Ageing Better Middlesbrough - Spring Newsletter 2020

NOTICEBOARD

SPRING 2020

NEWSLETTER

Digital David’s top tip

Have you got a spring in your step? If not, we are sure to brighten your day with our latest newsletter.

Now regularly rece ive our newslette r and What’s On Guide.

Thanks to everyo ne for spreading the word about our membe rship and helping us reach more people in M iddlesbrough.

Pick up a leaflet, call 01642 257034 or visit www.ageingbette rmiddlesbrough.o rg.uk to become a membe r.

to e k i l u o y d l Wou help us? geing

A lp promote eet e h to e k li the Hillstr Would you ing brough at s le d id will be talk M u r o Y ? ry Bette to c ramme, reative Fa t our prog u o Centre’s C b a c li b set up eral pu d helping n a s to the gen e e ff o as and c sions. making te d craft ses n a s ll ta s , tables promote come and to rs e lp e ss town ant h ations acro r c lo We also w t n re e o at diff about ou what we d to people g in lk ta s e n up as - this involv them to sig g in k s a d n work a members.

Chris e contact s a le p , d intereste amson@ If you are at: chris.ad h rc a M th h.org.uk by 27 dlesbroug id rm e tt e ageingb 4 42 25703 or call 016

(Download the App on Android / Apple)

tip, Our very own Digital David is back with his top My Fix the to and in this issue he’s introducing you Street app.

Fix My Street is an independent website run by

net, Ian, Colin, David, Martin, Ja l, Alan, Diane, Nei Zoe, Geoff, Ada, hael.

Margaret and Mic

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In this issue: Page 2&3: ABM Latest News

Our newsletter group works hard to bring you the latest news and views from our members. We hope you enjoy reading.

You can join them every three months to write, edit and create your newsletter. No experience needed, just lots of enthusiasm and a couple of free hours. If you want to join, please contact us on 01642 257034.

My Society. in It’s an easy and simple way to report problems , slabs g your neighborhood - like broken pavin street lighting and potholes. cil.

Fix My Street sends it directly to your local coun All reports are published online so that others can also read, offer advice and discuss where needed. It helps stop duplicate reports being sent.

How to report a problem: Just enter your Postcode / Street name and area / or ‘use my location’ option.

2. Locate the problem by putting a pin in the location on the map.

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3. Enter the details of the problem / issue. il 4. Check your email inbox for a confirmation ema then click on the link. The app then sends the issue to the council on your behalf. cil.

5. Reports are sent directly to you from the coun et yStre FixM the Reports are also published on website.

THANK YOU TO . . .

Issue 18

Happy times at the Hillstreet

Page 4&5: Members’ Stories

At the beginning of the year we hosted lots of fun activities at the Hillstreet Centre’s Creative Factory.

Throughout January more than 1,500 people enjoyed flower craft sessions, a 1940’s day, fun quizzes, Memories of Middlesbrough, digital workshops, chair-based exercises, live entertainment, games and much, much more.

We even had a visit from BBC Look North.

As a result of its success we have been given the unit back for the month of April, and our Project Officer Linda couldn’t be prouder.

Page 6&7: Community Stories

She said: “Having this central hub has given people the opportunity to be involved in activities they wouldn’t normally get the chance to.

“Pop in and see us during April.

We will have plenty of tea, coffee and activities for you to enjoy.”

For more photos, see our gallery on page 3.

Page 8&9: Your Community Noticeboard Page 10&11: Now it’s your turn…

Page 12: ABM Noticeboard

Visit our website: www.ageingbettermiddlesbrough.org.uk Like us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/ageingbettermiddlesbrough Follow us on Twitter: www.twitter.com/abmiddlesbrough Ageing Better Middlesbrough • Connecting you to your community

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AGEING BETTER MIDDLESBROUGH • LATEST NEWS

Fund supports age friendly activities Last year we gave more than £30,000 to local projects and activities across Middlesbrough.

The Age Friendly Fund, which was set up to help older people live happy and healthier lives, has given funding to arts groups, churches and community centres. It even helped to fund a space for cancer patients to see their pets while in hospital.

