October

Richard Ayres gave us a very interesting talk recently about herbaceous plants, with many good ideas for planting various colour combinations, as well as for structure.   He showed us slides of a wide variety of his favourite plants taken either at Anglesey Abbey or in the walled garden at Kirtling Towers.

Hopefully we can use some of Richard's ideas in our own herbaceous borders and he ended his talk with some amazing photos of his own beautiful garden.

Our Christmas lunch will take place on the 8th December and our New Year programme will begin with a Holy Communion Service taken by the Rev. Roger Bowen on the 17th January 2012 at the usual time of 2.30p.m.

Anne Phoenix

November

At our last meeting Ralph Frearson talked to us about his involvement in Age UK.  This charity has been formed by the amalgamation of Help the Aged and Age Concern.  This larger organisation provides a stronger voice in government and, of course, in the community.

Ralph's speciality is in the Personal Alarm Service whereby users can get help anytime just at the press of a button.

Originally Sebastian Fenwick - an engineer with a burglar alarm company in Devon came up with the idea of personal alarms about thirty years ago.  Subsequently, Age Concern bought Sebastian's business and now 45,000 people in the UK have a personal alarm which enables them to get help at any time day or night - either in the house or in the garden - just at the press of a button.  This action contacts the call centre immediately - without the need to actually dial a number and the operator will take the call in seconds and help will be on its way.  If the user is unable to speak, the call centre would either call the number by 'phone or contact the nominated key holders, i.e. family or neighbours.

The Personal Alarms can be worn either as a pendant or a wristband so they are always with you whenever the need may arise.  They give independence and peace of mind for both you and your family.

We begin our New Year programme with a service of Holy Communion conducted by Roger Bowen on Thursday, 20th January, 2012 in Lode Chapel at 2.30 p.m. to be followed by tea and cakes.  If you would like to join us, you would be more than welcome.

Anne Phoenix