1 1 Romsey & District Learn, Laugh, Live Newsletter – August 2022 In This Issue 1 Photos from Annya Sait 1 Booster reminder 1 Membership Cards reminder 2 Chair report—Kay Lovell 3 Forthcoming monthly meetings 4 Important Announcement from Chair 5 Romsey Male Voice choir 5 Wendy Jelbert’s art article 6 News from around the Groups 7 Group Leader reports 14 Mayors Picnic report 15 Picnic in the Park report 15 Dates for your diary 16 First Rock n Roll hit, Jeff Delaney 17 Interest Groups contact details Membership cards a message from the Chair
be
newsletter
…
Our programme of meetings and events are available for you to see on our website at https://u3asites.org.uk/romsey/events and are also always featured in our quarterly newsletters so you will always be kept up to date. Disappointingly,
Recently, a few people have been asking me why they haven’t received their membership card this The reason was explained in the last that in mid but, in case don’t recall it, here it is again As we no longer have the resources to design, create, and over 650 the trustees decided they would not be issued this year.
-May
you
Thankbeautiful?youtoAnnya for giving me permission. Booster reminder If you are over 75 and haven’t had your Spring booster you are encouraged to do so please. This includes residents of care homes.
deliver
year.
you received
as
Aren
Many of you have relied on them in the past because the monthly meeting programme was always printed on them, However, this sometimes became out-of-date if circumstances meant had to made. we have not received any photos for our front page requested, so I have chosen these 2 beauties, photographed by Annya Sait in the Memorial Garden. ’t they
changes
membership cards,
If you’d like to participate again, or even for the first time, perhaps you’d like to start knitting or crocheting during the cold, dark days of winter?
The Mayor’s Picnic this year was a grand success all round. I have heard it said it was the best ever! The weather was perfect, the atmosphere congenial, the various entertainments enjoyed by all and our joint stand with Romsey Archway u3a visited by a great many passers-by. It was a joy to chat to so many interested people as well as to many of you who dropped in to give your support.
Enjoy reading the rest of this newsletter; there are plenty of interesting articles as well as information to help you make the most of your u3a membership.
Kay Lovell
2 2 Chair’s Report
Where does the time go? Keeping busy certainly makes it seem to go much faster! As a member of our u3a, I hope you’re finding plenty to keep you occupied and for you to enjoy. Our monthly meetings, special events, and a myriad of Interest Groups to attend, offer a variety of ways for you to fill your time, build friendships, learn new things and, most of all, have fun.
As I write, I reflect over the past few weeks during which we have experienced weather conditions that some have found difficult to bear. Despite our efforts, gardens and parks have suffered from the hot, dry conditions, with lawns turning from green to brown. Hopefully, in the fullness of time, they will recover. Growing vegetables this year has tried our patience too, as has endeavouring to keep the colours of summer flowers bright. This summer will definitely be one for the record books!
CHAIR’S
REPORT
Our monthly meetings at Crosfield Hall are now being reasonably well attended, although not quite up to the numbers pre Covid, and some of you, who are unable to come along in person, are taking the opportunity to join us on Zoom. We are hoping that, as time goes on and all over 50s have had their second booster, we will see more of you in the Hall with us. Do be sure to make a note of the next few meetings in your diaries so that you don’t miss out. You will find details of the programme further on in this edition. On Wednesday 1st June, fifty or so of us joined together for a Picnic in the Park which was held in recognition of the u3a movement’s 40th anniversary. Did you realise that u3as all over the country were doing the same thing either on that very day or around that time? Being British, we all arrived prepared for rain which was just as well because there was a short shower! You can read more about this event further on in this newsletter; there are a few photos as well. Plenty has been going on in our town too, and we have been involved in some of it. During the weeks of the Romsey Festival, many of the town’s bollards were covered with an attractive array of cosies. I’m sure you saw them. Seven of them were created by our members and advertised u3a, whilst still adhering to the theme of TreesandWoodlands, inspired by the Queen’s wish that trees should be planted to commemorate her Jubilee. Many thanks go to the volunteers who contributed to this commendable effort. Next year the theme will be Allthingsbrightandbeautiful.
So what has been happening in our u3a these past three months? Firstly, our AGM was held in May and I would like to thank those of you who attended, either in person at Crosfield Hall or via Zoom. Business was conducted efficiently and six people were re elected to our Committee of Trustees. Our constitution allows us to have up to twelve Trustees so, if you would like to join us, then please come forward. We will welcome you with open arms! As the 14th century proverb proclaims: Manyhandsmakelightwork.
Meetings start at 10.30 am (ZOOM log-in from 10.15 am). Also remember to check for regular updates, visit https://u3asites.org.uk/romsey/events
Wed Aug 17th The speaker this month is Malcolm Calvert 'Tai Chi and Chi Kung.' Malcolm will tell us about the history of Tai Chi and Chi Kung and give us a demonstration in which audience participation is encouraged! Malcolm will explain how it helps our physical health as we reach our 3rd Age.
Wed Oct 19th Be prepared to be surprised by this talk by Tony Babb: 'The Amazing Animals of World War One.' Tony's talk will probably change your views on how animals were treated in the war to end all wars. Listen to the heart warming insight into the special roles of 24 different animals. Woven into the story is the relationship of care and love between man and animal.
Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan (PEEP)
Talks have resumed in Crosfield Hall and we hope you can join us, however if you are unable to attend we hope you will be able to join in from your home, via Zoom.
Bob has been writing pantomimes since the mid 1990s and has had 24 pantomimes published. They are performed all over the world mainly by amateur companies with the odd one or two professional companies in the Hemix.has performed and directed many pantomimes in the past and has written Wed Jan 18th 2023 This month Jane Glennie will deliver her talk: Violet'sTitanicEscape.
3 3
Wed Sep 21st Dave Allport: 'The Spirit of the 60’s.' A nostalgic and light hearted look back at this iconic era. From Mods to Miniskirts & Films to Fashion. Reach to the back of your wardrobe period dress is encouraged!
General Monthly meetings update
If you plan to attend a meeting at Crosfield Hall and have any disability (visibleornot) which might make it difficult for you to exit the hall without someone’s help, a PEEP form must be completed in advance.
In this talk he recounts from Rudyard Kipling and travels by vintage steam train and the Irrawaddy steamer touring Myanmar, visiting Rangoon, the ancient temple at Bagan and much more.
Jane Glennie is an actor and historian working in schools, museums and village halls. She brings to life history in an entertaining and informative manner. This talk is a theatrical monologue about Violet Jessop, a sea stewardess, who worked on the infamous Titanic. She has many interesting tales to tell.
Wed Feb 15th 2023 Paul Whittle is our speaker again this month. The title of his talk is: Burmese Days.
Wed Dec 21st Bob Heather is the speaker for the December meeting, the title of his talk is: TheTraditionsofPantomime.
.
Wed Nov 30th Notechangefromusualdate.Suzanne Kempe: 'Roaming Free in the New Forest-Betwixt the Grids'. This talk will give you an insight into 'commoning' and how the New Forest is managed throughout the year. This is a practice that has survived for some 900 years. Suzanne has not only run ponies as a commoner but has also, for many years, competed with great success on these wonderful ponies.
Contact Dave Lovell for a form at vice.chair@romseyu3a.org.uk or 01749 515316. He can also help you complete it.
You will find
or
The trustees believe it is important to the future smooth running of your u3a identify, as soon as volunteers to replace the current Chair, Vice-Chair, Secretary and Treasurer at our next AGM in May 2023. these, and other, roles described at https://u3asites.org.uk/romsey/home contact Kay by email at chair@romseyu3a.org.uk by phone on 01794 515316
If you are interested and would like to know more, please
Volunteers who come forward now will be given the opportunity to shadow and work with the current post-holders and be invited to attend trustee meetings as observers. In this way we can be sure of an easy transition when the time comes.
4 4 IMPORTANT ANOUNCEMENT
to
possible,
To promote the membership of the u3a and recognition of what we do in local media Zoom Licence Manager To schedule Zoom meetings for groups meeting on Zoom and for the monthly meetings Minute Secretary
To write the minutes of the Management Committee meetings Technical Support Manager Manage the projector for meetings in Crosfield Hall Website Manager To maintain the content of our website Current Vacancies
Press and Publicity
Any prospective candidate will need to be confident using a P.C./laptop.
http://www.romseymalevoicechoir.co.ukTheChangingSeasonsofFishlakeMeadows
The Iris
During these difficult times, finding nuggets of pleasure and delight are essential. As I am an art teacher, grandmother of many grandchildren and have 5 children, and balancing time and activities are essential. Discovering what is right for yourself can take a time, and this of course changes as time progresses. Things are difficult before they become easy several of my students have said, many times! I have been asked to forward to the newsletter, local happenings that may be of interest, and what our family have been up to. Over the months, Hilliers Gardens situated very close to us has remained open, and have supplied a gorgeous environment for all of us. As a painter and teacher, they have invited both my husband Paul Robinson and myself to teach and encourage everyone to some lovely ART WORKSHOPS in many subjects and abilities, plus providing a continuous and varied series of art EXHIBITIONS next to the large cafe and opposite the teaching block at the end of the main driveway. This was one of the first adventurous paintings I exhibited 'The changing Seasons of Fishlake Meadows’ with pieces of actual ferns, leaves and twigs glued and painted into the picture! The second is "The Iris" painted as a demonstration for my Age Concern Art Class this term. Take a look at my website for more examples, follow the link below. Paul and I hold art classes at the AGE CONCERN in Linden Road behind Waitrose on a Monday afternoon from 1 3pm. We teach all abilities, landscapes, flowers, seascapes, in Watercolours, Acrylics and Mixed Media. Please contact me if you are interested on 01794 518211 or email me at art@wendyjelbert.co.uk.
5 5 Wendy Jelbert’s paintings
I am pleased to pass on a warm invitation from Keith Lawrenson, President of Romsey Male Voice Choir. The Romsey Male Voice Choir will be in concert with the world famous Treorchy Male Choir on 1st October 2022 at Romsey Abbey commencing at 7.30pm in aid of Prostate Cancer UK. Tickets can be obtained from: http://www.ticketsource.co.uk/musicinromsey
For more information about Romsey Male Voice choir and this concert see their website:
There are new leaders of this group who have taken over from Linda Meyer. They are Cathy Suter & Christine Scrivener and we would like to thank them for volunteering for their new roles. Thank you also to Linda for running the group for the past year or so and for being the group treasurer since the group started about 4 years ago.
