BS: Age Shall Not Dim Them

Subject: BS: Age Shall Not Dim Them
From: Mr Red
Date: 08 Nov 01 - 08:09 PM

At a recent book launch at the Imperial War Museum I bumped into fellow 'catter Walrus and at the end of the day one of the old WW1 soldiers, Fred Bunby, was trying to get up out of his chair, we rushed to assist. Amazingly the only wheel chair left was not his, likewise the Zimmer frame in the corner. He was walking to the cab. As people tried to convince him the best train home he insisted on a certain station because it was nearer to its taxi rank! Walrus & I looked at the row of WW1 medals and were joking about physical fitness and mental acuity going hand in hand when someone told us he danced every week - at 101! He insisted he was only 100 years old - a sure sign of a young mind as old people tend to tell you how old they are next birthday!. I was about to whisper to Walrus HUTZPAH in bold capitals when Fred told us he had recently been at an "Old Soldiers Hall" (merely to ceremonially open it) and he had danced with Vera Lynn.
What is the term for double HUTZPAH with a liberal top that topping?

There were 6 old soldiers from WW1 singing and all over 100. I did chat to a Chelsea Pensioner who told me WWII was his war, he looked more like a WW1 veteran than Fred! There were plenty of songs from the veterans some of which I mananged to record.

Book: When this Bloody War is Over.

written by Max Arthur Published by Piatkus Books

This is a book of lyrics from and comment on the evolution of the words and tunes of first world war songs, mostly those we would regard as true folk songs - anon, oral tradition and all that. No printed music. Songs from the UK, Canada Australia, and America.
Max can be contacted at [e-mail] and is keen to hear from people interested in the book.
He found both Walrus & me at the Mudcat Cafe.

Subject: RE: BS: Age Shall Not Dim Them
From: katlaughing
Date: 08 Nov 01 - 09:00 PM

Wow, how inspiring! Reminds me of the series NPR did on centanarians (sp?). One of the interviewees was a woman over 100 who still goes skinny dipping in the lake right out her cabin door, every morning. She was quick to say, she makes sure there are no boaters or fishermen around or that at least there's an early morning fog to mask her coming and going! She was just delightful. I see there is an ad on the tv now which shows an old woman, in a swimsuit, going for a lake swim. I wonder if it is the same woman?

Thanks, very much, for posting this. I'll have a look at the link, too.

kat

Subject: RE: BS: Age Shall Not Dim Them
From: DougR
Date: 08 Nov 01 - 09:34 PM

That's a super story (both of them)!

There was an article in our paper today about a 96 year old man (just six years older than Kendall) who still plays nine holes of golf pulling his golf cart every week. And he shoots the executive nine hole course in the high 30's consistently. He is also known at the Senior Citizen's Center as a real rug-cutter on the dance floor.

I think it would be interesting to have some of the older Mudcatters share the secret of living to a ripe old age with us. Kendall?

DougR

Subject: RE: BS: Age Shall Not Dim Them
From: Melani
Date: 08 Nov 01 - 10:07 PM

Let's hear it for old guys and gals who have fun! I plan on being one.

Subject: RE: BS: Age Shall Not Dim Them
From: Lyrical Lady
Date: 08 Nov 01 - 10:17 PM

My friend Kathleen past away at 101 years of age. She was game and ready, at a moments notice. She had an escort half her age who loved to dance, as did she. She always said her body may be old but her mind was that of an eighteen year old. She walked her dogs, danced and drove her car right up 'til the day she died. I asked her how she managed to do it all and she replied... "I can't stand the thought of missing out on anything." I loved her and I miss her. Rest in Peace, Kath!

LL

Subject: RE: BS: Age Shall Not Dim Them
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 09 Nov 01 - 02:39 AM

I suppose when you get to that age, there is no point in taking it easy or being careful - every day may be your last, so go for it!

There was a gentleman on TV last night who was 100, he was under 18 in 1914, tried to join underage, but had waited his time and been called up at 18. He fought on the Somme, but he looked younger than my dad who was 18 in 1945!

I hope to be at Whitehall this Sunday, as a spectator, remembering my great great uncle who was killed in Arras, and has no grave but the fields around Vis en Etoille, but I will also remember that the youngest war widow is 5 years younger than I am.

Age truly will not wither them. Nor the years condemn.

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: Age Shall Not Dim Them
From: Amergin
Date: 09 Nov 01 - 02:44 AM

that might just mean you're an old bag, Liz....BG

Subject: RE: BS: Age Shall Not Dim Them
From: GUEST
Date: 09 Nov 01 - 04:30 AM

Age shall not WEARY them...
Keith

Subject: RE: BS: Age Shall Not Dim Them
From: The Walrus at work
Date: 09 Nov 01 - 08:45 AM

Guest Keith,

"....Age shall not WEARY them... Keith ..."

Only if you are quoting "For the Fallen"

Walrus

Subject: RE: BS: Age Shall Not Dim Them
From: Gervase
Date: 09 Nov 01 - 10:54 AM

DArn it - I got an invite to the launch at the IWM but couldn't make it. Now I really wish I'd rejigged my schedule. There was an excellent piece in the Guardian yesterday based on interviews with three of the veterans. Sorry to have missed you there Tom.

Subject: RE: BS: Age Shall Not Dim Them
From: MMario
Date: 09 Nov 01 - 11:06 AM

my parents (both in their 80's) look younger then some of the people I work with who are in their 50's!

Subject: RE: BS: Age Shall Not Dim Them
From: Keith A of Hertford
Date: 09 Nov 01 - 02:40 PM

Walrus, don't deprive me the simple pleasure of pedantry.
Keith.

Subject: RE: BS: Age Shall Not Dim Them
From: The Walrus
Date: 10 Nov 01 - 07:27 AM

Kieth,

I just thought I'd try a little pedantry myself...BG

Tom (Walrus)

Subject: RE: BS: Age Shall Not Dim Them
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 10 Nov 01 - 03:29 PM

It's wither in the order of service for Rememberance Sunday that I was using... bloody new Common Worship....

LTS