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TORRIDGE THIRD AGE GROUP www.torridgeu3a.btck.co.uk
NEWSLETTER Issue 467 March 2018
This month’s notice board:
At our lunch on 21 March our speaker is Laura Cowie who will be talking about “Stay safe online”.
Would members attending the Royal for the meal please register BEFORE going into the lounge or bar.
Members should arrive between 11:15 and 11:50 and be seated in time for the speaker at 12:00.
Lunch follows. Please advise Heather Williams on xxxxx xxxxxx if, having booked, you are unable to
attend. Just a reminder:- The admin charge has been raised to £1 to cover the cost of the speakers.
We welcome the following new members:
Carole Attrell, Oscar Attrell, Maureen Bissett, Marie J Botting, David Brooks, Denys Budd, Lillian
Burr, Pamela Eastmond, Sydney Eastmond, Glenys McCallum, Stuart Mealing, Jan Rose, Alan Slade,
Hilary Smith, Margaret Wagstaffe
April lunch:
At our lunch on 18 April our speaker is Peter Christie who will be talking about “Introduction to new
ideas”. Lunch will be 2 courses plus coffee, ordered on arrival, at £10.25 per person. For the April
lunch, please contact Heather Williams by 15 April on xxxxx xxxxxx or e-mail
[email protected] . If you are unable to attend, having booked lunch, please advise
Heather in order that the hotel can be given the correct numbers. Payment to the hotel on the day can
be made by cash, card or cheque (payable The Royal Hotel). If you are paying by cheque you will need
to present your cheque guarantee card, this is essential and cheques will not be accepted without it.
Skittles:
Our Spring Skittles evening has been arranged for Friday 20th April at the Conserva-
tive Club, Bridgeland St, Bideford. Time 6pm for a 6-30 start, £2 plus a bring and share
supper. We look forward to seeing you all again, if you haven’t been before just come
along and join in the fun, no experience necessary. To book your place please contact:
- Christine xxxxx xxxxxx, Avril xxxxx xxxxxx, or Hazel xxxxx xxxxxx
Chairman Secretary Membership Secretary Editor
Geoff Williams Carolyn Kelly Anne Budd Graham Thompson
[email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]
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Chair’s comments March 2018
Newsletters. I wish to thank members who have opted for Email newsletters instead of
posted ones. We set a target to reduced the number of mailed newsletters from 80 to 60
to reduce administration costs and in February the number posted was 48. This number
will increase as membership grows but thank you to those members who were able to
change over. We still recognize the importance of providing a posted facility.
New Members Meeting and Pamphlet.
Thank you to Dennis Pavitt who has produced a new pamphlet for new members giving basic infor-
mation. We had them available for the first time at the February new members’ meeting. It was really
good to meet new members, have the opportunity to listen to their views and explain how our U3A op-
erates. Thanks to all who were able to attend.
Group Leaders’ Meeting.
This is a reminder that our annual meeting is on Monday 12th March at 2.00pm. The venue is West-
ward Ho! Baptist Church, there is parking in the public car park but there is also free parking behind
the church off Nelson Drive.
Photographs of group events.
Dennis Pavitt would like to include many more photographs of group activities on our website. It helps
make the website more attractive and keeps it up to date. Please think of opportunities to take photos
to share and celebrate your group achievements. Dennis’ email contact [email protected]
Study Day.
October 5th at Grosvenor Church, Barnstaple. This is an early notice of our North Devon Link Annual
Study Day. This is always really interesting and well attended. The theme for this year is about the
‘Arts’ in North Devon. We are planning a very exciting programme including artists of very different art
forms. It promises to be very engaging.
Geoff Williams
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Miscellaneous
All copy for publication in the April edition of the newsletter, written please (by email) by 30th
March,
to the editor. Any queries regarding the printed Newsletter distribution should be made to Shirley
Jewell xxxxx xxxxxx or Sandy Madden xxxxx xxxxxx. If you don’t receive your electronic version,
please contact Graham Thompson, xxxxx xxxxxxor [email protected] .
