Journal of theJournal of theJournal of theJournal of theJournal of the

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Nov/December 2017Nov/December 2017Nov/December 2017Nov/December 2017Nov/December 2017

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WISEWISEWISEWISEWISEMerry

White Christmas

Speakers & Events Diary

Any suggestions for speakers or other activities

to Brian McVay or John Davis.

One member per month will be responsible

for finding a speaker - or speak themselves.

Please Note: Please Note: Please Note: Please Note: Please Note: Unavoidable changes to this list

may occur from time to time. Refer to the club

website for the latest updates:

www.watlingstreetclub.co.uk

Chairman Steve ALLEN

Chairman Elect John STEVENS

ImmPast Chmn Peter HORSTMAN

Secretary Mike CHAPPLE

Treasurer Norman LEE

Fellowship John FRANCIS

Fund Raising All

Speaker prog. John DAVIS

Publicity & Tony GOMERSAL

Journal Editor

Archives

Meeting place : The Old Palace

Lodge, Church Street, Dunstable.

Meeting time : 19.30 for 20.00

Apologies

for absence Norman LEE

Items are accepted for publication at the

Editor’s discretion.

The Editor reserves the right to edit for clar-

ity or length.

Contributors are responsible for ensuring

material submitted by them does not

breach copyright or they have obtained

permission, in writing, for its reproduction.

Content is subject to copyright.

Formed 5th Nov 2008

First meeting 13th Nov 2008

First Chairman Neil MUNRO

EDITEDITEDITEDITEDITORIALORIALORIALORIALORIAL

Oct 03 A COUNTRY WALK John Francis

05 Signposts Phyl Rainey &

Elizabeth Chapman

12 BUSINESS MEETING

19 The Angel of Death Mike Chapple

26 LADIES NIGHTMy Life at Work Josie Jeffrey

Nov 02 Codeword John Reade

04 SOCIAL EVENT David & Dorice

09 A Talk Jim Page

16 BUSINESS MEETING

23 LADIES NIGHTBotswana Steve Allen

30 Chews House Hugh Garrod

Dec 07 Hearing Dogs for Deaf people Patrick Boys

14 BUSINESS MEETING

21 CHRISTMAS DINNER28 NO MEETING

Jan 04 NO MEETING

Wasn’t it great!

That was the best snowfall

we’ve had for years and it

arrived conveniently on the

weekend.

I don’t know about you, but I enjoyed

walking in the snow down to the vil-

lage, though our planned outing by

car that day was cancelled.

This is the last edition of the year, so

many thanks to those who have con-

tributed to this and previous editions

of the magazine, your efforts are

greatly appreciated.

There is just the Christmas Dinner to

go before we can look forward to

spending Christmas with our families.

Happy Christmas everyone. TG

CHAIRMAN’SCHAIRMAN’SCHAIRMAN’SCHAIRMAN’SCHAIRMAN’S

COLUM COLUM COLUM COLUM COLUMNNNNN

As I write this, snow is falling, are we infor a white Christmas?

This autumn has seen the club being entertained by some interesting talksfrom some interesting speakers. The highlight, obviously, was my talk onBotswana!!!!

Also, a very successful social evening was held at the home of David andDorice Tearle. It was David’s swan song as a member due to health issues,but Dorice kindly offered to host future events despite that.

As we head into the new year the club has some issues that need ourconsideration.

How do we fill the gap in our charity account caused by by the withdrawal ofsupport from Aldi for our Christmas collection? New ideas are needed toraise money if we are to continue with our obligations to support localcharities.

Attracting new members is, as always, very difficult, but we must makeevery effort to do so. Some fresh faces would bring us renewed vigour.

Best wishes to those who are suffering from health problems at themoment, including Angela recovering from her op,Peter making a good recovery from his falls andanyone else who is feeling less than well atpresent.

I look forward to seeing you all at the ChristmasDinner. Meanwhile I wish you all a very merryChristmas and a happy new year.

