My mam and dad used to own the VG shop that used to be directly across the road from there in the 1970s.
Just watching the news and the main story is the 'tragedy' of the death of Michael Mosley. It's sad, and I really sympathise with his family, but there's something about it all that's a little ott imo. I can't help thinking that, if this was a Sunderland lad on a stag weekend, some people wouldn't be so quick to excuse him. This is a pensioner who's gone off on a long walk, on his own, along dangerous terrain, in seriously high temperatures, without his phone and ill equipped. I walk and rule number one is to take water even when it's cold. Sorry if it sounds cruel but it was really stupid imo ... ... perhaps he has mental health issues which would excuse him though.
For years I have enjoyed Sunday afternoon on the drink with the lads, its something we have done for 32 years, over the years people have come and gone but myself and 3 of the other lads have carried on. Yesterday I think was the realisation that I am doing it out of habit more than enjoyment, we do have some cracking Sunday afternoons but they are getting few and far between now. Sundays used to be the best day of the week but its slowly got worse especially since Covid. Had a text this morning of one of the lads asking if I have sobered up after my bold statement yesterday which made me laugh but I am considering throwing my Sunday Sessions in the bin
It's National Blood Week. Apparently only 2% of Uk adults donate blood- they need 4300 pints per day. When I was first donating in 70's , there was a time when the nurse chatted to me as my bag was just about full and ready to disconnect. She asked me where I worked , which was in a bank. She said, '' but this one is the best bank of all. It's the only one that no matter how little you deposit, you can always take out as much as you need.'' I've always remembered that. If you don't already , try to get along and help --- hope not , but you never know if you or yours may need some one day.
Where do you go to do it, Annfield Plain? Edit: googled it, and there's quite a few nearby, even one in Consett certain times of the month. Will sign up later and donate. Thanks for posting that mate, you've added one more donor.
I used to donate but the meds I'm on now prevents that, it's a shame as I'm O neg a universal group for everyone and quiet rare.
To be honest, I actually need to get back to it, started having difficulty keeping iron levels up to where they require ( they want higher than your doctor would be concerned about) I would use the Blood app to see where sessions were, I was happy to travel around in order to fit in as soon as poss when 12 weeks were up. I went to Stanley, Consett, Lanchester, Birtley, Durham fire station and more. Some places have stopped. ( Lanchester stopped because the community centre started asking too much money to hire their hall . Selfish greed , they were happy to let the room stay empty with no income rather than help this cause -- sorry, just a little rant there)
Nice one , and enjoy your cup of tea afterwards ! They most likely will ask if you want to book in for next Consett session, which could be some time ahead. If you are able and want to go as regular as poss like I did, just say you will do your own bookings on the app
I've been a donor for quite a few years and have donated more than 50 times (I've got lapel badge that I wear when I'm at work with pride). I've been to a few places, including a Mormon church on John Reid Road in 'Sheels a few times where we could only have juice or bovril 'cos they're not allowed caffeine that's in tea or coffee (even though both are available without), but I've donated mostly at The Stadium, which is nice My next appointment is on Friday 19th July at The Foundation next to The Stadium and I always look forward to it (the biscuits, I mean - they don't provide tea or coffee anywhere now) It always makes me happy when I receive a text shortly after donation to tell me that my blood has been used to help to save someone's life . . . . my last lot was used in Arrowe Park Hospital, Birkenhead in March
