If you want to know more about Rotary and what we do as an organisation?

Please contact me: Annita Small at president@coventryjubilee.org

Hi, I'm Annita Small, I am a retired Company Director and an enthusiastic volunteer, having helped many charities.

I have now taken on the role of President of Jubilee Rotary Club of Coventry.

I became a member of Rotary because of its experience in delivering outstanding projects that “make a difference” to the world.

Rotary is a worldwide humanitarian organisation with thousands of like minded members from a wide range of different professional background who liked to give back to their communities and raise money for local and international projects.

These include helping in our local communities, youth projects, protecting the environment, disaster funding, promoting peace, fighting disease, the end polio now campaign which Rotary spearheaded and now Polio eradication is very near with cases being down to 99.9%, supporting education and general care for those in need around the world.

It is the “Whole package”!

My mission as President of Jubilee Rotary Club of Coventry is to challenge myself to do 75 tasks that I have never done before. This coincides with my 75th birthday year.

The 75 tasks include a mixture of charitable work, personal challenges and a few quirky ones that will help lighten the load.

I am also challenging my fellow Coventry Jubilee Rotarians to do 75 tasks, which will be a mixture of Community, Youth, International and Fundraising events.

With the support of Jubilee Rotary Club, a regular blog, will be provided giving everyone an update on our challenges and outcomes over the next year. Look out for some interesting photos!

A target to generate £750 for charitable support has been set.

The money collected will go into the Jubilee Rotary Club of Coventry’s Charity Fund which will in turn be distributed to other Charities.

One being Papyrus (prevention of young suicide) www.papyrus-uk.org, which I chose as my charity of choice for my President‘s year 2023/24.

Another is Rotary Foundation which helps many charities throughout the world.

A full account will be available at the end of the task year.

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My Blog:

1. Rotary Club President

My first task was being given the privilege of being Rotary Club President for 2023/24. It’s been a busy year so far, but it has been extremely fulfilling. Should anyone be interested to know more I am happy to take questions, you can contact me at the Jubilee Rotary Club of Coventry.

2. My First Rotary Foundation Seminar

It was Saturday 22nd July at the Mercure Hotel in West Bromwich, the weather was atrocious! I couldn’t see through the windscreen going and coming home... it was the worst weather I have ever driven in – does that count as a first too?! But, it was all worthwhile, I learnt so much from the Seminar. This is what Rotary does best, their guidance and leadership training are first class. You also get the opportunity to meet other people from different Rotary Clubs and discuss projects and new ideas.

https://www.rotarygbi.org/

3. Donation of baby hats, blankets and cardigans to Ukraine and other needy Nations

The Jubilee Rotary Club of Coventry have sent over three hundred if these items knitted by Rotarians and friends. President Annita drove to Newbury on the 27th of July to deliver them to Dr John Phillips who will be sending crates to Ukraine and Moldova by the end of July 2023. New knitted baby items are always needed. If you would like to donate, please send enquiries to president@coventryjubilee.org

4. Food Bank and Feed the Hungry UK

Members of our Rotary Club and I visited the Coventry Food Bank and Feed the Hungry UK at the Halo Centre where we were given a tour by Dee Ward, this provided a great insight to an amazing charity. We ended up packing crates of food to help local people in crisis. Help is always needed so if you want more information please contact:

info@coventry.foodbank.org.uk

5. Bonds Hospital, Coventry

This year I decided to make one of our evening meetings each month an alternative day with the support of our Club Members. This would include, supporting a cause, visiting or learning about a local culture or doing something to challenge ourselves.

One of these was a visit to Bond’s Hospital, Hill Street Coventry. Bonds Hospital is one of two Almshouses in Coventry City Centre, the other being Fords Hospital. It was founded in the early years of the 16th Century by Thomas Bond and was established through three endowments. It is as recognizable to citizens and visitors today as it would have been 500 years ago. Virginia Rigby, the current Chairperson, enlightened us with wonderful facts about this beautiful old building which is set in among the modernist buildings of Coventry. We plan to visit Fords Hospital next year. There is a book called For So Long as The World Shall Endure written by Michael Orton – worth a read.

6. What do you do when you have a spare 90 minutes at Stansted Airport?

Phil’s flight was due to arrive 90 minutes late from Italy, so I decided it was a good opportunity to take a take a trip to Audley End House near Saffron Waldon, 20 minutes from the airport and I had over 2hrs to spare. We had seen the signs many times going to Stansted Airport but never had the time to stop.

