carers notes by The Daily Sparkle

The Daily Sparkle • Carer’s Notes

The Daily Sparkle Carer’s Notes

17 - 23 Jan 2011

The Reminiscence Newspaper • 4th - 10th April 2011 Each week, our writers Mary and Jack, bring their memories and reminiscences to life, in a variety of columns that are written especially for your residents. Use these pages to encourage your residents to relive their own memories. Ask questions, listen, reassure. Acknowledge each person’s contribution, as this is a great opportunity to give quiet people a chance to express themselves.

Monday April 4th, 2011 PAGE 1 • TODAY IN HISTORY • through the years • 4th April 1964 Background: The Beatles took the world by storm. They were so popular that at this point

in 1964 the band’s singles occupied the top 5 spots in the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Their first film, A Hard Day’s Night was released that year too. Questions: Were you a Beatles fan? Which of their records was your favourite? Did you buy records when you were young? What was the first record you bought?

PAGE 1 • THE WAY WE WERE • from Mary’s point of view From Here to Eternity Background: This film was made in 1953 with popular actors like Montgomery Clift, Burt

Lancaster and Frank Sinatra in starring roles. The female leads were Deborah Kerr and Donna Reed. The film won 8 Academy Awards. Questions: Have you seen the film From Here to Eternity? Did you enjoy it? Where did you see it? Who did you see it with? Did you see Deborah Kerr in any other films? What was your favourite film? Did you and your husband/wife like the same films?

PAGE 2 • DO YOU REMEMBER? • from Jack’s point of view Larry Adler Background: Larry Adler was born in America but he made his home in the UK. He was a

self-taught musician. The harmonica was not taken seriously as a musical instrument for classical music, until Larry Adler demonstrated what it could do. He had music written for him by well respected classical composers. Questions: Do you like Larry Adler’s music? Do you like the sound of the harmonica? When you were young, did you call it a ‘harmonica’ or a ‘mouth organ’?

PAGE 2 • OVER TO YOU • Readers’ Letters Ties Background: Ties have been an essential item for men for formal wear, for years. Their

purpose is purely decorative. Fashions have changed over the years, and ties have varied in width and fabric (remember knitted ties?). Sometimes they have been dull and discreet, sometimes they have been bright and colourful. Questions: Do you like ties? Did the men in your family wear colourful ties? Did they ever wear cravats or bow-ties? Did any of your friends or family wear knitted ties?

The Daily Sparkle • Carer’s Notes

The Daily Sparkle Carer’s Notes

17 - 23 Jan 2011

Tuesday April 5th 2011 PAGE 1 • TODAY IN HISTORY • through the years • 5th April 1976 Background: Howard Hughes was 70 when he died. Although he had amassed a fortune

when he was younger, he had spent the last 20 years or so of his life as a recluse. He lived mainly in suites of rooms in expensive hotels. Questions: Do you remember reading about Howard Hughes? How do you think he might have spent his time? Have you seen any pictures of him when he was involved with film making?

PAGE 1 • THE WAY WE WERE • from Mary’s point of view Gleem toothpaste Background: Lots of products in the 1950s and early 60s made pseudo-scientific claims for

all sorts of products. Before the Trade Descriptions Act manufacturers did not have to list the ingredients in their products or back up their claims. This advert is interesting too because it shows the actress Tippi Hedron biting into a burger in a way that few stars would allow themselves to be shown doing nowadays. Questions: Do you remember Gleem toothpaste? What did it taste like? What do you think GL-70 was? Was Gleem as good as the adverts claimed? Were adverts more persuasive when they showed film stars using the products?

PAGE 2 • DO YOU REMEMBER? • from Jack’s point of view The Cruel Sea Background: Nicholas Montserrat wrote his novel The Cruel Sea in 1951. It follows the

lives of Royal Navy sailors fighting the Battle of the Atlantic during the Second World War. They were ordinary men learning to fight and survive against the harsh elements as well as the Germans. Questions: Have you read The Cruel Sea? Did you enjoy it? Have you ever been out on a rough sea? Have you ever been out in a boat in really cold weather? What did it feel like? What sort of clothing did you wear?

