Old Soldier’s story

Cliff Duncan has written an absorbing account of his time on National Service with the RAF in the 1950’s. It has been published  and can be viewed on line – see link below. Alternatively Duncan has one or to typed copies which he is prepared to lend interested members. It is a fascinating account of  a life changing experience. You can read how Cliff was a key man in the evacuation of Khartoum after the crisis of 1955 and how he commandeered the queen’s temporary throne at the El Adem RAF base!

Cliff  pictured with his book which you can read  online here.

Well worth a read, whether you suffered National Service yourself or just wonder what you missed. DK

 

Pedal Pushers – The wheels keep turning!

Under the watchful guidance of Ross Adams, ( Active Sefton and CTC), 7 members of the Pedal Pushers cycling group completed a 9 mile ride this morning from Litherland Sports Centre, to Crosby Leisure Activity Centre, using mostly cycle paths and a few quiet roads.

After the initial apprehension of leaving the safety of the sports centre, the group rose to the challenge and completed our longest ride to date. Considering a few short weeks ago most of the group had not ridden a cycle for 30 years plus, we ( and Ross) are rightly proud of our progress and achievement to date.

Next week will see us out and about again, accompanied by a professional photographer from the CTC who wants to catalogue our progress in their national publication. Lipstick at the ready ladies!! ( and the men if they feel inclined!)

 

Speaker meeting 1st March 11-12md

The first of our monthly speaker meetings will take place next Tuesday, 1st March, between 11am and 12md in the sanctuary.

Dr Josh Macauley will be discussing dementia; including how to keep the mind active, recognition of symptoms that might warrant a discussion with your GP, and ways in which the community is working together to create a “dementia friendly town” here in Maghull.

This will be an informative event, with nothing discussed which may cause concern. Entry cost is £1.

Please support this informative event.

Marg Kendall

Understanding Dementia

Tuesday 1st March 11am, after the Coffee Morning.

The first of our new series of monthly speaker meetings will take place next Tuesday when Dr Josh Macauley of Home Instead will be discussing dementia; including how to keep the mind active, recognition of symptoms that might warrant a discussion with your GP and ways in which the community is working together to create a “dementia friendly town” here in Maghull.

Please support this informative event. Entry £1

Marg Kendall

Real Ale Appreciation – First meeting

The Real Ale Appreciation group met for the first time at the Frank Hornby, on 19th February.  This gave members the opportunity to say what they want to get from the group. This includes:

  • Getting to know a bit more about beer.
  • Visiting breweries
  • Looking at and enjoying the architecture of some pubs
  • Enjoying the crack
  • Attending Beer Festivals
  • Going to other areas including St Helens, Ormskirk and Southport to see the pubs in those areas

It was discussed that not everyone wants to drink the same amount, so members would pay for their own drinks.  This means group members can drink at their own pace. It was also agreed that we would not leave all the work to our leader Sue, we would share the load.

We will meet once a month.  Our first outing will be on 26th February, when we will meet at the Lime Kiln in Liverpool just off Concert Square at 1.30.  The pubs we hope to visit are Lime Kiln, The Swan, The Little Grapes and Roscoe Head.

Please contact Sue if you want more information on 07801656570

 

 

Sunday Strollers- Walk in Maghull

20160221_125210Sunday Strollers went on their third walk on 22nd February.  12 members took part.  As the trains were not running we decided to do a local walk. A lot of the footpaths in Maghull and Lydiate are very wet so it was decided to keep to the canal.  We met at Maghull station and got on the local bus which took us to the starting point at Maghull Community Centre. We walked along the canal to Brewers Bridge, when four of the group then decided to make use of the new bench there, whilst the rest of the group carried on to bridge that leads to the Bootle Arms.  We then all returned back to the station via the canal and had lunch at the Mogul.  The walk was 4 or 5 miles long depending on which walk you did or if you like to count steps it was 8000 or 10000 steps.  One of our members is only able to manage 2000 steps at present so she made her way to the Mogul and joined the group for lunch after completing her 2000 steps.  Most of the group then walked home after the meal, so increasing the steps they had already completed.  We were lucky with the weather and the sun even showed its face!!!  Our next walk will be on 20th March, when we will meet at Maghull station at 10.50 and will go over on the ferry to Seacombe and walk to New Brighton, were we will have lunch in Wetherspoons.  Members can then decided if they want to walk back to Seacombe and get ferry back to Liverpool. or get the train/bus home from New Brighton    20160221_134228

A taste of Scotland

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The foodie group met today at the Red House for our monthly meeting. 2 new members attended and the group is still open to new people.

Discussions focussed on a Scottish theme, and as well as sharing recipes, we had the opportunity to taste Scotch pancakes, shortbread, oat cakes with cheese and finally a very whisky laden raspberry Cranachan, which were provided by Faye, Mavis and Gwen. Everyone agreed that the sampling was excellent and it gave a flavour of Scotland on a cold February day in Maghull.

The next venture for the foodie group is a trip on the Pride of Sefton barge, which unfortunately is limited because of the boat capacity, but the next open meeting is on Thursday 21st April 10:30 at the Red House, Foxhouse lane. New members are welcome to attend, and the theme of the meeting is Royal Recipes….tiaras and crowns optional!