Unfortunately, I was too late to enter the house however I was allowed into the grounds, as you can see from the photos it’s a beautiful setting.

7. Another wonderful experience awaits……..

Still having over an hour to spare I walked around the beautiful village. Turning a corner, I saw a sign for ice cream, another corner and another sign, another corner and another sign, thenI finally saw a farm and small shop which was the outlet for the ice cream. They were about to close but happy to serve me and recommended that I try their artisan lavender and honey ice cream. Mama Mia! It was delicious. It could give the Italians a run for their money.

Check out my review on ‘The Saffron Ice Cream Company’ Facebook page 21st September, 2023 to see the review and the lovely reply.

8. Verona – Locadina Capello Restaurant

This was our third visit to this beautiful city. We have also attended a performance of Aida at Arena and visited Juliet’s balcony BUT we hadn’t eaten at the lovely osteria ‘Locandina Capello’ in the heart of Verona, which was recommended by my dear friend Francesca. Verona is the town where she grew up but now lives in Sutton Coldfield

Locandina Capello’s food is mouth-wateringly delicious, and their canapés are well known throughout the area and beyond. Check them out on their website, you will not be disappointed!

www.osteriacappello.com

9. Visiting the Principality of San Marino

While on holiday in Italy, Phil and I decided to visit the principality of San Marino, the world’s oldest surviving republic situated in the Apennine Mountains of Italy. It’s an enclave surrounded by Italy, on the border between the regions of Emilia Romano and Marche and about six miles from Adriatic coast at Rimini. It is over 2,500 ft above sea level.

We arrived in San Marino on the 3rd September and unbeknownst to us it was their The Feast of San Martenus, the Founder of San Marino. This date marks the birth of the Republic in 301AD. Oh, what fun! Street Parades of people in traditional costumes or military uniforms, local dignitaries etc. Fireworks and open air eating areas are all around the narrow streets and piazza with friends and family. The people are warm and engaging telling you about the history of their beautiful Principality. We stayed in the centre of the town at the Grand Hotel with a large balcony overlooking the plains of Marche and the Adriatic Sea.

10. San Marino Towers Three Towers

The three Towers of San Marino look like a medieval fairy tale castle. Tower 1 is called Guaita, Tower 2 is called Cesta and Tower 3 Montale. I took a trip to Guaita Tower. What a view! It was spectacular! I did not get the full experience due to the many people visiting.

More information can be either found on the internet Foundation Day in San Marino or Wikipedia.

11. San Marino Cable Car

Would you believe that in 75 years I have not been on a cable car. I have traveled on a funicular and on an open canopy over the jungle in Costa Rica but never a cable car. I took the opportunity while in San Marino, it was full of local people travelling form the villages below the town, very busy as you can see from the picture…

12. Visiting Agriturismo Masseria Cannella, next to Lake Lesina in Puglia.

From San Marino we traveled south towards Puglia where we found this beautiful masseria, which is also an Agriturismo. Agriturismi are working farms that are set up to receive guests, you can eat and/or have an overnight stay. It was a busy time of the year, but we were lucky to find a vacant room with car parking. The room was very comfortable with a good shower.

30% of the food you eat is grown or reared on the farm. Most sell home-made produce, such as home-made preserves, olive oil, cheese, wine, biscuits and sometimes cured meat.

13. Training to be a Barista.

I volunteer for many organisations and subsequently need the proper skills and qualifications as you would do if you were employed. One of these is being a Barista in our local church coffee shop. I thought the best place to be trained is Italy, so I duly arrived, met Daniele who showed me how make different cups of coffee. Although as Italians you are trained to make the best Espresso and Cappuccino and you can leave the rest….it’s only for the Americans.

Cleanliness, quality coffee and you must use fresh milk every day was high on the agenda.

14. Books I would never choose to read.

I always pick up the same type of book… Do you? With me it's usually thriller or historical. In our holiday home we have a communal library. I decided to try something new, a book about the Afghanistan war maybe, oh how I enjoyed it. I learnt so much. I read another about ghosts, although when I finished it, I wouldn’t choose another on that topic. I also started reading a Biography of Coco Chanel in Italian, I have read many books about her in the past but never in Italian. It’s work in progress!

