Wednesday 17 April 2013

A Gift from Mariner Park Australia to Mencap Braintree UK !

Art and Craft Group - Mencap Braintree

As you know from my last post, I have just returned from a trip to Australia - aren't I the lucky one??

Whilst there, I went to Mariner Park Retirement Village in Tura Beach, NSW, with my sister-in-law Anne, who is a volunteer there. 

She is invaluable, as not only helps to run the Sewing Groups, but also provides an "alteration and mending" service for the residents.

I was made so welcome and was invited to tell the ladies, in their Sewing Group, about Mencap in Braintree - back here in the UK, where I volunteer, helping with Pottery and Art & Craft groups.

I was given a wall-hanging with an Australian theme (see above photo) to bring back to Braintree Mencap. 

We will hang this in our hall, so everyone coming to join in with all our activities, will be able to appreciate this lovely gift.

Thank you Mariner Park!

Monday 1 April 2013

Thank you Australia...!

We have just returned from a wonderful holiday in Australia, with our family over there and I want to share a few photos with you all...

The first two are about endurance and survival against all the odds...one is a soldier sitting with his head in his hands, in the mud, in the trenches in the First World War, depicted here at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra.


The second is a gum tree (Eucalyptus) which was blow over in a storm at Port Stephens, New South Wales. Again, against the odds of survival, the tree has hung in there and lying on its side, continues to flourish and grow...



Australians tend to have this same resilience - they complain loudly and tell it like it is, but they hang in there - through adverse weather, bush fires and heated politics, but nevertheless get on with life with great energy and are so very proud of their country...

Tura Beach NSW

And here is just one of their fine beaches...

Thank you Australia for having us...




Tuesday 26 February 2013

A Quiz - All About the USA



As I have so many visitors to my Blog from America, I decided to put together a quiz - which is All About the USA...

As always, it is fairly easy (probably very easy for our American groups!)  

I am sure much reminiscing will take place, as the quiz runs its course. 

Enjoy the journey and have fun delving into the "facts and figures" of that great country - the USA!

 Click on the link below to get the quiz and also, on a separate page, the answers...

A Quiz - All About the USA

Love to get your comments (and feel free to tell me if I have got anything wrong!!)

Wednesday 9 January 2013

Quiz - Anagrams of First Names!

I have put together 20 Anagrams of girl's and boy's first names - try them out with your groups. 

They are great fun and all the names I've chosen will be familiar to you - no "Apple" or "Blue" included!

Just click here for the Anagrams (and answers!)

Hope 2013 will be kind to us all...!