Weekly Sparkle reminiscence newspaper by The Daily Sparkle

The Beeches Weekly Sparkle

The Reminiscence and Activities Newspaper

16th - 22nd April 2012

TODAY IN HISTORY

On 16th April, 1912, a British made luxury liner sank after hitting an iceberg. It was of course the ill-fated Titanic. She was on her maiden voyage to New York.

On 17th April, 1960, American rock star Eddie Cochrane died in a car accident. It happened in Wiltshire when Eddie was on a British tour. He was a passenger in a taxi when one of the tyres blew and it crashed into a lamp-post.

More than 1500 people were feared drowned in the icy waters of the North Atlantic. The disaster happened when the iceberg that was reputed to be as big as a skyscraper caused a 300 foot gash in the side of the ship. There were not enough places on the lifeboats for 2224 passengers. Some were saved by the liner Carpathia that arrived on the scene in just over an hour.

Eddie Cochrane’s music career was short because he was only 21 when he died. All the same he had a huge influence on later musicians because he had used innovative techniques in his music and early records. He included multi-tracking and overdubbing in ways that were ahead of his time.

TODAY IN HISTORY

On 18th April, 1946, Hayley Mills was born. She was the daughter of famous actor Sir John Mills and his wife Mary Hayley Bell. She was also the sister of actress Juliet Mills and niece of Annette Mills who appeared regularly on TV. Being born into such a prominent theatrical family it was not surprising that she became an actress too. Her acting career started when she was 12. She had a contract with Walt Disney and became one of the most popular child stars of the time. Her films include Tiger Bay, Polyanna and many others.

TODAY IN HISTORY

On 19th April, 1927, the police raided a New York theatre where Mae West’s show, Sex, was playing. The play had opened the previous year, but many members of the public were outraged at the subject matter. It was a tale of prostitution, sailors and blackmail. Critics called it ‘vulgar’ and ‘amateurish’. Poor Mae West was sentenced to 10 days imprisonment. She had co-written the show as well as starring in it. In fact she said she didn’t mind about going to prison because it was all free publicity. She said she had plans for even more scandalous shows in future!

TODAY IN HISTORY

On 20th April, 1953, one hundred United Nations prisoners were freed in an exchange operation called “Little Switch”. They included 12 British, 30 Americans, 50 South Koreans, 4 Turks, a Canadian, a South African, a Greek, and a Filipino. They were exchanged for Korean prisoners of war. The swap took place at Panmunjon, with fighting still going on only a mile or so away

On 21st April, 1816, Charlotte Bronte was born, in Thornton , Yorkshire. She was the third of six children. Her father, Patrick, was a clergyman and the family moved to live in the parsonage at Haworth.

Many of the men were sick or wounded. They looked thin, but happy to be freed and safe. They were taken to a Red Cross Centre, and given food and cigarettes.

Charlotte and two of her sisters, Emily and Anne, grew up to be famous novelists. To begin with they chose pennames that made it seem as though they were men because it was thought ‘improper’ for women to be novelists. Charlotte wrote Jane Eyre and Villette. Emily wrote Wuthering Heights and Anne wrote Agnes Grey.

TODAY IN HISTORY

THE WAY WE WERE

On 22nd April, 1959, an angler fishing at Denial Bay in South Australia, landed more than he bargained for. Alf Dean had caught a mammoth man-eating great white shark on the end of his line. It weighed 2,664 pounds. It was 16 feet 10 inches long. It was the largest fish ever to be caught using a rod. It’s hard to imagine how the fisherman could have landed it!

This was one of my old knitting patterns. It said on the description that it was a blouse but I’d have called it a cardigan. I remember trying to knit it and abandoning the project before I had done much more than the rib. It was very fine wool, and I wasn’t the world’s best knitter.

Great white sharks reach maturity at about 15 years old. They often live more than 30 years. They can inflict dreadful injuries on humans if they get the opportunity.

I had bought some very pretty little glass buttons for it too, but they must have been used on a proper blouse later. I much preferred sewing to knitting. I must have bought the pattern thinking a knitted blouse looked cosy and soft.

THE WAY WE WERE

I wonder how many housewives of our generation had a ‘Baking Day’? For me, it tended to be towards the end of the week. I liked to get the washing and ironing out of the way on Monday and Tuesday. Wednesday was a good cleaning day, so baking was usually on a Thursday or Friday. It also meant we had something in the cake tin at the weekend. Sometimes I saved the trimmings from pastries and pies, so that the girls could make jam tarts when they came home from school. The whole house smelled of baking when Stan got home from work.

