October 2017 Extra

Following on from our recent artistically-inspired cafes, we began our mid-October session with an art-themed wordsearch. Richard then welcomed Lorna Wiles – yet another of our talented ‘locals’ who came to tell us about her life and career as an artist and designer. Lorna, whose home and studio is just up the road in West Pentire, had enlisted the help of her husband Bob in bringing along and displaying a wonderful selection of her artwork and needlework. After studying at art colleges in Falmouth, Plymouth and Bristol, Lorna told us how she set up her first workshop in a cowshed in Crantock, and how her career led her to design and make fabrics for a surfing company, a toy-maker, Tate St Ives Art Gallery and Lakes Pottery at Truro, before creating clothing and fabrics for her own company at Wesley Yard in Newquay.

In recent years Lorna has focussed primarily on painting, using a variety of media, and embroidered textiles which she shows in her gallery at West Pentire, reflecting the beautiful area in which she lives.

We were all fascinated as Lorna demonstrated the unusual techniques used to create her distinctive and unique textured works of art, and we were delighted to be able to have a close look at her amazing range of pen and ink line drawings, paintings and embroidery.

As teatime approached, copies of the ‘Sparkle’ magazine were distributed together with a quiz based around articles in this week’s issue. Our usual tea and cakes were then devoured with enthusiasm before Joan led us in a game of ‘Dog Bingo’ and the afternoon concluded with Richard providing the answers to the quiz.

Everyone also heard about two up-coming events which will benefit our Memory Cafe. Firstly, Crantock Arty Crafty Group will be sharing some of the profits from their Arty Crafty Christmas Charity Tea Party which will be held on Saturday 11th November from 2pm to 4pm at Crantock Chapel. This is always a special occasion and well worth a visit. Then on Friday 24th November from 7.45pm, The Bowgie Inn at West Pentire is supporting us by hosting an evening of Cornish Songs and Sea Shanties to be performed by two local groups – Fiddle Me Timbers and the Newquay Rowing Club Singers - again, an event not to be missed!

Everyone left with plenty to talk and think about until our next Memory Cafe meeting at 2pm on Monday 6^th November at Crantock Village Hall. Should you need further information please ring Di on 01637 830544 or Joan on 01637 831347.

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October 2017

The second day of the month saw the first of our two October Memory Cafes, and Autumn had definitely arrived!  Visitors received the usual warm welcome and soon settled down to chat with friends or tackle a seasonal word-search. A beautiful display of autumnal poems and pictures illustrated countryside scenes of woods, harvest-time, nuts and berries and this was complemented by a seasonal ‘nature table’ recalling woodland walks and primary school classroom displays!

Our activity for the afternoon was to create an Autumnal decoration, and we welcomed Margaret Shillaber from Camelford who demonstrated the simple but very effective creation of a seasonal table decoration or hanging wreath made with a wide selection of leaves, ferns, feathers, lichen and much more which were provided for everyone to ‘have a go’. 

All were soon busy and an impressive range of creations soon appeared on the tables. We were shown how this simple idea could be adapted for different occasions – Easter, Christmas and more, and how by using materials collected ourselves, such as seashells, the decorations could provide personal recollections of special times , creating a ‘memory ring’.

Once anyone had finished their rings, or perhaps weren’t too keen to have a try, there were alternatives such as making a card or picture using leaves, or doing some artistic colouring.

As usual, time passed quickly and it was soon time to clear a space for afternoon tea – delicious as ever.

We then welcomed our second visitors for the afternoon, Celtic Chords, a ladies barbershop choir who entertained everyone with some delightful a capella singing for the remainder of the afternoon.  There were many familiar songs to tap our feet to, and as usual where music is concerned, we were keen to join in and sing along!

It was a busy and interesting afternoon and thanks were given to all our contributors and helpers for providing us with another entertaining and creative Memory Cafe to enjoy.

Our next meetings will be held on Monday 16^th October and Monday 6th November from 2pm at Crantock Village Hall. If you wish to learn more about our Memory Cafe please phone Di on 01637 830544 or Joan on 01637 831347. 

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