IN THIS EDITION Dear All Steve Gees, Acting Chairman I hope you are all keeping safe and well during these difficult Karen Gees times. Wishes The Committee and I cannot thank the Coronavirus Team Carol of the bells enough for such an excellent job they have done in producing Cbeebies nativity The Coronavirus Times each month since the virus put us in Food Memories lockdown. I know from reading it myself how important it is for Christmas memory members to hear from us each month. Members have sent in a Did you Know variety of different articles, all of which I have enjoyed reading. Christmas Quiz With the good news about the vaccine hopefully it will not be The One-Legged Turkey too long before we can once again resume our monthly meeting Maths4fun and group activities. Puppies Poem The past 9 months have been difficult for all of us and I hope This Will Make You Smile that we can put 2020 behind and look forward to 2021. Carols from Kings I would like to thank the Committee for their continued support Spot the 10 differences and enabling various groups to continue meeting, although it is - On Line via zoom. Happy New Year I hope that members can spend time with relatives and friends The January Sales over the Christmas period. A Ceilidh memory Please enjoy Christmas but remember to keep safe and well and New Year memories I look forward to meeting you all again sometime next year. Mirthy talk Merry Christmas Steve Gees, Acting Chairman Spirits Section Your Coronavirus Team

We have come to the end of what has been a difficult year. The Coronavirus has affected all of us in many different ways, both on a personal level and not being able to hold any of our monthly and group u3a meetings. These meetings are especially important as they form a great deal of social contact for us all. Whilst we have not been able to meet in person the Coronavirus Times has been a valuable source of contact for all our members. The articles that have been received from members have been able to keep our minds sharp and enjoying the funny side of things, not forgetting the serious November issue - Remembrance. Have a happy Christmas, even though this year will be somewhat different for all of us. Keep safe, well and I look forward to seeing you all again soon. Best wishes Karen Gees, Membership Secretary Wishing all Brackley Paul and I would like to wish all members of our u3a members a excellent Brackley u3a a very Happy Christmas and a Merry Christmas and happier and more stable 2021. This Christmas will be Happy & Healthy New like no other we have experienced, but it is only one Year free from Covid 19 Christmas and we need to stay safe so we can enjoy From your Group plenty more in the future. I would like to send Coordinator Christmas wishes to members of our lovely Table Ian Nixon Tennis group and hope we can meet on Mondays at some point in 2021. Paul and Kathy Hodges

Seasonal Greetings to all our friends in Brackley U3A, those at the Table Tennis, Traditional Dancing, Canasta and Quiz groups. A big “Thank You” goes out to the convenors of these groups for making these group possible and enjoyable and to Alison, Janet and Ian for “CV Times” which keeps us connected in the meantime. We miss the contact with you all and look forward to things getting back to normal as soon as possible.

Best wishes for and 2021.

Mike Kirkham (Webmaster)

Carol of the bells, Pentatonix – https://youtu.be/WSUFzC6_fp8

Cbeebieshttps://www.bbc.co.uk/cbeebies/watch/presenters nativity -nativity- https://www.bbc.co.uk/cbeebies/watch/presentersstorystory -nativity-story

Christmas Food Memories from Kathy Hodges

When I was a child (I am sure it was only yesterday) people didn`t generally seem to have turkey for Christmas and often had chicken, which was considered a treat (how times have changed). We kept our own chickens, so on my father would do the deed and we enjoyed a plump free range organic chicken on Christmas Day.

My mother made an excellent from my grandmother`s recipe which I still use today. As tradition dictated, into it were placed a few silver items, including a small silver coin, but I do remember one year the cat charm had its usual insertion never to be seen again. Christmas memory from Janet Whitby

The photo shows one of the first toys I remember getting for Christmas when I was about four. I had to share it with my brother who was about five, as you can image that went well! At that time not many toys moved on their own and needed either imagination or manpower whereas this was fascinating as it appeared to move on its own and the wheel didn’t fall off. I don’t think I spent any time thinking about the science but it did prove to me that toys were becoming more exciting in that post war era.

Snowman Memory from Alison Simmonds Did you Know My Nanny made each There have been 38 grandchild a snowman for "White " in their first Christmas in their the last 54 years, but only own home. It came full of widespread snow 4 times sweets, so we refill it each year ready to be enjoyed again. in the last 51 years. Mine is forty years old.

CHRISTMAS

Christmas morning arrived – about 5am! “Mum, has been.” Two little bodies carrying Christmas stockings piled into my bed and we all opened our presents. On Christmas Eve we had dodged from room to room as we wrapped the prezzies and filled each other’s stocking, like a game of chess on legs so no one caught sight of what the others were wrapping. Our presents were all simple little items starting with maybe a tube of Smarties (to be PC other sweeties are available!!), a toy car or truck, some pencils and a colouring book or cardboard models to make. At the bottom of all our stockings would be a ten pence coin and an apple or tangerine. My stocking would be filled with chocolates, perhaps a nail polish, a hair brush and comb, etc which they had chosen and wrapped.

