WELCOME

After my second phone around I can report that everyone is alright. Everyone is keeping occupied but some, particularly those who are living alone, are finding the situation challenging.

This is despite the great support they are receiving from their families and

neighbours.

NEED HELP OR ADVICE? CONTACT

PETER MOB NO 07974573582

peter.crathorne@gmail.com

Many of us are in receipt of repeat prescriptions. You should note that the chemists are operating under huge pressure at the moment and it would be wise to give at least one week’s notice of a repeat prescription request.

HERE HE GOES AGAIN BUT

WHAT IS HE SAYING?

CAN YOU REMEMBER WHEN YOU LAST USED A TELEPHONE BOX? Random thoughts please. CALLS

WHERE ALL THE GOSSIP CAN BE FOUND

EDITION 2 02.04.20

THE THURSDAY NATTER

Me and my chickens, by Rachel Woodbridge As many of you will be aware my four pet silkies are my pride and joy! We got our first 3 in September last year and after heartbreakingly having to return Mollie because she was actually an Ollie (you can’t keep roosters in residential areas) we added two new babies to the family earlier this year. This past week it has been wonderful to spend more time with them, watching their little personality traits and likes and dislikes developing.

It’s the simple things that keep us engaged with life. Why not share something of what you are doing. You can do this by phone or on line.

This is Martha

She is 9 ½ months old and laid her first egg at

the beginning of February. Her favourite food is tuna

and her favourite

activity is a dustbath.

This is Maggie

She is also 9 ½ months old and is

definitely the boss! Her favourite food is

tomato; she will quite

literally chase you for them!

This is Minnie

She is about 4 1/2 months old and is the baby of the flock. She

loves mackerel and cuddles and

is often being picked on by

Maggie & Martha

This is Maisie She is 5

months old and recently had to have her ‘hair’ cut

as she couldn’t see a thing! She is

the most nervous and is afraid of the wind!

Although they live in the garden I try and bring them inside as much as possible. It’s really important that we handle them as much as possible so that we can keep an eye on them for illnesses and injuries. Being prey animals they naturally hide their symptoms as long as possible so quite often by the time you notice they are poorly it can be too late to do anything about it. They all love a warm bath with Epsom salts followed by a blow dry and a cuddle in front of the TV and go mad for treats such as scrambled egg, salad, fish and porridge! It’s like having four fluffy babies and I couldn’t be happier! Do any of you have an unusual pet or hobby that you would like to share with us for next week’s gossip? I’d really like to hear about them…

Just a quick game of dominoes to start the day, Cailin is looking forward to playing dominoes with the group when this is all over! She won’t cheat, honest....! WE ARE ALL MISSING OUR THURSDAY CLUB. I hope that there is a great deal of telephoning going on. We all need to share with each other, to encourage each other to stay as active as we can.

MEMBERS CONTRIBUTIONS - THANK YOU CAILLIN AND ROGER

Roger Skinner muses on conversations we might have while confined to our homes.

When we play pool we do not get opportunity to exchange more lengthy anecdotes. But chatting to Alan I learned he had witnessed as a lad the severe bombing of Swansea, whose centre was smashed in the style of Coventry and that nearby Kidwelly and Llanelli docks took a pasting. I was in Cardiff at the same time, in no danger, but heard the docks being targeted.! But most interesting, and I have never seen this documented, a lone Fokke Wulf fighter followed a returning RAF flight to their base near where Alan lived, landed and was taken. Many things: what was the pilot’s motive, had he had enough, was he simply low on fuel? What of his family back in Germany? Any ethnic complications? Wow! Better, his machine had German technical refinements that were admired by and soon exploited by RAF builders. That story, which fascinated me, could not have come out between shots at pool. Thanks Alan. If you have such material it could form text for future editions. Phil was in the Royal Rifles, Tony was stationed in Germany, I was in the American Zone of Germany during the Cold War. I am sure there are a few tales to tell from that era! Talk to Peter and we’ll tell these tales in our newsletter.

BREAD AND BUTTER PUDDING, Serves 2 4 slices white bread, ideally slightly stale 25g butter 40g sultanas Finely grated zest of ½ orange 25g caster sugar 1 egg 300ml milk Grated nutmeg for sprinkling

1. Preheat oven to 180°C

2. Spread the bread fairly thickly with butter on both sides and cut each

slices into 4 triangles

3. Arrange bread in buttered ovenproof dish. Sprinkle with sultanas,

grated orange rind and the sugar.

