Codgers Quarterly Which 3) Deeside Photo

CODGERS

QUARTERLY Embracing our age; re-defining the stereotype Issue 9 — DECEMBER 2016

NEWSLETTER OF THE 50+ ACTION GROUP To create an effective voice on all matters of concern to , and Affecting, people aged over 50 years in Flintshire.

Dear Readers INSIDE THIS ISSUE . Thank you for your interest and support…….. Page: 2) Staying Steady This is our 9th issue of Codgers Quarterly which 3) Deeside Photo. Society means, would you believe, that we have been going for 2 years. We are grateful for all the support and 4) Dewis/Café Chat/Memory Cafes positive feedback that we have received and as this 5) Xmas Poem/ Quiz edition demonstrates, we are increasingly attracting 6) C, & NW Woodturners information and articles from Flintshire based 7) 50+AG Update/NWCHC/Seasons organisations. This is a level of success that we Greetings couldn’t have anticipated when we started. 8) OWL The information that we have been pleased to cover 9) Memory Lane ranges from issues of local concern, advice on keeping 10) Flu Jab/Nat Arboretum/ Quiz An- healthy, volunteering opportunities, how to become swers involved with your community, and leisure activities 11) FLVC/ Flintshire Diabetes and hobbies. We are also proud to have been able to 12) Domestic Abuse highlight the support and facilities available in the 13) Recipe & Sugarcraft county for those affected by memory problems. 14) “The Cloth of Man” / Christmas Since our first e mail only issue, we have been lucky Dinner in Holywell enough to have had grant funding to print hard copies. 15) Commissioner’s Corner While we cannot guarantee that we will be able to 16) International Day continue to produce paper copies after March 2017, we are working hard to try and attract additional 17) Older People’s Champion funding. E mail versions will of course 18) Halkyn Over 50’s Update/ Ewloe still be available by registering at the Over 50’s address below. 19) Spread the Warmth 20) Beautiful NW/Suitcase Theatre Pat Ashford—Editor NEXT DEADLINE - 13 Feb 2017 [email protected]

This is a FREE publication which can be TAKEN AWAY.If you find it informative and/ or amusing please pass it on to family and friends. If you wish to ensure that you receive future quarterly copies you can register for e mail copies by contacting the Older People’s Engagement Worker at [email protected]

1 Staying Steady – exercise for good balance

Problems with balance are quite common as we grow older, and there are many reasons for this, most of which can be prevented or treated. Poor balance can make us unsteady and fearful of falling, or even cause a fall. This is more common after the age of 65, but by acting proactively early on we can avoid many of these problems. Inactivity is one of the reasons that we develop poor posture and balance, putting us at risk of falls and fractures, as we get older.

What happens if we lead a sedentary life?

* Muscle loss

Physically inactive people can lose as much as 3% to 5% of their muscle mass each decade after age 30. This speeds up after the age of about 60 – 70, and is more common in people who are sedentary. Muscle loss can adversely affect your health and fitness as well as your looks. Because it affects your strength it’s a factor in frailty and the likelihood of falls and fractures in older adults. Exercise using resistance training will improve muscle strength. For exercises that can be done at home see http://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/ fitness/Pages/strength-exercises-for-older-people.aspx or http://www.nhs.uk/Tools/Pages/ Exercises-for-older-people.aspx

* Osteoporosis

Bone strength is controlled in part by weight bearing exercise, as the effect of the impact of the lower limb on the floor actually stimulates the bone turnover process. This was demonstrated by the fact that returning astronauts have a greatly diminished bone density caused by weightlessness. Also, professional tennis players have been shown to have increased bone density in their serving arm, from the action of the impact of the racquet on the ball. Walking, jogging or dancing are good exercise for bones. However, brisk walking has been demonstrated to increase falls because of the walker’s other problems such as poor vision resulting in trips!

* Stiffer Joints

There are 200 types of arthritis, with osteoarthritis being the commonest. The cartilage which covers the ends of the bones can become worn with age or by trauma. The joint compensates for this - the bone changes shape, the capsule around the joint thickens, and the lubricating fluid in the joint diminishes. This all makes the joint stiff and painful, which is a common cause of poor balance, mobility and falls. A joint that has an acute injury (such as a sprain) needs to be rested temporarily, but an arthritic joint needs to move little and often on a regular basis to encourage production of the lubricating fluid. Non-weight bearing exercise such as swimming or aquarobics are good for joints.

What is the best exercise?

Exercise is good for preventing and managing a wide range of physical conditions and is good for our emotional health. Exercise as prevention or as a treatment now features in 39 UK national guidelines.

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If you have fairly good posture and balance and want to maintain it research has demonstrated that practising Tai Chi regularly is effective.

If you need to improve your balance and posture there is strong evidence that a programme of specifically designed exercises is effective. The first 12 – 16 weeks of the programme is run in local leisure centres in conjunction with Public Health Wales and the National Exercise Refer- ral Scheme (NERS), and is delivered by qualified Exercise Professionals. During this time you will learn new skills to improve your posture and balance. A further period of about 16 weeks will help you to maintain these gains. At the end of the programme there is a step down to on- going exercise of your choice, ideally Tai Chi. Returning to a sedentary life will undo the good work!

