The Cottage Smallholder

Dear Sue,  I have won everything except a Car, which would be no use to me as I can't drive. My biggest win, was a 28 day Cruise in the Carribean, I did not go, gave the prize to my daughter and her friend, they gave me £500, which was more use to me. I have won Frigdes, Freezers, Washing Machine's, you name I have won it. Of all the prizes I have won, my favourite was a weekend at a Stately Home, myself and my daughter went, to make up a 30 strong House Party. I am a hopeless romantic, and always wanted to visit and never even envisaged spending a weekend at The Duke of Bedford's Home, Weston Park, in Shropshire, it was just a magical experience. The daftes't prize I have won  was a tin of Polo  Mint holes!  I subscribe to a monthly Magazine called " Simply Prizes", and of course the ladies of the Round Robin send me forms. Tina x

I knew that was not right when I wrote it, should be Bradford.

Dear Val, I cannot do things that people who are able can do, as only have my Walker and Wheelchair, so have to confine my doings to Home and Garden. I have not always been disabled, only the last five years with arthritis in my Knee's. I have a low boredom threshold, and must be doing something, or I would be doo-lally-tap, just got to be doing things, and as so many things interest me, I will always find something to do. I do not sleep well , because of the pain, so get up and maybe start things for morning, or do competitions. It is just as if someone winds me up, and I just gotta go!

I have won a few non useful things, but they can be used as presents, sold, or given to the family. Except, perhaps the most non useful thing ever, a tin of Polo Mint holes!

I still subscribe to Simply Prizes, Janet, but , as there is no skill involved I do not know how some people still win loads, in the old days, you had to be able to turn a phrase, I just loved doing that. It is only draws now, and When I win , it is mainly small prizes to do with my other hobby, Cardmaking. But, in the winter , when I cant garden, it is something else to do. I also have run, since the 1970's a Round Robin, for Compers, most of the old girls have fallen off the Perch, there are only four left