4. Beat the egg and milk together and pour over the pudding

5. Sprinkle over with sugar and nutmeg and leave to soak for 5 minutes.

6. Bake in preheated oven for about ½ hour until golden

SCAMS!!!!!!!!!!

Many are finding using the internet a real help to maintain communications with their family and friends. Perhaps now is the time for those who, in the past, have been reluctant to embark on this adventure to be brave and try to get on board particularly with the video communication. Many have reported that just seeing our loved ones while we talk has been so reassuring. You would be able to look them in the eyes, see for yourself how they are looking. Many happy conversations are taking place. It really is not as diffcult as it my seem. If you want to try Peter can guide you through the process over the phone. Don’t forget there are many simple courses you could do on by joining our ONLINE CENTRE.

Scam Aware: Online Shopping in isolation

If you’re having to shop online and you need to buy from a company you've not visited before, ask a friend or family member for advice before completing the purchase. More info available here http://ow.ly/pit250yQPaL #staysafe. You could always contact us and we give impartial and confidential advice.

1: Choosing where you shop

If you’re making a purchase from a company or person you don’t know and trust, carry out some research first, and ask a friend or family member for advice before completing the purchase. If you decide to go ahead with the purchase, use a credit card if you have one, as most major credit card providers insure online purchases. You will need to check your card's Terms and Conditions for exact details.

2: Keep your devices up to date

Make sure you install the latest software and app updates. These usually contain important security updates that can protect you against fraud and identity theft. Information can easily be found about how to install these updates from Apple, Microsoft and Google. Even better, just turn on automatic updates so your device will update itself in future.

WATCH OUT THE ONLINE AND PHONE

JACKALS ARE EVERYWHERE

The library is closed – if you run out of books to read we have over 150 available. Just let Peter know and he will arrange to contact you and choose some titles together over the phone. They will be delivered to your doorstep.

IF YOU HAVE A DVD PLAYER - HERE IS A LIST OF THE DVDs WE CAN DROP ON YOUR DOORSTEP: JUST PHONE TEXT OR EMAIL.

ABOUT A BOY – LOVE ACTUALLY – NOTTING HILL – THE PIANIST – THE STEPFORD WIVES – WHAT’S EATING GILBERT GRAPE – DEAR JOHN – GOSFORD PARK – THE HISTORY

BOYS – COACH CARTER – MRS HENDERSON – WALK THE LINE – CAPTAIN CORRELLI’S MANDOLIN. – MOULIN ROUGE – MASTER AND COMMANDER THE FAR SIDE OF THE WORLD – FINDING YOUR FEET – STAN AND OLLIE – GOODBYE CHRISTOPHER ROBIN – WHAT WE DID ON OUR HOLIDAY – THE SECOND BEST EXOTIC MARIGOLD HOTEL – PADDINGTON 2 – PRIDE AND PREJUDICE – COMPLETE SERIES ONE AND TWO OF WAKING THE DEAD – THREE JACK HIGGINS FILMS- AT THE CROSSROADS HENLEY OWN PROFESSIONALLY MADE STORIES FROM ITS HISTORY.

Do you have a DAB Radio? I believe that soon all programmes will be broadcast on this system. If you are over 70 you qualify for a free radio. Contact the websites below or telephone Peter who will fill in the

application for you as you give the required details over the phone. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/uk-england-birmingham-52031594?ns_mchannel=social&ns_source=twitter&ns_campaign=bbc_live&ns_linkname=5e7e2fef9103f706576ceba6%26Free%20DAB%20radios%20for%20over%2070s%262020-03-27T17%3A16%3A15.478Z&ns_fee=0&pinned_post_locator=urn:asset:7287f603-211c-4a49-9222-8f355043f556&pinned_post_asset_id=5e7e2fef9103f706576ceba6&pinned_post_type=share

My favourite flower in the garden this week. What’s yours?

KEEPING IN TOUCH BY PHONE CAN BE REALLY GOOD

We hold telephone numbers for everyone at the Club. If there is someone you would like to talk to just contact Peter and he has permission to share most members telephone numbers.

