Kettering U3A
19th January 2016 Kettering U3A Year 12 Newsletter 7 Next Month 19th January
Braybrooke Morris Dancers
From the Chairman—
Happy New Year to each one of you. My subject for today’s sermon is “Sharing”. Forget terms like “Leader” and “Responsibility”; forget JFK’s “Ask not what your country can do for you”. Instead think “I’m interested in [fill in the blank for yourself]; how can I help to get/ keep a group going? How can I/we ensure a wearisome load doesn’t land totally on the shoulders of one person. Face it: many of us, willing in the flesh, have health problems or family needing our help or have simply taken on too much, have given our all to the U3A for long enough, are growing older and want a bit of time for our own lives before it’s too late. Harsh? Stark? It’s meant to be. Despite a recurrence of ME symptoms (and I’m not the only one), I’m lucky: my fellow Group members in Writing, Singing, Knitting have helped enormously by each taking on a role or providing a venue, in running the Group. Marian will tell you the same; Discussion Group likewise. Alone it is a burden to “Lead” a Group; collectively, sharing what may be involved, is easy and the “burden” is light. For “Leader” substitute “Contact”. SHARE! That’s what OUR U3A is, or should be, about. Before longer than you imagine, it will be AGM time: I have one more year in post, then I’m jacking it in; Maggi has had enough; Marian has other calls on her time nearer to home; just prior to going to press, Helen resigned from the Committee and as Theatre Group and New Members Coordinator; Cyril – the rock without whom I would not have taken on the Chairmanship myself – is considering his options. This is a wonderful U3A. We knock spots off all the others! Come on, step up to the plate or lose what so many of us have worked so hard for. KU3A and its Groups are in your hands.
Mary Next Month 16th February
Cransley Hospice Registered Charity No. 1108614 1
www.u3asites.org.uk/kettering
Kettering U3A
Group Leaders Information
• • • • • •
Check that all members of your group are fully paid-up members of the U3A. Ensure that you have:A written record showing your member’s name, address, telephone number and email address. The name and telephone of each member’s emergency contact. The post code of your venue as this will be required by the emergency services should you need to call them out. Send articles, reports and photographs about your group to the Newsletter Editor. Copy deadline for the newsletter is 2 Saturdays before the monthly meeting. To put additional information and/or photographs on your Group’s web page on the Kettering U3A website, please email to the Web Master, Richard@Boyles.co.uk or send hardcopy to him. Advise the Group Coordinator of any changes to your group arrangements, e.g. venue, timing, group leader etc. Refreshments 2015 The Eden Centre will provide tea and coffee at 50p per cup with the U3A members helping to serve.
Members Information Welcome to new members
Anne Norman • • • • •
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Jenny Cunningham
Joy Hood
Advise the Membership Secretary, in writing, of any changes to your address, post code, telephone number or email address. If you are unable to attend your Group’s meeting, please advise your Group Leader in advance. If you know one of our members has a special occasion ahead, e.g. important birthday, anniversary or if they are ill and you feel a card from the U3A would be appreciated, please contact Joan Rolfe on 01536 521531 Bring your membership card with you to the meeting and have it available for checking in. If you cannot get to the monthly meeting for any reasons, you can get a copy of the Newsletter:-from either the Library or the Tourist Information desk, Manor House Museum, Kettering or from Desborough, Rothwell or Burton Latimer Libraries. Or via our postal service direct to your home (£10 per annum) Contact the Membership Secretary to do so. Download the newsletter (in glorious colour) from web site, www.u3asites.org.uk/kettering & click on Links.
