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'World Beach Day' 🏖 1st September


"Every time I stand before a beautiful beach, its waves seem to whisper to me: If you choose the simple things and find joy in nature’s simple treasures, life and living need not be so hard." - Psyche Roxas-Mendoza


You could start the discussion by looking at the 2022 announcement regarding the 'Blue Flag Awards' for water and beach cleanliness. 185 British Isles beaches received the prestigious award. This year, in 2023, the number has drastically fallen to 77 beaches. See here https://coastradar.com/blue-flag-beaches/united-kingdom/

Over recent months there has been mounting concern about raw sewage being dumped into rivers and sea water. What has changed so badly? Some say it is because Brexit has made getting cleansing chemicals more difficult, others say it is because water companies have not invested in infrastructure and rather given profits to executives and shareholders. Some say it is both!




Discuss whether water and sewage companies should be renationalised? What other solutions might there be?





Next, ask members whether they like visiting the beach and which are their favourite beaches to visit.



What are the things we can do to keep our beaches clean and safe? Ask members for ideas:


- take litter home with you & leave nothing behind except footprints


- pick up any litter you see, especially if it could be hazardous to people or animals


- leave the beach as it is, take nothing home with you


- park in designated areas and stick to footpaths.


What would people pack in a beach bag if they were to spend the afternoon at the seaside. Here is a list of possible contents: - floppy hat, - sunglasses, - beach towel, - beach ball, - bikini or bathers, - sun cream, - bottle of water, - picnic basket, with some sandwiches crisps and an apple - a beach blanket, - camping chair or deckchair, - parasol and windbreak - snorkel and goggles and flippers, - music player and earphones, - insect repellent, - a bottle of wine, - maybe a jumper! We next remembered childhood visits to the seaside. - Miner's week and bus and train visits to Barry Island - Staying at Butlins - Visiting the funfair - How dirty the water used to be!


Song break ...


Here is an early opportunity for a singalong ...






ROUND 1. IDIOMS


Next, ask members to complete the following phrases together, by way of a shout out:


Big fish in a small POND


Drink like a FISH


Like a fish out of WATER


A whale of a TIME


The world is your OYSTER


Keep something at BAY


The coast is CLEAR


A drop in the OCEAN


Like a beached WHALE


A loan SHARK


Any port in a STORM


Plain SAILING


Plenty more fish in the SEA


Tip of the ICEBERG


Turn back the TIDE


Red HERRING


Neither fish nor FOWL


Have bigger fish to FRY


Rock the BOAT


Run a tight SHIP


In the DOLDRUMS


Fishy BUSINESS


Making WAVES


Packed in like SARDINES







ROUND 2. THINGS WE MIGHT DO ON THE BEACH


​1. Renting a deckchair


This advert says it cost 6d a day. What was the common name of a sixpence?


​2. Building a sandcastle


What is the main constituent of UK sand?



​3. Rockpooling


How many legs does a starfish always have?


4. Walking on the beach


What is the furthest you can be from the sea anywhere in the UK?


​5. Paddling


What is the average sea temperature in the UK during August?


​6. Swimming


What percentage of salt does seawater contain?


7. Surfing


What is the surfing capital of the UK?


​8. Flying a kite


What is the name of the scale which tells you how strong the wind is?


​9. Sunbathing


What does the saying "Slip, slap, slop" mean?


10. Renting a beach hut


How much is it to rent a beach hut (in summer months - Barry Island)?




​11. Taking in the view


What is the view from Cold Knap in Barry?

What power station can you see being built?



12. Having a picnic?


What would you like to see included in your favourite picnic?





Try saying this tongue-twister together ...



"She sells seashells on the seashore,

The shells she sells are seashells, I'm sure,

For if she sells seashells on the seashore,

Then I'm sure she sells sea shore shells"





Song break. 'Itsy Bitsy Teeny Weenie Yellow Polkadot Bikini', Brian Hyland -


Who wore, or still wears, a bikini?





ROUND 2. SOME DOWN SIDES


12. Ropey weather


Where is this local lighthouse?

Who likes watching the waves during a storm?


