1

The Deepings Third Age Group Reg. Charity No: 1166782

NEWSLETTER

Visit our U3A Deepings Web site

Deeping St. James

CRUISING ON THE RIVER …BUT WHERE?

At first glance you may think this is a boat on the Nene at the embankment at Peterborough. How wrong you would be, this is a paddle steamer on the river Murray, South Australia. Committee Members 2015/2016

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 24 April WHAT’S IN A NAME? by Phillipa Massey (About Stamford Streets). PLEASE NOTE CHANGE OF WEEK DUE TO EASTER. 15 May DON’T FORGET TO REMEMBER by Scot Creasy who presents an entertaining introduction to the memory technique he uses, providing some simple and practical applications that we can use in everyday life. 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. 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. 165 APRIL 2017

CHAIRMAN’S REFLECTIONS

When I read the newspapers these days, I think (in the words of the advert) that “I should have gone to Specsavers”! It is so difficult to decide whether or not what you see, particularly in photographs, is the true situation. This is not a new situation of course. You will no doubt remember the widespread theory, at the time of the first American moon landing, that the scenes of men walking on the moon, were in fact filmed in the MGM studios. This seemed very far-fetched at the time, but the advent of digital technology has made it much more likely that, these days, photos and videos have been manipulated. This week, the papers have shown, side by side, photos and mobile phone footage showing a destroyed airfield, and the same one untouched and operating normally. This confusion is magnified by instant reactions on social media (or, in my opinion, anti-social media!) It seems that the only things that you can believe are those that you see with your own eyes.

On the 6th of April I was walking around the peninsular at Rutland Water, and I can report that the bluebells have started to bloom, and the floor of Hambleton Wood was taking on a blue hue – honest, I saw it myself!

I can also assure you that our excellent newsletter never contains fake news! Which leads me to issue a warning that there will be no newsletter in August this year. Because we are unable to hold a monthly meeting in August, the hard copies that we have to produce for members who are not on email, will not be collected by helpful friends and neighbours. This would leave us with about 100 newsletters to deliver by hand, which is not practical. We are sorry about this break in publication, but wanted to give Group Leaders advance warning that they may need to publicise events planned for August, and early September, in the July issue of the newsletter.

Best wishes

Garth

Chairman

The photograph and caption in the first column were not in any way

planned to coincide with Garth’s first paragraph above and were in

situ before Garth’s contribution was received. It left me with a

rather weird feeling! Ann

Post Card from Australia

2

IT WILL SHORTLY BE THAT TIME AGAIN! Membership renewals!

This year as we will not be meeting in August (see Chairman’s Reflections) we thought a reminder of subscription renewals should go out a little earlier this year.

Subscriptions remain the same - £10 per person per year and Affiliated members (those members of another U3A) pay £5 per annum.

The U3A magazine “Third Age Matters” can be requested on the form for an extra £2 per annum.

Completed forms are required for all members (one form for people at the same address)

As a registered charity, completion of the GIFT AID form would be greatly appreciated IF you have not already done so. (it is acceptable for a person to claim gift aid on two subscriptions, providing the payment does not come from the non-taxpayer’s account)

All forms should be returned with appropriate money to Membership Secretary in an envelope. An SAE is required please if you are unable to collect the badges and therefore requires posting to you.

Our end of year is 31st July and the renewal forms will be included in the May and June Newsletters.

Many thanks.

LIZ NOBLE Membership Secretary

GROUP NEWS

The Whist and Other Games group are struggling with numbers so they are changing their times hoping to attract some new players. Its the same venue and on the first and third Monday evenings, 6.30 to 8.30 pm. If you are interested in joining this Group and would like more information, details of the Group leaders are on the back page of this Newsletter. Please give them a ring.

