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The Deepings Third Age Group Reg. Charity No: 1166782

NEWSLETTER

Visit our U3A Deepings Web site

Deeping St. James

Postcard from Chatsworth RHS Flower Show

Committee Members 2016/2017

Garth Perry Chairman Ann Parkes Secretary Anne Burton Treasurer Liz Noble Membership Secretary Susanne Hoadley Groups Coordinator Phil Jones Deputy Gps Co-ordinator Lyall Seale Speaker Finder Ann Holmes Newsletter Editor Lynn White Newsletter Distribution and Gift Aid Admin. David Scott Contact through Website Webmaster

Programme of Speakers 19 June MEDICAL DETECTION DOGS by Denise Taylor . Having told us about Hearing Dogs, Denise returns to tell us about a dog’s ability to detect minute odour traces created by diseases and the associated clinical research, together with dogs trained to help people with life threatening conditions. 17 July LAUGHING MY WAY AROUND THE WORLD by Ian Maber who recounts humorous events from his life in many countries arising from dealing with cultural issues. From bizarre to ridiculous this illustrated talk should have us laughing from beginning to end. NO MEETING IN AUGUST - No suitable venue available to us this month. Unless otherwise stated all monthly meetings are at THE METHODIST CHURCH, Deeping St. J ames. Doors open at 9.30 am . To enable us to set out chairs, etc., please do not arrive before this time. Coffee served until 10.20 and meetings begin at 10.30 am.

Issue No. 167 JUNE 2017

CHAIRMAN’S REFLECTIONS

I have made a resolution, (a bit late in the year I know), to stop keeping a list of things to do in the house and garden, because it only makes me angry and frustrated every time I see it. It never gets shorter - only longer! Take the top item on the list – “Mend Pot Man”. It has been on the top of the list on the whiteboard in the kitchen for so long that, despite being

written in non-permanent whiteboard marker, it took a lot of elbow grease, and some powerful solvents to rub it off!

I should explain at this point that “Pot Man” is a garden ornament, in the form of a sitting man, made out of various sizes of miniature plant pots, wired together. He was placed at the top of my “to do” list about 2 (or was it 3?) years ago, when his whole right arm fell off. However, I found that if I leant him with his right shoulder, in a nonchalant pose, against a fence post, his loss wasn’t obvious. Then, six months ago, his whole left leg fell off, and it was no longer possible to find a position that disguised his shortage of limbs, because the missing appendages are on opposite sides of his body, so he really needs repair! But, now that his name no longer leaps out at me when

I pass the whiteboard, I can look out the window at the garden as I wash the dishes, and, helped by some cunning planting, I barely notice Pot Man!

The moral of this little tale, for me, and I suspect many of us, is to make the most of what I am able to do now – Pot Man, like the dust, can be dealt with when I am forced to slow down!

Best wishes

Garth

Chairman

MEMBERSHIP RENEWALS DUE BY END OF JULY 2017

It's been like Christmas at our house with nearly half of the renewal subs tumbling through the letterbox - thank you for such prompt action. I have posted all those who kindly sent an sae and the other new membership cards will be at the June meeting for collection.

There are two reminders....please do complete the email address if you have one. It serves to double check we have the current one (a lot of forms were left blank although I know they exist!).

The other reminder is for an sae particularly if you live outside Market Deeping or Deeping St. James and don't usually come to the monthly meeting.

I look forward to the other 250!

LIZ NOBLE Membership Secretary

As family and friends will tell you, I am one of the world’s worst gardeners. Perhaps that is why my some of my family took me to Chatsworth last week. I enjoyed the beautiful flower displays but the only way I could think of to share them with you was with my camera—I won’t be growing them in my garden any time soon! Ann

If Garth mended his “Pot Man” he could help like I do my master!

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GROUP NEWS The film group is struggling with membership number and I am afraid it's another case of “use it or lose it”. Anyone interested in joining this group, please contact Maureen or Rita, their details are on the back of this Newsletter.

