U 3 A Newsletter

January 2018

Broomfield & District

From The Chair

By the time you read this Christmas and New Year will

have passed and life will be returning to what passes for

normal for an active U3A Member!

Whatever you got up to or how you spent your Christmas

and New Year I do hope you had an enjoyable time and

are now looking forward to 2018 and all that it may

bring.

What experiences and knowledge will we gain from our

membership of the U3A during the year?

I wish you all a very happy and healthy 2018.

David

GROUPS

Art Group

Badminton

Beer Appreciation

Book Club

Bridge

Canasta

Cookery

Discussion Group

Gardening Club

Geology Group

History Group

Lacemaking

Luncheon Club

Natural History Group

Needlework

Photography

Scrabble

Sunday + Club

Swimming Group

Table Games

Table Tennis Group

Tenpin Bowling

Travel Club

Ukulele Group

Visits/Outings

Walking Group

Christmas Handbell Ringers; - the experts, see overleaf for the beginners!

MONTHLY MEETING - FUTURE SPEAKERS 2017/2018

10th January 2018 Spinning a Yarn Celia Gwynn

14th February A Female in Fleet Street Deborah Brady

14th March 90 years of social history with an Austin 7

Andy Bennett

11th April Fools Gold Carol and Steve Robson

9th May Transit Maps, the good, the bad and the ugly. Max Roberts

13th June Colchester Zoo Rebecca Moore

11th July Talking Newspapers Pat Wilson

In January we welcome Celia Gwynn, a member of the Guild of Essex Craftsmen, who will

demonstrate the spinning process from ancient times to the modern spinning wheel she will bring

along to show us; her hand spun wool will be for sale and a range of lanolin skin care items

made from the grease extracted from sheep's wool in the cleaning process. Don't worry men. I am

assured there is plenty in the talk which will be of interest to you too!

At our February meeting Debbie Brady will visit to tell us about her former life as a

photojournalist.

BROOMFIELD AND DISTRICT WEBSITE – https://u3asites.org.uk/broomfield

WE ALSO HAVE A NEW EMAIL ADDRESS - broomfieldanddistrictu3a@gmail.com

Christmas Handbell Ringers; - the beginners!

Wanted …Donations of any LEGO no longer in

use would be appreciated as Broomfield Library is starting a

Block Builders Club shortly Thank you

Pippa Cranshaw Broomfield Library

CALENDAR FOR JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2018

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday

8th January 2018 9th 10th 11th 12th 13th 14th

Bridge 2pm

Beer Appreciation

2pm

Garden Club

Home meeting

Table Games

2 pm Monthly

Meeting 1.30pm

Swimming

10am

Table Tennis

2 pm

Ukulele 2pm

Needlework

2pm

15th January 16th 17th 18th 19th 20th 21st

Canasta 2pm

Discussion

Group 2pm

Swimming

10am

History Group

Lacemaking

2pm

22nd January 23rd 24th 25th 26th 27th 28th

Bridge 2pm

Geology 2pm

Natural History

Group 10am

Swimming

10am

Ukulele 2pm

Scrabble 2pm

Book Club

2.30pm

Needlework

2pm

Photography

Group

29th January 30th 31st 1st Februray 2nd 3rd 4th

Table Tennis

2 pm

Luncheon Club

12.30pm

Swimming

10am

Tenpin Bowl-

ing

10am

Lacemaking

2pm

5th February 6th 7th 8th 9th 10th 11th

Canasta 2pm

History Group

Swimming

10am

Ukulele 2pm

Needlework

2pm

Table Tennis

2 pm

12th February 13th 14th 15th 16th 17th 18th

Bridge 2pm

Table Games

2 pm Monthly Meet-

ing 1.30pm

Swimming

10am

2pm Beer

Appreciation

Lacemaking

2pm

Photography

Group

Broomfield U3A Group Reports

Badminton Group

Our last session before Christmas was on Monday, 11th December, a very snowy and cold day!