6. Cinema The leader of this group has changed from Anne Gorst to Pat Robertson. We would like to thank Anne for running this group for the past 4 years and wish Pat good luck for continuing the success of this group.
After many years as its group leader, Anne Gorst has stepped down from her role in running this small but successful group and we would like to thank her for all her hard work and enthusiasm. The new leader is Maryse McKee and we thank her for taking on this role and wish her good luck for the future prosperity of the group.
9. Strollers group
2. French Conversation
7. Horticulture
3. KieranPhilosophyJones , the leader of the group, has decided to step down from this role and we would also like to thank him for many years of service in organizing meetings and discussions.
There are three vacancies in this group. If you’d like to join the group, which meets 1.30pm to 2.30pm on the first Monday each month and share your love of reading with other members, contact Margaret Marchbank on the link below.
If you are keen on this genre of literature and would like to discuss your reading with like-minded people, then you are very welcome to join this newly formed group. Days and times to be confirmed when there are sufficient members in the group. Please contact Margaret or Jo (see below)
The deadline is FRIDAY 28 October 2022 but PLEASE send as soon as you have it!
5. Crime Fiction Book Club
1.Table Tennis Fridays Good news : a new group has just started for people of all abilities. It takes place on Fridays 12.30 to 2.00 pm at the Abbotswood Community Centre and we still need more members. Please contact the group leader if you wish to join : petersliwa53@gmail.com or just turn up on a Friday
Margaret Marchbank : groups@romseyu3a.org.uk Newsletter deadlines
4. Theatre We are still looking for people to help run this group with a variety of skills, including convening meetings, booking theatre trips and dealing with finances. Anyone interested would receive plenty of support and should contact either Margaret or Jo (see below)
6 6 News from around the groups Interest Groups News : for August 2022
8. Bookworms reading group
There is a new group leader of Strollers from Sandra Vines to Margaret Massie : phone 01794 522047 and email gordon.massie1@btinternet.com.
Please send your copy for the November 2022 newsletter to John Dick at: publications@romseyu3a.org.uk
Visit to NETLEY CHAPEL
Peter and Elizabeth Lawrie organised this visit to recently restored Netley Chapel when over twenty of our group were given a fascinating talk by tour guide and architect Dorte Barkley
. Netley Chapel is all that is left of the original military hospital commissioned and opened by Queen Victoria in 1863. The hospital, nearly a quarter of a mile long, fronted Southampton Water. Its design, although architecturally impressive, did nothing for the comfort of the soldiers as their wards were at the back.
7 7 Group Leader reports
Overwhelming numbers (some 50,000 casualties in the course of the First WorldWar) led to huts being built at the rear of the main hospital. The hospital also held soldiers during the SecondWorldWarafter which it gradually became defunct. It was closed in 1979, and apart from the Chapel, was eventually demolished.
Architecture and Local History Group
Florence Nightingale together with Prime Minister Palmerston, tried to get the design changed but the building was too far advanced for any significant alteration. Initially, it was intended to transfer the wounded by ship to a specially built pier; this idea was abandoned and instead a specially constructed railway line brought the patients into the hospital grounds.
On a day with heavy April showers, Jo Morgan led 14 of our group on a tour of ALRESFORD. We followed the Millennium Trail from the Watercress Railway car park, past the parish church with its notable Saxon rood above the door and into Broad Street. Dating from the 13th century, the town became a prosperous wool centre with regular markets and fairs in BroadStreet. Most of the houses have been destroyed by fires over the centuries and now the town has essentially Georgianarchitecture, often built over original Norman cellars. MillHillhas the oldest houses dating from the 14th century. LadywellLanetook us to the River Arle where we spotted watercress. Along this stretch is the picturesque 13thcenturyfullingmill(now a private house) which spans the river. It used wooden hammers to render raw cloth into useable material. We then made our way along TheDeanand into WestStreetwhere, on the corner, the original Perrins School was founded in 1698 for poor boys. We then dried out and had a welcome snack before our journey home. Let’s hope this short summary will have whetted your appetite to explore this lovely Hampshire town.
On entering the nature reserve, we were greeted by the lovely sight of pyramidal orchids amongst the many other wildflowers. Butterflies were numerous and green veined white, brimstone, gatekeeper and small skipper were identified and captured by the photographers in the group. We spotted a juvenile robin with its cryptic, spotted markings a few metres away from a beautiful heath spotted orchid. Gerald Manley Hopkins got it right in his poem ‘Pied Beauty’ when he wrote ‘Glory be to God for dappled things’. This little pink and white orchid has the most exquisite dotty markings and blotchy leaves.
The Chapelhas been superbly restored with imaginative representations. The more adventurous of us climbed the tower and were rewarded by magnificent views across Hampshire. It was just possible to see Portsmouth’s Spinnaker Tower on the horizon. A pleasant wooded walk takes you to the large hospital cemetery where there are a few German graves among those of soldiers from allied countries.
