m May The Watkin Path, Opened in 1892 by Sir Edward Watkin The Watkin Path, Opened in 1892 by Sir Edward Watkin A peaceful evening picture of Wells harbour and tidal river – pp 9 CHAIRPERSONS REPORT It was with some surprise that I realised that it is six months since the AGM and that we are half way through our year – time has a way of creeping by unnoticed. We have had a good PAGE 1 NEWSLETTER 41 FEB,MAR,APRIL,MAY 2019 Romiley & District U3A Newsletter Issue 41 – Feb, March, Apr, May 2019 Front Page Chairperson’s Report. Pages 2 to 13 Group Activity reports, further meetings etc. Back Page Speakers for Future Meetings
Transcript
m
May The Watkin Path, Opened in 1892 by Sir Edward Watkin The Watkin Path, Opened in 1892 by Sir Edward Watkin
A peaceful evening picture of Wells harbour and tidal river – pp 9
CHAIRPERSONS REPORT It was with some surprise that I realised that it is six months since the AGM and that we are half way through our year – time has a way of creeping by unnoticed. We have had a good year so far, with well attended general meetings and some excellent speakers. Disappointedly, we haven’t started any new groups, as we are reliant on you all to share your ideas and interests. How about an outings group? There are so many places of interest in our area, that I am sure members would like to visit along with others for companionship – all it takes is a small number of people willing to organise one, or two outings, and then momentum would carry it forward. That is one idea. Come on everyone, show some initiative and enthusiasm and help make our U3A a vibrant, exciting and expanding organisation. Rosemary Shimmin
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Romiley & District U3A Newsletter
Web site – http://u3asites.org.uk/romiley
Issue 41 – Feb, March, Apr, May 2019 Registered Charity 1119203Charity 1119203Front Page Chairperson’s Report. Pages 2 to 13 Group Activity reports, further meetings etc.Back Page Speakers for Future Meetings
‘The Goldfinch’ by Donna Tarte was an interesting book and generated a good
discussion, although some of us thought it was over lengthy and would have benefitted from a more rigorous editing. Of course, the author writes with authority and her descriptions are vivid and evocative and her characters well drawn. If you have the staying power, it is worth reading.
We have since then read ‘Winter” by Ali Smith one of a quartet of novels, which are highly acclaimed. We had difficulty understanding why! We did enjoy, however, tearing it apart (figuratively).
In February, we read ‘I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings’, by M. Angelou. This book is autobiographical, and proved to be a real page turner, as we followed the trials and fortunes of the heroine. It exposed the racism in Charleston, where the book is mainly set, and shows how the black community dealt with it. Supported by the amazing momma, Angelou survives various traumas and emerges victorious. The book is interesting, not only for its story but for the historical background.
Our next book ‘The Invention of Wings’, by Sue Monk Kidd continues the theme, as the heroine fights for the emancipation of slaves and the rights of women. It begins in the deep south of America and moves forward until much of the north is also involved. We had an entertaining time discussing the issues raised.
Still on the same subject we read ‘The Kitchen House’, by K Grissom. Again, this was an interesting story and easy reading. It is told through the medium of two narrators, a black slave and an indentured white girl, and follows their friendship and differing experiences.
We have now read enough of slavery through various historical periods, have enjoyed our discussions, but are moving on to different themes.