15. Hosting evening drinks with Italian Friends in Italy

My Italian language skills are far from perfect but the only way to improve is to immerse yourself with Italian people. Phil and I have acquired some wonderful friendships with Italians, who live locally and others who visit regularly on holiday. A few speak English well and others not at all. Up until recent years our holiday condominium has very few Italian owners.

Phil and I enjoy entertaining, and this year we hosted an evening get together on our terrace with only Italian friends. What a wonderful evening we had, Italians are very generous, we were presented with delicious food and drink. We all enjoyed ourselves, eating and drinking into the small hours that we forgot to take any photographs, maybe next time!

16. Terme Caronte (Thermal baths in Lamezia Italy)

This area has long been recognized for its health enhancing treatments and there has been a spa on the site since 1716. The present clinic offers both health, beauty and medical treatments at very reasonable prices, using the natural benefits of the volcanic minerals, mud and hot springs.

There is an outside sulfur pool which is free but no facilities to change, mostly used by locals. We chose the clinic where you have your own rooms and person to look after you and apply the mud. First you see a doctor who asks questions about your current health and takes your blood pressure before being shown to your room. Clothes off and mud is applied all over your body……oh the heat of the mud! As you lay down covered by plastic sheeting you are left to relax for 30 minutes, it was the most relaxing feeling. After showering off the mud you lay in a sulphur jacuzzi bath for another 30 minutes. Afterwards your skin feels luxurious. Both Phil and I said we will most definitely visit again. It’s less than an hour from our apartment and at the cost of £45 for both our treatments including the doctor, it was worth every penny.

They supply 12 free treatments per year for every local patient who has a letter provided by their doctor to state that they need this treatment. It helps with inflammation and joint pain, osteoarthritis, stimulates the kidney as well as many other health issues. For me it was mental health and relaxation.

17. Visiting Passignano Sul Trasimeno

It was time to leave our apartment near Tropea in Calabria, South Italy, and travel north towards Verona where from in three days we will be flying back to the UK. We like to stop off at different places. The first stop was at a regular place called Casino (some may have heard of the WW2 battle) between Naples and Rome, therefore not a first time stop. As we were travelling past Lake Trasimeno, we saw some beautiful small towns that we hadn’t visited before, one being Passignano, wow! Perfect place to explore! We found a perfectly situated hotel on the banks of the Lake. Passignano is not far from Perugia, Assisi and Orvieto all of which we have visited previously. This is a delightful small town, plenty of lakeside restaurants, small narrow streets with pretty houses overflowing with pots of geraniums. A perfect place to relax before our next stop.

18. La Nicchia Ristorante Passignano

Phil found this amazing restaurant in the back streets of the town and booked a table for our evening meal. The menu had various foods we hadn’t tried before....opportunity not to be missed we ordered an array of delicious food. I had to admit that ink squid pasta is not the most inviting food on your plate but it was delicious, we also ate trout caviar and sea urchins which we hadn’t eaten before.

19. National Safeguarding Team Certificate

It is essential that anyone who volunteers in the community needs this certificate to protect a citizens health, well being and human rights enabling them to live free from harm, abuse and neglect.

20. Level 2 Food Hygiene and safety for Retail

I am a regular volunteer at Revive Coffee Shop connected to St Martins Church, Coventry. My role involves, set-up, barista, customer service and cleaning duties. Food safety legislation helps businesses to remove and reduce all kinds of contamination when handling food.

21. Special School Sports West Midlands – handing out medals

October 2023, 10 Special Schools from across the West Midlands joined us for our annual Sports Championship at the Xcel Sports Centre Coventry. 120 children participated. Students, staff, teachers, and Jubilee Rotarian helpers all enjoyed the fun filled day.

Our District Governor, Amal Rampal, attended. I, being the current President of Jubilee Rotary Club of Coventry had the privilege of handing out the medals. The overall winners were Woodfield School and Riverbank were the Winner of the Pam Pearson Trophy for bowling.

22. Swam 1 mile in a lap pool

As much as enjoy swimming I have never been able to swim long distances, a few laps in the pool on holiday and I feel that I have done well. Recently I have been swimming regularly with my twelve-year-old granddaughter who is a good swimmer. She challenged me to do 65 laps of a 25-meter pool in Coventry which I did which equates to just over 1 mile. It took several attempts, but I achieved it in October 2023. I must make this a regular task!

