February 2019

Early February can be a grey time of year, so it was good news for visitors to our Memory Cafe that they were joining us for a bright and cheery afternoon!

Our theme – 'World of Colour' began as guests made their way to tables dressed with bright pots of primulas. Awaiting them were a wordsearch on the theme of ‘A Paintbox of Colours’ and a thought-provoking quiz: ‘How well do you know your colours?’ including such questions as ‘What colour were Vera Lynn’s ‘Cliffs of Dover’, ‘What colours are in the flag of Cornwall?’ and many more.

The room was soon buzzing with chatter as we looked forward to our entertainers for the afternoon ‘The Celtic Chords Barbershop Choir.’ This wonderful ladies choir had visited us once before and we were delighted to welcome them back to share with us the skill and vocal colour of their close-harmony singing. The range of music plus their smiling faces were just what we needed, and there was the opportunity for everyone to take part – soon we were singing in four-part harmony as the ladies spread around the tables to lend a hand (and a voice!) to each part – fantastic!  After some up-beat numbers they closed with a moving rendition of ‘The Irish blessing’.

Loud applause and thanks were given to the ‘Celtic Chords’ before everyone tucked in to a delicious afternoon tea, and had the opportunity to view a wonderful display of photographs and items which illustrated our colourful theme.  Topics such as ‘Colours in Nature’, ‘Colours around the World’ and ‘Colours in Art’ created a beautiful and interesting presentation which gave plenty to talk about, with the displays augmented by art work and other items brought in by some of our volunteers and guests. ‘Colours around the Home’ included fabrics and tableware along with some paint colour charts and wallpaper samples kindly donated by the ‘Paint Spot’ in Newquay.

There was so much to look at and talk about that we only just managed to squeeze in our last activity for the afternoon which was a ‘Colours in Songs’ quiz. David invited everyone to listen to well-known instrumental music and name the colours in the titles - ‘Yellow Submarine’, ‘Red, Red Wine’, ‘Blue Suede Shoes’ and many more -  it was amazing how many we remembered once we heard the tunes! All too soon it was time for a last look at the displays before they were packed away and to say farewell to friends until next time.

As usual it was an interesting and amusing cafe for everyone and it certainly brightened up a grey afternoon! We look forward to meeting up again on February 18th 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, Joan on 01637 831347 or visit our website crantockmemorycafe.org.uk

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.

x