- Aug 22, 2023

'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 ...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GpLYQ5Nlc-o (Lyrics)

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

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CxWs7fFpGaY

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 -

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ge9Ou3-YyqU

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 ...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ibLLuhd-h1M

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

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

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ta3jHcbslQw (Lyrics)

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 ...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wtUFifxGLK8

Before playing, can anyone guess the advertising slogan?

Song break. 'Copacabana', Barry Manilow -

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NKR2n-G-wdM

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 ...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OpG5-Nc2G_I

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

'Sailing', Rod Stewart - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FOt3oQ_k008

'Kokomo', The Beach Boys - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mP07Oyr7enQ

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?

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?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VaFcg2zR2TU

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

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yeMM6vHnPC4

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'