23. World Polio Day – A healthier future for mothers and children.

On 24th October 2024 Jubilee Rotary Club organised an event at Tesco, Arena Park Shopping Centre in Coventry where we raised £450 from public donations. We gave out purple muslin bags with 8-10 crocus bulbs to everyone who gave a donation. The colour purple and the crocus bulb is significant to Rotary’s fight to end polio. The event is important to make sure every child throughout the world is safe from polio.

24. Visiting Charterhouse Coventry

My daughter invited me for a birthday lunch at Charterhouse Coventry. After lunch we visited the grade 1 listed 14th century building, founded in 1381 by Carthusian Monks It has been recently refurbished and well worth a visit.

https://www.historiccoventrytrust.org.uk/visit/charterhouse/

25. Walk around London Road Cemetery!

Although I have lived in Coventry for more than 50 years, I have never visited the London Road Cemetery. It was designed by Joseph Paxton and opened in 1847. The cemetery is known to be one of the best-preserved Victorian cemeteries in the country despite being damaged following the bombing of Coventry (The Blitz) in 1940. It has a beautiful arboretum within the 42 acres of land.

You can contact ‘Friends of London Road Cemetery’ for group guided tours.

26. Watched The Shawshank Redemption

Since the 1990s people have been talking about this film, to be honest I don’t normally like books or films about prisons, so I ignored the reviews and decided it wasn’t for me. Similar to my task on reading books that I would never read, I thought I would choose a film as one of my tasks. Oh my! The story was compelling, it moves you through every emotion. The writing, filming and acting were first class. Why did I take so long?!

27. Catching up with old friends and family

This is not exactly a first but getting in touch face to face or on the telephone, hearing someone’s voice helps you to relax, de-stress and nourishes your soul.

We are often too busy to catch up with family and friends that don’t live nearby. Some of them I hadn’t spoken to in years although we keep in touch in other forms, letters and notes inside Christmas cards, social media or through other friends or family. What a joy it is to talk, so much more you can discuss, reminiscing school and childhood memories, some are getting older and need that connection. I have vowed that I will continue and put aside time each month to keep in touch.

28. Treating family and friends who live alone.

Carrying on in the same vein as catching up with friends and family on the telephone. I decided to take friends who live alone out for tea and cakes, usually as a birthday treat. It’s sometimes hard when people get divorced or lose a loved one.

29. Watching a professional football match for the first time (Burton Albion)

Can you believe that I have reached 75 years old and never watched a live professional football match!

While out with a group of business friends, Tony mentioned he had a box at Burton Albion and asked if Phil and I would be his guest. We decided on the 20th of January, Burton Albion v Charlton were playing – result 2-0. A win for Burton Albion, fabulous company, and delicious food. What a day!

Thank you to Tony and Mary…..and your lovely friends for making this challenge a memorable day.

30. Santa Sleigh Presentation to Local Charities attended by Coventry’s Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress

Every year from 1st December until Christmas Eve the three Coventry Rotary Clubs organise a Santa Sleigh collection, weekday evenings the Sleigh is driven around selected streets where the public, mostly children, wave and meet Santa. On Saturdays the Santa Sleigh is static outside designated supermarkets. The Rotarians carry collection boxes where all the proceeds go to various local charities. Two main charities are Air Ambulance and Myton Hospice with an amount going to each of the three Rotary Clubs to support charities of their choice.

Amounts are given to each charity and clubs on the evening.

31. Fasting every Sunday through Lent

Most years since being a teenager I have given up something for Lent. This year I thought it would be good to fast for minimum of 24 hours each week throughout Lent and donate money and food to Foodbank. It was a hard task but remembering those throughout the world have little food kept me going. The picture below shows Myself, Phil and Mary (Jubilee's Secretary) presenting a cheque for £500 to Foodbank on behalf of Jubilee Rotary Club and I also presented 15kg of food and £25 to Trussell Trust.

32. Special holiday to the Caribbean

In March, Phil and I were travelling to Barbados for an amazing holiday, one week in a beautiful hotel near Hastings and another week travelling on a 5 sail Clipper on the Caribbean. I had holidayed in Barbados before (for my son and daughter in laws wedding) so that is not included in the 75 tasks. We had other adventures that we didn’t manage the first time around. I will add a few interesting ones to the list.

32a. Watched Oppenheimer on the aeroplane.

