Valentia WINTER Newsletter for 2018 FORTHCOMING BIRTHDAYS Dec-5th Pat W, 6th Eleanor & Ita 10th Nuala, 25th Nancy B Jan 4th Kathleen, 8th Sean, Pidge 16th Feb 12th Emily 21st Dolly MEMORIES OF WINTER/CHRISTMAS JOHN JOE DISLIKES THE WINTER BUT USED TO ENJOY THE FUSS AND THE ANNUAL VISIT FROM HIS BROTHER IN LAW LIVING IN ENGLAND. NOT QUITE THE SAME NOW SINCE HIS BELOVED WIFE MARIE PASSED AWAY. BETTY F REMEMBERS HER GREAT AUNT HANGING THE SIDE OF BACON IN THE CHIMNEY, THE USE OF TILLY LAMPS THE NORM AS WAS GOING TO MASS IN THE PONY AND TRAP WITH BLANKETS COVERING HEADS TO KEEP WARM. JOAN E REMEMBERS SITTING NEAR THE FIRE FEELING COSY, GLOWING WITH THE HEAT. JOE D SAYS “NO TWO WINTERS ARE THE SAME ON THE FARM”. WORK HAD TO BE DONE IN THE BLEAKEST TIMES, MINDING THE SHEEP,CATTLE AND TILLAGE. BUT ALWAYS MAKING TIME FOR THE RELIGIOUS SIDE OF CHRISTMAS. PEGGY S IS A COLD CREATURE SO DOESN’T LKE THE WINTER WEATHER HOWEVER SHE WOULD WALK EACH DAY AT 3PM WITH SISTER IN LAW KATHLEEN WHAT EVER THE WEATHER. DOLLY LOVES THIS TIME AS HER DAUGHTER NUALA WAS BORN ON THE 18TH DECEMBER. (HAPPY BIRTHDAY AND MANY THANKS FOR VOLUNTEERING YOUR TIME, WE LOVE THE POETRY) TONI LOVES CHRISTMAS AND COOKING AND BUYING PRESENTS FOR ALL THE FAMILY. MARGARET B USE TO TAKE HER DAUGHTER AIDEEN TO VISIT SANTA IN CLERY’S. PEGGY F REMEMBERS FONDLY AS A CHILD HAVING SNOWBALL FIGHTS BUT DOESN’T LIKE THESNOW WHEN IT BECOMES BROWN AND DIRTY AFTER THE RAIN. AILEEN LIKES TO SING AND DANCE WITH HER FAMILY AT CHRISTMAS. UNLKE MOST DINNY LOVES THE SHORTER DAYS FINISHING WORK EARLY AND HAVING A REST. EMILY LOVES THIS TME, HAVING FUN WITH HER FAMILY. Hello A Big Valentia welcome to -Paul Gallagher, Toni Kearny, Emily Stacy, Dinny Doyle, Peg Shearan. Sad Farewells Finn Steele, Kitty Murphy who recently passed away, they had become an important part of our family and are sadly missed. INDIVIDUAL & GROUP ACTIVITIES with Jackie take place five days a week. These sessions include “Sonas”, reminiscing, arts & crafts, sing a longs, Meditation, exercise, Poets corner and bingo. Our oratory or Library is full of action every morning, with Rosary and Holy Communion. All are welcome to participate and if any family wish is for their loved ones to be assisted to the Oratory – just ask! Mass is said most Saturday mornings and Church of Ireland’s service on a regular basis. Our exercise class happens every Friday with “Fit for Life” both individual & group Each Wednesday our hairdresser Siobhan opens for business and once everyone is dolled up, Brian Toomey comes for a song and dance session. IN HOUSE TALKS A number of these have taken part since our last newsletter. These include; Birds of pray-magnificent hawks and owls were brought in by Colin Travis. Fire Brigade-The two officers brought in some of the important equipment they use and also let us sit in the official fire jeep. Irene Poole created some lovely flower arrangements when she came in to demonstrate how it was done. We had a delightful visit from the NWPCA who told us about the wonderful work they do. See “Carolthon” (our charity event on Dec 18th). Macauleys Chemist senior Pharmacist gave a very informative talk on medication and our well being. In the next few weeks we hope to have a talk from the local Garda to tell us about the worthy role they play to keep us all safe . Many thanks to all the above kind people who volunteered their time willingly. We all really enjoyed learning and meeting them.