Look out for the sign up sheet at the monthly meeting for ‘stargazing’, we have had quite a bit of interest for this group and you don't have to own a telescope to be a member..

Coming up, the next Group leaders’ meeting is scheduled for 1.45 pm on Monday, 9th October. An email will be coming your way giving the full details soon!

SUSANNE HOADLEY Group Coordinator U3A ART APPRECIATION GROUP On May 16th we were treated to another visit by Bill Sandles. Irene arranged the talk and the focus was on Boris Johnson’s mother, the artist Charlotte Johnson Wahl. Bill took up the challenge of investigating her work after seeing the tail end of a documentary late one night but was disappointed to find so little information about her. Not deterred, Bill sought as much as he could and presented a very good slide show of her work which gave rise to a lot of comment from the group.

Charlotte suffered from mental health problems when she was in her twenties. She had four young children and was been admitted to the Maudsley Hospital where she painted at least 70 pieces of art. Some of this work is very disturbing!

Her work was sold before exhibition and she has continued to be successful even though she was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease at the age of 40. I think her more recent work is more pleasing to the eye but the earlier work does stimulate conversation, especially her portrayal of the human hand!

Next month we are visiting Corby Glen Art Gallery.

Report: SANDRA JONES Group Contacts: SANDRA JONES / YVONNE McCULLOCH U3A “WANDERERS” WALKING GROUP

We had a good turnout for our May walk around the Hambleton Peninsula overlooking Rutland Water. It is a very pleasant, easy walk on even paths with fantastic views of the water. The only drawback at this time of the year is the many flies that plagued us through the wooded areas, detracting from the amazing displays of bluebells. But it stayed dry if a bit cloudy so that was a result! Our stroll ended with lunch at the Finches Arms. Report: MARJE ARMSTRONG Group Leaders: HILARY & BARRY AKAM

U3A HISTORY GROUP

We certainly have a variety of talks at the History group. Today was all about ‘Bogles, Boggarts and Will o’ the Wykes’. Our speaker was Maureen James PhD and she had researched Folklore as part of her studies.

We had a good time reminiscing about things we had been told when growing up, maybe to scare us away from danger but also things we learned by observing parents and relatives. ‘Keep your fingers crossed, touch wood’, for example. Lucky clothes, charms, belts etc. were mentioned. Gary Lineaker’s shirt, Colin Farrell’s belt that had been revamped a bit like Trig’s broom on Only Fools and Horses!

A book by Maureen Sutton was recommended. It was titled ‘We didn’t know Owt’. There were so many aspects of this talk that caused amusement, laughter and interest. Birds, cures, remedies, fortune telling and Will O’ the Wisp are just examples.

Although Will O’ The Wisp is thought to be marsh gas, it has not been able to reproduce it in a laboratory. Pat thought she may have uncovered a Witch Bottle in her garden!

Great fun. A nice way to spend a very wet morning. Thank you to everyone who helped as it certainly makes life easier, touch wood!Next month we have Steve Perry talking about Hospitals in Peterborough. Report: SANDRA JONES

Group Leaders: SANDR JONES / ELIZABETH PARKINSON U3A UKULELE GROUP The group has met twice during May. We have progressed through ‘Black Velvet Band’ and ‘Leaving on a Jet Plane’, learning new chords and strumming patterns on the way.

We welcomed Anne and John back to the group after their travels and they will soon be up to speed with the rest of us. In June we will be working on ‘You are my Sunshine’.

My thanks to Malcolm for distributing the song sheets and the hints and tips to help us get to grips with the chords and strumming patterns.

Group Leaders: LIZ LONSDALE / MALCOLM HOADLEY U3A NATURAL HISTORY GROUP The May meeting was at Swaddywell pits, a nature reserve run and owned by the Langdyke Countryside Trust. Fifteen members were shown around the site by Jean Stowe, a member of the Trust and a keen and knowledgeable botanist. The site has an abundance of wild flowers including many Orchids. Jean guided us through the different species including details such as the differences between Bulbous and Creeping Buttercups.