SUSANNE HOADLEY Groups Co-ordinator U3A “WANDERERS” WALKING GROUP Twenty Wanderers set off from the car park of the Red lion in West Deeping on a shining March morning for our monthly walk. The route took us through a housing estate and followed the course of a mill stream towards Mouncey's Mill. Just before we got to the mill we were surprised to encounter a field which contained some curious alpacas. We continued to the centre of Deeping. We crossed the main Bridge and walked up the south bank of the Welland towards Maxey. Passing through the mill gardens there we recrossed the river and headed back towards the Red lion and an excellent lunch. BARRY & HILARY AKAM Group Leaders U3A WHIST AND OTHER GAMES GROUP Please note that commencing on Monday 1st May the Whist Group will meet in the evening from 6.30 - 8.30 pm on the first and third Monday of the month, instead of Sunday afternoons. The venue is the same - Oddfellows Hall, Church Street, Market Deeping.We are a sociable group, and any new members will be made welcome. Group Leaders: CHRIS MUTTON / MAUREEN WHITTLE

U3A JAZZ, SWING AND BIG BAND GROUP

Our March meeting was at the home of Barbara and Peter Baylis, with a program by Geoff Whittle. We always expect something different from Geoff and were not disappointed.

We had two items each from one person or group and began with Jim Tomlinson and 'Caminos Cruzados' then 'No More Blues.' Artie Shaw's offerings were, 'Frenesi' and Summit Ridge Drive'. Chris Connor gave us 'Summertime' and 'Good Morning Heartache'. Herbie Mann offered 'Baubles, Bangles and Beads' then 'Give A Little Whistle,' from the film 'Pinnochio.'

Johnny Hodges, one of the best Alto Saxophone players mainly playing for Duke Ellington gave us 'Not So Dukish' and 'That Gal from Joes'. Bing's brother Bob Crosby played 'Whose Sorry Now' with his Bobcats and then 'Yancey Special,' with his Orchestra. Always a favourite with us was Julie London who sang 'Blue Moon' and 'Let There Be Love'. Illinois Jacquet, who was American, played Tenor Sax but was one of few jazz musicians who also played the Bassoon and from his 'Kid and The Brute' album we heard 'Jacquet's Dilemma' and then 'Achtung,' (Beware) from 'The Swing's The Thing'. Jack Teagarden played 'Dixieland One Step' and 'Milenburg Joys'. 'The Sheik of Araby' and 'Sleepy Serenade' were played by Woody Herman. The last two items came from Spike Jones with his City Slickers, 'I Wanna Go Back To West Virginia' and 'Little Bo Peep Has Lost Her Jeep' yes ,Jeep! Spike was in a class of his own when it came to music...! We all enjoyed Geoff'’s choices, hearing one or two items some of us had never heard previously, always good for discussion. Thanks Geoff and thanks to Barbara and Peter for their hospitality. Next meeting at the home of Peter Baylis, 26th April.

Report: ANNE JONES Group Leaders: PETER BAYLIS / ANNE JONES “BOOK WORMS” READING GROUP Of Mice and Men’ by John Steinbeck Steinbeck claimed that all his books were about friendship. In this one the unlikely friendship is between George - a small man and Lennie who is large and strong physically but mentally retarded with the mind of a child. Lennie is a liability because he relies on George to tell him what to do and what to say. During the depression of the 1930’s they arrive at a farm in California at harvest time dreaming of having enough money to buy a smallholding of their own. Here they meet the odd and under-privileged characters who react to Lennie’s innocence in various ways, mostly sympathetically except for the aggressive, bullying son of the Boss who is envious of Lennie’s size and strength. A sense of foreboding grows as the story unfolds ending with the inevitable tragedy.

The writing evokes the atmosphere of the time and place and the dialogue is familiar being the speech of the cowboys in old westerns.

The next Bookworms’ meeting is at Rita’s home on April 24th at 2pm.

ANN THJORNTHWAITE Group Leader U3A FILM GROUP The next meeting is on Wednesday, 26 April, 2 pm at the Community Centre. We will be showing the DVD 'Shirley Valentine' starring Pauline Collins as a bored housewife and Tom Conti as Costas, a roguish fisherman she meets on a Greek holiday island.

This romantic comedy should remind us of foreign holidays spent in the sun - it's a nice thought at this time of the year, and the story is being retold on stage very soon.

