A new Pembrokeshire local history group will meet in Haverfordwest as part of an innovative Alzheimer's Society service encouraging people with dementia and their carers to try something new.

The first meeting of the Pembrokeshire Local History group will take place, 2-4 pm, on Wednesday, April 15, at Pembrokeshire Archives and Local Studies, Prendergast, Haverfordwest, SA61 2PE. The course is open to people with dementia and their carers and will run for ten weeks until June 24.

Due to recent success, this is the third time this course will run. It is part of the 'Try Something New' project being delivered across Pembrokeshire, Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion, Swansea, Bridgend and Neath Port Talbot, after Alzheimer's Society were awarded over £720,000 from the Big Lottery Fund.

Helen Morris, group coordinator, said: "The most advantageous thing about the group is that people of all abilities are able to connect with the subject through sharing stories and memories of their own. There is always something new for me to learn from the participants. Our aim is to reach out to those who may not have otherwise accessed our support services, and give them the chance to try something new."

Toni, who participated in a previous history group and enjoyed visits to Pembrokeshire Archives and Local Studies, said: "It was wonderful, the staff are brilliant. It was amazing because of the information they've got and it's relation to the past, such as the Black Death, census material and WW2 period."

Ken, another member of the group, said: "The group comes together with a topic to discuss. This is always interesting because the group is numerous enough to ensure that each meeting is informative, entertaining and most enjoyable as a result."

David Llewellyn from Pembrokeshire Archives and Local Studies, said: "We were delighted to host a group visit from Alzheimer's Society. It is always a great pleasure to have the opportunity to share knowledge of our wonderful archival treasures and raise awareness of the tremendous amount of resources we hold. We had an excellent afternoon with a lovely group and we look forward to working with them in the near future."

To find out more about the Pembrokeshire Local History group, please telephone 07834729772 or email [email protected]">[email protected]