Monthly Meeting Dates & Speakers
Mar 15 Apr 19 May 17 Jun 21 Jul 19
2016 Being a TV Chef - Zena Skinner Harpist and bird Songs - Nick Penny A History of Wicksteed Park Annual General Meeting To be confirmed
Aug 16 Sep 20 Oct 18 Nov 15 Dec 13
Classic Cars Quiz The Old Candleworks by Marianne Perry A Tudor Christmas - Martin Sinot Smith U3A Singers (Note meeting one week earlier than normal)
Your Kettering U3A Committee 2015-2016 Chairman Vice Chairman Secretary Treasurer Membership Secretary Speaker Seeker Newsletter/Web site Groups Co-ordinator Committee Member
Mary Wildman Cyril Young Diane Tebbutt Elizabeth Toseland Maggi McGuire Marian Tucker Richard Boyles Cyril Young Vacancy
01536 741 222 01536 392 065 01536 392 556 01536 460 029 01536 392 716 01536 510 354 01536 744 753 01536 392 065
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mary@u3akettering.co.uk cyril@u3akettering.co.uk diane@u3akettering.co.uk elizabeth@u3akettering.co.uk maggi@u3akettering.co.uk marian@u3akettering.co.uk richard@u3akettering.co.uk cyril@u3akettering.co.uk
Kettering U3A
News — Interest Groups — Visits and Reports Our next meeting at the Eden Centre, 21, Montague Street, Kettering Format of the meeting:-
OBITUARY - Pat MacDonald Pat passed away on Christmas Day. Many members from earlier days will remember her as an eager participant in many U3A activities such as the Bridge group, Red Kite and the Lunch club to name but a few. Sadly, ill health prevented her from continuing her membership some time ago. She will also be remembered as our one hundredth member for which she was presented with a small gift. Our sincere condolences go to her three sons, their partners and other members of the family.
1.30 – 2.15 Lounge Bar Area Tea/Coffee & biscuits available Browse the groups and chat Sign up to groups and trips 2.15—2.30 In main hall for U3A notices 2.30—3.30 Speaker 3.45 (approx) Meeting ends
Carole Bradbury
Wheelchair disabled access is available at the rear by phoning 01536 484 800
Bridge - We have a very friendly Bridge group who meet every Friday afternoon. If you can play Bridge but perhaps have not done so for a little while then please come and join us. I must say, however, that we do not teach it and therefore you must have some knowledge of the game to be able to join. You would be made very welcome. We start each Friday at 1.30pm at the Bridge Club in Field Street and we pay £2 each week and for that you get good company, a very interesting game and refreshments.
Speaker Seeker - Thank you to all who have given positive comments and constructive criticism to the speakers for 2015. Hope you like the planned programme for 2016? Our Wicksteed Park speaker has asked for old photos you may have of the park. If you have any let me know please. I always appreciated names of prospective speakers, thank you to all who have given them and keep them coming. Contact: Marian Tucker 01536 510 354 mariantucker1954@gmail.com
Contact: Sue Macfarlane 01536 523754
Newsletter DEADLINE— is 2 Saturdays before the monthly meeting. PLEASE send in reports and photos or we will have to reduce the pages again and I’ll end up editing to fit less space. You can read and download the newsletter in FULL COLOUR from our internet page at www.u3asites.org.uk/kettering Contact: Richard Boyles 01536 744 753 richard@boyles.co.uk Card Making 1 — Thank you to all the group for the very lovely Christmas cards that you all sent me. I am always touched by such professionalism. In December we abandoned making cards and had a very nice coffee morning at Glebe Farm tea shop. We also managed to pop into the charming little craft shop on the site and saw some fabulous cards. Our next meetings will be on March 8th and 9th when we are back from holiday. This is a week later than normal. I would like to wish all members a Happy and Productive 2016.
Bookworms — We are presently reading "The Invention of Wings" by Sue Monk Kidd, having read another of her novels in the past "The Secret Life of Bees". Again, this book centres upon slavery in the Deep South of America, and is based upon fact.
Contact:
Contact: Mary Earl 01536 522 456 madearl@virginmedia.com
Pauline Parkin 01536 799 197 paulineparkin@hotmail.com 3
Kettering U3A
Canals & Waterways — Twenty four of us enjoyed Christmas lunch at Foxton Locks Inn. The atmosphere was lively and the food very good. We shall be meeting at 11.00 am at Stanwick Lakes on Thursday 21st January for a walk and a talk by a ranger. Food can be ordered prior to the walk. February 18th we meet at 2.0pm at Satra house Rockingham Road, NN16 9JH for a talk by Mary Matts. There will be a £2 charge due to increased costs of room hire but this will include tea/coffee. In March we shall meet at Eyebrook for a walk and possibly lunch at nearby Sweet Hedges, details to be arranged. There are two options for April, a) A three night trip to Amsterdam, or b) Rutland water to see the bluebells and possibly a boat trip. Again details to follow. In May we shall be going to Lincoln again, some of you may wish to stay over, others just a day trip. Please put the dates in your diary and also let me know if you are interested in joining us on any of our events.