​13. Being attacked by a seagull?


How long do seagulls live?


14. Getting sunburned?


What SPF sun cream should you wear?

What does SPF stand for?


15. Getting stung by a jellyfish?


Does it help to have someone pee on the sting?



16. Finding litter


How old do you think this 'Walker's Crisps' bag that was found on Treyarnon Bay in Cornwall is?


17. Stepping in dog poo


What is the fine for leaving dog poo on the beach?


​18. Getting stung by a wasp


Do wasps or bees die after they sting you?


19. Watching a 'Punch & Judy' show?


Why did this form of entertainment fall into disrepute?


"That's the way to do it!"


20. Donkey rides​​


What noise does a donkey make?

What is a female donkey called?


​21. Flotsam & Jetsam


What are 'Flotsam & Jetsam'?



22. Rip currents


What does this flag mean?



23. Going to the funfair


Name as many funfair rides as you can?

What is your favourite?




Ad break ...


Before watching, can anyone guess the lady's name?




Song break. 'Beyond The Sea', Bobby Darin -


What is your nearest beach? How does it rank in terms of cleanliness and attractiveness?





ROUND 3. SOME FAMOUS BEACHES



Name the beaches. Here are clues ...


24. 'Gavin And Stacey' was filmed here?

25. Called Island is just off the coast near this Welsh beach?

26. Name this North West seaside resort with a famous tower, where 'Strictly Come Dancing' is filmed once each year?

27. 'The Waverley' & 'Balmoral' sail from this South Wales pier?

28. Where would you find this pier on the South coast?

29. This is the most famous beach in Hawaii?

30. 'Christ The Redeemer' overlooks this beach?

31. This is the most famous surfing beach in Australia?

32. The 2000 movie 'The Beach', starring Leonardo De Caprio, was filmed here?


Can anyone name any other famous beaches?




Ad break ...


Before playing, can anyone guess the advertising slogan?




Song break. 'Copacabana', Barry Manilow -

How old is Barry Manilow? (80 years)




ROUND 4. SOME FOODS




33. What is this ice cream called?

34. What might you put on a portion of chips?

35. What are these apples dipped in?

36. What do Americans call this?

37. What is the most common flavour of a stick of rock?

38. What type of sausage is used in a hot dog?

39. What English county is this savoury snack associated with?

40. Where might you find this eaten very often?

41. What two flavours are commonplace in donuts?

42. Name as many shellfish as you can?




Song break. 'Molly Malone', The Dubliners - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=diUkiTs1gxM


What did she die of? (A fever)





ROUND 5. TV & MOVIES



Name the TV show or movie + answer the following questions ...


43. Who was his best and only friend?

44. What was the name of the ship?

45. What was this character's name and who played her?

46. What animal did he imagine when he thought about his mother in law?

47. Name the other two characters?

48. What was the name of the hairdresser's?

49. Where was it set?

50. Name the characters?

51. Name the actors?

52. Name the beach/island?

53. Name his volleyball friend?

54. Who did she used to talk to?




Ad break ...


What is this original song? ("A life on the ocean wave.")




FINAL SONGS - TAKE YOUR PICK



'Good Vibrations', The Beach Boys - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=apBWI6xrbLY


'The Dock Of The Bay', Otis Reading - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rTVjnBo96Ug

(We asked members to whistle along to the final chorus.)


'Under The Boardwalk', The Drifters - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EPEqRMVnZNU


'The Tide Is High', Blondie - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ppYgrdJ0pWk


'Stranger On The Shore', Aka Bilk - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7jzx664u5DA


'On The Beach', Chris Rea - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-yXVufG5oV0


'Surfin' USA', The Beach Boys - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2s4slliAtQU







Some members may find this poem a comfort.





PRACTICAL ACTIVITY



Paint some pebbles with fish and other sea creatures. Acrylic paints are probably best.

When they have dried, remind members to take themes home.



Next members went to spend some time in the 'Sun Room' that we are fortunate to have available locally. This is a room with 'real sunlight' (artificial), deckchairs, sand on the floor, sounds of seabirds and waves and Hawaiian leis to wear. It is aimed at promoting relaxation and reminiscence. Take a look at this website for more information. http://www.realsunlight.co.uk/casestudies/

You could also enjoy fish and chips together ...







