There was a good gathering of CPCW members at the Johnsonville Bowling Club last night to celebrate the group’s 13th anniversary.  Rowena’ great organisational skills ensured that the evening ran without a hitch – great hospitality from the bowling club staff; superb food, as always, from Dunshea’s; unmatched generosity from our sponsors providing many prizes to raffle and generating some income for our group’s coffers.  There were many individuals who worked together with Rowena to make the night successful – thanks were expressed to them last evening.  But I must apologise for a glaring omission and offer a belated thanks to Mike Drain whose quiet demeanour throughout the evening allowed him to capture “on film” those in attendance.  Thank you, Mike, for taking on this role – and for the work required subsequently to “process” the images.  We look forward to viewing the fruits of your labours in due course – they will be greatly appreciated!

David provided me with his thoughts for the dinner before his departure for warmer climes – I don’t think he quite knew just how much warmer those climes would be!  Here are David’s wise words:

Looking Forward:

• as we age, our abilities change… 
• • the Pleasure Pacers pace more placidly
  • the Steady Steppers step more serenely
  • the Fast Footers foot-it less frantically!

• Care and Consideration:
  • as we all age we need to be even more aware of one another than we are presently
    • those at the front of the pack consider those at the back – allow them to catch up; taking an opportunity for a rest; asking how they are
    • those at the back of the pack consider those at the front – not expecting them to continually wait; reappraising your own abilities – form a slower “group within a group” and taking responsibility for shepherding that group – including knowing the route, carrying a first-aid kit, and ensuring everyone makes it back safely; or maybe accepting the reality of how the accumulation of years and changes to health are affecting you and deciding to move to a different group – no shame attached.

And, from me, to summarise David’s message further – “One for all and all for one!!”

Bill Gaudie, Deputy Convenor