Fun Days for the Young at Heart

Hi all. Well, what a wonderful 3 days we had at the fun days, much laughter, singing and joy. It started on Monday with tea and biscuits, as did every fun day morning, then on to the nitty gritty. Board games. Who knew that our fun dayers were so competitive? There were cheers of YEAH. Groans of OH NO, which I am sure could have been heard in the village. At 12.30 a light lunch of egg, ham and cheese sandwiches were served, along with salad and crisps, which was very well received. The afternoon saw us singing along to the wonderful ukulele players. It was joyous to see so many singing and clapping along. 3:00 pm came and it was time for tea and wonderful cakes. See you all tomorrow for another fun filled day.

Day 2. Another lovely day filled with lovely people. We started off, as usual with tea and biscuits. We then had several people tell us about their memorable holidays . Gwen was first and told us about going to Austria to find where her father was imprisoned during the Second World War. She did find find where he had been interred, it must have been very moving. Next we’re Geoff and Heather who told us about going to Malaysia for their son’s wedding. They even wore the clothes they had worn for the wedding, very lovely they both looked as well. Then Jean, who told us about the trip to Kenya with the Karabuni Trust, where they were looking at various projects and working as well. Then onwards for a short safari. The first part of their trip sounded very emotional due to the way the people had to live. There were then several other people who had lovely holiday memories to share with us. Then it was time for lunch. Lunch today was different flavoured quiches, some home made, salad and crisps. 3:00 pm arrived all too soon, then it was time for tea and more wonderful home made cakes. See you all tomorrow for our last day of fun and laughter.

Day 3. Well, what can I say, other than what a fantastic finale to our 3 day fun event. It started off as usual with tea and biscuits. People had been asked to bring keepsakes that meant a lot to them and speak about why they meant so much. There was everything from a tennis racket to a bottle stopper, pictures and items of jewellery, each item had a wonderful memory behind it and was obviously very special to the person who had brought it. Lunch time arrived and we had home-made soup, rolls and butter, delicious. Then the grand finale. The Radcliffe Sing Alongs started us off with some old favourites, including Knees Up Mother Brown, which everyone seemed to know. Then we were treated to Sylvia playing the saxophone, amazing. Next were several soloists, including our very own David Morley who sang one of my personal favourites, The Rose. Then to finish were the Radcliffe Ladies Choir accompanied by Judy Holborow on the piano. It was magical and a fitting end to what has been an incredible three days of fun, entertainment, eating and friendship. Not to forget our final tea and cake, whilst everyone had a good chat. Then home. Goodbye everyone. Hope you enjoyed it.

Last but by no means least a huge THANK YOU to Jean Smith who put so much of her time and effort into organising this wonderful event. Many many thanks to all the volunteers who helped with getting the food and drinks ready every day, serving at the tables, clearing up and then washing up. The people who made the wonderful cakes and those who made the delicious soup. We could not have done it without you all, you should be very proud of yourselves.

Ann Mills.

Didn't we have fun! 3 days of fellowship with a mixed bag of 'people of a certain age' from around the village enjoying a whole range of activities, and some lovely food and refreshment. Ann will have said more about this but I just want to thank a whole range of people who worked hard before and during the event to bring this vision to fulfilment. Too many to mention names, but you know who you are, and I am so grateful for all you did.

The publicity team for the posters, flyers and tickets. The P/A team who prepared and operated the visuals and sound. The activities team who organised the board games, the ukulele singalong, the crafts, and the concert. And all the musicians and singers who took part in these. The construction team who transformed the church into the seaside venue, and afterwards restored it to normal.

And of course the catering team who planned and served and cleared away such lovely food for everyone, for the whole of the 3 days. And those who were just there to lend a hand and chat to visitors. And then there were the friends who contributed their holiday memories, and treasures, and joined in all the activities with enthusiasm and joy. Their appreciation and involvement made all the hard work so worthwhile, and we thank you for coming.

Well done all of you, and thank you so much for making August Fun Days the joyful, successful and memorable time that it was. How fortunate we are to be part of such an active, friendly and caring church.

George is hoping to produce a souvenir booklet in the next few weeks, but here are just a few of the memories.

Jean Smith.