Lauren Farrow, Business Manager for the Holistic Care Centre at James Cook Hospital, said: “We wanted to do something for people who have been stuck in hospital for weeks or months on end, who were missing their own pets.

“The Age Friendly Fund helped us buy a shed so patients can actually spend time with their pets. We look after the animals during their time here so the bond between them and their owner continues.”

Lesley Duffield, Treasurer for Trinity Methodist Church in Middlesbrough said: “We received sports equipment, tables and chairs.

“We have lunches, toddler groups, cake decorating sessions, flower arranging, a food bank and table tennis as part of our ongoing activity. Numbers keep growing week on week, but we couldn't have done any of it without the funding.”

continued from front page Here are some fantastic photos from our time in the Hillstreet Centre’s Creative Factory. Can you spot yourself?

a ople and having a cupp pe w ne g tin ee m d ye jo Members en Patient and puppy at James Cook Holistic Centre

Trinity Methodist Church table tennis enthusiasts

Rachel Gault, Development and Engagement Officer from Community Ventures in Thorntree said: “We were given Age Friendly funding to support an art project and a coffee afternoon.

“A lot of the people who have taken part in the activities have grown in confidence, made friends and most importantly, got out of the house when they normally would not.”

Happy times at the Hillstreet

History talks, digital sessions and craft days were held during the month Staff and participants from Community Ventures

Middlesbrough’s University of the Third Age We spoke to Neil Cooke from Middlesbrough’s University of the Third Age (U3A), an organisation for people who have finished full time employment.

The group encourage people to keep learning and creates opportunities for people to get together in the Middlesbrough area.

They also get together for walking sessions.

Neil said: “We offer two walking groups. One for the more active members at distances up to five miles, and a second for less active members or anyone who may have mobility issues.”

The organisation also has lots of activities coming up throughout the year, including a very special celebration event which Neil is very excited about.

Activities include: history, walking, art, foreign languages, knitting, music appreciation and science.

“Nationally a day of celebration called U3A Day is held on 3rd June.

Neil said: “We help to develop each other's skills and explore interesting topics. We also have trips out during the summer and regularly go to Middlesbrough Theatre too.”

“Middlesbrough U3A will be holding an event on that day to showcase the opportunities offered, so we would love to see you there.”

The group meets at St. Barnabas Church in Linthorpe on the first Wednesday of every month at 2pm where various topics are discussed.

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For more information, or to find out more about their next meeting, please email: cookekn@gmail.com go to www.u3asites.org.uk/middlesbrough/home or call: 01642 590439.

A 1940s day with live singer capped off a brilliant month

Don’t forget, we will be back in the Creative Factory in April with lots more fun activities. Join us in the unit opposite Pandora – at the former Ideal Home store.

Photography students from the Northern School of Art worked on a project with our members too

You can also check out our Taster Sessions booklet to find out what we have in store for the month.

Ageing Better Middlesbrough • Connecting you to your community

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YOUR STORIES • TOLD BY OUR MEMBERS

Change for the better Thornaby resident Colin Devlin lost his wife nearly five years ago.

He wasn’t sure what to do with life back then, and found it hard to cope with his feelings.

Little did he know, a chance meeting with Ageing Better Middlesbrough staff and members was about to change everything.

The 77 year old said: “I was sat on my own at Debenhams Café in the town centre, and I noticed some activities going on across the room from me.

“A lady called Linda approached me and asked if I wanted to join in with the cafe meet up. I was a little apprehensive, so I said no at first.”

“Then a lady called Chris came over to talk to me and asked if I would like to be part of their quiz team. I later found

out she was a member of Ageing Better Middlesbrough and had been going to activities for some time.

Treasuring fond memories

“I was a little dubious as I'd spent a lot of time on my own since my wife passed, but I just thought ‘to hell with it’ and joined in with them.”

It was at that point that Colin’s life changed for the better. He made friends with Chris and her friends and now regularly meets them to go on trips away.

“We have been to Durham, Helmesley, Whitby and lots of other Ageing Better events since I became part of the group. They have really made me feel welcome. I feel a lot more upbeat and active now and I'm always looking for something to do. I love planning trips and getting out of the house.

“I do have other friends but because they all work it's been difficult to meet them during the day, so I'm glad I went to Debenhams that day.

