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Vol 7 Issue 12 April 2019
Hats off to Ken Mills
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CONTENTS
Editorial..........................................................2Chairman’s Report..........................................3Residents’ Association Committee..................4David’s Column..............................................6Little Shop Charity Table.................................7Care Team......................................................8Adjourned Talk on Dementia..........................8'Magic on the Keyboard’.................................9Congratulations to Bunty................................9Disposal of Small Electrical Items Etc..............9Easter Chicks, Bunnies and Baskets for Sale..10Residents with Cameras...............................10Ken Mills Bad Hair Day on 8th March.............11David’s Poem................................................12The Life and Times of Florence Nightingale -Part 3............................................................13
Snooker Final 2019.......................................14Groundbreaking Discoveries by Women ThatWere Credited to Men..................................14Smile with Isabel..........................................15I didn’t know that.........................................15On retirement..............................................15An Italian Adventure....................................16Bonny Sartin Entertained Us.........................17More from Your Giza Correspondent............18Grove Place Residents Have Talent...............19Mobile Car Valeting......................................20Farewell Lesleigh..........................................20Lesleigh Joyce...............................................21Courtesy Shuttle (AKA The Buzz)...................22Trips and Events Calendar.............................23List of Main Activities in Grove Place............24
Cover photo and design by Fred Tickle
The Gazette is dependent on your contributions which you may send to us by whatever means. Bearin mind that submissions should not violate copyright and should fit in with our guiding principles.
The deadline for submissions is the 20th of the month.Fred Tickle, 24 Northcliffe House Tel:8073 6439 email: [email protected] Caffyn, 33 Northcliffe House, Tel:8073 9051 email: [email protected]
DisclaimerThe sole responsibility for any statement or opinion expressed in The Grove Gazette, or for
obtaining the owner’s permission in respect of any copyright material, remains with theperson submitting them and not with the Editor.
EditorialWe have used our front cover to salute Ken Mills for his brave act to raise funds for the prostatecancer charity PCASO which you can read all about in this issue.Congratulations to the finalists of the annual snooker competition and to Bunty joining theincreasing number of nonagenarians in Grove Place. Currently numbering 12!David Wootten has two poems this month, one dedicated to Lesleigh who, unfortunately, has leftus, after nine and a half years, for new pastures.Plus the usual reports of events we have enjoyed in March.Fred Tickle
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In my report for last month’s Gazette I wassceptical that there would be any proper progresson the Care Home project for a long time. Thereis a considerable difference in the price to build asdrawn and the available funds. But after adiscussion with David Knight recently I may havebeen a little pessimistic. I have no real informationnow so we will simply have to wait and see untilsomething solid emerges. I will keep everyoneinformed through these pages as and when.
Again there is no news on how the Life Care board,(as far as it affects us) is to be reorganised.
However, there are lots of other things going onhere on the ground as it were. Firstly, an accidentalbut nevertheless a very worrying event, hadoccurred. What happened was that security hadbeen compromised. When David Knight learntabout this he decided immediately to change allthe codes. The right decision of course. But it gaveus all here no time to prepare for, and get used tothe new codes. As I am sure everyone willremember it took about two goes to get the newcodes sorted.
Then at least two of our most vulnerable membersreturning home later could not gain access to theirhomes. One was discovered relatively quickly butthe other waited about forty five minutes outsidein a cold wind before help arrived. A truly dreadfulsituation.
The committee discussed these events in detail
with the Village Manager and it is fair to say thatno clear and immediate consensus was evident asto how such a situation could be avoided in thefuture. Proper advanced planning would certainlyhelp, but this was not available on this occasion.
On a different matter, we are all about to haveavailable high speed fibre optic Broadband. Withintwo weeks or so it is said. I am sure we all want toknow just what the advantage will be, and howmuch it will cost. Some time ago the Governmentannounced that it would make high speedbroadband available throughout the country andmade money available to do it! We have somehowbenefited from that.
And, finally, this committee is approaching the endof its allotted life – it has one more meeting andthen the AGM, when the next committee has tobe elected. The chairman is a separateappointment and the six committee members areelected together. At the time of writing this, allvacancies are being contested and so we will behaving an election, which is a good thing becauseit shows genuine interest. The procedure for theelection will be:-
Nominations for chairman and committee closeon 30th March.
Voting papers to be delivered on Wed 3rd April.
Voting closes Wed 10th April.
John
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Residents’ Association CommitteeActing Chairman and Buildings and Services: John Baker
Vice Chairman and events within Grove Place - Pat WoottenGrounds, Health and Safety: Barbara Ratcliffe (co-opted)
Secretary: Pat HeathTreasurer: Ray Smith
Events and Visits outside Grove Place: Kate MillsCommunications: Heather Nestel - Library; Gazette; Directory; Residents’ Website
Website address is www.gpra.org.ukCommittee Reports
Buildings & Services John BakerIn addition to being Acting Chairman I have to keep an eye on what's going on in Buildings& Services. The answer is quite a lot. One of the most important subjects which are bothbuildings and services is the issue of security. While the whole site is patrolled and securedby the professionals, the part which is of direct and frequent importance to us is the entry
codes. The main entrance code for both Paget and Northcliffe is slightly different from the sideentrances. So the question which we must all answer and believe in is “do we need coded entrancesat all”? It is commonly believed that all services people and companies are told the codes as soon asthey are established and so why have them? This is a difficult question to answer but it does seem thatthe fact that they are in operation all the time complicates the issue. So what about: door code systemoff during the day and on at night if that's possible. While I think that there is a case for such anarrangement it would complicate matters. Your Committee has not debated this matter yet but I willask them to do so if the Management think it worthwhile.
