“What's in a name? That which we call a rose
By any other name would smell as sweet.”
'Romeo And Juliet', William Shakespeare
This week we started by reading the poem 'What are little girls and boys made of...' and discussed what are the real differences between the genders versus the stereotypical views commonly held. (We all agreed that men and women are more alike than different and that our unique personalities are what really differentiate us.)
We talked about the common view that the age of chivalry is over and the blurring of gender boundaries and discussed whether equality was a good thing. (We all agreed that it was.)
We started by asking people if they liked their names? Did anyone have a preferred name or nickname?
We looked up the meaning of Christian names of those in the group on Google. (Simon means 'snub nosed'!)
We asked where people were born? We asked who had an accent, from where they were born and grew up.
We asked if anyone had a second language and asked for a few examples from those who did.
We asked about members heritage and ancestors. Did anyone have anyone or anything of interest in their family tree? This included if anyone had any 'blue blood' in their line, or if there were any 'skeletons in the closet' from times gone by.
We asked members how they would go about finding out about their family tree. Had anyone delved deep into their past?
Ideas for starting off on the journey of completing a family tree included ...
- Asking older relatives for information and interesting facts
- Downloading Ancestry.co.uk and searching there
- Looking at old family photograph albums
- Searching online for births, marriages and deaths
- Searching through census records
- Visiting graveyards
Next, we looked up the top 10 boys and girls names now, compared to 1957?
1957
Michael Mary
James Susan
David Linda
Robert Debra
John Karen
William Cynthia
Mark Patricia
Richard Barbara
Thomas Donna
Steven Nancy
2010
Aiden Sophia
Jacob Isabella
Jackson Olivia
Ethan Emma
Jayden Chloe
Noah Ava
Logan Lily
Caden Madison
Lucas Addison
Liam Abigail
We asked why certain names lose or gain popularity? We asked what members favourite names were and why?
We asked about members' surnames? Did anyone know where their name had originated? Was it a rare or common name? In which country did the name originate? (We looked this up on Google.)
IDIOMS
Next, we asked members to complete the following phrases ...
Be one of the LADS
Old boy's NETWORK
Big girl's BLOUSE
Boy next DOOR
Blue eyed BOY
Couldn't happen to a nicer PERSON
Cover GIRL
Man FRIDAY
Little boys/girls ROOM
There's a good BOY
Boy am I glad to SEE YOU
Mummy's BOY
All work and no play makes Jack a DULL BOY
Boy oh BOY
Boys will be BOYS
Sort out the men FROM THE BOYS
Girls just wanna HAVE FUN
Adam’s APPLE
Any Tom Dick OR HARRY
Davey Jones LOCKER
Even STEVENS
For Pete's SAKE
Simon SAYS
Happy as LARRY
Great SCOTT
Hobson's CHOICE
Jack of all TRADES
Jack the LAD OR RIPPER
Jekyll and HYDE
Pandora's BOX
Peeping TOM
Smart ALEC
Take the MICKEY
Uncle SAM
Uncle Tom Cobley and ALL
FIRST SONG
To tie in with the opening picture and quotation ...
'Romeo and Juliet', Dire Straits - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mxfjSnMN88U
Who was William Shakespeare's wife, whose home remains in Stratford on Avon?
PRACTICAL ACTIVITY - COAT OF ARMS
There are several Family Crest Finders on the internet. Here is a summary article https://genealogy.lovetoknow.com/where-can-i-find-my-family-crest
Before our session, and knowing the names of all of our members, we printed off their names Coats Of Arms ahead of time. Then together we set about designing our Coat Of Arms or Family Crest into a collage, adding bits of clip art and drawings to say a bit more about ourselves - our likes, hobbies, skills and talents. When members were happy with theirs, we laminated the collages for people to take home as a reminder of what we had got up to.
Here is my effort. Note references to holidays, wine, veganism and Kate Bush!
