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The Deepings Third Age Group Reg. Charity No: 1166782

NEWSLETTER

Visit our U3A Deepings Web site

Deeping St. James

AUTUMN GLORY AND FIRST SNOW

John Marsh took this lovely autumnal picture at Anglesey Abbey and ten days ago I took this ‘snap’ in Harrogate. ANN Committee Members 2015/2016

Garth Perry Chairman Ann Parkes Secretary Anne Burton Treasurer Liz Noble Membership Secretary Susan 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 21 November A talk on ROMAN ARCHAEOLOGY OF THE PETERBOROUGH AREA AND THE WELLAND VALLEY AND FENS AROUND THE DEEPINGS AREA BY Dr Stephen Upex AT THE METHODIST CHURCH. 19 December CHRISTMAS MEETING with entertainment by our own Accordion and Singing Groups, supported as usual by Jo and Phil Astall and Terry Noble. This meeting is ticket only—see opposite. Mince pies and wine will be served during the interval. AT THE CORONATION HALL, Halfleet, Market Deeping). 2017 16 January ONCE UPON TIME by Martin Lander AT THE METHODIST CHURCH. Unless otherwise stated, doors open at 9.30 am at all monthly meetings. 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. 160 NOVEMBER 2016

CHAIRMAN’S REFLECTIONS

Thank you for doing me the honour of electing me as Chairman. I have a class act to follow, but will do my best! I must immediately make an apology, as I have a terrible memory for names. When I was working, I went on numerous courses, suggesting cunning ways of recalling names, but they were all spectacularly unsuccessful! So please bear with me, and be assured that if your name escapes me, it is nothing personal! Mind you, having heard a programme today that stated that one person in fifty suffers from “face blindness” and can’t recognise even their family’s faces - my problem seems quite minor!

Following our AGM, we are pleased to welcome Ann Parkes to the Committee as our new Secretary, and, now that they are elected members of the Committee, Susanne Hoadley has agreed to become Group Co-ordinator, with Phil Jones as her Deputy, with particular responsibility for the upkeep of the information boards. Liz Noble hasn’t escaped either, as the Committee have co-opted her to be Membership Secretary. As a consolation, the Committee has awarded her Lifetime

Membership, in grateful recognition of the tremendous effort she has put in to The Deepings U3A, during her full term as Chairman, and in her previous Committee roles. We are also pleased that John Burton has joined the support team as ‘Meet & Greet Co-ordinator’. Thank you to all who have taken responsibilities in, or in support of, the Committee.

Finally, we are rapidly approaching our Christmas meeting. This will be held in the Coronation Hall, and because this has a limited capacity, and we need to know how many mince pies etc. to provide, entrance will be by ticket only. The tickets will be on sale by 21st November, and will be sold on a first come first served basis. They will cost £1, and there will be no further charge on the door. If you are not able to be at the monthly meeting on the 21st, then please contact Liz Noble to purchase a ticket. If you buy one, and then find that you are unable to attend, PLEASE advise us, so that we can re-allocate it, and not let your wine and mince pie go to waste! The doors will open at 9.30 as usual, and we would remind you that parking is limited in the area, and that you should avoid parking on the road.

We look forward to seeing you at the Coronation Hall.

Best wishes,

Garth

Chairman

DATE FOR YOUR DIARIES

Gardening Group members, and others who might be interested, are asked to note that the coach trip for 2017 will be on Tuesday 18th July.

It was agreed on the trip this year that in 2017 we would visit The Beth Chatto Gardens near Colchester in Essex.

Final arrangements for a second garden to visit have not yet been finalised but please do put 18th July in your new 2017 diaries.