The Village Manager in his report has covered all the practical matters concerned with Buildings andMaintenance, and it is on such matters as security that the Management would very much like to haveour view.
The designs for the new reception area and bar have not yet been finalised so we await them withgreat interest.
Grounds and Health & Safety Barbara RatcliffeThe major task of planting the new trees has been undertaken during March by thegardens team. Unfortunately, the exceptionally high winds displaced some of the guardsand stakes. The few uprooted ones have been replanted and others returned to theupright. The unprotected hollies and deer resistant conifers remain undisturbed.
The damaged drain cover in St. Swithuns has now been replaced. The contractors are due to start therepair to the collapsed area of wall in the walled garden shortly.
Once the weather is suitable, the spraying programme will begin to clear the weeds from the gravelpaths.
A new treadmill has been installed in the gym.
“No Entry” and “Authorized vehicles only” signs have been attached to the laundry wall. A ramp willbe constructed across the drive to slow traffic. This is a safety measure to protect pedestrians in thedesignated walking space alongside the building.
Just a reminder about emergency call buttons in the Manor. They are located in Reception, to the rightof the main door and in the Middleton Room, to the left of the door from the Restaurant as well as inthe toilets.
Barbara Ratcliffe
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Committee reports continued
Social Events
External Trips: Kate Mills is responsible for off site activities and arranging trips.The trip to Lepe Beach & Hythe went well despite the weather.
Bombay gin trip almost full.Adrian, our bus driver, is helping with trips during the changeover of concierges.I have been asked to look into reinstating matinee cinema trips, but we would need a volunteer ifanyone is willing to organise. Please see let me know.Please do let me know trips that you would like us to arrange, and I will do my best.Kate
Internal events and entertainment: Pat Wootten is responsible for on site events,
Looking Back
At the end of February Pete Frances came to provide Magic on the Keyboard which wasmuch enjoyed by a good audience. You can read the full report from Ken Mills.
On the 7th March Bonny Sartin entertained with songs and anecdotes of his time in the Dorset FolkGroup- The Yetties. This was much enjoyed by everyone who attended and Bonny managed to getaudience participation from the most unlikely members of the audience! Elaine Gaussen has writtena full report elsewhere.
Looking Forward- Something for Everyone
On Friday 29th March at 2p.m, Peter Jones will be here to talk about ‘Economic and Stockmarket updatein 2019’- what is influencing the UK and overseas Stockmarkets.On Tuesday 2ⁿd April Lucy Ingram from the Nat West Community Banking will give a presentationentitled ‘Friends against Scams’ which will inform us how to not become one of the thousands of peoplewho every day are caught up in scams.On the afternoon of the 25th April there will be a talk organised in cooperation with Debbie Powell on‘Meditation and Mindfulness’ led by David Cole who will talk about the research and impact on wellbeing.On the evening of Tuesday 21st May the Choir will entertain with their Summer Concert.On the afternoon of Saturday 15th June ,The Southampton Grad Band will return to entertain us.On Saturday 20th July there will be a joint Grove Place and Residents’ Committee BBQ and mini SummerFair when ‘The Elderlies’ will once again entertain.On Tuesday September 24th we will have a presentation by the Royal Navy about Modern Day Role ofthe Senior Service (recommended by Tony-Reeves Parker).Several more dates are in the pipeline so watch the noticeboard.Pat Wootten
Communications
Heather Nestel (chairman), David Cooper, (web master), Fred Tickle. (Gazette Editor),Tricia Caffyn, (Asst. Editor), Gail Ashworth, (directory) and Philip Gaussen, (Librarian).Heather has spoken to David Knight about another bookcase for the library and he islooking into where the others came from and understood that we were very short of
space.Gail is happy to update any changes to your contact details if you can send her an email or note. If youare having difficulty reading your emails and cannot access the Notice Board, please let Gail know.One website page has been replaced and the meal ordering has been updated to the 29th March butno major changes have happened this month. Please check the website for changes next month.Heather Nestel
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David’s ColumnGreetings all, and can I ask how pleased iseveryone that we seem to have seen the last ofwinter? Having no major snow days to contendwith this March has been a delight. There is muchto discuss this month so I will crack straight on!
It is with sadness that we say a fond farewell toLesleigh, our long serving Concierge. I have nodoubt that every single resident will have at leastone story involving her that will make everyonelaugh. Lesleigh has been a source of invaluableinformation for me during our time workingtogether and I will miss her cheery nature. Wewish her well in her chosen endeavours. Workcontinues apace in finding a replacement for theirreplaceable.
You may have noticed that the apartments 15-17of Paget House have been clad in scaffolding. Thisis because it is the test area for the new gutteringsystem and will, hopefully, be finished by the timethis comes to print. Once the success or otherwiseof this area has been determined, we will look toroll out this solution across the worst affectedparts of the village in due course.
Following the recent resident survey, we havemade the following changes to the Food andBeverage offering:
● There will be a daily special soup and maincourse listed on the front desk, priced at £10per person. Please call the team to find outwhat it is every day.
● There will be 4 changes to the ‘light bite’ menuevery month.