Availability & Booking of the Upper Room
For details, see website, programme in Upper room or contact David Ganniclifft on xxxxx xxxxxx or
[email protected]
Group leader changes.
Please send note of any change in name or contact details to Roger Drew, the group leader co-
ordinator xxxxx xxxxxx or [email protected]
Upper Room payments
Payments due for the Upper Room should be passed to the Treasurer Sue Beer, xxxxx xxxxxx or
[email protected] or sent to West Heale, Landcross, Bideford EX39 5JA
Proposed events
If you are planning to hold an event, please contact Roger Drew first to ensure that there are no clash-
es. xxxxx xxxxxx or [email protected]
Future events
Future coffee mornings (Northam Hall from 10:00am)
3 March 2018: Social coffee morning with Chairman's Quiz
12 May 2018: Details to be confirmed
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AmDram
Unfortunately due to illness within the group
we have had to cancel our play performances
in March. Hopefully we will be able to resched-
ule for May. Further details will be in the
April newsletter.
For further information please contact Lynda Webster
xxxxx xxxxxx or [email protected]
Art (Monday).
We have a vacancy should anyone be interest-
ed in joining us.
For further information please contact Dot Hannam
xxxxx xxxxxx
Badminton
Our group is still full but anyone who is inter-
ested and has played before is welcome to be
put on the waiting list.
Please contact Val or Tony Woolf xxxxx xxxxxx or the-
[email protected]
Book Group 1.
“The Turning Point” by Freja North
This is a love story which tugs at the heart
strings. It concerns two single parents who
fall in love; one is Frankie, an authoress
who has 2 children and lives in Norfolk, and the other
is Scott, father of an epileptic daughter who composes
music for films and lives in Canada. The characters are
very well drawn and the descriptive passages about Nor-
folk and British Columbia are beautifully written. You
must read this book as I cannot divulge the plot without
spoiling it for you;- Our next book is “The Aftermath”
by Rhidian Brook
For further information contact Sheila Wright xxxxx
xxxxxx or [email protected] or Joan Lock
xxxxx xxxxxx
Book Group 2.
This month we discussed Inheritance by
Nicholas Shakespeare. Andy leaves his
work late to attend the funeral of a much
loved teacher. During the service (at which
he is surprised to see only one other mourner) he realis-
es he is in the wrong chapel. Too embarrassed to leave,
and at the end signs his name on a sheet as directed by
one of the funeral directors. He subsequently hears that
he and the other person attending are the sole benefi-
ciaries of a multi-million pound fortune. After an initial
spending spree he is eventually persuaded to investi-
gate the life of the person who left him so much money.
After a slow start this is where the story gets really in-
teresting. Space prevents a more detailed explanation of
the plot, but with one exception we all felt that this was
a really well thought out and interesting plot. It is set in
London and Australia and also in reference to the bene-
factor’s Armenian heritage and the Armenian genocide.
The next book is Conclave by Robert Harris.
For further information contact Hazel McLellan xxxxx
xxxxxx or [email protected]
Book Group 3.
Review for “The Outsider” by Albert Camus
“Books on philosophy are difficult to read and
they make you think” Perhaps an obvious state-
ment but one we all felt to be true. We discussed
whether being a translation made a difference, how much
does it rely on the translator’s own views?
The outsider Meersault, to modern thinking seemed to be
a sufferer of Aspergers, he saw everything in black and
white and could only tell the truth. Being unable to lie to
conform to society led to his death by guillotine. By that
time however his behaviour had adapted and he even wel-
comed a crowd to witness his death. This book caused a
lot of discussion. There are vacancies in our group.