On the 6 July a group of seven members met for a walk on Broughton Down near Stockbridge. My covert name for this trip was Operation Yellowhammer as I ‘needed’ this bird for my year list and I was hoping that seven sets of keen eyes would turn up trumps. More on this later. The weather was beautifully warm with a mixture of hazy sun and cloud and the lack of breeze was just perfect for butterflies. As we waited for the group to assemble small white, marbled white, gatekeeper and peacock butterflies were spotted flitting about the wildflowers which lined the track. It felt like it was going to be one of those ‘glad to be alive’ days. The track up through the woods is relatively steep. It can be treacherous if wet as there is a very thin layer of soil on top of the slippery chalk. Fortunately, it was bone dry and we soon reached the top for a breather and a chat. The track then passes through a stretch with farm fields on either side. There were glorious views of the Hampshire countryside with the ripening crops delineated by the darker hedgerows. Chiffchaffs called and we had a cracking view of both buzzard and a sweetly singing skylark ascending higher and higher. This was interrupted by a couple of deep ‘korrps’ emitted by a pair of ravens flying over the nearby field with deep, elastic wingbeats. We were to see this pair again later from the top of the down.
Birdwatching Group walk at Broughton Down
*******************
8 8
9 9 As we progressed through the reserve, we scanned the hedge line as there were many birds calling. Suddenly a smallish bird flew up on to the top branch of a hawthorn. Scanning with our binoculars we were excited to see that a male yellowhammer had decided to show up for us and was singing his ‘little bit of bread and no cheese’ call to mark his territory. Mission accomplished and a beautiful sighting. We had a pause at the bronze age tumuli. These intriguing grassy mounds form a fantastic viewing point over the whole vale surrounding the village of Broughton, taking in views to the East. An obliging red kite flew slowly along the tree line below making our coffee break all the more enjoyable. Moving on we saw dark green fritillary, small heath and ringlet butterflies before re entering the woodland for our descent back to the valley. But the delights of the morning were far from over as Sue and Alan had mentioned the village community café as a possible finale to our walk. So, we felt it needed investigating purely for u3a research purposes and can report back that the cakes are home made, delicious and very good value. The outside seating surrounded by flowering lavender is rather lovely. Laughter, friendship, cake and a yellowhammer. What could be better! Marion Slattery GroupCreativeCoordinatorWritingGroup Ever thought of writing your memoirs or penning a fairy tale for your grandchildren? Why not join a group of enthusiastic scribers with whom you can share your creative ideas. All good writers are good readers so often the group members are channelling their inspiration by looking at the works of other great writers and poets. We try and help each other out by listening to each other’s Ifwork.you think this would float your boat why not come along to one of our sessions. We meet on the fourth Monday of the month between 2pm and 4pm, and we have three spaces left in our group. We are a hybrid group, which means that you can join in by ZOOM, or come along to my house in Fishlake Meadows, share a cup of tea and a biscuit, and join in the fun. Please ring me on 07786680251 if you are interested or e mail me on jennifer@wineberg.co.uk Our next meeting will be Monday August 22. We look forward to hearing from you Jennifer Wineberg ********************
10 10
In recent months members of the Genealogy Group have delivered presentations on topics from their own research. The first of these was from Antonia Stickland, who told members about the HursleyLadswho served in the armed forces during the Great War 1914-1919. Hursley had a large population for a parish and by Easter 1915 some 10% were serving, around half with the Hampshire Regiment. Many were from the Hursley Estate. Antonia reported that the records of the Ancient Order of Foresters identify families who had been supported whilst their menfolk were away. The war memorial in Hursley records the names of 210 men who served, survivors as well as the 34 who perished. Of those 34, only one is buried in Hursley cemetery. Another, Denis Hewitt from Ladwell, was awarded a Victoria Cross for his actions in leading his men in an offensive at Ypres. Antonia has written a book in honour of the HursleyLads; a copy is held by the Genealogy Group in its library. The following month members were invited to talk about MilitaryAncestorsidentified within their own families. We heard about successes in tracing records of individuals, in several cases to confirm, or otherwise, anecdotes of past glories. Two of the subjects were individuals who had served as far back as the 1700s. Most recently Kay Lovell spoke to the group about PubsandPublicans. Her focus was Southampton, and the involvement of her own ancestors, the Pratt family, in the trade. In the 1800s licencing laws were introduced which were intended to make beer more readily available to the population, with the intention that this would wean them from hard spirits such as gin. A licence back then cost two guineas. Ale houses increased rapidly; Kay related that at one time Southampton had 522 pubs, which for a population of 80,000 meant one per 153 people! In 1878 a drinking map for the city was published, with good intentions of warning of the ready ability for habitual drinking, but with an unwanted impact as providing a useful guide to alehouse locations for those visiting the port.
