Oxford Phab meets Eurodisney

This post is a placeholder – I hope to expand it with more of our exciting time

Having had an exciting trip to get there, Oxford Phab members were ready to enjoy the Eurodisney experience to the full.

Some of our members wanted to go on as many thrilling rides as possible in the Resort, and others wanted to take things a little easier and meet the Disney Characters.


Off to Eurodisney !

002After lots of planning and preparation we assembled bright and early at Donnington Social Club to board an accessible coach to go to Eurodisney, in France near Paris, on our second Phab holiday abroad.
010The side lift in use

024At Dover we boarded the cross channel ferry for the trip to Calais.
dscn0615Calais in sight at last – however we did have to go round and round in the Channel for a while before we could dock and board the coach again heading for Paris.
031It was a long day getting there – catching up on sleep was a good way to spend the time.

Programme 2004

These old programme entries are here so prospective new members can see the things we have done in the past, and to bring back memories for those who took part.
3-Jan-2004 – Cats At the New Theatre, Oxford. Tickets (£15) for club members, must be paid for in advance and will be allocated in order of deposits (£5) received.
16-Jan-2004  – Video Evening
23-Jan-2004 – Richard of Wytham – Botley Community Theatre Pantomime at Botley Primary School. 7:30 Tickets (£5) MUST be paid for by Friday 16th Jan.
30-Jan-2004 – Ordinary Club
6-Feb-2004 – Bowling at Bowlplex: Kassam Stadium 7:30 pm. Cost (£5) MUST be paid for by Friday 30th Jan
13-Feb-2004 – Ordinary Club
20-Feb-2004 – Disco at Banbury PHAB. £5 for Disco and Fish and Chip Supper
27-Feb-2004 – Pancakes, please bring something yummy to put on a pancake
5-Mar-2004 – Trip to New Theatre to see Grease. Tickets £16. Money to Mary by 20th Feb
12-Mar-2004 – Ordinary Club
19-Mar-2004 – Donnington Club
26-Mar-2004 – Hobbies and Interests Evening. Bring something to share
27-Mar-2004 – Oxfam Bookfair – help needed for refreshments
2-Apr-2004 – Table Tennis Tournament
9-Apr-2004 – No PHAB – Easter
16-Apr-2004 – No PHAB
23-Apr-2004 – Ordinary Club
30-Apr-2004 – Committee Meeting
7-May-2004 – Bowling at the Kassam Stadium. £5. Please pay Mary by 30th April
14-May-2004 – Disco (to be confirmed)
19-May-2004 (Wednesday) – Chinese meal at EAMAYL. £10 each. Please pay Mary by Friday 14th
21-May-2004 – No PHAB
28-May-2004 – Ordinary Club
4-Jun-2004 – No PHAB
11-Jun-2004 – Ordinary Club (and Karaoke Night)
13-Jun-2004 – Heartbeat Hike – Sponsored Walk in Hyde Park, London
18-Jun-2004 – Danny’s 18th Birthday party
21-Jun-2004 (Monday) – Committee Meeting – 7:30 pm
28-Jun-2004 – Ordinary Club
2-Jul-2004 – Ordinary Club
9-Jul-2004 – Pub Trip – Kings Arms, Sandford on Thames
16-Jul-2004 – BBQ at Helen’s
31-Jul-2004 (Saturday) – Day trip to Bournemouth £5
7-Aug-2004 (Saturday) – >Day trip to Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway £10
21-Aug-2004 (Saturday) – BBQ at Tom’s house – details from Mary
3-Sep-2004 – Ordinary Club
10-Sep-2004 – Ordinary Club and Magic Show by John Crocker from Abingdon PHAB
17-Sep-2004 – Ordinary Club
24-Sep-2004 – Meal at the Mitre, High Street, Oxford 7:30pm. Please let Mary know if you are coming
1-Oct-2004 – Ordinary club and slide show/video of PHAB over the years
8-Oct-2004 – Ordinary club, and cake making
9-Oct-2004 – Cancelled – Refreshements for AfCiC Bookfair. We need cakes and lots of help
15-Oct-2004 – At Donnington Social Club
22-Oct-2004 – Ordinary Club and Cake making
23-Oct-2004 -Refreshments for Oxfam Bookfair We need lots of help and cakes please
29-Oct-2004 – Ordinary Club
5-Nov-2004 – Ordinary Club
12-Nov-2004 – AGM 7:30 pm. This programme is notice of the meeting. Nominations for committee positions should be received in writing by 7:15pm
13-Nov-2004 – Barn Dance at Wesley Memorial. Tickets £4.00
19-Nov-2004 – Bowling at the Kassam Stadium. 7:30pm, please let Mary know if you wish to bowl. Cost £5
26-Nov-2004 – Ordinary Club
27-Nov-2004 – Craft Fair. We will need lots of ideas, crafts to sell, help with stalls and refreshments
3-Dec-2004 – Ordinary Club
10-Dec-2004 – Ordinary Club
17-Dec-2004 – Christmas Party and Disco. £1.50. Please bring party food
 