PAGE 2 • OVER TO YOU • Readers’ Letters Horse-‐hair furniture Background: Horse-hair is fabric woven, using cotton (or nowadays polyester) threads for

the warp, and horse hair for the weft. Since the weft was made from horses tail hair, it was never more than about 28 inches wide. Questions: Have you ever had any horse-hair furniture. What did it feel like? Who bought it? What was the most comfortable chair in your household like? Did it have cushions on it?

PAGE 3 • QUIZ • Animals PAGE 3 • SINGALONG • The Animals Went in Two by Two

The Daily Sparkle • Carer’s Notes

The Daily Sparkle Carer’s Notes

17 - 23 Jan 2011

Wednesday April 6th, 2011 PAGE 1 • TODAY IN HISTORY • through the years • 6th April 1968 Background: Race riots broke out in the USA after the black leader and Civil Rights

activists Martin Luther King was shot. They began in Washington, but soon spread to other cities across America. Questions: Did you know about the race riots in America when they took place? Have you ever seen any film footage of Martin Luther King? Have you ever heard his speech that starts “I have a dream...”?

PAGE 1 • THE WAY WE WERE • from Mary’s point of view Barbara Goalen Background: In the early 1950s, women’s fashions became luxurious and interesting.

Dior’s New Look emphasised the waist and used yards of fabric in full skirts. It was such a contrast to the make-do-and-mend and sparing use of fabrics necessary during the war years. Barbara Goalen was one of the top models of the day. Questions: Do you recognise Barbara Goalen from old magazines? Did you like the fashions of the 1950s? What was the first “best dress’ you can remember? Can you remember any other models from the 1950s or 60s? Whose style or look did you like?

PAGE 2 • DO YOU REMEMBER? • from Jack’s point of view African Queen Background: This film was made in 1951, based on a novel written in 1935 by

C.S.Forrester. The African Queen itself was a boat. Katherine Hepburn played the part of a missionary who was rescued by the captain of the boat when her missionary brother died of fever. Their adventures in the boat were exciting not least because of the romance between this unlikely couple. Questions: Did you see the African Queen? Did you like it? Were you a fan of Katherine Hepburn and Humphrey Bogart? Did you see any other films with either of them in it?

PAGE 2 • OVER TO YOU • Readers’ Letters Television Background: Lots of households didn’t have a television until the end of the 1950s or early

60s, but they would have been familiar with the idea and probably seen programmes on television when visiting friends or family. In the 1930s and 40s, the idea of having moving talking pictures to watch in your own living room would have seemed very far-fetched and unlikely. On the other hand, screens were so tiny, and often had a slightly yellowish tinge to them. Films shown at the cinema showed a lot more detail than the programmes on television. Questions: When did you first have a television? What were your favourite programmes? What did your TV look like? Where did you get it from? How long did you have it?

PAGE 3 • QUIZ • Films PAGE 3 • SINGALONG • Won’t You Come Home Bill Bailey

The Daily Sparkle • Carer’s Notes

The Daily Sparkle Carer’s Notes

17 - 23 Jan 2011

Thursday April 7th, 2011 PAGE 1 • TODAY IN HISTORY • through the years • 7th April 1976 Background: John Stonehouse’s departure from the Labour Party left an embarrassingly

small majority of only one for the new Prime Minister James Callaghan. John Stonehouse’s attempt to disappear by faking his own death, was parodied later in the comedy series about Reggie Perrin. Questions: Do you remember the scandal about John Stonehouse? What did people say when it was discovered that he had faked his own death? Do you think it is important to have trustworthy Members of Parliament?

PAGE 1 • THE WAY WE WERE • from Mary’s point of view Wine Biscuits Background: Wine biscuits were served with wine rather than made with wine. They were

small, sweet and crisp, sometimes flavoured with caraway seeds or grated orange rind. Questions: Have you got a favourite biscuit recipe? What was in it? What gave them their flavour? What was the texture like? Were they crisp when they came out of the oven? What did you cool them on? Did you use caraway seeds in anything? Did you like them?

PAGE 2 • DO YOU REMEMBER? • from Jack’s point of view Identity Cards Background: Lots of people disliked the fact that ID cards were kept on after the Second

World War. It was regarded as bureaucratic and intrusive. The scheme did however provide the basis for registering people for the new National Health Service in 1948. Questions: Did you ever have to carry an ID card? Did you ever lose it? Where did you keep it? What did you do with when ID cards were scrapped in 1952?