This advert says it cost 6d a day. What was the common name of a sixpence?

TANNER


What is the main constituent of UK sand?

QUARTZ


How many legs does a starfish always have?

FIVE


What is the furthest you can be from the sea anywhere in the UK?

75 MILES


What is the average sea temperature in the UK during August?

15-20 DEGREES C


What percentage of salt does seawater contain?

3.5%


What is the surfing capital of the UK?

NEWQUAY - FISTRAL BAY


What is the name of the scale which tells you how strong the wind is?

'BEAUFORT SCALE'


What does the saying "Slip, slap, slop" mean?

"slip on a shirt, slop on sunscreen, and slap on a hat"


How much is it to rent a beach hut (in summer months - Barry Island)?

  • Small Huts: Full Day £21.80

  • Large Huts: Full Day £37.20


What is the view from Cold Knap in Barry?

NORTH DEVON


What power station can you see being built?

HINKLEY POINT C


Where is this local lighthouse?

PORTHCAWL


How long do seagulls live?

BETWEEN 10 TO 20 YEARS


What SPF sun cream should you wear?

50


What does SPF stand for?

SUN PROTECTION FACTOR


Does it help to have someone pee on the sting?

NO, YOU JUST END UP SMELLING OF PEE & GET VERY EMBARRASSED


How old do you think this 'Walker's Crisps' bag that was found on Treyarnon Bay in Cornwall is?

50 YEARS


What is the fine for leaving dog poo on the beach?

£1,000


Do wasps or bees die after they sting you?

BEES DIE, WASPS SURVIVE


Why did this form of entertainment fall into disrepute?

BECAUSE IT PORTRAYS DOMESTIC VIOLENCE


What noise does a donkey make?

BRAY


What is a female donkey called?

JENNY


What are 'Flotsam & Jetsam'?

Flotsam is defined as debris in the water that was not deliberately thrown overboard, often as a result from a shipwreck or accident. Jetsam describes debris that was deliberately thrown overboard by a crew of a ship in distress, most often to lighten the ship's load.


What does this flag mean?

LIFEGUARDED AREA


Funfair rides

HELTER SKELTER, ROLLER COASTER, FERRIS WHEEL, CAROUSEL, WALTZER, LOG FLUME ETC


BARRY ISLAND (WHITMORE BAY) - 'Gavin And Stacey' was filmed here?

TENBY - Called Island is just off the coast near this Welsh beach?

BLACKPOOL - Name this North West seaside resort with a famous tower, where 'Strictly Come Dancing' is filmed once each year?

PENARTH - The Waverley' & 'Balmoral' sail from this South Wales pier?

BRIGHTON - Where would you find this pier on the South coast?

WAIKIKI - This is the most famous beach in Hawaii?

COPACABANA - 'Christ The Redeemer' overlooks this beach?

BONDAI BEACH - This is the most famous surfing beach in Australia?

MAYA BAY, THAILAND - The 2000 movie 'The Beach', starring Leonardo De Caprio, was filmed here?


99 - What is this ice cream called?

SALT, VINEGAR, TOMATO SAUCE, GRAVY, CURRY SAUCE ETC - What might you put on a portion of chips?

TOFFEE - What are these apples dipped in?

COTTON CANDY - What do Americans call this?

SPEARMINT - What is the most common flavour of a stick of rock?

FRANKFURTER - What type of sausage is used in a hot dog?

CORNWALL - What English county is this savoury snack associated with?

EAST END OF LONDON - Where might you find this eaten very often?

RASPBERRY & CUSTARD - What two flavours are commonplace in donuts?


Name as many shellfish as you can?