THE WAY WE WERE

One of the first thing I had in my ‘bottom drawer’ was a lovely blue and white ‘Cornish Ware’ jug. One of my friends brought it back from her holiday in Falmouth. Those blue and white stripes always reminded me of the seaside. Cornish Ware was made by T.G.Green at their factory in Derbyshire, but the clay came from Cornwall. We added to our collection that started with the jug. We used the familiar blue-ringed bowls and plates and cups and saucers at breakfast time every day for years. Cathie has still got some of them.

DO YOU REMEMBER?

I was having a clear out the other day and found this Dinky toy bus. You can see for yourself that it was well used. I don’t remember when and where I got it – but I know it was at the seaside. We had gone on an outing in a bus just like this. I can remember being almost in tears because I wanted to sit in the high-up bit at the back but all those seats were taken when we got on. As we walked down the sea front we saw this one in a shop window and Dad – bless him – went in and bought it for me. He and Ma also got us back to the coach early so that we were first on and got highup seats. It’s the little things like that which make parents great!

DO YOU REMEMBER?

I loved to have my Fish & Chips wrapped in newspaper. This isn’t allowed now but when I was a teenager that’s what they were always wrapped in. I used to wait for the mobile Fish & Chip van every Friday. Under my arm would be a bundle of the past week’s newspapers which we had collected for Mr. Cyril who owned the van. In return he always gave me an extra big portion of chips with my fish. The newspaper always seemed to make them taste better – and I could catch up on the sports news in the papers that we hadn’t bought as well! Now that’s what I call real recycling!

DO YOU REMEMBER?

OVER TO YOU

Dear Mary and Jimmy

I’ve always loved the Andy Capp cartoons. Over the years I have known quite a few people who could have been the role model for this classic anti-hero. Andy is an idler. At home he has endless cups of tea in front of the TV. His outdoor life takes in visits to the pub and the bookies. Can you imagine my joy when he was turned into real life on the stage and then on a record. I couldn’t believe my luck when I found this old record in a charity shop. Now I can have Andy chattering away and singing pub songs in the comfort of my own house!

What a big influence teachers have on children. It’s more than 70 years since I was at school, but I still think about the things our favourite teachers told us. Miss Hammond always impressed upon us that if we did our best people would respect the fact that we had tried hard. She also told us “If at first you don’t succeed, try, try and try again”. Miss Hammond always came and sat with us at the desk if she was showing us something. She never stood towering over you. She wore lovely flowery scent. Best wishes from Norah

OVER TO YOU

FASHION FUN QUIZ 1. In what decade of the last century were these cone bras in fashion? a) 1920s b) 1950s c) 1980s

But not according to my mother! She was of the “ne’er cast a clout til May be out” generation and wouldn’t hear of it until weeks later. Best wishes from Noreen

3. Inspired by the artist Mondrian, when was this Yves St Laurent dress created? a) 1915 b) 1995 c) 1965 4. What was the style of these shoes called? a) Winklepickers b) Platform Soles c) Brothel Creepers

ANSWERS 2. Sciaperelli 4. Platform soles

At this time of year my sister and I always started pestering to be allowed to wear our school blazers instead of our coats. The school uniform coats were made of Harris Tweed and very itchy. The rules said “no blazers to be worn before the commencement of the Summer Term” . This meant that you couldn’t wear them before Easter, but once the new term started it was OK.

1. 1950s 3. 1965

Dear Mary and Jimmy

2. Who designed these peculiar shoe shaped hats? a) Pierre Cardin b) Christian Dior c) Elsa Schiaperelli

BRAIN TEASERS

FISHY FUN QUIZ

Rearrange the letters in these words to find the word that fits the clue. The first one is done for you.

1. When we describe something as ‘being a bit fishy’, what do we mean? a) it is suspicious b) it is smelly c) it is slimy

3. RATS - this would shine at night. 4. DEAR - what you would do with a book. 5. PART - you would catch a mouse with this. 6. DAIRY - you would use this to remember dates. 7. ARCHES - to look for something you have lost. 8. STEAM - you friends. 9. STOP - you get this through your letter box. 10. REAP - a sweet fruit.