 
 
 

The Phab Twelve Days of Christmas

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The Phab Twelve Days of Christmas
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On the First Day of Christmas the Phab Club gave to me
A holiday to Euro-Disney
On the Second Day of Christmas the Phab Club gave to me
Two meals out
And a holiday to Euro-Disney
On the Third Day of Christmas the Phab Club gave to me
Three Theatre Visits
Two meals out
And a holiday to Euro-Disney
On the Fourth Day of Christmas the Phab Club gave to me
Four Book Fayres
Three Theatre Visits
Two meals out
And a holiday to Euro-Disney
On the Fifth Day of Christmas the Phab Club gave to me
Five Heartbeat Hikes
Four Book Fayres
Three Theatre Visits
Two meals out
And a holiday to Euro-Disney
On the Sixth Day of Christmas the Phab Club gave to me
Six Karaokes
Five Heartbeat Hikes
Four Book Fayres
Three Theatre Visits
Two meals out
And a holiday to Euro-Disney
On the Seventh Day of Christmas the Phab Club gave to me
Seven Disco Nights
Six Karaokes
Five Heartbeat Hikes
Four Book Fayres
Three Theatre Visits
Two meals out
And a holiday to Euro-Disney
On the Eighth Day of Christmas the Phab Club gave to me
Eight Barbecues
Seven Disco Nights
Six Karaokes
Five Heartbeat Hikes
Four Book Fayres
Three Theatre Visits
Two meals out
And a holiday to Euro-Disney
On the Ninth Day of Christmas the Phab Club gave to me
Nine Garden Parties
Eight Barbecues
Seven Disco Nights
Six Karaokes
Five Heartbeat Hikes
Four Book Fayres
Three Theatre Visits
Two meals out
And a holiday to Euro-Disney
On the Tenth Day of Christmas the Phab Club gave to me
Ten Fantastic Day trips
Nine Garden Parties
Eight Barbecues
Seven Disco Nights
Six Karaokes
Five Heartbeat Hikes
Four Book Fayres
Three Theatre Visits
Two meals out
And a holiday to Euro-Disney
On the Eleventh Day of Christmas the Phab Club gave to me
Eleven New Friends
Ten Pin Bowling
Nine Garden Parties
Eight Barbecues
Seven Disco Nights
Six Karaokes
Five Heartbeat Hikes
Four Book Fayres
Three Theatre Visits
Two meals out
And a holiday to Euro-Disney
On the Twelfth Day of Christmas the Phab Club gave to me
Twelve DVD Nights
Eleven New Friends
Ten Pin Bowling
Nine Garden Parties
Eight Barbecues
Seven Disco Nights
Six Karaokes
Five Heartbeat Hikes
Four Book Fayres
Three Theatre Visits
Two meals out
And a holiday to Euro-Disney
Words by Helen, Tune Traditional.

Simon nominated for Paul Hope Award

At a ceremony at the House of Commons Simon was awarded a certificate in recognition of his being nominated for the Paul Hope Award. The award is presented annually in memory of Paul Hope, who did much for Phab over many years, and potential recipients have to have helped further the aims of Phab in an outstanding way,
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Here he is outside the House, holding his certificate.
dscn0524He was cheered on by several club members – unfortunately it was quite late when we left, but it was an amazing experience.
 

