September 2015 extra!

At the most recent CMC Extra meeting on 21^st September, the theme was Victorian Britain. Members watched a documentary film illustrating the momentous events of Queen Victoria’s long reign (recently surpassed by our present Queen). This was a period of rapid and stupendous change driven by the industrial Revolution, the expansion of the Empire, social change and greatly improved life expectancy. There were many interesting comparisons with today’s technological revolution and social dilemmas.

After a ‘Victoriana’ quiz, members tucked into tea and home baked cakes. The afternoon was rounded off with a very enjoyable game of Music Bingo.

The next meetings of the Crantock Memory Café will be on Monday 5^th October, when there will be a reminiscence session on Harvest time followed by a cream tea. The Memory Café Extra on Monday 19^th October will feature a programme on the history of London’s East End and a trial of a new game called Dog Bingo! (developed in Barking presumably?). 

Crantock Memory Cafe at the Bale Push!

Crantock Bale Push is a large and very well-supported charity event held annually on the second Friday of September.  This year, despite bad weather, over 90 teams of four pushed heavy bales of hay around the village, competing for the fastest time and supported by large vociferous groups of supporters!

Our Memory Cafe was chosen as one of several local and national charities to benefit from the event. In addition to receiving a sum of money from the organising committee, it also entitled us to set up a stall in the village, publicizing our Cafe, and distributing advice and information. We also ran a tombola and invited donations which in total raised over £50.

Many thanks to all our volunteers who set up, and manned the stall during a very wet evening, in order to support our organisation!

September 2015

There was a strong Cornish theme to the Memory Cafe this month. The first weekend in September always sees the celebration of the Cornish Gorsedd, and we were delighted to welcome two Cornish bards to our gathering: Caner Plu Golom (Singer of the Parish of St Columb) and Canores Porthysak (Singer of Port Isaac) or in English husband and wife Keith and Clarinda Truscott, along with friend and accompanist Heather.

Keith and Clarinda were elected bards in 2002 and they were able to explain some of the history, traditions and dress of the Cornish Gorsedd, as well as introducing us to a little of the Cornish language and links with other Celtic nations.

The cafe was dressed in black and gold in honour of their visit, and the Cornish tartan and flag were much in evidence! There were plenty of Cornish books to look at, some Cornish copper and, of course, a puzzle – how many place names and surnames can you think of beginning with ‘Tre, Pol, Pen, Porth or Ros?’

It’s not surprising that we were soon singing along to ‘Camborne Hill’, ‘The White Rose’, ‘Hail to the Homeland’, as well as listening to some less well known, but equally enjoyable Cornish numbers performed by our guests.

Refreshments were much appreciated by all (including saffron cake of course!) and our catering volunteers were kept especially busy, as were delighted to have a packed room this month.

After tea, we relaxed and listened to an instrumental medley of Ivor Novello tunes played by Heather, who then read two of her own atmospheric poems – what a talented girl!

The afternoon concluded with some more delightful duets from Keith and Clarinda, ending with a rousing performance of ‘Trelawney’ from us all – what else! As always, it was a busy, entertaining and very enjoyable afternoon, with time for a chat and a smile amongst friends.

Crantock Memory Cafe is open and free for all those concerned with memory loss and their carers. For more information speak to our friendly volunteers Di on 01637 830544 or Joan on 01637 831347.

Our next two meetings will be held on Monday 21st September and Monday 5^th October from 2pm to 4pm in Crantock Village Hall.