For further information contact Jo Sampson xxxxx xxxxxx
or [email protected]
Book Group 4
Our latest book was: Must you Go? by Antonia
Fraser. The book is a memoir of the 33yrs that
author Antonia shared with actor/playright/
director Harold Pinter and is written in a diary
entry format. We were unimpressed by the
book for a number of reasons. The format led to a very
fragmented read and any reader who was not familiar with
either Antonia’s historic books and more particularly Har-
old’s plays, would struggle with the content. Unlike the
Daily Telegraph book critic, we did not find this book
“compellingly readable” or share his opinion that “the dia-
ries are elegantly intertwined with her thoughts…following
(Harold’s ) death”. Several in the group struggled to read
the book or gave up the battle part way through. Com-
ments such as namedropping (people, places, restaurants,
hotels etc.), selfish (deserting her husband and leaving six
children) and champagne socialists were uttered when we
met to discuss the book. It was interesting to note that at
least half of the respondents in the Goodreads website
shared out opinions (some were even more scathing), in-
cluding one contributor who summarised her views as fol-
lows: “Please, please go. Life is too short for me to finish
reading about the irresponsible, navel-gazing drivel of
these two. They just seem too live in some alternative uni-
verse”. Our next read is Kisses on a Postcard by Terence
Frisby
For further information contact David or Hazel McLellan
xxxxx xxxxxx or [email protected]
Bridge for Improvers.
We meet every Tuesday evening in the Upper
Room at 7pm. We have a few spaces and any
member who would like an evening of bridge
and banter please come along.
The Friday group can accept new members who are expe-
rienced players. This group meets on Friday evenings in
the Upper Room at 7 pm.
For further information on these groups contact John Krey
xxxxx xxxxxx or [email protected]
Bridge Instruction – beginners.
The bridge instruction lessons have now
started but there is still time to join the group
if you are interested in learning or want to
improve your game.
For further information contact Simon Gibbon xxxxx
xxxxxx or [email protected]
GROUP REPORTS
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Canasta .
For further information contact Jan Hurst
xxxxx xxxxxx or Ann Mayne xxxxx xxxxxx
or [email protected]
Classical Music.
No update received this month.
For further information contact Derrick Had-
ley xxxxx xxxxxx or [email protected]
Crafty Cards.
This month we returned to an old favor-
ite, Iris folding using the traditional method
then a simpler and quicker technique.
Next month Wednesday March 21st we shall
be mak-
ing cards using ace-
tate sheets and peel
off's. New member
are always welcome
and we supply all
materials and
equipment.
For more infor-
mation please contact Alison Tamplin xxxxx xxxxxx or
Carolyn Kelly xxxxx xxxxxx or carolynkel-
[email protected]
Creative Craft Class.
A busy morning was had by all as we did a
split session of Pyrography
(wood burning) and Encaustic Art (melted
wax work). Next month Thursday
15th, please note its another odd month
when craft comes before cards. We shall be
doing something much quieter and making lovely
stitched cards. New members are always welcome and
we supply all materials and equipment.
For more information please contact Alison Tamplin
xxxxx xxxxxx or [email protected] or
Carolyn Kelly xxxxx xxxxxx.
Croquet.
The croquet season has finished for the winter.
Hopefully the new season will start in April
2018. Watch this space!
For further information contact Simon Gibbon
on xxxxx xxxxxx or [email protected]
Devon Inns.
Thursday 8 March 12noon.
The Black Venus Inn, Challacombe, Exmoor
EX31 4TT. Tel: 01598 763251.
Please will lunchers remember to bring their
membership cards for inspection to the
"Black Venus"
Thursday 12 April 12noon.
The Tom Cobley, Spreyton EX17 5AL
Tel: 01647 231314. www.tomcobleytavern.co.UK
If anyone is interested in joining "Devon Inns" we have a
few vacancies at present. The group visits a different Inn
each month for convivial enjoyment.
For further information please contact Colin or Lesley
Hunt on xxxxx xxxxxx or xxxxx xxxxxx or colin-
[email protected]
Digital Camera Group.
The superb photograph of a recent
'supermoon' is by Jacquie Dart. We also
thank Jeff Thomas for introducing us to
'desk calendars' which can be made on our
home computers us-
ing our own photo-
graphs. Members
again presented a
range of great photo-
graphs, Topics for
this month are 'close
-ups ', unusual
pub signs and Bide-
ford and district his-
tory / landmarks.
Unfortunately the
group is full at pre-
sent, but if you would
like more information
and/or to join a wait-
ing list, please do contact Colin Neal on xxxxx xxxxxx
or [email protected]
Discussion Group.
