HC One Weekly Sparkle by The Daily Sparkle

The Ashton Grange Weekly Sparkle

The Reminiscence and Activities Newspaper

TODAY IN HISTORY

December 5th is Saint Nicholas Eve, celebrated in many countries throughout the world in honour of Saint Nicholas. He was known as Nikolaos of Myra, and sometimes as Nikolaos the Wonderworker. He had a reputation for giving secret gifts. This is the reason he has become part of the tradition of Christmas, and a model for Santa Claus. As well as his associations with Christmas customs, Saint Nicholas is the Patron Saint of sailors, merchants, archers, thieves, children and students.

5th - 11th December 2011

TODAY IN HISTORY

On 6th December 1963, Christine Keeler sobbed in court when she received a jail sentence of nine months for perjury. She was a young model and call-girl, involved in the scandal that became known as ‘The Profumo Affair’. She admitted lying about two men hiding in her bedroom when an exboyfriend assaulted her. Christine keeler had an affair with politician John Profumo, who was Secretary of State for War. The scandal arose because she was reputed to be involved with a drug dealer and a Russian from the Soviet Embassy at the same time.

TODAY IN HISTORY

On 7th December 1783, William Pitt was made Prime Minister and Chancellor of the Exchequer. That was quite a task for a young man of 24 to take on! He replaced the Duke of Portland who had been dismissed after only eight months in office.

On 8th December 1925, Sammy Davis Junior was born in New York. His parents were dancers and vaudeville performers so show business was in his blood. His parents separated when Sammy was quite small, and he went on tour with his father. He learned tap dancing and became a performer in The Will Mastin Trio.

William Pitt was already acknowledged to be one of the finest speakers and most capable statesman of his day. The King and the public supported him. However, he faced jealousy and hostility from a large number of the older Members of Parliament.

A serious car accident in the 1950s resulted in Sammy Davis losing an eye. It didn’t cut his career short though, because he went on to make films and musicals and appear on television.

TODAY IN HISTORY

December 9th is Anna’s Day. It is a Swedish name day, celebrating all the women and girls called Anna. It marks the day to start the preparation process of Lutefisk, a traditional dish eaten on Christmas Eve. It is made of dried fish, usually cod, soaked in lye and covered in salt. The process of soaking and rinsing is repeated over many days. It gives off a very strong and pungent smell.

On 10th December 1901, the First Nobel Prize was awarded. Nobel Prizes are annual international awards chosen and presented for cultural and scientific advances. The Prize was set up by the Will of a Swedish chemist, Alfred Nobel. He made a fortune during his lifetime, mainly from 355 inventions. The one he is most well known for is dynamite.

Anna’s Day may have some association with Saint Anne, the mother of the Virgin Mary, mother of Jesus. The Feast of the Immaculate Conception is 9 months before her birthday.

Nobel had a link with Scotland. The British Dynamite Company, advised by Nobel, built their first factory at Ardeer in Ayrshire. Nobel himself made the first batch of nitro-glycerine there.

TODAY IN HISTORY

THE WAY WE WERE

On 11th December 1936, the United Kingdom was shocked by the announcement that King Edward VIII had abdicated after less than a year on the throne. He ended months of rumour and controversy when he made a radio broadcast from Windsor Castle. He told the nation that he found it impossible to carry out his responsibilities and duties as King without the woman he loved by his side.

Beetroot seems to be one of those vegetables you either love or hate! I really like it. It has an ‘earthy’ taste that reminds you where root vegetables come from. In my days as a young housewife I only ever boiled beetroot. We ate it freshly cooked, cold, with salad. The first time I cooked it, I peeled the beets and cut the tops off. All the colour came out and they turned a nasty shade of brown. (I know better now.)

The woman, was an American divorcee, Wallis Simpson. Prime Minister Stanley Baldwin said he had to choose the throne or Mrs Simpson, Edward chose Mrs Simpson.

I found a recipe for beetroot soup. It comes from Russia where they call it ‘Borscht’. It’s delicious - unless you hate beetroot!

THE WAY WE WERE

Babies’ prams and pushchairs are complicated contraptions nowadays, don’t you think? When my girls were babies, not many young parents had cars. A pram needed to be sturdy and weatherproof and it got a lot of use. We had a big Silver Cross ‘coach built’ pram. If it had had a trip recorder to measure the mileage we did with it, it would have been amazing!

We always used to complain about root vegetables when we had them in school dinners. Once I was grown up I really liked the swedes and turnips and winter vegetables that I had once turned my nose up at. Especially parsnips.