Graham
Chris Scrivener scrivenerc@ymail.com 01794 368972 U3A Reading for Pleasure
Genealogy Group
******************** ********************
Members of the Pratt family have been identified by Kay as having been involved in more than 10 public houses in Southampton and area. Those included the Platform Tavern, Duke of Wellington (both in the old town) and the Royal Exchange in St Mary’s. The latter was run by her Uncle Charlie in 1939, but only until 1940 when it was one of 45,000 buildings hit during the 57 bombing raids on the city during World War II. HorticultureWoodburygroup
Group leaders Cathy Suter cathy.suter1@gmail.com 02380 263913
We are a small friendly group, meeting on the second Monday of the month at 2.30 in the afternoon. During the spring we have continued to meet via Zoom but in June and July we met in person. Luckily the weather was good and we were able to meet outside. We decide by agreement between ourselves which books to read so everyone contributes to choosing a book for the month. We try to source re-cycled books so this does mean that we don’t usually read current best sellers. We try to read a wide variety of books and generally have wide ranging discussions. In May we read TheUnexpectedReturnofJosephineFoxby local author Claire Gradidge. This book is a thriller set in Romsey during WW2. It is an engaging tale, and the fact that it is set in the local area adds interest. For June we read Rachel’ sHolidayby Marian Keyes. It is an interesting read, although we felt it was a little too long. Nevertheless, it is a candid look at family dynamics, mental health issues and addiction. The author, a recovering alcoholic, gives a humorous, but sometimes brutal, look at the process of rehab. In July we read ASummerBirdcageby Margaret Drabble. This was Margaret’s first book, written in her early twenties, and is believed to have sparked the rift between herself and her older sister A. S. Byatt. It is a no holds barred look at life and relationships at the start of the SwingingSixties. It is very much of its time and as a first book is immature in style but worth a read (it is only a slim volume!). As a counterbalance to this we will be reading TheShadowoftheSunby her sister (written a year after Margaret’s book) in August. We hope to be able to compare the two authors who, since their early attempts, have both become celebrated writers. If you would like to join us, contact me on: giliangardiner274@gmail.com
We are pleased that the horticulture group will continue to run on the fourth Tuesday of each month. We meet in the Scout Hall, Braishfield Road at 10.30. This is a friendly, informal group and we are very lucky that we have a professional horticulturist, Philip Jeffs, who comes and shares his invaluable experience. We are able to ask questions and share our own ideas, things that have worked and things that have not! We have room for more members. All are welcome whether you have a garden or window box, whether you are knowledgeable or a novice, come and try us.
The museum itself is housed in the manor house and takes you on a journey through a period of American history primarily focused on 14th 20th centuries. With its remarkable collection of folk and decorative arts alongside cultural objects, the museum shows the diverse and complex nature of American traditions. The highlight for many was the textiles room with its display of rugs, blankets and a myriad of colourful quilts. In the purpose built Exhibition Gallery, we explored Native American material culture through the “Dress to Redress” temporary exhibition of the work of “Anishinabe” artist Celeste Pedri Spade which featured a series of spectacular wearable-art pieces, personal artefacts and photography. The “Anishinabe” are group of First Nations peoples originating in the Great Lakes region of Canada and the United States. Naturally there was the usual gift shop and a café providing refreshments, some with an American flavour, which could be consumed inside or out on the terrace whilst overlooking the grounds. All in all, we had a great day!
In addition to a walk around 26 acres of aviaries and beautiful landscaped gardens, we were able to admire over 1,200 birds and 180 species from around the world. Popular exhibits include The Terry Pratchett Owl Parliament, Penguin Beach and Flamingo Cove whilst, Outback Landing and The Jenny Wren Farm are also very popular. The variety of birdlife itself, plus their antics, colours and sounds, provided plenty of entertainment for us all. A good number of Grey Herons were also spotted around the site. Although not part of the Birdworld collection, they have certainly made it their home where there is food a-plenty and could be seen nesting in the high treetops. All agreed, it was yet another successful and enjoyable day’s outing.
On arrival most took a coffee break at The Palm Café, now serving Costa Coffee, and revisited later to feast on a range of snacks, sandwiches and mouth watering cakes. A few had brought their own packed lunch as there's lots of space for picnics.
In May we visited the American Museum on the edge of Bath. We stopped for a comfort and coffee break ‘en route’ and arrived at the Museum about mid day. The museum is located in an area of outstanding natural beauty. The hilltop site of the museum’s home, Claverton Manor, takes full advantage of the spectacular views over the Limpley Stoke Valley and River Avon. As it was a nice day, many of us took the opportunity to wander through the grounds to see remnants of the old Italianate style manorial pleasure gardens, dating from the 1820s, as well as the grotto, the balustrade and curtain walling.
11 11
SHORT DAY TRIPS THE AMERICAN MUSEUM, CLAVERTON, near BATH, May 2022
BIRDWORLD, near FARNHAM, June 2022
Our June trip took us to Birdworld, one of the largest bird parks in the country. It is located on the Hampshire border with Surrey and is a great place to explore for a pleasant and informative day out.
Check out the CABINMAX website https://cabinmax.com. Use a Credit Card: When purchasing any large item [including a holiday] of a value between £100 and £10,000, it is recommended that you use a credit card for all or part of the cost. Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act 1974 makes the Credit Card Company jointly liable with the Supplier to provide the item that is supplied, in accordance with any given description. The part payment can be as little as £1 on the credit card, but it is more likely to be the deposit. Don’t be persuaded to pay for the item all on a Debit Card as you are foregoing this FREE protection. Happy Travelling!
John gave us two helpful reminders as we resume travelling. Luggage: In these days of lost luggage, it is a good idea to keep to hand luggage only that way you are in control and your bag won’t disappear into the growing mountain of lost luggage.
