It was an absolute delight to attend the launch of the Brackley Memory Café recently.  It was wonderful to have Richard introduce me, and I truly appreciated the warm applause from everyone — it made me feel so welcome.  I thoroughly enjoyed chatting with many of the guests and hearing their stories, which brought back so many fond memories for them.  One couple, in particular, were overjoyed as memories came flooding back.  They had lived in and near my late parents’ home and loved reminiscing about the places we had all visited and the people we knew in common.

Everyone enjoyed the tea, coffee, sandwiches, and cakes, which made their outing even more special.  They are all eagerly looking forward to their next visit.During the afternoon, guests spent time doing jigsaws and decorating new name badges for their lanyards. I joined in and thoroughly enjoyed colouring mine — I hadn’t drawn or coloured for years! It certainly helped me focus, especially as I worked on a drawing of flowers.

The Memory Cafe runs the first Wednesday of every month 2-4pm at Brackley Care Home and the third Wednesday of every month at Brackley Library, 2-4pm.

Best regards, Cllr Elaine Wiltshire, Brackley Town Mayor