Steve

Watling Walkers Autumn2017On October 3rd, a select group ofwalkers met up at the Ouse ValleyCountry Park and set off after abrief introduction to the routefrom John Francis.

We saw A viaduct ...An Aquaduct .... and Ducks

Cows Sheep

and a Horse Tunnel+ Lots of information alongthe way

Watling Walkers cont.

All this was toppedoff with a conviviallunch at the ‘BarleyMow’ Cosgrovewith a couple of nonwalkers.Thanks are againdue to John andHazel for organisingsuch a pleasant

outing.Long may theWatling Walksand Publunches con-tinue.

This report andphotos bySheila O’Hara

also Neil

Once again John andHazel had managed toorder blue skies andsunshine

Bernard

Shaw

and MeTerry Mills

28th September

Sadly no report was taken at this meeting so we have no record of Terry’s talk.

We do have a picture though and here he is with Chairman Steve. Taken on

Steve’s iPhone.

26th October

Josie Jeffrey gave an amusing talk about

The Funny Side of My Early Life at Work.Apparently Josie left school at 15 unprepared for anything - so began work in a factorywhich she didn’t enjoy, so soon moved to work in a store where she got the sackfor...stalking....-allegedly! So she moved on to the Co-op, then to a garage as a petrolpump attendant, where she did very well dressed in her tight-fitting ESSO overalls!Later she worked at the Ovaltine factory at Kings Langley where she became apunched card operator on a Burroughs Sensimatic.Jobs were plentiful in those days and Josie was able to move swiftly from job to job andby enrolling with the Brook Street Bureau was placed in a solicitors office in Londonwhose clients were mainly from the gentry and a source of many unprintable stories.She also worked briefly for Her Majesty’s theatre during the run of Fiddler on the Roofwith Topol. Josie’s worst memory was the weight of the heavy tray she had to carryround as an usherette with the song ‘If I was a rich man’ constantly playing to remindher of her poorer situation.Josie, who was thanked by Chairman Steve, then rushed away before we could get herpicture for this report. So sorry folks!

It is likely that most of us have a

preconceived idea of the nature

of those who live rough on our

streets, but it was an inspiring

talk by Phyl Rainey and Elizabeth Chapman (on right in our picture) that changed this

viewpoint entirely.

Despite the difficulty caused by the failure of the use of the projector due to incompatible

connectors, it soon became clear that these ladies needed no props to deliver a clear and

passionate account of their work in the community and for Signposts in particular.

Phyl explained how it all began in 1985 with a single project on the Luton & Dunstable

road. It has now developed to provide 137 rooms in hostel style accommodation for those

in need in supported by 35 staff members who cover the service on a 24/7 basis.

Team SP, as they call themselves, not only provide a shelter for those unfortunate enough

to have no home or place to stay , but they encourage their residents to develop a self-

help approach, not expecting or demanding handouts from the greater community. They

utilise the residents time by encouraging participation in community projects and events,

even taking the lead roles in organising and running such schemes. They were particularly

proud of the Litter picking teams that have spent many hours cleaning up areas of the

towns and countryside for the benefit of the whole community, not to mention the benefit

to wildlife. They strongly believe that this promotes a positive ‘can do’ attitude, sharing and

learning valuable skills and developing social awareness.

They have provided volunteers for festivals held in the towns, including St Patrick’s Day,

St. George’s Day, the Houghton Regis and Luton Carnivals and many more.

Elizabeth herself was a beneficiary of the support provided by the organisation. She joined

Signposts in 2015 and was motivated by the staff to get up, go to college and get a career.

She has, as a result, gained several diploma qualifications and was thrilled to be Signposts’

first apprentice. She has since utilised her enthusiastic and energetic personality to further

the aims of Signposts work.

Members were all impressed by the ladies’ enthusiasm and positive attitude.The question

of personal security was discussed and they showed an awareness and courage that

stands them in good stead for the sometimes difficult moments, but above all they shone

a beacon for positivity and care in the community.