The hot weather had brought into flower the Early Marsh Orchids along with Southern Marsh Orchids. Bee orchids were present, almost in flower. Norah and Jean found a variety of Helleborine that had not been seen before on the Reserve. Thanks to Jean for showing us this delightful site. Report: PETER EDWARDS

Group Leaders: AUDREY DUNKLEY / PETER EDWARDS U3A SUNDAY LUNCH GROUP This month’s Sunday Lunch will be on Sunday, June 25th, at the Baskervilles’, Baston, at the usual time of 12.30 for 1.00 pm. Will those members wishing to join this event please contact Tony Semple or Michael Griffiths, or add your name to the list at the meeting on Monday, 19th June. Tony is usually to be found at the table at the front of the room prior to the meeting.

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U3A “GARDENING OVER THE GARDEN WALL” GROUP

Our May visit to Stody Lodge Water Gardens in North Norfolk was a lovely day out. The spectacular rhododendron and azalea gardens is believed to be the largest single planting of azalea mollis in the UK.

The weather was perfect, plenty of shade from the sun could be found by strolling through the Scots Pine wood towards the Azalea Water Gardens. The stunning reflections of orange, coral, russet red and yellow azaleas in the lakes peaty water was unbelievable. Stody now boasts over 200 varieties of Rhododendrons and Azaleas which thrive in acid sandy soil. A chance to sit and enjoy a delicious homemade tea before our journey home was greatly appreciated.

Report: JOSIE SMITH

I very much appreciate Josie ‘holding the fort’ for me on the day. Our next meeting: Bury St Edmunds for ‘Bury in Bloom week’ on Tuesday June 27th. Mini bus leaves Rainbow Carpark at 10am. Cost approx. £10.00 for bus. There may be places available on the bus. Please contact me if you would like to go.

MARGARET GRIFFITHS Group Leader: U3A CRAFT GROUP 1 Inspired by an item on the antiques road show, we decided to venture into the world of decorative felt pin cushions. I’m not sure our simple efforts will never be valued by Penny Brittain in the grounds of Burghley House, but that won’t stop us enjoying this very pleasing project.

Next month we will be at Julie’s, where we will continue with the same or bring our own work.

JULIE MANCEY Group Leader U3A “BOOKWORMS” READING GROUP

‘NO SAFE HOUSE’ by Linwood Barclay

A middle-aged couple are murdered in their sitting room for no apparent reason. An over protective 13 year-old girl embarks on an exploit with the brash, wild son of a criminal, with dire results. More mysterious killings occur and all these are connected by the crimes of a bunch of crooks of limited intelligence and vocabulary who are working the racket. The plot has many surprising twists and turns and the solution of the mysteries are equally complicated. This book is a quick read of pure escapism by a popular American writer but has little to recommend it as a subject for discussion by a reading group. Report: NANCY TITMAN Group Leader : ANN THORNTHWAITE

U3A ANTIQUES AND COLLECTABLES GROUP

For this month’s meeting our members brought along a good selection for 'Show and Tell'. Items included a figurine of Mother and Child carved in soapstone by Pam's uncle, brooches, photographs taken in Singapore at a pottery, a ring measure, a skirt lifter, a penholder, and what looked like a catapult but turned out to be part of the machinery used in shops in 40s/50s that wizzed around to take your money to the till and bring back your change, glass picture slides, one of a German Parade with the Top Brass on, which needed a 1928 projector to show the slides.

A member who had recently lost her father brought along some of his war memorabilia including a Royal Navy belt with his name Harold Austin, together with his wife's name Olive etched inside, and of course we had a mystery item.

Our next meeting will be an afternoon visit on June 26th to Ramsey Rural Museum. Pam has the details. Report IRENE BEEKEN

Group Leaders: IRENE BEEKEN / PAM PENDRY U3A POETRY GROUP

Although we were a little low on members attending this month due to illness and holidays, we had a very interesting time with the letter I.

