Pick Me Up! 23-Feb-2023

Standing in the queue for the next rollercoaster, I watched the kids lick their lollies happily. As part of a team of volunteers, I’d taken 20 children with additional needs to Chessington World of Adventures, giving both them and their parents a much-needed break. And this was something that I’d been used to since 2007… Volunteering with The Newman Holiday Trust as part of my Duke of Edinburgh award at aged 16, I’d spend every summer with them. And, quickly it had turned into 10 years! The team of volunteers around me were incredible, and seeing the children’s faces light up was so rewarding. From petting farm animals to playing on the beach, they always had the best time, with many photos to show for it. And my time there…

Have you heard? The cost-of-living crisis has hit us all where it hurts – but Iceland and The Food Warehouse are doing their bit to help keep those pennies safely in our purses. Every Tuesday, over-60s can save 10% on their food shop at the budget supermarket. Simply show your proof of age at the check-out and swipe your Iceland Bonus Card to enjoy savings now! • T&Cs apply. Please visit: iceland.co.uk GET IN TOUCH Send us your stories and photos, including all names and ages, a daytime phone number and full address. E-mail hello@pickmeupmag.co.uk WRITE TO Pick Me Up! Media Centre, Emma-Chris Way, Abbey Wood Park, Filton, Bristol, BS34 7JU PHONE 0117 440 0607 FACEBOOK facebook.com/pickmeupmag SEE OUR WEBSITE lifedeathprizes.com Future Publishing Limited reserves the right to reuse any submission…

STAR LETTER If your letter makes Star Letter of the week, you will receive some beautiful blooms from Flying Flowers. With over 30 years’ experience of helping celebrate life’s special moments and FREE delivery by post, a gorgeous bouquet by Flying Flowers is a lovely way to celebrate sharing smiles and happiness. See flyingflowers.co.uk for more details.…

Splashing around in the water, the beach was a normal outing. With my two brothers running around Swansea Beach, my mum, Agatha*, now 53, and dad, Carl, now 55, watched us from a distance. We’d tend to go to the seaside quite a lot, and at age four, it was clear that I was a daddy’s girl. ‘You’re like his little shadow,’ Mum would always say. And it was true – we had a great relationship. Whether we were fishing or watching the TV together, I didn’t want to leave his side. And with my mum working late or going out to play bingo, it meant that Dad had the responsibility for the night. ‘Bath time!’ he smiled. And Dad would always try and make it a fun experience. With…

Grabbing my coat, I glanced round, giving a nod and smile to the regulars. ‘See you later,’ I called out. As my partner Neil, 49, and I headed outside and the pub door swung shut behind us, I felt excited. I’d always worked in pubs, and back in September 2018, it was my first trial shift at our local – and I’d been offered the job on the spot. Everyone had been so friendly, and I even wondered if I’d be able to take my golden Labrador Tequila along with me for shifts. She’d been brought up as a pub dog – hence the name - and she loved the attention. Getting home, I gave Tequila a big fuss before turning my attention to dinner. Ever the loyal Lab, she…

This week, our tip of the week will receive a great product from Addis! With a refillable bottle, that can be used as a handheld spray, this 2-in-1 Spray Mop will clean spillages in no time at all. With an 100% microfibre cleaning pad and no need for harsh cleaning chemicals, you just need water. The swivel mop head helps in reaching hard to get to places and can be also used on most floor types! For more ways to make life easier, visit addis.co.uk Fill it up I fill an empty fabric conditioner bottle with half from a new bottle and top up each with cold water. In 24 hours they regain the same strength. What a money saver! Gloria Wilding, Merseyside Tip of the week Wipe it clean To…