Vice Chairman John in presenting a donation to the ladies praised them for their excellent

presentation. This report and photo featured in the Dunstable Gazette on 11th October

Phyl Rainey &Elizabeth Chapman

5th October

Dr Mike

CHAPPLE

A Medical

Mystery

19th October

Club member Mike was Pediatrician at the L&D

Hospital before his retirement. He told the ter-

rible tale of the horror of Grantham & Kesteven

Hospital’s Angel of Death.

It all began in the Children’s Ward in February

1991 when a 7 week old baby , James Taylor,

stopped breathing. A post mortem suggested a

heart malfunction.

Then on 10th March a 14 month old child,

Kayley Desmond, also stopped breathing for no

apparent reason, other than that she had a cleft

palate. This was given as the reason and she for-

tunately recovered.

On 23th March, a 5 month old baby, Paul

Crampton, was found with low blood sugar on

several occasions and was transferred to Not-

tingham General where he recovered.

On 29th March, Bradley Gibson , a 5 year old

with a chest infection, suffered a cardiac arrest

and was transferred to Nottingham where he

too recovered.

On 31st March a 2 year old, Henry Chan was

admitted with a head injury, He suffered a

strange fit and was also transferred to Notting-

ham where he too recovered.

On 4th April, an 8 week old baby, Becky Phillips,

was sent home after a vomiting fit where she

died. The assumption was a cot death.

On 5th April, Becky’s twin sister, Katie. also

stopped breathing , was transferred to Notting-

ham and made a recovery. No reason could be

found.

Then between 7th and 23rd April 5 more inci-

dents in children took place with one death. No

explanation was found.

On 25th March, blood samples taken from Paul

Crampton were sent to Cardiff for appraisal,

butnot looked at until 12th April, when it was

found that insulin levels were so high, it must

have been the result of an injection. This was

the first critical clue that something was seri-

ously wrong at Grantham.

Between 12th and 30th April there were 4 more

cases and another child died.

At last on 30th April Professor of Pediatrics at

Nottingham rang Dr Porter at Grantham and ad-

vised a police investigation.

Following months of investigations, Beverley

Allitt, a ward nurse in the Childrens’ ward at

Grantham, was arrested. She was tried and con-

victed of the murder of 4 children and sentenced

to 13 life sentences.

She was sent to Rampton Secure Hospital for a

minimum term of 30 years.

She had pleaded Not Guilty to the crimes. No

explanation of her actions was ever established.

It was concluded that she showed symtoms of

Munchausons Syndrome by Proxy whereby she

sought attention by abusing those in her care.

Mike made the point that it was a tragedy, but

that no one at the time linked all the cases and

so did not suspect that such evil could be per-

petrated by one of their own nurses.

Mike was thanked by vice Chairman John for his

disturbing, yet thought provoking talk.

CodewordJohn gave a short and well prepared talk

describing how to solve CODEWORDS.

His CODEWORD gave no clues and no let-

ters to start you off.

He demonstrated that the secret lay in

first discovering the ‘Q’ letter and then the

‘Q’ words.

Next look for Double index numbers,

split double numbers and split treble

numbers. see diagram 1

Then eliminate all the NOT a ‘Q’ cells.

see diagrams 2,3 , 4 & 5.

We know ‘u’ follows ‘q’ as a rule.

Then determine the vowel following the

‘u’.

From here it is a process of elimination

and trial to determine the solution.

GOOD LUCK.

The completed grid is given at the end of

this issue.

John Reade

2nd November

D2

D1

D34

D4

John was thanked by Chairman Steve

John demonstrates his methodology

D5

D6

An AUTUMN SUPPERDavid and Dorice hosted an enjoyable

Autumn Supper at their home on 4th

November.

John and Hazel were incharge of the

catering assisted by the Doody’s and

the O’Hara’s. They served up traditional

bangers and mash followed by apple pie

and custard.

Chairman Steve presented a bouquet to

Dorice and thanked all those who made

the evening a success.