We managed to find five Poets namely, Henrik Ibsen, David Ignatow, Jean Ingelow, Avtic Isahakyan, and Christopher Isherwood. We enjoyed their poetry and also reading their biographies. Next month we have a much larger choice of poet using the letter J. Thank you to Sheila for hosting the meeting.

Next month our meeting will be on July 3rd at 130 Eastgate.

IRENE BEEKEN Group Leader U3A GARDENING 4 PETALS & PRODUCE GROUP

In May just five group members ventured to Delfland Nurseries in Doddington, March, a family run business supplying some of the biggest producers in the U.K. but also more than happy to supply to people who buy “very small quantities!”

Your intrepid explorers came very much in the latter category, topping up bedding plants for that bit of “instant colour” we all need at this time of year.

In June we will be visiting our group leaders’ gardens in Eastgate, Deeping St. James, two very different gardens each with its own river frontage. Report and picture: JOHN MARSH

Group Leaders: PAM PENDRY / JOHN MARSH U3A GOOD FOOD GROUP The Good Food Group met to celebrate British Summer Food on 3rd June. We started with smoked salmon pinwheels, then cold Gazpacho (not very British?), followed by melon and Parma Ham and Coronation Chicken (definitely British). Our puddings were authentically British too, Strawberry Tart and Summer Pudding Thanks to our hosts and all who contributed. We continue with our summer theme in July, with a Picnic (weather permitting). More Members and guests welcome. KATHLEEN TANNER Group Leader

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U3A THURSDAY GARENING GROUP

This month we headed out to Moulton Seas End to visit Jersey Cottage Nursery, (http://www.jerseycottagenursery.co.uk/) a small, family run business, suggested to the group by both Chris Ferguson and Kay Parker.

It was a fascinating place with all kinds of plants none of us had encountered before. Set out like a private garden, the plants had labels showing Latin and English names, country of origin, hardiness, size and growing requirements so that we learnt quite a bit too. Several of us came away with a range of plants, including an Astrantia (pictured) that Liz Noble has renamed from Gill Richardson to Gill Ronaldson in honour of our own group member. From there we headed back via Baytree and an inevitable lunch!

Next month, weather permitting, we will be heading to visit Hunstanton in a trip kindly organised by Barbara Workman.

LINDA HILL Group Leader U3A SCIENCE GROUP Thanks to John Bloomfield who gave us a very interesting presentation about his visit to the highly automated Mercedes car factory, at our May meeting. We also watched a TV programme about Marie-Antoinette’s watch, in preparation for our visit to The National Horological Museum, Newark, on 20th June.

We have arranged a two hour guided tour, which will cost £10 per head, plus a £3 share of the transport cost. The tour begins at 2pm, so we need to be leaving Deeping by 12.30pm. Tea or coffee, and cake, will be available at the end of the tour. We have two spaces available in the current cars, if you wish to join us. More people are welcome to come with us, and take advantage of the tour. If you are interested, then please contact Garth on the number below, and we will try to sort out transport.

Group Leaders: GARTH PERRY / DAVID SCOTT U3A “STROLLERS” WALKING GROUP After the meteorological meltdown the previous week, it was refreshing to wake up to a pleasant spring morning on the day of the May stroll. Starting from Springfields in Spalding, we walked along the east bank of the Coronation Channel, before crossing over it and negotiating several streets before reaching the River Welland. We witnessed several water craft, including the Spalding water taxi on it’s regular service.

Ably led by Don Foster and Sue Dinenage, we felt the increasing warmth of the sun’s rays as we traversed the west bank of the river, before crossing over it and back towards Springfields, where we had lunch at The Kitchen.

Our next stroll will take place on 26 June when John Marsh will lead us starting from the Waterside Garden Centre. Members of the group wishing to take part should contact him by telephone on 01778 347330 or email at ‘john1marsh@btinternet.com’.

