On
Monday 19th February it was Memory Café time again and as our guests
arrived for our second social occasion of the month we welcomed the ‘Kernewek
Stompers’ – our local line-dancing group, who were paying us their first ever
visit! The group, led by Caroline Hawkey, meet weekly in Quintrell Downs
Village Hall. They gave us a wonderful
display of different routines performed to toe-tapping music and we were all
impressed with their range of steps and their energy! We were then invited to join them for a
couple of basic routines and whilst quite a few preferred to watch, several
intrepid Memory Café regulars gave it a go!
Meanwhile
there was a chance to have a look at a selection of puzzles and quizzes which
were distributed around the tables, and as the dancers finished their routines
and took a well-earned rest, afternoon tea was served.
We
were then introduced to our second theme for the afternoon as David invited
guests to relate interesting or amusing ‘family stories’ from the past.
Pam had
us all giggling as she told us about a seaside picnic which involved several
generations of her family and brought back many memories of windbreaks and
deckchairs, thermos flasks and primus stoves, beach games and sandcastles.
Hannah then gave us a most interesting talk about the Prater family and their
connection with the mysterious cave carvings on Crantock Beach, before Jean spoke
about two very different pictures – one of a ‘Spitfire’ signed by many of the
famous Spitfire pilots including Douglas Bader, and the other an original cartoon
from ‘The Sun’ newspaper from 1966 which depicted her late husband who was a
BBC cameraman at the time! Edgar brought along a car number-plate and told us
some interesting tales about his acquisition and use of customised number- plates
over the years, before Colin recounted a little about his early life and time
spent aboard an aircraft carrier and how he began his teaching career.
Every
story was unique and fascinating in its own way, and it was great to share
times past amongst friends – we’ll certainly do it again sometime.
As
ever it was a most entertaining afternoon, and after David revealed the answers
to the quizzes it was time to close our doors once again. We look forward to
meeting up again from 2pm – 4pm on Monday 5th March at Crantock
Village Hall. New members, who have a degree of memory loss, are always welcome
to come along with their carers, and should you require more information please
contact Di on 01637 830544, or David on 01637 830617.
