Well, here we are in 2021 and once again in lockdown, dare one hope that we are beginning to see the end with the new vaccines. Vaccinations have taken place for the higher age group, the most vulnerable and the high-risk groups, and we have now been given a “Road Map” as to when we can start to meet again. It would seem most clubs will be open in September but we could meet from June if all goes according to plan. Maybe clubs would like to rethink their programmes with meeting up in the park, going for walks, lunches or teas in the garden during the summer. Anything that will get us back into the habit of meeting and enjoying each other’s company again. We are still fund raising for Marie Curie and NAWC so perhaps you could arrange a fund raiser?
We have had a discussion about the annual subscription taking on board everything that is going on we have decided that the annual subscription for 2020 will be suspended, those who have paid will have their fees transferred to March 2021 and no more will be collected until March 2022. Those clubs that did not manage to get their subscriptions paid before lockdown 2020 will now have to pay to cover 2021/2022. Not sure if other Associations have been as generous but we felt this was only fair.
Further to this decision your National Committee have decided to postpone Conference and the summer events as you will appreciate if clubs are not back until September then these would be very difficult to arrange, but take heart we are at this moment in time aiming to go ahead with the ‘Weekend Away’ in Norwich in October. As we had no AGM last year the Officers are all willing to stand again and will keep the Association going as we return to normal.
You will be kept informed of all the details as and when they arise. This has been a very difficult time for everyone please have patience and we will get back together again soon.
Here are a few messages from our Chairman and officers of NAWC:
Chris Burton
I hope you and your family are all keeping well and safe and had good Christmas & New Year, a bit different from normal.
Who would have thought we would still be in a lockdown situation, nearly a year later, I certainly didn’t.
I think we all thought or hoped we would be back at our clubs by now, hopefully it won’t be too much longer.
What have I been doing this lockdown, well, firstly after working with the NHS for nearly 26yrs I finally
retired on the 8/1/21. I feel at the moment I am on an extended holiday with no-where to go. I have been
keeping busy I’m still trying to declutter, walking, reading, doing jigsaws, keeping in touch with family, friends and F&GP committee and binging on TV, I have finally finished watching Game of Thrones, along with a few others series. I have given up on The Vikings for the time being!
Stay safe, Keep smiling
Joan Bramley
Best wishes to everyone for a better 2021. The nights are getting lighter and the bulbs are growing so life is getting a little brighter. I hope everyone is keeping well but realise the virus will have affected some of us and I’m fortunate as I have a small immediate family so we have managed to keep away from it even though my niece is a teacher and having to be in the classroom. Christmas came and went when the same niece did Christmas day ‘meals on wheels’ for me so that was nice and since then the high-lights have been having my jab and visiting the dentist but wonder if high-light is the correct word when referring to the dentist. I’m the one who has been there, done it and got the tee-shirt where cooking is concerned with a 12-year-old oven that hasn’t been used, so finding things to fill my time after clearing out things for the charity shop, have got so bad for me that I’ve been watching cooking programmes!! I haven’t tried any of the recipes because if I did my weight would increase as butter; cream; sugar and chocolate are used in enormous quantities, plus I don’t possess any of the ingredients. I’ve not grasped the technology that is available even though the Chairman; Vice Chairmen etc., do meet via Zoom and cannot say I am always successful when connecting and I have not tried shopping on line – I like to see what I’m buying so now I go to my local Morrisons every three or four weeks with a bill that comes to a substantial amount. I’ve saved a fortune on lipstick because who can see it through a mask. Chin up ladies, we will get there and get back to meeting our friends attending our clubs and I look forward to meeting again. Joan Bramley
Linda Starkey
Christmas and New Year are now well behind us and the vaccine in our area is well underway, we have some brilliant centres set up and I have even had mine although I’m under “70”.
I hope that you all were able to celebrate Christmas with your limited plans, we were lucky to be able to have my eldest son and his daughter to visit because he lives on his own, we are his mental health bubble.
What can I say about life at the moment, I think I may be suffering from the SAD syndrome, we do try to walk at least twice a week to help with our health, weather permitting?
We also try to keep ourselves busy doing crafting, himself building his very large train set in the loft reminding me of my younger days when my dad built one for us in the front room, I love going up there to see its progression and I’ve taken to doing jigsaws again something I used to love doing but in recent years found little time to do.
Stay safe all and it won’t be long now we hope till we can all meet again and share the good times.
