To Amy and Emma, the artists who worked with GOLD members at the weekly workshops in preparation for the Darlington Community Carnival held on Saturday 27th June 2009
Well done Em and Amy
you really did excel
and that you both enjoyed yourselves
everyone could tell
Except perhaps the last few days
when time was running out
'All hands on deck' were needed
but few of them about!
But everybody pulled their weight
and you put long hours in
as you fought to reach the finish line
as to fail would be a sin!
Your patience knew no boundaries
at times when things went wrong
And when folks got discouraged
you nurtured them along.
Your sculptures were fantastic
who could ask for more
Even if I had my doubts
would 'Dino' go through the door?
That Alien looked quite scary,
the Dragonfly was sweet
and the Penny Farthing looked so well
trundling down the street
All the costumes looked real good
Gold - silver - black and white
Toppers - hooped skirts - preposterous hats
the mixture turned out right
We gave the town a good display
all of us - young and old
though some of us by the end of the day
were shattered if the truth be told!
We all really appreciate
the enthusiasm you showed
So from GOLD a great big THANK YOU
to both of you is owed.
Thanks.
Written by Jeanette Freeman on behalf of GOLD
GOLD by Jeanette Freeman
We are the Golden age group who says we’re over the hill?
We range from fifty upwards and we’re going still
Finding out the problems which trouble folks like us
From matters relating to our health to - where do we get a bus!
Queries about the environment and finding answers too
On what to do with our spare time what new things can we do?
We try to demonstrate our zest a healthy life to live
And to show the younger folk we have plenty still to give
Trying to raise the profile of the part we can all play
Just because we’re fifty plus doesn’t mean we have no say
In Darlington Carnival we take part and have ourselves some fun
As well as making money when the day is finally done
Of course we need a lot of help with the administration
And to all our helpers goes our heartfelt admiration
What would we do without them - they’re at our beck and call
Lesley - Rosi - Claire and Steven we really need them all!
They are there to back us in each brand new task
They keep the wheels all rolling help us when we ask
We’ve organised events to show that ‘older’ is not all bad
And if you let life pass you by you’ll end up being sad
So even if we sometimes feel that age is catching up
Like when you’ve made a coffee and then misplace your cup!
It doesn’t mean life’s over - everyone can forget
If you can find your own way home you’re not past it yet!
December 2006
I’m Fine, Thank you
The moral of this, as my tale I unfold,
That you for and me who are growing old
It’s better to say “I’m fine” with a grin
Than to let folk know the shape we are in.
How do I know that my youth is all spent?
Well, my get-up-and-go has got up and went.
But I don’t really mind when I think with a grin,
Of all of the places my “get up” has been.
I get up each morning and dust off my wits
And I pick up the paper and read the ‘Obits’
If my name is still missing, I know I’m not dead,
So I have a good breakfast and go back to bed!
Waste not, want not
Waste not, want not
A maxim I will teach
Let your watchword be depatched
And practice what you preach.
Never let your chances
Like the sunbeams pass you by
For you'll never miss the water
'Til the well runs dry.
CLIMATE CHANGE
'Where have all the flowers gone' that song from years ago
Now we hear the words again but not on a Pop Song show
With climate change - or so they say - the world is warming up
And as the seasons alter we could lose the buttercup
Daffodils and crocus and tiny snowdrops too
Might only in Botanical Gardens be available to view.
So we must heed the messages and warnings given to us
Save the planet - don't fly and drive but simply take the bus!
Or if you're young or energetic - your bike you could employ
Making the air much cleaner for everyone to enjoy
African deserts are growing - encroaching on farm land
Soon more of the continent will consist of mainly sand
Chopping down rain forests we really must slow down
Even the humble barbecue causes a bit of a frown
So - if everybody does their bit to cut down on pollution
Then maybe we can slow down the process of evolution.