However, 4 of us managed to get to the Chelmsford Sports and Leisure Centre and we warmed up

quite nicely during our hour of fun. Our next meeting will be on Monday, 15th January (between

12 - 1 pm). Please contact me if you want to come along, all new members welcome.

Barbara Bartlett

Book Club

We did not meet in December so the Group had two books to read before our next

meeting which will be on Thursday, 25th January 2018 in Broomfield Library at the

earlier time of 2.30 pm. New members always welcome.

Barbara Bartlett

Beer Appreciation Group

Unfortunately Christmas had spread it’s hand and there were insufficient

bodies (now ‘body’ is a good term when talking of beer!!) available to

participate so our December outing was cancelled.

Our next meeting will be held on Monday 8th January 2018 at 2.00pm meet-

ing in the Ale House, Viaduct Road, [under the arches by the bus/railway

station] I‘m hoping that they may still have some of their Christmas/festive

ales in stock to encourage us towards what we missed!!

We will also be discussing attendance at the Chelmsford Winter Beer & Cider Festival in February.

Please let me know if you are attending, in case we need to warn them of a lock in!

Malcolm Taylor

Bridge

Our Bridge Group meets on the 2nd and 4th Mondays of the month.

The Bridge Group is ready to welcome anyone who is interested – to whatever degree: curiosity to

keenness. Total beginners are welcome – we start with Mini Bridge – you don’t need to have touched a

pack of cards before!

Our current dedicated members started with Mini Bridge, and now bid and play their cards quite

skilfully. They enjoy defending too ….. getting the other pair down is very satisfying! In other words,

they have come a long way from identifying the suits in a pack and giving points to the Honours!

There is also space for a table of more proficient players who want to dust away the cobwebs and

brush up on their skills before playing socially, or in a club.

If anyone wishes to contact me and ask any questions, please feel free to do so.

Melanie Pimm

Canasta

The Canasta Group will now meet on the first and third Mondays. Same time, same place.

Marie Mackie

Cookery

The cookery meeting will be Friday 12th January where we will try to produce a low calorie meal

Jackie Barnaby

Discussion Group

Our next meeting is 17th January 2018 at 2pm when our topic will be 'Should eye tests be made com-

pulsory for all drivers over 60'?

Thelma Nickerson

Gardening Group

We braved the snow and slush for an early lunch at Perrywoods Garden Centre. The snow did us a

favour as the restaurant was comparatively quiet and we were served quickly.

We all enjoyed shopping for Christmas treats and were dazzled by the display of indoor plants in the

greenhouse.

Geology

For our forthcoming session we will anticipate a beach holiday by immersing ourselves in Sand. We

hope you will be amazed at what you can tell by looking at sand samples with a lens or microscope.

Sand is made of rocks and rocks are made of sand! Do bring any sand you may have to add to the

selection. We will meet on Tuesday 23rd January at 2pm .

We look forward to seeing you and lots of sand.

You might like to note that the Essex Mineral & Gem Show will be held on Saturday 17th February

at the North Romford Community Centre, Collier Row. Ask us for the details if you are interested.

Ros And Ian

We will decide on our January and February outings at our planning meeting on Monday January 8th.

Pat Radford

History Group

After an enjoyable and enthusiastic planning session at The Angel, we have now provisionally planned

events for 2018 up until September.

JANUARY

Talk at Chelmsford Museum on "Suffragettes in Chelmsford Part 2" - Thursday 18th January 2p.m

Cost £7 inc. refreshments. Booking essential, info & form from focm@btinternet.com

FEBRUARY

NT talk at Cramphorn Theatre on "Chelmsford Museums. Current & future plans". Wed 7th February

at 7.45p.m

Cost £5. NOT BOOKABLE SO EARLY ARRIVAL RECOMMENDED!