Eddie Steele / John Marsh

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GROUP NEWS

Hello everyone, just to introduce myself. I am Susanne Hoadley, and I am the new Group Co-ordinator. Group leaders.......if you have any changes to make or you would like to promote your group, contact me by phone or email and I will do my best to "sort" you out. Deputy group co-ordinator is Phil Jones and he will be keeping

group news updated on the notice boards. The Whist and other Games group has started and appears to be very successful. Please contact me if you would like to start a new group. A new group in the pipeline at the moment is a Classic and Kit Car group. If you would like more information contact John Burton . A sign up sheet will be available at the November meeting and John will also be there to help with any enquiries SUSANNE HOADLEY Group Co-ordinator

U3A “WANDERERS” WALKING GROUP

October Report:

On a sunny Autumn day a most enjoyable walk was had by all around the outskirts of Ketton village. Many thanks must first go to Ketton library for letting us use their facilities before starting off on our ramble. The walk was varied covering different types of terrain and scenery including fields, woods, a railway arch, and an interesting old footbridge across the railway. The photo taken is of the group crossing the old railway bridge on our way back into the centre of Ketton village. Report: HUGH CASSIDY Pic: MARIE ARMSTRONG November Report:

A cold, dry and bright Tuesday morning saw the Wanderers assemble in the Horse and Jockey car park in Manton for our November wander. The route took us westwards up through the Gunthorpe estate

and over the rolling Rutland countryside to the tiny village of Brooke and to its lovely thirteenth century church of St Peter. We had an all too brief opportunity to look around this beautiful and well preserved building which featured in the the 2005 film of Pride and Prejudice.

Walking up through the village towards Uppingham we reached the top of the hill and admired the fine views whilst catching breath and then turned left towards America Lodge and the site of the hamlet of Martinsthorpe of which only one building remains. From that place we went back to Manton and an excellent luncheon in the Horse and Jockey.

BARRY & HILARY AKAM Group Leaders

U3A CYCLING GROUP

Eight riders set out in October for a sixteen mile cycle ride round local villages.

Starting from Deeping, the route via Maxey, Bainton, Ufford, Helpston and Etton finished at Northborough for lunch. Several Kites and three Egrits were seen enroute.

Many thanks to Eddie for the planning to include quiet country roads and part of the Green Wheel. Our next ride is arranged for November 18 when anyone with a roadworthy cycle is welcome to join with us.

FRED SKIPPER Group Leader U3A “BOOK WORMS” READING GROUP ‘The Night Circus’ by Erin Morgenstern I loved the front cover of the Night Circus, only appreciating how clever the illustration was after I had read the book. All the elements of the story are shown. The circus arrived without warning, no announcement preceded it. Then it vanished just as quickly without anyone knowing where it went. I had to keep reminding myself it was only a story, a fantasy, it was all a dream, with a love story at its heart. After discussion we thought the book had been well written, with most of us enjoying the book. Our next meeting is to be held at Rita’s home on November 28th at 2pm. when we will be discussing our latest book “Is It Just Me?” by Miranda Hart. ANN THORNTHWAITE Group Leader U3A JAZZ, SWING AND BIG BAND GROUP This morning Terry gave us — Quincy Jones. We very much enjoyed his delectation. Musician, Composer, Quincy delivers. Alas he is not a relation! So our October meeting at the home of Terry Noble, featured the BBC Proms on August 22nd, 2016, celebrating the work of Quincy Jones, and what a feast of music we had. The Metropole Orkest. conducted by Jules Buckley, had a huge collection of musicians from many countries all with diverse skills, coming together for this occasion. The first half of the concert featured vocalist; Laura Mvula, Richard Bona (Voice/Bass Guitar) and Jacob Collier (Voice/Piano/Synthesizer) plus Alfred Rodriguez, (piano) and James Morrison (Son') then 'Chump Change', 'The Pawnbroker', 'Can't Stop Lovin' You,' and then 'In the Real Early Morning', something quite different in tempo. Five other pieces followed and then the second half contained 'Shoot to Kill' (Mirage), 'Just Once' . 'Stuff Like That', 'Wee B Doin It', 'Human Nature', Michael Jackson's 'Billie Jean' sounding so different from the original in a real toe-tapping arrangement, ‘Money Runner' and 'Wanna be Startin' Something’. We ended the morning with Quincy Jones on stage conducting 'Let The Good times Roll'. The audience definitely approved. Thank you Terry for a morning 'with a difference' and thanks to Liz for the refreshments. Our November meeting is at the home of Anne Jones on November 23rd. In December it's our Christmas meal, meeting first at the home of Peter and Barbara Baylis and then at 'The Stage' in Market Deeping on Wednesday, December 28th. Please be there at around 12.30pm for meal at 1 o'clock. Report: ANNE JONES Group Leaders: PETER BAYLIS / ANNE JONES

He did—and Mary

Berry would have

given him full marks!