The main topic discussed concerned the
growing number of homeless persons
and beggars - not necessarily the same
people. In a lighter vein we also covered
other subjects including superstitions.
When I joined the Group the main subject
was decided at a previous meeting with the result that
some members may not have found this of much inter-
est. When I took over as Leader from Peter Sandon, I
asked all attendees that were prepared to do so, to intro-
duce a subject that was of interest to them or newswor-
thy and also likely to be so for others who would give
their opinions on it. When all who wished to comment
had done so, the next member would introduce and start
a discussion on his/her topic and so on, rather similar to
the format of 'The Pledge' on TV. It is for consideration
at our next meeting whether to continue with this format,
revert to the previous one, or yet another.
For further information contact Barry Gown on xxxxx
xxxxxx or [email protected]
Drawing Group 1 and 2
This month both groups used one of their meet-
ings to visit the recent Carry Akroyd exhibition at
the Burton Art Gallery. The prints on show were
based on the poems of John Clare and his love of
the local countryside in 18 century Northampton-
shire. Ms Ackroyd’s work uses a wide range of printing
techniques that use a range of carefully selected, and
often vibrant, colours. An excellent show that was en-
hanced by a visit to the Cafe de Parc.
Currently both groups are full
For further details or to be added to waiting list contact
John Wright xxxxx xxxxxx or [email protected]
Eating Out.
We will meet at the Puffing Billy Torrington
at 12 for 12.30 on the 28th March. All are
welcome. Please let me know if you are com-
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ing so I can book a table.
For further information contact Joan Hall xxxxx xxxxxx
Folk Dancing.
Folk dance group. The numbers attending our
last meeting were very encouraging and we
were able to tackle a wider variety of dances.
We have room for many more so why not join
us? Our March meetings are on the 12th and 26th.
For further information contact Shirley Jewell xxxxx
xxxxxx or [email protected]
French.
The group meets on Tuesdays at 10:00am to
cover grammar, have a coffee break and then
continue at 11:00am with conversation. All
levels except complete beginners are catered
for. The group now has some vacancies.
For further information contact Jo Sampson xxxxx
xxxxxx or [email protected]
Gardens.
THURSDAY 15TH MARCH an open meeting at
the Barnstaple Hotel when Nick Oliver from
St.John's Garden Centre will talk on 'Early
Spring Colour' and answer your gardening
questions. Time 2.30pm and cost £3.50 to include drink
and biscuit. Refer to the advert elsewhere in the newslet-
ter for further details. Please let myself, Daphne or Jean
know by 9th March if you will be attending, to help the
hotel with catering.
THURSDAY 19TH APRIL our first trip of the year is to
'Slimbridge Wetland Centre', Gloucestershire.
See amazing wildlife up close. It's an unforgettable day-
out. This is the wetland which inspired Sir Peter Scott to
found the WWT in1946. The Kingfisher Kitchen offers hot
and cold food, cream teas etc. or take a picnic.
Cost:£21.75 Coach departs Bideford 9.15am
Please book early to ensure your place. Cheques made
out to BTT Gardens Group and sent to Babs Muir
(For the April outing) I need to have numbers by 1st
April. Note the outings are only for paid-up members of
the U3A.
For further information contact Babs Muir xxxxx xxxxxx
or [email protected]
German
We are fortunate to have a native speaker join
our group, who has been able to give us in-
sider information about life in Germany, and
help us out with trickier aspects of the spo-
ken language.
Details of the German group from Val Curtis xxxxx
xxxxxx or [email protected]
History.
At our February meetings Captain David
Ganniclift talked about his memoirs includ-
ing his ‘Two Ladies’ which before anyone
takes it the wrong way were ships. David’s
talk was interesting and showed what a reservoir of
knowledge even unusual knowledge that there is within
the U3A
At the March meeting, on 1st March at Northam Leisure
Centre Peter Burford will be returning to give the sec-
ond part of his talk on the ‘History of the Theatre’.
Those who recall his talk from last year will remember
we ran out of time, not only because of the depth of the
subject, but that simply Peter’s humour and love of the
subject came through so strongly that everyone was so
totally absorbed. A lecture not to be missed.
