READING RETIREMENT CENTRE (registered charity No. 281830)
FIRTREE
(Friends in retirement taking relaxation, exercise and education)
Newsletter January 2022 Issue 514
Welcome to a new New Year. I hope you all had a good time at Christmas in spite of the Covid-19 restrictions. We had to change our plans twice, but still saw all our family at one time or another. Sadly, one of our daughters-in-law had to shield having had confusing test results, with one saying yes and another saying no. The worst thing about it all is the confusion. As a teacher, she didn’t dare take a risk.
We still managed to finish 2021 with Carols and mince pies and by surprising me with a gift to recognise my work, which was very kind of you. 2022 is a special year for us as, in October, it will 50 years since Firtree was founded. The committee are looking at ways in which we can celebrate the occasion. One way we might go is to do as we did after 40 years, to produce a booklet of our memories. To start our thinking, I will be leading our session on the 15th February on what were you doing in 1972. I think we are all of an age to remember it.
Meantime, Covid-19 restrictions permitting, we start our meetings again on the 11th January with an open meeting with games, chat, refreshments etc. We are grateful to those of you who work on the Tea/Coffee bar and volunteers are always welcome to join the rota. On the 18th January, Mark will be entertaining us with one of his film compilations. The 24th January is another relaxed day. Then, on the 1st of February, local historian Ann Smith will give us an illustrated history of Woodley. 8th February is social time and on 15th February, as I have mentioned already, I will be inviting you to remember 1972.
We are also running the Movement to Music group on Wednesdays at St Matthew’s Church hall. If you are interested in attending this, please contact Gloria Storer (0118 9412549) for details on how to get there and when. Our Garden group are taking a break in January, but are planning an outing in February.
Don’t forget to let us know if anyone is unwell or is celebrating some landmark in their life. Last December, we were able to serenade Peggy just after her 90th birthday, and next December, Bruce and Marisa will be celebrating their Diamond Wedding anniversary. And don’t forget to tell your friends about Firtree! Prospective new members are always welcome, the sole condition being that they are no longer in full-time employment.
If you want to know more about Firtree, contact Colin Ferguson (colindf@btinternet.com) – 0118 9482557, Mark Bowman on 0118 9677130, or Liz Prior on 0118 942 2958
Firtree 