Committee Meetings

have never been so

good.

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U3A ‘OVER THE GARDEN WALL’ GARDENING GROUP’

Our October planning meeting was well attended with members getting together at Waterside Garden Centre. The programme for 2017 was planned after discussion and feedback from members. It is an interesting and varied programme with use made of the Age Concern Mini-bus for longer journeys. My thanks go to members of the group who contributed to the programme and made this last year a successful one. It’s been lovely to have you all on board.

There is no formal GG3 meeting in November but should anyone be interested Waterside are doing a talk at the Garden Centre on ‘How to Prune Fruit Trees’. Please check with them if you are interested for dates and times.

Our next group meeting is not until January 24th 2017 for our Seasonal get together at The Deeping Stage. Meet there 12.00am for 12.30am. Sue Mollins and Sandra Husbeth have been kind enough to arrange this for us. (This is very much appreciated.) Please confirm your place with them nearer the time.

I would like to add ‘congratulations on reaching a major milestone’ to one of our long standing members and special lady ‘Ruby’ (pictured). Have a wonderful time and love from us all.

Group Leaders: MARGARET GRIFFITHS / GLENYS NICE U3A ANTIQUES & COLLECTABLES GROUP

For our October meeting Pat brought along a selection of antique and curious items for members to guess what they were and what they could be used for. This kept us amused and puzzled for quite some time and our winner was Alan with top marks, Well Done.

We then watched a DVD from U3A resources of Paul Martin of 'Flog It' fame, giving advice on what Antiques to buy and invest in. He had also made a visit to 'Syon House' the spectacular London home of the Duke of Northumberland which came to the family of the present owners in 1594, and is the last surviving Ducal residence complete with it's country estate in Greater London with state and private apartments and 40 acres of gardens.

Our next meeting is on Monday November 28th when we have a DVD with Henry Sandon speaking on Ceramics.

IRENE BEEKEN / PAM PENDRY Group Leaders U3A NATURAL HISTORY GROUP

Common Puffball, Candle Snuff, Lumpy Bracket, Root Rot and The Miller, all splendidly named fungi we managed to identify on our October fungi foray. The venue was Southey Woods. It was a dry overcast day and we were doubtful about finding many. They were there in abundance. Probably 20-30 species. Having little knowledge of the subject we were armed with books, but most of the fungi we were unable to put a name to. They never look like their pictures in the book. One clue to identification is where they are growing. The Common Puffball was found on the floor of the wood. The Candle Snuff on rotting wood and Lumpy Bracket growing on the stump of an old Beech Tree. The Miller had an unusual smell, which the book said was like meal.

There was always doubt about our identification, certainly ruling out eating any the book described as edible. Other than the fungi the wood was very quiet, with few flowers and birds, though we did hear the call of a Nuthatch A very interesting morning

Report: PETER EDWARDS Pic: KEN BUNCH Group Leader: AUDREY DUNKLEY

U3A WRITING FOR PLEASURE GROUP

Our Writing group met in November to hear a wide selection of pieces, each one very different from any of the others. There was a story written by a doll, one about the eventful start of a holiday in Majorca, and an atmospheric piece of writing by Betty, who used only 100 words.

Several of us had tackled the challenge of writing something that began with a word of one letter, then used a two letter word, then three, and so on up to ten or twelve letters in the longest word. We then continued writing with words that reduced in size by one letter each time until the piece finished with a word of one letter. This was the hardest part, finishing with a one letter word.

For next month, or sometime early next year, we have to attempt to write a story which includes these words suggested by members of the group:

Nightingale, unsuitable, hospital, reputation, ambidextrous, ridiculous, satisfaction, glistening, withershins, accumulate.

This should keep us busy!

Our Christmas lunch will follow our December meeting and will, as usual, be a bring and share lunch at our usual venue.