The only fireworks of the evening were

reserved for the announcement by

David that this was his swansong as he

was now unable to maintain his attend-

ance of the club due to declining mo-

bility. Dorice offered to host future

events if wanted.

David with Dorice after announcing his retire-

ment from club attendances.

Steve’s Tour of

BOTSWANAOur Chairman Steve gave an

interesting account of his recent

tour round this beautiful landlocked

country in central southern Africa.

It all began with a casual remark to

his close friend Graham whilst they

enjoyed a meal at the Kings Head.

Steve said he wanted to drive to

see the Victoria Falls.

Steve’s inspiration was that won-

derful film ‘A United Kingdom’ the

story of Botswana and their king.

Graham organised the trip, driv-

ing from South Africa up to Maun

past the Kalahari. Then a flight

to Okavango Delta for 3 days

from whence they crossed into

Namibia, travelling by taxi, and in

to Zimbabwe for a short stay at

the Victoria Falls hotel.

They viewed the falls in all its

splendour before returning all the

way south to South Africa. A

4400 km journey of a lifetime.

23rd November

30th November

CHEW’S HOUSE

DunstableHugh GARROD

Hugh gave an interesting account of

the history of Chew’s House in High

Street South. It is a Grade II listed

building over 300 years old, owned by

the Chews Foundation Charity, now

run by the Priory Church as offfice and

meeting room.

Hugh is seen in our picture being

thanked by Chairman Steve

HEARING DOGS For DEAF PEOPLEPatrick BOYSPatrick is known to most for being a member of the Dunstable Downs Rotary

Club, however, he is also profoundly deaf and is a beneficiary of the charity,

Hearing Dogs for deaf people. In this situation he is eminently able to provide a

unique insight into the benefits and opportunities that having a Hearing Dog can

bring to the lives of those affected by profound deafness.

One in six of the UK adult

population suffer from hear-

ing loss to some degree.

Lack of hearing is a cause of

loneliness that can lead to

depression and other ill-

nesses.

An example given was of

Vincent a man who benefitted

greatly from being given a

hearing dog.

All dogs begin training with

foster handlers who care for

and develop the dog’s early

lives.

Breeds used mainly include labradors, poodles, cockapoos etc. , but in all cases they

have to have the right temperament. The Charity use ‘reward’ training techniques to

teach the ‘Alerts’ which are sound matched to various tasks, i.e. waking their owner,

alerting to a door bell etc.

The dogs are matched to their recipients. An energetic labrador would not suit an

elderly person, for instance. The dogs wear a burgundy coat to identify their role to the

public at large and enable their access to most places.

Patrick’s own dog is a 5 year old black labrador

with the impressive name ‘Zen’ who has been

with Patrick for 3 years.

The HD Organisation retains ownership of the

dogs until they retire when often the user will

keep the dog from then on, even if they get

another younger dog.

Dog users are required to pay the cost of feed-

ing the dog a prescribed diet and provide flea

and worm treatment regularly.

This was a splendid presentation that was

warmly received by the members.

Chairman Steve thanked Patrick (and Zen) on

behalf of the club.

7th December

Two guys were discussing popular family trends on sex, marriage, and family values.Bill said, ‘I didn’t sleep with my wife before we got married, did you?’Larry replied, ‘I’m not sure, what was her maiden name?’___________________________________________A little boy went up to his father and asked: ‘Dad, where did my intelligence comefrom?’The father replied.‘Well, son, you must have got it from your mother, cause I still have mine.’___________________________________________‘Mr. Clark, I have reviewed this case very carefully,’ the Divorce Court Judge said, ‘AndI’ve decided to give your wife $775 a week,’‘That’s very fair, your honor,’ the husband said.‘And every now and then I’ll try to send her a few bucks myself.’___________________________________________A doctor examining a woman who had been rushed to the Emergency Room, took thehusband aside, and said, ‘I don’t like the looks of your wife at all.’‘Me neither doc,’ said the husband.‘But she’s a great cook and really good with the kids.’___________________________________________A blonde calls Delta Airlines and asks, ‘Can you tell me how long it’ll take to fly fromSan Francisco to New York City?’The agent replies, ‘Just a minute.’‘Thank you,’ the blonde says, and hangs up.___________________________________________Two Mexican detectives were investigating the murder of Juan Gonzalez.‘How was he killed?’ asked one detective.‘With a golf gun,’ the other detective replied.‘A golf gun! What the heck is a golf gun?’‘I don’t know. But it sure made a hole in Juan.’___________________________________________