To access this programme please ask your practice nurse or physiotherapist to refer you. Celia Drew, Falls Prevention Coordinator, Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board.

Why don’t polar bears eat penguins? ………..Because they cant get the wrappers off!

What kind of insect hates Christmas?...... A Hum-Bug!

Knock knock who’s there? Snow. Snow who? Snow use, I’ve forgotten!

DEESIDE PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY

Interested in photography? Then come along to Deeside Photographic Society, we cater for all abilities from beginners to expert, with plenty of people to help you along the way come and join our friendly club. We hold practical evenings as well as inviting outside lecturers to speak. We hold six league club competitions and one cup competition every year from September until April. We also take part in inter-club and national competitions, friendly battles and host our own interclub competition. Deeside Photographic Society meets every Tuesday evening at the Ewloe Social Club, Old Mold Rd, Ewloe, Deeside CH5 3AU, commencing at 7.30pm.

For more information please take a look at our website http://www.deesidephotosociety.org.uk/

“A photographer is like a cod, which produces a million eggs in order that one may reach maturity.” ― George Bernard Shaw

Dewis Cymru is a new website bringing together information and advice about wellbeing in Wales.

Wellbeing is about more than just good health. It is about feeling safe and secure, getting out and about, keeping in touch with friends and family, your work and living conditions, and much more. Dewis has information about these topics, and links to organisations that can help you.

The Dewis directory contains organisations, services and groups that can help you: search by simply entering your postcode and what you’re looking for (e.g. lunch club, arthritis, home safety). Dewis will find resources within 5 miles of the postcode, but you can look further afield with the ‘advanced search’ option. The directory is divided up into different categories which you can also search by, including: community health, housing, leisure, transport, and much more. If you’re searching for someone else, you can also email the search results or print them in a ‘friendly’ format.

There are currently around 3700 organisations and services on Dewis – 1900 of which are in North Wales – and it is growing. Since the website started in September 2015, there have been over 370,000 page views. Contacts in the directory are asked to update their information every 6 months so we can make sure Dewis is kept up to date.

If you are an organisation, group or service that helps people with their wellbeing, you can register and add your details to Dewis for free so that people who you want to help and support can find you more easily.

CONGRATULATIONS ON Café Chat Issue 1 of the Sealand & Queensferry Memory Café Newsletter

Flintshire Memory Cafes and events Various Memory Cafes and events such as Flintshire Sounds take place regularly all over the County, supporting people living with Memory problems, including family and friends. For more information and a calendar of events relating to memory cafes etc., please contact Luke Pickering Jones on 01352 702655 or [email protected].

The calendar is also available from Ella Jackson, Older Peoples Engagement worker; [email protected]

“Life is short, live it. Love is rare, grab it. Anger is bad, dump it. Fear is awful, face it. Memories are sweet, cherish it.” Unknown

SO THIS IS CHRISTMAS

Up into the loft we climb to get the ‘deccies’ down I’m sure it would be easier to take a trip to town, I could go to the market, plenty to be seen We’ve also got some cheapy shops, you know the ones I mean. I needn’t spend much money to buy this and that Instead of which we recycle-- tinsel and old tat. Is the Father Christmas working, he’s only twelve years old? Just stick the batteries in his back and he’s off ‘as good as gold’ The clockwork things still going, the tune plays rather slow We could buy fancy ‘digi’ things, this I surely know. And what about that big tree can we find a spot? We need soil and a bucket, since we’ve lost it’s pot. Last year we finished doing it, I’d hardly looked around, There was a nasty, creaking noise, the tree was on the ground. What shall I do with my baubles if that tree’s not used? These are the decisions that get me so confused. What of my ‘Blue Peter’ angel I made so long ago? Destined for the rubbish bin, not star of Christmas show. Strings of lights from years past, cones and flowery lace I’m sure I can use them all, just need to find a space. Many things bring memories of happy times gone by Thoughts of friends and family may even make you cry. To decorate’s traditional, I don’t go over the top, No illuminations in the garden – I do know when to stop. I think I should de-clutter, I feel I should be tough Most of my stuff is rubbish, should say enough’s enough. When festivities are over into boxes all will go Ready for next Christmas, when we repeat the show. M.J.H.

A HAPPY CHRISTMAS QUIZ Can you identify in which language we are giving you the season’s greetings?

Feliz Navidad God Jul Joyeux Noël Wesołych Świąt Bożego Narodzenia Answers on page 10 Nadolig Llawen

CHESHIRE & N.WALES WOODTURNERS ASSOCIATION

st 1 July 2016 is the anniversary of the start of the Battle of the Somme and there have been a number of ceremonies of commemoration.

In March 2014 the club were approached by Jim Stillings, a representative of the Army Cadet Force Platoon based in Rossett, regarding a project the cadets are involved in on the WW1 Somme battlefields. The club were told that the Cadets have been travelling to the Somme, France since 2006. Initially they went once a year but the Platoon then became involved in a number of activities commemorating the First World War and the servicemen who made the ultimate sacrifice. They now travel up to three times a year to continue their work. They have been working on the Lochnagar Crater, situated near the village of La Boiselle. The crater is a result of a massive detonation within a tunnel dug beneath German lines designed to create devastation and confusion as the first wave of troops went “over the top” on 1st July 1916. The Platoon has been working to control the trees and scrub around the perimeter which is now largely clear and they continue to take a leading role in keeping the area clear.

