August 2017 Extra

Memory Cafe friends and helpers were ‘out and about’ for their August mid-month meeting.  We were fortunate to have chosen a beautifully warm and sunny afternoon to pay a visit to Crantock Church Flower Festival, which this year was entitled ‘Curtain Up’. The church was a feast for the eyes and noses, full of thirty wonderful arrangements, each one based on the title of a well-known theatrical or musical production.  There was much to admire – both in the highly creative floral displays and the setting of the lovely church itself. 

For many Memory Cafe members it was either a first time visit or perhaps a return to the church after a number of years.  Some had a go at the quiz based around the titles of the displays, whilst others were happy just to enjoy the sights and scents, and perhaps spend time sitting outside in the sunshine.

After a pleasant hour we strolled around the corner for a delicious cream tea at the Cosy Nook Tea Garden, where there was plenty of time for a chat and a laugh.

Thanks must go to Sue Dennett and members of Crantock Church, the staff of the Cosy Nook for a most enjoyable afternoon, and also to Kathleen at 'The Cornishman' for allowing us to use their car parking facilities, which made access for our visit so much easier.

The next Memory Cafe meetings will on Monday 4^th September and Monday 18^th September at Crantock Village Hall from 2pm. Should you need further information please ring Di on 01637 830544, Joan on 01637 831347.

August 2017

The cafe opened again on Monday 7^th August – the year seems to be rushing by so fast, and it’s surprising to think back on the range of activities and entertainment we’ve experienced since January!

This month we welcomed husband and wife John and Gret Woodason, who talked to us about the Newquay University of the Third Age or ‘U3A’ as it’s usually known.  To get us ‘in the groove’ cafe visitors were given a U3A-based wordsearch to puzzle over, and a display of some of the many U3A activities to have a look at.

Gret and John then gave us a most interesting illustrated talk explaining the role of the organisation in providing leisure, social and learning opportunities for the retired and semi-retired in our community. Everyone was surprised by the range of activities on offer, many of which could be enjoyed by cafe members and their families – walking, reading, dancing, antiques, languages and table-tennis to name just a few! There was even a chance to sample the ‘singing for fun’ activity as Gret and John led us in a lively rendition of ‘There’s a Hole in my Bucket’!  The talk was illustrated by some beautiful shots taken by the ‘Photography Group’ as well as interesting information about the formation and aims of the U3A to ‘learn, laugh and live’ as their slogan puts it. Leaflets about the U3A were available for our visitors to take away and there was plenty of time to ask questions and chat about opportunities on offer and it certainly gave everyone food for thought!

Before tea there was just time to have a go at a couple of word puzzles – one based around the word ‘Dancers’ and another which gave us a line from a well-known song and then challenged us to remember the words which came next – not as easy as you might think, but much easier if you sang the words rather than spoke them – yet another opportunity for a laugh!

After a delicious tea with a wonderful selection of homemade savouries, cakes and biscuits ‘Memories Packs’ were distributed around the tables. These contained all manner of interesting items from the past including newspapers, vintage greetings cards, adverts, postage stamps, knitting patterns, photos and more.  Much conversation and interest was generated by these fascinating items and there was a chance to move between the tables to have a look at different selections.  It was a most enjoyable activity which sent everyone home with plenty to talk and think about until our next Memory Cafe Extra meeting at 2pm on Monday 21^st August at Crantock Village Hall. Should you need further information please ring Di on 01637 830544, Joan on 01637 831347.