Marking Moments is our regular, free, seasonal newsletter containing archive images and activities to try at home. Notes are provided in each issue, giving more information to aid in-depth discussion. Choose from some of our past editions, or contact us to be added to our Marking Moments mailing list.

Download our free, themed image packs containing large, colourful images with notes and tips for getting everyone talking.

Did you know that sheet music was a bestselling product at M&S in the 1910s?

Music can be beneficial for people living with dementia by reducing anxiety and lifting mood.

Use our free resource pack and recordings to help your group discover our collection of sheet music. The pack is divided into six themes, each theme has activities, archive images to aid conversation and more information about the music.

We’d love to know if you’ve used these resources. Drop us a line with your feedback or Tweet us @MandSHeritage or @LeedsPiano.

This project was generously funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

Take a look at photographs of M&S stores through the years.

Explore our vintage cinema adverts.

Memory Boxes contain clothing, accessories and images, for use as memory and conversation prompts. We previously offered a Memory Box loan delivery service, so that care providers and activity coordinators could borrow a box for two weeks, which would be delivered and collected by courier. Overwhelming demand resulted in extremely long waiting lists to borrow one of the boxes, even though we had already created as many extra boxes as possible. Unfortunately, some boxes were not returned, were returned late, or were lost in transit, all of which added to waiting times. We’re now focusing on digital resources that can be accessed from anywhere, anytime.

Digital resources can be accessed from anywhere, anytime, and you can use them as many times as you want, rather than only having a short, fixed amount of time to use loaned physical objects. If you use the digital resources on a personal device, it’s possible to adjust and enhance the screen view to support people with visual impairments. If you print off and laminate the resources, you create your own reusable physical set. Accessing resources digitally also means you can access film content. For M&S Archive, it’s a big plus knowing that lots of people are benefiting from our resources at the same time, instead of facing long wait times.

You can enhance the digital resources by adding your own sensory element; does a client or colleague in your care setting have a classic M&S garment that fits the theme of the digital resource, or can you spot a classic St Michael gem in your local charity shop? If you are in the local area, Memory Boxes are still available to borrow (by appointment) if you are able to collect and return the box to M&S Archive in Leeds. Get in touch at the bottom of the page for more information.

If you’d like to bring your group to visit the Archive you’ll find all the info you need on our Community visits page.

Memory Boxes are available to borrow (by appointment) if you are able to collect and return the box to M&S Archive in Leeds.

Just get in touch below for more information.