July 2016 Extra

The summer seems to be passing us fast – on Monday 17^th we held our July Memory Cafe Extra and as usual a happy band of guests joined us for an interesting afternoon!

We began by having a look at ‘Sparkle’ magazine: This is a weekly publication which provides day-to-day recollections of events, personalities, song lyrics and quizzes relating to years gone by.

A wordsearch and crossword puzzle were provided to encourage everyone to have a good look through the magazine. Birthdays that week included Richard Branson (born 1950) and Nicola Sturgeon (born 1970) whilst the ‘events’ section reminded us of the attempted assassination of Hitler (20^th July 1944) and the resignation of Sir Alec Douglas-Home (22^nd July 1965). In the ‘way we were’ columns we were reminded of buying sweets in the 1950s, childhood pets and school reports.  There was plenty of laughter and chatter and we rounded the session off with a chorus of ‘When I’m Sixty-Four’.

After tea, there was another opportunity to remember times past: each table was given a box of items and everyone was encouraged to have a good look and choose something which interested them or brought back memories. There was quite a selection in each box – old keys and coins, a horse brass, blackboard rubber and chalk, thimbles, a compass, a bag of confetti and many more. There was so much to look at and talk about we could have gone on for hours, but as usual time caught up with us, and everyone was encouraged to take the ‘Sparkle’ magazines home with them to peruse further in their own time.

As usual, many thanks to all our organizers and helpers for an interesting afternoon and we look forward to opening our doors again on Monday 1^st August and Monday 15^th August from 2pm – 4pm at Crantock Village Hall. New members are always welcome and we are open to anyone concerned about memory loss, with their carers.  For more information ring Di on 01637 830544 or Joan on 01637 831347. 

July 2016

Our cafe usually begins with some word-based puzzles which link in with something topical or the theme for the afternoon. This month our guests were greeted by word searches based on the actual day of the ‘Fourth of July’ with the focus on the American celebrations and another on ‘Musical Instruments’.

Di welcomed a packed room full of visitors and introduced Malcolm and Angela - a husband and wife singing duo from Newquay who entertained everyone with a medley of popular songs with solos by Angela accompanied by Malcolm on the harmonica. In between songs Malcolm entertained us with a series of amusing anecdotes and jokes. The performance was greatly enjoyed by all who were able to join in with many of the better known songs.

After the usual refreshments of tea and delicious homemade cakes with time for a chat with friends, Di presented a quiz based on naming musical instruments beginning with each letter of the alphabet. Whilst many were fairly easy (accordion, bassoon, cello etc.) some were extremely challenging .... did you know for q there is an instrument called a qanun (an Arabian zither)?  Everyone did very well with much creative thinking and a good time was had by all, judging from the laughter! 

We are now looking forward to our next meetings which will be held on Monday 18^th July, Monday 1^st August and Monday 15^th August. New members are always welcome and we are open to anyone concerned about memory loss, with their carers.  For more information ring Di on 01637 830544 or Joan on 01637 831347.