Recent changes:- The new secretary will be David Ganni-
clift and I will continue to remain a member of the
group. Thank you for all your help in the past
21months or so. Chris Peacock.
For more information about the History group Contact
David Ganniclift [email protected]
or Chris Peacock xxxxx xxxxxx or
[email protected]
Mahjongg (Barnstaple U3A).
Barnstaple U3A Mahjongg group would wel-
come new members. We meet on 1st & 3rd
Weds at 1:45pm at The Annexe, Fremington
Parish Hall. Higher Road, Fremington. Bus Stop is at the
church. There is plenty of parking at the hall. We con-
tribute £1.50 towards the rental.
Contact Vicky Ilisse xxxxx xxxxxx
Morning Walkers (1st Friday):
Friday 2nd March. A circular walk of ap-
proximately 3 miles over The Downs to
Maer, finishing at The Brendon Arms for
lunch. Meet at The Brendon Arms to order
food and start at 10:30 a.m. The walk covers the canal,
downs, beach and a field which could be muddy. The
walk also includes three stiles, one of which is ra-
ther precarious and three flights of steps.
The Morning Walk on Friday 6th April will be around
the grounds of Arlington Court (the road at Shirwell
should be open by then). Go straight across the round-
about at North Devon Hospital, then ignoring the sign
left to Ilfracombe (we’ll go there another day) follow
windy road until sign to Arlington Court on the right.
Meet in the Car Park on the left (lower end) to be ready
to start walking at 10.30. The terrain is somewhat hilly
but worth it. It’s a circular walk, returning to the car
park and then driving to the Pyne Arms at East Down
for lunch. No need to pre-order, they will take choices
when we arrive. The walk leader is Pat Blacker and to
book on please ring her on xxxxx xxxxxx, or phone or
text xxxxx xxxxxx. Alternatively you can contact Irene
Hahn xxxxx xxxxxxor email [email protected] . We
need to give the Pub numbers so please let one of us
know by Wednesday 4th April if you are going to join
us.
Group contact Irene Hahn xxxxx xxxxxx or
[email protected]
Music.
We met on 9th February at 7S. Helen’s Abbot-
sham with the theme ‘H’. Handel figured large-
ly, with 7 items, followed by Haydn with
5. We also heard from Houhaness, Hadley,
Hahn and Holbrook. Other items featured H in the
title – The Little Horses, Humoresque, Hostia and Hun-
garian Dance.
Next Meeting: 9th March, at 1.30pm. 8 Blyth
Court. DVD of ‘La Boheme’ by Puccini
Moreen Erridge on xxxxx xxxxxx
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For further information please contact Moreen Erridge
on xxxxx xxxxxx or [email protected]
Music sans Frontieres.
Group is having a bit of a winter holiday at
present, but hopefully will restart again
soon. That doesn’t prevent anyone who en-
joys the total world of music (not just clas-
sics) from signing up for the restart when
that is possible. We share music from around the world,
and there is always a place for something new and dif-
ferent. Get in touch to find out more.
Contact Angus Winfield xxxxx xxxxxx or
[email protected]
Petanque.
Many thanks to all members who have
continued to attend in spite of all the
coughs and sneezes going around, not to
mention the dreaded flu bug and the in-
clement weather !! Ged’s winter league competition was
a success and it now only remains for the finals to be
played in March. There will play-offs for Gold, Silver and
Bronze medals as per the Winter Olympics, perhaps in
four years time we could take part in same – or not !!!
Next on the agenda will be the start of the Devon League
matches with away fixtures at Plymouth and Chudleigh
on April 15th, then at the end of May on the Bank Holi-
day the Village Inn in conjunction with the Kingsley Hall
are arranging festivities – as yet unspecified – so watch
this space. Finally a reminder to those members who are
thinking of attending the National U3A Championships
at Hayling Island. If you decide and make a booking
make sure that you mention the U3A Petanque and also
please let me know asap. Andrew Lloyd the National Or-
ganiser of this event has asked me to keep him informed
of numbers etc.
For any further information please contact Brian
Halstead on xxxxx xxxxxx or [email protected]
Philosophy (The George Kelly Group.)