Jean Whiting
I know it’s a bit late but Happy New Year to you all, let’s hope there is some light at the end of the tunnel. I haven’t done anything too special for some time, the main thing being was to have my first jab in mid-December, so now waiting to have the second one. Christmas was spent with my eldest son and his family who conveniently live across the road from me. The only “exciting thing” was to take my car to have its MOT it passed thank goodness.
As a Committee we have a few Zoom meetings, it’s nice to catch up with everyone.
Stay safe everyone, looking forward to when we can get out into the garden again.
See you soon, hopefully!
Maureen Harwood
I unfortunately contracted Covid-19 the week before Christmas and my husband caught it from me so we were all isolated until 18th January. Christmas and the New Year were a no-no for us but we are just grateful we came through it. After 9 weeks I have at last got my energy levels back and I have to thank my daughter who lives with us for looking after us so well. (she didn’t catch it by the way)!
Keep safe everyone and take care
Janice Bayliss
I’ve been managing to keep in contact with members of my local clubs and a few others in the NW. Sad news of the passing of two ladies and the husband of another from Haydock Club. Mary Brookes and Jean Fairhurst along with Jackie’s husband Tim, who often accompanied us on our outings, will be missed when we eventually get going again. These were not Covid related I have to say.
WOW received a grant from Bolton’s Festive Fund and were able to purchase puzzle books which were sent/delivered to members, along with a quiz, compiled by our secretary, felt flower kits and Christmas card. Quiz winner Valerie Whotton received a Christmas display provided by a local florist.
On a personal note, I donated 20 jars of jam and marmalade to a local group who were delivering hampers to the elderly. This has resulted in a few requests and I’ve been able to put 50% of proceeds into my charity box as usual.
I’ve produced 3 new varieties – Blood Orange & Rhubarb, Citrus (orange/lemon/lime) and Espresso Martini Marmalade, all of which have been submitted to the World Marmalade Competition in Cumbria – watch this space. Hopefully I’ll have these and my usuals for sale at Conference.
Dave & I have both had our 1st vaccination with no adverse effects and, although we’ve had to cancel our May holiday, are hoping to sail in the Med aboard the Clipper in August.
Look after yourselves and stay safe, hope to see you before too long – fingers crossed.
And finally, our own Pat Blair
There is not much to say other than to wish members well and to take care and try to keep in touch with their members. l don’t think l am doing any different than anyone else. I have read that many books l am going goggle eyed, l have a kindle now it’s so much easier for the old eyes and hands this sounds, very boring.
There is one thing I am on top of is zooming for Knowsley older people voice also Healthwatch.
Answers to December Quiz
1 A not so well-known parody begins ‘Scintillate, scintillate global vivific’ what well-known nursery rhyme does it translate into? Twinkle, twinkle little star
2 Who was the last US President before TRUMP who only served one 4-year term of office? George C Bush
3 How many brass instruments are followed by ‘rows and rows of the finest virtuosos’ 76 trombones + 110 cornets
4 When did sweets first come off of rationing? 5th February 1953
5 Who was Marion Robert Morrison? John Wayne
6 How many Harry Potter books have been sold worldwide? Over 500 million
7 How many Prime Ministers have there been in the UK? 55
8 If you printed out everything on the internet how many sheets of A4 paper would you need? 136 billion
9 Where does Princess Anne come in the line to the Throne 14th
10 On which day do the Netherlands have their major ‘Christmas’ celebrations and the children receive their presents? 5th December
Quiz for February A little different this time – Guess the film quiz. Answers next time
1 Went away because of flatulence
2 My girlfriend works in an amusement park
3 Take a vacation but not out
4 They call it “white house” in Spanish
5 A challenge for these birds of prey
6 Not white nor ugly
7 Keep going but use the tent
8 Dense forest in this novel
9 Vocalising when weather is bad
10 A high temperature at the weekend
Hopefully we will be back in the office after Easter but like everyone else we are having to wait and see; Claire is still working from home and our post is being collected but you can always get in touch with us via email.
Claire’s husband also caught Covid-19 over Christmas and wasn’t at all well, but he is on his way to recovery but it is a slow progress, we wish him well. Luckily Claire didn’t catch it but both he and Maureen would say if you are still undecided about the vaccine think about it carefully because the illness is not very pleasant.
On a brighter note, Spring is just around the corner and the lighter nights are starting to come and to quote Captain, Sir Tom Moore, who sadly died earlier this year, “tomorrow will be a better day”
For and on behalf of Chris & the Committee
