The Isolator

In these changing times it’s lovely to say one thing hasn’t changed at all, in fact I think it’s become even more wondrous and that’s NATURE!
Thinking about it perhaps it hasn’t got better because it’s always been wonderful and amazing it’s just that I’m noticing it more.
During this time of not being in a hurry to get from A to B in a certain time frame, my pace of life has certainly slowed down.
Walking daily along the same route it is amazing to see the changes happening, my walking route takes in Power Station Road and the bypass perhaps not your first thought for a nature walk.
Along side the road flanked by industrial units there are beautiful wild rose bushes, an apple tree and even a bush that looks like it’s got pears on it ! (They may not be pears but they certainly look like it) grass was mown and bushes were pruned to within an inch of their lives but you’ve guessed it, out came the new growth within no time at all. The staff of one unit planted up baskets of flowers under their windows they obviously took really good care of them because they have come on so well and make a plain brick wall look so pretty. A huge fir tree outside JCB has produced the biggest cones I’ve ever seen, covering the ground below and most of their car park. The side of the bypass has been like a wildflower meadow, I’ve even heard there are som species of lilies to be found there. Over hanging branches have produced flowers and now berries, some of these branches have broken off with the weight of the flowers, you could say nature does her own pruning. There is an abundance of wild blackberry bushes that have produced so much fruit this year, much appreciated by the birds and insects and maybe a few passing walkers.
Thinking back to school days I remembered “What is this life if, full of care, we have no time to stand and stare. W H Davies ( I will confess I had to google the name of the poet) it’s from the poem Leisure and well worth a read.
I certainly have the time to stand and stare and appreciate all around me and look forward like Nature to new life and new beginnings for all Phoenix members.
Love Sue X

committee officers meeting Aug 2020

I have been shielding now for 15 weeks. It has been lonely and hard work but with the help of friends, we have managed just fine. My problem is that as August 1st approaches I am filled with fear. My consultant is not happy for me to follow any of the relaxations to the conditions laid down with Covid19.   Basically he says “Ignore August 1st, stay in and protect yourself.”
I suddenly realised that I don’t know anyone else who is Shielding. This has come to me as a terrific shock.
So please, Phoenix friends, if there is anyone else in the same situation as me, can you
contact me. I would appreciate knowing someone else out there understands how it feels.

Thank you  Pat Wall   

Helping our Nurses

Ann Nunn has sent me a message that one of the ladies in
Colton is making bags for nurses to put the dirty uniforms
in, so that, when they get home, the bags can simply be put
in the washing machine. Pillowcases are needed and perhaps
other fabrics that members have.
It was mentioned on Radio WM on the Caroline Martin’s
show a few days ago.
So, Ann is wondering how many pillowcases and other
materials might be available from Phoenix members.
Ann will ask the lady making the bags if she is prepared to
give her a contact number so that materials can be
delivered to her. Alternatively, if people have no transport,
then perhaps a collection point in Rugeley from which Ann
would be happy to collect.

Let us know if you can help.

In The Spotlight— Keep Fit

Tuesday morning is the time for the ladies to keep fit with Karla, we have lots of fun and laughter. Afterward, it is time for country dancing with Pat, she has the patience of a saint when we get it wrong. One of our members has a daughter in hospital and so is unable to attend every week, we all wish her a speedy recovery and hope to have her back with us soon.

Tai Chi—At last we have some places free for our Tai Chi class, Wednesday, 9.30 am to 10.30 am is our tutor class, Friday, from 2 pm to 3 pm is practice class.

Activities in the Spotlight—  Sequence Dancing

Mondays the day for our weekly sequence dance

Where we dream of being like strictly but that’s a fat chance

We get there early sign in and put our shoes on,

Then the music begins and we say to our partner do we know this one.

We dance for an hour and then it’s time for a break

When we have a cup of tea and a biscuit or sometimes a cake.

Two hours has passed and we are finally done

But those two hours were special and we had such fun.

So, do not be afraid and think that’s not for me

Come down and see us and say, “I’ll See”.

Line Dancing

Tuesday afternoon at 2pm is the time to come along to Sheepfair  for Line dancing. About 25 of us have a great time learning new dances to some superb music. Beginners are always joining us and we have some experienced line dancers to help anyone who isn’t sure of the steps. There is a lot of laughter and new friendships are always developing. The session lasts an hour so why not come along, make  some new friendships and enjoy the music.  Incidentally it is a good  way to get fit!!!