Andover Neighbourcare Update

Weekly Update on what is happing and some fun items to keep your spirits up

I hope to update this page every week with items that relate to the current situation and some fun items so please scroll down the page. If you would like to contact me by e-mail ian.silversurfers@gmail.com

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And now for something completely different

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Glenn Miller movie in stereo - Orchestra Wives

Our Heroes 💙 - A Poem by Matt Kelly

Peter Kay brings back 'On The Road to Amarillo' feat. The British Public! | The Big Night In - BBC

The slide show belongs to this story written by Ron Jones who I have the pleasure of tutoring at the Silver Surfers. I hope you will take the time to read it.

I was inspired to write these thoughts by a photo of a swan recently sent to me; we all now realise people’s abilities to give photographic images a delightful vision of life.

As we sit quietly looking at our garden, we wonder at the flight of birds, especially Swifts, Swallows and House Martins, at how they glide, dive and do aerobatics like the ‘Red Arrows’ using the warm air thermals in the long days of summer. We have admiration for the thousands of miles they have flown from Africa to reach us, and especially how they return to the same place each year, we look forward to their arrival like returning friends. Perhaps it’s the thought of leaving the dark days of Winter behind, and going into the freedom of Summer, that makes us glad to see them. More so this year with lock down because of Covid 19.

At this time our only real freedom is watching the birds, coming and going about their business. We also sit and watch the Grey squirrel that hops along the fence then onto the large apple tree, scurrying along its branches and down the trunk onto the rockery, then one simple hop onto the lawn, stopping from time to time, perhaps searching for buried treasure of nuts. I think they must forget sometimes where the treasure is buried because we find young shoots of Hazel Oak sprouting fourth throughout the garden. This squirrel moves around the surrounding gardens, like humanity once moved from country to country taking for granted such freedom.

After a period of time you come to recognise different birds simply by the sound of their beating wings. At the moment with these fine days, the dawn chorus is a wonderful symphony of pitched musical notes, enjoyed by those who get up early!

This is a joyous theme of life in music and colour, announcing the start of the Sun’s journey across the sky. These days are not without drama, Sparrow Hawks and Buzzards circulate on the warm air thermals as they circle across the skyline. This sometimes does not go so well or in a routine way for the buzzard. Twice in the last few weeks I have seen the buzzard being attacked by rooks swooping on it. The buzzard taking avoiding action, an aerial battle taking place right above our heads, like a scene during ‘The Battle of Britain’! Even in winter the garden had its colourful moments, when a for some years a pheasant would visit, he had his reason’s; to feed in safety. He survived to a very old age, perhaps remaining in the garden until the shooting season was over helped, this occurred every year. His offspring still visit from time to time.

The garden story unfortunately has changed since I moved to my house in August 1986. At the front of the house stands a telegraph pole. Where, at the end of summer, the Swallows, Swifts and House Martins would perch on the wires readying themselves for the long flight to warmer climes. Sadly, now at the end of summer the wires remain almost empty. The lawn would have dozens of starlings taking insects, grubs and other delicacies from the lawn in the mornings. I can only now count them in numbers of one or two.

Over the last few weeks, I have watched the orb of the sun rise on the eastern horizon, it looks so much better because there are no vapour trails from airliners that used to weave patterns across the sky. I have seen wildlife thriving where people have stayed indoors.

Although I have seen changes, I hope that when this dreadful time has passed, the entire world will notice the differences between Humankind's previous activity and now its temporary absence!

Written by Ron Jones

Proof read Radish

Edited Ian.

Frank Sinatra at Caesars Palace in Vegas Full Concert May 1978

Gordon's Quick & Simple Recipes | Gordon Ramsay

Twice Baked Potatoes -- How to Make Fancy Stuffed Potatoes

New bus for social distancing

It's National Barbecue Week! Not sure if you will be having one, but if you do, does this sound familiar?