Group Leaders: MAUREEN WHITTLE / RITA BROWN

3

U3A ANTIQUES AND COLLECTABLES GROUP

This month we welcomed back Bill Sandalls, and his subject was William Morris, born in 1834, died 1896. A poet, artist and interior textile designer and an activist, he did not like the way workers were treated. At one of his meetings in Trafalgar Square, he attracted a crowd of 80,000 people. His motto was "Organise then Agitate". He also said "I do not want Art for a few, any more than Education for a few, or Freedom for a few". It was Victorian times with the dread of the Workhouse.

After studying classics at Oxford University, William Morris trained as an Architect, married Jane Burden and joined the Birmingham Set of Pre-Raphaelite artists and designers. His designs are so well known— his trellis wallpaper (1862) with flowers and birds, his tapestries acanthus and vine (1879) furniture Sussex chair (1865) St George's cabinet (1862) with three panels with painted figures.

Morris' daughter May, inherited her father's talent and founded the Women's Guild of Art.

The group had an enjoyable afternoon and our next meeting is on April 24th with Jessica Wall the Auctioneer. Members are invited to bring items for valuation. Report: IRENE BEEKEN

Group Leaders: IRENE BEEKEN / PAM PENDRY U3A NATURAL HISTORY GROUP The morning of March 23rd saw a group of 27 of us meeting at the Priory Hall for a talk about Hedgehogs, organised by the Natural History Group.

The speaker was Angela Smith from Caddington Hedgehogs, a Lincolnshire-based hospital, rehabilitation and retirement home for ‘hogs’. She told us about her life with hedgehogs and how she rescues and cares for them. Her passion and expertise was immediately very obvious. She brought a number of leaflets and photos with her but the star of the show was Gertrude, a hedgehog who was due to be returned to the wild within a few days.

Angela’s talk was both fascinating and funny and she answered many questions from the group about caring for the hedgehogs in their gardens. She told about the hospital and the new building she is installing this year. We were thrilled to give a her a donation of £100 which, along with the sale of hog-related gifts and cards, will help pay for the electrics. Report: JO ASTLE

Group Leaders: AUDREY DUNKLEY / PETER EDWARDS U3A POETS AND THEIR POETRY GROUP Our meeting this month was at Cathryn’s, where we welcomed two new members to the group. As our letter was G. there was quite a large choice of Poets, and those chosen were George Gasgoine, Thomas Gray, R Gregory, Wilfred Gibson, John Gay, and Eddie Guest. Some sad ones, some funny ones, members chose a good selection. Thanks to Cathryn for hosting the afternoon. Our next meeting is on May 1st at 33Eastgate at 2pm when our letter will be H.

IRENE BEEKEN Group Leader U3A CRAFT GROUP 2 We tackled a macramé bracelet last month which proved very challenging even with the use of a tutorial on the laptop!

We have a clash of group sessions with the April meeting a week later, but hope the remaining members will join me 2pm on 24 April 2017.

LIZ NOBLE Group Leader

U3A “PACERS” WALKING GROUP

Thirteen walkers set off through Folkingham village after ordering lunch at the New Inn. The weather was sunny although there was a cool wind.

After walking down through the village we branched off through the fields and enjoyed a lovely walk through the countryside on field tracks and pathways. Stopped at Laughton Farm to admire the horses. On our return to Folkingham we came across the delightful ford shown in the photo.

The next walk of the group will be on May 3rd and will be Heath, Hills and Holes at Barnack. Details to follow by email.

LYNN & STEVE WHITE Group Leaders U3A MONDAY READERS GROUP We were lucky enough to have been able to get a book by another Literary Festival author, Erica James, from the library service again this month, so there was an added interest in our discussion.

The book was The Dandelion Years, which proved to be an interesting combination of two stories, linked by one central character. The first story was of Jacob, coming with his family as an immigrant to England before the last war and recruited to work at Bletchley Park, where he meets the love of his life. We hear his story from his diaries, entitled ‘The Dandelion Years’, which come to light after his death and are read by his close friend and young companion of Jacob’s old age, Matthew.