Our next books are as follows –‘The Forgotten Garden’ by Kate Morton‘There is no Armour’ by Howard Spring‘The Miniaturist’ by Jessie Burton‘Fifty Memory Lane’ by Celia Anderson‘A God in Ruins’ by Kate Atkinson‘Becoming’ by Michelle Obama
We are going to be busy! Rosemary Shimmin
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GARDEN APPRECIATION GROUP - ONE
FEBRUARY 2019Winter still reigned supreme in our gardens early in February so instead we met in Notcutt Garden Centre in Woodford on 6th February. Fairly recently the Garden Centre had changed hands and some interesting alterations had been made.A talk by one of the members of the staff had been organized and Lonn treated us to a very interesting and informative discussion about various aspects of gardening. He pointed out that a large canopy was being constructed outdoor to give the extensive plant sale area plus visitors extra protection from the bad weather conditions while automatic watering will save the staff extra work Lonn told us too that the present black plastic pots when we buy plants cannot be recycled at present. But very soon it will be possible for everybody to buy plants in green, yellow etc. plastic pots which are recyclable. David Attenborough must have been delighted about this development Then various plants on display were discussed and every time one of us gave the correct answer to Lonn’s questions that person was treated to a free little plant. We learned that in February the only plants which can be sown are tomatoes and onions while other flowering ones plus vegetables have to wait for warmer weather conditions. The talk also included Hellebores, Mahonia Grandiflora, Cornus(Dogwood), Hydrangea and others. We really enjoyed this talk after which we tucked into our varied delicious lunches in the restaurant. Many Many thanks to Sheila Wilson who arranged this very nice and interesting outing. Karin Moore
May 2019
On 1st May we were welcomed by the owners of High Roost garden in Simmondley near Glossop in order visit this small edition of Paradise. Over the years this sloping garden was gradually developed into a terraced area with many intimate nooks and crannies to explore. The front garden with its lawn also contained in a border a beautiful Camassia with soft blue flowers on its slender stems. At the back the small terraces were constructed with walls built of local rocks which was of special interest to the geologists among us. The gravelled spaces contained a good variety of rock plants such as various Sempervivums, Euphorbias, Dicentras (Bleeding heart) and deep red and brown Heucheras. The higher pond looked wonderful but the owners told us that there were only tadpoles in the lower pond this year. One of us expressed her disappointment about not having any tadpoles at all in her pond this funny year and was surprised and delighted to be given some tadpoles in a jar to take home. How wonderful!!! Afterwards we were given excellent coffee and tea and treated to big blowsy scones which we were invited to prepare ourselves with jam and double cream. Mmm! Then we went to Lymefield Garden centre with its
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excellent choice of lunches. Our thanks go to Lesley Davenport and Glenis Keenan who organised this unforgettable day. Karin Moore
BOOK GROUP
The bestseller “The Girl on the Train”, a first novel by Paula Hawkins, was February’s book. Opinions were divided about this book; some loved it and others disliked it. Rachel catches the same train every morning. From her seat she becomes involved with the characters she sees which sets off a train of events and a very complex plot. None of the characters were likeable but we agreed it was a “page turner”. The success of this story has established Paula Hawkins as a successful thriller writer and the book was subsequently made into a film.In complete contrast our next book was the third in Alan Johnson’s autobiographies. “ The Long and Winding Road” won the Best Memoir by a Parliamentarian in 2016 and describes his political life first as a trade union leader, then into parliament as the Labour MP for Hull in 1997 and finally his rise through the ranks of the cabinet to be Home Secretary in 2009. Alan’s sincerity and authenticity shines through this book and made an enjoyable read for our group.“Rogue Lawyer” was the first book we have read by the very popular thriller writer, John Grisham. The author is a lawyer himself and exposes the corrupt American judicial system and police force. The “Rogue Lawyer” of the title is Sebastian Rudd , a defence lawyer who takes on the cases that no one else will touch. This book describes a number of cases which Sebastian defends, successfully on the whole. It is very well written with wry humour and “sucks” the reader in. Most of the group enjoyed it and would happily read another of Grisham’s books.In May we read “The Dark Flood Rises”, a recent novel by Margaret Drabble. This was quite a difficult book to read in many ways and not to everybody’s liking. The prose was beautiful but her rambling stream of consciousness put many readers off. It was a book about death and dying but was far from macabre. Ruth Frost
ART GROUP
Several members of the Art Group have made visits to Manchester Art Gallery to see the drawings of Leonardo da Vinci. It is 500 years since the death of Leonardo and his drawings have been divided among different Galleries throughout the country. We were very lucky to be able to see so many of them in Manchester. It was a wonderful exhibition, viewed in subdued light in order to preserve the drawings from deterioration. To view the
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original work and then to see a video about the production of the original paper and ink used was amazing. The making of the materials available 500 years ago was demonstrated in the film by a modern expert. It was very impressive and we felt glad that we can now obtain these quite easily. Only a few people were let into the room at a time which was understandable but it would have been good to be able to stay for longer. This was almost the end of the Exhibition and the three of us who visited when we did have felt privileged to see it free in Manchester. All of the drawings are to be gathered together at the end of this year and displayed in London. It would be wonderful to see them all.
