, are not about producing wonderful artwork but about mindfulness, concentrating on the moment, relaxing and chatting.

The group have also had ‘guest’ sessions. Two final year art student have invited us to contribute to their final year assignment. Memories and stories prompted by objects in the museum will become part of a visual and textual project. Engender ran a CEDAW workshop about feminism: opinions and experiences expressed were open and honest.

A student intern doing a degree in Community Education will be leading intergenerational sessions with Citadel Youth – a chance for different ages to share time. A regular comment is that older people feel they have become invisible or lack purpose; these sessions and projects show that whatever background, experiences, and abilities people have, our Thursday group offers the chance for everyone to demonstrate the opposite.

We meet at 11.00 every Thursday morning; newcomers are welcome – just turn up. Sessions are fuelled by tea and coffee and excellent biscuits!