Peacock
they were the most important people in the family group.
On the other hand, if he was serving an Asian family it was the grandma or grandpa who ranked the highest and were completely revered. He would obligingly make them the centre of his attentions. This perfect example of astute and thoughtful capitalism made us think about our society here in the UK. Are our senior citizens at the heart and soul of the family unit to the same degree as many third world countries? We were not sure at the time, but this pandemic has
revealed a heart-warming truth. It has certainly helped us all understand and focus on the most important issues. Cuddling grandma is a precious gift. It is a short ramble from grandma to think of all the old folk who have behaved impeccably throughout this demanding year. I reckon they deserve a special mention. Please imagine a roll of the drums and a loud fanfare. There are plenty of oldies who like a good ramble and my personal “Rambler of the Year” award goes to “Captain Tom” now Sir Thomas Moore, who showed us all the way to go by tramping around his garden. His mighty efforts not only raised a small fortune but, just as relevant, the spirits of the whole country!
This year I have been privileged to work on a project for a well- known manufacturer of walking aids. The experience has been enlightening. The design and build
in the UK. In recent years he held the post of Marketing Manager for Mobility which also involved supporting and working with the BHTA. He has now retired and is looking
forward to finding the time to perform useful tasks in the industry, playing drums in a blues band, travelling and most important, being silly with his grandchildren.
Ability Needs Magazine
process of rollators is complex. The regulations and quality control measures that have to be met are very demanding. The manufacturing process itself is surprisingly intricate. These are after all, to the layman, just rather smart Zimmer frames. By the way these walkers were not invented by a bloke called Zimmer. A fellow called Norman Metcalf is given that honour and his invention was subsequently used and patented by Zimmer Holdings around 1950. Please excuse that particular ramble but I can`t help myself!
When I look “on-line” at the huge array of these
products I am immediately reminded of the responsibility of supplying them to the general public. Angela, a lovely lady near Norwich called us as she wanted to buy a walker for her frail and lively 90 year old friend Isobel. She wisely asked for the name of a retailer who stocked these items and I duly gave her an appropriate name and address. I was told later that Isobel was no pushover. She studied and tested a whole array of their wares. It still took a second inspection visit before she decided on a top of the range rollator having seen for herself the difference in design, quality and robustness of everything available. She conducted a slow and sensible ramble through all of the items on offer before making her decision. With so much shopping happening these days “online”, it reminded me that despite the restrictions of the coronavirus, certain products should be purchased carefully with the help of someone who knows about the products and is trained to understand the particular needs of his customers. So, finally, let me tell you about the bifocal chap…. It was Benjamin Franklin, quite a man was Ben! Quite apart from the feats he achieved that I mentioned earlier, think of the invaluable help his enterprise has given millions through the gift of improved
sight. Just consider that his invention has probably helped hundreds of us read the take-away pizza menus during corona time. You may be asking what bifocal spectacles have to do with rambling but that’s just the point! No logical or rational connection. Have fun everyone. To contact Eddie send an email to
eddiepeacock@btinternet.com or write to him at Ability Needs, 7 Montgomerie Terrace, Ayr, KA7 1JL
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