● The non resident surcharge will be removed
● Sunday lunch, the main feedback centredaround the size of meals and presentation ofvegetables, so, roast potatoes will now comeon the plate, vegetables will continue to beserved in the normal way, but the number oftypes of vegetables will reduce to 3. To balancethis the price will reduce from £11.90 to£10.75 for 2 courses and £14.20 to £12.50 for3 courses, and, of course, the non residentsurcharge has been removed also.
In other areas of the survey, I have alreadymentioned the scaffolding for the test area of the
new guttering, and I will be sharing with you soonmore updates as they happen. I can tell youthough, that the next issue from the feedback tobe solved will be the implementation of a new oncall mobile phone number to be used in case ofemergency at weekends. This number will contacta manager at home over the weekend if you haveany issues that need someone at the end of thephone to help you with. It is for emergencies onlyand I am sure that all our residents will understandand respect this. I will share the number when thephone arrives next week.
I must pass on my most sincere thanks to Robin,Atilla and Patrick for their sterling efforts onplanting the trees for the mitigation works. 1875were planted in total in less two weeks, which issome achievement.
Next, a very welcome update on Wi-Fi. We havenow delivered fibre optic broadband to fourlocations in the village; these are two just outsideNorthcliffe House and two just outside PagetHouse. We now have to wait two weeks until thiswork shows up on BT’s asset list, once this is done,we can then contact BT again and see what isneeded to enable all residents to access the fibre.In the next two weeks BT will connect to thecommunications cupboards to enable theconnection to operate.
We will keep you informed of progress but I’m sureyou will agree this is a significant step forward andachieved with no need for heavy ground works.
We are placing additional lighting in the groundfloor corridor of Northcliffe House as it is very darkduring the day. There is no borrowed light as thereis in Paget House. These works will be finalisedwithin the next week or so. They will be on all dayand then the lights will revert to the sensors in theevening when there is less footfall.
My sincere apologies for the need to change thedoor codes rather quickly. It was not throughchoice, but I understand it can be confusing,especially when we need to change the codesagain! If you are having any issues please contactreception and we will be delighted to help you.
The first of the mobile phone signal boosters willbe installed very soon. It will be placed in
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Northcliffe House as this is where we have themost issues. Then we can gauge its success andsee how many we need to cover the village.
There is a new feature in the walled garden. Wehave removed the rather unsightly gate thatcovered the access to the bin area and replacedthis with a new mirrored feature which reflectsthe garden. Robin’s idea and I think it looks great;I hope you do to.
Last month I mentioned that we were thinking ofplanting a blossoming cherry tree within a circularbench in the area outside St Swithuns Court. Iasked for feedback from residents and currently Ihave only received one response which hasreferred to the location rather than the idea, soplease do let me know your thoughts. We think itwould be a nice addition for many years to comeand would like your opinions.
As you will have no doubt noticed, there havebeen significant efforts made in selling vacantproperties in the village in the past 12 months. Itis pleasing to say that (even if I do say so myself!),we have been fairly successful recently. Some timelast summer I informed everyone that if a resident
recommends a friend or family member to GrovePlace, and they not only reserve but exchangecontracts, the resident who recommended themreceives a two month service charge break. I’msure you will agree this is worth having! Please dolet me know if you have any questions on thisfabulous offer or speak to Wendy Griffiths, oursuper new sales and marketing manager, about it.
We are moving ever closer to collecting the beesthat will be housed in the tree line, to the west ofSt Swithuns field. We are now in a position to takethe training and buy the suits necessary for thegardening and maintenance teams to be trained.Exciting times.
I am taking a small break over Easter to take myfamily to Prague, so I will be out of the countryfrom Thursday 18th April and Monday 22ⁿdinclusive, returning to Grove on Tuesday 23rd . Theteam will, I have no doubt, look after everyonevery well in my absence.
I think this covers everything for now, have a veryenjoyable Easter and April.
David
£50 was given to Charity No.72 for Gail and JimAshworth for their Charity; “CHRISTOPHER’SSMILE”. An explanation of the Charity has beenput on the inner notice board. It really helps tounderstand all the hard work that Christopher’sparents have put in to help set up “Christopher’sSmile” Charity.
Currently on our Charity Table we have somereally super gifts for sale including three timepieces., a wrist watch, a mantel clock plus a largedial kitchen clock (not wall mounted). All timepieces are in good working order. We have somewarm gloves and a beautiful cream table lamp.We cannot accept broken items or watches that
need batteries.
We would like to thank all our Residents whosupport the Little Shop for Groceries, Cards orCharity items.
If anybody would like to help in the Little Shop,please let Ann Harvey or Emily Carpenter know.The shop is open on Tuesdays and Fridays from10 a.m. to 12 noon.
Thanks to all Residents who help in The LittleShop with a welcome smile for all.
From Emily Carpenter and all ourHelpers.
Little Shop Charity Table
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Care Team
GROVE PLACE VILLAGE CARER’S SUPPORTGROUP
Caring is such an important part of life. It’s simply part of being human. Carers are holding familiestogether, enabling loved ones to get the most out of life, making an enormous contribution to societyand saving the economy billions of pounds.
What is the definition of a Carer?A carer is someone who provides support to family or friends who could not manage without thishelp. All the care they give is unpaid. Anybody from any background and of any age can be a carerand each carer’s experience is unique to their own circumstances.
