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Sound the Trumpets - A New Blog for the Older Brigade has Arrived!

Tis The Season of Goodwill!

The season of goodwill is upon us!  The shops online and in the High Streets are buzzing with Christmas fare.  There are 3 for 2 and 50% off, etc, enticing us to spend our hard-earned cash.  But I have become more savvy over the years.  I now make a list and stick to it with self-inflicted discipline to keep myself from going overboard.  I learned my lesson the hard way years ago, and now I am one step ahead of the crafty retailers’ advertising. Seriously, write a list. I do mine around the beginning of August (yes, as early as that).  And, bit by bit, I find out what the grandkids have their little hearts set on, except George, who is 7 and will chop and change from one week to the next and start putting money aside when I price things up.  The older grandkids all want money, so that is easy, and I begin to put money away for them from the beginning of the year; believe me, you don't notice it so much. Around October, I look at my Christmas decoration...
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Father's Day - A Bonding Day for Some - But Not Everyone!




Reaching Out to Others

Today is Father's Day—a day set aside each year to celebrate the bond between a child and their dad. For many, it’s a chance to show appreciation and love, whether they’re young, grown-up, or even parents themselves.

But for others, this day can feel complicated. Not everyone has had the chance to know a supportive or present father. Some may have experienced absence, distance, or disappointment—and that can leave a mark, especially on days like this.

It’s important to acknowledge that these feelings are valid. Just like other significant days—Mother’s Day, birthdays, Christmas—Father’s Day can stir up emotions that aren’t always joyful. Many learn to live with these feelings and carry on without much thought. But for some, the weight lingers.

If this resonates with you, know that you don’t have to keep it to yourself. Sometimes, talking things through with a friend or family member can ease the burden. And if that feels too close, speaking with someone outside your circle—a support line or a counsellor—can be just as helpful.

If you need someone to talk to, YoungMinds is a great place to start: https://www.youngminds.org.uk/young-person.

You're not alone in this. Reaching out is a sign of strength, not weakness.

I hope this helps.


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