August 2014

On Monday 4^th August, Crantock remembered the start of World War One and those from our community who lost their lives in the conflict.  As the centenary fell on the first Monday of the month it coincided with our monthly gathering, and members and helpers were pleased to be invited to join the commemorations in the village.

We met as usual in the Village hall and talked about the Memorial hall in Crantock with its names around the door and the significance of the occasion, before joining locals and visitors for the short service outside the memorial hall. We then strolled over to the church rooms to look at the very interesting display of photographs and artefacts, which was followed by lively chatter over the delicious refreshments that were provided.

We were particularly moved by the poems which were read and felt we had spent an afternoon which had given us much to think about and ponder over.

Some of our members who travel to us from Cubert and Newlyn East were expecting to participate in the commemorations in their own communities, but we will all remember the sunny afternoon of August 4^th 2014 in Crantock.

Crantock Memory Cafe meets in Crantock Village Hall on the first Monday of each month from 2pm – 4pm. We welcome all those suffering from memory loss, with their carers, for a relaxed, friendly and interesting afternoon, accompanied by tea and homemade cakes.

July 2014

Our July get-together was, as they say ‘a game of two halves’! When members had settled in and had a refreshing cup of tea, we talked of gardening and last month’s visit to David and Brenda Eyles’ wonderful garden at West Pentire. Members recollected gardens of their childhood, compared favourite flowers and their associated memories, and discussed  methods of vegetable gardening and their current gardens. All this was accompanied by a quiz about flowers in songs, which inevitably led to a bit of singing!

Whilst tea was being prepared by our indispensible volunteers in the kitchen, members were able to stretch their legs and have ten minutes of gentle (sitting down!) exercise. You could easily pick out members who had hand-jiving experience!

Following refreshments we moved on to a ‘Summer Holiday’ theme and with the aid of photographs, posters, holiday brochures and postcards, not to mention the sandcastle table decorations, we spent a pleasant hour talking of journeys, picnics, holiday clothes and much more – the memories came flooding back. Once again, music played a part and we all enjoyed singing along with Cliff Richard, Morecambe and Wise and Max Bygraves – can you guess which songs we sang?

Our Memory Cafe meets on the first Monday of each month from 2pm – 4pm in Crantock Village Hall. We aim to provide a friendly, relaxed social afternoon for those suffering from memory loss, and their carers. We welcome members from Crantock, Cubert, Newlyn East and all surrounding areas. The cafe is free, although donations are welcomed towards our expenses.

June 2014

For our meeting on 2nd June we organised an outing for 20 guests, carers and volunteers to Arundell garden at West Pentire, where David and Brenda Eyles gave us a warm welcome. We were joined by Cllr. Lisa Shuttlewood for a tour of the garden where David gave a vivid account of its creation over 40 years. Thanks to his vision, energy and commitment he has created a tropical mini paradise in a most unpromising situation. In a headland location salt laden gales can destroy vulnerable plants but, by creating effective wind breaks with bamboo and other plants, David has created a wonderland of sheltered meandering paths, themed displays as well as finding space for ponds, waterfalls and a vegetable plot.

After the tour the party adjourned to the conservatory for tea, splits and cream and cakes and biscuits organised by Brenda and our volunteers. We thanked David and Brenda for a wonderful afternoon and also for arranging for the morning’s rain to stop just in time for our visit.