Matthew links the diaries to a modern day story of his relationship with Saskia, a young woman, living with her two grandfathers and her father in an idyllic house, reluctant to make any commitment outside her home and her job.

We felt the book was an easy and light read and that the link between the two stories was well done. The characters were likeable (except those not meant to be!) and there were some very well described incidents along the way. Probably the main reservation several of us had was that the outcome was fairly unsurprising and that the plot developments were predictable. On the whole, though, it was enjoyed and those of us with tickets for Erica James’ event at the Literary Festival were looking forward to meeting her!

Our next meeting will be in the library on Monday May 8th but at the new earlier time of 10.00.

LIZ WATERLAND Group Leader U3A GARDENING 4 PETALS AND PRODUCE GROUP For our March meeting we joined up with “Over the Garden Wall” and thank them for organising an interesting and informative talk on “Daffodils and other Bulbs” at Baytree Nurseries. For our April meeting we will again be joining them, this time at Butters, for an early evening tour. Numbers are limited so if you haven’t booked a place please telephone Josie Smith to see if places are still available. But please note, do not just turn up on spec. Report: JOHN MARSH Group Leaders: PAM PENDRY / JOHN MARSH

4

U3A “STROLLER’S” WALKING GROUP

A pleasant spring morning greeted 14 strollers as we set off from the green at Morton for our monthly stroll. Walking the main street of this village, we then crossed the busy A15 making tracks towards Hanthorpe. Along this road we were greeted by another group of strollers in the front garden of a house and they seemed bemused by our presence,

Passing through this pleasant village we headed in a westerly direction before turning off the road to negotiate a track across a field. We crossed three fields, which added up to a mile, before we met the road from Stainfield. Making our way back passing through Hanthorpe again we came across our erstwhile friends from the other group who didn’t seem to have moved on at all. The photograph taken by Searle shows this friendly group posing for the camera.

Crossing the busy A15 again we passed down the main street of Morton and back to the church. The group then drove to the Hare and Hounds at Haconby for a 2-course lunch.

Our next stroll will take place on Monday 1 May, which is the May Day bank holiday when David and Linda Mann will lead a stroll starting from the Prince of Wales Feathers, Peterborough Road, Castor. Anyone member of the group wishing to take part should contact them as soon as possible

BOB DELLER Group Leader U3A CYCLING GROUP The cycling group’s March ride was rather sparse in numbers, i.e. only two of us! The day was dry, but with a strong wind we head out towards Langtoft and Greatford. From there we whizzed through Braceborough and Wilsthorpe and on up to the Obthorpe summit, helped very much by a following wind. When we got there, we realised that the wind had strengthened considerably and so decided to turn around. Peddling down hill into the face of a very strong wind had never been such hard work for us, but eventually the intrepid cyclists got back to Market Place for a welcome lunch at Chesters. The next ride will be on 21st April and if you would like to join us then please get in touch with Fred for more detailed information. Report: EDDIE ADAMS Group Leader: FRED SKIPPER U3A GOOD FOOD GROUP The Foodies had a Thai feast this month. This was an unfamiliar experience for some of us, and also required some care for one member who is allergic to nuts, including coconut. Members had made a Thai chicken noodle soup, dishes with prawns, and other fish, baked and fried chicken dishes, and two puddings involving mangos and ice cream. We all felt that we had experienced some new tastes and techniques. May meeting is a week later than usual, because of a Bank Holiday, and we shall be trying recipes from Tom Kerridge. Come and try us out. KATHLEEN TANNER Group Leader

U3A ART APPRECIATION GROUP

Our visiting speaker this month was John McGowan who is a local printmaker. Several of the group had previously been to his studio in Northborough but this time John paid us a visit. He talked us though what inspired his love of printing and how he chose his subject matter. It was fascinating. He displayed a wonderful talent and eye for colour. He showed us how his love of photography had inspired his work. He has an exhibition in Oundle in November and has several video clips on YouTube. For more details about John visit his website.