Prams were beautifully made in those days. Posh people referred to them as “baby carriages”. The suspension was very good, with big leather straps fixed to springs.

Parsnips seem to go with so many things. Roast with a joint of pork, or mashed with butter - delicious. I used to make a smooth and creamy parsnip soup. It was even better if you added a bit of cumin or other hot spice to it. The ‘kick’ took you by surprise, but it was good for warming you up on a cold day.

DO YOU REMEMBER?

With 25 wins in 72 Grand Prix races, Scotsman Jim Clark is a motor racing legend – and for many he’s the best Grand Prix driver ever. I only saw him race once when Uncle Fred took me to the 1958 Brands Hatch Boxing Day meeting as a Christmas present.

I loved fruit Spangles from the time they first arrived in the sweet shops around 1950 – but Ma kept a strict watch on my consumption of them. As far as she was concerned, sucking one for as long as I did was bad for my teeth! Other flavours were added to the range later but I never took to them – I was true to the ‘real’ Spangles.

Uncle Fred was a fan of Lotus cars and was there to see Colin Chapman, the owner of Lotus, race. Perhaps taking me stopped Aunt Ellen moaning about him going out on Boxing Day! Anyway, I decided to support another driver of a Lotus – Jim Clark. Chapman won the race, Jim came 2nd. The next year he raced at Le Mans, the world took note, and I was hooked.

Chris, our eldest used to see me eating them and wanted ‘daddy’s’ sweets from a young age. How could I refuse him such delicious joy? Betty followed suit but, before she got hooked on them, they came off the market. One minute they were there – next minute they were gone. Sad.

DO YOU REMEMBER?

Back in 1956 Britain’s Egg Marketing Board introduced a little Lion logo that was stamped on eggs as a mark of quality. It got lots of publicity in a series of TV ads featuring Tony Hancock using the slogan "Go to work on an Egg” I don’t think any of us in our house took the slightest bit of notice of this. To us, eggs were a staple food, dished up most days of the year in a variety of fashions. Ma presented eggs that were fried, coddled, scrambled, boiled or poached. She used to store eggs in a bucket. She laid them pointy side up and poured Isinglass over them, repeating the process until the bucket was full. They lasted for months.

OVER TO YOU

Dear Mary and Jimmy I used to like this time of year because during December my sister and I used to be invited to dances. In the summer, people were too busy with picnics or tennis parties and no-one went to dances much. The dance halls were much more romantic looking in the dark too. It was lovely to step out into a sharp cold night to look at the stars. A boy had to put his arm round you just to keep you warm! If he walked you home, he had to take your arm just to help you avoid the puddles. I remember those days well! Best wishes from Cynthia

OVER TO YOU

IN THE NEWS QUIZ Name the headline-makers shown in the pictures. 1. She fought for women’s right to vote

Have you ever stopped to think what a useful commodity beeswax is? I recently bought some beeswax polish. I had a very interesting chat with the man in the shop, who told me all sorts of interesting facts about bees. Apparently the bees feed up with honey or sugar syrup and then huddle together to raise their temperature. It takes about ten pounds of honey for this huddle of bees to produce one pound of wax. No wonder it has a lovely honey smell to it. Best wishes from Maureen

3. He is honoured as The Father of the Indian Nation 4. First woman Prime Minister of India

ANSWERS 1. Emmeline Pankhurst 2. Yuri Gagarin 3. Mahatma Gandhi 4. Indira Gandhi

Dear Mary and Jimmy

2. He was the world’s first astronaut.

GENERAL KNOWLEDGE QUIZ 1. In a suit of armour what part of the body was protected by the visor? (a) face (b) chest (c) legs 2. What is a poinsettia? (a) a fruit (b) a flower (c) a tree 3. Of which Mediterranean island is Valletta the capital? (a) Sicily (b) Malta (c) Ibiza

CHRISTMAS SONGS QUIZ Supply the next line of these Christmas songs: 1. On the first day of Christmas my true love sent to me ---2. I’m dreaming of a white Christmas ---3. The holly and the ivy ---4. Jingle bells, jingle bells ----

5. Which common garden bird is jet black with a yellow bill? (a) crow (b) song thrush (c) male blackbird

ANSWERS

6. God rest you Merry Gentlemen ----

ANSWERS 1. A partridge in a pear tree. 2. Just like the ones I used to know 3. When they are both full grown 4. Jingle all the way 5. Had a very shiny nose 6. Let nothing you dismay

4. On which children’s book is the play Toad of toad Hall based? (a) The Wind in the Willows (b) Alice in Wonderland (c) The House At Pooh Corner

5. Rudolph the red nosed reindeer ----

1. Face 2. A flower 3. Malta 4. The Wind in the Willows 5. Male blackbird

SINGALONG

I could have danced all ----! I could have ---- all night! And still have begged for ----. I could have spread my ---And done a thousand ---I've ---- done before. I'll never know ---- made it so exciting; Why all at once my ---- took flight. I only know when ---Began to dance with me I could have danced, danced, danced all night!

