After the Gold Rush

Tuesday, 18 September 2012

Is it just me, or has the passing of the Olympics and Paralympics, left a big, slightly depressing, hole in our lives? I would call myself, at best, an armchair sportsman. I can appreciate the skill of others who excel in their chosen sport, but have never really felt the need to get physically involved myself.

The Olympics were spectacular and the Paralympics sublime. I was sucked into the euphoria of both spectacles like dark matter into a black hole.

The sheer grit and determination of the athletes who competed in both Games left me feeling rather flabby, lazy and simply unremarkable. I know look at disability through fresh eyes.

If I ever need a 'pick me up' after a bad day I might just leave the red wine on the side and replay some of the coverage.  Truly inspiring. All competitors did their country proud.

A trip down memory lane

I was heartened to read our article about ‘Memory Lane’, a 1950s style street built by family-run Grove Care to help their residents relive the good old days and relax around items they remember from their past.

Those who live in the firm’s The Grove and Blossom Fields can write letters at an old-style post office, place their pint on a 1950s beer mat in the themed pub and choose freshly made cakes from the window of the Greengrocers.

It is such a breath of fresh air to hear about a care home going above and beyond to make their patients feel comfortable. I wonder if they’ll build a 1960s street in 10 years’ time to cater for a new generation of patients?!

A fitting end

Tarbu, an African Grey parrot believed to be the world’s oldest in captivity, bade farewell to his beloved owner Nina Morgan, 89, with a very fitting “cheerio” – before he dropped dead from his perch.

The 55-year-old parrot had lived with Mrs Morgan after being bought as a present for her young son in the 1950s.

He became her sole companion when her son, Christopher and husband Peter both passed away and would join her to watch his favourite soaps, Emmerdale and Coronation Street and munch Kit Kats every evening.

Mrs Morgan has been inundated with cards and flowers following Tarbu’s death, full of hilarious tributes to her cheeky bird. What a fitting end to a game old bird.

Have our cake and eat it

If you’re anything like the Mature Times team, you don’t need much encouragement to dig into dessert – yet that’s exactly what new Environment Secretary Owen Paterson is urging people to do.

But he’s not talking about creamy Tiramisu, picture perfect Parisian macaroons or a decadent Black Forest gateaux.

Mr Paterson is instead hoping for a revival in British puddings, from trifle and spotted dick to apple pie with thick Clotted cream.

He hopes choosing desserts with home grown ingredients – as well as ice creams and yoghurts – will provide a much needed boost to struggling farmers. A second serving has never sounded so good!

by Andrew Young - Editor, Mature Times