Following recent publicity and advice
about the coronavirus we have regretably made the decision
to cancel the Memory Cafe sessions from Monday 16th March
and to put future cafes 'on hold' until further notice.
We are sorry that we have had to take this
step, but we are very conscious of our responsibility for
the well-being of everyone who comes to the cafe and don't
want to put anyone's health at unnecessary risk.
We look forward to being in touch again as
soon as we can, and hope you are able to keep well in the
meantime.
From the Chair and volunteers of the
Crantock Memory Cafe.
March 2020
It was ‘ship ahoy’ at Crantock Village Hall on
March 2nd as the Memory Cafe opened up for a maritime-themed
afternoon. As it was almost St Piran’s day, there was a Cornish emphasis to our
theme, and we were delighted to welcome back Jane and Gill, daughters of the
late George Northey who was instrumental in establishing the popular sport of
gig racing in Newquay and on the Isles of Scilly.
Jane and Gill had many memories to share of growing
up on the Gannel Estuary and of the early days of bringing gigs from St Mary’s
on Scilly. Having been gig rowers themselves they spoke with knowledge and
experience about the skills involved in the sport. They also recalled the
initial opposition to female gig rowers which was finally overcome in the mid
1970s! With the aid of Jane’s husband
Gil providing technical support they gave us a most interesting and
entertaining talk and demonstration.
There were some fascinating slides of gigs in
Newquay and on the Isles of Scilly and of three generations of the Northey
‘clan’ rowing and winning trophies, as well as a nostalgic film made in the
1980s in which the late George Northey talked about the days when gigs were
bought from the Isles of Scilly for the princely sum of a few pounds and a
bottle of whisky!
We were all amazed to see the size of the gig oar
which Jane and Gill had brought along, and even more surprised by the length of
a gig which was measured out on the hall floor.
During our break for tea there was a chance to chat
and have a close look at our display which included books, photographs,
newspaper articles and numerous programmes from the World Pilot Gig
Championship hosted by the Isles of Scilly.
In between the cakes and cups of tea there was time to tackle a ‘gig
racing’ word-search and an alphabet grid puzzle, or to talk to Jane and Gill
about their rowing experiences and the history of the pilot gigs.
For the remainder of the afternoon we stayed afloat
with a welcome return visit from our local shanty group ‘Fiddle me Timbers’ who
entertained everyone with a selection of songs with a suitably nautical flavour
accompanied by guitar and two violins.
There were plenty of chances for us all to sing along and we were
delighted that Jane, Gill and Gil joined in as well!
One of our volunteers brought along a small model
of the St Agnes gig ‘Shah’ which had been made and purchased on the Isles of
Scilly several years ago. It was added
to our display and Jane and Gill were thrilled when at the end of the afternoon
it was given to them to add to their collection of memorabilia.
Thanks were given to all of our visitors for a
thoroughly entertaining afternoon before we all sailed off home once more. We
look forward to meeting up again on Monday 16th March. New guests are always
welcome and should you need more information ring David on 01637 830617, Di on
01637 830544 or visit our website: crantockmemorycafe.org.uk
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