ANOTHER PRACTICAL ACTIVITY
As we had started by reading that 'little girls are made of sugar and spice and all things nice', our next practical activity was sensory, based on tastes and smell linked to herbs and spices. We picked herbs from the garden and passed them around. We asked if anyone had ideas for how they could be used, e.g.
- mint tea/sauce/sweets
- lavender pomander/floor polish
- rosemary roasted potatoes/Pears Soap
- basil pesto sauce/pizza topping
- thyme stuffing
- parsley sauce
- fennel/anniseed Perno/Sambuca.
We did the same for spices, but this time it was about recognition of smells out of the spice rack. - vanilla ice cream/custard - nutmeg rice pudding - cinnamon Christmas pudding - cloves toothache/punch - garlic bread/pasta dishes
- ginger - often used in Chinese food (we discussed our favourites)
- curry leaves - various curries (we discussed our favourites).
ANOTHER SONG ...
'Sugar and Spice', The Searchers - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MA5kJAVFg2o
MUSIC QUIZ
Next we enjoyed the 'Boys Names Music Quiz' & 'Girls Names Music Quiz'.
NB. With about 50 songs, you might want to do the quiz across two sessions, or reduce content, or just play short clips?
ROUND 1. Boy's Names
1. 'A Boy Named Sue', Johnny Cash - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WOHPuY88Ry4
We asked if anyone could think of gender neutral names used for both sexes?
2. 'The Killing of Georgie', Rod Stewart - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=95zxtaKQBBc
Can anyone think of the names of any famous gay people?
3. 'The Diary of Horace Wimp', Electric Light Orchestra - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PFU9HYyMVxQ
Can anyone name any famous diarists?
4. 'The Ballad of Davy Crockett', Bill Hayes - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fwxF0PA04zU
What did Davy Crockett famously wear on his head?
What was Davy Crockett king of?
5. 'Maxwell's Silver Hammer', The Beatles - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mJag19WoAe0
Can anyone name the basement club where The Beatles first found fame?
6. 'Jimmy Mack', Martha Reeves and The Vandellas - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6sJfGDpwyv0
Can anyone name any famous Jimmies?
7. 'Mack The Knife', Bobby Darin - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h8iPUK0AGRo
What is this song about?
8. 'Hit The Road Jack', Ray Charles - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q8Tiz6INF7I
What disability made Ray Charles' success even more amazing?
9. 'Alfie', Cilla Black - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=glpIgnmKrZc
What hit TV shows did Cilla Black have?
What were her catchphrases?
10. 'Right Said Fred', Bernard Cribbins - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r5XX9LX2es4
Which film did Bernard Cribbins star in, playing the part of a railway station porter?
11. 'Billy Don't Be A Hero', Paper Lace - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6RvG5bJsu5Q
Let's remind ourselves who our Heroes are? GO AROUND ROOM
12. 'Ben', Michael Jackson - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RntxCmqQqSA
Who was Ben?
13. 'Denis', Blondie - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ahGxiSV_LH0
Who is the lead singer of Blondie?
14. 'Making Plans For Nigel', XTC - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gXNhL4J_S00
Which Nigel starred in The Young Ones?
15. 'Oliver's Army', Elvis Costello - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LrjHz5hrupA
Can anyone name any famous Olivers?
16. 'You Can Call Me Al', Paul Simon - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uq-gYOrU8bA
What album was this song on?
17. 'Daniel', Elton John - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XbTIZkxjvk0
Who is Elton John's songwriting partner?
18. 'Vincent', Don McLean - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oxHnRfhDmrk
Which artist was this song about?
19. 'Danny Boy', Andy Williams - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8gOqSfJN_gA
Can anyone think of any Andy Williams hits?
20. 'Simon Says', 1910 Fruitgum Company - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TKZ1ey-HBqg
Stand up and let's follow the commands.
ROUND 2. BIRTHS, MARRIAGES 7 DEATHS
(Optional - Be aware questions may be triggering for some)
BIRTHS
21. Which bird is said to bring the baby?
22. What colour clothing is associated with a girl or a boy?
What if the gender is not yet known?