BOB DELLER Group Leader

U3A THURSDAY WALKING GROUP

On a windy and warmish day our June walk was led by David Scott with my small assistance which took 18 members on a six mile walk around the Barnack and Ufford areas. Commencing from The Millstone at Barnack we headed westward towards Pilsgate before turning northward and circling Barnack following good footpath signage to reach the Torpel Way which we followed for a while before leaving to head off to the village of Ufford whilst having good views of Walcot Hall and hence back into Barnack parallel to the Hills and Holes and the pub for a good lunch. Many thanks to David for doing most of the work in connection with the walk.

The next walk on 13 July will be led by Dave and Pam Pendry and will around the West Deeping and Maxey areas commencing from The Red Lion, 48 King Street, West Deeping PE6 9HP. If you would like to attend this walk, could you please phone Dave by the Tuesday evening preceding the walk, if possible, on 01778 345179 or e-mail dp.43@btinternet.com and also indicating whether you will be staying for lunch. Photo: DAVID SCOTT

GODFREY PARKES /DAVID SCOTT Group Leaders U3A TEN PIN BOWLING GROUP

Monday’s bowling was an eye opener. Ten of us turned up to play and had a pleasant surprise when we entered the alley. AMF had been in and converted two lanes into cubicles for private functions. As there were only ten of us we were told we could use them and we felt very privileged to do so. AMF had decorated the cubicles into a cinema theme with all sorts of posters and artefacts concerning films,

There was a red rope at the entrance. Curtains either side, a carpet, table for drinks and the seats were very soft and comfy. Chris Patman said we had to wipe our shoes when we entered, Lilian said it was better than her caravan, Godfrey said where was the TV and Brian Patman said where can I put my golf clubs. Derek just played bowls. All in all it was a very lightening morning and we all cannot wait for the next meeting.

DAVID LUNN / CHRIS PATMAN Group Leaders U3A CRAFT GROUP 2 We had a go at dry felting last month and although satisfactory and good experience we decided it was not for us. Back to card making this month with thanks to Heather Bumfrey for arranging it. I look forward to seeing you at 102 Church Street, Deeping St. James, at 2pm on 19 June.

LIZ NOBLE Group Leader

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U3A LACE GROUP

The Lace group has five members one of which is our newsletter editor Ann Holmes who has produced this lovely piece of work for which I, as tutor, am really proud as she has only been doing it for just over a year.

The group meets every Tuesday from 10.00 to 12.00 noon and all members are working on various pieces of lace.

BARBARA BAYLIS Group Leader U3A ‘WEEKENDERS’ GROUP Ann welcomed 26 members to our Summer Special Coffee morning. All enjoyed a good chat plus tea or coffee, cake, a raffle, general knowledge Quiz and two craft stalls.

Chris collected money for the Sandringham trip in August – pick-up times and further details at the July meeting.

Marge collected money for the Arboretum trip in September and informed those going that pick –up would be from Tesco car park at 7:30. She will give out tickets at the July meeting.

Report BARBARA MCNICOL Group Leaders: ANN BRADSHAW / BARBARA MCNICOL U3A FILM GROUP The next Film Group meeting is on Wednesday 28 June, 2pm at the Community Centre. The DVD this month is a fifties film called "Love me or Leave me". This is a drama starring Doris Day as you haven't seen her before! She does sing, but also plays a dramatic role as the singer Ruth Etting during the jazz era in Chicago.

The Film Group Club will NOT meet during July and August, so our next meeting will be in September.

MAUREEN WHITTLE / RITA BROWN Group Leaders U3A CLASSIC AND KIT CAR GROUP

On 31st May classic car enthusiasts in 11 vehicles set out from Elton Garden Centre for the Run which had been planned and organised by two of our members. The sun shone as we wound our way through 28 miles of beautiful English countryside. Following our Route Directions we arrived at the Chequered Flag in Rockingham in time for Lunch. No one lost so far!! Picking up our Return Journey Route, once again with Odometers set to zero, we were off….…

Still keeping to quiet country lanes through Northamptonshire, Leicestershire and Cambridgeshire and even after a short delay while one of the roads reopened after road repairs, we got back for afternoon tea and cake in Elton. Invited guests also enjoyed this event with the U3A Classic Car Group were members of the local Morgan Owners’ Club. Our thanks once again go to Graham and Carol for all their preparation beforehand making this, our first rally, such a success.