JUDY ROBINSON Group Leader U3A ART APPRECIATION GROUP We met at the RC Church in Hereward Way on the 18th for an illustrated talk by Sandra Jones on Cartoons in Art. The word cartoon comes from the Italian word for paper. It was originally applied to the drawings made by artists in planning a major work, before they copied the design to a canvas using charcoal and subsequent painting. Some of the “cartoons” drawn by such artists as Leonardo da Vinci are regarded as works of art in their own right being detailed drawings, for example, of a part of the human anatomy. As techniques developed to reproduce art, such as etching, artists used the principle to develop series of drawings, for example William Hogarth illustrating tales of morality such as “The Harlot’s Progress” or depravity such as “Gin Lane” which aided the introduction of the so-called Gin Law. The use of cartoons developed further to illustrate political figures and events for publishing in newspapers. The use of the lampoon became a powerful weapon wielded by all political parties and vested interests. There are artists today who poke gentle fun at life with amusing yet well crafted pictures. One such is Beryl Cook, whose paintings are often of generously proportioned characters engaged in activities such as dancing the tango or playing bowls.

Everybody has favourites where cartoonists are concerned, whether it is the characters they use such as “Andy Capp” or Giles’ grandmother, or of their fantastical drawings, such as those by Ronald Searle or Gerald Scarfe. Not forgetting the large number of saucy seaside postcards by McGill.

Sandra showed a large number of examples in her well researched and presented talk and spoke in particular of Ronald Searle using his talent as an artist to help him survive life as a Japanese POW working on the “Death Railway”.

Our next meeting is on November 15th at our usual venue. Sandra will be continuing her discussion of Cartoons in Art with the presentation of a DVD.

As our meeting in December would be very close to Christmas, the group decided not to have a meeting in December. Our January meeting will be one of a celebratory lunch, venue to be arranged, and discussing the year ahead. New members especially welcome.

PETERWITHERINGTON Group Leader

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U3A “CHURCH MICE” GROUP

Unusually I received two reports for the same visit this month. I am not grumbling because I often have difficulty getting one report! Having missed this visit myself it was interesting to compare the two reports and note the different ‘treatment’. Ann

On a cold but clear autumn day 25 members of Church Mice visited two local churches.

First we went to the 13th century Early English church at Greatford. Named after St Thomas a Beckett, who was murdered in the 13th century, the church has a fine modern window commemorating him.

The well preserved 13th century font was not originally at the church and was only acquired in the last 10 years. Of particular note is the memorial to Francis Willett, the doctor who treated George III in his long illness, perhaps better known because of his portrayal in the film 'The madness of King George'. After a splendid tea we made the short journey to Wilsthorpe.

St Faith's church there celebrated its 300th anniversary in 2014. Built in the simple classical style it was 'gothicised' in Victorian times, possibly to its detriment. There was an interesting exhibition about life in Wilsthorpe in the 20th century.

Two interesting churches. HENRY ROBERTS.

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On 8th November 29 Church Mice visited St Thomas of Canterbury, Greatford, and St Faith, Wilsthorpe.

In addition to viewing this interesting Grade 1 listed church we heard that Greatford is derived from “grit ford” where the West Glen River crossed a large gravel (grit) deposit. The Hall, near the church, was the home of Dr Francis Willis who treated George III’s “madness” in the early 19thC and was handsomely rewarded for this. The hall was also the home of Harry Dowsett, who set up the Dowmac precast concrete works at Tallington and built a patrol boat for the Royal Navy, HMS Greatford, whose bell is installed in the church. For the millennium the church decided to install a sixth bell; to fund it donors of £100 could have their name cast into the bell – the founders had to cast 30 names and said “never again”! Since then, the church has been fortunate in receiving a medieval carved font to replace their “ugly” one and a beautiful stained glass window which is of modern design representing St Thomas.

St Faith’s, built in 1715 by the then lord of the manor is a Grade 2* listed. A very small church, it is well suited to the village. It may have been on the site of an earlier church from the dates of some surrounding gravestones. In the chancel is an effigy of a 13thC knight and Jacobean altar table and rails. Wilsthorpe had a station on the Essendine to Bourne railway which operated till 1951, its main use was for coaling a 19thC pumping station built to provide water to Peterborough.

