WITH her hilarious one woman show about the history of the humble knicker, Rosemary Hawthorne, otherwise known as 'The Knicker Lady', entertained the audience at the Tavistock Memory Café recently.

Surrounded by old suitcases, boxes and hat stands, The Knicker Lady (pictured right) delves through 250 years of bloomers, briefs and bustles and presents a myriad of colourful characters that wore them, in a unique and enigmatic style of her own.

The show prompted lots of giggles and reminiscences from the audience made up of people living with dementia and their carers. The memory cafe meets every other Saturday to provide a social setting and support.

June Wildman from the memory cafe said the show was perfect for the audience, triggering many memories as well as providing many laughs.

'We do lots of activities with reminiscence work and this show was perfect. Some of the underwear was from the 20s and 30s and many of the older people remembered those and this triggered other memories for them.'

Rosemary Hawthorne, a vicar's wife, is an actress, costume historian, best-selling author and an enthralling entertainer. She extended her stay in the South West after her appearance in Ivybridge giving a free performance to the Tavistock memory cafe because of the valued work it does in the community.

Anyone who has been newly diagnosed or is looking after someone with dementia is welcome to attend the memory cafe which is based at the Anchorage Centre.

For more information contact June Wildman on 01822 616958.