Just as the reasons why someone becomes a carer vary greatly, the variety of tasks that a carer takeson can be broad. They can include practical tasks such as cooking, cleaning, washing up, ironing,paying bills, financial management and engaging appropriate services; personal care such as bathing,dressing, lifting, administering medication and collecting prescriptions; and emotional support suchas listening, advocacy, problem solving, motivating and companionship.
Carers at Grove Place??
Within the Village there are some residents who are Carers and we need to recognise them and givethem support as they, like other carers, are stretched to the limit – often juggling care of their lovedones with their own struggling health. Many don’t know how or where to get help. It can befrightening and very lonely.
AIM OF THE SUPPORT GROUPSupport carers by listeningMeet other carers bimonthly and share experiencesSignpost to agencies who can provide equipment, financial & practical support
The group is facilitated by the Village’s Head of Care, who has a wealth of experience and will assessto ensure carers are receiving enough support.
Debbie Powell
Adjourned Talk on DementiaPlease note: The talk planned for 21st March had to be rescheduled and will now take place
Thurday 11th April at 2:30 in the Lounge Debbie Powell
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'Magic on the Keyboard’
The last day of February keyboard player, PeteFrancis entertain residents at Grove for well over90 minutes. It was unique in as much as Pete wasan instrumentalist; the first time ever at Grove Ithink.
When Pete started to play, those present weretreated to a magical ride through some wonderfulsongs, from Elton John’s “Can you feel the lovetonight” from the Lion King, to Glen Miller to Frank
Sinatra, and many more, all sounding amazing,with a full orchestra backing coming from Pete’skeyboard, with strings, Alto Sax, and guitar,combining to create the unique sound of Pete’skeyboard play.
I think people were treated to a wonderfulevening’s of magical entertainment and Petewould be welcomed back to Grove again and again.
Ken Mills
Valerie Weeks
Congratulations to Bunty
Disposal of Small Electrical Items Etc.There is a tray in the Council Tip Rubbish Point in the Bin area adjacent to the main Visitors Car Park.This is for all those articles that cannot be placed in the rubbish bins - usually old electrical goods.(but no large articles like beds or settees!)
Iain Bamber
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Easter Chicks, Bunnies and Baskets for Sale
Don’t forget to order your “chicks, bunnies and baskets” from Val Leonard. You can pick the one youwant from the completed ones in the cabinet, (on the way to the snooker room), or have one madeto order in any colour you want. Each one is filled with Easter eggs.
The chicks, bunnies and baskets have been knitted or crecheted by residents and they are broughttogether on a Tuesday morning at 11 a.m. when they are sown, stuffed and packaged for sale. Anyonewho would like to help come around; you will be very welcome.
Valerie Leonard
"I wonder if Susie, my trusty scarecrow, will deter the deer from this years plantings? "Valerie Weeks
Residents with Cameras
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PCASO IS A REGISTERED CHARITY SET UP IN 2002 AND STANDS FOR Prostate cancer support organisation
Members are made up of men who have gonethrough prostate cancer themselves runvoluntarily with no funding other than donationssuch as yours. Their aim is to, amongst otherthings, bring awareness to men the need to getthemselves checked out and the chance of earlydiagnosis and the potential of a longer life. PSAtesting is undertaken by PCASO committeemembers and events have been held throughoutHampshire to make men aware of the need to get tested early starting with asimple blood test.
Some hard facts about prostate cancer: last year over 48000 men were tested and out of those nearly12000 men did not survive as it was too late for them in getting tested and receiving treatments. Ifcaught early there is an 84% chance of survival.
The fantastic and generous donations that you have contributed of over £900 will go to help spreadthe benefits of getting men tested early enough and possible life saving in the future.
My grateful thanks go firstly to our brilliant Concierge, Lesleigh who can now add headshaving to herincredible large range of jobs on her CV!
I was extremely surprised and pleased to see one of PCASO committee members – Nicky Annells attendthe event bringing with her a stand and information leaflets about the good work that PCASO does ingetting men tested in Hampshire.
I am completely overwhelmed with your wonderful and generous donations to a cause close to myheart. I thank you all, not only you lovely residents but members of the staff here at Grove for yourdonations and support. We are so lucky to be living in a beautiful environments such as Grove Place.
My grateful thanks to you all once again,
Ken Mills , (Photos by Colin Perry).
Ken Mills Bad Hair Day on 8th MarchBold, Brave and Bald
A large number of residents and staff, (includingthe gardeners, whose expertise with lawn mowersis well known) gathered in Reception to witnessThe Event.
After a short introduction from the Volunteer,Nicky Annalls, from The Prostate Cancer Charity,(Hampshire branch), Lesleigh set-to on Ken's
already reduced thatch. She unnervingly chose a blood-red razor head for her electric clippers, andproceeded to do a very artistic cut, including The Mullet, on the way to removing every remnant of thefinest head of gentlemen's hair Grove Place has ever known.
Yul Brynner emerged triumphant, and the assembled media flashed and clicked to cheers andcongratulations. Yul thanked everyone for coming and contributing over £900 to help encourage theearly diagnosis of Prostate Cancer; the third largest killer of men in the UK.
Isabel Murray
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March, comes from the Latin ‘Martius’ – meaning Mars the God of War.For when the winter was over, their armies could fight on once more!