On 13th December we are arranging to visit Holy Trinity, Orton Longueville. LYALL SEALE

Both pics supplied by Lyall. Group Leaders: LYALL SEALE / JIM PRINGLE WELCOME TO NEW MEMBERS Keith Dickin Market Deeping, Pat and Mike Smith Edenham, Bourne.

U3A CRAFT GROUP 3

At our last meeting Anita showed the group how to cover cones with ribbon or material. There was no time for talking, and we were all very pleased with what we had achieved.

Our next meeting is 1st December at Lynn's home.

AUDREY ELLIOTT Group Leader 01733 211753 U3A THURSDAY WALKING GROUP

For our November walk 29 members were led by myself and David Scott on a walk which was mostly a new walk for the group. Commencing from the Bluebell Inn at Belmesthorpe the group proceeded along the meadow towards and through Ryhall and then out onto the undulating hills around the village giving good views over the surrounding landscape. Proceeding northwards as far as The Drift, the walk was completed via a circular route back to Ryhall and then along the outer lane of the village and back to the Bluebell Inn where a very good lunch was enjoyed by all. The rain of the previous day had made the route slightly more heavy going than when reccy’d but at least we were able to enjoy some warm sunshine throughout the morning.

The next walk on 8 December will be led by Stuart Wilson and will be around the Etton area commencing from The Golden Pheasant, 1 Main Road, Etton PE6 7DA. If you would like to attend this walk, could you please phone Stuart by the Tuesday evening preceding the walk, if possible , indicating whether you will be staying for lunch. Further details of the lunch will be included on the usual e-mail. Photo: ANNE BURTON GODFREY PARKES Group Leader U3A LISTENING TO MUSIC GROUP Our November meeting was at the home of John Bloomfield and John gave us a truly enjoyable morning. It was a trip down Memory Lane for many of us beginning with Harry Secombe's version of 'Goodbye' from Ivor Novello's 'White Horse Inn'.

Then we had a slight change of programme due to unforseen circumstances and eventually we heard 'Perpetual Motion,' (Perpeto Mobile') the Beecham Promenade Orchestra conducted by Gilbert Vinter. Nana Mouskouri and The Athenians sang and played 'The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face' and then Hilde Gueden sang 'Don't Be Cross' by Zeller, with the Vienna State Opera Orchestra. Handel's 'The Cuckoo and The Nightingale' with Helmut Rilling playing the organ, was followed by Mendelssohn's Italian Symphony, 1st movement, which John said was 'Full of Italian sunshine'.

Mozart came next, The Piano Concerto No.15, Allegro, played by a young Daniel Barenboim in November 1971, with the English Chamber Orchestra. Jacques Ibert and Litolff followed and alas time did not allow for the full programme but we did hear an especial favourite of John's, 'I'll Take You Home again, Kathlee,' sung by Brett Stevens. The morning ended with Tchaikovsky's 'Symphony No.4, 4th movement'. Something for everyone there John. Many thanks for an interesting selection of music which was enjoyably different. Report by ANNE JONES

The December meeting will be held at 93 Manor Way and will be a celebration of Jessie Turner’s 90th birthday. Please notify Ann Holmes if you are unable to attend.

Group Leaders: TERRY NOBLE / JIM PRINGLE

Wondering what New Year’s Resolution to make? Please resolve to add

your name to the Coffee List for 2017. “Many hands make light work!

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U3A GOOD FOOD GROUP

We had a very enjoyable selection of Vegetarian Dishes at our November meeting. We started with a pear and almond Hors d'oeuvre, followed by Tuscan Bean soup. Main courses were a Vegetarian Thai Green Curry, a Frittata with Orzo Pasta and a Spinach and Mushroom Lasagne. Of course, we had to have a pudding, Bread and Butter pudding (Raymond Blanc's version).