My boys played with their new toys – the cars were always favourite – while I got ready. Our beautiful dog Dido would lie by the oven ready to lick the leaking turkey juices as they trickled over the floor. As usual I had neglected to buy a suitably sized roasting tin.

After dinner I would interrupt the games by calling “Come on – coats and wellies on; let’s go for a walk” and off we’d go across the fields and woods. While pheasants suddenly flapped up from under our feet (or well in advance of our approach if Dido got wind of them first….!) my boys would be finding pine cones and branches to paint, and sometimes early catkins.

We arrived home with rosy cheeks and a little later, while the collection of bits from the woods were being cheerfully messed about with, I would hang some more small presents on the and two little faces lit up with surprise. “Mum, look, Santa’s been again while we were out.” And so, by a roaring log fire there would be more gasps of delight while these gifts were opened and played with and I could relax with a welcome cup of tea.

Another very special Christmas was in my memory bank.

Pat Noble A CHRISTMAS QUIZ From Brian Starkey 1 What are the days leading up to Christmas called 2 The first ever British Christmas broadcast was written by Rudyard Kipling in 1932 - for which

monarch 3 Approx. how many people listened to it 15, 20 or 25 million 4 The French word “noel” is Latin for what 5 Christmas Island, an Australian Commonwealth territory, is in which ocean 6 These are the gifts of Christmas trees to two British cities, London is one, name the other. It is sent from Bergen as a thank you for their liberation in World War II 7 In the song, 12 days of Christmas, how many gifts are there in total (clue - don’t forget the refrain) 8 The American states of Georgia, Arizona and Indiana have towns that share which same Christmas name 9 What is the name of ’s partner in a 10 Who wrote 11 How many tips does a traditional snowflake have 12 Which country does the carol, Silent Night, originate 13 From which country does the putting up of trees come from 14 A popular plant seen at Christmas time is a , where in the world does it come from 15 What plant-based tradition did servants in Victorian England popularise 16 On 1991, what was formally dissolved 17 In 1659 to 1681 which Christian group from Boston USA banned Christmas 18 At the beginning of the first ever episode of the Simpsons which song is sung by Springfield Elementary School children at their Christmas pageant 19 Which bird is most popularly shown on Christmas cards 20 By UK tradition Christmas decorations should come down by which date in January Answers on the web

The One-Legged Turkey found by Maureen Millard

We bought a frozen turkey, for Christmas Day one year A big bird we were having, as family shared our Christmas cheer. Before we were to cook it, it was placed out to defrost But alas this was a big mistake, we found out later to our cost.

After many hours we went to , on the defrosting bird One leg was in a right old mess, some skulduggery had occurred! Then we realised what had happened, there was only one answer to that We had to discard one turkey leg, as the rest was in our cat!!

Maths4fun puzzle from Ken Smith

The picture on the left,a pentagon is drawn by placing an isosceles right- angled triangle on top of a square as pictured. What fraction of the area of the pentagon is the area of the triangle?

Answer on the web

WSMC are raising £1,000 to help the Wantage & Grove Community Christmas Hamper Appeal and have produced a Christmas Concert for you to enjoy.

https://youtu.be/x6Yw9qktBBw

Did you Know Christmas pudding began as a soup made with beef, mutton, raisins and wine and was called 'frumenty'.

Fact Robins on Christmas cards started out as a joke over 150 years ago when Found by Marie Starkey postmen wore red tunics.

SOMETHING TO MAKE YOU SMILE from Brian Starkey

1 How does Santa keep track of all the fireplaces he has visited 2 What did 52% of brits order for Christmas dinner 3 What did Russia send mi6 in their Christmas hamper 4 Why is Mrs Klaus always checking Santa’s phone 5 Why has Santa got 3 gardens 6 What goes oh oh oh 7 Why was the snowman looking through the carrots 8 What did Adam say the day before Christmas 9 Why are Christmas trees bad at knitting 10 What is the best Christmas present ever

Answers on the web

The history of .

https://www.whychristmas.com/customs/christingles.shtml Three carols from Kings

Away in a Manager, Carols from Kings https://www.youtube.com/watch? v=pbQpEdwGEXo

Ding, dong, merrily on high, Carols from Kings https://www.youtube.com/watch? v=OYWgXwNsmn0

Sussex Carol, Carols from Kings https://www.youtube.com/watch? v=nWICUo65wW4

Spot the 10 differences on picture 2 Answers on the web

MIRTHY CALENDAR

https://mirthy.us20.listmanage.com/track/click?