PeterTravelSliwaGroup At their July meeting 36 members of the Travel Group enjoyed delicious homemade scones, jam and cream at their coffee morning in TheAnnexeat the CrosfieldHall. Mary shared memories of a VikingDanubeRiverTripfrom Bucharest to Budapest
On Thursday 28th July 2022 our Short Day Trip took us by coach to visit Arundel Castle which is situated high on a hill, in magnificent grounds, overlooking the River Arun in West Sussex. Founded at the end of the 11th century, it has been the home of the Dukes of Norfolk, the Howards, and their ancestors for almost 1,000 years. Everyone was free to explore at their own leisure and to learn the history of the sometimes notorious members of the Howard family. Many of us climbed the stone steps up into the Keep, squeezed along the narrow passages and enjoyed the magnificent views from the top of the walls. We also wandered through the State Rooms of the castle interior to appreciate many marvels, including the Baron’s Hall and the Regency Library, where valuable artworks and artefacts are on display. Outside in the grounds, there were exhibitions of jousting, falconry, fire eating and stalls demonstrating medieval crafts including leather goods, armour, and jewellery. There is also a Rose Garden to enjoy and the 14th century Fitzalan Chapel which has had a varied history, including damage during the Civil War in 1643-4. We returned to Romsey all agreeing we had had a very enjoyable day.
Margaret Waghorn, Trip Organiser Friday Table Tennis Group
12 12 TRIP TO ARUNDEL CASTLE, July 2022
******************** ********************
I am pleased to report that the group is thriving although there is still room for new members whatever their skill level. We play each Friday at Abbotswood Community Centre 12.30 pm until 2.00pm. Why not come along and join us.
Jan Moody
13 13
********************
Michael Ward Opera and Classical Song Group Coordinator
There are three vacancies in the u3a Reading Group. If you'd like to join the group, which meets 1.30 to 2.30pm on the first Monday each month, and share your love of reading with other members, contact the group leader, Kaye Hannah on 01794 512033.
DerekOperaMorleyandClassical
Bookworms group
Wine Group Our July meeting was a Garden Party, where 20 members enjoyed English wines from our local vineyard at Bramshaw, served with an assortment of locally sourced food. Smoked trout pate, from Chalk Stream, Romsey; a selection of sausages from Drummond the Butchers, Romsey, and strawberries from Waitrose Romsey. We also tasted three different cheeses: Lyburn oak smoked cheese, produced in the New Forest, and bought in Romsey Co-op; Rosary goat’s cheese produced in Landford and Tunworth produced in Herriard, which were both bought in Waitrose Romsey. As you can see the wine went down very well. It was again a very successful garden party.
Song Group Opera and classical song group successfully completed its 2021/22 season in June this year using Zoom. As always, we tried to have a balanced coverage of different opera genres. Thus, there was one baroque opera (Handel’s GiulioCesare), two verismooperas (Mascagni’s Cavalleriarusticanaand Giordano’s AndreaChenier), two popular 19th Century Italian operas (Verdi’s LaTraviataand Puccini’s LaBoheme, a French opera (Gounod’s RomeoandJuliet), a German late romantic opera (Richard Strauss’s Arabella) and operetta (Johann Strauss’s DieFledermaus) and two twentieth century operas (Bartok’s expressionist masterpiece DukeBluebeard’sCastleand Janacek’s delightful Czech dance opera, the Cunninglittle Vixen).Threemembers of the group presented operas over the season and ensured that we had a wellresearched discussion afterwards. We were fortunate that Robert Bideleux joined us just before the new season. A long standing opera enthusiast, he has an extensive knowledge opera on DVD and a large personal collection which proved invaluable. David Llewellyn, who it seems has opera singing in his blood, has a particular love of Italian opera and the singers of the Golden Age. His presentation of Andrea Chenier, with the great Franco Corelli in the title role, was particularly popular despite the dated production, showing that the group universally recognised great singing. The third presenter, Michael Ward, has a special interest in early opera, German and East European opera and modern opera. The surprise favourite among his presentations, under the topic of expressionism and metaphor was the Hungarian opera Duke Bluebeard’s Castle. Overall, there was a friendly and high level of discussion after each opera, with members diligently searching the internet for interesting information. Elaine Rockell had unique insights among the group as a former professional opera singer herself. A summary handout was prepared after each discussion and can be found on the group website. Opera group meets on Zoom every second Monday of the month at 10am. The meetings usually start at 10am with streaming of a chosen opera and the discussion finishes promptly at 1pm. Our first meeting is on Monday, September 12th when the subject is Saint Saen’s Samson and Dalila, with Jon Vickers and Shirley Verrett in the title roles. New members are welcome to join the group; contact the coordinator Michael Ward via email from the Romsey and District u3a opera group web page.
********************
*******************
Pickleball
What about August? (Lammas/Lughnasagreetingstoeveryone,bytheway.)Back in the day, most of the group were away on holiday, or on grandparent duty, or both, so we didn't expect to meet up.
Closer to home? Check out Romsey, Winchester & Southampton for a start. As ever, ideas and suggestions are welcome, as are your photos or trip reports of places of interest.