Busy Needles and Banter — After a “lay-off” for holidays, house moves, Christmas and the many seasonal lurgies that flesh is heir to, we resume(d) on January 14th with a knitting and catching up session, followed by après-festives lunch out. We crafters know how to live! Not that we have been idle during the break: packages and parcels have gone off to our charities; Denise has moved house – hurray and best wishes; and Di will be producing wardrobes full of garments for a coming grandchild. In our sister group, best wishes too to Janet (and Roy) on their house move; commiserations to Betty Lewis, who has been in the wars again. Contact: Mary Wildman 01536 741 222 marywildman365@gmail.com
Contact: Christine Strachan 01536 515730 ce.strachan1@ntlworld.com
Card Making 2 — During November the group went on an adventure to Anne's to make some fabulous cards and Christmas goodies. December saw us making more fabulous cards using some decoupage and beautiful flower pictures. The group were shown how to make a different style of folding box. In true Blue Peter style I prepared them earlier filled with goodies to say Merry Christmas to a wonderful group. Contact: Marian Tucker 01536 510 354 mariantucker1954@gmail.com Computer Group — We will now only meet once a month on the second Tuesday at ASDA, 2-4pm. This is because of falling numbers, plus I am now running the Family History Group. At the last meeting members requested the following 12 Jan - Apple iPad and iPhone 09 Feb - Windows 10 beginners + Files & Folders 08 Mar - Photos 12 Apr - Backups 10 May - Files & Folders 14 Jun - Android Tablets & Phones Information and videos from previous sessions at www.U3AComputerGroup.co.uk Contact: Richard Boyles 01536 744 753 e-mail: Richard@Boyles.co.uk As always, you can email me for any computer related advice or problems. Also personal help at www.Computing121.co.uk
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Kettering U3A
English Studies— Will resume on Monday 8th February, from 2pm to 4pm*, when we shall continue with our foray into Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar. (Copies of the texts provided) Other writers will figure as we progress. Venue: my house. For further information...
Country Matters — On a dry day with some sunny spells those of us who were not tempted by other Christmas dinners and festivities enjoyed a walk in East Carlton Park noting that some of the trees still had some foliage left, we also checked out the reindeer who live next door to the park; some of which have recently appeared on TV in a programme about Oxford Street, London.
Contact: Mary Wildman 01536 741 222 marywildman365@gmail.com As the take-up for a second writing Group has been thin and requests for a study group such as this one have been more forthcoming, if you are still interested in writing you will find help and a warm welcome in the original Writers’ Group (q.v.), now a little differently organised. For further information contact Tom. Contact: Tom Piercy 01536 712 581 tom@tom-and-ann.demon.co.uk Quite a few of us enjoyed dinner in the Spread Eagle pub in Cottingham. There is no meeting arranged for January so the next date for your diaries is Thursday, 11 February, 10.15 for 10.30 start, meeting in the car park of the Spread Eagle pub in Cottingham. Look forward to seeing you there. Contact:
Discussion Group — At the last meeting before Christmas Mary Earl presented her quiz of the year. Just the right degree of difficulty for the post Christmas period. Not too hard and not too easy. The next meeting will be Tuesday Feb.9th at the usual venue. The subject for discussion may have been decided at the January meeting before the publication of the January newsletter. However I put forward the following themes which we might think about:"Shopping- Is it the new religion?" "The cashless society" "Nostalgia. Does it have rosecoloured glasses?" If there is any subject about which you have strong feelings please feel free to put it forward at any time. Better a volunteer than a pressed man or woman.
Derek Warren 01536 518 560 derek@thewarrens.me.uk
Contact: David Clayton 01536 520 965 anthonyd0912@tiscali.co.uk
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Kettering U3A
History — NEW GROUP - We are pleased to announce that the first meeting of the new History Group will be held on Monday 1st February 2016 at the Counties Community Centre, in Hertford Road, Kettering, NN15 6LG from 2pm until 4pm. Thereafter meetings will be held on the first Monday of each month at the above address. The joint Group Leaders will be Eileen Mason and Maggi McGuire with the assistance of Rosemary Cooke. We will mainly cover local history but will include general history particularly if it relates to the Northamptonshire area. Our first meeting will cover the history of Geddington and Grafton Underwood and the speaker will be Chris Holden, one of our U3A members and a former Kettering U3A Chairman. To get to the Counties Community Centre, drive along the Pytchley Road, either from the town centre or the Tesco roundabout and take the turning into Patrick Road, which is close to the traffic lights and zebra crossing on Pytchley Road (turn left if coming from the town centre or right if coming from the Tesco roundabout). At the top of Patrick Road turn left into Northumberland Road then immediate right into Devon Road, then take the first right into Hertford Road. The Community Centre is at the end of Hertford Road on the right hand side. Car parking is available and number 15 bus also goes to Hertford Road. There will be a charge of £2.00 per person to costs of hall hire and speakers. Group members will be asked to help set out chairs etc. and put them away. All help will be greatly appreciated. We look forward to seeing you on the 1st February 2016. Contact: Eileen Mason 01536 725 925 or Maggi McGuire 01536 392 716
Family History
—
edmason5@yahoo.co.uk maggi.mcguire@outlook.com
NEW GROUP
- See below & new web site. We will plan activities at first meeting.