But not all of Mars's attention was on conflicts away from Rome.For Mars also blessed their farmers and the growth of crops at home.
Amongst our flowering plants and bulbs, song-birds began to sing.And early lambs in sheltered fields now lead us into spring.
New life becomes apparent just have a look around.Warm sun has drawn out flowers from bulbs beneath the ground.
Reflect upon marvels of nature, so apparent at this time of year.How seeds and bulbs lay dormant – all wrinkled and dead they appear!
Yet when we place them in the ground new life begins to show.But just what is that spark which says – “now you must start to grow”?
Calendar events to note this month - quite a few have taken place.St David’s and St Patrick’s Day with traditions they always embrace.
Shrove Tuesday, beat egg into flour, just add milk and cook in a frying pan.Then off you go to run in your race � tossing it up if you can!
Whilst Mother’s day ended the month and gave Mums time to think.Of happy days when their children played, which passed just like a blink!
But happily they smiled once more as their special day brought fun.With lots of cards and flowers and a visit from a Daughter or Son.
How quickly the weather has changed this month all within the space of a day!The month that came in on a tropical high, March winds have blown away!
But hold the vision of spring days we’ve seen � the wind will soon pass through.Then as the dark clouds pass away the sky will change to blue.
David Wootten
David’s Poem
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Leaving the city of Florence, the Nightingalestravelled on to Geneva only to find the populationswelled by immigrants from Italy who had fled thepersecution of the Austrians who ruled most ofItaly at that time-yet another fact about EuropeanHistory that I did not know! These intellectuals,poets and political activists who fought for thefreedom of Italy from this harsh rule lived in abjectpoverty having fled their homes and affluent livesat short notice to avoid imprisonment. TheNightingales were welcomed into this hot bed ofpolitical intrigue and activity and becamepassionate supporters of the cause of Italianfreedom from occupation of the hated Austrians.Geneva was also in grave danger of being invadedby the French because Louis Napoleon Bonaparte,(who later became Napoleon 3rd and Emperor ofFrance), had returned from exile in America to visithis dying Mother and sought sanctuary in neutralSwitzerland. The French Government demandedthey should surrender their infamous guest butthe Swiss bravely insisted on their neutrality andrefused. The Nightingales were advised to leavewithout delay as the city prepared for war.Leaving, however, was easier said than done asthere were few horses to be found to pull theenormous carriage. Eventually W.E.N, (William ENightingale) having paid an astronomical price,found ‘poor specimens‘ and the Nightingaleshastily left Geneva for Paris, only to find out laterthat England had mediated with the French andoffered Napoleon safe passage to London and theFrench had withdrawn their threat of invasion!Paris was the next stop and the family took upresidence in a ‘splendid’ apartment in the PlaceVendome, and Fanny set about entering societywhilst W.E.N began to make contact with like-minded intellectuals. They were introduced to aremarkable hostess called Mary Clarke who,despite being very small and of rather oddchildlike appearance, had become at the veryheart of society and her salon was a meeting placefor intellectuals of all nationalities. Mary whogenerally disliked women and once said, ’I can’tabide women, why don’t they talk aboutinteresting things?, why don’t they use theirbrains?’ took an instant liking to the Nightingalesand Florence in particular and was to remain aclose friend until her death many years later.Florence saw that Mary Clarke had many male
friends and admirers who valued her intellect andwit as well as her outspoken opinions. She hadnever met anyone like her and found the discoveryof platonic friendships with men were acceptedas quite normal and wholesome, even by hermother, whilst they lived in Paris.Florence was extremely happy in Paris. Shedeveloped ‘a passion’ for ‘Clarkey ‘who took herto private parties and all manner of gatherings.Clarkey seemed to know everyone and waswelcomed everywhere. She was highlyunconventional but that didn’t seem to have anyimpact on her popularity, and Florence saw thatit was possible for a woman to have a life that didnot depend on the whims of a man.After eighteen months W.E.N. decided the familyhad been away long enough and the renovationsat Embley Park should be nearing completion,besides which Fanny wanted to spend some timein London and have the girls presented at Courtbefore retiring to the country. The family finallyleft Paris in April 1839. Fanny was well pleasedwith the outcome of the extended trip. Florencehad exceeded all her expectations. She had been‘much noticed’ at balls and accepted intointellectual circles. She was not only beautiful withabundant wavy chestnut hair, but exceptionallyaccomplished. Fanny was bursting with pride inher and looked forward to a very successfulseason and well-connected marriage.Florence, however, did not share her mother’senthusiasm or her plans. Florence had other ideas.It was two years since God had spoken to her andshe still had no idea what His plans were for her.She began to worry incessantly that God had notspoken to her again because of her love ofpleasure and her enjoyment at being the centreof attention. She believed she was not worthy tobe of service to God. In a private note writtenbefore she left Paris she wrote that the firsttemptation she had to overcome to be God’sservant was ‘the desire to shine in society.’Poor Fanny she had no idea that her plans forFlorence‘s future, were in the long run, doomed!
Researched and written by Pat Wootten
To be continued
The Life and Times of Florence Nightingale -Part 3
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Ken got off to a flying start with a break of 15 before Brian settled into the game producing someexcellent snooker play to close the gap. The game remained close to the end with Brian potting thedeciding black ball. Congratulations to this year’s winner Brian and runner up Ken.
The match was refereed by Mike Leonard and the winner’s shield presented by David Knight.