Programme 2003

These old programme entries are here so prospective new members can see the things we have done in the past, and to bring back memories for those who took part.
24-Jan-2003 – Botley Community Theatre Pantomime. At Botley Primary School, Elms Road. See Penny, Liz and Katherine in their starring roles £3.50 per ticket.
31-Jan-2003 – Ordinary Club
7-Feb-2003 – Ordinary Club
14-Feb-2003 – Out at Donnington Community Centre
21-Feb-2003 – Fish and Chips or Chinese Take Away
28-Feb-2003 – PHAB Area Committee Party at Rover Sports and Social Club
7-Mar-2003 – Pancakes
14-Mar-2003 – Bowling at Moonshine, Eynsham. Please be there at 7:30 ready to bowl at 8:00 pm. Cost £5.25 for a whole game. Please pay Mary on 21st Feb
21-Mar-2003 – 21st Party to celebrate the 21st Year of Oxford PHAB, Liz, Alan, Kathryn, Katherine and anyone who thinks they are 21 again.
28-Mar-2003 – Ordinary Club
4-Apr-2003 – Quiz Night
11-Apr-2003 – Meal Out – to be decided
16-May-2003 – Rehearsal for Concert
17-May-2003 – >Refreshments for Oxfam Booksale – Please bring cakes and help from 10:30 to 4pm
30-May-2003 – Rehearsal
31-May-2003 – Refreshments for AFPIC Booksale – Please bring cakes and help
6-Jun-2003 – Rehearsal
8-Jun-2003  – Sponsored Walk – Hyde Park, London. Come and see Princess Alexandra and Ed Stewart; and have fun. Please get lots of sponsors
13-Jun-2003 – Rehearsal
14-Jun-2003 – Concert – rehearsals from 1pm, CONCERT from 7:30pm
20-Jun-2003 – Pub trip to the King’s Arms, Sandford-on-Thames
4-Jul-2003 – Ordinary Club
5-Jul-2003 – Garden Party, in aid of Oxford PHAB and NCH
5-Jul-2003 – Phil’s birthday party at Donnington Social Club
11-Jul-2003 – Ordinary Club
18-Jul-2003 – Donnington Social Club
25-Jul-2003 – No PHAB
1-Aug-2003 – General Meeting about the constitution, followed by disco
22-Aug-2003 to 25-Aug-2003 – Youth Camp at East Mersea for 16-25 year-olds. £50
5-Sep-2003 – Ordinary Club
26-Sep-2003 – Ordinary Club
3-Oct-2003 – Craft Evening (please bring raffle prizes for next week’s Raffle at Donnington Social Club
10-Oct-2003 – Donnington Social Club
17-Oct-2003 – Craft Evening and Cake Making (please bring cakes for the bookfair)
18-Oct-2003 – Oxfam Bookfair. PHAB serving refreshments. We will need help from 9:30 to 4:30 and lots of cakes or crafts to sell.
24-Oct-2003 – Ordinary Club
25-Oct-2003 – Action for Children Bookfair. PHAB serving refreshments. (Can anyone help, and do refreshments from 10:00 to 2:00)
24-Oct-2003 – Dress rehearsal for (the musical we are not allowed to advertise for copyright reasons)
7-Nov-2003 – Baked Potato Evening
14-Nov-2003 – Ordinary Club
20-Nov-2003 – Chinese Meal EAMAYL, Park End Street. 7pm (Usual transport arrangements). £10 for meal.
21-Nov-2003 – No PHAB – EAMAYL meal on Thursday instead.
28-Nov-2003 – A.G.M.
5-Dec-2003 – Christmas Dinner at The Mitre, High Street – £15. All booking forms and £5 deposit must be with Mary by 28th November at the latest.
11-Dec-2003 – Carol sining in town centre. Meet at Wesley Mem at 6:15pm. Followed by mince pies etc.
12-Dec-2003 – No club
20-Dec-2003 – Christmas Party and Disco. Bring Friends, relations and party food or soft drinks to celebrate. 7:30 to 10:30 at Wesley Mem.
 
 
 

Phabulous Evening of Entertainment

After many nights of rehearsals, we produced our Phab concert on Saturday 14th June.

The Compère’s script gives a flavour of the variety of acts and talents within the club and it’s friends.

Ladies and Gentlemen, Oxford Phab and Friends are delighted to welcome you to our Fabulous evening of fun entertainment.

You have seen the on the television, you have bought the CD’s (some of you) = Now here they are in person – the Fabulous Spice Girls.