PAGE 2 • OVER TO YOU • Readers’ Letters Fabrics Background: It was much cheaper to make clothes in the 50s and 60s than it is now. The

cost not only of fabrics, but all the other necessities to make clothes, have gone up in price. Conversely, a lot of clothing is imported, and because labour costs in some of the countries that produce them are very low, it is cheaper now to buy than to make. Less demand has meant less availability and choice of fabrics. Very few shops nowadays sell fabrics. Questions: Did you buy dress fabrics? Where did you buy it from? What sort of length did you need to make a dress or a shirt? What sort of items did you make? What other things did you need? [Buttons, zips, thread etc]

PAGE 3 • QUIZ • True or False PAGE 3 • SINGALONG • All The Nice Girls Love a Sailor

The Daily Sparkle • Carer’s Notes

The Daily Sparkle Carer’s Notes

17 - 23 Jan 2011

Friday April 8th, 2011 PAGE 1 • TODAY IN HISTORY • through the years • 8th April 1953 Background: Jomo Kenyatta was committed to the cause - independence for Kenya - and

led the terrorist Mau Mau movement. When Kenya did eventually become independent in 1964 he became the country’s first Prime Minister. Questions: Do you remember reading about or hearing about Jomo Kenyatta’s imprisonment? What was the old name for Kenya [British East Africa] Do you know any other old names for African countries, or leaders?

PAGE 1 • THE WAY WE WERE • from Mary’s point of view Lancaster Cloth Background: Kitchens are much easier to clean these days with all the synthetic surfaces

used for work-tops, shelves and cupboards. There were various products available in earlier years that provided a waterproof cover for tables and shelves. Oilcloth preceded Fablon and other stick-on products. Questions: What were the surfaces in your first kitchen made of? What did you clean them with? What did you do to make them easier to clean? How did you stop shelves getting stained or sticky where food was stored?

PAGE 2 • DO YOU REMEMBER? • from Jack’s point of view Annigoni portrait of the Queen Background: This was one of the earliest portraits to be painted after Princess Elizabeth

became Queen Elizabeth II. It is a conservative interpretation compared with some of the portraits that have been painted more recently, that are less formal. The Queen is shown wearing a long velvet cloak. Questions: Do you like this portrait of the Queen? Do you think her expression is stern, sad, thoughtful or serene? Do you like traditional portraits? How do you think the Queen’s picture would have looked if she had been painted by Picasso?

PAGE 2 • OVER TO YOU • Readers’ Letters Chintz Background: Chintz is calico, a cotton fabric, printed with designs of plants and birds and

natural subjects. It originated in India where it was printed with carved wood blocks.It was very popular in the UK and in France, both for household draperies and furnishings, as well as for clothes. Sometimes the word ‘chintzy’ is used to mean rather old-fashioned and too flowery, but in fact chintz has never gone completely out of fashion, even if the patterns and styles have been modified from time to time. Questions: Do you like chintz? Did you have anything made of chintz in your household? What was it? Where did you get it? What was the predominant colour? Did you and your husband or wife agree on colour schemes and styles of home furnishing?

PAGE 3 • QUIZ • Famous pairs PAGE 3 • SINGALONG • We’ll Keep a Welcome in the Hillside

(Goodness knows what ‘hiraeth’ is. If anyone with Welsh connections knows please write in and tell the Sparkles team!) Copyright © 2011, Everyday Miracles Ltd. All rights reserved. www.dailysparkle.co.uk • 4 - 10 April 2011 • Page 5

The Daily Sparkle • Carer’s Notes

The Daily Sparkle Carer’s Notes

17 - 23 Jan 2011

Saturday April 9th, 2011 PAGE 1 • TODAY IN HISTORY • through the years • 9th April 1969 Background: There had been a big influx of immigrants during the 1960s. People from the

West Indies, Caribbean, and the Asian sub-continent were encouraged to come to Britain, where the labour force needed extra people. Many of the newcomers had been brought up in Commonwealth countries where the UK was regarded with respect and affection as the Mother Country. It was important to people that they should be able to continue to carry out the practices that were vital to their faith or culture, but it was sometimes difficult to reconcile aspects of ‘difference’. Questions: Do you remember the fuss made about wearing turbans? How important is it to wear uniforms for certain jobs? Were there many immigrants in the towns and cities near where you grew up? What do you think they thought of the UK?