Last month we discussed the Philosophy
of Ageing. Surprisingly there is very little
philosophical literature on this important
topic. As usual we had a wide ranging de-
bate and decided that age is just a num-
ber and keeping mind and body active is the key to age-
ing well. Next month we will be debating Fear.
The Group is now full with three people on the waiting
list.
Ann Goodyear on xxxxx xxxxxx or cas-
[email protected]
Playreading.
No update this month, however we under-
stand that interest in group leader has
been expressed. There are a number of
people who would like to join this group.
Watch this space next month!
Please could you contact Roger Drew the group leader
co-ordinator on xxxxx xxxxxx or email rog-
[email protected] if you are interested.
Psychology
Our topic for the February meeting was
‘Persuasion and Influence’. We reviewed
many of the topics we have covered in pre-
vious sessions and examined how these
related to persuasion. For example we considered Mil-
gram’s obedience study which demonstrated why in cer-
tain circumstances people behave completely contrary to
their normal behaviour. We also looked at how a speaker
can use ‘tricks’ and influence audience responses. Next
month we meet on Friday March 9th and our topic will
be ‘Loneliness’.
Jane Bellworthy xxxxx xxxxxx or
[email protected]
Science, Technology & Society.
Having got through almost the whole of winter
without so much as a flake of snow, this week’s
unwelcome arrival of ‘The Beast from the East’
scuppered the February meeting & group lunch.
But rest assured, both will be rescheduled at a
later date, when the weather is warmer and the ground
less treacherous.
At our next meeting, on Tuesday 27 March (2:30 in the
Upper Room), guest speaker Austin Philp (leader of Barn-
staple U3A’s Science group - yes, they do have one) will
talk about the ecology of the river Torridge, describing
his own voluntary work as a water quality monitor, the
endangered Freshwater Pearl Mussel Project, and other
local conservation initiatives. I’m sure it’ll be fascinating,
so please do come along if you can.
For more information, contact Barry Zussman: xxxxx
xxxxxxor [email protected]
Snooker (Tue & Wed)
Yo, and welcome to the column where ex-
aggerations are merely overblown facts.
The weather and illness has certain-
ly played it's part this month, with one
Tuesday session only having 3 hardy souls- Brian, Eric
and Bob. Apparently they played a real singles morn-
ing...one player on each table. Eric lost against himself,
Brian had to penalize himself for putting up the wrong
score and Bob couldn't get out of his own snookers.
Maurice the magician marches on ,( apparently he learnt
to play snooker whilst being treated for an in-growing
toe nail by Florence Nightingale in the Crimea), he scored
an impressive. .....9 break. One shot for each decade that
he has been knocking around. By the same token, Gary
can't wait until he is 112. I have been reliably in-
formed that it took Eric a full 38 minutes before he pot-
ted a single ball in one frame...there is only 40 mins al-
lowed for each game...i don't think the two pairs of ther-
mal gloves and ski mask helped too much. That said,
Kevin, myself and Eric (again), in a 3- man game, took 16
mins before anyone potted a ball . This was obviously
due to the absolutely superb world class defensive skills
deployed and nothing to do with none of us being able to
hit the proverbial barn door at 10 paces. We have a new
top scorer! that man Eric with 23...I should add that Ian
has been unavailable this month. Other note-worthy
breaks. ..storming Brian, 18 and also Eric (yawn) 20.
Both days are now fully supported, but for any infor-
mation ,maybe to start another group etc. just contact
Lennie the Lion or Lord Charles a.k.a John or Ian.
Contact either John Stotesbury xxxxx xxxxxx john-
[email protected] or Ian Braunton xxxxx
xxxxxx [email protected]
Spanish.
Both our main and beginners groups have
been decimated by illness or other under-
standable absence during the first two months
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of the year necessitating some cancellations. Let's hope
that March will see normal meetings resume.
For more information contact Stewart Philp xxxxx
xxxxxx or [email protected]
Sunday Lunch Club.
