Ancient
and Modern
Two events in
June 2006 catered for opposite ends of the age spectrum at St Faith's
and St Mary's.
The first United Benefice Over 65s
Holiday Club provided a week of entertainment for those who
qualified, while the annual joint Sunday Schools' party was, as usual,
laid on for our children. Below you can read two articles written
for our magazine Newslink about
the 'Ancient'
bit, and see some of the photos taken by Joan Tudhope and Fr Neil.
Follow THIS
LINK for the 'Modern' page, and
read how, despite a damp start and a leaking Bouncy Castle, the
traditional Good Time was Had by All.
Joyce Jones
(from St Mary’s
Church) explains what went on at the over-65s week - and how much
everyone enjoyed it...
The week commencing 19th June, 2006,
was a really enjoyable experience for those of us who took part in the
United Benefice Holiday Club, based in St Mary’s Church Hall, and open
to anyone in the over-65 age group.
The whole project was an enormous
success, and the happy atmosphere was wonderful throughout the
well-planned week: as a group we ‘gelled’ from the start – we were all
friends within the first hour!
The programme so carefully prepared
covered yoga and relaxation exercises, a hairdressing display by
professional stylists, two films (‘Hobson’s Choice’ and ‘The Sound of
Music’ – plus sing-along!), a line dancing lesson, a half-day coach
trip top breezy Blackpool (including a delicious lunch of fish and
chips and mushy peas) and then t the Tower where we were able to visit
the Aquarium and the magnificent Ballroom. The final afternoon
culminated in an enjoyable organ recital given by Fr Neil, followed by
a sumptuous cream tea served by Jeeves (alias Peter Connolly)
resplendent in ‘tails’ and white gloves.
Sincere thanks to Lynne Connolly and
Joan Tudhope for all their time, though, organisation and hard work put
into this project, and of course to Neil and Peter, and to everyone who
helped in any way to ensure the success of this event. We look forward
to having the Holiday Club again next year!
Ron Rankin from St Faith's gives his
perspective on the week...
‘THAT
WAS THE WEEK THAT WAS...’
It all
started several weeks ago with a notice on the Sunday Service Sheet - OVER 65's HOLIDAY CLUB starting week/comm.
19th June, see Joan Tudhope.
Laura and I, together with Peggy Mattison, immediately put our names
down for this week, whatever surprises it may have in store. We soon
became aware of a reticence from some people of both congregations to
put their names forward, "because we cannot find out what is going to
happen", seemed to give them problems. Well, what did happen, what were
the surprises in store, what daunting tasks awaited us?
Full of
curiosity we arrived at St. Mary's Hall on the appointed day, at the
specified time, and were given nothing more strenuous than a cup of
tea, a funny looking badge with our name on, and a not too serious quiz
paper. There was much talking and laughing over the next two hours,
which took us up to lunchtime. After lunch we had a demonstration of
Yoga, not the figure-contorting exercises, but breathing correctly and
relaxation methods. The relaxation method worked a treat, yours truly
went fast asleep.
On Tuesday
morning there was a hairdressing demonstration, which I missed, so I
cannot pass any comment except to say that it was very popular with the
ladies. In the afternoon we went by coach to the Candle Factory near
Chester. Father Neil was with us, but I wouldn't dare ask him what he
bought.
Wednesday
morning we watched an old film 'Hobson’s Choice', starring if that is
the right word, Charles Laughton, John Mills, and among others Prunella
Scales. John Mills looked young but Prunella Scales looked about
sixteen. Gives you some idea of the age of the film. Ice-cream cornets
were served in the interval. In the afternoon we had Line Dancing, an
activity none of us had previously tried. We were first shown a few
steps then most of us tried it, with varying degrees of success I might
add
Thursday,
and another coach trip, this time to Blackpool. We left at 10.00 a.m.,
and arrived about 11.00 am, which meant we were rather early for our
pre-booked Fish and Chip lunch, but we survived. Arriving for lunch we
found ourselves at a very pleasant restaurant away from the sea front,
it was called the "Cottage". The quality of the food was excellent and
the quantity as much as anyone could want.After lunch it was back on
the coach and taken to be dropped off outside the Tower. Most people
went into the Tower but a few hardy, or foolhardy take your pick, went
for a walk on a very breezy sea front. Lillie went one way and Alan,
Laura and I went the other until Alan left us for a nostalgic walk to
find a boarding-house once owned by an aunt of his.
Friday, the
last day, probably to the relief of Joan & Lynne, and their
helpers. After the obligatory cup of tea and biscuits we settled down
to watch ‘The Sound of Music’. This was a little different as the words
of the songs appeared on the screen so everyone could join in. A little
like a mass Karaoke. Lunch today was kept small as we were all looking
forward to our Cream Tea. When it came, our tea was served by our very
own Jeeves, complete with tail-coat, pin-stripe trousers and white
gloves. Pity about the trainers, Peter.
From all who
enjoyed this week - thank-you Joan, Lynne and your many helpers. We
appreciate how hard you worked and sincerely hope you have the courage
to do it again next year.
Our thanks
also go to those people who helped by subsidising the week's
activities. We are intelligent enough to realise that what we paid did
not cover all expenses. I do not know names but I know you are
there. Thankyou.
Follow THIS
LINK for the 'Modern' page -
the Sunday Schools' Party
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