On
November 4th visitors to the Memory Cafe were invited to take a trip
through the centuries! Following time to settle in and have a look at some word
puzzles, we were delighted to welcome members of the Trerice House Tudor Costume group. Dressed in sixteenth
century costumes, the ladies made quite an entrance and we knew we were in for
a very special afternoon. Each lady entered the room dressed in the costume of
a different social class – from lowly kitchen maid through to the lady of the
manor.
Co-ordinator
Jo Wood explained that this talented group of volunteers began working at the
National Trust property in 2010. Using brasses and paintings from the Tudor
period they recreate costumes of the period using natural fabrics and
contemporary techniques – no sewing machines and certainly no zips or velcro!
Throughout
the summer season, on Costume Days, visitors to Trerice have the chance to try
on some of the clothes and to learn about the history of dress during the Tudor
period and we were thrilled that they were able to come along and give us all
the same opportunity. It was great fun
trying on hats, ruffs, coats, dresses, pantaloons and even a jester’s outfit!
We were amazed by the skills and knowledge of this group. The display
of other beautifully embroidered caps and gloves, babies’ swaddling clothes,
leather purses, jewellery and more was fascinating and everyone spent time
having a thorough look at it all.
To
round off their presentation the ladies performed a stately Tudor dance to
authentic sixteenth century music, and of course they received a warm round of
applause.
Teatime
gave everyone a chance to chat with each other and our Tudor guests before
David introduced us to a fascinating display. Having learnt about fabrics used
in the sixteenth century our exhibition looked at some of the wide range of
materials we use in our lives today and how they have changed over the years.
Thought-provoking questions invited everyone to consider items made of wood,
stone, clay, glass and metal as well as today’s more familiar materials –
plastic, polyester and nylon – quite a contentious issue!
There were many
items, large and small, to interest everyone including a python’s snake skin,
decorative work in copper and brass, household items and a wide selection of
fabrics for walls, floors, curtains and clothes.
After
a most interesting and entertaining afternoon we look forward to meeting up
again on November 18th and December 2nd at Crantock
Village Hall from 2pm – 4pm. New members with their carers are always welcome,
and should you require further information please contact Di on 01637 830544,
David on 01637 830617 or visit our website at crantockmemorycafe.org.uk
David
then introduced Nigel Skews from Falmouth who had come along to entertain us
for the first part of the afternoon. Nigel’s smiling face and great voice soon
had everyone singing along to a selection of popular songs and well known
Christmas carols which we all enjoyed.
