The
cafe opened its doors for the first time in 2017 with a sparkle of New Year on
the tables and a warm welcome for all our guests. There was plenty of time to
catch up with friends and to talk about Christmas and New Year experiences, and
puzzles on the tables gave everyone a clue or two about the theme for the
afternoon! Our ever-popular wordsearch
was entitled ‘Hair today or bald tomorrow!’ and there was a word grid based
around the word ‘ponytails’ and a ‘Hair-raising quiz’ to puzzle over.
As
everyone got their thinking caps on, various photographs and artefacts related
to hairstyles and hairdressing were distributed around the room, which not only
gave some clues to the quiz, but also caused much amusement and nostalgia as
everyone recalled memories of hairstyles of the past – cuts and quiffs,
beehives and backcombing, brylcreem and hairspray all came to mind. Childhood
memories of plaited pigtails and hair tied in rags to create ringlets were
remembered, and some even recalled the visit of the ‘nit nurse!’
Our
special guest for the afternoon was Paul Houghton, semi-retired hairdresser
extraordinaire, who had some fascinating and entertaining hairdressing stories
to tell us after our usual afternoon tea break.
Paul
began his hairdressing career in Birmingham as an apprentice to celebrity
hair-stylist Raymond – better known to many of us as ‘Mr Teasie Weasie’, where
expected standards of dress and good manners were as high as the quality of the
hairdressing. Amongst many famous clients, Paul recalled cast members from the
television series ‘Crossroads’, including Noele Gordon, who used to arrive in
her Rolls Royce!
As
his talk turned to hairdressing techniques and styles, Paul, who for many years
ran his own hairdressing salons, set about restyling the hair of a volunteer
member of the cafe and we all watched fascinated as he transformed her
appearance with a ‘Judi Dench’ haircut, before giving one of our helpers a
sophisticated ‘rope twist’ hairstyle. With hints and tips on looking after our
‘crowning glory’, Paul managed to amuse, educate and interest us all for the
rest of the afternoon.
As
always, the time raced by and everyone left in high spirits with many memories
stirred and having much to think about. It was a great start to what we’re sure
will be another successful year for the Memory Cafe and our next meetings will
be held on Monday 23rd January and Monday 6th February at
Crantock Village Hall from 2pm – 4pm. We are always pleased to welcome anyone
concerned about memory loss, with their carers and should you need further
ring Di on 01637 830544 or Joan on 01637 831347.