By the - - - - Of the silvery - - - -, I want to spoon, To my honey I'll - - - - Love's - - - -. Honey moon, Keep a-shinin' in - - - - . Your silv'ry - - - - Will bring love's - - - - - -, We'll be cuddlin' - - - -, - - the silvery moon.

ANSWERS 1. light 4. tune 7. dreams

2. moon 5. June 8. soon

ANSWERS 3. croon 6. beams 9. by

1. night 4. wings 7. what

2. danced 5. things 8. heart

3. more 6. never 9. he

The Weekly Sparkle Carer’s Notes

The Weekly Sparkle • The Reminiscence Newspaper • Carer’s Notes • 5th-11th December 2011

The Reminiscence and Activities Newspaper

5th-11th December 2011

Each week, our writers Mary and Jimmy, 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.

"__________________________________ TODAY"IN"HISTORY"•"through the years

PAGE"1"•"TODAY"IN"HISTORY"•"through the years •"5th"December"each"year St"Nicholas"Eve Background: Saint Nicholas is an important figure in Christmas traditions in many

countries. He is associated with the giving of gifts. Different countries and cultures celebrate Christmas on different days in different ways but St Nicholas features in many stories and customs. Questions: Had you heard of Saint Nicholas? Do you prefer the name Santa Claus (from St Nicholas) or Father Christmas? Do you know of any other patron saints?

PAGE"1"•"TODAY"IN"HISTORY"•"through the years •"6th"December"1963 Christine"Keeler"jailed Background: Christine Keeler was jailed after getting involved with various society

figures and politicians. She and Mandy Rice Davis were featured in the press and media because their story was titillating but there doesn’t seem to have been any evidence that they were involved in passing on secrets. Questions: Do you remember seeing press coverage about Christine Keeler and the Profumo affair? Do you think the press should print more or less of this kind of story? How do you think newspapers in the 1960s compare with newspapers today?

PAGE"2"•"TODAY"IN"HISTORY"•"through the years •"7th"December"1783 William"Pitt" Background: William Pitt the Younger, so-called because his father was also called

William, became Prime Minister on 7 December 1783 at the age of 24. He held the post for 17 years. Questions: What age do you think is the best age to become Prime Minister? What do you think of women Prime Ministers? Who do you think has been the best Prime Minister of the UK?

• Page

The Weekly Sparkle • The Reminiscence Newspaper • Carer’s Notes • 5th-11th December 2011

PAGE"2"•"TODAY"IN"HISTORY"•"through the years •"8th"December"1925 Sammy"Davis"Junior Background: Sammy Davis Jnr was a well known singer and dancer who starred in

various films and musicals. He was also one of Sinatra’s gang of friends often referred to as The Rat Pack. Questions: Do you like Sammy Davis’s style of singing? What is your favourite of his songs? Did you ever learn to tap dance? Who taught you?

PAGE"3"•"TODAY"IN"HISTORY"•"through the years •"9th"December"each"year Annas’"Day Background: Anna is a popular name in many countries. In Sweden every day of the year

is a ‘name day’. Anna’s Day may have been chosen because it is associated with Saint Anne, mother of the Virgin Mary. Questions: Do you know anyone called Anna? Do you like the name? What do you think of the custom for having ‘name days’? How did you choose names for your children? Do you like your own name?

PAGE"3"•"TODAY"IN"HISTORY•"through the years •"10th"December"1901 First"Nobel"Prize Background: One of the first recipients of the Nobel Prize was Wilhelm Rontgen for his

work on X-Rays. Marie Curie was one of only 4 people to be awarded the Nobel Prize twice. Questions: Which inventions do you think have had the biggest impact on people and their lives? If you could award a prize to someone famous, who would you choose? Why do you think they deserve recognition? Which of your friends would you choose to win a prize?