A man is recovering from surgery when the Surgical Nurse appears and asks him howhe is feeling.‘I’m O.K. But I didn’t like the four letter-words the doctor used in surgery,’ he an-swered.‘What did he say,’ asked the nurse.‘Oops!’___________________________________________While shopping for vacation clothes, my husband and I passed a display of bathingsuits. It had been at least ten years and twenty pounds since I had even consideredbuying a bathing suit, so I sought my husband’s advice.‘What do you think?’ I asked. ‘Should I get a bikini or an all-in-one?’‘Better get a bikini,’ he replied. ‘You’d never get it all in one.’He’s still in intensive care.___________________________________________

The graveside service just barely finished, when there was a massive clap of thunder,followed by a tremendous bolt of lightning, accompanied by even more thunder rum-bling in the distance...

The little old man looked at the pastor and calmly said, ‘Well, she’s there.

Don’t read these funnies if you are PC -

sent in by John Francis

THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW,THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW,THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW,THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW,THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW,because you have seen them before?because you have seen them before?because you have seen them before?because you have seen them before?because you have seen them before?In the 1400’s a law was set forth in Englandthat a man was allowed to beat his wife with astick no thicker than his thumb. Hence we have‘the rule of thumb.’——————Many years ago in Scotland , a new game wasinvented.It was ruled ‘Gentlemen Only...LadiesForbidden’..And thus, the word GOLF entered into theEnglish language.——————The first couple to be shown in bed together onprime time TV were Fred and Wilma Flintstone.——————Coca-Cola was originally green..——————It is impossible to lick your elbow.——————The cost of raising a medium-size dog to theage of eleven: £ 10,120.00——————The first novel ever written on a typewriter,Tom Sawyer.——————Each King in a deck of playing cards representsa great King from history:Spades - King DavidHearts - CharlemagneClubs -Alexander, the GreatDiamonds - Julius Caesar——————111,111,111 x 111,111,111= 12,345,678,987,654,321——————If a statue in the park of a person on a horsehas both front legs in the air, the person died inbattle.If the horse has one front leg in the air, theperson died because of wounds received inbattle.If the horse has all four legs on the ground,

the person died of natural causes.

——————

Q.... If you were to spell out numbers, how farwould you have to go until you would find theletter ‘A’?A... One thousand——————Q.... What do bulletproof vests, fire escapes,windshield wipers and laser printers have incommon?A... All were invented by women.——————Q... What is the only food that doesn’t spoil?A.. Honey——————In Shakespeare’s time, mattresses were securedon bed frames by ropes.When you pulled on the ropes, the mattresstightened, making the bed firmer to sleep on.Hence the phrase...’Goodnight , sleep tight’——————It was the accepted practice in Babylon 4,000years ago that for a month after the wedding,the bride’s Father would supply his son-in-lawwith all the mead he could drink.Mead is a honey beer and because their calendarwas lunar based, this period was called thehoney month, which we know today as thehoneymoon.——————In English pubs, Ale is ordered by pints andquarts....So in old England, when customers gotunruly, the Landlord would yell at them‘Mind your pints and quarts, and settle down.It’s where we get the phrase:‘Mind your P’s and Q’s.’——————Many years ago in England , pub frequenters hada whistle baked into the rim, or handle, of theirceramic cups.When they needed a refill, they used the whistleto get some service.‘’Wet your whistle” is the phrase inspired bythis practice.——————At least 75% of people who read this will try tolick their elbow!

Thanks to Mike Hicks for the above list.