April 2014

Our April meeting in the Village Hall at Crantock was the usual friendly, social gathering we have come to expect.  Although based in Crantock, our aim has always been to support those suffering from memory loss who live further afield, as well as in the village, and we have been delighted how far the news has spread since we opened for the first time in January.

Our usual selection of games, puzzles and ‘memory joggers’ to stimulate conversation were on offer, as well as a soothing hand massage!  After a delicious selection of home-made cakes and a cup of tea we played an amusing game of bingo based around bird names with winners rewarded with small, but delicious Easter eggs!

We were very pleased to welcome Lisa Shuttlewood, our local County Councillor. This was her second visit to us, as she had attended our opening session in January, and she has been actively supportive of our group ever since.  Lisa presented a projector to the Memory Cafe which was purchased with funds from her Cornwall Councillor’s Community Grant and this enabled us to then watch a short video about 1960’s domestic life.

If you, or anyone you know, are thinking of joining us for next month’s Memory Cafe please note that due to the May Bank Holiday we will be meeting one week later on Monday 12^th May from 2pm to 4pm in Crantock Village Hall.  A warm and friendly welcome awaits you, and we are free to all those suffering from a degree of memory loss and their carers.

If you would like further information please ring Joan on 01637 831347 or Di on 01637 830544.

March 2014

Our Memory Café continues to grow – not only in numbers but in the distance from which people travel to join us for an interesting, enjoyable and varied afternoon.

This month, the first Monday fell two days before St Piran’s Day (5^th March) so we had a good reason to centre our activities around all things Cornish.  We settled in with a cup of tea and caught up with friends, old and new, and what we’d been up to over the last four weeks – much talk about the weather and the hint of Spring!

A group based Cornish quiz followed which gave everyone a chance to share their knowledge about our county, and my, what a knowledgeable lot we proved to be!  With picture clues, questions ranging from places and history to food and legends and the inevitable extended chats across the group on their personal memories and preferences we had a lively session that was apparently enjoyed by all concerned.

This was followed by a hearty traditional Cornish tea. We had hot Crantock Bakery pasties (delicious) followed by saffron cake, fairings and sponges and Brenda’s wonderful homemade biscuits. This was topped off by mouth-watering scones made by Kate with a topping of strawberry jam and a generous topping of Rodda’s Cornish cream  - a veritable feast. Washed down by tea and coffee it was amazing that we went on to sing a range of traditional Cornish songs, including The White Rose, Lamorna, Camborne Hill and, of course, Trelawney. We even learnt “There’s something about a Pasty” and boy, can we sing!

The afternoon ended with the usual mix of conversation and laughter and there were notes on the legend of St Piran and pieces of slate with his flag painted on (black background with a white cross) for anyone to take home to help celebrate St Piran’s Day.

We’re now looking forward to our next Memory Café which will be on Monday 7th April from 2pm – 4pm at Crantock Village Hall.  We know there will be plenty to do and talk about; and of course more tea and cake ! 

We’re delighted that we now have guests joining us from Cubert, Newquay and St Newlyn East and would welcome more. All our guests are warmly welcomed at the door by our friendly helpers who do their best to ensure that everyone is made to feel at ease.

All those with concerns about their memory, and carers too, are welcome to join us. The Café is free of charge, although donations towards our running costs are welcomed.

February 2014

When we opened our doors for the second meeting of the Memory Café on 3^rd February, we felt that all the odds were against us.  Several members of our organising team were unwell, and the weather was appalling, with high winds and lashing rain (no surprise there!).  However, our back-up team of helpers stepped into the breach, and we were delighted when guests began to arrive. We were very pleased that Crantock friends, who had attended our January gathering, had ventured out to see what was on offer again, and delighted to welcome newcomers from Cubert, Newlyn East and Newquay – news of us is spreading!

After a welcome ‘cuppa’, we talked about childhood memories, aided by puzzles, toys and photos and as we have come to expect, the room was soon filled with laughter and chatter.  At this point we wondered whether we were disturbing the peace, especially when Caroline, our local Police Community Support Officer appeared at the door!  We breathed a sigh of relief to discover she had simply heard of our gathering and had come to see how things were going: we quickly plied her with a cup of tea and sat her down to join in!

Following a welcome break to catch our breath, during which tea and homemade cakes were served by Brenda and Pat, our able helpers in the kitchen, we settled down for a game of ‘Musical Bingo’.  It’s not until you start listening to music that you realise just how many songs you know – and can sing along with!

The time just flew by – what a great way to spend a dull, wet winter’s afternoon.  We’re now looking forward to our next Memory Café which will be on Monday 3rd March from 2pm – 4pm at Crantock Village Hall.  Plans are at an early stage as this is written but we know there will be plenty to do and talk about; and of course more tea and cake!

All those with concerns about their memory, and carers too, are welcome to join us. The Café is free of charge, although donations towards our running costs are welcomed.