To help with some of the costs incurred with the continued work the club were asked if they would be willing to get involved with the project in some way. As Jim collects various varieties of wood on his visits, members of the club suggested that turning pens would be an ideal way of utilising the various timbers. It was agreed that the Platoon supply the pen kits and members would volunteer to turn the pens and these would then be sold by the Cadets to help with the fundraising. This has proved very successful and to date over a hundred pens have been turned and sold.

The club was also asked to run a special competition to create a ‘Special Presentation Pen’ to be made from Somme wood and pen kits provided by the Cadets, with the best two pens being presented, on behalf of the Cadets and the Cheshire and North Wales Woodturners Association, to the Royal Party at the commemoration at the Lochnagar Crater. All other pens created for the competition were given to other VIPs attending the ceremonies.

In addition to the above a further competition will be held for member to create any object from the Somme wood. These objects will be exhibited at future demonstrations at local events and will be sold to help raise funds for our club.

Anyone interested in the Woodturners Association can contact them at The Memorial Hall, Sychdyn, Nr Mold on the 4th Thursday of the month at 7.00pm or by Email - [email protected]

Photo of handover of pens to a member of Rossett cadets and close up of samples of turned pens

Though no one can go back and make a brand new start, anyone can start from now and make a brand new ending.” – Carl Bard

50+ ACTION GROUP UPDATE

Before this edition went to print the group had held two meetings.

September 2016

Two members of the Health and Social Care team; manager Chris Roberts and Development Officer, Fran Hughes, visited the group this month. They spoke about the aim of their project in getting the voice of the Third Sector heard. The group raised several general health related issues. They also discussed volunteering and reflected that FLVC are currently working towards the quality mark, giving assurance of support and training for volunteers. Social Prescribing pilots were also discussed, which involve regular attendees to GPs being put in touch with social groups and clubs in their locality, addressing mental wellbeing alongside physical health.

Other issues discussed during the meeting included preparations for the event on the 3rd October and a discussion about the financial future of the group.

October 2016

This month, Colin Herbert from the Community Health Council gave a very comprehensive talk about the work of the Community Health Council, as the voice of the patient and its role in visiting hospitals, pharmacies and GP surgeries to comment on facilities and services and make suggestions for their improvement. He also highlighted the advocacy service they offer - a free service which supports patients to raise their complaints with the health board.

The group reflected on the success of their recent event to celebrate International Day for Older People and spoke about a possible future event. The group discussed different methods of raising future funds and the remits for future working/tasking groups were explored. The Chairman advised that he had attended a meeting of the Local Development Plan Stakeholder Group as the Action Group’s representative.

NORTH WALES COMMUNITY HEALTH COUNCIL (CHC)

The CHC is the independent NHS watchdog in Wales concerned with all aspects of NHS care and treatment. We will return to this organisation at a later date but if you believe that you have a situation needing their attention or would like more information you can ring on 01978 356178 or go online at www.communityhealthcouncil.org.uk

SEASON’S GREETINGS TO ALL OUR READERS

The world is currently a scary and uncertain place with anniversaries of disasters, terrible accidents and daily demonstrations of man’s inhumanity to man. Thankfully there is still beauty in the world. So we would like to wish everyone whatever your beliefs, a peaceful and loving Christmastime when we can be thankful for the love of our family and friends and for the kindness of strangers.

Christmas will be here again soon and we would like to remind residents not to tempt thieves by leaving presents on display in vehicles. Take them with you or lock them in the boot and make sure your car is secure each time you park.

At home, don’t tempt thieves by leaving presents on display. Make sure your home is secure and lock up every time you leave. Don’t buy counterfeit goods. It’s easy to be tempted by a bargain but, remember, if it’s too good to be true then it probably is! Fake goods and copies of popular consumer items (also known as counterfeit goods) are often of a much lower quality than the genuine article, and could even be unsafe.

We take paying by card and accessing cash at any time of the day or night for granted these days. With last minute, late night shopping, socialising and eating out its all too easy to lose track of how much we are spending, and where. Take extra care with your credit and debit cards and reduce the chance of them being stolen or skimmed.

Another recent television programme ‘Rip Off Britain’ on BBC1 highlighted the issues with contactless bank cards. We would like to remind residents that protective covers for contactless bank cards are available from this office at £1 each. These covers are proven to block the radio signal from contactless cards, preventing your card from being skimmed.

The darker, longer nights are here. So, remember to make it look like someone is at home if you are going to be out of the house, and you know it’s going to be dark before you return.

As the colder weather approaches, be a good neighbour, be mindful of any older or vulnerable neighbours.