Sunday lunch 4th March will be at The
Crealock Arms , 12.30 . There will be no
Sunday lunch April 1st (Easter Sunday) . May
the 6th will be at the Portmore golf club .
Contact Jean Barnaby xxxxx xxxxxxor jeanbarna-
[email protected]
Table Tennis.
Contact: Christine Isaac xxxxx xxxxxx or
xxxxx xxxxxx or chris-
[email protected] .
Third Friday Walkers.
February Walk
Pat's walk around Instow was brill! After so
much wind and rain over recent weeks we
were amazed that we had wall to wall sun-
shine on the day. We stopped for coffee on
a grass verge that was covered in crocus and other late
winter flowers. We had
clear views out to sea and
after a super walk back
along the Tarka Trail we
enjoyed a tasty lunch at
the Quay Inn. Who could
ask for more? Shame on
all those who say that
February is the worst
month of the
year! Thanks, Pat for this
lovely day.
March Walk
On Friday 16 March, meet in Georgeham village (free)
car park at 10.30am. The entrance to the car park is in
Newberry Road just opposite the village store. There are
toilets in Davids Hill - a right turning off Newberry
Road. If you are new to the area and would like some
directions to Georgeham, from Bideford go to Barnstaple
and cross Taw Bridge (the big one by Barn Henge!), turn
left and head into Braunton. From Braunton, follow the
signs to Croyde. On reaching Croyde village, bear right
over the little stone bridge and continue to Georgeham
which is roughly a mile. On reaching Georgeham, New-
berry Road will be on your right. The walk is 3.75 miles
long. There are a few gentle ascents and one steep de-
scent. We will be on fields, lanes and the Coast Path.
There are some good sea views and if you are a "Tarka
the Otter" fan, we will be passing a couple of houses that
Henry Williamson lived in. If you are really keen you can
see his grave in the churchyard. Lunch will be at The
Rock Inn. If you would like to join this walk please con-
tact Linda or Alan by email or phone and we will email
you the menu or read it to you over the phone. Please
let us have your choices by Tuesday 13 March. Our
email address is [email protected] or
xxxxx xxxxxx
Group Contact Geoff or Heather Williams xxxxx
xxxxxx or [email protected]
Torridge U3A Ramblers.
February walk -25 ramblers read the February
newsletter and made sure they were there for a
walk from Bideford to Appledore via Westward
Ho! The weather was nice (no rain!) and a
bracing
wind at Westward
Ho! Jim took a su-
perb photograph of
the sea. The offer of
tea and cake after
the walk proved irre-
sistible for some of
us – thank you very
much Arthur and
Glynis!
March walk - Meet at Eggesford Garden Centre (GR689
110) at 10.30 on Friday 9th March.
Park in the lower car park.
This 6 mile walk, partly on the Tarka Trail, includes
roads, tracks, open fields, woodland and a babbling
brook. There are no stiles! Expect mud, sticks are rec-
ommended. Tea and/or purchases at the garden centre
are encouraged after the walk. BYOFAD
Contact: Glenis Beardsley xxxxx xxxxxx or xxxxx
xxxxxx or [email protected] or Jane Pap-
worth xxxxx xxxxxx or [email protected]
Ukulele group.
The UKULELE ALL STARS meet on March 5th and
19th. Our numbers are increasing month by
month. Last month we played all Beatles music.
This month we wait and see.
For further information contact Richard Patmore xxxxx
xxxxxx or [email protected]
Writers' Group 1.
No update received this month
For further information contact Sheila Mears
xxxxx xxxxxx or [email protected]
Writers’ Group 2.
The subject "jumpers" gave us pause for
thought! Perhaps it was inevitable that a
charity shop would feature for surely that is
where many unloved jumpers arrive. A story
about a split open black bag releasing its
contents and allowing a rat to take advantage of the old
warm woolly jersey inside to give birth in comfort made
us shudder! Then there was a tale about a visit to a Flea
Circus. One of our members remembered being taken to
one as a child. Did you know there are at least two Flea
Circuses still performing?
We do have one vacancy in our group. If you are interest-
ed give me a ring on 01237 423554. Shirley Jewell.
