by Alan Quick

THE Crediton Memory Cafe held a Christmas Special, its final event at Crediton Station Tea Rooms and Craft Shop a few days before it closed.

There was a real party atmosphere with lots to eat and drink, plus a visit from Santa, who gave each person a gift.

He also presented Linda Brown with a special gift as a thank you for all she had done by hosting the Memory Cafe at the Tea Rooms.

Linda announced that her last day of trading at the Station Tea Rooms and Craft Shop would be on Friday, December 15.

She said it was 20 years and one day after she first picked up the keys to the Station building that she closed the business.

Before she closed the business, she explained: “It is a very emotional time for me. Network Rail is selling its Commercial Estate Business, which means a new company will become my landlord.

“I find this unacceptable and potentially detrimental to myself.

“I have therefore taken the decision to close the business because I don’t believe I can cope with the stress of the changeover process and the fact that the new landlord could close me down with very little notice.

“I would like to thank all those who have supported me over the years.

“I have hosted the Memory Cafe for four years and many U3A groups hold their classes here.

“I am really sorry to close as it has been my life here and I will leave a piece of me here when I go.

“I put everything into running the business, my heart and soul.”

Recently Linda hosted three U3A groups in one day, the knitting, photography and Scrabble groups.

Linda added: “Thank you to all who supported me over these years.

“I wish you all a very Happy New Year and good health and happiness in the coming years.”

Andrew Drayton, Crediton Tesco store’s community champion, who helped at the party, said: “We had an absolutely brilliant time at the party.

“It was a truly lovely afternoon, with a few songs and a visit from Santa himself.

“There was a tinge of sadness as it was the end of an era as Linda Brown, who runs the cafe, ended her four-year association with the Memory Cafe.

“Having been there since the cafe was established and at the heart of how the group has grown and been so successful, there were a few teas as she received the thanks that she so richly deserved.

“Well done to Linda, and to all of the team, we wish you all the best for the future.”

The Crediton Dementia/Memory Café along with several other local community groups, including the U3A and Crediton Dementia Action Alliance, are currently looking for alternative premises to hold their meetings.