Colin Perry
Snooker Final 2019Brian Greenhalgh V Ken Tongue
Groundbreaking Discoveries by WomenThat Were Credited to Men
Hedy Lamarr: Wireless Communication
Hollywood actor Hedy Lamarr should actually be the person creditedwith the invention of wireless communication. During the second WorldWar, Hedy worked closely with George Antheil to develop the idea of"frequency hopping," which would have prevented the bugging ofmilitary radios. Unfortunately, the U.S. Navy ignored her patent —andlater used her findings to develop new technologies. Years later, herpatent was re-discovered by a researcher, which led to Lamarr receivingthe Electronic Frontier Foundation Award shortly before her death in2000.
Contributed by Fred Tickle
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Smile with Isabel� Someone asked an old man: "Even after 70 years,
you still call your wife - darling, honey, luv.What's the secret?" Old man: "I forgot her nameand I'm scared to ask her."
� Pharmacist to customer: "Sir, pleaseunderstand, to buy an anti-depression pill youneed a proper prescription ... Simply showingmarriage certificate and wife's picture is notenough !
� COOL MESSAGE BY A WIFE: Dear Mother-in-law, don't teach me how to handle mychildren. I am living with one of yours and heneeds a lot of improvement!
� I started out with nothing, and I still havemost of it.
� My wild oats are mostly enjoyed with prunesand all-bran.
� I finally got my head together, and now my
body is falling apart.� Funny, I don't remember being absent-
minded.� If all is not lost, then where the heck is it?� It was a whole lot easier to get older, than to
get wiser.� Some days, you're the top dog; some days
you're the lamp post.� Kids in the back seat cause accidents.
Accidents in the back seat cause kids.� It's hard to make a comeback when you
haven't been anywhere.� These days, I spend a lot of time thinking about
the hereafter . . .I go somewhere to getsomething, and then wonder what I'm "hereafter".
Contributed by Isabel Murray
I didn’t know thatAdolph Hitler was named “Man of the Year” by Time magazine in 1938
It is undeniably true that Time dubbed the Nazi leader with this title in 1938. However, the memeis based on the false assumption that Time‘s “Man of the Year” designations were intended to signifygreatness and approval, and were only assigned to people who have had beneficial effects on theworld. That is not the case — Time‘s standard for the title has been identifying the person who has“had the greatest impact on the news,” regardless of whether that impact was positive or negative!
Contributed by Fred Tickle
Working people frequently ask retired people what theydo to make their days interesting. Well, for examplethe other day Hugh and I went to Southampton to JohnLewis. When we came out a traffic warden was busywriting out a parking ticket. We went up to him andHugh said "Come on man, how about giving a seniorcitizen a break?'
He ignored us and continued writing the ticket. I said hewas a mean pig. He glared at me and started writinganother ticket for having worn out tyres. Hugh then
called him a berk and an idiot. He finished the 2ⁿd ticketand put it on the windscreen with the first. Then hestarted writing more tickets.
This went on for about 20 minutes. The more impolitewe were the more tickets he wrote out. Just then ourbus arrived and we got on it and went home. We tryto have a little fun each day now that we're retired.
It's important at our age.
Isabel Murray
On retirement
Page 16 of 24
At the beginning of 1989 I was employed asCommercial Manager telecom for the UK affiliate ofa multi national headquartered in Milan in thebusiness of Energy and Telecom Transmission. In themiddle of the year I was asked to go and work inMilan as Director of Direct Export Sales for thewhole group. As part of the deal the family wereexpected to come too. I pointed out that my wifehad never visited Italy so I was instructed to takeher to Milan for four or five days so she couldbecome familiar with the Italian way of life all at theCompany’s expense.
It could all have gone terribly wrong because in lessthan three hours within our arrival she had been thevictim of a failed attempt to snatch her handbag,swiftly followed by a drunken down and outattempting to accost her. Needless to say we werewell looked after during the stay to the point thatwe agreed to make the move on condition that welived outside of Milan.
Fast forward a couple of months, and I had movedto Milan and found an apartment in a village calledVedano al Lambro just outside Monza of Motorracing fame. Sandie and family were to follow melater in August in time for the school term startingin September. This also gave me time to get theapartment in shape and equipped with all the thingswe would need such as linen, cutlery, cookingutensils, bedding etc.
The time approached for the family to arrive, withflights booked for around midday on a convenientMonday in August. The weekend prior to the arrivalof the family I spent cleaning the apartment,unpacking all the things I had bought, stocking thefridge and larder and making the place spotless. Bylate Sunday afternoon all that remained to be donewas the packing materials and rubbish to be takendown to the basement garage to be put into therubbish bin.
I piled it all up on the landing outside the apartmentdoor and as I felt in my pockets for the key to theapartment the wind closed the door. After takingeverything down to the garage, I came back to theapartment and to my horror discovered the keys Ihad felt in my pocket were my office keys. Theapartment keys were inside on the dining table andI was well and truly locked out. Luckily my car keyswere on the same key ring as the office keys so atleast I was mobile.
