In our first ACC Online newsletter we suggested that some of our existing groups might like to try meeting using an online app such as zoom. And we’re very pleased that that is exactly what our Ukulele group has done. It is wonderful to think that people in our community are keeping in contact with each other to share their love of music whilst at home.

If you would like to set up an online group as well we can help you get started - we’re now adept at using Zoom, Houseparty and Microsoft Teams apps to host virtual meetings (or at least we’ve had a crack at them) so we can help you troubleshoot (hopefully!).

Or, if you have a couple of people keen for a virtual group and would like to connect into more, we can help publicise it.

Did you know that Cat (who runs our after-school and school holiday Lego programs) has set a series of challenges that any children with Lego at home can participate in.

Last week she had one day where the challenge was to build a robot. Another day the challenge was to build a playground. These Lego challenges are an extension of the fabulous programs she runs at ACC. If you’d like your children to join in (or you know some other children who love Lego) just head on over to Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/learnitprograms/ or just click here.

Great work Cat!

Keen to keep fit? Dying to do some exercise? Head over to Reservoir Leisure Centre’s Facebook page and join in the classes. I’m definitely going to give Clubercise a crack … but there’s also yoga and Pilates and more.

There are some games out there that have been around for ages, the ones you turn to at the doctors office when you can only find car magazines - and you drive a 2010 Mazda 3 … Or the ones you quickly play whilst waiting in the car to pick the kids up from dancing.

Tried and true friends.

Just in case you are new to keeping yourself endlessly entertained on a device … here’s two to start you off.

Words With Friends

Its just scrabble right. Online. You can play with someone you know or play with a random stranger in the universe. Then maybe you’ll make a NEW friend. It’s pretty addictive, and lots of fun … you just need to find your tribe (what I’m asking is, do you care if you win?).

Spider Solitaire

Did you ever read Anne Tyler books? As I remember it, in nearly every one there’s someone having a game of spider solitaire. And these days I too am a fan. A big fan. Spider solitaire involves multiple packs of cards and is the type of game that I’d never actually get around to playing if my device wasn’t dealing for me. I favour the Branium version rather than the Mobilityware version. You can try them both though!

Do you have any other games you’d recommend? Let us know, you can even send a review if you like, and we’ll post it here.

Here’s a fun project to do with your kids (or to do yourself - surely it could be an all ages thing!). Get out the paper, sticky tape, scissors, paints/crayons/pencils and get cracking. Don’t forget to accompany your arty creation with a note.

Send a hug to someone you love.

What a great gift for grandparents who are isolating (I hope my mum doesn’t read this post - it might ruin a surprise).