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Kettering U3A
Golf — Our regular group meets at 1.30 pm Fridays at Pytchley Golf Club still seems to be the most popular time !!
French Conversation—NEW GROUP st
1 meeting Friday 22nd January 2-4pm. Venue to be advised. Then third Friday of every month thereafter. NB There are currently 10 people signed up which means we are already at capacity. However, anyone interested in joining please contact me and I will start a waiting list.
Contact: Alan Stephens 01536 726 911 or 07931 637 660 or alanstephens26@outlook.com Knit and Natter - We had a lovely meal at the Park House on 21st December. We are looking forward to start our meetings in 2016, hopefully with lots of new creative ideas.
Contact: Michele Junin 01536 671 971 m.p.junin@outlook.com French - 2nd and 4th Tuesday at 2pm Contact: Diana Ellis 01536 723 380 Friday Pop-In - November meeting was another great success with new members joining us and I hope more members will join us in 2016 Contact: Sue Hince 01536 521 023 Gardening Group — The group is closing down until the Spring of next year. Ideas for future activities and offers of private gardens to visit welcome.
Wishing everybody a Happy & Healthy New Year. Contact: Annette Chidwick 01536 523 867 annette.chidwick@tiscali.co.uk
Contact: Ray Bradbury 01536 516 587 Looking at Churches — Happy New Year to you. To start our ‘Looking at Churches’ year, on Wednesday January 20th at 2.0pm, we will be going to Grafton Regis, which is a bit further than I realized, but I have always wanted to see the place where Elizabeth Woodville met Edward IV, under a tree, which they say is still there. Edward fell in love and married Elizabeth in secret, much to the chagrin of the rest of the country. Sat.nav. NN12 7SS
German Basic Conversation — Contact: Joe Fletcher 01536 722 399 Heartbeat— We met on the 4th January for our first meeting in the new year. We enjoyed a brisk walk and were fortunate that we had a dry and warm morning. Afterwards Jan Holt hosted coffee and refreshments where we continued chatting.
Contact: Janet Clements 01536 507 721 janet.clements@ntlworld.com
The next meeting will be on the 4th April 2016 meeting at 10 a.m. outside The Old Forge Coffee Shop, in Cranford, where we will meet for coffee afterwards.
Looking at Churches — OPEN MEETING On Wednesday, February 17th we will be having a talk, as a change from a visit to a church. This will be in Holy Trinity church, Rothwell at 2.0pm and will be entitled ‘Stories of a Northamptonshire pastime’ given by Mr Bob Bett. Mr & Mrs Bett have been to 270 churches and graveyards so far, which beats our 50 visits! We may pick up some ideas. It will be our usual donation of £2 which will go to Cransley Hospice. I hope that we can get a good audience, so please let people know about the talk; they do not have to be regular ‘Looking at Churches’ group members. Free parking is on the market square behind the church.
