Maybe it’s that residual memory of school breaking up for the summer holidays that always makes July feel like a month for hollyhocks, hammocks and happiness? Although technically the nights are drawing in already, the weather forecasts certainly seem to be telling us of lots of sunshine!
Our Drop-in will be on Thursday, July 3rd, from 10.00am till 11.30am as usual, at the Burnby Hall Community Centre; do come and join us if you can. Another date for your diary is Wednesday, 9th July, when you’re invited to our Outdoor Day on West Green, from 10.00am until 12.00 noon. A range of outdoor games will be on offer - you can join in and show off your skills, have a go at something new, or spectate and socialise. It’s a great opportunity to meet new people and old friends.
Many groups are having a hiatus in August, so perhaps it’s a good time to consider whether there’s room in your life for something else new. Our Pocklington quiz group, for instance, which meets on the fourth Thursday of each month, would welcome new members – we’re a very friendly set, and meet at the Methodist Church which is nice and central for many. No specialist subject required – contact Graham at gjb6330@gmail.com to find out more or to join.
Now, here’s another opportunity to think about! You are very likely already aware of our successful ukulele groups, who have given many enjoyable public performances in the area. There will be a new course for complete beginners starting at the end of September, open to all who would like to learn to play this delightful little instrument. You do not need a ukulele, there are ukuleles to borrow, and there’s no need for any previous musical experience - just enthusiasm and the will to learn. The course will run on Wednesdays, from 1.30pm – 3.30pm, in Pocklington.
In addition, there is an opportunity for an ‘apprenticeship in percussion’ to accompany one of the ukulele groups. All you need is interest and a feel for rhythm, and you too can learn to play the cajon! (I had to look that up too – it’s a box-shaped drum, played with the bare hand. And there is one available for you to learn on and to use.) If you’re tempted by either of these opportunities, contact Polly Fothergill by email: pdfothergill@gmail.com.
One of our most thriving groups is Art (Practical), whose 27 members meet fortnightly in an atmosphere of quietly purposeful creativity at Barmby Moor. The range and depth of talent within the group was clear to see at our creative arts exhibition in January. The group has been nurtured over a number of years by Steve Fraser, a past Chair and President of the P&D, and many of our members have reason to be grateful to her for her dedication and guidance. Steve has now decided that the time has come to step back from group leadership. The group will no doubt continue to flourish under new management, but Steve’s influence will be long felt.
A more serious note now. Most of us who use email are aware of the many scammimg and phishing rackets which use your computer to try to get your money. A particularly nasty one which a member told me of recently involved a contact, allegedly from an energy company, saying they had a refund of overpayments to make to him. This was, of course, soon followed up by a request for bank details. At this point the scam was, luckily, spotted, but these messages can sound so genuine and official that they will easily convince you. The person involved this time asked me to include a warning to all: if you get any kind of message asking for your details, don’t reply to it. Ring your bank on the number you know for them; if it’s genuine, the bank won’t mind, and if it’s a fake they can reassure you. Please take care – there are, sadly, a lot of criminals out there.
Returning to more cheerful topics, it’s no surprise that July has been designated both National Ice-Cream month and National Picnic month. We can celebrate revolutionary success with the Americans on the 4th, or the French on the 14th, and maybe St Swithin’s Day on the 15th this year will have us hoping for rain? Whether you’re out and about, or planning quiet days watching Wimbledon or the Tour de France, take care of yourself and stay cool!
Rosemary Waugh (Vice Chair)
