The
Christmas spirit was in full swing for our December cafe. Visitors and helpers
were thrilled to have received a very special invitation from Karen Brown, the
Headteacher of Cubert School to see their infants’ performance of ‘Strictly the
Nativity’. You could feel the anticipation as we queued alongside villagers and
relatives and we were soon seated in the school hall and admiring the beautiful
backdrop.
As we expected, the children gave us an enthusiastic performance and seeing the head-dresses of tea towels brought back a few memories! For some of us it was our first time back inside a primary school for many a year and we couldn’t fail to be impressed by all that we saw. We also commented on all the hard work that must have gone on to present such a polished show and we felt privileged to see it.
Those
who were unable to make it to the school didn’t miss out on the seasonal
activities, as the memory cafe also opened as usual back at Crantock Village
Hall where the room was appropriately decorated for an hour of games and
puzzles based around the sights and sounds of Christmas past and present. There
was even a chance to take a ‘blind-challenge’ of identifying the smells of
Christmas which included cloves, cinnamon, port wine, nutmeg and pine needles!
A selection of Christmas–themed books and 3-D Christmas cards and ‘pop-up’
books to admire, all added to the magic!
Our
newer members had the opportunity to hear about our ongoing ‘Memory Box’
project which aims to encourage everyone to make a collection of personal items
to keep memories alive and to provide material to share and talk about at home
with visiting family or friends. Colourful boxes and ‘My Life Story’ books were
available for members to take home.
When the
play-goers returned from Cubert it was time for refreshments – delicious as
ever – and we were delighted to be joined by members of Oll an Gwella suitably
attired in their festive jumpers and they entertained us for the rest of the
afternoon. We were taught how to sign ‘White Christmas’ had the opportunity to
join in with shanties and carols and finally took part in a few action songs!
Needless
to say, it was a lively and stimulating afternoon and everyone left with their
spirits raised and had plenty to think and talk about before our Memory Cafe
Extra meeting in two weeks time on Monday 19th December at Crantock Village
Hall from 2pm – 4pm. Our Memory Cafe is open
to anyone concerned about memory loss, with their carers. New members are always
welcome and should you need further information ring Di on 01637 830544 or Joan on 01637 831347.