ANSWERS

3. What do we call someone who goes fishing for pleasure? a) a fisher b) an angler c) a rodder 4. How are lobsters caught? a) in a net b) in a pot c) with a rod 5. What is the name given to the high boots worn by some fishermen? a) wellies b) waders c) walkers 6. What name is given to a person who sells fish? a) fishcoster b) fishdealer c) fishmonger

ANSWERS 2. Two 4. In a pot 6. Fishmonger

2. LINE - a river in Egypt.

2. In the Bible story about the loaves and fishes, how many fish did the little boy have?

1. Suspicious 3. An angler 5. Waders

1. POSH - a place where you can buy things - SHOP

1. Shop 3. Star 5. Trap 7. Search 9. Post

2. Nile 4. Read 6. Diary 8. Mates 10. Pear

CATCH A FALLING STAR

MY HEART BELONGS TO DADDY

Catch a falling star and put it in your ---Never let it fade away ---- a falling star And put it in your pocket ---- it for a rainy day For love may come and ---you on the shoulder some starless ---Just in case you feel you want to ---- her You'll have a pocketful of ---Catch a falling star and put it in your pocket Never let it ---- away Catch a falling star and put it in your pocket Save it for a ---- day

I used to fall in love with all those ---- who call On young cuties But now I find I'm all inclined To keep my ---- on my duties Since I've begun to share In such a sweet love ---Though I'm in love, I'm not above A date with a ---- or a caddie It's just a pose, 'cause my baby ---That my heart belongs to Daddy Yes, my heart belongs to Daddy So I simply couldn't be ---Yes I'm gonna ---- Daddy Da-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-ad If you feel romantic laddie Let me warn you right from the ---That my heart belongs to Daddy And my Daddy belongs to my ----

ANSWERS

ANSWERS 1. boys 4. Duke 7. marry

2. mind 5. knows 8. start

3. affair 6. bad 9. heart

1. pocket 2. Catch 4. tap 5. night 7. starlight 8. fade

3. Save 6. hold 9. rainy

The Weekly Sparkle Carer’s Notes

The Weekly Sparkle • The Reminiscence Newspaper • Carer’s Notes • 16th - 22nd April 2012

The Reminiscence and Activities Newspaper

16th - 22nd April 2012

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 • 16th April 1912 Titanic sinks Background: The Titanic and her sister ship the Olympic were the most luxurious of liners,

and thought to be unsinkable. The ship sank in less than 4 hours after being holed. Questions: Have you seen any of the films made about the Titanic? Have you read any books about it? Do you think divers should be allowed to explore shipwrecks when people have died in the accident?

PAGE 1 • TODAY IN HISTORY • through the years • 17th April 1960 Death of Eddie Cochrane Background: Eddie Cochrane was a musician who was popular with other musicians as

well as with teenage girls. Because he died so young (21), it is impossible to know what successes he might have had if his career had lasted longer. Questions: Do you remember any of Eddie Cochrane’s songs? Did you like them? Did you buy records when you were young? What did you play them on? Who else listened to them with you?

PAGE 2 • TODAY IN HISTORY • through the years • 18th April 1946 Hayley Mills Background: Hayley Mills became one of the highest paid and most popular child stars in

America. She was also a respected actress as an adult. When she was 20 she met and later married Roy Boulting who was 33 years older than she was. They divorced after 6 years but had a son together. Questions: Do you remember Hayley Mills? What films have you seen her in? Did you like the storyline? Where did you go to the cinema? Who did you go with? How much did the ticket cost?

PAGE 2 • TODAY IN HISTORY • through the years • 19th April 1927 Mae West’s show raided Background: Mae West took great delight in shocking people and dealing with subjects

• Page

The Weekly Sparkle • The Reminiscence Newspaper • Carer’s Notes • 16th - 22nd April 2012

so even if the moralists and reformers wanted them banned, the general public enjoyed them. Questions: What did you think of Mae West? Do you think there are any subjects that shouldn’t be made into plays or musicals? What do you think shocks people nowadays?

PAGE 3 • TODAY IN HISTORY • through the years • 20th April 1953 Prisoners of war exchanged Background: This was something of a public relations exercise, but the UN soldiers who

were freed were no doubt very pleased about it whatever the political reason that lay behind their release. Questions: Do you remember anything about the Korean War? Did you read about or hear about the release of prisoners in exchange for North Korean POWs? What do you think the soldiers needed first when they reached the Red Cross Centre?

PAGE 3 • TODAY IN HISTORY • through the years • 21st April 1816 Charlotte Bronte born Background: Charlotte Bronte’s book, Jane Eyre, is one of the most widely read novels. The

3 Bronte sisters, Charlotte, Emily and Anne wrote under the pen names of Currer, Ellis and Acton Bell. (Their own initials but names that were ambiguous and sounded like men). They had a brother, Branwell, who died at a relatively young age, probably through alcohol abuse. All the siblings wrote fiction even as children. Questions: Have you ever read Jane Eyre? Did you enjoy it? How old were you when you read it? Have you read anything else by any of the Brontes? Which are your favourites?

