This was my second visit to 91-year-old Mrs. J. I came with a list of questions about her favourite foods, memories and songs. In addition to discovering that we were born one day apart (plus 46 years), we had a lively chat about her favourite fruit (pomegranate!) and veg (parsnips!). After she recalled the song she and her husband danced to the first night they met, she was astounded when I pulled out my phone and put it on for her. This led to a very enjoyable sing along and some dancing in our chairs to Elvis Presley, Tony Bennet and Willie Nelson. Mrs. J said she was the life of the party in her youth and she still has a great set of pipes even in her golden years.

I visited Mr. A for a friendly chat. We talked about how he chose the name for his cat Gracie, his family tree including some interesting traveling acrobatic performers, and something else we shared in common: both having had surgery on our right feet! He showed me his many plants, shrubs and flowers including some lovely rose bushes that were already in full bloom.

I had a lovely visit with Mrs J who isn’t mobile and was very grateful for a little chat. She explained why watching EastEnders is better than watching films, and told me about making the perfect roast chicken and potatoes. We also talked about her past work as a typist and being born in the 1930s. Lots more to talk about on our next visit!

I spent some time chatting with the lovely Mrs. J and her beloved budgie Bobby. Fun fact: she has owned many pet birds over the years and has named them all Bobby, regardless of whether they're male or female.

Our conversation covered many topics, from tinned potatoes to the coronation festivities, favourite teddy bears, Canadian geography, dogs, and exactly how hot a cup of tea should be.

As a bird lover and past budgie owner myself, I came prepared with a big bag of millet spray for our feathered friend to enjoy. In classic budgie behaviour, Bobby didn't even think about investigating it until I moved ten feet away. Hopefully I can win her over with some whistling on future visits...

7 Goodgymers spent a sunny Saturday morning at Make cutting up and plaiting old t-shirts into dog toys to benefit the RSPCA. Even with only a bucket of dull scissors to help us along the way, our going rate was about one toy per minute. In one hour we were able to make and deliver 58 toys to the RSPCA Fratton shop across the road. All proceeds from the sale of the toys will benefit RSPCA.

Of course no crafting session would be complete without pots of tea dressed up in knitted cosies and a big slice of cake.