Afterwards we visited an Exhibition of the work of the sculptor Halima Cassell, who uses clay, marble, stone, wood, glass and even concrete for deeply carved forms which are displayed on individual plinths. It is hard to describe the beauty of these, they have to be seen. There was also a large circular plinth which can be walked around. Displayed in three circles were numbered clay bowls. Each one is made from clay from a different part of the world. The clay has different colour and properties and each one has a significant name full of meaning. Every bowl was of a different design and all were absolutely lovely. On my return home I looked on the internet to find out more of Halima Cassell. She was born in Kashmir but grew up in the North West of England. This exhibition is on until January 2020 which gives us time to return and enjoy the peace and tranquillity which her work creates. The film on the internet shows her working and is well worth seeing
Shirley McConnell
U3A National Office
Do you know that £3.50 of your membership fee is paid to the U3A National Office, so what do they do with all these contributions?
a) They produce a web site http://u3a.org.uk with a lot of useful information b) They provide advice on how legal changes affect our U3Ac) They organise courses on various subjects all over the country. Some of the subjects
that our members have attended are :- ‘Understanding Tomorrows World’, ‘Data Protection’, ‘Financial matters’ and ‘Insurance’. We try to let you know about future courses at the General Meetings, on the Web Site and in the newsletter if possible.
d) They organise Summer Schools. Some of our members have enjoyed the one at Penrith for several years now organised by the North West region of the U3A
e) There is a Resource Centre that has hundreds of DVD’s to lend out to Groups. The list of categories includes :- Literature (224 DVD’s), Gardening(182), Languages (116), History(455), Art and Music (66), Spanish Language (66) , German Language (65) They can be ordered on-line, by telephone, email, or letter. The loans are for three weeks and the only cost is the cost of the return postage. To view the list of subjects and DVDs go to http://u3a.org.uk , select Resources then DVD library. This allows you to search for your subject and tells you how you can order your DVD. Alternatively, you can phone the resource centre on 020 8466 6139.
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f) There are also 67 subject advisors, who are available to offer advice on their subjects, and what other U3A’s are doing. You can find out which subjects are covered by going to http://u3a.org.uk and selecting Resources then Subject Advice
g) They produce two magazines that you can order and they are posted directly to you. There is a modest cost of about three pounds to cover postage for three separate issues per
h) They organise licences and insurance to cover the activities of U3A Groups. i) Publicity materials are available free of charge. j) They are available to answer queries on the phone.
FRENCH INTER CONVERSATION
Our French group continues to meet as regularly as possible and we enjoy talking about our hobbies, travels and anything else we find of interest. We also spend time reading and translating a text. At the moment our text is an essay by Barbara Kingsolver
Barbara Owen
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. ETHEROW COUNTRY PARK AND THE FRIENDS OF
ETHEROW
A brief history:
The 240 acre Etherow Country Park was one of the first country parks in England. It was created from the old Compstall Mill lodges, woods and canals. Back in the 1960s the government felt that there was too much pressure on the new National Parks and the concept of local country parks was born.
The then Bredbury and Romiley Urban district council bought the mill lodge and associated waterways from the owners of Compstall Mill ( we think the owners were Courtaulds) with the objective of encouraging water activities. The new Cheshire Conservation trust took over the Park in the early 70s, which included land in the Marple UDC.
Local government reorganisation brought the park under the jurisdiction of Stockport MBC in
1974.The Cheshire Wildlife Trust took over the management of 40 acres above
the weir which became a SSSI and a Local Nature Reserve, possibly one of the first in the UK, on a lease from the local Council.
The Park today:
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There is now a Cafe, Information Centre, Garden Centre and cafe in the Park. The following organisations use the park on a regular basis, the Sailing Club, Etherow Model Boat Club and Stockport Federation Fishing Association.