When a man volunteers to do the BBQ the following chain of events are put into motion:
Routine…
(1) The woman buys the food.
(2) The woman makes the salad, prepares the vegetables, and makes dessert.
(3) The woman prepares the meat for cooking, places it on a tray along with the necessary cooking utensils and sauces, and takes it to the man who is lounging beside the grill – beer in hand.
Here comes the important part:
(4) THE MAN PLACES THE MEAT ON THE GRILL.
More routine….
(5) The woman goes inside to organise the plates and cutlery.
(6) The woman comes out to tell the man that the meat is burning. He thanks her and asks if she will bring another beer while he deals with the situation.
Important again:
(7) THE MAN TAKES THE MEAT OFF THE GRILL AND HANDS IT TO THE WOMAN.
More routine….
(8) The woman prepares the plates, salad, bread, utensils, napkins, sauces, and brings them to the table.
(9) After eating, the woman clears the table and does the dishes.
And most important of all:
(10) Everyone PRAISES the MAN and THANKS HIM for his cooking efforts.
(11) The man asks the woman how she enjoyed ‘her day off.’ And, upon seeing her annoyed reaction, concludes that there’s just no pleasing some women…
ENJOY YOUR BBQ THIS WEEKEND IF YOU'RE ARE HAVING ONE!

Avoid Coronavirus Scams

Be careful who comes to your door, all Andover Neighbourcare helpers are CRB checked and should have identification.

Scammers are taking advantage of fears surrounding the Coronavirus.

Thieves offering to shop for elderly but keeping money

People have been preying on the vulnerable as they stay at home and self-isolate.

Online scammers target vulnerable Internet users during coronavirus outbreak Common types of coronavirus scams

We have received reports of:

phishing emails and phone calls impersonating entities. These include the World Health Organisation, government authorities, people confirmed to have the coronavirus, and legitimate businesses such as travel agents and telecommunications companies
people receiving misinformation about the coronavirus, being sent by text, social media and email
products claiming to be a vaccine or cure for the coronavirus
investment scams claiming coronavirus has created opportunities.

Protect yourself

Be aware of fraudulent emails claiming to be from experts saying that they have information about the virus. For the most up-to-date information about the coronavirus, visit the Department of Health and the World Health Organization (WHO).
Be careful of fake online shopping sites requesting unusual payment methods such as upfront payment via money order, wire transfer, international funds transfer, preloaded card or electronic currency, like Bitcoin. Information is available at:

Wash your hands frequently

Regularly and thoroughly clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand rub or wash them with soap and water.

Why? Washing your hands with soap and water or using alcohol-based hand rub kills viruses that may be on your hands.

Maintain social distancing

Maintain at least 1 metre (3 feet) distance between yourself and anyone who is coughing or sneezing.

Why? When someone coughs or sneezes they spray small liquid droplets from their nose or mouth which may contain virus. If you are too close, you can breathe in the droplets, including the COVID-19 virus if the person coughing has the disease.

Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth

Why? Hands touch many surfaces and can pick up viruses. Once contaminated, hands can transfer the virus to your eyes, nose or mouth. From there, the virus can enter your body and can make you sick.

Practice respiratory hygiene

Make sure you, and the people around you, follow good respiratory hygiene. This means covering your mouth and nose with your bent elbow or tissue when you cough or sneeze. Then dispose of the used tissue immediately.

Why? Droplets spread virus. By following good respiratory hygiene you protect the people around you from viruses such as cold, flu and COVID-19.

If you have fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical care early

Stay home if you feel unwell. If you have a fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical attention and call in advance. Follow the directions of your local health authority.

Why? National and local authorities will have the most up to date information on the situation in your area. Calling in advance will allow your health care provider to quickly direct you to the right health facility. This will also protect you and help prevent spread of viruses and other infections.

Stay informed and follow advice given by your healthcare provider

Stay informed on the latest developments about COVID-19. Follow advice given by your healthcare provider, your national and local public health authority or your employer on how to protect yourself and others from COVID-19.

Why? National and local authorities will have the most up to date information on whether COVID-19 is spreading in your area. They are best placed to advise on what people in your area should be doing to protect themselves.