The story of J Robert Oppenheimer’s in the development of the atom bomb. The film was brilliantly acted by Cillian Murphy as Oppenheimer with Robert Downey Jr, Matt Damon and Emily Blunt giving great performances. Although some people found it too long and drawn out, maybe the best place to watch is on an aeroplane. It is probably the only film I have watched through on an aeroplane.

33. Touring around Barbados

We didn’t want to go on an organised tour around the island, so decided to hire a taxi with two people who we’d made friends with at our hotel. I would thoroughly recommend it but suggest that the hotel book the taxi. It was tailored to us, we were more relaxed, stopping for longer at places that interested us more, we could ask questions etc., and it was no more expensive than the tour bus.

Some interesting places we stopped:

Bridgetown – Capital.

Holetown – fabulous shopping.

Speightstown – great for seafood.

North Point - where the Atlantic meets the Caribbean.

Barbados Wild Reserve Park.

Bathsheba – best beaches for surfers.

34. Visiting George Washington House near Bridgetown in Barbados

George Washington’s House was within walking distance from our hotel. What a surprise! It was full of information that I wasn’t aware of. He was 19 and lived there with his brother Lawrence who was suffering from TB. In 2011 the property was designated as a UNESCO protected property.

https://barbados.org/george_washington.htm

35. Walking through the drainage tunnels near the Bridgetown Garrison

The tunnels are underpasses which were designed by the British armed forces They were not only used to drain the then waterlogged area but also as a secret passageway for soldiers from the Garrison. They are in total 2 miles long and narrow with little room to pass. You could get claustrophobic but challenged myself to do this as one of my challenges.

36. Visiting Oistins Fish Market.

Visiting Oistins on a Friday night is an experience. We took the Reggae Reggae bus which I am going to include as one of my 75 challenges it is a must. It’s a huge area, full of restaurants, bars, entertainment and open-air shops. It’s so busy you need to queue for the best places to eat…..how would you know? We were lucky and found a delicious food but everyone eats from plastic plates, it’s basic but the atmosphere is electric.

37. Reggae Reggae Bus in Barbados

You take your life in your hands when travelling on a Reggae Bus. They should hold 14 people, but I have counted 24 on occasions, it’s a human Tetris! You could be sitting on top of a stranger! The fare is $2 Barbados regardless of distance. The music is non-stop and the people, locals and tourists change personality once they enter, It’s a party bus with the driver holding court….. please do not disrespect the driver!!

38. Holidaying on the 5 masted Royal Clipper around the Caribbean

What an experience! The ship was inspired by the Preussen and is the largest and only 5 massed full rigged sailing ship built since its predecessor was launched at the beginning of the last century. It has a total of 43 sails. It takes up to 227 guests.

As the Clipper sailed out of Bridgetown the sails went up to Vangelis' song Conquest of paradise while we all drank champagne on the top deck…..extremely moving moment.

You can easily find a private corner to sunbathe or join in the many activities should you want to. You can lay on the bow sprit net, climb up to the crow’s nest, swim in the sea-pool, or just chill in the bar or take to the gym. The food choices and service were outstanding. Take a virtual tour on Star Clipper website and see for yourself.

39. Slept like a baby on a clipper ship.

This holiday was Phil’s choice, something he wanted to do, I on the other hand always get seasick and didn’t want to spoil his adventure. I had tried various seasick pills which never worked but this time I asked the advice of my doctor who prescribed her favourite, Stugeron which I had never tried before. Every night I slept like a baby being rocked into slumber-land.

40. Visiting St Lucia

Our fist stop was St Lucia, we didn’t tour because the beach was so beautiful we just wanted to lay and soak in the experience of the beautiful sea in front.

41. Visiting Dominica

Second stop was in Cabrits Dominica. There was a tour to the rain forest with a river cruise, but we had experienced several rain forests before in Costa Rica, Venezuela and Hawaii and several river cruises throughout the world. This time we would prefer to see the local life instead. We weren’t disappointed, the locals were friendly and helpful, talking about their beautiful island with pride. We tasted the most amazing ice cream for the equivalent of 50p. Couldn’t have experienced a better day.

42. Visiting St Kitts

Some people chose to go to Basseterre the capital, but we decided to walk and enjoy the flora and fauna around the area. Spotting wild monkeys and the occasional mongoose. Again we were faced with beautiful beaches, so we sat by the sea drinking cool beer before getting the tender back to the Clipper.