“I'd urge everyone to get in touch with Aging Better Middlesbrough. When you see the activities they have on offer, you'll never look back. It literally is life changing.

“The staff are brilliant too, they put you at ease and make you feel very welcome. No matter how nervous you may be.”

Find out more about our Café Meet Ups and other activities in our What’s On guide and Taster Session events programme.

It's never too late to take the plunge For over 20 years now, Ageing Better Middlesbrough member Janet Pyle has been going swimming to improve her fitness.

The Trimdon born 95 year old, who celebrated her birthday on 2nd January, admits that swimming has made her feel younger, helped her get out of the house and make new friends.

It all started when her late husband Jim took her to the leisure centre more than 20 years ago.

At the time she couldn't swim, and she admits she felt a little foolish not being able to join in when her husband and friends were having fun.

She said: "Having watched everyone in front of me while I was sat there, I felt a determination to start swimming.

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"It was frustrating not being able to join them, but I also knew I needed to get fit for health reasons. I took four private lessons and that was it....

I was away."

Janet has dislocated her shoulder in the past and in 2019 she had to have a knee replacement, but that hasn't stopped her from making a splash.

"It has taken a little while for injuries to heal but I'll never let it stop me doing my lengths in the pool.

"I never really thought I'd be swimming at my age but it's wonderful for both my health and mind set.

I do 20 lengths every time I go.

"I would recommend activities like this to anyone who wants to keep fit.

If I can do it, so can you.

"I look forward to seeing you in the pool."

Regular columnist and Ageing Better Middlesbrough member Martin Peagam is back with his regular column. This time he talks about planning for the future and suggests ways that fond memories can be treasured forever.

Hello everyone! I’m going to start on quite a sombre note, but there is also a good reason why I am mentioning the subject.

The start of my year saw the death of another family member. Earlier this year my Mam died. This time it was my 92 year old mother in law.

When my Mam died, I wrote about the aftermath and suggested some ways that we can all help make life easier for those coping with the aftermath of a death. Now I want to share with you some more suggestions.

with your family, and tell them about your life.

My parents and in-laws spoke little of their lives as young people. How they met. What they did. They were ‘parents’ to me. Older people.

We came across things that reminded us of how they were once young newly-marrieds. A receipt for their first house purchase. Letters offering them a job. A hire purchase agreement for a music centre.

Best of all, a ticket for a dance. We could have just thrown this away. But we worked out that it was the ticket for the dance – in May 1944 – when my mother-in-law met her husband-to-be. Such a precious item.

Suggestion three: Find your photographs and write something on the back.

Most significant – and frustrating - of the items we found were photographs.They showed us a world we never knew.

They also begged questions. Where were they?

What was the occasion? Who were these people?

First, though, an important fact.

Write the date the photo was taken, who is on the photo, where it was taken, what the occasion was.

We are going to pass away eventually, so we need to get used to the idea. It may be sooner than we expect. It may be later.

It will help those who have to sort out the things you leave behind. It may also be rewarding for you.

Bringing back wonderful memories.

It may be expected. It may be unexpected. We may just have exceeded our allotted time on earth.

When it happens, people - family, friends and strangers - will be left to pick up the pieces. We can help them by taking action now.

Suggestion one: Clear your life of junk.

It is sobering, and time-consuming, clearing the possessions of someone who dies. The food. The clothes. The blankets. The books, the records and tapes. The documents.

You do your best to ensure it goes to charity shops, to homeless people, to recycling. But in the end, you are overwhelmed. So clear that junk now.

Tell us your story Are you an Ageing Better Middlesbrough member? Would you like to tell your story?

We would love to hear about your experience of Ageing Better Middlesbrough, what you like to get up to or anything else you want to tell our members about.

Please call Chris on 01642 257034.

Suggestion two: Share your treasured artefacts

Ageing Better Middlesbrough • Connecting you to your community

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YOUR STORIES • FROM YOUR COMMUNITY

Photography students celebrate ageing

Congratulations to everyone at Teesside Stroke Club. They were awarded £74,000 from the National Lottery Community Fund to support more people in our area.

We joined forces with Photography students from the Northern School of Art to produce an array of powerful images as part of their project work.

