Christmas 2016

Gilly Beddow’s Annual Report

English Literature: Gilly has read a lot of novels this year but her reading has a tendency to be too frivolous – too much fantasy and science fiction. More study of the classics is recommended.

English Language: There are no examples of extended writing this year. However, she does help a Year 6 class with their literacy once a week in her role as vice chair of governors at a local primary school.

Maths:  Gilly does not really see the relevance of this subject apart from calculating the (derisory) interest levels on savings accounts and comparing holiday prices on-line. Her Maths methods are too old-fashioned to help her grandchildren.

ICT: Gilly is improving, although editing articles on the church website www.escombsaxonchurch.co.uk can stretch her at times. Luckily, Matthew, keeps the website up to date.

Geography: There have been successful field trips to Tewksbury, Krakow and Crete this year, as well as re- acquainting herself with the Lake District.  History This is Gilly’s strongest subject. She still tends to spend too much time on Anglo-Saxon history in relation to her duties leading the guiding team at Escomb Church. It is pleasing to see she has expanded her interest this year to an archaeological study of the Minoan Civilisation in Crete and reading about the Ancient Greeks.

Art: Gilly would do better in this subject if she practised more between weekly art classes but has made steady progress in working with pastels and acrylics. She is to be commended for her gloss painting of skirting boards and kitchen cupboards in Katy and Jo’s newly acquired bolt-hole in the Lake District.

Music: A good contribution has been made to choral singing in two choirs, including two successful performances of Haydn’s ‘Creation’. Unfortunately three holidays and four trips down south to family weddings and events have led Gilly to miss too many rehearsals to sustain her efforts. Luckily her grandsons are flying the flag;  Joseph with the flute, Samuel the piano and Luke the cello.

RE: This is an increasingly strong subject. Passing a preaching course in the spring has licensed her to preach six times a year in Escomb church. A deeper study of Theology is now required.

PE: Alas, not a strong subject. Activity mainly revolves around short, local walks and occasional walking of Katy and Jo’s black Labrador, Barney. A present of walking poles has given her more confidence on infrequent, muddy, country walks. She needs to get out more.

Science Rural:  science does not go much further than mowing the lawn and keeping the garden in order. Gilly leaves more serious science study to her grandchildren, especially 10 year old Samuel – his strongest subject.

Childcare studies:  This remains good due to regular practice on Katy and Jo’s boys aged 10 and 8. Gilly has expanded her repertoire this year, having twice been allowed to look after Matt and Karen’s three girls (now 6 and 5) for several days. She now needs to practice more regularly on Joseph, aged 9, in London.

Other family news:

Matt and Karen:  Matthew continues to work in Manchester and tells me the property market so far has survived Brexit and the market fear over a Trump Dump.  Karen is now fully focused on her new career as a multi award winning blogger and social media expert.  The Lily, Isobel and Eve are all at school now and loving every minute.

Katy and Jo Katy:  Katy has spent most of the summer decorating their Lakes District house near Bassenthwaite – part of a Victorian rectory. Jo’s business continues to grow and recently it took over the operation of a gypsum mine near Newark. Skiing has been added to their family sporting activities.

Abigail and Aissa:  Abigail now works part time to are more for Joseph, struggling with his asthma. She is now able to visit my sister weekly in her care home. Aissa has started a new chef’s job for the Intercontinental Hotel Group in Aldgate, much reducing his daily commute. They have visited Romania and the Lakes and spent happy weekends as new National Trust members. Abs and Joseph have attended two sci-fi conventions, in costume. Joseph was delighted to meet two of his heroes, the 5th Dr Who and Chris Barrie from Red Dwarf.

Thank goodness 2016 is coming to an end. What a depressing year of political turmoil, suffering Through war, displacement of people, terrorism and economic uncertainty.  May 2017 be a better year for us all.