Your vote matters! Funding is available from the ‘Proceeds of Crime Fund’. Please vote for Flintshire (Online Watch Link Association) ‘Supporting People and Places in Flintshire’. Enter the details of the link below into your browser to vote http://www.north-wales.police.uk/contact/your-community-your-choice/flintshire-projects

The North Wales Police Crime Commissioner, Arfon Jones is seeking what your priorities are in his Consultation Plan 2016/2017. For more information visit his site – enter the below into your browser; http://www.surveygizmo.com/s3/2992284/Police-and-Crime-Plan-Consultation-2016-2017

Hardcopies of the Consultation are available in Welsh & English from OWL Watch team. Please contact us on 01352 708118

Harry pins a warning sign to his front door saying, “Beware of the Budgie.” A passer by sees this and says, “Excuse me, but I didn’t know that Budgies could be dangerous”. “ They’re not”, says Harry., “but this one can whistle for the Rottweiler.”

A Trip Down Memory Lane ....

On a later summertime visit to our The quarterly is really interesting The local blacksmith ; Uncle’s near Holmfirth ( now known - brought back memories of the fire and the heat , as ‘Last of the Summer Wine Grosvenor Park fishing for watching the horses tiddlers, being chased Country), our ‘outing’ was to the getting shoed and by the Parkie, jam local reservoir by the Holme Moss watching him transmitter with our cousins to butties and a bottle to hammering the steel collect the bilberries, quite an exotic keep you going! fruit for us ‘townies’. Our Aunt on the anvil, sparks cooked a wonderful pie, and I Having made my first ever flying as he repaired pleaded with them to let us go back Christmas cake ,I went to bed farm to pick some more next day. This leaving it to cool. The next morn- machinery. time my Aunt came along too and ing coming down the stairs it burst out laughing when she spotted smelled like all my child- the loose bilberries I was collecting hood Christmases at were actually rabbit droppings! home.

“My Holiday” Mike Brain’s Christmas travels in 1946.

When I was 9 years old in 1946, and lived in Birmingham, our Christmas holidays were often spent visiting my Grandparents in Yorkshire. Along with my parents and younger brother David, we caught the LMS steam train from New Street Station to Pontefract and then changed for Featherstone – it seemed to take all day, but at least we were bought some ‘Pontefract cakes’ made from liquorice, to keep us quiet. The best things for me were sleeping 4 in a bed ‘top to tail’ with our boy cousins and Grandma Elizabeth’s home cooking, especially the huge portions of Yorkshire Pudding smothered in either gravy for starters or treacle for pudding, and the smell of ‘honeycomb toffee. I loved the Christmas puddings with the ‘silver sixpences’, and Dad loved to pour a generous measure of rum or brandy over it, then turn off the room lights, and set fire to the spirits, which showed blue flames. The adults would have a glass of sherry, hot toddy, or advocaat /egg nog. We kids would have ‘Ice Cream Soda’. I remember our first taste of a banana after the War, and those bright shiny pomegranates with seeds you picked out with a pin, heeding the strict instructions not to eat the seeds! I Remember the small Christmas stockings filled with sweets, nuts and oranges and maybe a ‘Rupert Bear’ Annual, followed by a visit to the pantomime at the Palace of Varieties, Leeds. I don’t recall the show, only the hit song ‘We’ve got chicken for Sunday dinner, shout hip-hip- hooray’. All this is a far cry from today with chicken being part of our everyday meals, but in those days of post-war austerity, almost no-one we knew ate in restaurants, or stayed in hotels or B & B’s!

HAVE YOU HAD YOUR FLU JAB? Every year the most prevalent strain of flu changes so to obtain the best protection it is best to have the vaccination every year, so if you haven’t arranged to have one yet and fall into one of the eligible categories for a free jab please contact your doctor’s surgery or local pharmacy. If you are in any of the following risk groups, you are entitled to a free flu jab:

 Aged 65 years and over

 Living in a residential or nursing home

 Carer of an older or disabled person

 Pregnant (at any stage of pregnancy)

 Aged 6 months and over with chronic conditions such as asthma, chest or heart complaints, kidney disease, diabetes, neurological condition or suppressed immunity

 Child aged between 2 and 7 years

 Extremely obese with a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or over Info taken from: http://www.wales.nhs.uk/sitesplus/861/Home

A VISIT TO THE NATIONAL MEMORIAL ARBORETUM

In this year of the centenary of the WW1 Battle of the Somme it seemed respectful to visit the National Arboretum which is home to over 300 memorials dedicated not just to the military personnel but to emergency services and charitable organisations, amongst numerous others.

The site covers 150 acres and it was a very hot day when we visited so rather than walking we chose to use the land train that takes you on a tour of the site for £5 per person and gives a running commentary on the memorials and dedicated areas that it passes. Unfortunately the main Armed Forces Memorial was closed for maintenance but even so it is a very beautiful place to visit and reflect on our history and the sacrifices made on our behalf, but I would stress that it is not an overtly “sad” place.

Our visit finished with a visit to the Pavilion Marquee for a bite of lunch and we were pleasantly surprised at the prices. While the site is free to enter donations are suggested and there was a £3 charge for car parking (even with a blue badge) which is designated as a donation. Well worth a visit. http://www.thenma.org.uk/ Croxall Road, Alrewas, Burton-on-Trent DE13 7AR

Answers to Quiz on page 5 : Spanish, Swedish, French, Polish, and of course Welsh.

