Saturday 13th June 2020 – Day Eighty One
Good morning all, hope the start to the weekend goes well!
One of the nicest things about doing the update, is receiving your replies and thoughts about the articles that are shared (good and bad). Please keep them coming in, it really does make my day that more interesting as I get good feedback and learn more about what people want. This week the three items that triggered the most responses were:-
- a possible tea dance,
- changes to the freedom pass and
- gardening tips from Leah.
What can I share with you today?
FOOD / SHOPPING
Thank you to everyone who has forwarded their wonderful support and comments to me regarding the Food Bank Project organised by Covent Garden Community Centre / 7 Dials Club. It is really gratifying to hear that so many people are benefiting from the service:
Foodbank – We are flexible with regards to who we can help. If you fit the following criteria, please register.
- Self Isolation due to symptoms
- Isolation due to vulnerable or shielded status
- Income reduction because of lockdown & crisis measures
- Income reduction while waiting for benefits to arrive
- Homeless
Go to Registration Form
Just a reminder. If you (or know of anyone) who cannot go out because they are vulnerable, self isolating or for any other reason and need help with food etc.
Assistance can be found on the government web page. The form is rather long, but is fairly straightforward. If you (or know of anyone who needs support) please let us know.
Here is the link:
ART & CULTURE
From Mel M: At Home.
Join OperaUpClose singers and instrumentalists for a series of cosy, casual concerts, from our homes to yours.
Whether you are tapping away at a laptop at your kitchen table, home schooling, or looking for ways to stay happy and busy, we think you deserve a shot of coffee (or caffeine-free alternative) and great music.
Here’s the Link
From Chris B:
Nationwide arts festival celebrating refugees from Nazi Europe and their contribution to British culture
Here’s the Link
From Sarah (Queens Gallery, Buckingham Palace).
Zoom Event
When: Tuesday 16 June 2020, 2pm
Witches, Faeries and Fiends: Scottish folklore during King James VI’s time at Holyrood.
Adam Cook, experienced Warden at the Palace of Holyroodhouse, Edinburgh, will be taking us on a fascinating journey to discover how Scottish folklore shaped King James VI’s understanding of witches. In 1597, King James VI of Scotland published a compendium on witchcraft lore called Daemonologie. It was also published in England in 1603 when James acceded to the English throne. We will explore how his book introduced witch hunting to Britain during the 16th and 17th Centuries during his time in Scotland. The illustrated talk focuses on Faeries from Scottish folklore in relation to the witch trials held by King James, many of which were held at Holyroodhouse.
Please email John for the link
POETRY CORNER
From Gary R:
As I grow old I will march, not shuffle by Brian Bilston.
Wonderful, inspiring. And so full of hope and life.
AS I GROW OLD I WILL MARCH NOT SHUFFLE
As I grow old
I will not shuffle to the beat
of self-interest
and make that slow retreat
to the right.
I will be a septuagenarian insurrectionist
marching with the kids. I shall sing
‘La Marseillaise’, whilst brandishing
homemade placards that proclaim
‘DOWN WITH THIS SORT OF THING’.
I will be an octogenarian obstructionist,
and build unscalable barricades
from bottles of flat lemonade,
tartan blankets and chicken wire.
I will hurl prejudice upon the brazier’s fire.
I will be a nonagenarian nonconformist,
armed with a ballpoint pen
and a hand that shakes with rage not age
at politicians’ latest crimes,
in strongly-worded letters to The Times.
I will be a centenarian centurion
and allow injustice no admittance.
I will stage longstanding sit-ins.
My mobility scooter and I
will move for no-one.
And when I die
I will be the scattered ashes
that attach themselves to the lashes
and blind the eyes
of racists and fascists.
INFORMATION
From Theres K:
Future Learn. A History of Royal Fashion.
Explore how British kings and queens have influenced fashion over 500 years. In partnership with Historic Royal Palaces.
Here’s the Link
From Neil M: Silversharers.
It seems like a good idea BUT I can imagine all sorts of questions of protection of the home owner etc.
A trusted community of homeowners aged 50+ seeking compatible mid-long term lodgers of any age.
Here’s the Link
LIGHTER SIDE OF LIFE
From Jerry: (shared words of wisdom – designed to make you think)
Today, when I witnessed a 27-year-old breast cancer patient laughing hysterically at her 2-year-old daughter’s antics, I suddenly realized that I need to stop complaining about my life and start celebrating it again.
Today, a boy in a wheelchair saw me desperately struggling on crutches with my broken leg and offered to carry my backpack and books for me. He helped me all the way across campus to my class and as he was leaving he said, “I hope you feel better soon.”
That’s all for now!
You can contact me on 07759 646507 in case of an emergency
Be safe
John