Beware the Joint-Venture

A tale told to me by an economist on the reality of the Joint-Venture.
An undertaking with the hidden and unknown.

A hen met a friendly pig on her free ranging walk in the farm yard and struck up a warm and agreeable relationship. They exchanged confidences and the hen confessed that she was dissatisfied with her lot. She was tired of laying eggs for the benefit of others, furthermore she was becoming unattractive to the resident rooster.

The pig was sympathetic but had no advice to offer. Eventually the hen had a bright idea which she discussed with the pig. The idea was based on the fact that he too was being exploited, but if they could join forces in something called a JOINT-VENTURE they would cease to be exploited and would both benefit in terms of production and profit. They consulted the tortoise - a wise old accountant who was skilled at setting up joint ventures and after paying the appropriate fees and filling in the relevant tax forms they were able to launch HAM and EGGS Ltd. A new concept in business to increase profit to both parties.

They soon had a large order to supply ham and eggs for a large business breakfast. The hen pushed herself to the limit and laid eggs overtime, doubling her usual output. The pig in the meantime, hardly spoke to anyone and became more and more morose. Eventually he confronted the hen to dissolve the arrangement. The hen was mystified. The pig tearfully explained that in order for him to fulfill his commitments to the joint venture he would have to lose his hindquarters and probably his life in the process.

Schooldays

My parents decided to send me to a boarding school as my father was in the navy, and to stay at the same day school was not possible as my mother went to where he was sent, eg, Malta and various other ports.

The school was a convent outside Torquay, and I went aged eleven. I was very happy there and was not homesick for one minute, and made many good friends, a few I still have.

At thirteen the war broke out, which cast a shadow on my life as I worried about my father at sea in the Atlantic, and especially listening to the wireless and hearing the dreaded words (the Admiralty regrets) and then breathing with relief when his ship was not mentioned.

We seemed to be fairly free from air-raids, though occasionally the siren would go and we'd traipse down to the shelters. I regret to say while the good nuns said the Rosary, we would tell ghost stories and frighten ourselves to death!

Though one scaring time was being in the middle of the hockey pitch and having to throw oneself to the ground as a German fighter plane suddenly appeard out of the blue and started to machine-gun us. Luckily he was not a very good shot, though I'm afraid he killed some people in the nearby village.

The only other time I was too close for comfort to a German plane was being alone in a classroom high-up in the school and hearing a plane engine, and looking out of the window and seeing the plane discharging its bombs. Unfortunately a hotel just down a country road from us which had been turned into a hospital received a direct hit and caused many casualties.

Little did I know that one day I would have a German son-in-law!

I wonder what his grandfather did in that war?!

Polly

Grumpy or Sane

Am I in touch with the 21st Century or not? I feel as if someone has pressed my "fast forward" button and all events are compressed. I am rushing and rushing. Why do I feel like this?

At the beginning of October I noticed a display for Christmas hampers in my local supermarket. "Ah" I said "the season is upon us". A few days later in the same supermarket there was another display for Halloween, complete with large pumpkins. My thought then was how inconsiderate of us to use an item for "fun" when some people would be glad to eat it. Finally there was another display for fireworks - another way to burn money.

I thought that we could have Easter in January, and put all the other holidays together - then we need not work at all. Life would be one long Christmas, Halloween and Guy Fawkes rolled into one.

Grumpy and Sane

P.S Please see www.disney.co.uk for more pictures and information about Walt Disney who created the character, Grumpy.

A writing on the wall

In November1955 Eric Ashby gave an address to the Belfast Charitable Society on preparing for old age. His argument is that we have managed to postpone death but not postpone ageing. We are now aware of the increasing number of the elderly and endlessly discuss the need for care homes, improved health services, even the design of houses to suit the aged. Ashby asserts that we are losing a valuable human resource in retiring people at age 65 when they have useful skills and a willingness to work. Added to this, it is recognised that an activity in old age makes for physical and psychological well being. He then suggests that a priority for society and government would be to implement schemes that would employ the skills and interests of the elderly.

This writing has been on the wall for more than half a century. We are beginning to read it. But reading is not enough. Time is of the essence for both young and old.

Wally Baker

Millman Street Community Centre

Millman Street Community Centre is a resource centre for the elderly. The centre liberates them from their home as for many it's the only outing they have. Here they find companionship with other pensioners. The disabled are transported to the centre by bus. They can look forward to a home cooked meal.

I am a prisoner in my flat as I have to walk with a walking aid. I cannot go out unless someone takes me in a wheel-chair. But Sue, the manageress of the centre, came to my rescue and arranged transport for me three days a week.

Sue wears many hats - one being as an accountant to keep the centre’s finances viable. She acts as nurse in cases of medical emergency. She is a filler-in-of-complicated-forms that are like Greek to the centre participants. These forms can be for access to benefits or housing, or any other government service. She acts as a sympathetic listening ear to anything that troubles her charges. She is a bolster-upper of everyone she comes in contact with. Sue has a good crew to help with the day to day running of the centre. To mention two - there's Pat and Rose (the centre’s cook). They are both gems!

Helen of Bedford House, who works in close contact with Millman Street Centre, organizes some of the activities that go on. She arranged for a teacher of oriental dancing. It's not only good exercise but transports you with its graceful movements and haunting music to the magical lands of the East. I have always liked singing and we have formed a little choir. Under the direction of Nath, we are guided through songs – classical and modern as well as African and Latin. It exercises the lungs and relaxes your whole body and gives you the feeling of being uplifted.

There are computers available for all who use the centre. Veronica supports those who want to be computer literate. I personally hope to learn genealogy, emails, blogging and delve more and more into the internet. It exercises the brain and helps your concentration as well as transporting you into a wonderful world of information.

I'm a duffer when it comes to painting and sewing but I did join in the craft class with much trepidation. Low and behold - I found that I was not so dim after all!

I look forward to my visits to Millman Street Centre. The fellow participants are all so agreeable and we talk and laugh a lot. The time spent at the centre is all too fleeting and it's soon time to go home. How I wish I had more time there and I so look forward to my next visit!

Peggy