43. Antigua

The economy of Antigua is largely dependent on tourism 80% of its GDP. The harbour was full of expensive yachts from all over the world, there was a better choice of shops and restaurants, and it appeared that there were more tourists than locals around the harbour area. The shops were full of the most beautiful beachwear, so of course I had to buy a little beach dress as a memory.

44. BBQ on the Antigua Beach

I had never experienced a BBQ on the beach, so it had to be included in the 75. While we were touring the area the Clipper’s chefs had prepared the most lavish banquet of food and drinks on the beach, tables of food of all descriptions, meat, fish, salads, fruit and desserts were there to enjoy. Another beach BBQ could never compete!

45. Stingray City, Antigua

I met a lovely couple on the plane going out to Barbados, they travel to Barbados and the Caribbean regularly so I asked if there was anything that they could recommend. Snorkeling with the Rays at Stingray City was on the list, I wasn’t sure at first, but they said it was safe and the most amazing experience. The Rays are friendly and gentle with plenty of guides to help you. Oh my! It was one of the best experiences that will live with me forever! If you get the chance I would thoroughly recommend it.

46. Guadeloupe

Our next visit was Guadeloupe. Where they film the TV series Death in Paradise although we didn’t encounter any film crew or actors it didn’t look dissimilar from the location you see on the TV series. It is a French speaking island, but most people spoke good English.

I was a little worried about the risk of mosquito activity but luckily neither Phil or I got bitten, maybe it was the time of year and not too humid.

47. Martinique (Island of Flowers)

Another French Territorial Island, very different from Guadeloupe, not so touristy and much more friendly. Where we docked was quiet with not so many shops and restaurants. The beach and sand perfect for swimming, the turquoise sea was inviting but we chose to investigate the local area. We took a walk along the coast into the vegetation area where the land is fertile due to the volcanic soil. It was getting more remote so turned back to the beach area. Perfect holiday for those who want to get away from the rat race of modern life.

48. Head Massage.

After having had a luxurious massage in the Spa a few days before, I decided to have a head massage, which would be a first. I thought it would be similar to a body massage ….but No! this was all about pressure points. I am sure it improved my hair texture.

49. Laying on the Bow Sprit Net

It was our last day that I plucked up the courage to lay on the Bow Sprit Net. Why was I so nervous? The wind blowing, the sea below the net, I could have stayed there all day. Bliss!

I still didn’t pluck up the courage to go up to the Crow’s Nest…..next time, one more to do!

50. Learning how to Stargaze

One of the crew on the Clipper tried to teach me how to Stargaze. You can see 90% of the visible cosmos from the South of the Caribbean, around Barbados. It’s one of the best places to Stargaze as you can see stars from the North to South Pole. I remembered seeing Ursa Major, The Crux and various others that I can’t now remember. It will take more than one lesson to understand how to stargaze. I was told that North Scotland or West of Ireland or Exmoor in England would be the closest places for me to Stargaze. It’s a magical and calming experience and maybe for me it’s all about the experience that this world is not all about me.

51.    Snorkelling with turtles in Carlisle Bay Bridgetown

What do you do when you have 5 hours to wait for transport to the airport? Nearby I could see a group of people going on a snorkelling trip. As I was sunbathing on the beach I was already in my swimming costume so I asked the tour guide if I could join the group. What an opportunity! I had never seen a turtle in the sea. As the boat sailed out we were all given instruction by the crew.  When they found the perfect spot we jumped   off the back of the boat and swam around the area looking for turtles. I saw two, it could have been more but some loud people, in their excitement, frightened some away.    

52.   Learning how to have empathy with people who have disabilities. 

In view that I volunteer in our community coffee shop, I was asked if I would like to attend an online seminar to discuss how people would recognise and treat people with disabilities. Most people who have disabilities can be recognised but there are some who have hidden disabilities such as anxiety or older people who are not as quick to respond.

·        Always ask before giving assistance, they do not necessarily need or want help.

·        Treat people as you would like to be treated yourself.

·        Think before speaking – do not show pity or be patronizing.

It was very interesting and worthwhile. Sometimes we need to be reminded in our daily lives, whether we are working with the public or not that we need to be more aware.