Contact: Bridget Ling 01536 515 816 b_r_ling@hotmail.com
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Kettering U3A
Looking at Churches — We managed a church visit to Naseby on December 18th, despite of the fact that most churches were busy with school carol services. Our vicar, Rev. Angela Hughes was busy in other ways, inoculating her sheep, before meeting us. Naseby church is very bright and airy and surprisingly large for such a small village. But this village has a huge amount of history concerning the English Civil War, and All Saints church is starting a project to turn the building into a visitor centre within the next few years. Already there are photos and boards showing the story of the Battle of Naseby, which was the most important battle of the civil war. It was the first battle of Parliament’s trained and disciplined New Model Army, so it could be called the forerunner of today’s British Army. Naseby is as important as Bosworth or Hastings, but many people do not know about the battle. On June 13th 2015 there was a huge re-enactment and thousands took part, filling the village and blocking the roads. This takes place most years although not usually on such a grand scale, but some of us will try to get to see it next year. Inside the church are various relics of the battle, including Oliver Cromwell’s table. Apparently on the eve of battle the King’s lifeguards were having a meal at the table when Cromwell’s troops burst in upon them. After killing or capturing the Royalists, the Parliamentarians sat down and finished the meal, according to legend, and the table is still there. After our tour of the church, most of the group went on to Kelmarsh Buddhist Centre for a cup of tea and home made cake in the World Peace Cafe. Plenty of information leaflets to pick up about Open Days and learning how to meditate, inviting us to come and have a day of peace and quiet. Sounds very tempting! Our start to the New Year will be on Wednesday, January 20th at 2.0pm at GRAFTON REGIS, NN12 7SS, which got its name Regis, after a visit from King Edward 4th. He met Elizabeth Woodville under an oak tree and fell instantly in love with her, and the tree is still there apparently. Elizabeth was the mother of the Princes in the Tower. Philippa Gregory wrote all about this story in her book ‘ The White Queen’, which was also televised. Wishing you all a very Happy New Year, and may we continue to find lots more churches in and around Northamptonshire.
Lunch Club — Maggi and Sue have now taken over from Glynis to oversee the Lunch Club from January. The Lunch Club has existed for many years and long may it continue, it is an excellent way of members coming together. Contact: Maggi McGuire 01536 392 716 maggi.mcguire@outlook.com Musical Circles 2 — We had a good meeting last week when the weather wasn't very clement so we were all keen to get in front of the fire and listen to some good music, plus a surprise visit from Archie Campbell, one of our long term members who has not been well. We started with two marches from the Austrian army, which blended the vigour of the Prussian with the tunefulness of the Viennese. Then one of Bach's Cantatas, Sound ye drums, ring out yet trumpets, BMV 214. Then followed a flute concerto Opus 27 by a little known composer, Franz Pokorny, played by the Academy of St Martin in the Fields previously attributed to Haydn. Then some stirring stuff as we heard the Royal Airforce Bands playing the RAF March Past and the Dam Busters March. Leading up to the break we heard the more traditional fare of the Music Circle in the hands of Niciola Benedetti playing Tchaikovsky Violin Concerto opus 35. After a break for liquid refreshments, mince pies and apple cake we heard some of Vivaldi's Gloria in D Major played by the Academy of Ancient Music and sung by the Choir of Christ's Church, Oxford. Then followed a String Quartet Opus 2 by Pleyel, played by Enso, a Canadian Quartet. We concluded the afternoon of fun friendship and good music by listening to the Lindsay Quartet playing the String Quartet No 17 by the master himself, Mozart. Ray Bradbury
Contact: Janet Clements 01536 507 721 janet.clements@ntlworld.com
Contact: Eileen Mason 01536 725 925
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Kettering U3A
Musical Circles 1 — A very nice Christmassy afternoon was spent watching a dvd of the Northern Ballet performing "A Christmas Carol". This is such a beautiful seasonal ballet and I am surprised that it doesn't seem to be performed more regularly in the run up to Christmas. I wish all the members of the group a Happy and Harmonious 2016.