Flintshire Local Voluntary Council is the umbrella body for Third Sector Support in Flintshire. We pro- mote, support and develop community and voluntary activity. As part of our role as a County Volun- tary Council we host Flintshire Volunteer Centre; providing advice and assistance on recruiting, training and supporting volunteers.

The Volunteer Centre is responsible for 6 core functions:

Promoting and Celebrating Volunteering Developing Good Practice Developing Volunteering Opportunities Policy and Campaigning Strategic Development of Volunteering Brokerage: Giving support and advice to individuals/groups interested in volunteering. Matching to available opportunities based on motivations, skills and interests Holding information on a vast range of opportunities via the Volunteering Wales website. www.volunteering-wales.net Please feel free to ask us about volunteering!

Flintshire Diabetes UK Group

The group are currently preparing their full 2017 programme. Details of the first two events of the year are given below. Further details will be given in a future edition.

Tuesday 7th February 2017 at 7.30 p.m. Tuesday 4th April 2017 at 7.30 p.m. ‘Diabetes – First Aid Essentials’ ‘Diabetes UK Research’ Presented by: Red Cross Trainers Presented by: Emily Burns, Research Venue: St David’s Park Hotel, Ewloe Communications Manager Diabetes UK

More information about this local support group can be found at http://flintshire.diabetesukgroup.org

“Love what you have. Need what you want. Accept what you receive. Give what you can. Always remember, what goes around, comes around…” – Unknown

DOMESTIC ABUSE

In August 2016 Gina Edwards of the Domestic Abuse Safety Unit (DASU) based in Deeside, Flintshire came to talk to the group about her organisation. While our “Christmas” edition may seem an inappropriate time to return to the subject of abuse unfortunately, at what should be a time of happiness and joy, a number of police forces report an increase in incidents of domestic violence.

While domestic abuse is largely hidden it is estimated that one in four people will experience it in their lifetime and 17% of DASU’s clients are over 50 years of age. Most sufferers of abuse are women but this organisation is forward thinking in acknowledging that men can also be victims.

When we think about abuse, it is likely to be physical violence that immediately comes to mind but this is not the only criteria. DASU recognises the Duluth Model of Domestic Abuse which identifies the following categories:

Emotional abuse – belittling, humiliating, undermining self-worth etc.

Isolation – moving house, restricting access to family and friends and checking access to social media.

Minimising, denying and blaming – saying things did not happen, blaming partner, denying the extent of the violence or that they were responsible.

Using children – encouraging children to report on parents activities, using contact to further harassment, making reports to social services etc.

Economic abuse – controlling finances, not putting partners name on a mortgage or tenancy.

Coercion and threats – to harm self, partner, family members, blackmail, revenge porn etc.

Intimidation – if you don’t do …this will happen, stalking, making unfounded reports to police/ social services etc.

DASU offers a range of services including Crisis Intervention, Refuge, a One Stop Shop in situations where multiple services are involved, and help with legal matters. If you believe that you are a victim of abuse and need help urgently you can ring the Wales 24 Freephone Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence helpline on 0808 80 10 800. DASU itself can be found at 104 Chester Road East, Deeside CH5 1QD but they do not operate a walk in service but can be contacted on 01244 830436. Further information and an e mail facility can be found at http:// www.dasuflintshire.org

As we recognise that we have readers who do not live in Wales, Refuge have a national 24 hour helpline on 0808 2000 247 and more information can be found at http://ww.refuge.org.uk

“Love and compassion are necessities, not luxuries. Without them, humanity cannot survive.” ― Dalai Lama XIV, The Art of Happiness

Note: This recipe has Melting Snowmen. not been tested by any member of the group. Ingredients for Body To Decorate: 220g unsalted butter 600g white sugarpaste, small 300g plain biscuits amount of black and red sugarpaste 180g golden caster sugar Mini Chocolate Smarties, assorted 2 tablespoons Cocoa laces or stripy jelly type sweets for scarf 100g chocolate (cooking – best quality)

300g sweets; such as maltesers, mini marshmallows,

fruit and nuts, Toblerone, Crunchie – cut up these last two Not actual cake To Make: Melt butter, chocolate, sugar to make syrup, then add cocoa powder. Bash the biscuits, put into melted mixture, stir well, add sweets and mix well. Put into cake cases, and then into fridge to set. Cut rounds of white sugarpaste and place on top of “cakes”. Head: Roll a small ball of white paste – cherry tomato size – and attach this to the cake. Add eyes and mouth in black, red for nose. Then add laces to make scarf, then 2 or 3 mini Smarties for his buttons. Thanks to Sandra Richards for this fun recipe. Sandra is an accredited Demonstrator and Judge for the British Sugarcraft Guild and has Teaching Qualifications and has taught in various Colleges and Schools in North Wales and the Midlands. She is willing and hoping to share some of her skills and knowledge to make Sugarcraft a fun and rewarding pastime by sharing her experience. Enquiries for Demonstrations ( and/or Workshops), can be made by contacting Sandra on 01244 811184. A nominal fee of £10 and 20p per mile to help with materials and petrol costs would be welcome.

