Movie magic at Marlborough

A good film, tasty snacks and great company; there’s nothing quite like a film night at our Marlborough community in Wiltshire.  

Marlborough homeowner Robert Bovington (also known as Bob) has always been passionate about helping others. When his wife, Doreen, was sadly diagnosed with vascular dementia after 55 years of marriage, Bob took on the role of her full-time carer and was faced with many challenges which came along with the disease. He decided he had to do something to help make life easier for those living with the disease and their loved ones and set up Memory Union, which delivered training sessions and workshops based around the senses. Sessions were designed to stimulate the mind, promote wellbeing, and help individuals experience new applicable cognitive skills.

Bob continues to be passionate about helping others and is now busy putting activities together in his new Marlborough community. He is the proud mastermind behind the hugely successful Marlborough film nights which started out as a monthly activity a year ago but has now turned into a weekly affair.

With the help of Lifehost Angela, the cosy communal lounge at Marlborough is transformed into a mini movie theatre. A projector, large screen and two surround sound speakers help bring the cinematic experience to life, and Bob even provides sweets and chocolate for his neighbours to enjoy during the films.

Bob always picks uplifting films, which his neighbours and himself enjoyed watching at cinemas when they were younger. He also takes requests from other Marlborough homeowners, so everyone gets a chance to watch their favourite film. 

Bob values the importance of sociable activities and is passionate about holding his film nights, having suffered a stroke himself with some lasting effects. He shares how organising these film nights have been helpful for his own wellbeing as well as others:

“I started the film nights partly because I have a love of film and a desire to help others. Vision and communication are so important, particularly as we age. In a nutshell, it helps me and everyone else to keep the brain as active as possible. Coming together as a group fosters a sense of belonging to our community and it continues to bring a lot of joy and laughter to everyone.” 

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If you’d like to start your next chapter within a close community then you can arrange a viewing of one of the beautiful, spacious apartments at Renaissance Marlborough by calling the team on 01672 340 012 or emailing [email protected].