PAGE 4 • TODAY IN HISTORY • through the years • 22nd April 1959 Record breaking shark caught Background: Alf Dean used a live animal as bait when he caught this enormous Great

White Shark. It broke all the previously held records and remains to this day the biggest shark caught by rod and line. Questions: Were there any fishermen or anglers in your family? What was the biggest fish any of them landed? Where did they go fishing? What sort of equipment did they use? Did they ever bring home fish to eat? Who cooked it?

! ______________________________________________________

THE WAY WE WERE • from Mary’s point of view PAGE 4 • Knitted blouse Background: Garments knitted with very fine wool were popular, but it took a lot of

patience to make them.

• Page

The Weekly Sparkle • The Reminiscence Newspaper • Carer’s Notes • 16th - 22nd April 2012 Questions: What is the difference between a blouse and a cardigan?

Did you enjoy knitting? Were you good at it? Did you like to knit with thick wool or fine wool? What colours did you like best for cardigans?

PAGE 5 • Baking Day Background: Some housewives were quite systematic about doing certain tasks on certain

days. Others were happy to do jobs like baking as and when it was needed. Sometimes they would make use of the oven if it was switched on for making other things eg stews or other items cooked in the oven. Questions: When did you do baking? How did you decide which day to do housework and household chores? Did anyone else help? What things did you like to bake?

PAGE 5 • Cornish Ware Background: This familiar blue and white striped pottery was one of the most often seen

designs on British tables. It went a bit out of fashion in the 1960s but has experienced a renewed popularity more recently. Questions: Do you like Cornish Ware? What does the blue and white stripe design remind you of? What items of crockery did you have in Cornish Ware? !

!________________________________________________________

DO YOU REMEMBER? • from Jimmy’s point of view PAGE 6 • Dinky Toy Bus Background: This is a typical toy from Dinky.

It is a model of what was called an ‘Observation Coach’. These road coaches copied the classic American railways’ ‘Observation cars ‘. They were made by a firm called Whitson between 1949 and 1952 who used chassis made by various other companies. Questions: Did you have trips to the seaside? Which seaside place did you like best? Did you have Dinky toys to play with? Did you have a favourite one?

PAGE 6 • Fish & Chips in newspaper Background: The practice of wrapping fish & chips in newspaper lasted through to the

late 1970s. It was banned in case people got poisoned by the ink then being used on newsprint. Many felt that the paper actually gave the fish & chips a better smell & taste, and kept it warm and moist until they got it home! Questions: Do you like Fish & Chips? Do you remember it being wrapped in newspaper? Did you have a mobile chippy come round during the week? Which fried fish do you like best (Cod, Plaice, Haddock, Rock etc)?

PAGE 7 • Andy Capp Background: Andy Capp was created by cartoonist Reg Smythe for the Daily & Sunday

Mirror newspapers. Early on Reg was accused of perpetuating stereotypes about chronically unemployed men dividing their time between the living room couch and the

• Page

The Weekly Sparkle • The Reminiscence Newspaper • Carer’s Notes • 16th - 22nd April 2012

neighbourhood pub, with a few hours set aside for fistfights at football games. Now, as intended, Andy is a gentle micky-take of misleading perceptions. Questions: What makes you laugh? Do you like the cartoons in newspapers? Why do (don’t) you like them? What do you think of Andy Capp?

! ____________________________________

OVER TO YOU • Readers’ Letters PAGE 7 • Good teachers Background: Every school has teachers who have a reputation for being strict, or grumpy,

and those who are popular who pupils want to please. Questions: Did your school have strict teachers or soft teachers? Who was your favourite teacher? What was she/he like? What did you like about them? Did any of your brothers or sisters have that teacher for lessons? What did they think about the teacher? What was the Head Teacher like at your school?

PAGE 8 • School Blazer Background: Blazers were essentially summer uniform, although since they were made of

wool they were OK as a jacket as long as it wasn’t raining. Blazers often had the school badge on the breast pocket and some had contrasting piping round the front and the collar. They were expensive items to buy, and mothers often insisted on buying a blazer that was too big for the child to grow into and get maximum wear out of it. Questions: What did you wear to go to school? Did you have a uniform? What colour was it? Did you have a blazer? What was it like? How old were you when you had it? Did you have any older brothers or sisters? !

! ____________________

QUIZZES • for fun PAGE 8 • Fashion Fun PAGE 9 • Brain teasers PAGE 9 • Fishy Fun !

! ____________________________________

SINGALONGS • to prompt recall PAGE 10 • ‘Catch a falling star’ was a big hit for Perry Como PAGE 10 • ‘My heart belongs to Daddy’ a Cole Porter song made famous by Marilyn Monroe.

• Page