Thank you Ann for organising John’s visit and to David Scott for setting up the equipment. It was a team effort this morning and it was lovely to have Lin and Kay back in the fold.

Next month we have Hendy coming to talk to us about the Isabella Gardiner Museum. New members are welcome.

Report: SANDRA JONES Group Contacts: SANDRA JONES / YVONNE McCULLOCH U3A SCIENCE GROUP The restoration of the Palm House at Kew was the subject of our March meeting. We thank Chris Jones for his insight into the scale and complexity of this project, which has rejuvenated this very impressive building.

Peter Gray, one of our own members, has set himself the challenge of telling us about “The Impact of Technology on 21st Century Business” at our meeting on Tuesday 18th April. It sounds like a pretty broad subject, and we suspect that it will generate a lot of discussion. The meeting will be at the usual time and venue – 2pm at The Institute, in Church Street, Deeping St. James.

Group Leaders: GARTH PERRY / DAVID SCOTT U3A FAMILY HISTORY GROUP Today we welcomed two new members to the group from Peterborough. We hope they enjoyed the meeting and we hope that they can learn from the group. Today we took time out to look at and listen to what other members have been doing. Plenty of work has been done and members have not been idle. Workhouse records have been delved into and wills have been purchased with some startling outcomes. The new ladies brought with them their problems and we are now hoping to resolve some of the issues for them – plenty of advice was forthcoming. On the 18 April Peterborough group have extended a welcome to us to join in the meeting that they are having when guest speaker Liz Carter is giving a talk on maps and surveys. Liz is a very knowledgeable lady and I know will give a lovely presentation. If there is anyone who would like to join our group and go along’ please drop me a mail and I will add your name to the list. We hope to car pool in order to cut down the cost. Entry will be £2.00. Time will be 10.00 till 12.00. The venue is John Mansfield Centre, Western Ave, Dogsthorpe. We do still have 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. Our next meeting will be on the 8th May 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 Group Leader WELCOME TO NEW MEMBERS Helen and Brian Driscoll Market Deeping

5

U3A WEEKENDERS GROUP

Ann welcomed 31 members, including one new member, to the Oddfellows Hall on Saturday April 8th. Members enjoyed the evening at the Broadway Club –thank you Geoff for organising it. Meal choices were decided upon for the visit to Tai on the Square on May 4th at 6 :30 – contact Ann if you haven’t made your choice.

It was a busy morning with members looking through a number of brochures and leaflets with a view to organising summer events. Marje Cornish is organising trip to the Arboretum on September 7th - cost £21- contact Marje if you are interested in going and haven’t yet put your name down. Sylvia, Janet and Rita showed that they know more about chocolate than anyone else by winning the quiz !!

Next meeting at the Oddfellows Hall will be on Saturday, May 13th.

Report: BARBARA MCNICOL

Group Leaders: ANN BRADSHAW / BARBARA MCNICOL U3A HISTORY GROUP The Green School was almost at capacity today and the audience was not disappointed. The talk, given by Colin Ray was entitled ‘Talking Machines’, old gramophones, phonographs etc. Colin had brought some exhibits with him, the largest being a gramophone with a large horn. Very Upstairs and Downstairs!

He told us about the first ever recordings that were made and it was fascinating to hear sounds from the mid to late 1800s being played to an audience well over a century later. He illustrated his talk with slides showing the range of machines that had been invented. The rivalry between companies was no different from today.

Dolls were manufactured to play nursery rhymes, picnic gramophones for day excursions and a camera gramophone, all demonstrated the inventive minds of people such as Thomas Edison and Alexander Graham Bell. We were treated to Al Bowlly singing ‘You Are the One’ and Florrie Ford giving a rendition of ‘Sam Sat with Sophie on the Sofa’. To add a bit of culture, Caruso sang an operatic love song in Italian. A very entertaining morning.

Deposits were taken for the London trip. There are a few spaces left.

