A very special train pulled out of Buckfastleigh Station last Tuesday (September 16) carrying with it not just passengers but two years’ of friendships and community spirit.

The Buckfastleigh Memory Café, in partnership with the South Devon Railway, celebrated its second anniversary with over 57 passengers on board, including a group from South Brent Caring who joined the Cafe for the afternoon.

The Conversation Works Buckfastleigh Memory Cafe steams through the countryside on the third Tuesday of every month (Phot: Antony Christie)
The Conversation Works Buckfastleigh Memory Cafe steams through the countryside on the third Tuesday of every month (Phot: Antony Christie) (Antony Christie)

Hosted monthly by Conversation Works CIC, a Buckfastleigh-based community interest company, the Buckfastleigh Memory Cafe offers a warm, welcoming space for those affected by dementia or other memory difficulties as well as their families and carers to enjoy a great afternoon out. Those attending enjoy stimulating activities and social engagement while travelling through the scenic Devon countryside.

The Buckfastleigh Memory Cafe is believed to be the first of its kind that operates on board a steam train.

Two years on, it has gone from strength to strength. Earlier this year, it was awarded a Devon Memory Café Consortium Quality Assurance Mark, which recognises excellence in safety, effectiveness and meaningful support for those living with dementia and their carers.

When presenting the award, Elaine Musgrave from Teignbridge CVS noted that the joy on passengers’ faces showed the true impact of the initiative and said ‘witnessing the energy, coordination and care was inspiring’.

David and Maureen enjoying the chat, tea and countryside views on the Buckfastleigh Memory Cafe steam train
David and Maureen enjoying the chat, tea and countryside views on the Buckfastleigh Memory Cafe steam train (Contributed)

Last year the Buckfastleigh Memory Café was awarded a Star of Teignbridge award for experimentation, in recognition of Converstation Works’ creativity, innovation and willingness to try something new.

Bob and Rae Musk are regulars: ‘It’s an adventure when you leave everything behind and spend a couple of hours in the company of some lovely people with the added benefit of a cup of coffee, biscuits and a steam train – it’s a real tonic and a highlight of our month.’

Bob and Rae Musk are regulars at the Buckfastleigh Memory Cafe
Bob and Rae Musk are regulars at the Buckfastleigh Memory Cafe (Contributed)

Every month a team of 12 volunteers, together with Kathrine Bailey the founder and café coordinator, ensures that everyone feels welcome on board. They serve teas and coffees, hand out biscuits, and most importantly, provide companionship and conversation throughout the journey.

‘It’s about creating an atmosphere where people can relax, enjoy themselves, and feel supported,’ said Kathrine, ‘The train itself brings such joy and people come from across the area to join us each month.’

In two years the café has have travelled 238 miles, welcomed 713 people and seen an awful lot of biscuits consumed. None of this would have been possible without the generous backing of the Co-op Community Fund and McCarthy Stone, whose funding this year has helped keep the Memory Cafe steaming ahead.

Trips on board the Buckfastleigh Memory Café steam train take place on the third Tuesday of every month between 3.15 and 5pm and the train starts at Buckfastleigh station.

Beyond the café, Conversation Works also offers Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (CST) groups—structured sessions proven to help maintain cognitive function in people living with dementia.