For further information Shirley Jewell xxxxx xxxxxx or
[email protected]
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
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8
DIARY PAGE
ACTIVITY DATE TIME LOCATION
Groups below meet every week
AM-DRAM Wednesday 14:00 The Pollyfield Centre, East–the-Water
ART—MONDAY Monday 10:00 Upper Room, St Margaret’s
BADMINTON Thursday 13:30 Community Centre, Northam
BRIDGE for IMPROVERS Tuesday & Friday 19:00 Upper Room, St Margaret’s
BRIDGE INSTRUCTION -beginners Friday 14:00 37 East Ridge View, Bideford
CROQUET Tuesday - Restart April 2018 14:00 Barnstaple Croquet Club
DAPHNE ELLIS ART GROUP See Newsletter Entry
FRENCH Tuesday 10:00 Upper Room, St Margaret’s
PETANQUE Mon & Fri am; Wed pm 10:30/14:00 Village Inn, Westward Ho!
SNOOKER Tuesday & Wednesday 10:00 Kingsley snooker club, Westward Ho!
TABLE TENNIS Thursday 10:00 Bideford Youth Centre on the Pill
Groups below meet two or three times a month
CANASTA 1st & 3rd Wednesday 14:00 Upper Room, St Margaret’s
DRAWING 1 2nd & 4th Wednesday 10:00 Upper Room, St Margaret’s
DRAWING 2 1st & 3rd Thursdays 14:00 Upper Room, St Margaret’s
FOLK DANCING 2nd & 4th Mondays 14:15 Northam Hall
GERMAN Alternate Thursdays 10:00 Contact Val Curtis for details
MAHJONNG 1st & 3rd Wednesdays 13:45 The Annexe, Fremington Parish Hall
SPANISH 1st & 3rd Wednesdays 14:15/15:00 Highlea, First Raleigh (Beginners
14.15)
UKULELE (improvers) 1st & 3rd Mondays 14:00 Upper Room, St Margaret’s
Groups below meet once a month
BOOK GROUP 1 3rd Tuesday 14:00 Upper Room, St Margaret’s
BOOK GROUP 2 4th Thursday 11:00 Upper Room, St Margaret’s
BOOK GROUP 3 1st Tuesday 14:30 Upper Room, St Margaret’s
BOOK GROUP 4 2nd Monday 14:30 Upper Room, St Margaret’s
CLASSICAL MUSIC 4th Friday 14:00 6, Stanbridge Park, Bideford
CRAFT CARDING 3rd Wednesday 09:30 Upper Room, St Margaret’s
CREATIVE CRAFT 3rd Thursday 10:00 Upper Room, St Margaret’s
DEVON INNS 2nd Thursday 12:00 See newsletter entry
DIGITAL CAMERA GROUP 2nd Wednesday 14.00 Upper Room, St Margaret’s
DISCUSSION 1st Wednesday 10:30 The Royal Hotel, Bideford
EATING OUT Last Wednesday 12:00 See newsletter entry
GARDENS 3rd Thursday 12:00 Next meeting March
HISTORY 1st Thursday 14:30 Northam Leisure Centre
MORNING WALKERS 1st Friday 10:45 See newsletter entry
MUSIC 2nd Friday 13:30 19 Amyas Way
MUSIC SANS FRONTIERS 2nd Tuesday 14:15 41 Lily Close, Northam
PHILOSOPHY (The George Kelly Grp) 2nd Tuesday 14:00 Upper Room, St Margaret’s
PLAY READING See newsletter entry
PSYCHOLOGY 2nd Friday 10:00 Upper Room, St Margaret’s
SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY & SOCIETY 4th Tuesday 14:30 Upper Room, St Margaret’s
SUNDAY LUNCH 1st Sunday 12:30 See newsletter entry (January)
TORRIDGE U3A RAMBLERS 2nd Friday 10:30 Appledore via Westward Ho!
THIRD FRIDAY WALKERS 3rd Friday 10:30 See newsletter entry
WRITERS GROUP 1 4th Wednesday 14:30 Upper Room, St Margaret’s
WRITERS GROUP 2 3rd Tuesday Contact Shirley Jewell