David McVitie is talking about Transport of London at out April meeting. Report: SANDRA JONES

Group Leaders: SANDRA JONES / ELIZABETH PARKINSON U3A WRITING FOR PLEASURE GROUP We spent some time during our April meeting listening to Kay’s entry for the Age UK writing competition, and making gentle suggestions as to how it could be made even better. In the past our group has done well in this competition with several of us being ‘highly commended’, and two years ago, Kay won the cup!

We also heard each others’ efforts on some of the topics we had chosen. These included a letter to the boss of BBC television and another to the Queen. When each member of the group has written their letter, we will fold them all and put them in a bag. Then each person will take one out and reply to it. Should be interesting, listening to the replies!

JUDY ROBINSON Group Leader U3A SUNDAY LUNCH GROUP The lunch this month will be at ‘The Hare and Hounds’, Haconby, on Sunday, 30th April, 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 24 April.

U3A CHURCH MICE GROUP

Some twenty church mice paid an interesting visit to St Andrew’s, Alwalton on the Tuesday of Holy Week, when we were blessed with a bright, sunny afternoon which showed the church at its best.

Mike, one of the churchwardens, explained that although the Domesday description of Alwalton, then a substantial village, makes no mention of a church, we can be certain that there was one a century later, because the earliest parts of the present building date back from 1170 and were clearly the extension of an existing building. This 1170 work consisting of the first two bays of the north aisle is not only the oldest part of the church, but the most beautiful.

The church was considerably extended during the early 13th century, when the tower was built and the nave lengthened by the insertion of an additional bay at the west end and widened by adding a south aisle. It seems likely that the wonderful carving around the west door was also carried out at this time.

With the completion of the 13th century work the church became much as it is today, apart from the transepts and chancel. Around 1300, work began on the construction of a central tower, plus a high vaulted chancel and transept. After about 30 years, perhaps as a result of the Black Death, the tower was taken down, leaving only the chancel and transepts from this grandiose plan.

During the 15th century, the nave walls were raised to form a clerestory, involving the destruction of the magnificent 13th century vaulting. Extensive repairs were necessary in 1840, and in the 196o’s the church was again restored.

Henry Royce, co-founder of Rolls-Royce, was born at Alwalton Mill in 1863, and his ashes were interred in Alwalton Church in 1937.

Frank Perkins, of Perkins Diesel fame, lived in the manor house behind the the church, and there is a memorial to him in St Andrew’s.

A most enjoyable and instructive afternoon ended with an excellent tea before we re-emerged into the warm sunshine.

Report: JIM PRINGLE Photos: LYALL SEALE

Group Leaders: LYALL SEALE / JIM PRINGLE U3A WEDNESDAY GARDENING GROUP

This month nine members visited Rasells Nursery. There was a beautiful array of plants and many of us buying. As there was a chilly wind blowing, we went to the tea room and had a light lunch, which was very welcome. Our next meeting will be at Springfields gardens. Report and photo: ANGELA DORWARD Group Leaders: JEAN FOSTER / ANGELA DORWARD

6

U3A LISTENING TO MUSIC GROUP

Our April programme was at the home of Marion and Frank Mills. We were treated to a lovely Springtime programme that began with Rimsky-Korsakov's Russian Easter Festival Overture. It was played by the Montreal Symphony Orchestra, conductor; Charles Dutoit. Then we heard The Symphony No.6 in F Major, op.68 (Pastoral) Mov.1. described by it's composer Beethoven as 'Awakening of happy feelings on arriving in the countryside.'

Symphonie Fantastique by Berlioz followed and then we heard 'An Alpine Symphony', Staatskapelle Weimar conducted by Antoni Witt. Back to Beethoven and his Symphony No.6 for movement 2, 'By The Brook'. George Butterworth's lovely composition ; 'The Banks of Green Willow,' played by the BBC Concert Orchestra, conductor, Keith Lochart was followed by another offering from Beethoven's Symphony No.6 this time movement 3, Peasants Merrymaking’, ‘Storm' and the 'Shepherd's Song, ' happy and thankful feelings after the storm.' Played by the Tanhalle Orchestra, Zurich and conducted by David Zinman. The morning's music closed with Hamish MacCunn's 'Land of the Mountain and the Flood,'with Osmo Vanska conducting the BBC Symphony Orchestra. Many of the group recalling that this had been the music used in the TV series Dr. Finlay's Casebook.