PAGE 1 • THE WAY WE WERE • from Mary’s point of view West Side Story Background: This new musical took the story of Romeo and Juliet and set it in New York.

It contained famous numbers like Something’s Coming, Maria, America, Tonight, Gee Officer Krupke. It ran for 732 performances in the original Broadway production. Questions: Have you seen the film of West Side Story? Have you ever seen it performed on stage? Did you like it? Have you ever seen a production of Romeo and Juliet? How similar were they? Do you prefer musicals or straight plays?

PAGE 2 • DO YOU REMEMBER? • from Jack’s point of view Diana Dors Background: Diana Dors was born in Swindon. Her real name was Diana Mary Fluck. In

her autobiography she said that maybe it was suggested that she should change her name - if her name was up in lights and one of the bulbs blew! She attended the London Academy of Music and Drama, and had a contract with Rank by the age of 16. Questions: Do you remember Diana Dors? Did you like her? Did you see her in any films? Which ones? Do you think Diana Dors was a good stage name? If you were choosing a stage name for yourself what would it be?

PAGE 2 • OVER TO YOU • Readers’ Letters Sliced bread Background: Centuries ago all bread would have been made at home, but eventually it

was made and sold commercially. Wrapped bread was promoted as hygienic, and to have bread ready-sliced was another so-called improvement. Questions: Do you prefer sliced bread or bread that you slice yourself? When you were cutting bread at home did you cut it downwards, or horizontally? Did you butter it before you sliced it? Did anyone in your family like the crusts? What was it supposed to do for you if you ate the crusts? [Make your hair curl]

The Daily Sparkle • Carer’s Notes

The Daily Sparkle Carer’s Notes

17 - 23 Jan 2011

Sunday April 10th, 2011 PAGE 1 • TODAY IN HISTORY • through the years • 10th April 1968 Background: The New Zealand ferry disaster, sometimes called the Wahine disaster,

happened when the ship was battered and de-stabilised in a very bad storm. Although it capsized and sank in the harbour, the conditions were so rough that many people drowned. Questions: Do you remember this event? Do you know anyone who lives in New Zealand? How did you stay in touch with them? Have you ever wanted to live in another country? Which country would you have wanted to live in?

PAGE 1 • THE WAY WE WERE • from Mary’s point of view Pea Pod soup Background: This is an old recipe to avoid wasting anything edible. The flavour of a pea-

pod is pretty much the same as the flavour of the peas inside, but they can be stringy and a bit tough. Boiling them with stock allows the flavour to be used but the fibrous stringy bits can be discarded. Questions: Have you ever had pea-pod soup? What was it like? What is the strangest kind of soup you have ever had? Where did you have it? Did you like it? What kind of soups did your family like best?

PAGE 2 • DO YOU REMEMBER? • from Jack’s point of view The Mousetrap Background: This turned out to be the longest running play or show ever. It was a murder

mystery with an unexpected twist in the plot. At the end of each performance, the audience is asked not to reveal what happened so that it doesn’t spoil it for anyone who might see it in the future. Questions: Have you seen The Mousetrap? Did you enjoy it? Were you able to guess who was the murderer? Have you read any of Agatha Christie’s books? Which ones? What kind of books did you choose to read on holiday or on a long train journey?

PAGE 2 • OVER TO YOU • Readers’ Letters Models Background: The writer refers to an earlier article about Barbara Goalen. Lots of people

copied the styles they saw modelled in magazines. More people made their own clothes in the 1950s. The letter also refers to Jean Shrimpton who was the top model a decade later. Questions: Do you remember Barbara Goalen and Jean Shrimpton? In what ways were they different? Did you ever try to copy the clothes you saw in magazines? What was your favourite style from the 1950s? What colours were fashionable then?

PAGE 3 • QUIZ • Hobbies and Pastimes PAGE 3 • SINGALONG • You Made Me Love You