u=2ed67d560c326295bc3ccf507&id=b85e5afff1&e=acfd360ad0

PANTOMIMES - ON LINE

JACK AND THE BEANSTALK - Peter Duncan (Blue Peter Legend). Available to watch from: 4 Dec 2020 19:30 until 10 Jan 2021 23:59 for £25. https://showcatcher.com/show/12/jack -the-beanstalk

CINDERELLA live stream https://r.search.yahoo.com/_ylt=AwrP4o20B8lfQSgAXTkM34lQ;_ylu=Y29sbwNpcjIEcG9zAzQEdnRp ZANDMDA5MF8xBHNlYwNzcg-- /RV=2/RE=1607039028/RO=10/RU=https%3a%2f%2fpantolive.com%2f/RK=2/RS=bdBaikjprpzFyA WURE.2_jEzMuk-

GOLDILOCKS AND THE THREE BEARS http://www.garystarrpantomimes.co.uk/online/

Royal Opera House (Online) - ENIGMA VARIATIONS, 4th Dec – 3rd Jan https://stream.roh.org.uk/packages/enigma-variations-2019/videos/enigma-variations-vimeo- slides-h264?_ga=2.75539157.1569962684.1607010752-70221245.1607010752

Did you know? The custom of sending Christmas cards was started in the UK in 1843 by Sir Henry Cole. He was a civil servant who had helped set-up the new ‘Public Record Office’ (now called the Post Office), where he was an Assistant Keeper, and wondered how it could be used more by ordinary people.

Fact 25-34-year olds are the most likely to buy a new Christmas jumper, but over half the population wears one on Christmas day. My Day at the January Sales by Susan Smith (pre-Covid) Auld Lang Syne Should auld acquaintance be forgot

‘Oh heck’ I say, the weather’s not great And never brought to mind? Should auld acquaintance be forgot As I look out the window and hesitate. But I’d promised myself a day at the Sales And days of auld lang syne? Despite the cold and impending gales. For auld lang syne, my dear It’s said retail therapy beats the winter blues For auld lang syne So I wrap up warm, wear comfy shoes. We'll take the cup o' kindness yet Shall I take the car; will the car parks be full? For auld lang syne Or go on the bus but that’s incredibly dull! For auld lang syne, my dear Finally get there, head for M&S For auld lang syne The good stuff’s been moved to the stockroom I guess? We'll take the cup o' kindness yet Replaced by an array of ‘special buys’ brought in For auld lang syne All manner of wares, where do I begin?

After a couple of hours, have I shopped ’til I drop? No, only managed to do one shop! Find half price gift wrap and cards galore Must remember next Christmas not to buy anymore!

As the crowds descend and get in my way It’s time for a cuppa, find a quiet café. But everywhere’s busy, not a seat to be had Don’t ever recall it being this bad?

End up with goods I wouldn’t normally choose Maths4fun puzzle from Ken Smith Even the comfort’s gone out of my shoes. The average of 12 numbers is 24 Next year I’ve decided, I won’t hesitate To stay snuggled in bed, the Sales can wait! and the average of an additional 24 numbers is 12.

What is the average of all 36 numbers? Susan Smith Answers on the web

A Hogmanay Ceilidh memory from Hilary Isherwood

Attending a traditional Scottish Ceilidh is a popular way to bring in the New Year. Pronounced Kay-Lee, ceilidh is a Gaelic word that means gathering or party and features traditional Scottish music and dancing.

As a student in I would sometimes go up to Aviemore at the weekend with a bus full of other students. We would ski all day and call at a Ceilidh on the way home. No experience of Scottish Country dancing is needed to join in a Ceilidh, and it is a great way to burn calories. One hour of dancing is equivalent to 20 minutes of vigorous swimming. Popular dances include Gay Gordan s, Dashing White Sergeant and Strip the Willow (or Drops of Brandy.)

On 30th December 2000, Mike, my Brother and I, participated in the World Record dance in George Street. One thousand, nine hundred and fourteen people danced the largest Strip The Willow that had been done. New Year memories from Colin Gillies

Christmas in when we were growing up [50/60/70s] was not as important an event as New Year. Yes, it was celebrated with gifts etc and decorations, but it was all about children. Christmas Day was not officially a holiday. In fact, Anne had to work on Christmas day in the office although they got home at lunchtime this was 1968. It was not until the 77/80s that it became a bank holiday. The main holiday was and still is 1st and 2nd January.

New Year was a different matter. It consists of 2 days Hogmanay [New Year’s Eve] and Ne'erday [New Year’s Day].