No mobile phones in those days so to use a phoneto summon help meant I had to drive into Milan touse the office phone. Also there was a board in theoffice were home numbers of the staff whereavailable to all. I tried calling all numbers on theboard but no-one answered. The fact that this wasAugust meant that they were either away onholiday, or if they were part of the skeleton staff tocover the holiday they had all probably either goneoff to the mountains or seaside for the weekend
I returned to the apartment and tried neighboursto see if any had a ladder long enough to reach ourbalcony on the second floor where I rememberedbalcony doors were not locked. Most neighbourswere away on holiday or as it was pointed out to meby those I did ask, living in an apartment they hadno reason to own a long ladder
Luckily I had sufficient cash in my pocket to buy apizza so I was not going to go hungry but I hadinsufficient funds for a hotel room. So that night wasspent sleeping in my car in the garage.
First thing on Monday morning I was back in theoffice explaining my predicament to my newcolleagues - locked out of my apartment and myfamily arriving at Linate airport at 2.30pm. Theywere all most amused but got busy trying to locatea locksmith in Milan who was not away on holiday,but were unsuccessful. One suggested calling thefire brigade amid much derision. However the firebrigades told us to return to the apartment and theywould arrive in 45 minutes. I also took theopportunity to call my wife to brief her of thesituation that there was a chance that we may haveto live in a hotel for a few days. From the vibescoming over the telephone line I soon understoodthat this was not a wise to thing to do as things werea little hectic back in England.
Back at the apartment we waited on the street andsoon we heard five different sirens getting closerand closer by the minute. There were fourappliances and a command car soon parked outsidethe apartment block, and about one third of thebalconies on the three closest blocks now populatedby those not away on holiday and wondering wherethe fire was.
Three firemen from one of the appliances took twohook ladders from the rack and proceeded aroundto the far side of the block where the balconies weresituated. The Chief Fireman, who was a dead ringer
An Italian Adventure
Page 17 of 24
for Brian Blessed the actor, a big man with a big bushybeard and a loud voice and wearing a very shiny brasshelmet far too small for him, suggested we wentinside to await his crew opening the door to theapartment from the inside. By the time we arrivedoutside the door the first fireman had alreadyclimbed up the ladder and entered the apartmentfrom the unlocked balcony doors, made his way tothe door, unlocked it from the inside and was waitingoutside the open door. Whilst I was thanking all andsundry the door slowly closed again, locking us outagain. The Chief then broke into a rage, calling hisstaff all sorts of names that I didn’t understand.However after a few minutes the door slowly openedand out came fireman no two.
I dashed inside, picked up my keys and went out tothank everyone again. I asked the Chief how muchI owed the fire brigade for their excellent serviceand he said there was no charge, the service wasfree. He also said that summer time was a very quiet
and boring time for them as there was no onearound and they had very few calls. Hence why,when they did they all turned out to give themsomething to do. I then said how grateful I was andperhaps there was a firemens’ charity to which Icould make a donation, maybe a widows andorphans charity. He turned as if to leave and thenturned back and spoke in English for the first timesaying, “There is no charge. There is no charity” Aslight hesitation and with a big smile then said “Butwe do accept tips.” All I had in my wallet was a50,000 lire note which was deemed an acceptabletip.
The Fire Brigade then retired, which enabled me totake a shower, change my clothes and go to theairport to meet the family.
On their arrival my first greeting was ‘You are notgoing to believe………
Mike Lemon
It was a joy for me to meet up with Bonny Sartin again when he cameto perform at Grove Place. I first met him when I lived nearYetminster and worked outside Dorchester in the early seventies and,together with friends, frequently heard Bonny, then lead singer withthe Yetties, a famous Dorset Folk Group. We met up again about 4years ago when he was an after dinner speaker at one of our ThimbleConferences.
Everyone who was present at Bonny’s talk on 7th March will havecaptured his enthusiasm for nature, the everyday things of life, with an appreciation of his heritageand a Dorset family who can trace itself back over 300 years, from whence came many of his songs,collected over the last 100 years.
From a simple, country background and the days when he was part of ‘The Yetminster and RymeIntrinseca Junior Folk Dance Display Team’, Bonny’s life has taken him far and wide, sometimesto remote parts of the world, with his then two colleagues , together with whom he formed the Yetties.
Bonny doesn’t seem to age. He has a strong voice, a perfect pitch, use of words, boundless energy anda wonderful memory of complex old Dorset folk songs, some with which he had us join in. Why do Inow wake up at night and think of ‘RABBITS’?
The reaction of his audience showed that he might have caused the formation of another Grove PlaceAppreciation Society. We had the best laugh for a long time and kept him over his planned time, sothat he failed to make it home to Sherborne in time to meet his wife off a train.
Bonny is an extremely gifted entertainer who writes, talks, sings about and praises Dorset to the hilt.The plea went out for him to come again and if you weren’t there, you missed a real treat— Makesure you make it next time!
Elaine Gaussen
Bonny Sartin Entertained Us
Page 18 of 24
Here are the two stories I promised in my first article
The Mena House hotel was very posh in the twenties and thirties. Definitely five star, if thatmeasure existed then. It enabled well-heeled patrons to stay a few days in the shadow ofthe single remaining Wonder of the Ancient World.
Every Grove Place resident who has visited Giza will have seen the hotel on the right, justbefore the slope curving up to the Great Pyramid. Some will have gone inside for a Stella ortwo and will have learned of its glory days when war leaders met there to plot the end ofHitler and Tojo.
While there, you may have bought a postcard or taken your own photos. What you havenever seen before is the view (figure 1) taken from the top of the nearby magnificentmonument.
In the seventies, the hotel was becoming tatty as most things do in that part of the world.Certainly, nothing built in the last two hundred years will last four millennia.