Editors note: we have given Sandra’s details as she is willing to share her skills with groups on a not for profit basis………..if your group is looking for speakers Ella, the Older People’s Engagement worker holds a list and can be contacted at [email protected]

I made myself a snowball As perfect as could be I thought I’d keep it as a pet And let it sleep with me I made it some pyjamas And a pillow for its head Then last night it ran away But first ...it wet the bed.

“THE CLOTH OF MAN”

A PLAY ON THE LIFE OF CHRIST

BY KIND PERMISSION OF THE FRIARY PANTASAPH

“THE CLOTH OF MAN” A PLAY ON THE LIFE OF CHRIST BY THE COMMUNITY FOR THE COMMUNITY, WILL BE PERFORMED IN THE SUMMER OF 2017 IN THE OPEN AIR, IN THE PEACEFUL AND BEAUTIFUL SETTING OF THE ST. PIO SHRINE WITH ITS GLORIOUS NATURAL BACKDROP OF WOODLAND AND SKY.

IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO BE A PART OF THIS UNIQUE EXPERIENCE IN ANY CAPACITY PLEASE CONTACT ME FOR FURTHER DETAILS OR TO REGISTER INTEREST

ANDREA ON 01352 711240 OR email [email protected]

CHRISTMAS DINNER IN HOLYWELL

Well here we are again Christmas time is upon us, and once again we at St Peters Church of Wales in Holywell, begin to think of those people young and old who are lonely, don't have anywhere to go for their Christmas dinner, for all sorts of reasons, we open up our doors to a wonderful Christmas dinner.

This is our third year and it is getting more and more popular with the people here in Holywell, we all sit down volunteers and visitors alike, and eat a 3 course traditional Christmas meal together, with our vicar Aidan Coleman, everyone receives a small present, and this year we will be serenaded by our local players with Joe Johnson at the helm.

It begins at 2pm, in St Peters Church Rose Hill Holywell, and if anyone wants to join us just phone Linda on 01352713414 or text 07449003168 . No fee, and you do not need to be a church goer to be welcome.

The wife left a note on the fridge: "It's not working!!! I can't take it anymore. I've gone to stay at my mom’s!"

I opened the fridge, the light came on and the beer was cold. Who knows what the heck she was talking about!

Launch of Friends Against Scams in Wales In October, I worked in partnership with National Trading Standards to launch Friends Against Scams in Wales, a new initiative designed to highlight the scale and impact of scams, challenge perceptions of why people fall for scams and inspire action to protect people from scammers, the criminals who often prey upon vulnerable members of society.

Scams against older and vulnerable people can take many forms, with criminals targeting individuals via the post, over the telephone and door-to-door. Recent years have also seen a significant increase in scams and fraud perpetrated via the internet. The cost of these scams is not simply financial: victims often suffer a loss of confidence, self-esteem and peace of mind and in many cases feel a sense of shame, which can lead to a failure to report crimes of this nature – figures show that less than 5% of victims report scams to the authorities. The impact of scams can, quite simply, impact upon the rest of an individual’s life. Friends Against Scams awareness sessions are now being delivered across Wales, enabling organisations and individuals to learn about the different types of scams used to defraud and steal from people, and how to spot and provide support to a victim. Online learning will also be available to grow knowledge and understanding amongst those who are unable to attend an awareness session. I was delighted that representatives from across the public, private and third sectors attended the launch event and have made pledges that set out the action they will take as part of the fight against scams in Wales. By increasing knowledge and awareness about scams, scams will become part of everyday conversation amongst family, friends and neighbours, as well as amongst professionals and those they support, which will ensure people are able to protect themselves and others. A great deal of work is already being undertaken across Wales, particularly through the Wales Against Scams Partnership, to ensure that those targeted by scammers – many of whom are older people – and those who are the victims of scams are better protected. But Friends Against Scams offers an important opportunity to do even more, to ensure that people across our communities have the skills to help to tackle scams and offer essential help and support. As Commissioner, I have written to public bodies across Wales, providing them with information about Friends Against Scams and encouraging them to sign up and take part in the initiative, which is something I’d urge you to do, too. By growing knowledge and understanding about scams amongst the people within our communities, and by bringing together key organisations across the public, private and third sectors, not only can we raise awareness about the nature and impact of scams, but also make a real and positive difference that will help to protect older and vulnerable people across Wales from scammers and the crimes they perpetrate. For more information about the Friends Against Scams Initiative, or to sign up, visit https:// www.friendsagainstscams.org.uk/

International Day for Older People Hosted by 50+ Action Group (Flintshire)

Successful celebrations to mark International Day for Older People have taken place in Flintshire for the past several years. This year, although Flintshire County Council were no longer able to organise an event, the tradition was continued and some people have reflected that this year’s event was “one of the best yet!”

Hosted by the 50+ Action Group and organised by a small tasking group made up from group members, the event was held on the 3rd October at the Civic Hall in Connah’s Quay and saw over 130 people sign-in over the course of the morning.

