December 2016 Extra

We’ve never held a Memory Cafe so close to Christmas before, but with our ‘Extra’ cafe falling on December 19^th it had to be something special, and what better than a return visit from our friends the ‘Dogtastic Dog Obedience Team’.

The five beautiful canines were suitably attired in matching festive coats and they entered the hall pulling a sleigh accompanied by their owners who were cunningly disguised as decorated Christmas trees, complete with lights, presents and baubles! The dogs performed their routine to the accompaniment of seasonal music and the jingling of bells on their coats, and altogether it was the most unusual, amusing and memorable Christmas entertainment we could have wished for!

As usual, the cafe proved to be a popular venue and a good number of visitors thoroughly enjoyed the demonstration before tucking into a festive afternoon tea. This was followed by the opportunity to meet and get to know the dogs and their owners at close quarters. There was time for a chat or to have a go at the seasonal quiz and puzzles on the tables before everyone enjoyed a game of ‘dog bingo’.

The afternoon ended with a rousing ‘sing-song’ of familiar Christmas songs and carols  - enhanced by the enthusiastic use of some of the musical instruments we’ve been able to purchase thanks to generous donations from local supporters. Gifts and cards were distributed to our Memory Cafe members and to our ‘Dogtastic’ guests who, in return, gave everyone a beautifully knitted Christmas stocking complete with a chocolate santa inside.

Crantock Memory Cafe has enjoyed a happy and successful year in 2016 and with the support of all our visitors, helpers, fundraisers and cafe-goers we look forward to much more laughter, chatter, entertainment and of course tea and cakes in 2017. Our next meeting will be held on Monday 9th January at Crantock Village Hall from 2pm – 4pm. We are open to anyone concerned about memory loss, with their carers and new members are always welcome. Should you need further information ring Di on 01637 830544 or Joan on 01637 831347. 

December 2016

The Christmas spirit was in full swing for our December cafe. Visitors and helpers were thrilled to have received a very special invitation from Karen Brown, the Headteacher of Cubert School to see their infants’ performance of ‘Strictly the Nativity’. You could feel the anticipation as we queued alongside villagers and relatives and we were soon seated in the school hall and admiring the beautiful backdrop. 

As we expected, the children gave us an enthusiastic performance and seeing the head-dresses of tea towels brought back a few memories! For some of us it was our first time back inside a primary school for many a year and we couldn’t fail to be impressed by all that we saw. We also commented on all the hard work that must have gone on to present such a polished show and we felt privileged to see it.

Those who were unable to make it to the school didn’t miss out on the seasonal activities, as the memory cafe also opened as usual back at Crantock Village Hall where the room was appropriately decorated for an hour of games and puzzles based around the sights and sounds of Christmas past and present. There was even a chance to take a ‘blind-challenge’ of identifying the smells of Christmas which included cloves, cinnamon, port wine, nutmeg and pine needles! A selection of Christmas–themed books and 3-D Christmas cards and ‘pop-up’ books to admire, all added to the magic!

Our newer members had the opportunity to hear about our ongoing ‘Memory Box’ project which aims to encourage everyone to make a collection of personal items to keep memories alive and to provide material to share and talk about at home with visiting family or friends. Colourful boxes and ‘My Life Story’ books were available for members to take home.

When the play-goers returned from Cubert it was time for refreshments – delicious as ever – and we were delighted to be joined by members of Oll an Gwella suitably attired in their festive jumpers and they entertained us for the rest of the afternoon. We were taught how to sign ‘White Christmas’ had the opportunity to join in with shanties and carols and finally took part in a few action songs!

Needless to say, it was a lively and stimulating afternoon and everyone left with their spirits raised and had plenty to think and talk about before our Memory Cafe Extra meeting in two weeks time on Monday 19th December at Crantock Village Hall from 2pm – 4pm.  Our Memory Cafe is open to anyone concerned about memory loss, with their carers. New members are always welcome and should you need further information ring Di on 01637 830544 or Joan on 01637 831347.