October 2014

Song and dance was the order of the day at Crantock Memory Cafe this month, as members welcomed musical group ‘Cameo’ for an hour of music, dance, poetry and reminiscence. The ladies from St Columb Minor thoroughly entertained everyone with music from the First World War through to the 1950s and memory cafe members were soon singing along and tapping their feet! The girls provided us with a most enjoyable show – as far as we were all concerned, they were certainly the ‘Perfect Ladies’ which the name of their performance promised.

Following a delicious afternoon tea brought to us another group of ‘perfect ladies’ – our kitchen helpers, we were pleased to welcome Tracey Sillis, Care Support Worker from the Cornwall Carers Service, who was able to provide some useful information and advice for the carers in our group.

The afternoon concluded with some animated discussions stimulated by a number of interesting articles displayed in the room – a stone hot water bottle, a flat iron, old sewing and D-I-Y equipment and games from the 1940s and 1950s were amongst numerous items which sparked many memories and anecdotes and proved a source of much laughter and chatter – a great way to end an enjoyable afternoon!

A few weeks earlier, the organising committee set up an information stall at the Crantock Bale Push. Many people took time out of an exciting evening to come and talk to us and see the range of activities and resources that we freely offer to our members. Everyone seemed genuinely interested to learn about the problems and difficulties of living daily with memory loss and appreciated our aim to help by providing support and respite for sufferers and their carers. Following on from this, we were thrilled to receive a donation of £400 from the Bale Push Committee towards our running costs. As an independent organisation which receives minimal financial support compared to similar memory cafes in larger towns, we were very grateful for this and will be able continue to provide whatever practical help we can within the local community.

Our next meeting will be held in Crantock Village Hall from 2pm – 4pm on Monday 3^rd November and new members will be most welcome.

September 2014

Our September gathering took place, as normal, on the first Monday afternoon of the month in Crantock Village Hall. We spent the first hour as usual, with games, puzzles and chatter, accompanied by a cup of tea. We were all delighted when one of our members showed us photos of some of his paintings.  He told us that for many years he had painted and sold his pictures of steam trains, vintage aeroplanes and scenic views, as well as commissioned portraits of people and pets.  The quality of his work was amazing – we had no idea that we had such a talented artist amongst us and look forward to seeing some of his original works of art the next time he joins us.

A new feature, at the request of some of our members, was introduced this month, namely news items that had featured in our local and national papers since we last met. A display of newspaper articles and photographs led to a very lively discussion on items ranging from local bus services and mobile library cuts to the cleaning of Big Ben and the tourist season. Hopefully this will be a regular feature of future cafe meetings.

Just before three o’clock we ‘decamped’ to the Cosy Nook Tearooms in the village where we all enjoyed a delicious cream tea.  It was good to have a change of scenery and to give our friends who are usually busy in the kitchen a chance to come and join us for another hour of lively and happy talk. Altogether another interesting and enjoyable afternoon for all!

Crantock Memory Cafe is an independent, local and non-denominational organization which aims to provide a relaxing and interesting social afternoon for those experiencing some memory loss, with their carers.  We are especially pleased to welcome anyone from Crantock, Cubert, St Newlyn East and the surrounding areas on the first Monday afternoon of every month at Crantock Village Hall from 2pm – 4pm.  Our next session is on Monday 6^th October and new members will be most welcome.

August 2014

On Monday 4^th August, Crantock remembered the start of World War One and those from our community who lost their lives in the conflict.  As the centenary fell on the first Monday of the month it coincided with our monthly gathering, and members and helpers were pleased to be invited to join the commemorations in the village.

We met as usual in the Village hall and talked about the Memorial hall in Crantock with its names around the door and the significance of the occasion, before joining locals and visitors for the short service outside the memorial hall. We then strolled over to the church rooms to look at the very interesting display of photographs and artefacts, which was followed by lively chatter over the delicious refreshments that were provided.

We were particularly moved by the poems which were read and felt we had spent an afternoon which had given us much to think about and ponder over.

Some of our members who travel to us from Cubert and Newlyn East were expecting to participate in the commemorations in their own communities, but we will all remember the sunny afternoon of August 4^th 2014 in Crantock.

Crantock Memory Cafe meets in Crantock Village Hall on the first Monday of each month from 2pm – 4pm. We welcome all those suffering from memory loss, with their carers, for a relaxed, friendly and interesting afternoon, accompanied by tea and homemade cakes.