Webb Ellis Cup sculpture 'yarn-bombed' for Dementia Action Week - The Rugby Observer

Webb Ellis Cup sculpture 'yarn-bombed' for Dementia Action Week

Rugby Editorial 19th May, 2021   0

THE ICONIC Webb Ellis Cup sculpture in Rugby has been given a colourful makeover to mark Dementia Action Week.

The Rugby Dementia Friendly Community (RDFC) have ‘yarn-bombed’ the cup, which stands outside Rugby School.

A team of volunteers knitted, crocheted and painted more than 1,200 forget-me-nots which now decorate the Webb Ellis Cup, statue of William Webb Ellis and crown planter.

The Alzheimer’s Society, which organises Dementia Action Week, features a forget-me-not in its logo and the flower has become a symbol of understanding of the condition and support for the society’s work.




The yarn-bombing symbolises the relaunch of a campaign to ‘Make Rugby a Dementia Friendly Community,’ which was launched in 2018 to create a community where people living with dementia are understood, respected and supported.

The campaign was halted due to the pandemic, but RDFC members felt that Dementia Action Week 2021 was a good time to revive it.


The display was unveiled by Mayor Bill Lewis.

Coun Lewis, who has supported Rugby Dementia Support throughout his Mayoral term, said: “Nearly one million UK residents currently live with dementia, with nearly 210,000 residents set to develop the condition this year alone – one every three minutes.

“Rugby Dementia Friendly Community and its team of supporters and volunteers have created a fantastic focal point in the town to mark Dementia Action Week, and I’m sure it will raise the public’s awareness of the condition and where to find help and advice when needed.”

The unveiling was rounded off with cupcakes provided by Anya Court Care Home, a member of the Rugby Dementia Friendly Community

Customer Relationship Manager of the home Karen Handley said: “It is amazing given the restrictions we have had, that the local community has come together in time for us to re-launch our campaign at the start of Dementia Action Week.

“We want to make people aware of what we are doing to work towards Rugby being a town where people with dementia feel included, are understood and supported.

“We are proud at Anya Court to play our part in this and I, as a Dementia Friends Champion, encourage people to become a Dementia Friend as their first step.”

The yarn-bombing project was supported by RDFC members Rugby Borough Council, Brethertons Solicitors, Anya Court Care Home, The Rugby Register and Vasstech Auto Services, which helped paint the wooden flowers.

Visit www.facebook.com/RugbyTownDFC for more information.

For information, advice and emotional support, call the Alzheimer Society’s national dementia helpline on 0300 222 1122.

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