The Spice girls number featured a high energy performance by Liz, Kathrine, Kathryn, Anna, Penny and Kelly, and glitzy skirts from the Wesley Memorial costume collection.

Some of the club members who would have liked to have taken part could not be here tonight, Catherine has recorded a couple of songs for us. – The first is ‘Killing me Softly’, accompanied by Liz on the harmonica, the second is ‘Our Father in Heaven’ which she wrote herself. Catherine is in Germany at her cousin’s confirmation.

Tom is also away – doing something even more exciting than being in a Phab concert and here he is to tell us about it.

Tom’s video greeting explained that he was away on the sail training ship ‘Lord Nelson‘

Catherine’s video contained a BSL signed explanation that she was not here, followed by her playing and singing two songs.

I am sure we all wish Tom smooth sailing, and Catherine would like me to remind you that you can buy a tape of her songs with proceeds to charity.

And now I am sure you have never seen such delightful sisters as Mary and Penny.

Mary and Penny, both dressed in cream shirts and blue skirts sang ‘Sisters‘, accompanied by Stephen on the piano.

You have heard Stephen accompany Mary and Penny but now you have a chance to hear him play Chopin’s Fantasia Impromptu in C sharp minor.

Stephen played the Grand Piano in the church for us.

Now our very own Television Star, taking time off from her appearances in Judgement Day, Test the Nation, Love Match and Nobody Likes a Smartass – the Amazing Helen

Helen sang ‘Greatest Love of All‘ – which with its themes of the importance of dignity and self worth struck a chord with us.

I’m glad I don’t have to follow that, but somebody has to – Please give a warm welcome to Hugo and his accordion.

Hugo played the accordion, a virtuoso performance, which was followed by chicken jokes from Anna, Mary and John, as a filler while Kathryn, Liz, Anna, Wendy, Kathryn, Vicky, Mary, Di and Penny came on stage, dressed as chickens and sang ‘We are poultry’ and danced to the tune of ‘We are Family‘

Hey little hen, when, when, when will you lay me and egg for my tea – and talking of tea – Tea and coffee are now served in the Hall

We have a twenty minute interval.

After refreshments we, and our audience, returned to the church

Welcome back – introducing our second half we have Danny as Gareth Gates, and his Glamorous Dancers.

Danny took on the role of Gareth Gates in Spirit in the Sky, while the glamorous dancers were Liz, Katherine, Kathryn, Penny and Anna, transformed from poultry to glamour by means of the Wesley Memorial glitzy skirts, and joined by Kelly.

For Wesley Memorial regulars Jim needs no introduction – so he’s not getting one !

Jim sang, accompanying himself on the guitar, but I do not have a note of the songs he sang.

Thank you Jim, and now – Fleeter of Foot that Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers – Katherine and Liz – take it away girls !

Katherine and Liz, dressed in black trousers, silver waistcoats and sparkly hats performed a tap dance routine which has been choreographed by Katherine.

Now for a change of pace – One of my favourite people – Penny – singing ‘My Favourite Things‘.

Penny sang this uplifting song from Mary Poppins.

Thank you, Penny. Now accompanied by the versatile Hugo, this time playing the piano – Kathryn

I do not have a note of what Kathryn sang,

She was followed by Tom, our treasurer and member of the Wesley Memorial choir, singing Close Every Door to Me, from Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat.

Next came a slightly adapted version of ‘Jolly Holiday‘, particularly appropriate for our club as we have had many Jolly Holidays with Mary.

Mary then introduced our final song – ‘I wish I knew how it would feel to be free/One‘ which we then signed and sang, bringing the evening to a close.

Helen wrote a poem, published in the Autumn 2003 issue of Keeping In Touch, the National Phab magazine, which went as follows:

We were getting short of money
And had to think of an idea
To raise money for our group
Not and easy task I fear

We put our heads together
And a concert we planned
With dancing and singing
We knew it would be grand

Preparation needed quickly
Dance rehearsals soon did start
Making costumes, learning songs
And doing bits of art

A program soon developed
And loads of volumteers
We practised very thoroughly
With loads of sweat and tears

The night of the show soon came
We trembled with panic
Our audience were lovely
But back stage was all manic

The performance went well
The audience all enjoyed it
Two hundred pounds was made
You try it, don’t avoid it.