Musical magic conjures up smiles

Whether you are living with dementia, or simply not in the first flush of youth, Rotary is on hand to bring a sparkle to your life.

At Crocus Cafe (Peterborough Rotary Memory Cafe) we love to get everyone involved, members and carers alike. When singer Gwyn Pritchard joined us at our September meeting he soon made sure we were all in good spirits. The microphone was deployed and voices could be heard singing along with familiar words from old favourites. After a short break to refresh mind and body with further cuppas, sausage rolls, cheese and pineapple and delicious homemade Welsh cakes it was time to sit back for another burst of entertainment. As Gwyn sang rock and roll numbers a couple of Rotarians gave a dodgy exhibition of jive and twist but, it was when a slow number followed, that it was time for Rotarian Jill Thomas to come into her own. She invited carer Jerzy to get up and dance - his smile says it all! Not to be outdone, singer Gwyn invited member Ida to join him on the floor. Normally a shy person Ida was soon singing and dancing in his arms bringing back memories of younger days. What a lovely morning.

Somehow the weather must sense the annual barbeque at Stephenson’s Court coming. Each year, we are blessed with glorious sunshine for Orton Rotarians and residents on the day. Is it the scent of sausages sizzling, the sudden activity, or the sunshine that gives residents more of a spring in their step? The barbecue has a special place in the Rotary calendar as it b brightens the day of so many p people.

This year, half a dozen Rot tarians organised, set up, cooked and served up lunch for the thirty people who wanted to come into the wonderful garden among the flats and b bungalows - a perfect setting with the striking silhouette of Peterborough Cathedral filling the skyline. The day passed off with great success, sausages and burgers thor roughly demolished and the previously groaning tables emptied. On such a hot day it was lucky Rotarians came armed with tub upon tub of ice cream too! Everyone is look king forward to next year.

Peterborough has a great history of helping people of the city who fall on hard times in retirement and Stephenson’s Court is part of the Almshouse Trust that dates all the way back to 1611.