53.    What do I buy Phil for his birthday?

After weeks trolling the shops and internet I had found the perfect gift. Phil has always had a passion for anything historical or war related, therefore, when I saw a flight simulator venue in Leighton Buzzard I knew I had found the perfect choice. I chose the Messerschmitt and Spitfire battle experience. After been given tuition by a professional pilot we battled against each other over coastal seas and fields before I crashed into the sea. After all it was his birthday treat!! I would never have believed how much I would enjoy the experience.  Info@flyaflight.com            

54.   Weaving with my friend Ingrid

I asked many friends for ideas to achieve my seventy-five tasks, Ingrid suggested weaving, she is an avid crafter and an experienced weaver. She took me along to her group at the Weavers House, Spon Street, Coventry. What a welcoming group! Ingrid showed me different forms of weaving giving me a peg loom to start me off. I am not a crafter and weaving certainly put me out of my comfort zone. I have promised to return and finish off my table mat, and I will, I am not someone who gives up easily.

55.   Learning to ride a bike

As a child I never had the urge to ride a bike, I tried once, I was 11 holidaying in Germany but after having too many skinned knees I realised it was not for me. I preferred two feet firmly on the ground. As my children and grandchildren grew up riding their bikes I thought I might try again but it never happened…… until last month. My 16-year-old granddaughter took me to a nearby park, and would you believe it ……and I have a video to prove it, at nearly 76 I can now ride a bike…. Not sure I am road ready yet!     

Link to Video:

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/iQpmn5Vll-4 

56. Float tank experience

Someone I knew encouraged me to try a float tank experience as they knew I was claustrophobic. It was challenging at the time, and I was unsure how I’d feel. It’s okay when you’re first in the tank, but once the door closed I had to use some breathing techniques to calm myself down, although there is a button you can press to open the door if you start to panic. A few minutes I was floating and once the hour was over I felt totally relaxed. I’d recommend it to anyone.

57. Making Jewellery

I undertook this challenge because I’m not very dexterous, my friend who makes jewellery encouraged me to try it. I found it fiddley at first, but once Sue gave me a few tips I was engrossed. I made 3 pairs of earrings which my granddaughters are delighted with and wear regularly.

58. Nature Walk in Brandon Nature Reserve

This is an area I’ve often thought of walking through but never took the opportunity until today. It was the most relaxing walk I’ve ever taken. The nature reserve is ideal for bird watchers, nature lovers and walkers. There is nothing like nature to bring down stress levels. I have planned another walk with friends.

59. Learning to Meditate

There's been so many times I’ve tried to meditate, and it’s never clicked with me. I’ve persevered recently with Calm App. You need to clear your mind and breathe in a regular pattern; some people use a background of music and others with someone talking you through. I now prefer to do it on my own, it is the most amazing way to wind down at the end of the day.

60. Receiving an unexpected present – Painting of our apartment in Italy

We are lucky enough to have a lovely apartment in southern Italy. Friends who go there on a regular basis commissioned a painting showing the outside of our apartment. It was an unexpected present that touched my heart.

61. Visiting Luxemburg – Luxembourg City has beautiful tree lined streets with exquisite architecture

While travelling through Europe by car we decided to visit Luxembourg as it is a country I’ve never visited before. As we were close to Luxembourg City we chose to stop there for a day sightseeing. It’s beautiful clean city with lots of greenery and treelined avenues.

The shops, although expensive, were elaborate and well laid out, from high end to small artisan shops. We passed state buildings, the cathedral and many other beautiful buildings. The people are pleasant and kind and spoke very good English.

62. Beautiful town of Würzburg in Bavaria

I spent two days walking and taking the tram through this charming town on the River Main in north Bavaria. I came across few tourists, considering it has beautiful buildings and that it is at the beginning of the Romantische Strasse Route. Hopefully we can return and explore more.

63. Travelling the Romantische Strasse (the Romantic Road)

The location was recommended to me by a friend who had travelled there two months earlier, It certainly didn’t disappoint. The picturesque route (350 miles) runs through the forests and mountains of Bavaria. From Würzburg to Füssen, we saw some beautiful towns and typical Bavarian castles. One of the most famous is the Neuschwanstein Castle. Should you decide to go, please don’t choose a weekend in August!

64. Eating the most amazing dessert in Unterammergau

The dessert was Schmarrn im Glas Zwetschgenroster mit sahne, it is a well-known dessert from the Bavaria region of Germany. Base is a hot berry coulis with yummy pancake on top and cream and wildberries on the side. I can still taste the deliciousness!