MARCH

Annual Museum Lecture at Cramphorn Theatre Friday 9th March 8p.m on

"The Chelmsford Poor Law Union, its workhouse and early days of St Johns Hospital".

Cost £6 Book at Civic Theatre Box Office tel 01245 606505

APRIL

David Marcus is kindly organising a visit to Halstead, on Monday 16th April (to be confirmed). It

should comprise Heritage and Postal Museums and a guided walk (with a lunch break at some point!).

Full details will be given later.

Happy New Year to All!

Jan & Sylvia

Lacemaking

The lace group continues to meet on the 1st and 3rd Fridays of the month at 2 pm at the home of

group leader Wendy Talley. The group is still small and new members would be welcome. We have

equipment which can be lent to anyone so that they can try out lacemaking without any financial

outlay. Help will be given, printed instructions are available and there are several books that can be

borrowed.

Wendy Talley

Luncheon Club

We celebrated our ever popular Christmas Lunch at The Ship, Tiptree and they certainly did not let us

down, the food was excellent and nothing was too much trouble for the staff. It really would be hard to

get any better anywhere else, especially at this time of year. I think the only problem we had was with

parking.

The next meeting is on Wednesday, 31 January 2018 12.30pm at The Rose & Crown, Writtle we have

had lots of very good reports about this old established pub.

Just by way of a gentle reminder, that if you put your name down for one of these events that if

you are unable to attend that you please do give me 48 hours notice.

Can I just point out that if you put your name down on the list and request transport, that you please let

ME know that you are coming in time as I have to give in numbers by the Monday of that week.

Muriel Whiting

Sunday+ Club

Unfortunately, due to heavy snow we had to cancel. So I thought for January I would re-book and

trust the weather will be OK.

Our next meeting is on Sunday, 14 January, 2018 at The William B, Boreham at 12.30pm.

Muriel Whiting

Natural History Group

The Natural History group will meet on Tuesday 23rd. January at 10.00 am to plan our year. Please

come with any ideas for us to discuss. This worked very well last year and produced a varied

programme, I look forward to seeing you.

Sue Browning

Needlework Group

Photography

Please note that the next meeting will be held on Saturday the 27th Jan at Little Waltham Memorial

Hall, at the usual time of 10.00am, not on the usual third Saturday.

Our theme for the session is photographs that convey ‘Britishness’ (there’s something for the imagina-

tion!) Please try to pst your photos (or any others you wish to share) on the Flickr site, or make sure

to bring your camera/memory card or USB stick.

Happy new Year everyone!

New members always welcome,regardless of level of camera expertise..

Glynn Wadeson

We meet on the 2nd and 4th Fridays of the month at 2pm, usually in members' homes. Our next sessions

are on 12th and 26th January and then on 9th and 23rd February. We welcome knitters and stitchers all.

Look forward to seeing good progress with our projects.

Ros

Scrabble

We will meet as usual on Thursday 25th JANUARY at 2pm at the usual venue. New members always

welcome.

Heather Steed

Swimming

Our swimming sessions will resume on Thursday 11th January, meeting at 10 am at Riverside. New

members always welcome, please contact me if you are interested in joining us.

Barbara Bartlett

Table Games

Table Games are on 2nd Tuesday of the month.

Marion Khoshuei

Table Tennis

Why not have a go at table tennis as a New Year’s resolution. Playing at Chelmsford Sports &

Athletics Stadium in Melbourne. Cost £1 per session, all starting at 2pm. There are a couple of bats to

borrow if you would like to give it a try. Nothing serious, just a fun hour with a sociable group of

people.

January 11th – Thursday.

January 30th – Tuesday.

February 9th – Friday.

February 28th – Wednesday.

Jean Lock

Tenpin Bowling

We meet the 1st Thursday of each month at City Bowl near the university, at 10.00am,

Our lanes are booked for the first Thursday of the month. Our next games are on 1st February. We play

at City Bowls near the university, £4.75 for 2 games plus a cup of tea or coffee. If you haven't played

before please give me a ring so I can ensure we get enough lanes

If anyone is interested please contact me

Lorna Stuart

Travel Club

Trip 1.