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U3A “PACERS” WALKING GROUP

Twenty one “Pacers” set off from the Hare and Hounds in Greatford for our June walk. Although very windy, the sun soon came out and we had a very pleasant walk on a variety of terrain – woodland and field paths leading in to Shillingthorpe Park Estate where we were met by a herd of lovely cows and their beautiful little calves waiting for us on the other side of the bridge. I think they were as interested in us as we were in them! We slowly and quietly walked through the herd and neither group seemed stressed by the others presence!! Well, a couple of Pacers made sure they were in the middle of our herd !! We then followed the road to Barholm and then over the fields back into Greatford and a welcome drink and excellent meal in the Hare and Hounds.

Next month’s walk is from Cley next the Sea, Norfolk – further details from Steve and Lynn White. Report BARBARA MCNICOL Group Leaders:– STEVE & LYNN WHITE

REMINDER

Please remember that due to circumstances be-yond the Committee’s control, there will be no meeting in AUGUST this year. The venues that are suitable and can accommodate our numbers are undergoing refurbishment and/or repair that month. There will therefore be no AUGUST NEWSLETTER so if Group Leaders wish to publicise August/September events, please include them in your reports for the JULY issue. Ann

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Forthcoming Summer Events in which some of our members will be participating and flying the flag for U3A:

Sunday 18th June - Bourne Classic Car and Bike Carnival 10am-4pm (4 cars) Saturday 24th June - Nassington Village Open Gardens from 1pm, (5 cars, 1 M/bike) Sunday 2nd July - Baston Car and Bike Show

Monthly Group meetings: Wednesday 28th June Farmers Arms, 200 Broadway, Yaxley, PE7 3NT 11.00am. Wednesday 26th July BBQ 12.30 onwards (more details from John) JOHN BURTON Group Leader

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U3A FAMILY HISTORY GROUP

Fewer people than normal attended today’s meeting, holidays, work and weather kept members away. I took the group on a mystery tour of some of the web sites, just to prove that most of us are not fully utilising the opportunity to get FREE information.

We started by looking at the LDS site. This site has been updated now for a while and I personally think the old site was better BUT as a member of the group pointed out there is a load of transcribed information that can be of use if used alongside one of the other major players.

We then took a look at https://www.freebmd.org.uk/ . Here you can find loads of birth, marriage and death info and now using it in conjunction with the new GRO site firstly you can find ALL ages at death (1866 was the earliest date prior to the launch of the new GRO site) and you can also check out the mother’s maiden name on all births by using the same sites. The example that I used was from the Freebmd site where we looked up Orid Pursglove died 1838 in Belper Vol 19 Page 304. We then looked this entry up in the new GRO site, using the date and references. It turns out that it was in fact David Pursglove and he was 55 years old.

We then moved on to the two large players http://www.findmypast.co.uk/ and http://search.ancestry.co.uk Without any payment or even taking up an offer of a free trial, both sites give up information for free!!! By using this free information it will make a trip to the library quicker to use the full versions of the site for free. Is it not better to sit at home and do the search in peace, get the info sorted then go and get the original documents. Plenty of food for thought.

I have told the group it is my intention to stand down as group leader, and today Rosemary Porteous has offered her services by taking over the financial element of the group. I thank her for the offer and will hand over the accounts at the end of the financial year (next month). We still need a tea lady/man! and someone is needed to write this article for the magazine. I will still be an active member of the group and will always help with any research problems. We do still have plenty of space for anyone who might be thinking of taking up the hobby and we would be more than pleased to welcome any new members who would like to either start or enhance their family history. Remember you are never too old to learn something new!