Our December meeting is on 5th, and we shall have a more pre planned meal than usual. Partners and past members are welcome as guests. More information from -

KATHLEEN TANNER Group Leader U3A MONDAY WALKING GROUP

Yet another fine day for the Monday walk. This time twenty six of the group assembled at the Granary at Orton for a walk initially through Ferry Meadows and then along the south side of the Nene to Alwalton. This is a lovely woodland walk on a well trodden path and is well worth it at this time of year for the beautiful colours of the autumn leaves. We crossed the river at Alwalton and made our way back past Castor Mill to Milton Bridge and through the country park to the Granary. One certainly has to admire the excellent job the Development Corporation did in establishing Ferry Meadows. It has become a beautiful and well used amenity with endless walks and activities for all members of the family.

The walk was organised by Ann Sutherland, with assistance from husband Ian, and our thanks are due to them for ensuring that once again we were able to complete a walk in glorious weather. Our final walk of 2016 will be on December 4th and will be in the Stamford area. Details will be forwarded in due course.

CHAS FERGUSON Group Leader U3A WEDNESDAY GARDENING GROUP

This month’s meeting was held at Pauline’s home to sort out next year’s calendar.

After coffee a discussion took place with places of interest mentioned and gardens to visit. After much discussion ideas were marked down and other places that have to be contacted before the final list is available. The meeting for finalising the list will be at Angie's on January 11th. 2017, where we will also have a quiz.

The annual Christmas lunch will take place on December 14th at Waterside Garden centre 12.30 for 1 o'clock.

Report: AVRIL WILLIS Group Leaders: JEAN FOSTER / ANGELA DORWARD U3A “WEEKENDERS” GROUP Ann welcomed 23 members to the Oddfellow’s Hall on Saturday, November 12th. Barbara collected money and menu choices for the Christmas lunch at St. Nicholas House on Saturday December 3rd. Please meet at 12:30 for a 1.0 pm start. Anne Jones collected money for the trip to Downtown on 25th November – 9:30 from the Rainbow long-stay car park. She still has two places left for this trip – if you would like to go contact Anne (01778 342766).. The next meeting will be a Christmas Special at the Oddfellows Hall on Saturday, 10th December. Report:: BARBARA MCNICOL

Group Leaders: ANN BRADSHAW / BARBARA MCNICOL

U3A MONDAY READERS GROUP

Robert Galbraith is a pen name of J.K. Rowling, writer of the Harry Potter series of books, which have probably enticed more youngsters into reading than any modern author. So when our latest book was The Cuckoo’s Calling by Robert Galbraith, we may well expect something special from this master storyteller – and we weren’t disappointed.

Everyone in our group thoroughly enjoyed this first book about a private detective with the almost Hogwart-ish name of Cormoran Strike. J.K. Rowling used a penname for this book because she didn’t want children to read it, and we could see why. A distinctly adult theme of apparent suicide, turned into murder, together with a cast of very well drawn characters inhabiting the fashion world of London is a quite different scenario from the world of Hogwarts. However, the writing, which draws you along, wanting to know what happens next, and the complex plot, together with believable people caught up in it, show that the author hasn’t lost her touch when she switched age groups.

No-one managed to guess the identity of the murderer, despite being given nearly all the information we needed to enable us to do so, but we all agreed that we had had a great read along the way. Despite its being a long book with many characters and plot twists, the setting, pace and skilful writing meant it was well worth reading. There are two more books about Cormoran Strike and most of us are off to get the next one!

Our next meeting is on December 12th in the Library at 10.30.

LIZ WATERLAND Group Leader U3A “STROLLER’S” WALKING GROUP

Last month’s walk took place on 24 October, when a a dry but overcast morning greeted 17 strollers as they met at Peterborough Milton Golf Club to order lunch before driving to the start point on Mill Lane, Castor. Led by Searle Clark, we immediately left the road behind, as we sauntered along Landy Green Way towards the bank of the river Nene.

Continuing along the bank we observed the autumn colours of the riverside bushes and trees, with some strong reflections in the river, which was relatively still. Some members observed two kingfishers, amongst other birds, which gave a striking blue flash as they found vantage points, ready to dive for their lunch from the river. Climbing the embankment supporting the Nene Valley Railway, we crossed the line and descended to continue along the riverside as it meanders on it’s way to The Wash. We stopped near Castor Mill for a photoshoot as the photograph shows and then we made our way back towards Castor, our route taking us alongside the heritage railway again, before crossing it at Castor Mill Bridge and back to our waiting cars and returning to the golf club for lunch.

