The Ring Around

Another reason for the lack of blogs recently is that I’ve been involved with various charity and community activities.  

I’m a trustee of a local community centre and last Friday we had a Family Fun Day in association with North Tyneside Council.  One of my tasks was to ring around our volunteers to see if they would like to help on the day.  A while ago the secretary of the community association gave me a list of names and numbers and I’ve rung most of them at Halloween, Christmas, Easter and Summer holidays ever since: keeping a note of what was said for the next time.

A couple of weeks ago I put on my best PR person’s friendly positive voice and attitude and started calling.  Some of the volunteers were able to come, and brought family and partners to help too.  But too many of the calls went something like this …

“How are you Mrs SB after your shoulder replacement at Easter?”

“Oh fine, but I’ve got a mammogram on Friday afternoon because I had breast cancer while ago, it’s just a follow up.”

Mrs SC also had a hospital appointment.

Labourlad was giving a speech about disability at Unite The Union.

Mr RJ was coming, despite his prostate cancer treatment and hot flushes.

Mrs PL “Sorry I’ve just got too much on my plate, my husband’s got hip and pelvis problems, and cancer.”

I had a long chat with Ms L about her aged mother who lives two hours’ drive away and is “Very stubborn”.

Next on the list was Mrs McP, a cheery Scottish lady who always brightens my day, but she sounded very sombre when she answered.

“Ah’m sorry hen, I’m in the Marie Curie Hospice with my husband.”

Having been in her shoes, my heart went out to her, and I hope whatever I said was appropriate and of some comfort. 

Mrs CW said “No, I shall be taking my husband to hospital for a procedure.”

My final call was to Mrs PW who said “We’re not going to be here, we’ll be on holiday with the family.”

“Ah well - but thank goodness it’s a happy reason.  It feels as if everyone else who isn’t able to help is going to hospital or their husband is in hospital.”

“I’ve got a hospital appointment tomorrow.”

I went and had a strong drink.