Our next meeting will be on the 10th July at the Community Centre. Please contact me. I will always try to help and if I do not know the answer I will point you in a direction that may help. PEG TORRANCE

Have been ‘digging’ in the archives and a report for the Family History Group first appeared in the Newsletter in January 2004 under the leadership of Brian Thornthwaite when “It is hoped that each member will have drawn up a basic chart for their own parents/grandparents.” (Not much talk of computers at that time!). Peg’s first meeting as Leader was reported in the June 2009 issue of the Newsletter when she took over from Brian. Very many thanks for all your sterling work since then Peg. We are pleased you are remaining with the group and we are losing you entirely. ANN

U3A “CHURCH MICE GROUP

On a warm June afternoon 22 members of the Church Mice group braved roadworks to visit the church at Easton on the Hill. Situated on the top of the hill the 12th century church with its four distinctive pinnacles has views over the surrounding countryside. It is not surprising that the church was struck by lightning in the late 19th century and one of the falling pinnacles caused extensive damage.

Ian and David from the local history group showed the group round the church. The inside of the church is notable for its 17th century box pews - men to the right of the aisle and women to the left until the early 20th century; the ones on the right having hat pegs. The visit was followed by an excellent tea.

Report: HENRY ROBERTS Photo: TERRY NOBLE Group Leaders: LYALL SEALE / JIM PRINGLE

U3A WRITING FOR PLEASURE GROUP

We began our June meeting by going over our list of forthcoming topics, and adding ideas as to how to tackle some of the more difficult ones. These topics include:

Writing a letter that requires an answer. When we have all written our letter, and had it read out, they will be folded up and we will pick out someone else’s letter to reply to.

Write about some well known sayings and their origins.

Describe a room in exactly fifty words.

Write a piece and then change five words to give a different atmosphere.

Write something that includes the five senses.

Incorporate a newspaper headline into a piece of writing.

Write something in 200 words, then reduce it to 100 words, finally into fifty words trying to keep the meaning of the original piece as intact as possible.

This should keep us occupied over the next few months!

JUDY ROBINSON Group Leader U3A MONDAY WALKING GROUP Twenty seven of us met at The King’s Arms, Polbrook. It was a cloudy , blustery day with showers and started raining just as we commenced the walk. Even though we had our Good Weather mascot (Godfrey) with us his magic did not work, also the BBC weather got it wrong too.

The walk was varied road, fields, footpaths, numerous bridges and the odd style. The estimated 5.5.miles was also nearly on target with 5.7 miles much to the gratification of some. We encountered a field of bullocks , but I was the herder as some people were a bit apprehensive. We then passed through Armiston and back to the pub. We had a good meal, despite some of the baguette tops being slightly crisp !!

I would like to dedicate this walk to Eric Parrin, our absent friend. Our next walk on 3rd July, Spalding, will be led by Chas Ferguson - details to follow. Sorry no photo as our cameraman David Scott was away.

STEVE HANSON Group Leader U3A LISTENING TO MUSIC GROUP June 14th was a glorious sunny morning and provide an ideal setting for listening to a morning of English Music. The occasion took place at the home of Peter and Kay Lofts.

Peter’s programme ranged from Tudor times with the Alfred Deller Consort singing music by Morley and Weelkes, through Arthur Sullivan, Delius and Arnold Bax up to Percy Grainger and Vaughan Williams.

Elgar’s stunning Cockaigne Overture provided a stirring conclusion to the morning’s listening. Thank you Peter for providing such an imaginative programme. Our next meeting will be on 12th July at Jim’s house.

Report: TERRY NOBLE Group Leaders: TERRY NOBLE / JIM PRINGLE U3A WHIST AND OTHER GAMES GROUP The Whist group will not be meeting again until September, when we will be reverting to the 1st and 3rd Sundays, 2 - 4pm at the Oddfellows Hall. We hope that our members will continue to support us, and any new members will be welcome. Group Leaders: CHRIS MUTTON / MAUREEN WHITTLE