Following
on from our recent successful cafes based on the themes of ‘Radio’ and
‘Television’, our first get-together in July led us to the big screen with ‘The
World of Cinema’ as the focus to spark our memories.
Visitors
arrived to find wide-ranging displays of films and film-stars whilst on the
cafe tables were a ‘World of Cinema’ word-search and film based quizzes to get
them ‘in the mood’! Before we delved
into our favourite films any further, however, we welcomed back our friends
‘Oll an Gwella’ the brilliant a capella group from Newquay who entertained us
with familiar songs and banter until tea-time.
We
were very impressed with a number of familiar songs sung in the Cornish
language as well as the talented musicians on swanee whistles who added their
expertise to a performance of ‘Those Magnificent Men in their Flying
Machines’! As usual there were
opportunities for everyone to join in, singing choruses and doing actions,
whilst for the choristers themselves the most exciting moment seemed to be
meeting up with their favourite film-star, Marilyn Monroe!
Refreshed
by our usual cakes, biscuits and tea, and having had time for a chat and a
closer look at the displays, the familiar strains of Gene Kelly performing
‘Singin’ in the Rain’ from one of the best-loved films of all times drew us
back to the task in hand as individuals and groups shared their memories of
film-going past and present and had a go at a ‘Movie Quiz’. Photos, books and
cigarette cards reminded everyone of favourite films and film-stars from past
decades as well as recalling the excitement of visits to the cinema in times
gone by; one of our guests revealed a hidden talent – she knew how to ‘splice’
cinema film and load the projector, as it was her father’s job to service and
check the machines!
Our
selection of songs from well-known musical films continued to play in the
background, and soon everyone was singing or humming along before answers to
the puzzles and quizzes were shared.
It
was a great afternoon which brought back many happy memories for everyone;
whether it was going to the ‘flicks’ on a Saturday morning or snuggling up to a
beau in the back stalls sharing ice-cream or popcorn!
It
was soon time to pull down the shutters on the café for another week. Many
thanks were given to all our visitors before everyone left for home with plenty
to think and talk about before our next café on Monday 15th July.
New members who have a degree of memory loss are always welcome, and should you
require further information please contact Di on 01637 830544, Joan on 01637
831347 or visit our website at crantockmemorycafe.org.uk.