One wonders if there is still an hotel on the site. It may have been put out of business bythe host of Hiltons and Marriotts arrayed along the banks of the Nile, not far away.
Descending from the top of this pyramid in July 1964, we three climbers noticed the scenein Figure two. A group of bystanders around a man on a camel is nothing unusual in touristyGiza, but it slowly dawned on us that the camel rider was famous. Although we observedfor more than ten minutes, nobody spoke, nothing happened and there appeared to be noplan. We departed and wandered down to the Sphinx.
I doubt that you can recognise the figure of interest, dressed as he is. However, just as CharlieChaplin was the most recognised man in the whole world in the days of the silent movies,so was this fellow in the sixties and seventies.
Any wiser? If not, the gentleman would be very displeased indeed. After all, at every (veryfrequent) opportunity, he would shout out -------------- ‘I am the greatest!’
Mike Messenger
More from Your Giza Correspondent
Page 19 of 24
This page is intended for contributions from residents who would like to share things they havemade in any form - art, sewing, handicrafts etc. We are obviously limited to size. Suggestionsplease.Tricia Caffyn
Grove Place Residents Have Talent
Page 20 of 24
Car PrideOn the lastMonday of everymonth (heavy rain,frost and snowpermitting) Garycomes to GrovePlace, (with theknowledge ofManagement), to
clean cars, generally 4/5 vehicles in wintermonths—more in longer daylight hours. Thevehicles are cleaned inside, outside and washedoff underneath, polished, tyres checked - ifnecessary.
The service has to be ordered so that it can runsmoothly. To help Gary, we check with all previouscustomers the week before he is due, to see ifthey want a car cleaned. If there are more carsthan can be fitted in, we take one of ours off thelist!
I need to find out, when someone calls or emailsus to make a booking, where the car and key/fobwill be left on the Monday morning, the car make,colour and registration number.
Usually a resident will drive their car to the bay (tothe right of where the gardeners park theirmachinery and in front of the planned NursingHome site) around 9 a.m. or just after and makean arrangement with Gary to collect and pay forit later in the day. If they will be out during theday, or are unable to walk home having left thecar with Gary, the details, including where thevehicle is parked, written on a label attached tothe keys/key fob, together with payment can begiven to us the day before.
Gary charges £25.00 and has worked for us forthe last 8 years.
Philip & Elaine Gaussen 02381 944253
Mobile Car Valeting
Farewell Lesleigh
Page 21 of 24
Lesleigh’s leaving! What do you mean? Is Grove Place closing down?She’s the best concierge you’ll ever meet. And here
She’s a mine of information, and knows us all by name.With Lesleigh gone, life in Grove Place � will be same!
Lesleigh’s been here � behind the desk � for almost one decade.And to everyone that has passed through, a real friend she’s made.
Now who will book our taxi or order up our flowers?And do for us those personal jobs which took up countless hours!
She’s a multi-talented confidant � perfected throughout the years.A Mother, Daughter, Sister, Aunt � and in all these roles appeared.
For residents who are lost or lonely, each with a story to tell.Find Lesleigh’s compassionate nature � their worries she can dispel!
We’ll miss that happy smiling face as we come through the door.Can you imagine how sad we’ll feel when she is there no more?
Lesleigh’s full of radiance and has her special ways.Of brightening up room � on the gloomiest of days!
No matter what the crisis is, she always seems controlled.But when they made our Lesleigh, they threw away the mould!For there’s no one quite like Lesleigh � of that there is no doubt.
Alas life with our dear Lesleigh we must now do without!
Now Lesleigh’s made her mind up and is off to pastures new.We wish her all the best of luck in whatever she chooses to do.She will still be living locally, not far from Grove Place!
We hope at future Fairs and Fetes, She’ll show her friendly face.
Lesleigh Joyce
Page 22 of 24
The Buzz is available at the following times but will only be operated ifthere is a request from a resident which must be made at least 10 minutesbefore the time. Requests must made to the concierge or the Care Office
if this person cannot be contacted.The Buzz can be made available at other times and pick up points;please book via concierge and we will endeavour to meet requests
DAY PICK UP TIME/LOCATION EVENT
MONDAY 9.30 CAR PARK BETWEEN PH/NC10.30 CAR PARK BETWEEN PH/NC
SHOPPINGGYM FIT
TUESDAY 9.45 CAR PARK BETWEEN PH/NC9.45 CAR PARK BETWEEN PH/NC
CRAFTBALANCE
WEDNESDAY 11.00 CAR PARK BETWEEN PH/NC AQUA
THURSDAY 9.15 CAR PARK BETWEEN PH/NC1.45 CAR PARK BETWEEN PH/NC2.15 CAR PARK BETWEEN PH/NC
SHOPPINGSHOPPINGUKULELE
FRIDAY 9.15 CAR PARK BETWEEN PH/NC ART
Courtesy Shuttle (AKA The Buzz)
NB: PICK UP POINT FOR PAGET AND NORTHCLIFFE -THE WOODEN ARBOURS BETWEENPAGET HOUSE AND NORTHCLIFFE HOUSE
PICK UP POINT FOR THE KNOLLYS WILL BE BY NO. 2 THE KNOLLYS - by requestPICK UP POINT FOR ST SWITHUN’S WILL BE BY THE HAIRDRESSERS - by request
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