Playford English Country Dancing - Our small group will be meeting on the 2nd & 4th Weds. of Jan. Feb. & March. We would like to invite new members to join us from 10.30 noon in St. Andrews Church Hall where you would find a warm welcome
Contact: Carole Bradbury 01536 516 587 cabrad@me.com
Contact: Jean Beaver 01933 224474 Safe Driving — With wet weather continuing to engulf the UK, the Institute of Advanced Motorists’ (IAM) director of standards, Mark Lewis, looks at how drivers can best prepare for driving in heavy rain. Before setting off, check for any weather alerts, traffic updates or planned road closures that may affect your journey. Only travel in extreme adverse weather conditions if it is really necessary. Check the lights and windscreen wiper blades are clean and working properly. Also check the tyre pressure and tread depth to ensure the best possible grip on wet surfaces. Plan your route in advance and try to avoid any roads that are prone to flooding, even if it extends your journey. Heavy rain often leads to damaged road surfaces and puddles can hide deep potholes – look for clues such as loose chunks of tarmac. In heavy rain, don’t forget to switch on your dipped headlights so other motorists can see you easily. Reduce your speed when travelling in the rain to decrease your stopping distance. This will also help you pass through large puddles and potholes smoothly, without spraying other road users or risking aquaplaning. Torrential rain may interfere with the electrics of a vehicle causing a breakdown. Prepare for the worst by keeping your mobile phone charged and with the number of your breakdown service provider already saved on it. While you wait for help keep your bonnet closed as soaking the engine will only make it worse. www.iam.org.uk
Photography Group — In December the group had one of its rare indoor meetings, due to the poor weather and low light. We took the opportunity to refresh and update some Photoshop skills, from resizing to cloning, dodging, burning, straightening horizons, making selections and using layers. A steep learning curve for some, a refresher course for others. As with all these skills they need regular practice, otherwise they soon get forgotten. Thanks go to Marilyn for hosting the meeting and for supplying the tea, coffee and mince pies. Our next meeting will be on 4th January 2016 at 2.00pm.. Once again we have a Plan A and a Plan B. Plan A is to enjoy lovely snow and frost in Wicksteed Park. If the weather does not cooperate it will be another indoor meeting. Contact: Trevor Rudkin 01536 711 976 trevor.rudkin@gmail.com
If you’d like help with any driving related issues or to find out more about the Safe Driving Group, please contact either Roy or Steve. Steve Clorley 01832 732342 or 07973 624815 stephen.clorley@yahoo.com Roy Franklin 01536 482808 or 07751 106617 r.franklin672@btinternet.com Sugar Craft— If anyone who would like to learn, but feels they are hopeless, come to watch as we work and I guarantee that they will soon realise that they can achieve good results. Contact: Joan Allingham 01536 722 610
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Kettering U3A
Singing For Pleasure — A Group resumes on Friday January 8th, B Group a week later. There’s still plenty of room in this latter – men welcome. We’ll be working on compiling a new repertoire – all seemly suggestions considered. Many thanks to all the members of both Groups who joined forces to create a wonderful Christmas sound and atmosphere on our “gigs”. May 2016 be as harmonious! For information contact Jill Dee (A) Mary Wildman B
Spanish, Intermediate — The Spanish conversation group continues to meet on the second and fourth Wednesday of each month from 2pm to 4pm. We start the New Year on 13th January and look forward to another year of progress We have the use of a training room free of charge so our sessions continue to be free. We use the book Pasos 2 which is for second level students and we are now well on the way to completing that. Having accepted two new students who both have previous experience of the language, we are now definitely at full capacity. However, we would be happy to start a waiting list but because of the level our members are at, having completed more than two years of study, new students would need to have a reasonable knowledge of basic Spanish.
Contact: Mary Wildman 01536 741 222 marywildman365@gmail.com Theatre Goers — Local ODEON + CULTURE FILMED LIVE Review for Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker Ballet by Betty Lewis On December 16th 2015 a group of U3A members attended a live performance of the Nutcracker Ballet from the Royal Opera House danced by the Royal Ballet Company viewed at the Odeon Cinema Kettering. The dancing was exceptional. Herr Drosselmeyer the magician performed in most scenes which in my experience was most unusual, and after being transported to old Russia and the Land of Snow followed by the Kingdom of Sweets, we returned to reality. A wonderful evening of dancing to start the Christmas festivities and everyone I spoke to agreed.
Contact: Bob Thorogood 01933 650 551 bob@rltservices.co.uk Trips & Visits - Anyone interested in joining a group to reinstate interest in this once viable arrangement ? Contact: Maureen Curd 01832 732 361 maureen@u3akettering.co.uk
Programme for 2016 The Theatregoers group are meeting to review the future programme for 2016 and at present have decided on:Giselle by the Royal Ballet on Wednesday 6th April. Please let me know if you wish to join us. We will inform you as soon as we decide on other productions.
