February 2018 Extra

On Monday 19^th February it was Memory Café time again and as our guests arrived for our second social occasion of the month we welcomed the ‘Kernewek Stompers’ – our local line-dancing group, who were paying us their first ever visit! The group, led by Caroline Hawkey, meet weekly in Quintrell Downs Village Hall.  They gave us a wonderful display of different routines performed to toe-tapping music and we were all impressed with their range of steps and their energy!  We were then invited to join them for a couple of basic routines and whilst quite a few preferred to watch, several intrepid Memory Café regulars gave it a go!

Meanwhile there was a chance to have a look at a selection of puzzles and quizzes which were distributed around the tables, and as the dancers finished their routines and took a well-earned rest, afternoon tea was served.

We were then introduced to our second theme for the afternoon as David invited guests to relate interesting or amusing ‘family stories’ from the past.

Pam had us all giggling as she told us about a seaside picnic which involved several generations of her family and brought back many memories of windbreaks and deckchairs, thermos flasks and primus stoves, beach games and sandcastles. Hannah then gave us a most interesting talk about the Prater family and their connection with the mysterious cave carvings on Crantock Beach, before Jean spoke about two very different pictures – one of a ‘Spitfire’ signed by many of the famous Spitfire pilots including Douglas Bader, and the other an original cartoon from ‘The Sun’ newspaper from 1966 which depicted her late husband who was a BBC cameraman at the time! Edgar brought along a car number-plate and told us some interesting tales about his acquisition and use of customised number- plates over the years, before Colin recounted a little about his early life and time spent aboard an aircraft carrier and how he began his teaching career.

Every story was unique and fascinating in its own way, and it was great to share times past amongst friends – we’ll certainly do it again sometime.

As ever it was a most entertaining afternoon, and after David revealed the answers to the quizzes it was time to close our doors once again. We look forward to meeting up again from 2pm – 4pm on Monday 5^th March at Crantock Village Hall. New members, who have a degree of memory loss, are always welcome to come along with their carers, and should you require more information please contact Di on 01637 830544, or David on 01637 830617.

February 2018

There was a special treat awaiting visitors to our first February meeting of the Crantock Memory Café. Invitations had been distributed at our previous café, inviting one and all to come along to ‘Tea at the Ritz – Crantock style!’ and expectations were high. Our visitors, many of whom had come suitably attired in their best frocks and suits, were shown to their ‘reserved’ tables as Victor Sylvester and his orchestra played in the background on a CD!

The Village Hall was arranged for afternoon tea, with intimate tables set out with vintage linen and floral centrepieces. There were appropriate themed puzzles to tackle, and a colourful display of teapots and caddies, sugar tongs, cups and saucers and more, as well as a display of famous ‘crooners’ from the 1940s and 1950s. The face at the centre of the display was familiar but perhaps less well-known, our brilliant local crooner Andy Marshall who was to provide us with entertainment for the afternoon.

As Andy sang a selection of well-known songs and the buzz of friendly chatter filled the room, the ambience of a relaxed café-style afternoon was created. The music was superb – feet were soon tapping and we were delighted when we were invited to join in some familiar choruses from the songs of Nat King Cole, Frank Sinatra, Matt Monroe, Dean Martin and many more.

Soon it was time for tea, and our ‘waitresses’ suitably dressed with aprons and caps, served Ritz-style refreshments on lofty cake-stands of a variety of filled sandwiches, mini quiches, meringues, tempting cakes and biscuits accompanied by tea served in china cups and saucers to complete the ‘look’. The ‘girls’ really entered into the spirit of the afternoon and in between serving entertained with short bursts of dancing – it was hard to stand still as the music played on!

Whilst Andy took a break and shared in the refreshments, there was a chance to have a closer look at the displays, whilst a jar of teabags was circulated around the room with the chance to guess how many were packed in the jar.

The ‘40s Crooner’ was soon back at the microphone and with his smooth voice still entertaining us, the afternoon passed quickly, and it was time to reveal who had won the teabags! It was a thoroughly enjoyable experience for everyone and David thanked Andy Marshall for his wonderful entertainment and all the volunteers and visitors who entered into the spirit of the occasion and made it such a special event.

We look forward to meeting up again from 2pm – 4pm on February 19th at Crantock Village Hall. New members, who have a degree of memory loss, are always welcome to come along with their carers, and should you require more information please contact Di on 01637 830544, David on 01637 830617 or see our website.