The event was opened by the Action Group’s Roy Davies and Mavis Crofts, along with Cllr Christine Jones (Older People’s Champion) and Neil Ayling (Director of Social Services). Activities started with a Reminiscence session, which involved the use of tactile resources to respond to a short quiz, in turn encouraging reminiscing and sharing of memories. An entertaining participative musical session of Flintshire Sounds then took place, which encouraged much singing, dancing and shaking of tambourines to well-known and much-loved tunes! A nostalgia quiz followed, kindly hosted by Helen Jones (Older People’s Strategy Co- ordinator), which proved popular and introduced a bit of friendly competition between the groups that took part. A delicious buffet lunch was provided, followed by a raffle with numerous prizes kindly donated by individuals. Running in parallel to the timetabled activities, people were encouraged to try out the indoor bowls (many thanks to the Ewloe Over 50’s Forum for kindly providing the use of their equipment), visit the information stalls, share memories and take part in a ‘Walkable Neighbourhoods’ survey.

Attendees, who came from all over the County from a variety of groups and organisations, commented that the event had a real ‘feel good’ factor to it and enjoyed the very relaxed atmosphere with plentiful opportunities to chat with friends old and new. Several information stands were on hand to offer advice, including OWL Watch, Age Connects, the Fire Service, Oddfellow Society and the Commissioner for Older People in Wales. The 50+ Action Group also had a display and distributed copies of their latest issue of the popular Codgers Quarterly newsletter.

The 50+ Action Group were grateful to receive pledges of funding and support from Flintshire County Council and the Church in Wales Act Fund assisting with the provision of activities and financial support enabling it to be free of charge to those who attended. A huge vote of thanks goes out to all who helped with the event, including Cllr. Ron Hill and the staff at the Civic Hall, and those who donated raffle prizes. Most importantly, thank you to everyone who attended and made the day such a resounding success.

50+ Action Group members & organisers Roy Davies and Mavis Crofts with Cllr Christine Jones ( FCC Older Peoples Champion) and Neil Ayling ( Director of Social Services)

Why are Christmas Trees like bad knitters?

They keep losing their needles!

Cllr Christine Jones, Older People’s Champion Christmas is around the corner, and whilst the festive season is generally looked forward to by most, the impending cold weather and dark nights can be a worry for some older people. Age Cymru’s spread the Warmth’ campaign encourages us all to think about what we can do to support older people who are at risk of feeling cold and alone and becoming socially isolated. We can all take an age-friendly approach in our communities by ensuring older people receive the information, advice and support they need to keep warm and well. Have a look at the Spread the Warmth article in this newsletter and see what you can do to help.

The cold weather can be a particular issue for people with diabetes. As a type 1 diabetic, I know how important it is to take extra care during the cold weather and not to over indulge over the festive season. Taking regular exercise helps with insulin sensitivity which can help the body to regulate sugar levels. It also helps metabolism, keeping us warm even hours after we stop exercising. And it’s good for mental wellbeing too. For advice on managing your diabetes, visit the NHS Choices website: http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Diabetes-type2/Pages/Living-with.aspx. Please see page 11 for information on events being organised by Flintshire Diabetes UK group in the new year. Christmas is also a time for families to get together, but sadly incidents of domestic abuse and violence increase during the festive season. The pressures of family and money and an increase in alcohol consumption can put additional strain on relationships. North Wales Police encourages anyone who is affected by domestic abuse to report it to their local police station, or in an emergency call 999. See the full article in this newsletter for more information. The Christmas holiday season provides an opportunity for us to spend more time with loved ones and celebrate. In addition to the regular Memory Café’s, events have been organised over the festive season for people with dementia and their carers to celebrate Christmas. These include a Dementia Friendly Christmas shopping evening in Flint (15th December 13:30 – 15:30) and a Christmas Ball at the Clocktower in Mostyn (16th December 13:00 – 17:00). For more information about these and other Dementia Friendly events contact Luke Pickering Jones on 01352 702655. On the subject of celebrations, I was really pleased to be able to attend the International Day for Older People event on 3rd October, organised by the 50+ Action Group for Flintshire. The event had a memory theme and I was able to enjoy the range of activities and share memories with many of the people who attended. In addition to the REMpod session, I enjoyed singing along with Flintshire Sounds and learned to bowl with the indoor bowling activity. I thought I was doing particularly well when I managed to strike the Jack, only to learn that the aim was not to knock it half-way down the mat! My thanks to the Action Group for organising such an enjoyable event. If you have any concerns you wish to raise or good news to share, please contact me by email: [email protected] or telephone 01244 811556.

Tim goes into a pet shop and asks for a big bag of bird- seed. “How many birds have you got?” asks the shopkeeper. “None” replies Tim “I’m hoping to grow some.”

The Halkyn & District Over 50’s Group - An update on our group.

On the 11th October, we held an event in the Halkyn Village Hall to celebrate International Day for Older People. It was very successful with many people attending. Admission was free and refreshments were donated by local businesses and group members. Clwyd Alyn Housing Association also kindly donated £100 towards the event. It began at 2 pm till 4pm and was opened with the Children's Choir from Rhos Helyg CP School (7/8 year olds) entertaining us with 4 songs. They were a credit to the school. Refreshments and tea, coffee were served. Donna Redgrave came with one of the county’s five Reminiscence Pods and carried out a ‘Never Ending Story Session, an activity that gets the audience involved. This was kindly funded by Flintshire County Council. We had so much fun doing this, people in the audience took part - ad-libbing, wearing hats and props - it was very funny! I received several phone calls the day after telling me how much people enjoyed it. This event was so popular; the group will be thinking about having another event. On the 30th November, our group are going to the Queens Hotel, Chester, for lunch.

