January 2019 Extra

It was great to see how many of our friends had joined us on a chilly January afternoon but Crantock Village Hall was feeling warm and cosy as everyone settled in for a chat or to have a look at a puzzle, quiz or the latest copy of ‘Sparkle’ magazine.

Music is always popular with visitors to the cafe and we are fortunate to have a number of musical entertainers who visit us regularly. However, new musical entertainment is always welcome and for our second cafe in January we were delighted to meet Emma Peck representing a country-wide charity called ‘Goldies’.  Emma led us in a ‘sing and smile’ session, which did just that, giving everyone a chance to join in with familiar songs from across the years. Emma gave out booklets with all the lyrics and we were soon singing along with Doris Day, Lonnie Donegan, Cilla Black, Elvis and many other favourites. In the end most were on their feet enjoying a dance, which was great fun!

By three o’clock we were all ready for a cup of tea and some refreshments which, on this occasion were augmented by some tasty cakes brought along by Brenda from Wiltshire Farm Foods, a company which can provide home-delivered meals.

After tea Joan led us in a game of ‘Dog Bingo’ which was enjoyed by all – especially as chocolates were distributed to those with a ‘line’ or a ‘full house’.

There was just time for Richard to run through the answers to the quiz before it was time to pack up and say farewell to friends, knowing that we would be meeting up again on February 4th at Crantock Village Hall from 2pm – 4pm. Anyone who has a degree of memory loss, is always welcome to come along with their carers. Should you require more information please contact Di on 01637 830544 or Joan on 01637 831347

January 2019

There was much to celebrate at our first Memory Cafe of 2019!

Firstly, of course, the beginning of a new year -  a time for fresh starts, new ideas and resolutions, and many ‘Happy New Year’ greetings were exchanged between friends old and new.

Secondly, our early January ‘get-together’ was the fifth anniversary of the opening of the very first Crantock Memory Cafe back in 2014. This gave us the opportunity to look back on some of the good times we’ve had and to see the range of activities we’ve tried over that time.  Joan, who is chair of our organising committee, thanked everyone for coming and paid tribute to the many generous people, both from Crantock and further afield, who have been good friends to the Memory Cafe over the last five years in so many different ways.

First, though, there was the chance for everyone to settle down for a chat or to puzzle over a word-search before we welcomed ‘Fiddle me Timbers’ our lively local shanty singers, who had come along to entertain everyone and give us a chance to do what we always enjoy - ‘join in!’ The music was great with plenty of rhythms to tap or clap, and some tuneful new songs as well as familiar favourites!

As the shanty session drew to a close our wonderful ‘refreshments team’ brought in a beautifully decorated birthday cake with candles for everyone to see before it was returned to the kitchen to be cut. We sang ‘Happy Birthday’ to the cafe and to one of our friends who was celebrating a ‘special’ birthday before ‘Fiddle Me Timbers’ completed their programme with a final song.

By teatime everyone was ready for a ‘cuppa’ and a slice of cake (or two, well they were delicious!). After tea there was time to explore the extensive display of photographs and view a range of artefacts depicting domestic life, children’s clothing, sport, toys and much more, reminding us of past cafes, or perhaps making some think ‘I missed out on that – I hope there will be a chance to do it at another time!’.Thought-provoking questions and comments ensured everyone had a close look and the opportunity to talk with friends and neighbours.  There were boxes of everyday objects from past decades to look through which stimulated conversation and there were even some mystery items which provoked much thought and discussion!

All too soon it was time to round off the afternoon. We look forward to meeting up again on January 21^st and February 4th at Crantock Village Hall from 2pm – 4pm. New members, who have a degree of memory loss, are always welcome to come along with their carers. Should you require more information please contact Di on 01637 830544, or Joan on 01637 831347.

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