Bungalow dwellers

Judith on the right of the photo and Vicky on the left have both lived in the same bungalow, but at different times.

Judith had to go into a Care Home in Hexham a couple of years ago, as her memory started to fail. Vicky is the new resident in the bungalow that is almost opposite my house.

Today they were both sitting on the same table for the village Christmas lunch. This used to be called the Hootenany and was for the older residents of the village. There was entertainment and the like. Now, we have a meal in the pub, but it is still free. Judith came by taxi.

It was my first Christmas dinner of the year and it was excellent.

Afterwards, the North Tyne Voices opened our last rehearsal of the year to the village and sang to them. The show was complicated by workmen on the roof of the hall, fitting solar panels. We were not allowed to use the main entrance (flat) but had to use the back door (steep, awkward stairs)!  We were allowed to bring wheelchair users in the front door. Thankfully, nothing dropped on anyone's head.

The audience enjoyed mulled wine and mince pies. We sang carols together and the choir entertained. 

I spent this evening with Alan Bennett. If you have not seen the documentary about him at 90, may I urge you to do so. The memories of all his wonderful productions came flooding back. I was very moved again by seeing a short clip of Thora Hird in Waiting for the Telegram. She is brilliant in it, filmed not long before she died.

Then I read the Guardian article from Bennett's 90th birthday.

Brilliant. Can't wait for his new film.