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!

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...