yeknomyeknom Posted October 29, 2015 Share Posted October 29, 2015 Hi all,Our 93 year old neighbour will be alone this Xmas. Usually she dines with a neighbour but we are all away this year. She should be fine. She is very independent and peppy. As we are away we want to leave her with something festive. I am thinking of making up a hamper. She used to be a bit of a dancer and she plays the organ. So I have invested in some music from 1920s-1940s. I want to get some food and some other bits. I want to avoid the obvious hamper stuff and make something bespoke. I guess my question is, is there a brand of food or item that used to be popular and is perhaps harder to get these days. I know the war didn't allow for much in the way of treat items. Is there something reminiscent I could get that would pep up her Xmas day? Any advice from people around in this era or with people close to them with ideas. Much appreciated. Link to comment https://www.eastdulwichforum.co.uk/topic/80986-present-ideas-for-a-93-year-old/ Share on other sites More sharing options...
womanofdulwich Posted October 29, 2015 Share Posted October 29, 2015 My Dad is 90 .He loves a Tunis cake. They are quite tricky to find. It's a huge quest every year. I thought I had it cracked last year at Waitrose but the eat by date was boxing day. Link to comment https://www.eastdulwichforum.co.uk/topic/80986-present-ideas-for-a-93-year-old/#findComment-919983 Share on other sites More sharing options...
yeknomyeknom Posted October 30, 2015 Author Share Posted October 30, 2015 A few mentions of the Tunis cake now. I've found a recipe http://thegreatbritishbakeoff.co.uk/mary-berrys-tunis-cake/So will try to make nearer the time if I can't source one. If anyone spots one in the shops nearer Xmas., do let me know! Link to comment https://www.eastdulwichforum.co.uk/topic/80986-present-ideas-for-a-93-year-old/#findComment-920001 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bellenden Belle Posted October 30, 2015 Share Posted October 30, 2015 A tipple might be appreciated.Dubonnet was apparently the Queen Mother's favourite! Link to comment https://www.eastdulwichforum.co.uk/topic/80986-present-ideas-for-a-93-year-old/#findComment-920015 Share on other sites More sharing options...
curlykaren Posted October 30, 2015 Share Posted October 30, 2015 Blackfriars Settlement hold a Christmas Day meal for the elderly, could you arrange for her to visit there? Link to comment https://www.eastdulwichforum.co.uk/topic/80986-present-ideas-for-a-93-year-old/#findComment-920336 Share on other sites More sharing options...
edanna Posted October 31, 2015 Share Posted October 31, 2015 What a lovely idea. My grandma loved lemon curd - she thought M&S was the best, I hope they still make it! Link to comment https://www.eastdulwichforum.co.uk/topic/80986-present-ideas-for-a-93-year-old/#findComment-920614 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mustard Posted November 1, 2015 Share Posted November 1, 2015 The Duchy Organic Originals lemon curd is very good and Waitrose does a Seriously Zesty Lemon Curd which is sharper. Link to comment https://www.eastdulwichforum.co.uk/topic/80986-present-ideas-for-a-93-year-old/#findComment-920667 Share on other sites More sharing options...
yeknomyeknom Posted November 1, 2015 Author Share Posted November 1, 2015 How funny, I just added bith the above to my ocado basket then opted for the sharp one.I wanted a mix of objects. Re food I need to mix sweet and savoury as not sure her preference. So far I am thinking:CD (1920-1940s nostalgia)East Dulwich through Times bookRose Bubble BathHand wash and creamLemon curdPortLittle box of chocsCarrs cheese crackersMadelainesTunnocks tea cakesPiccalilli Beef in ale ( cupboard staple)Lamb hotpot (cupboard staple)A bit random. But at least there should be something in there she likes. Link to comment https://www.eastdulwichforum.co.uk/topic/80986-present-ideas-for-a-93-year-old/#findComment-920680 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mustard Posted December 2, 2015 Share Posted December 2, 2015 I bought some nice CDs from the shop at the Imperial War Museum. It was a selection of music from the Forties.Dubonnet and bitter lemon was a Seventies drink. Does anyone drink it anymore? Link to comment https://www.eastdulwichforum.co.uk/topic/80986-present-ideas-for-a-93-year-old/#findComment-933363 Share on other sites More sharing options...
WorkingMummy Posted December 4, 2015 Share Posted December 4, 2015 My now deceased grandparents loved crumpets, spread thinly with fish-paste (not your modern tubed seasoning/curry base, but something spreadable that used to come in small jars) or piled high with "cheese and onion". But that last one was always made fresh, with raw grated onions, cheese and milk.They also loved corned-beef and tinned pilchards. Anything that was considered a luxury in the War was always considered a treat.Actually I have a hankering for this stuff myself at times. Link to comment https://www.eastdulwichforum.co.uk/topic/80986-present-ideas-for-a-93-year-old/#findComment-934347 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mustard Posted December 4, 2015 Share Posted December 4, 2015 Shippams Fish Paste?Anchovy Paste?Nice sardines?Melted cheese on crumpets is great in winter, top with chutney to finish. Link to comment https://www.eastdulwichforum.co.uk/topic/80986-present-ideas-for-a-93-year-old/#findComment-934469 Share on other sites More sharing options...
yeknomyeknom Posted December 4, 2015 Author Share Posted December 4, 2015 Added some shipmans, bargain. Link to comment https://www.eastdulwichforum.co.uk/topic/80986-present-ideas-for-a-93-year-old/#findComment-934479 Share on other sites More sharing options...
uncleglen Posted December 5, 2015 Share Posted December 5, 2015 When my granny was 80 I started asking her what she wanted, or needed for xmas.....it worked very well Link to comment https://www.eastdulwichforum.co.uk/topic/80986-present-ideas-for-a-93-year-old/#findComment-934796 Share on other sites More sharing options...
yeknomyeknom Posted December 5, 2015 Author Share Posted December 5, 2015 My neighbour doesn't expect a gift. I suspect if she knew I was looking for one for her she would be mortified. Link to comment https://www.eastdulwichforum.co.uk/topic/80986-present-ideas-for-a-93-year-old/#findComment-934808 Share on other sites More sharing options...
LucyInTheRye Posted December 9, 2015 Share Posted December 9, 2015 You're a very nice neighbour. What a lovely idea :-) Link to comment https://www.eastdulwichforum.co.uk/topic/80986-present-ideas-for-a-93-year-old/#findComment-936662 Share on other sites More sharing options...
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