Walking Group - Thirteen of us set out on a walk around Pitsford Resevoir. It was foggy and cold but we soon became warm and the skies cleared. To reward us for our seven mile walk we had lunch at The George in Brixworth which was very welcome and good. Contact: John Sharp on 01536 518 026 or Jackie Rowson on 0778 755 052
Theatregoers Members Information Our small group meet to decide which productions to attend. We then offer to purchase tickets for any U3A members who wish to participate. All we ask is for early booking and prompt payment for the seats by the date specified. Transport and car share to be arranged by the individual. Some production are very popular and tickets need to be purchased well in advance to ensure good seats, also cannot be purchased until paid for. If tickets are required, cash or cheque must be produced at the meeting or cheque posted to Glynis very soon after to enable the purchase of tickets and ensure availability. Cheque's - please make payable to U3A Kettering No.2 Account and write on the back of the cheque which production it is for. Please find more information on the U3A board and to order or pick up tickets go to Theatre Goers table at the monthly meetings. Contact: Glynis Hall
The next walk will be on Wednesday 3rd February and will be 5 miles from the Black Horse, Fotheringhay Road, Nassington, PE8 6QU. Meet at 09.45 to pre-order lunch ready for a 10.00am start. To book in contact David Hamilton 01536 518900 or 07512790188 or davidh280947@gmail.com Wining and Dining - We had a most enjoyable evening at the White Horse, lots to eat and lots of laughter. Some of us played trivial pursuits stretching our brains although we did have an expert on our table who put us to shame with his superb knowledge. February 10th to be arranged, possibly Sage and Brook Grafton Underwood March 9th limited numbers food to be per-ordered, Rue de la Gare to be arranged, awaiting menu.
01536 516 249 glynis.john@o2.co.uk
Contact: Christine Strachan 01536 515 730 ce.strachan1@ntlworld.com
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Kettering U3A
Water Colour Painting Classes - The Group meets on the 2nd and 4th Thursday of each month from September to March. There are no classes from April to August. Our classes are held in the Parish Hall, Market Place, Kettering, NN16 0AL, from 1.15pm to 3.15pm.
Writers Group— The response to this month’s topic ‘Memories are Made of This’ - was as varied and as entertaining as ever. There were two collections of memories of visits to Australia and New Zealand collusion or coincidence? There was a beautifully written poem remembering a graveside visit, an imaginative blend of fantasy and Tennyson’s verse, and an anthology of memories. There was seriousness and there was laughter. The New Year also gave us the opportunity to discuss plans for the group in 2016. Mary Wildman has done so much, not only to support our writing development but also to make our meetings warm and welcoming I remember how much I looked forward to the next month’s session after my first visit. She now feels that she would like to cut back on her commitments for the time being. Unfortunately I blinked and by the time my eyes had opened I found that I had been volunteered as the contact point for the Group with a pile of forms in front of me to complete. That’ll teach me to stay alert in future! Thankfully Mary will still be coming to the Group so we will continue to have her experience and know-how to keep us on track. Next month’s meeting is at 2pm on the first Tuesday of the month, February 2, at the Parish Rooms. Plenty of free parking! Sally Angell has given us a choice of subjects for us to enjoy: • Love is in the Air. • Has this thing appeared again tonight? • You can't have your kayak and heat it. • Fire. Unlike Blue Peter projects, you can try this at home. Enjoy!
The Winter Term dates are as follows:January 14th, 28th February 11th, 25th March 10th, 24th (last class) The Autumn Term starts again on 8th Sep 2016. Fees for each term are around £10.00 (6 classes). If you are interested in painting or drawing then come along to our classes. You may use oils, water colours, acrylics or pastels. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced painter we welcome everyone. You must be a fully paid up member with the U3A before you are able to join us, otherwise we shall be very pleased to see you.
Michael is giving instructions on the drawing and painting of autumn leaves in water colour.
Michael and Shirley Mepham
A Good Read There are still a few copies left of the Anthology that Mary has so effectively compiled. Grab a copy from her or from me at the monthly meeting - all you need is £3! Cash or gold bars acceptedY The pen is mightier than the sword! Do you write? A journal, perhaps, or a diary? Your memoirs? Stories for your grandchildren? Reports for your local club - or even for our U3A Newsletter? Or maybe you’d just like to brush up your existing skills with some extra support and motivation in good company. If so the Writers Group has a place for you. We get together on the afternoon of the 1st Tuesday of the month in the Parish Church Rooms—very easy to find and with good parking.
Jen Painter and Sue Noble painting autumn leaves.
Visit our desk on the 3rd Tuesday monthly meeting at the Eden Centre. We’d love to meet you!