There are nature trails, picnic sites, a bird hide and much, much more. Flora and Fauna abound in this wonderful park. Kingfishers, Mandarin ducks, Swans, Canada Geese, Coots and Grebes can be spotted as well as woodpeckers, blue and great tits and the majestic Buzzard. The bluebells are a sight to behold around the middle of May.
Friends of Etherow:
The ‘Friends’ were formed in 2000 to assist the wardens around the park with conservation and maintenance work. There was a reserve manager and 10 rangers employed by the council to oversee the day to day running of the park.
A Management plan was followed and the ‘Friends’ worked alongside the rangers in their conservation work.
Unfortunately, the financial restraints on Council budgets over the years have lead to there being only a part time warden at Etherow at the present time. The Friends of Etherow coordinate with the Council and the warden to agree the best way to serve the park. The ‘Friends’ are also in contact with the Cheshire Wildlife Trust who maintain small areas in the park.
The ‘Friends of Etherow’ meet every Wednesday morning in Etherow car park at 9:45am and work from 10am to 12noon. We then have a well earned cuppa and a chat. We currently have 32 volunteers on our books and keep it very flexible, people attend when they can.
We have regular meetings and decide our tasks for the season.
These include:
Minor fence, furniture, footpath and wall repairsPlanting of approved bulbs, shrubs, plant and treesClearing of invasive weeds such as Himalayan Balsam and RhododendronPond maintenance and stream clearingLitter pickingPruning as required below shoulder heightMaintaining our newly created Wildlife and Sensory gardensSmall events such as an Autumn tree and fungus walk and a spring ‘Green
Hairstreak’ butterfly walkWe recently successfully petitioned the Council to save the toilets from
closure at the weir
Chairman’s thoughts – present and future
I have a fondness for Etherow Country Park as I used to work in the Council Offices in Compstall village and fell for its beauty in 1973.
The Friends of Etherow are a great group of people who have the same aim; to serve the park in the best way we can and preserve it for future generations.PAGE 7 NEWSLETTER 41 FEB,MAR,APRIL,MAY 2019
We have an attendance each week of between 15 and 20 members and there is a good feeling of well being, working outside for two hours with like minded souls.
We have worked hard to establish a good, working relationship with Stockport Council. It is certainly different now there is only a part-time warden in the park and the financial constraints mean that it is difficult to restore this wonderful park to its former glory.
We are also working hard to form good relationships with the Compstall Community council and other users of the Park.
The ‘Friends’ will continue our conservation work within the park, enjoy each other’s company and welcome anyone who wishes to join us in the future.
Anna Bent Chairman Friends of Etherow Country Park 31st May 2019
International Postcode Online Lottery Scam Letter - We have had a report of a new lottery scam letter that is doing the rounds. The letter from the International Postcode Online Lottery claims that you have won a large amount of money and requests that you call a telephone number to arrange to be paid. The telephone number is a premium high rate number and the prize is bogus.
Please make friends and family aware of this scam.
You can report bogus scam letters to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or contact the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline on 03454 040506
PHONE NUMBER: 01274981900
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This number is a SCAM
The caller claimed to be from The Telephone Preference Management, offering to “upgrade my existing membership”.
Knew far more than I would like to know about me”. He asked about my credit card links to my direct debit, which, of course, is nonsense.
Clearly fishing for my financial information.
As we have previously warned in previous newsletters , ignore and report it to the telephone regulator.
