Tuesday 5th May 2020 – Day Forty Three


Amber is on duty today, she can be contacted on 0751 360 5766


Good morning everyone – hope your night was a good one

I read this quote last night, which really resonated with me. When life gets back to ‘normal,’ do you want to go back to being exactly the same? Or would you like to come out the other side, a changed person, a little better, healthier, wiser?

Reflect on this quote from author Haruki Murakami: 

“And once the storm is over, you won’t remember how you made it through, how you managed to survive. You won’t even be sure, whether the storm is really over. But one thing is certain. When you come out of the storm, you won’t be the same person who walked in. That’s what this storm’s all about.”


Today marks 43 days of Lockdown – wow can you believe it. For me the time has gone fast, but for many this period has been a very difficult time. To support you through this period we can offer the following:

  • Regular phone call (even daily)
  • Support with shopping
  • Free Food Parcel
  • Zoom activities
  • Signposting you to advice (benefits, IT problems, health related)

Please get in touch if you need help!


 

What can I share with you today?

 


 

FOOD / SHOPPING

Foodbank – this service has begun in earnest, Phil and his volunteers are now getting FREE food parcels to residents in the local area. We are flexible with regards to who we can help. If you fit the following criteria, please contact us:

  • Self Isolation due to symptoms
  • Isolation due to vulnerable or shielded status
  • Income reduction because of lockdown & crisis measures
  • Income reduction while waiting for benefits to arrive
  • Homeless

Go to Registration Form

 


 

Phil (7Dials Club) has received a large shipment of ready meals. 

  • Shepherds Pies From “The Ivy” Use by date 6/5
  • Mac & Cheese from “Bills” Use by date 6/5

If you would like a couple of ready meals (Free) – then please contact Phil to reserve.

Please be aware that they must be collected tomorrow at 12pm.

 


 

From Nicky:

Soho News: Jimmy is running his Berwick St stall from the shed at the end of Peter St 8am to 11am. Punjab top of Neal St  by Shaftesbury Ave doing take away 5pm to 9pm. Watsons Chemist has moved to 72 Charing Cross Road.

 


 

From Chris T:

A simple recipe with only 3 ingredients!

  • 1 large egg,
  • 1 cup of sugar,
  • 1 cup of peanut butter

* Preheat an oven to 170 *

Mix all the ingredients in a bowl and take tablespoon size of the mixture onto a baking tray and flatten with a fork * Bake for 18-20 minutes and cool on a wire rack *

A delicious sweet treat.

 


 

ART & CULTURE

StorytellingFrom Janet:

World Storytelling Cafe.
With your support they hope to develop a community, our place to hang out, relax, meet friends old and new, and most importantly listen to some of the best storytellers in the world.

Here’s the Link


 

Film FestivalFrom Theresa:

Hundred Heroines.
Online Film Festival – a weekly programme of films made by, or about women. The new programme is out every Thursday at 6pm.

Here’s the Link


 

Gallery ClosedFrom David:

BBC iPlayer – Museums in Quarantine.
Art historian Dr Janina Ramirez has lovingly paced the galleries of the British Museum since she was a child. Now, as the museum’s incomparable collections lie shuttered during the lockdown, she has been given permission to curate a highly personal selection of some of her favourites amongst its many treasures and to guide us on her very own virtual tour of its silent, empty galleries.

Here’s the Link


 

From John:

Writing Group
Dragon Hall is teaming up with Queen’s Gallery to set up a writing group. Lynda from the Royal Collection Trust is coordinating this. Lynda will share regular prompts and if you wish to join just write and forward to me and I will make sure Lynda gets your contribution. If proven successful, perhaps we could then meet online in the future.

This week’s topic is “A Walk in the Park”

Download information sheet and then use these creative prompts:

  • After studying the painting carefully place yourself in the painting, close your eyes and consider how many snatches of conversation you can hear. You overhear one conversation that interests and intrigues you. It could be the start of a story or a play.

  • Choose two contrasting characters and write a detailed character description of them and give them a back story.  Their paths are about to cross and following this short encounter their lives will be changed forever.


 

HEALTH

Chris T:

Interesting article: Walking is better exercise than going to the gym – how to boost your workout.
Many of us are limited to walking at the moment with gyms closed. The good news? It is great exercise, may well be the solution to lockdown blues, a way to lose weight and be smarter, according to scientific research

Here’s the Link

 


 

From Steve S:

5-Minute Meditation You Can Do Anywhere.
In just 5 minutes you can reset your day in a positive way.

 


 

From John:

This is Augusto Pardo-Pérez. He does classes for Claremont but now has started a youtube channel, give him a like it’s difficult times for self-employed these days.

 


 

INFORMATION

Our second Queen’s Gallery Workshop will take place this Thursday.

Join Dawn as she examines a selection of portraits of Queen Elizabeth II so participants may consider posture, pose and symbolism in order to create their photographic records of themselves in Spring 2020.

Download pdf

 


 

From Alan:

Create to Connect.
In times like these, we recognise the importance of bringing people together, and know lots of you won’t be able to meet up in the same way as before. Create to Connect is a response to the impact of Covid-19 – an invitation to get creative at home and with others in your community – and see what happens along the way.

They  will be hosting a month of daily creative challenges in May. This will be in collaboration with 31 different partners – including schools, libraries, workplaces, hospitals, community centres and more! This month of challenges is specifically designed to boost wellbeing and keep communities connected, curious and creative in uncertain times.

Here’s the Link

 


 

FUNNY SIDE OF LIFE

From Jerry who asks: What is your favourite “Doctor, Doctor” Joke?

Patient – Doctor, doctor, I feel like a bell.

Doctor – Take these pills, and if they don’t help, give me a ring.

 


 

From Jean:

“…..- Wearing a mask inside your home is now highly recommended. Not so much to prevent COVID-19 but to stop eating….”

 


 

That’s all for now!

You can contact me on 07759 646507 in case of an emergency

Be safe

John