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    Theresa May!

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    Is it just me, or does Theresa May annoy the hell out of you also? She is still in place as Prime Minister despite making a complete hash of the Brexit negotiations. She is still pushing forwards with a bill that will not pass through the House of Commons, with all sides signalling they will rejecting it. You have to admire her tenacity, she is determined to achieve the seemingly impossible.

    Although Mrs May is a 'channel switcher' for me, I do have a slight edge of admiration for her bullish behaviour. As the soldiers climbed over the trenches during the First World War, to their certain death, she also continues to walk head long into gun fire, from all sides, including her own. The sense of duty inside our Prime Minister is without question, but she is misguided in her quest to get this piece of legislation ratified by the British Parliament....They will not vote for it!

    Yesterday Conservative MP's triggered a vote of confidence in their own leader and despite all the hype and dire predictions, she won the ballot with a commanding majority, even though 117 of her own Members of Parliament voted against her. She gave her now customary speech on the steps of Downing Street and just carried on where she left off, currently in Europe trying to bolster support for a change in the final Brexit agreement, thus far without success!

    It is time Theresa May resigned and let someone else do the job she can't. The proposed bill is dead in the water and someone new, with Brexit credentials needs to take the helm and get us out of the mess we are in. The PM is seriously weakened and is now a lame duck leader, especially after signalling her departure from politics before the end of the current Parliament. There  are other potential leaders better placed to finish the job she started, if only she would give them the chance or maybe she should once again call a General Election and let the public decide....I wouldn't hold your breath!
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    China!

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    It looks like my Aunt and I are off to China in May. With Darrell currently living in Australia, we have had to find a place where we can both meet, without either of us having to travel to opposite sides of the World. I have work commitments and Darrell's primary role, caring for his Mother, has to take priority, so we just don't have the time to be travelling for long periods. China seems to be the logical meeting place for both of us and I am delighted my Aunt is coming too.

    After trying to live in Australia twice, I can safely say am not particularly in love with the place. I left on both occasions, returning to the UK, where Darrell and I remained settled for twenty years, I do however love the Far East, having visited Kuala Lumpur twice, falling in love with the orient. China has always been on my bucket list, along with Japan, so I am extremely happy to be going there.

    Darrell and I have travelled all over the World during our time together, there are only a few countries left, where both of us would like to go. China holds a very special place in both of our hearts; it history, culture, food and geology are a particular draw and it just happens to be an ideal half way point for both of us to get to, allowing us to spend a few weeks together, before flying our separate ways again, until we are reunited on a permanent basis.

    My Aunt is also a seasoned traveller, having been to some spectacular locations. She normally arranges her own holidays, avoiding the standard tours offered by operators, allowing her to wonder off the beaten track, experiencing a more native view of each country she has seen. Both of us want to follow my Aunts tradition and visit the more unusual sites in China, maybe living as the Chinese do or at least seeing things the normal everyday tourist doesn't.

    So for the next few months we will be spending time arranging this trip and working towards Darrell and I seeing each other once again. I am philosophical about our current situation and although not ideal, I am determined to make the best of this period in our life. Living separately was never on the cards, we didn't see it coming, but as long as we move forwards positively, this shouldn't be the difficult time we both expected!
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    Christmas Thoughts - Mariam Losada!

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    "Christmas is the season some love to hate, but secretly we love the sparkle, the anticipation, the present exchange and the copious amount of food until we’re close to bursting. It’s funny how for some it can be a very happy time and for others, it’s very sad remembering the ones who are no longer with us. To all of them, a glass should be raised to remember and cherish the good times. Nothing is just for Xmas especially all that glitters!"




    Mariam Losada

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    A Cancer Research Christmas!

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    It was the Cancer Research Christmas Party last night, at the Village Hotel in Hilsea, not a venue I have been to before, but one I hope to go to again. Zerina, Jo and Sam, our three Managers and Cancer Research in Portsmouth, had arranged a fabulous night and this luxury hotel for the bargain price of ten pounds a head and I wasn't sure what to expect when I arrived, after all a tenner doesn't buy you much these days, certainly not a Christmas meal.

    The hotel was a bit posh if I am honest, certainly not the sort of place I usually frequent, but it was a welcome change. All of us at Cancer Research were seated together on a long, well decorated table, where we waited to be served. While we sat there chatting with one another, music played in the background and the drinks flowed.

    The food arrived piping hot and well presented, not the biggest portions in the World, but it tasted absolutely wonderful. This Christmas meal certainly lived up to the old saying 'Less is more' and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Desert was equally delicious and I was impressed with the service as well as the beautifully cooked affair. The only downside for me, was the cost of drinks, at a cost of five pounds a pint, it was far more expensive than I am used too!

    Finally it was an evening of dancing and music, celebrating the beginning of the festive season with friends and colleagues. Each of us were presented with presents from this charity, thanking us for our hard work throughout the year and a secret Santa gift from another member of the staff. This was an important occasion arranged by our Managers to show their appreciation for the time we give. This small gesture is a motivational event that is necessary for all of us to continue doing the work we do. I have worked at other charities before, but haven't experienced such enthusiastic participation from those in charge before.

    After visiting my Mother in Hospital today, my Father asked me about my evening last night and I explained my warmth and passion  towards Cancer Research. He looked at me and said he was surprised that I decided to volunteer again, after what happened at Oxfam previously. After thinking about his reaction, I was clear in my answer...'Not all charities are the same!' That is the point. After my negative experiences at Oxfam, I didn't think I could work in the charity sector again, but Cancer Research has shown me they are very different to the ghosts of the past. They run their shops efficiently, include all their staff and ensure all of us are part of a well organised team, all working towards the same goal. Cancer Research, gave me a Christmas to remember and finally allowed me to lay Oxfam to rest!
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    Christmas Thoughts - Joan Ferguson!

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    A photograph of 'Santa Pola' taken by Joan from her wing mirror. Joan wanted to include it, as her thoughts for Christmas. Thank you for sending it to me, I am delighted to publish it today!
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    Joan Ferguson


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    Dress Up!

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    Somebody asked me the other day why I worked so much, why I sustain three jobs and still find the time to volunteer....Well the photographs above explain it all. Of course I work when I am Cancer Research, sitting behind a till serving customers, but I also relax, chill and enjoy the company of my colleagues in an atmosphere that allows me to wind down after busy week at work.

    Volunteering is a worthwhile undertaking in whatever role you choose; it also brings you into contact with other characters who like you have a mission to help others in life. These remain the best people to work with, individuals who want to help, all striving for the same goals and happy to be grafting together as a team!

    I enjoy my Monday afternoons because I feel rewarded and satisfied at the end of the day. I regard all those I work with as friends and I look forward to seeing them. My journey home, began at Cancer Research and no matter where it takes me, I will always have a few hours to spare, for this charity shop in the heart of Portsmouth each week....If you have the time, maybe you could too!
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