VISIT TO WELLS-NEXT-THE -SEA
Wells-next-the –Sea! A misnomer really because Wells is a mile from the sea. The peaceful evening picture is of the harbour and tidal river supporting a still viable port, but in Tudor times it was one of the great ports of Eastern England.Your ex-chairman Ian and wife Maureen have visited the area over many years-the coastal path ‘Peddars Way’ links remote “mud” headlands and inlets renowned for migrant birds. A coastal Hopper bus is available during the summer. The highlight of any holiday is a boat trip from Marston Quay to visit the seals at Blakeney Point, and hear from the young ferry man how the tides and drift have changed the harbour over the years. Along the Norfolk coast, sea erosion is causing serious damage in many places.Churches beckon!! On a flat landscape their spires & towers dominate the landscape-remote now, isolated, but in times past they must have been the centre of a thriving community.Wells meaning Welles or clear springs is dominated by the estate, 25,000 acres of Holkham Hall, built in the C18, owned by Thomas Coke 8th Earl of Leicester.One of the most exciting things we did was to attend an art exhibition there. In times past, after the death of Sir Robert Walpole (P.M) the estate fell into hard times and the owners sold their Renaissance picture gallery to the Hermitage St. Petersburg to Catherine the Great. Great estates have vast collections of undocumented resources and about 4 years ago the archivists came across the “hanging” instructions for the Great Hall of the pictures prior to the sale. After much negotiation the Hermitage lent Holcombe all the lost pictures and you could see them in situ as they might have been in C18.The estate employs s about 1000 people, one if whom we met at the beach car park. Wells woods owned by Holcombe estates fringe the sea, and about 2 miles along the woods, the owners have built a look out tourist attraction with a café, toilets etc.It is very popular-probably because the meat is provided by Arthur Howell, butcher from Staithe Street Wells. Cattle from the estate are butchered at his abattoirs behind the shop-you couldn’t be more local than that!An antidote to modern life is Wells-the pace is slow and quiet exploration is possible.
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Above picture is on High Street in Wells. This leads to Staithe Street which drops down to Wells Harbour. Staithe comes from the Old Norse 'stoth' meaning 'landing stage'. In Norfolk a landing stage for unloading boats is called a 'staithe …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
ALFRED BARLOW
Alfred Henry Barlow was born on 25 June 1921 in West Yorkshire and died on 5th May 2019 in Stockport.
When young and working in the pit his expertise in mechanics was recognised and continued to develop. A job with a tarmacadam company brought him to Manchester, from here into the army.
He was on one of the landing crafts onto Sword beach at Normandy, his unit charged with repairing any vehicles damaged in the battle. He served in France, Belgium and Germany, then was due to go to Japan, but the atomic bomb ended the war there. He went to Egypt and Palestine before being demobbed back to Manchester.
He wanted to run his own garage business and moved to Romiley with Maisie and their sons. He worked very hard, with a reputation for the quality of his work with cars. He built what was then called the Bridgeside garage. Years later he did a great deal of work on the building of their detached house in the village.
He was a founder of the Rescare charity, offering help for people with learning difficulties and their families in the Stockport area.
A member of the Romiley U3A with Maisie for many years, they have enjoyed the activities and friendships made
They have also been to the Normandy commemorations, recently with the Blind Veterans UK, ensuring they would meet up with others again. They were also given a warm welcome by the local people and the endless gratitude for their liberation in 1944. Alfred also had the Légion d´Honneur medal awarded by the French government.
Returning from Normandy in June 2017, Alfred found that he had lost his four medals. The story was in the papers and on television, with rewards offered for their return, but to no avail. Another of the blind veterans found replacements and he presented them to Alfred at a ceremony in the Blind Veterans UK garden at Hampton Court Flower Show.
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Alfred, Maisie, their son Barry and Grandson Stuart were going to Normandy for the 75th Anniversary. While in the hospital Alfred insisted they go to represent him, but then he passed away.
The family went to Sword beach as Alfred had wished on the 75th Anniversary of the strides he took there. By Helen Wright
Alfred receiving the Légion d´honneur medal awarded by the French governmentThe picture was taken at Stockport Town Hall with the French Charge d'affairesTogether with the Mayor of Stockport and his wife.The picture on the right Alfred and Maisie was taken at Hampton Court Flower Show YOUR COMMITTEE
Chairperson RoseVice Chairperson ShirleyBusiness Secretary RuthAssistant Secretary ChristineTreasurer AllanMinutes Secretary AnneSocial Secretary ShirleyAssistant Social Secretary SandraMembership Secretary MauriceGroups Co-ordinator & Courses ChrisWeb-site Manager IanNewsletter Editor IanCommittee Member GordonVice Chairperson Ann
GROUP ACTIVITIES
Hello Everyone! I have (rather rashly!) volunteered to assume the role Kath Bradley used to fill. The Table below has now been updated. Two Groups folded due to reducing support, but I am leaving reference to them in for the time being.What can be done to reverse this trend? I have no Silver Bullet answer, but I shall be looking for ideas at every one of our monthly meetings and will be very glad of anyone contacting me with an idea/wish, 0161 430 6714, 07720 580970, [email protected] . Many Thanks!