But September is a good time to start things again and Heritage Open Days are looking good. Geoff Wride has been looking into a trip to the Diving Museum in Gosport, highly recommended, he reckons dates being considered, minibus possible. Even if that's not to your taste, Gosport has a lot to offer, as usual including a tour of Clarence Yard. You may remember we had a private guided tour, a few years ago.
Industrial Heritage group If you thought it had all gone a bit quiet for our group, after having to cancel the planned trips in June and July, you're quite right. Covid 19 isn't over yet as some of us can vouch for as well as continuing to take care, due to vulnerable family members. However, while the sun is shining and the UV levels are doing their antimicrobial best, there's plenty to consider for Industrial Heritage interest. Railways, historic ships, outdoor museums, etc.
Romsey Mayors Picnic 3rd July 2022
The u3a attended the event in the Memorial Park and erected our stand. We had a lot of interest, not just from u3a members but also other people interested to find out more about the u3a organisation. Thank you to everyone who came along on the day to support us.
Trisha Meredith and Adrian Rigby
Take care of yourselves, get some fresh air, and see you one of these days, Janet Payne
14 14
The groups are still thriving both indoors and outside. The indoor session is changing from a Wednesday to Thursday evening as from 8th September. The time will remain the same, 17:00 18:30, in the sports hall at Mountbatten School with a cost of £3 per session. The outdoor play remains at North Baddesley Sports Centre tennis courts on Thursdays 14:00 15:30, weather permitting, with a cost of £1 per session. All equipment is provided. We welcome any members who would like to have a trial at this fun sport.
To celebrate this year’s u3a week, you may bring a guest to our monthly meeting when Dave Allport will be giving his presentation: 'The Spirit of the 60’s.' Please let us know in advance so that we can manage numbers.
Thursday 20th October Cyber Crime Presentation, Crosfield Hall, 2.00 pm
Thursday 8th September Late Summer Picnic in the Park, 12 noon – 2.00 pm
Please join us in Romsey’s Memorial Park to enjoy a communal picnic lunch. Bring your chair or rug and your own picnic unless you’d prefer to purchase from the Park Café.
15 15 PICNIC IN THE PARK : WEDNESDAY 1ST JUNE u3a 40th Anniversary Celebration
The weather was a little unpredictable on the day of our picnic, organised in Romsey’s Memorial Park to celebrate the u3a movement’s 40th birthday, so everyone came prepared for all eventualities! Thank you to all of those who came along to make it the success it was. As well as enjoying our picnics, we had fun chatting with fellow members and friends, relaxing in the sun and, caught out by the burst of a summer rain shower, sheltering under the large tree at hand or under our umbrellas. Fortunately, it didn’t last long nor did it spoil the occasion. In fact, we laughed about it!
Wednesday 21st September “Bring a Friend” to our monthly meeting!
DATES FOR YOUR DIARY
The ‘Cyber Champions’ from the Hampshire Cyber Watch Team will advise on five key steps to protect yourself from cyber-crime, how a scammer works, and what to do if you or someone you know becomes a victim of a scam. This will be a joint event with members from Romsey Archway u3a. In order that we can monitor the likely numbers of attendees, please e mail Kay at chair@romseyu3a.org.uk or phone her on 01794 515316 by 30th September to let her know you wish to attend this event.
I’d like to share with you a discussion and debate with some old chums over the years, on the question of what would have been the first ever Rock ‘n’ Roll record. There are several strong contenders but it seems to me for people of our vintage, your selection would depend on where you lived in the 1950’s. In the early 1950’s in America there were hundreds and hundreds of radio licences granted for transmission to the public, and most were music stations specialising in various types of the new and current styles. In Britain there was just one and our BBC took it on to carefully control what the British public should be listening to and keep us safe. In short we were starved of the dangerous new music becoming popular in America. Therefore we’d be forgiven if, in Britain we’d select Bill Haley’s Rock Around The Clock as the first. But it’s an interesting chain of events. In America one of the upcoming bands was Bill Haley and the Saddlemen (later re named the Comets), described as Hillbilly/Country style (we’d now use the term Rockabilly). Their records were selling well and had preformed very successfully and provided exciting concerts. Their next step was to sign a lucrative record contract with a major record company Decca. It was 1954 and a new hit record was needed to continue their momentum and get a studio booked. The song chosen was a cover of something new called “Thirteen Women, And Only One Man”. Well it was the mid 1950’s and in the middle of the Cold War with the threat of nuclear conflict ever present, this song lyric was a tale of what might be left after “The Bomb”. Very cheerful! The recording of this “A” side finished, there was only a short time to select and record a “B” side. The chosen song was a cover of a 12 bar blues song called “Rock Around The Clock” but only time for two takes. The recording engineer pulled the best of the takes and spliced into the track we know today.
For me, even for my tender years at the time, I’ll never forget when I became aware of the electric guitar solo in the first break in the track. What is this! An electric guitar! Can I hear more. That's what had me hooked. The gentleman responsible was a Danny Cedrone, who had played and recorded with Bill Haley before. At the recording there was so little time to arrange a guitar break that Danny just used a guitar like he’d used before and it seemed to fit. Bill decided he didn’t need a lead guitarist so he never became a regular member of the Comets. For his work on the recording he received $21!
