On the
afternoon of Monday 6th January, Crantock Memory Cafe opened its
doors for the first time. The volunteers held their breath – after several
months of meeting, planning and training, would anyone come along to see what
we had to offer? We didn’t have to wait
long for our answer! Even before our official opening time of 2.00 p.m. guests,
male and female, were starting to arrive, some on their own and others with
family or carers. Some were already friends or acquaintances, whilst others
began the afternoon as complete strangers – but not for long! All were welcomed with a smile and a cup of
tea and soon the Village Hall was full of lively chatter and laughter.
After a
brief welcome from Joan, the Chairwoman of our organising committee, and words
of introduction by Sue McDermott from the Cornwall Rural Community Council, we
began to get to know each other better by sharing memories and experiences, and
having a go at various activities. A
number of our guests and carers took the opportunity of having a relaxing hand
massage offered by Di – this proved to be a great success and will be on offer
each month.
After
another ‘cuppa’, this time with a range of delicious homemade cakes and
biscuits, we were entertained by Barry and Evelyn who with the aid of keyboard
and accordion soon had us laughing, singing along and tapping our feet!!
The two
hours passed very quickly, and we very much hope that all those who came along and
enjoyed the afternoon will come again to our next session on Monday 3rd February from 2.00 –
4.00pm in Crantock Village Hall.
If you, or
someone you know might benefit from attending our sessions please do come
along. It is easy to fit in as each session is made up of a range of activities
(next month is based on ‘Pancakes’) and, as we’ve already discovered, there is
plenty of chat and laughter. Our main aim is to provide a time and place where
people can relax, be themselves, make new friends and have a good time.
If you were
unable to come to our first meeting don’t worry – we’ll be meeting at the same
time on the first Monday of every month and a warm welcome will await you
whenever you can come. Please note that there is ample car parking at the Hall
and disabled access.