The following Monday, we held a planning meeting at the Roman Catholic Church and despite only 12 members of the group attending, we managed to devise a programme of strolls for next year. Grateful thanks to those who have offered to lead a walk.

Our stroll this month will take place on 28 November, when David and Linda Mann will lead us on footpaths in the Uffington area, starting from the Bertie Arms. Meeting time is 10:00 for a 10:15 start. Members wishing to take part are asked to contact them a few days before.

BOB DELLER Group Leader

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U3A POETS AND THEIR POETRY GROUP

At our November meeting we dealt with the letter 'D' and found plenty of Poets to choose from, Walter de la Mare gave us 'The Listeners,’ followed by a very amusing version of' ‘Little Red Riding Hood' by Roald Dahl, poems of W H Davies including 'Leisure' and of course we included Carol Ann Duffy, the Poet Laureate with some of her Poems including 'Valentine'. Helped along by tea and biscuits we had an enjoyable afternoon.

Our next meeting is on December 5th .

IRENE BEEKEN Group Leader U3A SUNDAY LUNCH GROUP

This month’s lunch is on Sunday, 27th November at the Toft Country House Hotel, near Bourne, 12.30 for 1.0 pm. Will those wishing to join this event please contact Tony Semple or Michael Griffin,or add your name to the list at the meeting on Monday, 21st November.

U3A WHIST AND OTHER GAMES GROUP

The first meeting of the group was a success and we are looking forward to the next get-together on Sunday 20 November, 2 - 4 pm at the Oddfellows Hall, Church Street.

From January onwards we will be meeting at the Oddfellows on the 1st and 3rd Sunday of each month, and hope to increase the choice of games available. New members are welcome to join the group.

Group Leaders: CHRIS MUTTON / MAUREEN WHITTLE

U3A CRAFT GROUP 2

Thank you to Heather for producing some interesting Christmas cards which has spurred us on to start the annual production, which we will continue this month. Meeting will be at 102 Church Street, Deeping St. James at 2pm on 21 November.

LIZ NOBLE Group Leader U3A FILM GROUP The next meeting is on Wednesday 23 November at the Community Centre, 2 - 4 pm in the Lionel Beck Room. As this will be our last meeting before Christmas we will be showing the DVD "It's a Wonderful Life" an inspiring film starring James Stewart, and a potential 'Angel' amongst others. Hope to see you all there.

Group Leaders: MAUREEN WHITTLE / RITA BROWN U3A FLOWER ARRANGING GROUP This group continues to meet at the Community Centre from 2pm to 4pm on the first Thursday of the month, and will be doing a contemporary Christmas arrangement on 1st December. New members would be very welcome, please contact the group leader for details. Please note there will be no meeting in January. PAT LUDLOW Group Leader

U3A HISTORY GROUP

What an excellent talk we enjoyed this month!

Stuart Orme was welcomed back and this time he brought us 'Horrible Histories for Adults'!

The title of his talk was 'What they didn't teach you in History at school', which we all enjoyed from the start, despite (or because of) the health warning that it would contain 'Sex and Violence'! I don't think I need to elaborate on this — suffice to say what we learned caused some amusement (and some of the group winced and crossed their legs!) Stuart explained that The Victorians, Shakespeare and Hollywood have been responsible for many of the myths surrounding our view of History. An interesting quote: ' Just because people lived long ago and didn't have play stations, they weren't thick!'

Next month (14th December) fifty members will be enjoying our Christmas meal. We are asked not to arrive at the Deepings Sports and Social Club before 12 noon so that everything will be ready and the bar will be open! Report: MARY BURTON

Group Leaders: SANDRA JONES / ELIZABETH PARKINSON U3A FAMILY HISTORY GROUP We discussed all our current successes, brick walls and some of the new research methods on offer this month in the absence of Peg. We also planned the "Christmas" lunch and hope that Peg likes it too ! See you all at the Community Centre on Monday 12th December. Report: LIZ NOBLE Group Leader: PEG TORRANCE To end this month another autumn picture ..

… and a reminder of all the sacrifices made for us over the years. Both pictures by John Marsh..