The Club’s trained instructors run lots of activities including exercise sessions for people who have had a stroke.

We asked the students to create photos which tackled ageism and helped inspire people to talk more positively about getting older.

Here they are having a great time celebrating.

Students came up with their own images of both Ageing Better Middlesbrough members and their own grandparents.

Our Age Friendly Officer Anya said: “The students have done a really good job with the brief. We are really pleased with their final pieces.

“Many of our members have commented on how striking and thought provoking the images are.

They have had exactly the kind of impact we wanted.”

Hundreds of people went to see the designs, which were displayed at the Creative Factory in the Hillstreet Centre, Middlesbrough.

Jan Secker, Photography Lecturer at The Northern School of Art’s Middlesbrough campus, said: “The project with Ageing Better Middlesbrough has been an excellent opportunity for the

students to work on a live brief and get some hands-on experience in professional practice.

“The inter-generational aspect has also really benefitted them academically and personally.

Having worked hard and impressing during her time as a volunteer, she is now a fullyfledged member of staff, working one day a week for the organisation.

The role involves working with people of all ages and helping them develop their artistic skills.

Staff and regular attendees have been really pleased by the support that Zoe has offered and say she has helped build their confidence.

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“She gets us involved in all sorts of creative projects. It's really become a home from home for us now.”

Community Ventures Community Development Manager Rachel Gault said: "Since Ageing Better Middlesbrough gave us the funding, we knew we needed someone with a passion for arts and crafts.

By Ageing Better Middlesbrough Member and local historian, Ian Stubbs

"Zoe has developed her confidence and grown into the role really quickly. She inspires everyone who comes here and brings them out of their shell, so we really appreciate what she brings to the team.”

Well done Zoe, we’re really pleased you are enjoying your job!

horticulture, energy conservation, education, fair-trade, and green transport.

from maps that the ironmasters Henry Bolckow and John Vaughan also had gardens that ran from the back of their house (Cleveland Buildings) to nearly the dock itself.

Even members of the Yorkshire Agricultural Society played a part by holding the Yorkshire Show in Stewart Park, Middlesbrough in 1933.

With global warming on the agenda and the need for more trees and greenery being a concern, it's important to remember that there are many green spaces in Middlesbrough that have trees, plants and flowers.

Regular attendee Mandy, who attends to the group with her daughter Katie, said: “Zoe is brilliant and so are the sessions she puts on. It’s more than just an art group for us. It’s a lifeline.

Find out more about the sessions they run in our What’s On guide.

Blooming lovely

“They have all thoroughly enjoyed it and were very excited about their work going on show to the public.”

Inspiring Zoe lands a job This is Zoe. She started volunteering at one of the art groups our Age Friendly Fund supported at Community Ventures in Thorntree.

Stroke club celebrates funding

As I write, snowdrops are just appearing in Linthorpe Cemetery, which has now also been declared a local nature reserve. Clumps of little white flowers are also rising amongst the foliage, and it's nice to think that they are there in memory of our forefathers.

Speaking of those who have passed, Middlesbrough has always been a place in which horticulturalists played a big part on our town's history.

In the earliest days of the town, a Mr Jowsey developed a garden near the iconic dock. In the 1840s we can see

What’s more, Natures World was developed off Ladgate Lane in 1992.

This was opened by the late, great botanist David Bellamy and even visited by the Prince of Wales.

In the same year, Middlesbrough was also declared to be England’s second Environment City, following Leicester.

Fast forward to the future and to the work of Middlesbrough Environment City, which became an independent charity in 1997.

They continue to progress work in the fields of

The council also had a group of staff who carry out work on flower beds throughout the town, making stunning visual displays for people to enjoy.

Royal Coronations and other major events were also a fantastic reason for displays. Such as maritime England in 1982 which led to many stunning displays across town.

This included a newly created flower bed in Stewart Park outside the Captain Cook Birthplace Museum which was shaped like a boat.

This display won Middlesbrough the top prize in the nationwide Britain in Bloom competition as well as the status ‘Britain’s Floral City’.

Captain Cook Birthplace Museum

Ageing Better Middlesbrough • Connecting you to your community

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YOUR COMMUNITY • NOTICEBOARD

Looking a-head for help

Swing Fit sessions Fancy trying out a Swing Fit session?