Contact: Jo Beaver on 01933 224 474 or Barbara Goodall on 01536 523 259
Contact: Tom Piercy 01536 712 581 tom@tom-and-ann.demon.co.uk
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Kettering U3A
Kettering U3A Interest Group Timetable Please contact group co-ordinator for more information before joining a group Day No fixed day Safe Driving
Co-ordinator
Tel.no
Venue
Frequency
Time
Steve Clorley Roy Franklin Ray Bradbury Bridget Ling Maureen Curd
01832 732342 01536 482808 01536 516587 01536 515816 01832 732361
varies varies varies varies varies
varies varies varies varies varies
varies varies varies varies varies
Marian Tucker Maggi McGuire Carole Bradbury Annette Chidwick Maggi McGuire Richard Boyles Trevor Rudkin Glynis Hall Mary Wildman
01536 510354 01536 392716 01536 516587 01536 523867 01536 392716 01536 744753 01536 711976 01536 516 249 01536 741222
Home
3rd Monday
10.00 – 12 noon
varies Home Counties Community Centr LDS Church, Rothwell Road varies Home Home
3rd Monday 1st & 3rd Mondays 1st Monday 2nd Monday 1st Monday 2nd Monday 2nd Monday
2.00pm 10.00 – 12 noon 2.00 – 4.00pm 2.00 – 4.00pm 2.00 – 4.00pm 10.30—12.30 2.00 – 4.00pm
Richard Boyles David Clayton Mary Earl Diana Ellis Glynis Hall Joan Allingham Tom Piercy
01536 744753 01536 520965 01536 522456 01536 723380 01536 516249 01536 722610 01536 712 581
ASDA, Kettering Parish Church Rooms Home Home varies Home Parish Church Rooms
2nd Tuesday 2nd Tuesday 1st Tuesday 2nd & 4th Tuesday 4th Tuesday weekly 1st Tuesday
2.00 – 4.00pm 2.00 – 4.00pm 10.00 – 11.30am 2.00pm varies 1.30 – 4.00pm 2.00—4.00 pm
Joe Fletcher Bob Thorogood Pauline Parkin Mary Earl Janet Clements Eileen Mason Jean Beaver Ann Kemp Christine Strachan
01536 722399 01933 650551 01536 799197 01536 522456 01536 507721 01536 725925 01933 224474 See Newsletter 01536 515730
Home varies varies Home varies varies St.Andrews Church varies varies
Fortnightly 2nd & 4th Wednesday 4th Wednesday 1st Wednesday 3rd Wednesday 3rd Wednesday 2nd & 4th Wednesday 1st Wednesday 2nd Wednesday
9.30 – 11.00 am 2.00 – 4.00pm 2.00 – 4.00pm 10.00 - 11.30am 2.00pm 2.00pm 10.30—12 noon varies varies
Christine Strachan Derek Warren Mary Wildman Barbara Goodall Jo Beaver
01536 515730 01536 518560 01536 741222 01536 523259 01933 224474
varies varies Home
3rd Thursday 2nd Thursday Fortnightly
2.00 – 4.00pm varies 10.00-12.00
Parish Church Rooms
2nd & 4th Thursdays
1.15 – 3.15pm
Sue Macfarlane Sue Hince Michele Junin Alan Stephens
01536 523754 01536 521023 01536 671 971 01536 726911
Bridge Club, Kettering Kino Lounge, Market Place To Be Advised Pytchley Golf Club
weekly 1st Friday 3rd Friday Every Friday
1.30 – 4.00pm 10.00 – 11.30am 2.00—4.00pm 1.00 – 4.00pm
Co-ordinator
Tel.no
Venue
Frequency
Time
Canasta
Margaret Hall
01536 512215
Kettering Bridge Club
Weekly
2.00-4.30pm
Swimming
Isabel Collins
01536 520971
Kettering Pool
Weekly
9.00-9.45am
Singing A
Jill Dee
01536 514054
Fuller Church
Fortnightly Fridays
10.00-11.45
Singing B
Mary Wildman
01536 741222
Fuller Church
Alternate Fridays
10.00-11.45
Gardening Group Heartbeat Travel Groups Monday Card Making 2 Musical Circles 1 Knit and Natter History Family History Photography Theatre English Studies Tuesday Computer Group Discussion Group Greeting Card Making French Lunch Club Sugarcraft Writers Group Wednesday German Conversation Spanish Conversation Bookworms Card Making 1 Looking at Churches Musical Circles 2 Playford Dancing Walking Wining & Dining Thursday Canals & Waterways Country Matters Busy Needles Water Colour Painting Friday Bridge Friday Pop in French Conversation Golf
Day
Monday
Friday
12 RJB/2015