Broadcaster and journalist Angela Rippon CBE and Wellington’s Mayor Mark Lithgow attended the official charity book launch of ’Archie’s Adventures’ at Rumwell Farm Shop.

The book containing a series of short stories for children about Archie, a scarecrow with dementia, has been produced by Wellington charity Reminiscence Learning.

Angela Rippon, who attended the book launch as patron of the chairty, said: "I was thrilled to attend the book launch of ’Archie’s Adventures’ and meet so many of Reminiscence Learning’s friends and supporters.

"Archie is the fantastic creation of the charity’s chief executive, Fiona Mahoney, and has already helped countless children learn about dementia through the charity’s educational materials for primary schools.

"Now Archie’s new adventures will reach out to even more children and families in and beyond Somerset. With Christmas approaching, ’Archie’s Adventures’ would be a great stocking filler for families with young children!"

The Archie Project is an inter-generational dementia awareness initiative which links primary schools, care homes, sheltered housing schemes, businesses, services and community members to ultimately dispel the fear and stigma often associated with dementia, and to create more dementia-friendly communities.

The brightly coloured knitted scarecrow was adopted by the charity as many people with dementia use mascots or dolls as a source of comfort and attachment.

The packed launch event was also attended by Jane Barrie OBE, Her Majesty’s Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Somerset, who was standing in for Annie Maw HM Lord Lieutenant of Somerset and Ambassador for Reminiscence Learning. Mayor of Taunton Cllr Sue Lees, vice-chairman of Somerset West and Taunton Council Cllr Dr Richard Lees, and Tim Baverstock, deputy director Adult Social Care, Somerset County Council also attended.

Charity chief executive Fiona Mahoney said: "This was the perfect way to launch ’Archie’s Adventures’. I’m so grateful for the amazing support we’ve had from everyone connected with Rumwell Farm Shop and particularly the owner, Anne Mitchell, who couldn’t have been more helpful. And to be told that Rumwell has decided to make Reminiscence Learning its Charity of the Year for 2022 made a special evening even better."

Information about Archie and Wellington-based Reminiscence Learning will now be on display at Rumwell Farm Shop and the book will be on sale there too.