In a final twist Danny Cedrone later fell down a staircase and died. It was just a day or two before his 34th birthday, but also before the release of this record. He never saw the success he helped to create. Oh well, keep on Rockin’ (or novelty foxtrotting if you prefer) Note from editor Maybeyouhaveviewsonthis,ifso,sendthemtothenewseditorandwewillpublishinfuturenewsletters. John Dick.
An interesting article from Jeff Delaney—first Rock n Roll hit??
16 16
1955 and the single was released in America but the sales were somewhat underwhelming. Now follows two key events. Someone somewhere thought that the record should be flipped The B” side should be the “A” side and the listening public agreed and there at last was the monster hit. Meanwhile in Hollywood, MGM studios were shooting a version of a book by Evan Hunter called “Blackboard Jungle”. A story that dealt with some social issues of the day education, juvenile delinquency, urban violence, and to add to the mix they used “Rock Around The Clock” to be played over the opening credits. This hard hitting film of anger and violence was infectious and reports of rioting from cinema audiences made the headlines. The film did get a release in Britain and young and eager audiences here flocked to cinemas for a chance to hear this record at last. The record got its release here in 1956 and was then the first “Rock “N” Roll record to reach the No. 1 spot in this country. I find it quite amusing that the record company still didn’t know what musical genre to put it under and the original pressing had a label that read; “(We’re Gonna) Rock Around the Clock” Bill Haley and the Comets (NoveltyFoxtrot)
17 17 Appendix 1 Interest Groups Contact details (August 2022) Art Appreciation Jo Morgan 2nd Monday Bird MarionWatchingSlattery Varies, by arrangement Garden Visits 1 Mary Nickols 1st Friday, mornings Garden Visits 2 Sue Boulain Liz Holder 3rd Thursday, mornings ChristineCathyHorticultureSuterScrivener 4th Tuesday, mornings TrishaPickleballMeredith Wed’s at 5.00pm and Thursdays at 2.00pm Short Day Trips Kay Lovell 4th Thursday MargaretStrollers Massie 2nd Wednesday Table Tennis Improvers Juliet Austin Mondays, weekly 13.00—14.30 Table Tennis Fridays Abbotswood Community Centre Peter Sliwa Fridays, 12.30 - 2.00pm Travel Janet Moody 2nd Tuesday am JanWalkingMorley 1st and 3rd Tuesdays, Mornings 10.00am For queries connected to the groups, please contact your Interest Group Coordinators: Jo Morgan: 01794 514134 Margaret Marchbank: groups@romseyu3a.org.uk 1. Activities groups
18 18 Appendix 1—Interest Groups Contact details (August 2022) Architecture/Local History Shirley Rogers 1st Monday, mornings GrahamGenealogyWoodbury 4th Wednesday, mornings JanetGeography/GeologyMoody 3rd Tuesday, afternoons History Social & General Pat PatsyBatchelorBatson 3rd Monday, mornings Industrial Heritage Janet Payne John Stone Winter; 2nd Monday, morning March October visits Natural History Michael Sleigh 3rd Friday, 10.00am KayeBookwormsHannah 1st Monday, afternoons Books for Pleasure Gilian Gardiner 2nd Monday, afternoons Crime Fiction Book Club Newgroup,leaderanddatestobecon-firmed. Current Affairs 2nd Tuesdays, 2.15pm English Literature 4th Tuesday, afternoons HarryPhilosophyTuffill Last Friday of the month afternoons Wine Appreciation 2nd Thursday, 7—9pm 2. Discovering the Past groups 3. Discussion groups
19 19 Appendix 1—Interest Groups Contact details (August 2022) Bridge for Improvers Lindsey Dunford Weekly, Wednesdays 2.00pm MargaretCanasta Ellis 1st and 3rd Mondays, pm Mah JenniferJongJarman 1st Thursday, afternoons French 1 Mike Wood Twice monthly, Monday am French 2 Liz Gill Twice monthly, Monday pm French MaryseConversationMcKee 2nd Thursday, 2.00pm German Conversation Fortnightly, Monday at 2.00pm Italian Intermediate Weekly, Friday, pm Italian Intermediate 2 Carole Cox Weekly, Monday, pm Italian Improvers Marjorie Blundell Varies, by arrangement Italian Novices David AngelaHaighBogatto Weekly, Wednesday, 2.30pm Latin Literature Varies, by arrangement Spanish Weekly, Thursdays 4. Games groups 5. Languages groups
20 20 Appendix 1—Interest Groups Contact details (August 2022) Music MichaelAppreciationPerfect 4th Wednesday, pm Enjoying Music David Pope Last Wednesday, pm Opera & Classical Song Michael Ward 2nd Monday, 11.00am Recorder 2nd & 4th Friday 10.30—12.30 Singing for Pleasure Jo Morgan 4th Monday, 2.00pm Creative Writing Jennifer Wineberg 4th Monday, afternoon Introduction to Computers Sylvia Croxall 3rd Wednesday, afternoon Painting Thursday Janet Moody Every Thursday morning Painting 2 Glenda Taylor To be advised MikeSnappersDriscoll Varies by arrangement JohnTechnologyBroughall Weekly on Wednesday, 10.30am Cinema As and when arranged New Theatre Group Jo Morgan 2nd Thursday of the month 6. Music groups 7. Skill & Dexterity groups 8. Theatre & Drama groups