Dance at your own pace in a friendly and welcoming atmosphere.

The session is held every Thursday from 7pm at St Andrews Hall, Middlesbrough, 1 Bondfield Road, Teesville, Middlesbrough. TS6 9BA.

A local charity is looking to recruit more members to help promote its work, following the success of its latest campaign.

Look-A-Head Cancer Campaign encourages people to look ahead to their future health by being aware of head and neck cancers.

La Classe de Français Pop along to the Coppice Meeting Hall in Coulby Newham every other Wednesday between 1.15pm and 3.15pm to learn basic French with tutor Linda Vermeersch.

relaxed and friendly atmosphere.

Linda, who is originally from Belgium, moved to Coulby Newham just over two and a half years ago with her partner.

“We laugh when people get it wrong and cheer when they get it right. You’re guaranteed to make friends, it's a lovely atmosphere.”

She loves bringing people together to help them learn new words and phrases using things like quizzes, songs and books, in what is a very

If you would like more information about the group, you can contact Linda on 01642 746455 or email: vermeerschl@yahoo.com

Give yourself a sporting chance

The charity aims to raise awareness of how these cancers may be prevented and the early symptoms to watch out for.

If you would like to know more, or think you could help the team develop new ideas, please contact secretary Pam Cooper on 01642 531109 or by email on: cooperpageo21@aol.com

Linthorpe Art Group

Would you like to meet new people?

Join the Linthorpe Art Group Village People, every Monday from 2pm until 4pm at Linthorpe Community Centre, 466 Linthorpe Rd, Middlesbrough, TS5 6JG. Tuition is given by Graham Canwell (BA Hons / MA in Fine Art).

The Linthorpe Community Centre in Linthorpe Village

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Local group Sporting Chance is an initiative which was set up for men over 50 who live in Middlesbrough.

The group encourages local men to get out of the house, join in with activities and have a great time doing it.

From boxercise and table tennis to aqua aerobics and cricket, there's bound to be something that takes your fancy.

For more information, contact Peter at Sporting Chance on 07958 498571 or email: paormerod@hotmail.com

Linda said: “It’s amazing how happy people are when they learn new phrases and figure things out.

Participants enjoying French food

Now that’s food for thought Sharing food together is a traditional way for people to socialise and make friends, but it's not always easy to bring communities together...until now.

Many people living alone rarely share a meal with anyone else, but an initiative from our Food and Friendship project offers people of all ages the opportunity to share community meals at special events throughout the year.

The project is a joint venture between Ageing Better Middlesbrough, Together Middlesbrough and Cleveland and Middlesbrough Environment City.

Food and Friendship Co-ordianator Julie McGee said: “Cooking and eating together helps people form new friendships and build stronger communities.

“The initiative will mean that older people will have the chance to come together with families and younger people to share food, in what will be a unique and welcoming environment.”

Ageing Better Middlesbrough • Connecting you to your community

If you are interested in getting involved with the project, coming along to meet new people, or helping with food preparation, please get in touch with Julie on 07753 328395, or email: julie.mcgee@togethermc.org

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NOW IT’S YOUR TURN ...

Janet's corned beef pasties Regular columnist and swimming sensation (from page 4) Janet has come up with another delicious recipe for you all.

This time she’s been busy making corned beef pasties, so give it a go.

They’re really easy to make.

Ingredients: 1 pound of plain flour Half pound lard Half tea spoon salt Half glass of water (approx) (The above ingredients are for rough puff pastry. Short crust pastry can be used as an alternative) Corned beef (2 or 3 tins) Bovril or Marmite (1/2 teaspoons) 4 potatoes (approx) Egg wash Salt and pepper 1/2 large onions 1. Add flour to a large mixing bowl. Cut lard in to cubes and add to flour. (do not finely mix at this point) 2. Add half a glass of water (approx) to the mixture and continue to mix.

3. Once the mixture comes together as a pastry, put flour on to your kitchen counter, place your pastry on top of this and roll it out into a large strip. Short crust pastry may be used instead of rough puff pastry.

Your memories In our last newsletter, we asked you to share your fond memories of music.