23. Over what is the water poured on the baby's head at a Christening?
Who stands alongside the parents?
Discussion points:
For female members, what was giving birth like?
What was it like for the fathers?
MARRIAGES
24. What is a person's surname called if they no longer use it after marriage?
How is the maiden name referred to on formal documents?
25. What pulse or grain is thrown at a wedding?
What else can be thrown, which is more colourful?
26. What colour does the bride traditionally wear?
Who accompanies the bride down the isle?
27. What does she carry down the isle?
What is said to happen to the person who catches the bouquet when thrown by the bride?
28. When did same sex marriage become available in the UK?
29. Where would you go for a 'Quickie Wedding'?
What is a 'Shotgun Wedding'?
Discussion points:
Can anyone remember their first dance?
What were their dresses and flowers like?
What about their honeymoon?
Did any female members keep their maiden name, or choose for their name to be hyphenated with their husband's?
DEATHS
30. Where would you formally record a birth, marriage or death?
31. How do we remember those we have lost?
(Rosemary is the herb for remembrance)
32. What document formally states a person's wishes in respect of their property and assets?
Discussion point:
Has anyone been left anything substantial or significant in a Will?
OTHER
33. What is a person called if they are found unconscious and admitted to hospital without identification?
34. What formal means of identification do we use?
ROUND 3. Girl's Names
35. 'Peggy Sue', Buddy Holly - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bfu_gfPBPWc
The day the music died (3rd Feb 1959 Buddy Holly died in a plane crash) was later referred to in the song American Pie by whom?
36. 'Wake Up Little Susie', The Everly Brothers - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v1fImXAeS-s
What usually wakes us up?
37. 'Annie's Song', John Denver - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3091MHksLM4
Which US State is Denver in?
38. 'Sweet Caroline', Neil Diamond - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jzXt7YvK9Hw
Can anyone think of any other precious stones?
39. 'Jolene', Dolly Parton - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ym12hnB7oZo
Where did Dolly Parton headline in 2014 and was accused of miming her performance?
40. 'Billie Jean', Michael Jackson - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zi_XLOBDo_Y
What was Michael Jackson's ranch called?
41. 'Oh! Carol', Neil Sedaka - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q1RtlMpYOeE
Where was Neil Sedaka laughing in another of his most famous songs?
42. 'Layla', Eric Clapton - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0WUdlaLWSVM
What was the name of his group?
43. 'Lola', The Kinks - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6CzrYXcXweI
What is the name of the musical based on the music of 'The Kinks'?
44. 'Ruby Tuesday', Rolling Stones - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ADtnUC_ctNk
How many years together is celebrated on a Ruby Anniversary?
45. 'Eleanor Rigby', The Beatles - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HuS5NuXRb5Y
Name the 'Fab Four'?
46. 'Mandy', Barry Manilow - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pFwCCmEA0Nk
What are Barry Manilow fans commonly referred to as?
47. 'Bette Davies Eyes', Kim Carnes -
Can anyone think of aNY Bette Davies films?
48. 'Cecilia', Simon & Garfunkel - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_NFIdgK7Qpw
What was Saint Cecilia the patron saint of?
49. 'Maggie May', Rod Stewart - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ulu-dlSyyWA
What is Rod Stewart's hobby?
50. 'Alison', Elvis Costello - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C9GlC9GyF4Y
Which group supported Elvis Costello?
51. 'Delilah', Tom Jones - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MIIU9xkGAMs
How old is Tom Jones?
52. 'Come on Eileen', Dexys Midnight Runners - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oc-P8oDuS0Q
Who was the lead singer?
What did members of this group most commonly wear?
53. 'Nellie The Elephant', Mandy Miller - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1F3Uhrj9YVI
Which elephants have the smaller ears, African or Indian?
54. 'Oh Susanna', James Taylor - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bdQSGjHOp7Y
Where did the singer come from, with his banjo on his knee?
55. 'Oh My Darling Clementine', The Sweptaways - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=twRr3ygK3TM
Can anyone think of other types of oranges?
