1^st December 2024

 

Dear All,

We managed a swim on Monday and dropped off a present for Nathan Burrell’s 2^nd birthday at Rachel’s workplace in Histon. “Balkans” this week started Albania. Our lecturer worked there as a volunteer teacher and had led tour parties so knows the country quite well. It has had a very checkered history including 42 years under Enver Hoxha who fell out with Tito, Stalin and Mao in turn and supressed all religions.

 

 

Albania

 

“Eat Well – Live Longer” continues to be depressing as we studied the effects of diet on Blood Cancers, Parkinson’s disease, Liver & Kidney disorders.

On Tuesday I drove to Kentford to pick up two boxes of seed from Fothergill’s which they have donated for Moldova – the small job of sorting 2000 packets awaits! After the family Zoom session we did a twilight walk round Over Fen.

Kate broke a tooth 3 weeks ago and the first appointment she could get was Tuesday this week. The dentist took so long explaining the options and struggling with a camera which was playing up, she did not have time to carry out any treatment. Fortunately Kate was able to get another session on Wednesday to patch it up.

In the spirit of Black Friday I ordered a new computer this week as guided by “Stan the Computerman”. He spent several hours swapping and saving files but when I came to check most of the recent ones were missing, so he came back again on Saturday to sort this out.

 

 

One of 13 colour options!

 

Our Thursday walk started at Guilden Morden and took in Litlington and Steeple Morden. It was frosty but sunny so ideal walking conditions. Our efficient leader had brought J cloths to cover a very slippery icy style – Health & Safety!

 

 

Leaving Guilden Morden

 

 

Between Litlington & Steeple Morden

 

 

Health & Safety

 

 

Steeple Morden Church

 

It was my turn to present at “Biographies” this week and my topic was William Cobbett of “Rural Rides” fame. He started as a Ploughboy but had a remarkable career visiting America twice and France after the Revolution. He was fearless in upsetting all authority and eventually was elected to Parliament. His Rural Rides took him to virtually every county in Southern England and recorded a very accurate picture of the suffering of Agricultural workers. (More on this subject available on request!)

 

 

William Cobbett

Kate came in with me to listen and after we began a little Christmas shopping.

Mary-Ann and family have inherited a chicken run from Esther & Emma and are now the proud owners of 3 fowls.

 

 

Pollo, Daisy & Grey (at present!)

 

It was the Grand switching on of the Christmas lights on Over Green on Saturday evening together with carol singing and numerous food and gift stall, - it does seem as though Christmas is on the way!

 

 

Merry Singers!

Regards

Mike & Kate