Whether it was your favourite record, or the first dance at your wedding, we wanted your feedback.

4. Fold the strip of pastry end to end and roll out again.

Repeat this process two more times, then place pastry into a dish, cover with cling film and place in the fridge to rest.

Corned beef filling: 1. Boil four potatoes in a pan with water.

2. Chop up a large onion into fine pieces and add to the boiling water. Keep a little of the onion aside. Grated carrot is also optional.

3. Once the potatoes are soft, remove them from the pan with the onion, remove water and mash it together.

Then add salt and pepper.

4. Add corned beef to the mashed potato and continue to mash together until fully mixed. If you have a food mixer, this will make the process easier. Tip: add a dessert spoon of Marmite or Bovril to the mix to give it a little something extra.

5. Add the additional diced onion to the mix.

6. Take pastry out of fridge and use pastry cutters to create the pasty mold of your choice.

7. Stuff your pasty shape with the corned beef mixture and crimp the edges with a fork to ensure the contents are properly enclosed.

8. Brush the pastry with egg wash or milk and place it into the oven for around 20 minutes, gas mark 6, until golden brown.

Some ovens may vary in time, so keep an eye on your bake throughout its time in the oven.

Title: The Yorkshire Shepherdess: How I left city life behind to raise a family and a flock.

ISBN: 9781447251781 Amanda Owen has been seen by millions on television, living a life that has almost gone in today's modern world, a life ruled by the seasons and her animals.

She is a farmer's wife and shepherdess, living alongside her husband Clive and her children at Ravenseat, a 2000 acre sheep hill farm at the head of Swaledale in North Yorkshire.

Amanda describes how a rebellious girl from Huddersfield, who always wanted to be a shepherdess, achieved her dreams.

ISBN: 9780008331993

“I remember going to see Cliff Richard in the 70s, it was one of the best times ever. I’d love to see him again.”

- Thomas from Middlesbrough.

It all begins on a Monday, when four people board an elevator in a Manhattan office tower.

“There isn’t really one particular artist, but I do remember going to the bop at my local Town Hall in the 60s. I met my husband there so I will always treasure the memories of him and the music that night.” - Susie from Linthorpe.

Authors: Lee Brosan and Brenda Hogan ISBN: 9781472140210 Depression affects thousands of people in the UK. Written by experienced practitioners, this book explains what depression is and how it makes you feel, giving the reader an understanding of the symptoms.

This title is included in the national Reading Well for Mental Health scheme, available from Middlesbrough Libraries.

Title: Elevator Pitch

Here are some of the memories you shared…

“I remember seeing Roxy Music in Middlesbrough Town Hall. I’ve always been a fan of Bryan Ferry so it was dream come true for me.” - Eileen from North Ormesby.

Title: An introduction to coping with depression

Author: Amanda Owen

Author: Linwood Barclay

For our next issue, we’d like to hear your holiday memories.

Did you go dancing in the Dominican? Maybe you soaked up the sun in Scarborough?

Email us at: info@middlesbroughandstocktonmind.org.uk or send them to us at: Your Memories, Ageing Better Middlesbrough, 90-92 Lothian Road, Middlesbrough, TS4 2QX. You can also call us on 01642 257034.

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BOOK REVIEWS

Each presses a button for their floor, but the elevator proceeds, non-stop, to the top.

Once there, it stops for a few seconds, and then plummets. Right to the bottom of the shaft.

It appears to be a horrific, random tragedy. But then, on Tuesday, it happens again, in a different Manhattan skyscraper. And when Wednesday brings yet another high-rise catastrophe - the city is plunged into chaos.

Who is behind these deadly acts of sabotage? Two seasoned New York detectives and a straight-shooting journalist must race against time to find the answers.

Thank you to Diane from Middlesbrough Libraries who sent us this month's book reviews. If you would like to recommend a book to our members, please send it in and we will do our best to feature it in the next newsletter.

If you have any book or film reviews please send them to us by calling 01642 257 034, emailing: info@ageingbettermiddlesbrough.org.uk or posting them to: Ageing Better Middlesbrough, 90-92 Lothian Road, The Mind Centre, Middlesbrough, TS4 2QX.

Ageing Better Middlesbrough • Connecting you to your community

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