john – Page 11 – Oxford Phab

We miss you, Kelly

Kelly, who has been coming to Oxford Phab since 2001, died on Monday 27th April 2020, after a short illness. We will miss her very much, as she was not only a keen participant in the activities of the club, but an embodiment of ‘Making More of Life Together’

Making – she certainly did, enjoying all sorts of craft activities.

Making Hama beads
Art and Craft Day at Hounslow
Picture Frames

Another favourite activity was Zumba, where she not only joined in sessions with Oxford Phab, but was part of the wider Zumba community, where she is also greatly missed.

She had strong connections with the wider Phab, keeping in touch with people she met at sponsored walks, Phab Southeast fun weekends and other Phab events. She was nominated for the Louis Goldberg Award in 2006, and went to the House of Lords to receive a certificate of nomination.

Chatting in the bar
Facepainted butterfly

She was also a great ambassador for Phab in the community, getting to know people when we went on holiday, to Hinksey Heights Golf Club, Carol singing or anywhere we were out and about.

Everywhere we went as a group there seemed to be people coming along to say ‘Hi Kelly’, for example at Cowley Road Carnival, where she was helping on our stall.

Handing out balloons
Chatting to Miss Oxford

We miss you, Kelly

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Tom’s Quiz

Tom’s wide range of questions reflected his wide range of interests, as well as the interests of club members. We played in teams, which was lucky, as the chances of a single individual (apart, presumably from Tom) being able to recognise, in the picture round, scenes from Paw Patrol and Gone with the Wind, were pretty slim.

Hama beads

Tonight’s craft activity was Hama beads, which allowed those of us with an artistic flair, and patience, to produce colourful pieces.

Donnington Social Club

As usual we received a warm welcome at Donningon Social Club, and what could be a better way to spend a Friday night that going out for a drink with friends ?

The people we meet at Donnington are very supportive and it is good to have a change of scene.

Pancake Night

Every year we make pancakes before Lent, and this year was no exception. The pancakes were cooked in the kitchen, and then we could add our preferred toppings out of a wide selection, ranging from the traditional sugar and lemon, through oranges with chocolate sauce to Biscoff sauce.

Art and Crafts activities at Hounslow

Our trusty minibus took us though the stormy weather to Houslow for an Art and Craft session. We are very fortunate to have our own transport, which not only allows us to take part in activities with other clubs – like this one, and to go on holidays and other trips, but to do a pickup on a Friday night when circumstances allow. It is five years since our very first club outing in the silver minibus, which was also to Hounslow Phab Art and Crafts day.

Hounslow Phab had organised a range of activities, such as decorating eggs, hama beads, making keyrings and pictures frames.

They also, for those who had booked this, provided tasty cheese burgers, salads etc.

Despite the pleasures of the day we were pleased to return safely to Oxford.

Zumba

Another great Zumba session with George Martini, warming us up in the chilly weather.

Fish and Chip Night

Fish and Chip Nights are always popular, although they do require a lot of organisation behind the scenes, researching possible chippies, getting menus and taking orders and money before the night. It is good to find somewhere which can deliver a large order – we tend to be in the upper twenties for order numbers – to the city centre.

Despite some complications everybody ended up well fed, but also not overwhelmed with excessive quantities of chips, which in a time when people are more aware of the issue of food waste, is a good thing.

Ten Pin Bowling

Even though we squeezed into two lanes, which is a tight fit for our group, as wheelchairs and walking frames need room to maneuver, we had an enjoyable evening, with some very respectable scores.

We appreciated the way Hollywood Bowl no longer play loud background music, so we can socialise while waiting our turn.

Birthday and Beetle

Nell has been coming to Phab for many years – not every week, as it is a long trip down from Cumbria. We were pleased to be able to celebrate her 90th birthday, with a cake, and a card.

She then joined us in playing Beetle – and had the highest score !

Helen did the most artistic Beetles