On Hogmanay pubs would be closed by 8pm [so much for the misconception that Scots were big drinkers] this was to allow staff to get home for preparations. and streets would be totally empty. Households would be busy preparing for midnight and the house would be totally cleaned during the day and all ironing etc completed. In fact, all knitting would be completed or if unable to do then removed from needles. Food would be prepared black bun, shortbread, sandwiches, sausage rolls, but in the main no alcohol would be drunk before 'the bells' but as the clock ticked to midnight drinks would be prepared and readied.

All families had a different approach to midnight although the principle was the same i.e. a first foot would be expected to knock on the day and be invited in. This first foot could be a neighbour or friend or even the head of the house. In my case my father would go outside about 2 minutes to 12 and wait until he heard the bells ringing then knock on the door and be admitted. Superstition suggested that the first foot should be tall dark and handsome carrying a piece of coal and a bottle of whisky [not always possible to find such creatures in Scotland] the coal signified that LANG MAY YER LUM REEK [you will always have a fire]. My father did have coal. After toasting each other you either welcomed any first footers or you became a first footer visiting other local houses. The first footer always carried a bottle and invited the owner of the visited house to have a drink from the bottle. The evening would then progress either at your own house if you were popular or in another house depending on people having music or a piano and the parties would break up any time from 1am to 8am.

Ne'erday was traditionally a day for going to the football and many people would not have been to bed and drinks would be exchanged with friends you had not seen on the night. Ne'erday was always a tradition to have steak pie for lunch/dinner and it was common for parties to be started up again in people’s homes which would again go on to the wee small hours.

Most towns/cities had gatherings at midnight in city squares which the younger element attended before returning to their own local area for first footing. These gatherings tended to just be standing around until the bells and the sharing a drink.

Comrie in Perthshire had a flambeau procession where flaming beer barrels were carried through the main street accompanied by cheering crowds and pipe bands, I know that they have cancelled this year because of Covid. I believe that Stonehaven had a similar event on Hogmanay. Nowadays they are more elaborate e.g., Edinburgh’s Princes Street with fireworks and bands.

The practice of first footing I don't believe is as widespread as it used to be with changes in pubs/clubs being opened until the early hours and changes in social behaviour, but people still get together and celebrate.

The above may suggest that all the 2 days were about drinking and while drink was consumed it was about being friendly and neighbourly. Hope this gives you an insight in New Year but as I said all families are different with different circumstances.

Our next Mirthy talk will be on Thursday 21st January at 10 o’clock. Lasting approximately 40 minutes. The talks are very much like when we have a speaker at our monthly meetings

The talk is “A Nice Cup of Tea" by Sandy Leong.

How did the British love affair with tea start? It is a fascinating tale of adventure, taxes, criminality, temperance, rationing and a morale booster in World War 1 and 11. Spot the 10 differences in the bottom photo of this supermarket spirits section Answers on the web

Can you spot these well-known sayings, phrases and items? Answers on the web

Your Coronavirus Team - Janet, Ian and Alison - wish you all a Happy and Healthy New Year.

So again, we would love your contributions for our January edition, planned for issue to coincide with Burns Night.

What did you eat on Christmas day? Your "alternative Christmas dinner."

Did you make any New Year's Resolutions? Have you broken them already? These might help:-

Suggestion for a weekly challenge throughout the Winter months On any one day try to aim for at least 7 out of the 10 healthy activities. 1. Do an exercise session for at least 30 minutes – this could be a one-to-one training session, a group class, or a session you do yourself from an online forum. 2. Have a window of at least 8 hours to sleep each night. Matthew Walker, one of the world’s leading sleep experts says that this 8-hour window should be "non-negotiable". 3. Give up alcohol for the day. 4. Do a 30-minute brisk walk. 5. Before you go to sleep at night, spend five minutes thinking of all the things you are grateful for. 6. Only watch/listen to the news once a day. 7. Don’t moan to anyone about the lockdown. 8. Perform a mindfulness "body scan". 9. Drink at least 1.2 litres of water during the day. 10. Eat 5 portions of fruit and/or vegetables during the day.

AND, OF COURSE, THE BIG OUTING "HAVE YOU HAD YOUR VACCINE YET?"

Please let us have your memories/experiences/updates, be it one line or a whole page, we can't produce this newsletter without your help. If these could be with us by 15 January.

If you would like to see something in the next Coronavirus Times then send it to [email protected]. All items sent will be considered.

Many thanks. Please continue to take care. Editors

We apologise for any errors or omissions you may find in this Newsletter.

ABILITY is a social enterprise providing a local community bus service, our aim is to reduce loneliness and social isolation. Keeping you Safe. We help people to get out and about by providing transport for those who need it to reach services such as shopping, bank, hairdressers, libraries, social events, clubs and local places. See "Abiity" website for information leaflet and registration form.