PRAWN, LOBSTER, CRAB, OYSTER, CLAM, MUSSELS, COCKLES, WHELKS, CRABSTICKS, LANGOUSTINE, SCALLOPS ETC


ROBINSON CRUSOE - Who was his best and only friend? - MAN FRIDAY

CAPTAIN PUGWASH - What was the name of the ship? - 'THE BLACK PIG'

HI DI HI - What was this character's name and who played her? GLADYS PUGH/RUTH MADOC

THE RISE AND FALL OF REGINALD PERRIN - What animal did he imagine when he thought about his mother in law? - HIPPOPOTAMUS

GAVIN AND STACEY - Name the other two characters? NESSA & SMITHY

BENIDORM - What was the name of the hairdresser's? - BLOW & GO'

DOC MARTIN - Where was it set? PORT WENN (PORT ISAAC)

POLDARK - Name the characters? ROSS & DEMELZA

BAYWATCH - Name the actors? - PAMELA ANDERSON & DAVID HASSELHOFF

JAWS - Name the beach/island? AMITY

CASTAWAY - Name his volleyball friend? - WILSON

SHIRLEY VALENTINE - Who did she used to talk to? - WALL









Who has tried any of these products?




Who ever sent a beach postcard? Where from?








What is a 'Sloop'?


a. A gin based cocktail

b. A raincoat

c. A sailing boat



Factoid. What are 'Flotsam' and 'Jetsam'?


Both are marine debris. Flotsam comes from the word 'float' and usually results from a shipwreck; Jetsam comes from the word 'jettison' and is waste deliberately discarded at sea.



SINGALONGS




Drunken Sailor


What shall we do with the drunken sailor? What shall we do with the drunken sailor? What shall we do with the drunken sailor? Ear'ly in the mornin'


Hoo-ray and up she rises Hoo-ray and up she rises Hoo-ray and up she rises Ear'ly in the mornin'


Put him in the scuppers with the lee rail under Put him in the scuppers with the lee rail under Put him in the scuppers with the lee rail under Ear'ly in the mornin'


Hoo-ray and up she rises Hoo-ray and up she rises Hoo-ray and up she rises Ear'ly in the mornin'


Put him in the brig until he's sober Put him in the brig until he's sober Put him in the brig until he's sober Ear'ly in the mornin'


Hoo-ray and up she rises Hoo-ray and up she rises Hoo-ray and up she rises Ear'ly in the mornin'


Put him in a whaler, make him pull her Put him in a whaler, make him pull her Put him in a whaler, make him pull her Ear'ly in the mornin'


Hoo-ray and up she rises Hoo-ray and up she rises Hoo-ray and up she rises Ear'ly in the mornin'


Shave his belly with a rusty razor Shave his belly with a rusty razor Shave his belly with a rusty razor Ear'ly in the mornin'


Hoo-ray and up she rises Hoo-ray and up she rises Hoo-ray and up she rises Ear'ly in the mornin'


Put him in a bunk with the captain's daughter Put him in a bunk with the captain's daughter Put him in a bunk with the captain's daughter Ear'ly in the mornin'


Hoo-ray and up she rises Hoo-ray and up she rises Hoo-ray and up she rises Ear'ly in the mornin'


Have you seen the captain's daughter? Have you seen the captain's daughter? Have you seen the captain's daughter? Ear'ly in the mornin'


Hoo-ray and up she rises Hoo-ray and up she rises Hoo-ray and up she rises Ear'ly in the mornin'


Keel-haul him, keel-haul him Keel-haul him, keel-haul him Keel-haul him, keel-haul him Ear'ly in the mornin'


Hoo-ray and up she rises Hoo-ray and up she rises Hoo-ray and up she rises Ear'ly in the mornin'



Sailing

I am sailing I am sailing Home again 'Cross the sea I am sailing Stormy waters To be near you To be free

I am flying I am flying Like a bird 'Cross the sky I am flying Passing high clouds To be near you To be free

Can you hear me? Can you hear me? Through the dark night, far away I am dying, forever crying To be with you, who can say Can you hear me? Can you hear me? Through the dark night, far away I am dying, forever crying To be with you, who can say?

We are sailing, we are sailing Home again 'Cross the sea We are sailing Stormy waters To be near you To be free

Oh, Lord, to be near you, to be free Oh, my Lord, to be near you, to be free Oh, my Lord, to be near you, to be free Oh, Lord