READING RETIREMENT CENTRE (registered charity No. 281830)
FIRTREE
(Friends in retirement taking relaxation, exercise and education)
http://www.firtree-reading.com
March 2020 Firtree Newsletter Issue 491
What a start to the new year with flooding and flu all over the place. I have been spluttering and coughing all month and just glad I am nowhere near China. Thankfully the floods have not been too bad here, but it is quite tragic the effect on so many homes. We, however, are up and running and it has been encouraging to see some of our members returning after accidents and illness.
It is also time for us to renew our membership and Liz Prior has already been busy. Because of the data protection act we now have to complete a new membership form every year.
One or two of our old friends are not re-joining. Getting older does sometimes mean reaching stopping points, whether our spirit is willing or not. Every blessing to those of you who have to leave.
Our Tuesday morning talks for March are as follows and this time the dates are correct!!
Tues 3rd March Marjy Carden – Humorous poetry
Tues 10th March John Brearley Siege of Reading 1643
Tues 17th March Training dogs for the blind
Tues 24th March Glenys Kerr-Elliot – Around Australia
Tues 31st March Paul Chandler – Berkshire Lowland Search and Rescue
Tues 7th April Colin Ferguson – Law and disorder in the Criminal Justice System
Monday 6th April Coach outing to Salisbury Cost £16.00 Meeting at 9.30 outside the YMCA
See Gloria for further details.
There are NO MEETINGS from Monday 13th to Wednesday 15th April
Just a reminder that on Monday mornings there is a bridge session.
After the talk on Tuesday we play Scrabble and Bridge and Table Tennis.
Due to a major overhaul of the building we have been using at the YMCA, our Wednesday activities are moving to new venues from 1st March.
The Movement to Music group and the Songsters will be meeting at the chapel, at their usual times. The afternoon whist group will be meeting at St Michael’s Church hall.
The Garden Circle will still meet at the YMCA on the 9th March for a trip to Englefield. Last month, 16 of the group went to Rosebourne after the weekend storms. Most enjoyable, with beautiful flowers and lots of bargains to be had. As always, welcome cuppas, accompanied by either scones and cream or toasted tea cakes, were much enjoyed.
If you have any ideas about what we might do please let me or Mark know. Numbers attending some of our current activities are dropping and it may be time to refresh what we are doing to meet new needs.
Don’t forget, though, that we do not have any employed staff; we are all just members so if you can do anything to help it will be most welcome. The Tuesday drinks rota is one help and I notice it needs filling again. Thank you so much for those who have given their time and energy already. That reminds me, the AGM is only two months away and we do need new committee members, especially someone who can work alongside Monica on the accounts.
Ladies! It is International Women’s Day on the 6th March.
There is a meeting at the chapel, running from 10.00 until 2.00 p.m.
For more info ring Cecily on 07859 063 643
One liners – not necessarily true
When my wife and I have a disagreement, which thankfully is not that often, I always have the last word – “Yes Dear”
How old would you think you were if you didn’t know how old you are?
I never lie about my age. I just tell people I’m as old as my wife.
Then I lie about her age.
If you want to know more about Firtree, contact Colin Ferguson (colindf@btinternet.com) or Liz Prior on 0118 942 2958
Firtree 