January 2016

January 4th saw our first meeting of 2016 and the beginning of our third year – doesn’t time fly! Despite the gloomy weather, a happy group soon gathered for a chat and a ‘cuppa’ – or some puzzles for those who preferred something a bit quieter.
As we were still within the ‘Twelve days of Christmas’ we took the opportunity to look back over the festive season – both the one just past and those from further back in time.  With the aid of pictorial ‘memory boards’ we had the chance to talk about Christmas preparations, carols and carol-singing, favourite presents and Christmas Day traditions, festive food and New Year celebrations.  The whole session was introduced by Di, who read an amusing poem entitled ‘The Twelve Days of Turkey’!

As usual there were delicious home-made cakes and biscuits to share, and we were joined by Rebecca and Sarah from the Alzheimer’s Society who spoke about a new initiative called ‘Side by Side’ which is being piloted in the Newquay and St Austell areas with the aim of giving individual support and guidance to dementia sufferers and their carers.
After tea – more chatter! Our guests and helpers include a number of ex-military chaps who always have plenty to reminisce about!
The afternoon concluded with a game of ‘Name that Pantomime’ – with the aid of pictures and artefacts, we were challenged to identify ‘Peter Pan’, Sleeping Beauty’, Dick Whittington’, ‘Robinson Crusoe’ and many more – with considerable success!

The whole session passed very quickly – it was a great way to forget those post-celebration blues.


On January 18th the Memory Cafe opened its doors again for our ‘Extra’ afternoon.  We were delighted to welcome some new faces as well as old friends for a pleasant social couple of hours. Everyone settled in with a cup of tea or coffee to spend the first half an hour watching a vintage TV comedy show, and when we’d stopped laughing, there were word puzzles, a crossword and quiz to follow, in between the chatter!

As usual there was a lovely afternoon tea with a selection of homemade savouries and cakes before Joan introduced us to a game of ‘Rapidough’ - a simple but amusing game involving model-making from Playdough’, a good imagination and a lot of guesswork!

The change of scenery and the chance for a chat and a laugh did us all good and we look forward to opening the cafe doors again on Monday 1st February.



If you would like to join us, just come along to Crantock Village Hall– we meet from 2pm – 4pm and there is no charge. New members are always welcome.
We are open to anyone concerned about memory loss, with their carers.  For more information ring Joan on 01637 831347 or Di on 01637 830544.