Things we do in the 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.
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.
Another great Zumba session with George Martini, warming us up in the chilly weather.
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.
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.
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 !
Calling out around the world
Lyrics from Dancing in the Street, one of the Motown hits
Are you ready for a brand new beat?
After a Christmas break we Oxford Phab Members were ready for a brand new beat, which we found at the New Theatre, when we went to see ‘Motown – the Musical‘
The show is full of hit songs, performed by an energetic cast, and worth coming out on a cold January Friday for.
Preparing Christmas Dinner for over 30 people involves quite a bit of preparation, planning and shopping for ingredients – even before the day of the meal. This year some of the items I won in the box of Christmas goodies which was second prize in the raffle at the Six Counties Kidney Patients Association Christmas meal could be put to good use.
We went to Wesley Memorial Church after lunch and got stuck into the preparation.
When our members and guests started to arrive Penny kept us entertained with game of Higher or Lower.
While the entertainment was happening in the Hall, the kitchen team were busy (in both kitchens), doing the final preparations.
We had turkey – supplied by Hedges Butchers, who not only gave us a good price, but provided cooking advice – pigs in blankets, bread sauce, roast potatoes, parsnips, sprouts, carrots, peas, and vegetarian options.
The main course was followed by real Christmas Pudding, or strudel, Viennetta, mixed fruits etc.
It was a lovely way to close the year for our members, and to say thank you to our guests who have supported the club in many ways.
Despite having been up all the previous night, watching the Election results and raising over £100 pounds for Oxford Phab, Tom was still awake to act as our Bingo caller for our usual selection of prizes brought in by members.
We all had a good time, and everybody wins prizes.
Kelly and Tricia getting into the Christmas spirit with seasonal jumpers !