Is there anyone who is registered with Skype, Zoom, Houseparty or uses Facetime? We can arrange to bring people together. The advantage of Skype and others is that more than one person at a time can join a conversation. A good natter can be enjoyed all the ore if it done in a group. Contact me and I can steer you through the process of getting a suitable programme to your computer.

I know some of you are not keen on Facebook but this is proving to be a great channel communication that you might find useful. If you need help in trying this out, then let me know.

Those of you who are only on the telephone then I will be asking everyone to volunteer and use some of their time on the telephone talking to their members but will also share the load of phone calling for the Thursday Seniors. This includes anyone we know who would appreciate regular phone contact.

https://www.easyfundraising.org.uk/causes/thehubhenleycommunitycentrecio/

Some of you will be buying more online. If you register with both of these donation sites you automatically raise money for the Hub.

Since the closure of the Hub our weekly income has reduced from £250 - £300 per week to zero. While we are not spending quite as much we do need to raise as much money as we can. This is a no cost to you way of raising funds for the Hub, follow the links above.

THIS IS AS MUCH EXERCISE AS THESE BOYS GET!

CAPITAL NAMES Some spelling licence with but all last names are capital cities. 1 point for first name and 1 point for last name 1 Who wrote "Call of the Wild"? 2 Which composer and lyricist wrote "White Christmas"? 3 Which ex Tottenham footballer and Leyton Orient manager died on June 8th 2019? 4 Which PI was played by Frank Sinatra in a 1967 film noir? 5 Which Russian born British philosopher lived from 1909 to 1997? 6 Who was British heavyweight champion 1958/9? 7 Footballer pundit played for Man. Utd, Aston Villa, Coventry, Millwall & Leicester? 8 Which ISIL leader blew up his suicide vest on October 27th 2019? 9 Which LAPD homicide detective was played by Peter Falk? 10 Which TV presenter was Conservative MP for West Derbyshire from 1979 to 1986? Email or post to Peter with the answers and consider submitting an article/letter/suggestion at the same time. IF YOU PUT A POUND BY TRANFERRING TO THE HUB BANK ACCOUNT THE ENTRY WITH THE TOP SCORE WILL RECEIVE £20 PRIZE: IF THERE IS A TIE THEN IT WILL BE OUT OF THE HAT. GOOD LUCK

Sort code: 20-48-08 Account number: 13645835 PUT YOUR NAME AS REFERENCE

ANSWERS TO LAST WEEK’S QUIZ

1. Name the evergreen hedge that has created many a neighbourly dispute? Leylandi

2. The Monkey Puzzle tree originates from which country? Chile

3. What herb is regularly mentioned along with Rosemary? Thyme

4. The RHS holds a flower show at Tatton Park, which is in what County? Cheshire

5. Name the popular type of goldfish found in ornamental garden ponds. Koi

6. What plant is used in the treatment of Leukaemia? Vinca, a strain of the Perrywinkle

7. Soil can be Acidic, Alkaline or ........... ? Neutral

8. Is a blue tulip fact or fiction? Fiction

9. What can be placed over Rhubarb to make it longer and more delicate? A Rhubarb Forcer

10. What colour rose is associated with Lancashire? Red

11. What yellow flowering tree is poisonous? Laburnum

12. What is the name for sculpting hedges? Topiary

13. What bulb plant could be described as having a facial hair problem? The Bearded Iris

14. Butterflies - Red Admiral, ............... White? Cabbage

15. Name the organic gardener with flower in his name? Bob Flowerdew

16. What special attribute makes Lavender ideal for dry conditions? Small leaves

17. What county did Capability Brown, the famous landscape designer originate from? Northumberland

18. I am a woody stemmed plant, usually branched near the base and lacking a single trunk what am I? A shrub

19. What is a whip? A young seedling or grafted tree without branches

20. A Hybrid Tea is a type of what plant? Rose

21. Where do Pelargoniums originate from? South Africa

22. What type of plants can be found in a rock garden? Alpines

23. Rhizomes are a type of what plant? Bulbous

24. What herb beginning with ‘A’ has soothing properties? Aloe Vera

25. A dibber is useful for what? Planting seeds

26. Cacti are often referred to as what? Succulents