56. 'On a Bicycle Built For Two', Nat King Cole - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0gDf7misJvk
What is the proper name for a bicycle built for two?
REFRESHMENTS
For our break we then had some ginger beer and cinnamon buns. (Lashings of ginger beer is from the Famous Five series of children's books by Enid Blyton. Timmy was their dog.)
ANNE HATHAWAY
1. VIVIEN, BEVERLEY, LESLEY
2. ELTON JOHN, STEPHEN FRY, IAN MCKELLEN, GEORGE MICHAEL, BILLY JEAN KING, MARTINA MAVRATILOVA, ELLEN DEGENERES
3. SAMUEL PEPYS, ANNE FRANK, ADRIAN MOLE, BRIDGET JONES
4. A RACOON FUR HAT / THE WILD FRONTIER
5. 'THE CAVERN'
6. JIMMY CONNORS, JIMMY CARR, JIMMY HILL, JIMMY YOUNG
7. A MURDERER
8. HE WAS BLIND
9. 'SURPRISE SURPRISE' & 'BLIND DATE' / "LORRA LORRA LAUGHS", "OVER TO OUR GRAHAM FOR A QUICK SUMMARY" & "SURPRISE SURPRISE, THE UNEXPECTED HITS YOU BETWEEN THE EYES"
10. 'THE RAILWAY CHILDREN', 1970
11. *
12. A RAT
13. DEBBIE HARRY
14. NIGEL PLANER
15. OLIVER REED, OLIVER HARDY, JAMIE OILIVER
16. 'GRACELAND'
17. BERNIE TAUPIN
18. VINCENT VAN GOGH
19. 'MOON RIVER', 'CAN'T GET USED TO LOSING YOU', 'MUSIC TO WATCH GIRLS BY', 'BORN FREE' & 'MAY EACH DAY'
20. *
21. STORK
22. PINK & BLUE / YELLOW
23. FONT / GODPARENTS
24. MAIDEN NAME / NEE
25. RICE / CONFETTI
26. WHITE / FATHER OF THE BRIDE
27. BRIDAL BOQUET / THEY WILL BE NEXT TO MARRY
28. MARCH 2014 (JANUARY 2020 IN NORTHERN IRELAND)
29. GRETNA GREEN / THE BRIDE TO BE IS PREGNANT
30. REGISTRY OFFICE
31. PHOTOGRAPHS, ANNIVERSARIES, FLOWERS, MEMENTOS & MEMORIES
32. LAST WILL & TESTAMENT
33. JANE OR JOHN DOE
34. PASSPORT, DRIVING LICENCE, BIRTH CERTIFICATE, MARRIAGE CERTIFICATE, MEDICAL CARD, BANK STATEMENT, UTILITY BILL
35. DON MCLEAN
36. ALARM CLOCK, COCKREL CROWING, BIRDSONG, SUNLIGHT ON YOUR PILLOW, NEEDING TO USE THE LOO
37. COLORADO
38. SAPPHIRE, AMETHYST, PEARLS, TURQUOISE, OPAL
39. GLASTONBURY (She said the only thing not fake about her is her voice!)
40. 'NEVERLAND'. Can anyone demonstrate the Moonwalk?
41. IN THE RAIN
42. 'DEREK AND THE DOMINOES'
43. 'SUNNY AFTERNOON'
44. 40 YEARS
45. PAUL MCCARTNEY, RINGO STARR, GEORGE HARRISON & JOHN LENNON
46. 'FANILOWS'
47. 'JEZEBEL', 'ALL ABOUT EVE', 'WHATEVER HAPPENED TO BABY JANE', 'NOW VOYAGER'
48. MUSIC
49. MODEL RAILWAYS
50. 'THE ATTRACTIONS'
51. 81. Born 7 June 1940
52. KEVIN ROWLAND / DUNGAREES (Did anyone have a pair?)
53. INDIAN
54. ALABAMA
55. TANGERINE, BLOOD ORANGE, SATSUMA, MANDARIN
56. TANDEM