PAGE"4"•"TODAY"IN"HISTORY"•"through the years •"11th"December"1936 Abdication"of"King"Edward Background: The Abdication shocked the nation, despite the fact that Edward VIII had a

reputation as a womaniser, and rumours had been rife ever since he started a relationship with Wallis Simpson. His younger brother who was a shy and less confident man was thrust into the position of King. Questions: Do you remember the Abdication broadcast and the media coverage it received? Do you think it was a good decision or a bad decision? How do you think Edward’s younger brother felt when he knew he had to become King?

! ______________________________________________________

THE"WAY"WE"WERE"•"from Mary’s point of view

• Page

The Weekly Sparkle • The Reminiscence Newspaper • Carer’s Notes • 5th-11th December 2011

PAGE"4"•"Beetroot"soup Background: Beetroot soup is a Russian and Hungarian speciality. Beetroot is becoming

fashionable again. Questions: Do you like beetroot? Have you ever grown it? What does it taste like? What is the texture like? What did it do to your hands when you prepared it? How do you get beetroot stains out of tablecloths?

PAGE"5"•"Babies’"prams Background: Babies prams (or baby carriages, baby coaches) used to be sturdy and big

compared with today’s convertible pushchair carrycot combinations. They were built to give a comfortable ride, and babies were often put outside in the pram to sleep, in the garden, even in winter. Coach-built prams were not designed to take apart or fit in a car. Questions: What sort of pram did you have when you were a baby? What sort of pram did you have for your children? Where did you put the shopping? What were twin prams like?

PAGE"5"•"Spiced"parsnips Background: Root vegetables are readily available in the winter months. Parsnips have a

distinctive taste and lend themselves to being combined with spices like cumin or black pepper, in soups and stews. They can be cooked sliced like carrots or boiled and mashed. Questions: Do you like parsnips? How do you like them to be cooked and served? What would you mix with mashed parsnips? What other root vegetables do you like? !

!________________________________________________________

DO"YOU"REMEMBER?"•"from Jimmy’s point of view PAGE"6"•"Jim"Clark Background: To many, Jim Clark remains the greatest Grand Prix racing driver in history -

winning 25 of his 72 races. He had a fantastic ability to get the maximum out of any car he drove, without appearing to be trying hard. Jim appeared to have trouble appreciating just how great his talent was. He raced in an era when chivalry was an intrinsic part of the game and television interviews and millions of pounds in pay were far in the distance. Questions: Do you like motor racing? Have you ever been watch races? Do you remember Jim Clark? Do you have a favourite driver? Who is he or she?

PAGE"6"•"Spangles Background: Spangles were fruity boiled sweets that first appeared in 1950. They were

square shaped with rounded corners and a dimple in the middle. The art of eating a Spangle was to suck a hole in the middle while keeping the outside intact to the last possible moment. Later they introduced other flavours but the fruity ones were the ‘real’ Spangles. Questions: What were your favourite sweets as a child? Can you remember Spangles? Did you like them? What sorts of sweets do you like now?

• Page

The Weekly Sparkle • The Reminiscence Newspaper • Carer’s Notes • 5th-11th December 2011

PAGE"7"•"A"little"lion"on"every"egg Background: The idea behind this campaign was that having an egg for breakfast was the

best way to start the working day. Not everyone had access to fresh eggs every day so many stored them using ‘Isinglass’ (Sodium silicate). It seals the shells so that bacteria which cause the eggs to spoil are kept out and water is kept in. Using this method eggs can be kept for up to nine months. Questions: Do you like eggs? How do you like them cooked? Did you keep chickens? Did you ever store eggs? Can you remember the little Lion on the eggs? !

! ____________________________________

OVER"TO"YOU"•"Readers’ Letters PAGE"7"•"Dances Background: Christmas is often a good time for parties and dances as well as for family

get-togethers. Dances like the Valeta, the Gay Gordons and the Conga were fun. Questions: Did you like going to dances? Where were they held? What dances did you like best? Who did you dance with? Who provided the music?

PAGE"8"•"Beeswax Background: Beeswax can be used in all sorts of products from face creams to candles. It

has a distinctive honey smell about it. Candles made from beeswax are often made with a honeycomb pattern. Questions: Do you use any products made with beeswax? What are they? Do you like the smell of honey and beeswax? Where did you buy beeswax polish? !

! ____________________

QUIZZES"•"for fun PAGE"8"•"In"the"news"" PAGE"9"•"General"knowledge PAGE"9"•"Christmas"songs !

! ____________________________________

SINGALONGS"•"to prompt recall PAGE"10"•"I"Could"Have"Danced"All"Night PAGE"10"•"By"The"Light"Of"The"Silvery"Moon

• Page