On the 21st December, we are going to the Mill Hotel in Chester for a trip on the canal for Christmas Lunch.

Our meetings are held on the first Monday of the month from 2pm to 4pm in the Blue Bell pub in Halkyn Village. We have interesting speakers and arrange trips out and meals. New members from Halkyn and the surrounding area are always welcome so please come and join us!

For more information, please contact Mary Broadbent, Secretary on 01352 781412.

Images from the event

EWLOE OVER 50’s FORUM The forum will celebrate the festive season by arranging a number of events:  29th November 2016 an outing to the pantomime at Theatre Clwyd, Mold  14th December a Christmas Party  11th January 2017 an outing for a celebration lunch. The group meets in the hall behind the Church of the Holy Spirit, Ewloe on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of the month from 1.30pm to 4pm for Indoor Carpet Bowls or Board Games. On the 2nd Wednesday from 2pm to 4pm there is a speaker or other activity and on the 4th Wednesday from 2pm to 4pm for Prize Bingo. Every Thursday from 1.30pm to 4pm there is Painting for Fun at Level Road Community Centre. For more information about these events or joining the group please contact Doreen Mackie on 01244 538241

What is ‘Spread the Warmth’? Spread the warmth is Age Cymru’s cross-organisational national campaign which has a winter health promotion component. The health component serves to raise public awareness of how living in a cold home environment can negatively affect older people’s health and serves to reassure older people by informing them of how to access support services locally The campaign aims to prevent avoidable harm to older people’s health by alerting people to the negative health effects of cold weather. This should enable them to prepare and respond appropriately, and help to reduce the number of excess winter deaths.

 Raise public and professional awareness of the difficulties and risks many older people face in cold weather  Help to ensure that older people have access to, and receive, the necessary support, information and advice  Raise public awareness and encourage public action to foster age friendly communities that consider older neighbours, family members and friends during what can be a difficult time of year – particularly for those who live alone or are socially isolated.

Objectives We will Enable and empower older people - Provide information and advice to older people in Wales to maintain good health throughout the winter months and cold weather. Keep warm  Encourage greater precautions of keeping warm – heating, eating and dressing for warmth.  Encourage financial eligibility checks.  Encourage home energy efficiency checks. Keep safe  Encourage greater precautions of keeping safe – home fire safety checks, use of carbon monoxide detectors, falls risk reduction assessment. Keep well  Encourage uptake of this year’s influenza vaccination for all not just eligible groups.

Spread the Warmth resources are available bilingually in Welsh and English only, as a hard copy, or electronic format from the Age Cymru website. Age Cymru’s Health Initiatives Officer is Angharad Phillips E-mail: [email protected] or [email protected]

So please, all readers join with Age Cymru in helping to Spread the Warmth!

What do you call a bunch of chess players bragging about their games in a hotel lobby? Chess nuts boasting in an open foyer!

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR BEAUTIFUL NORTH WALES

The Lonely Planet Travel Guide has named North Wales as one of its top 10 “unmissable destinations” for "topicality, excitement and wow-factor". It is commended not just for its beauty but for using the landscape to provide “ a playground for hikers, mountain bikers and rock climbers”. http://www.lonelyplanet.com/best-in-travel

SUITCASE THEATRE As a Flintshire-based community “1917 – The Music-Hall” theatre company, SUITCASE Can you sing, dance, perform feats of skill like THEATRE has been going now for some ten juggling, acrobatics, ventriloquism, magic, years. We are committed to producing drama recite a monologue, do stand-up comedy, or rooted in local stories and from local writers [in perform any other kind of entertainment which April we shall be performing “DROWNED OUT” might have appeared in a typical the drama by Manon Eames based on the flooding of the Welsh valley some 60 years ago EDWARDIAN MUSIC-HALL ???? to provide water for Liverpool] and we also like to include actors, designers and technicians from If so, please let us know…. all age groups and with different levels of Flintshire-based community theatre company, experience, so that the professionally trained SUITCASE THEATRE, is looking for over-50 work with newcomers to the stage, children and participants to take part in their forthcoming students with older active members of the production at Theatr Clwyd on Saturday May community – our oldest members are in their 20th at 7.30pm 80s . In the context of “1917 – the Music-Hall” we shall be playing the oldies in the Music-Hall Application has been made to AGE CYMRU for this event to be included in their 2017 bit, together with youngsters providing GWANWYN FESTIVAL contributions of poems from soldier/poets who were killed in WW1. Here at Suitcase, we have So, if you want to sing, act, dance and no home base, but usually rehearse in Connah’s DRESS UP do get in touch. All participants Quay and look to Theatr Clwyd to perform [we welcome [no audition necessary] are in the Emlyn Williams with “Drowned Out” the last week in April 2017] Hope this helps to put Contact MIKE STEVENS on [email protected] us in the picture!

The views expressed in this newsletter are those of the individuals and not necessarily those of the 50+ Action Group (Flintshire). However, the Editor does reserve the right to “ slice, dice and make very nice” i.e. to amend content as she deems appropriate!