Books and Bakes: The Oysterville Sewing Circle by Susan Wiggs
The Oysterville Sewing Circle is a heartfelt and timely novel about reclaiming agency, building resilience, and finding strength in the places we least expect.
We provide trishaw rides for older, disabled and isolated people around the local community on our special three-seater, three wheeled trishaw named "Trixie".
To re-introduce physical activity or for those with long term health conditions we have Stepping On Social, while those who are more physically active are welcome to Zumba Gold.
Organising regular trips to various places around the North East of England to enjoy the environment, culture and social opportunities. We are a member of the Community Transport Association.
Our monthly book club aims to bring people together to read and discuss a variety of books and build social connections with peers.
We run a variety of themed coffee mornings and afternoons as well as afternoon tea events to bring the community together.
I started the weekly Stepping On Social group about 4 years ago and soon started to feel at home; it’s a very friendly, welcoming group. The exercises increase stamina, promote good balance and can easily be practised at home while watching tv, for example. (Although they aren’t strenuous, they do warm you up!)
Afterwards, we enjoy a cuppa, cake and chat. We are a friendly group of up to 12, men and women, who would welcome anyone new who’d like to try it.
I have been going to Zumba Gold classes for a number of years now, As we get older, it is so important to keep exercising and Zumba Gold is ideal. Easy to follow and no pressure to do the routines perfectly. No one minds if you get the moves wrong, it is all part of the fun. Alison encourages us to "just keep moving" and put in as much effort as we want or are able to. The class is friendly and not at all intimidating. Alison is encouraging, supportive, caring and inspirational. My co-ordination and balance have improved. I feel stronger and, as an Asthmatic, my breathing has benefitted greatly from Zumba Gold exercise. The social aspect, along with the physical exercise, has also played an important role in my mental wellbeing. ou have given me a focus, kept me moving and sane.
I have attended many themed events organised for the benefit of many. Such a variety of people are pleased to be a part of the events; men and women, some with health problems, some non at all. All just happy to be entertained and meet other people. There was the afternoon tea when we were taken back to the days of rationing in the 40s where we sampled cakes and sandwiches as they would have been prepared back in the day.
The entertainer, a local singer, was hugely appreciated and assisted by the guests. Our host dressed in the uniform of a young WAAF and looked the part. Of course, the wartime songs went down very well. These events have all been very well organised and well received providing pleasures for carers and those being cared for.
The Oysterville Sewing Circle is a heartfelt and timely novel about reclaiming agency, building resilience, and finding strength in the places we least expect.
In The Twyford Code, bestselling author Janice Hallett delivers a masterfully crafted literary puzzle told entirely through audio transcripts. As ex-gang member Steven “Smithy” Smith attempts to unravel the decades-old disappearance of his schoolteacher and a possible code hidden in children’s books, readers are invited to decode the truth alongside him. Thought-provoking, cleverly structured, and rich in emotion, this is more than a mystery—it’s a moving meditation on memory, identity, and the stories we choose to tell.
Shuggie Bain hasn’t been an easy read for the group, we do recognise how powerful and evocative the story is.
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Contact Alison via telephone or text message: 07590535448
Contact Alison via email: alison@hihacic.co.uk