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A brilliant idea from Galen...

(204 Posts)

GNHQ have commented on this thread. Read here.

CariGransnet (GNHQ) Wed 02-Apr-14 16:12:59

So as many of you will know, following on from the whole selfie phenomenon, Galen volunteered to do her own pose to raise money (and awareness) for research into cancer. (You can find the original thread HERE

That got us thinking, and in consultation with Galen we have come up with the idea of doing our very own Calendar Girls style calendar. To raise money (and we are happy for people to decide which charity). To raise awareness (ditto). And also to turn on its head the idea that older people (and one person we spoke to who is working to get "older" people online is targetting those above 45...) cannot be internet savvy and up to speed with the latest technology.

So - classic poses with any bits that need hiding (smile) hidden not with the obvious cakes and flowers but with smart phones, lap tops, tablets, e readers etc.

Galen has laid claim to the Rokeby Venus with a Mac Air instead of a mirror. Now all we need is 11 other gransnetters to volunteer too (groups welcome!)

There will be nothing on show that you don't want on show. Logistics are being logisticised (is that a word?!) so do pick a pose and join the fun...

bikergran Sun 06-Apr-14 16:41:32

you could all show off your skills and adventures..without getting naked...if you like climbing..get your climbing gear on..if you like sking then your sking gear...[ most of you seem quite adventurous smile bungee jumping! zip lining!!

Ariadne Sun 06-Apr-14 09:57:31

Right on, Galen! Let's get on with it, whatever is decided.

Ana Sat 05-Apr-14 22:47:05

WHY does this thread keep moving about? Can't you either 'sticky' it, GNHQ, or just let it be...? confused

Galen Sat 05-Apr-14 22:47:04

I'm fine with that!
I was thinking of withdrawing from the whole idea in view of the negative comments!
But!
Anything that can show we are NOT IT ILLITERATE
or
ASHAMED OF OUR ELDERLY BODIES! Must be good!

And if we can raise some money for a charity at the same time?

hmm

Aka Sat 05-Apr-14 20:10:14

That's really doable Rose as so many are holding books, a mirror, embroidery, writing, etc and these could easily be substituted for an iPad, a mobile phone, a computer, and so on.

rosesarered Sat 05-Apr-14 19:58:58

I did suggest earlier about famous paintings [Mona Lisa checking her texts etc.]it would be easier and a whole lot more acceptable.phoenix you and Pete could be the American Gothic painting.grin

Charleygirl Sat 05-Apr-14 18:01:31

"GigiGN* you would happily pay me to go away!

GigiGransnet (GNHQ) Sat 05-Apr-14 12:26:10

Hi everyone smile Just wanted to reassure you all that the last thing GNHQ would want to do is suggest anything that would make anyone feel uncomfortable - as you know this was an idea that stemmed from galen's suggestion of posing as the Rokeby Venus and, therefore it's up to her/you all if you want to take part or not. But the charity calendar is a still a really lovely idea, and of course doesn't need to feature anyone naked to raise money, that was just one idea.

Galen Sat 05-Apr-14 11:03:45

Was she literate?

Anne58 Sat 05-Apr-14 10:37:36

Don't know why (she doesn't have anything in her hands) but I've just had a image of Whistler's Mother with a Kindle...........

Anne58 Sat 05-Apr-14 10:36:38

Sounds good Ariadne

Ariadne Sat 05-Apr-14 10:22:42

How about a series of photos, derived from famous paintings of women, but with some of us superimposed as the subjects, holding all our iPads, iPhones, laptops etc?

jinglbellsfrocks Sat 05-Apr-14 08:29:04

I'm very surprised no one from HQ has popped up yet. We you need a rallying call.

But I suppose it is the weekend. smile

gillybob Sat 05-Apr-14 07:57:37

To be honest Mamie at first I did think it was some kind of wind up and when I realized it wasn't I was quite shocked. I was one of the few GN members who did not call for page 3 to be banned and find myself getting very mixed messages on this one. smile

Mamie Sat 05-Apr-14 07:50:23

Yes I know Gillybob, you and Ariadne and lots of others said it too. It just felt like a stand up and be counted moment. smile
Please don't do it Gransnet.

gillybob Sat 05-Apr-14 07:43:00

Exactly the point I tried to make on Friday Mamie smile

Mamie Sat 05-Apr-14 07:21:28

I agree, harrigran. Tacky, embarrassing, demeaning, done-to-death and a thoroughly bad idea, imo. I think this does nothing to promote the idea that older women are perfectly comfortable with using technology (for its intended purpose) and sits very uncomfortably beside the no more page 3 campaign. If we have not learnt that women are about more than their bodies, then we have learnt nothing.
Sorry everyone, I have thought hard about whether to speak out or just let it go, but I feel very strongly that this is wrong and is bad for the image of older women and for Gransnet.

harrigran Sat 05-Apr-14 00:39:52

I mentioned this subject to DD tonight whilst skyping her, the look on her face said it all ... bad idea. I hastened to reassure her that I would not be participating. Sorry but I think this would be slightly tacky.

Anne58 Sat 05-Apr-14 00:32:22

I must have missed the bit about needing to get sponsors, where was it?

That will put a whole new slant on it for me, as living in a very small community I wouldn't have much of a pool to draw on, and to be honest I would be reluctant to let local people know about my participation. Especially as my ex husband now lives in the village!

So sorry, but if the sponsor bit is right, I will not take part.

gillybob Fri 04-Apr-14 23:26:58

I will help you lose the banner jingl or am I helping you keep the banner confused I have to say I find the whole idea very embarrassing .

jinglbellsfrocks Fri 04-Apr-14 20:17:41

I'm just seeing how many times I have to click on this before it loses its little banner

jinglbellsfrocks Fri 04-Apr-14 20:17:01

-

jinglbellsfrocks Fri 04-Apr-14 20:16:51

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jinglbellsfrocks Fri 04-Apr-14 20:14:16

of you

jinglbellsfrocks Fri 04-Apr-14 20:14:08

It really needs GNHQ to get their group one done (which Cari practically promised earlier on) and then we could see what is expected of us.