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CHRIS WALTERS
ACTIVITY CONTACT TEL NO INFORMATIONArt Appreciation Joan Taylor 430
G-App(3) & Social GP Group Disbanded Lack of interest/commitmentGerman – Advanced* Chris Walters 430-
6714Ring Chris for details (Fluent Speakers)
German – Learners* Chris Walters 430-6714
Ring Chris for details
Literature Group Rose Shimmin 427-6455
Ring Rose for details
Play Reading Group Disbanded Group had grown too smallSpanish Group Ruth Frost 430-
4174Weekly – Tuesday @ 2.00 pm
PENNINE LINK JOINT ACTIVITIES
In the last Newsletter I said I will be updating the Pennine Link Activities Chart, so here is my first shot, and my ongoing aim is to make this an ever-varying piece, to display in one form or another the variety of ‘Interest Groups’ (the current U3A term) available to members of Romiley U3A. The significant fact to bear in mind is that, as a member of our Area, you do not need to pay for membership of any of the other 3 Areas, Marple Bridge & Mellor (here abbreviated to ‘MBM’); Marple; and New Mills.
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Interested in? (In brackets after the subject are the area and contact details):Family History (MBM, Leader Marjorie Potts, info from MBM Group Convenor, email via website); Creative Writing (Marple, Leader Jacqueline Fantom, 355 0965);Canasta (New Mills, Leader Pam Hartley, info via [email protected]); Zumba Gold (MBM, Leaders Geoff Fogg and Jenny Summers, info from MBM Group Convenor, email via website); Jazz Appreciation (Marple, Leader Brian Strickland, 428 3943); Country Dancing (New Mills, Leaders Sally Auld & Sheila Hibbs – just come along!); Card Making (MBM, Leader Carol Rice, info via MBM Group Convenor, email via website); Singing (Marple, Margaret Glynn, 01663 762386); Knit & Natter (New Mills, Leader Sue Colston, info via [email protected]).
That is just a sample of nine Groups of the other Areas. I am deliberately selecting topics, which differ in some way from the Groups we offer in Romiley. In total you have access locally, including in Romiley, to 114 Interest Groups! Full Listings can be seen on the websites:Marple Bridge & Mellor: https://u3asites.org.uk/mbm/home Marple: http://www.marpleu3a.org.uk/New Mills: http://www.newmillsu3a.org.uk/ For those without access to the internet I can ensure that you get to see a snapshot of what they offer, if you wish it.BUT: Is there still a subject in which you are interested, which is not represented over our 4 Areas? Call me on 0161 430 6714, or speak with me during one of our monthly meetings, and we’ll see, what we can do. As I mentioned at the May meeting, there is a substantial resource of information available from U3A National Office and from our NW Regional Office.
Chris Walters
SPEAKERS FOR FUTURE MEETINGS25th July Gill Baynes “The Fascinating World of
Radiology – 50 shades of grey22nd August Coffee Afternoon Meet at usual time- 2.00pm26th September Jeff Clark “Stand up for Nature”24th October Chandra & Richard Law “Customs & Cultures of
Malaysia”28th November (AGM) David Morris “The Potential of the Human
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Whistle”
Our meetings are held on the 4th Thursday of each month in the Community Centre. Members please arrive before 2.00pm for a prompt start, thus enabling the speaker to have a full quota of time. The Entrance fee is £1.00.Contributions for the next newsletter before the end of September to Ian Worsley 8, Lowside Avenue Woodley Stockport. SK6 1JU – TEL: 0161-430-6789. Preferable by e-mail to I [email protected]