It was a morning of delightful music, some new to us and some familiar. Thanks go to Marion and Frank for their hospitality, and bringing Spring a little nearer.

Next meeting at Chris Hartley’ home, on May 10th.

Report: ANNE JONES Group Leaders: TERRY NOBLE / JIM PRINGLE U3A MONDAY WALKING GROUP

Setting off for a walk round the Hambleton Peninsular, we left Deeping in misty conditions but by the time we got to the other side of Stamford the sun was shining. Twenty members parked in Hambleton village and then set off down to the lakeside and round the peninsular, about five miles. There were some very impressive views as the weather was perfect for walking. Some members took the easy route back up to the village using the road but the majority walked a bit further to climb stiles and up the fields to the church. We then drove into Oakham for a well earned drink and meal at The Captain Noel Newton. Thanks to David and Linda Perkins for organising the walk. The next walk will be on 8th May ( not the 1st May as it is a Bank Holiday). We will meet at 09.30ish at the Willoughby Arms, Little Bytham and the walk will be approx 5.5.miles. Names please to Steve Hanson before May 6. Group Leader: STEVE HANSON

U3A THURSDAY WALKING GROUP For our April walk members undertook a very pleasant leisurely walk around part of the Spalding Leisure Wheel on initially a coolish morning which became sunnier as the walk proceeded. The walk commenced from The Springfields Outlet Centre along the sweeping arm of the Coronation Channel before heading back towards the town centre along the riverside path and back to The Kitchen where lunch was taken. Many thanks to Bruce Zenthon for leading the walk and organising the lunch.

The next walk on 11 May will be led by Eddie and Chris Adams and will be at Manton Junction commencing from the Horse and Jockey, St Mary’s Road, Manton, Rutland LE15 8SU. If you would like to attend this walk, could you please phone Eddie and Chris by the Tuesday preceding the walk, if possible.

GODFREY PARKES Group Leader

NOW OPEN TO ANY DEEPINGS U3A MEMBER The Deepings U3A: Gardening 4 Petals & Produce Group

COACH TRIP TO THE PLACE FOR PLANTS AND THE BETH CHATTO GARDENS

Tuesday 18th July 2017

This year we are venturing into Constable country and our first visit is to The Place for Plants at East Bergholt. This is a large specialist plant centre within the walled garden of East Bergholt Place. Over 6000 different plants are listed, so plenty to choose from. In addition we will be able to wander through the 20 acre garden and arboretum, often referred to as the Cornish garden in Suffolk. There will be lots to see and during the visit there should be time to relax with a cup of coffee or tea in the tea-room. After a short journey we arrive at The Beth Chatto Gardens. This is a world famous garden and plant centre. We shall arrive in time for lunch at the café (not included) and then the afternoon will be free to wander through the varied aspects of this unique setting. Beth Chatto OBE is an award-winning plantswoman. Her work here at the Gardens began in 1960. She took an overgrown wasteland of brambles, parched gravel and boggy ditches, transforming it using plants adapted by nature to thrive in different conditions. An inspirational, informal garden has developed. Additionally, what was once a car park is now a world renowned gravel garden which does not need watering. The plant centre has a very wide range of plants available to purchase.

This should prove to be an excellent day out. Our pick up points are:

. The Cross, Deeping St James, at 7.50 am · The Bell by Deeping Gate Bridge, at 7.55 am . The Deeping Stage, Market Deeping, at 8.00 am

The fully inclusive price of £26, includes entry to both gardens and driver’s tip. Please confirm your booking by completing the separate booking form and do so as soon as you can, as this is likely to be a popular trip. Further information is available from Eddie Adams or John Marsh

The Place for Plants. The Beth Chatto Garden

Google illustration