and “How, Mad Ideas Keep the Recycled Teenagers of The Leys Out of Trouble… Mostly.”)
Every Wednesday, between 10am and 12pm, the doors of the Clockhouse swing open and in march our beloved recycled teenagers – needles clicking, gossip flowing, and the collective determination to “put the world to rights” before lunchtime.
This is Knit & Natter, Leys CDI-style. A place where crafts are attempted, conversations are lively, tea is poured and the laughter can be heard throughout the Clockhouse.
And right now, the place is buzzing and not just from the caffeine.
Good weather = great moods
The sun’s out, the smiles are wide, and the excitement is building for:
- The annual CDI Garden Party
- The upcoming “Safari Voyage”, or as the rest of the world calls it, a trip to Cotswold Wildlife Park
- Wimbledon Fortnight, where our members will be donning all-whites, wristbands, headbands, and inhaling strawberries and cream like seasoned athletes
- And of course… the World Cup Draw, where each member has been assigned a country to cheer on with the passion of a lifelong fan, even if they’ve never heard of it
WORLD CUP REACTIONS !
Sylvia – Team South Korea
“I’ve drawn South Korea and I don’t know much about them. I’ve never even owned a passport! But if they win, I might have to pay them a visit.” “I’m more of a music lover than sport, especially 50’s and 60′ music but I wasn’t allowed to listen to Elvis growing up. Dad said all that hip wiggling was a bad influence.”
If South Korea go far, Sylvia is expecting to feel ‘All Shook Up’.
Joy – Team Turkey
A CDI member since 2010. Knit & Natter, Zumba, Singing , she’s done the lot. Joy’s reaction to drawing Turkey was:-
“Fantastic!!” (Cue flapping arms) “Is it basted? On skewers? Or am I waiting for Christmas?”
A self-confessed soap addict, she’s already stressed about World Cup matches clashing with Emmerdale and Corrie. Spoiler Alert – they absolutely will !!
However, Joy is buzzing for the garden party, the sunshine, and the chance to meet new and old friends. Joy credits CDI for making many friends over the years, including her very good friend and ‘Knit and Natter’ poster girl Rita, with whom she often travels on holidays with. Their favourite destination being Wales, rather than Turkey!
Jean B – Team Iraq 🇮🇶
One of CDI’s newer recruits, and a regular in both Knit & Natter and Art.
“Drawing Iraq is a bit of a trip down memory lane,” said Jean. “My late husband served there during the war.”
“I do actually prefer the other game… the one with the odd-shaped ball.”
We think we know what you mean, Jean ?!!. We think we know?!!
Pat – Team Czech Republic 🇨🇿
A proud CDI attendee since 2015. Pat states her favourite days of the week are those attending CDI’s Knit & Natter and Silver Threads.
Pat only marched into the bookies to check the odds of Czech Republic winning the World Cup.
“200–1!” she announced.
When we explained that surely it should be 2000–1. She shrugged it off, took it in her normal cheerful manner and happily declared: “Oh well, I like the colour red and I look great in the picture.”
And so, say all of us, Pat. 🙂
At Leys CDI, everything we do, every mad idea, themed event, daft competition and cup of tea poured is designed with one purpose: –
To bring people together.
To spark conversations, create friendships, build confidence, make memories and remind every person who walks through our doors that they matter.
None of this would be possible without the support of our partners, funders, volunteers, staff, and the wonderful community who believe in what we do.
From the bottom of our heart, Thank you.
Finally, If you know anyone, male or female, aged 50+, who could do with a bit of company, a laugh, a cuppa, a chat, a craft, a dance, sing-song or simply a place to belong, Please send them our way. We’ve always got room for one more teammate.
