Last week, the local residents of the POD bestowed a copy of their very own published book called ‘Living History – Don’t time fly when you’re having fun in Nechells!’  It is a beautiful compilation of memories about growing up in the local area and took nearly two years to complete!

This week local resident Bronwen tells us all about her mother who was a much loved and very talented character in the local area!

“My mom was a lovely lady.  Happy and always laughing and joking. She had a lovely sense of humour and everyone loved her.  We had to stay cheerful – it’s no good being miserable.  She loved to write in her spare time. Mom was 90 when she died – in her own chair, in her own living room, happy watching Eastenders.”

Here is a poem written by Bronwen’s mom Rose, which is included in the book in her memory:

When you’re on the pension by Rose Phyllis Llewellyn sung to the tune “Count Your Blessings”

 

When you’re on the pension and your friends are few

Don’t sit down and worry like others do.

Think of all the blessings of the Welfare State

Everything is planned for you, so do not wait.

 

Chorus

Count your blessings name them one by one

Count your blessings see what God has done

Count your blessings name them one by one

And it will surprise you what the Lord has done.

 

Are you hard of hearing, do your friends all shout?

Do they talk in whispers that you can’t make out?

Put in your appointment, to the clinic go

And you’ll get a hearing aid to cure your woe.

 

When you go out walking to your favourite store

Do your legs start aching and your feet get sore?

Go to the chiropodist, he’ll make you right

Set the music playing and you’ll dance all night.

 

Have your eyes got weaker so you cannot see?

Colours seem more faded than they used to be?

Get yourself a pair of specs, they’ll look just fine

And your day will brighten and the sun will shine.

 

Have you got the toothache, are your teeth all bad?

When you look into the mirror are you sad?

Go and see the dentist in a little while

He’ll fix your dentures, then you’ll smile, smile, smile.

 

Supporting the local community is at the heart of McDermotts and we are delighted to work with the Nechells POD – a community hub committed to working with and for the local community to enhance life chances for the residents of Nechells.

Tune in next week for more wisdom!