Dunoon - The Esplanade Hotel Includes Three Excursions:

Scotland Thursday 31st MAY 2018

BROOMFIELD U3A CONTACT CHRIS EVANS -

The Esplanade Hotel: looks out over the sea, in the West Bay in Dunoon, Argyll. All rooms are en-suite

with bath and shower and include TVs, radios and tea & coffee making facilities. There is a lift which

services all floors. Entertainment is provided most evenings and there is a Garden Sun Terrace for

relaxation.

Location:Dunoon is the main resort on the beautiful Cowal Peninsula and the maritime gateway

to the Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park. One of the Firth of Clyde’s foremost resorts, it

is built around the historic Castle Mound and famous for its large Victorian pier and attractive

promenade.

8 Days - 7 Nights 1st night staying in Lancashire area followed by 6 nights in Dunoon Half

Board Meal basis £ 529.00 Per Person

For Further Information ask for the poster

Trip 2.

The Deep South – USA 26th October - 14 day tour. - ask for poster

Trip 3.

Skipton East Yorkshire 20th August 2018 - 4 nights – ask for poster

For all of the above also contact CHRIS EVANS

Ukulele Group

Meetings normally take place twice a month at members' homes, normally on a Thursday at 2pm.

New members are always welcome. If you are interested contact John Williams

The Ukulele Group performing at the U3A Christmas Party

Walking Group

Our planning meeting in December was, as usual, accompanied by mince pies and (non-alcoholic)

mulled wine. We discussed a variety of venues including a summer picnic and perhaps a few more local

walks.

As is usual our first walk of the year will be our traditional annual visit to the Tulip at Springfield Green.

We will meet in the pub car park on Tuesday 16th January 2018 at 10,30am. Our walk will be 4/5 miles

on paved surfaces through Old Springfield to the Chelmer Valley Nature Reserve (perhaps "flirting" with

the edge of Broomfield) before returning to the Tulip.

Please let me know if you are coming so that I can warn the pub of numbers. Also please let me know if

you need a lift. As usual mobile 07375 604506 operative on the day.

BROOMFIELD FOOTPATH SOCIETY are always looking for more people to join them. Walks

are on alternate Sundays in Spring & Autumn are Wednesday evenings in the Summer. Look out for this

year’s programme in Broomfield Times.

Malcolm Taylor

The Committee

Chair David Marcus

Vice Chair Jo Bowman

Secretary Jean Lock

Treasurer John Godfrey

Speaker Coordinator Carol Greatorex

Membership Secretary Jo Bowman

Newsletter Editor John Williams

Group Coordinator Thelma Nickerson

Publicity Kim Taylor

Website/ Assistant Newsletter Editor Malcolm Taylor

Assistant Group Coordinator Ros Skelcher

Assistant Membership Secretary Gill Sturman

Assistant Speaker Secretary Ursula Randall

GROUP LEADERS

Badminton Barbara Bartlett

Beer Appreciation Malcolm Taylor

Book Club Barbara Bartlett

Bridge Melanie Pimm

Canasta Marie Mackie

Cookery Jacqui Barnaby

Discussion Group Thelma Nickerson

Gardening Pat Radford

Geology Ros Mercer

History Jan White

Lacemaking Wendy Talley

Luncheon Club Muriel Whiting

Natural History Sue Browning

Needlework Ros Mercer

Photography Glynn Wadeson

Scrabble Heather Steed

Sunday + Group Muriel Whiting

Swimming Barbara Bartlett

Tables Games Marion Khoshuei

Table Tennis Jean Lock

Tenpin Bowling Lorna Stuart

Travel Club Chris Evans

Ukulele Group John Williams

Visits/Outings Barbara Thomas

Walking Group Malcolm Taylor