July 2017 Extra

We were delighted to see a good number of visitors at our mid-month cafe and the room was soon buzzing with friendly chatter. Our ever-popular word-search was based around Wimbledon and tennis, and this kept everyone amused until Richard welcomed our first guest of the day, Mary Jones, who had come to introduce us to ‘Music for Wellbeing’

Mary explained that music, combined with gentle physical activity, helped to improve memory, co-ordination, muscular activity and breath control – we were amazed, but willing to give it a try! Seated in a circle, Mary soon had us singing along whilst gently swinging arms and legs, clapping and tapping and even attempting simple tongue-twisters!

Before long we were performing quite complicated rhythms using percussion instruments, and just having a good time!

A cup of tea and some particularly delicious cakes were especially welcome as we all relaxed after an hour of rewarding but quite strenuous activity.  We were then joined by Denis Dent from Newquay Lions, accompanied by his wife Jan, who spoke to us about the Lions’ Emergency Pots.

These small plastic pots are freely supplied by the Lions Club International and supported by the emergency services. Each pot contains a form for each individual to complete their personal and medical details. The pot is then normally stored in the fridge door and a sticky label is placed on the fridge and another on a front door or window to indicate that vital information is available in case of an emergency.  Denis told everyone that the scheme had saved lives and he urged us all to participate. The pots are free for anyone who would like one and are available from Newquay Lions Club.

It was certainly a busy, enjoyable and worthwhile afternoon and we look forward to our next meeting at Crantock Village Hall from 2pm on Monday 7^th August. Should you need further information please ring Di on 01637 830544, Joan on 01637 831347.

July 2017

At the Memory Cafe there’s always plenty of time to chat and get to know each other. Over the months, we’ve learnt a little of each others’ hobbies and interests, and so it seemed a good idea to spend an afternoon sharing thoughts of our own collections, enthusiasms and knowledge.

After settling in with a ‘hobbies’ wordsearch, visitors had a first opportunity to have a look at displays of books and artefacts set up around the hall. Visitors and volunteers had been invited to bring along some of their own memorabilia and collections, and the range of interests displayed was fascinating and wide-ranging. 

We had a collection of old needlework artefacts including wooden cotton reels, thimbles, darning ‘mushrooms’ and a button tin, some beautifully crafted boxes, one made by a prisoner of war in 1918, a collection of ornamental frogs, some colourful handmade patchwork, a sketchbook belonging to a budding artist, a collection of early coins, some handmade lace and lace-making tools and much more!  A different aspect of collecting was presented in a mixed tray of unusual ‘bits and pieces’ accumulated over the years, which led to much puzzling and discussion about ‘what was this for?’

‘Conversation boards’ encouraged everyone to chat about hobbies past and present, and perhaps plans for the future, and included music and entertainment, sport – as a participant or spectator, DIY, arts and crafts, reading and specific collections. Talking about hobbies and interests stimulated many happy memories and often led to conversations about other aspects of our past lives.

After a break for tea, there was a further opportunity to stroll around and explore each others’ passions, and perhaps find out where a hobby or interest began! It was a fascinating afternoon for us all, and we rounded the cafe off with a hearty ‘sing-along’ of old favourites.

The next meetings of Crantock Memory Cafe will be held on Monday 17^th July and Monday 7^th August. We meet in Crantock Village Hall from 2pm to 4pm on the first and third Mondays of each month and should you need further information please ring Di on 01637 830544, Joan on 01637 831347.