Boredom Busters part 1 - with Gavin
The next few months are going to be trying times for us all. As the Covid-19 outbreak takes hold and our life changes we’re all being advised to stay in and work from home, avoiding unnecessary contact with others. So with that in mind, the CBC team have been thinking of things that keep us entertained and we’ll be sharing some of our recommendations here and across our social media networks.
First up for Boredom Busters is Project Administrator for Dudley, Gavin Medza who has taken a lovely light-hearted approach to his Black Country recommendations to help lift your mood…
Image courtesy of Black Country T-shirts
Fictional Films
Although these sadly aren’t real films, the website below lists 24 spoof films with a black country twist. Some of my favourites include; ‘Brierley Hills Cop’ and ‘From Rushall With Love’.
https://www.blackcountrytshirts.com/24-classic-films-made-in-the-black-country-spoof/
Can you think of any good ones to add?
Music Inspiration
Tune in to The Live Day Show on WCR FM 101.8 FM. A two-hour show every Monday between 2-4pm bringing you the best in local music. A good opportunity to discover and support local talent close to you.
Books
Anita and Me by Wolverhampton-born comedian Meera Syal. The semi-autobiographical novel tells the story of nine-year-old Meena, growing up in the only Punjabi family in the (imaginary) Black Country mining village of Tollington (which is based on her home of Essington).
Twitter accounts to follow
@gatherdudleyCIC - a social enterprise coffee shop and creative community venue that puts on everything from meditation workshops to crafternoons
@mad_dudley - a Dudley based mens mental health support group that meets weekly for a cuppa and a chat
Creative Things to do with your kids
Stuck inside with the kids? Why not turn the house upside down and make an almighty den/fort. You can still do this if you don’t have kids but it might be best to not mention it to other people.
Recipes to try out… Bangers & Creamy Mash Soup
Serves 4. Cooking time 35 minutes
500 g floury potatoes, diced
24 cocktail sausages
50g butter
1 onion, diced
600ml chicken stock
100g cream cheese
200g savoy cabbage, cored and finely shredded
4 tablespoons fresh pesto
Melt half the butter in a saucepan, add the onion and potatoes, then cover and sweat without browning for 10 minutes
Add the stock and simmer for a further 20 minutes until the potatoes are soft
Meanwhile, heat the remaining butter in saucepan, add the cabbage and 2 tablespoons of water to the pan, cover and cook until just tender. Season to taste
Fry the sausages until cooked and golden brown
Add the cream cheese to the soup, then puree
Reheat the soup, adjust the seasoning and serve topped with the cabbage, sausages and a drizzle of pesto
Please note - while we know that the current situation is very serious and we certainly do not want to make light of the situation or of anyone’s ill health we also understand the need for wellbeing during this difficult time and hope our suggestions and ideas can make you smile, keep your spirits up and give you some new ideas on how to spend any extra time you may have in isolation or with others. Stay healthy and well. Love team CBC.