Kettering U3A Newsletter January 2015 by U3A Kettering

Kettering U3A

20th January 2015 Kettering U3A Year 11 Newsletter 07 Today 20th January

Long Term Care Clive Langley From the Chairman— “A guid nuew yeer tae one and a’, and happy may ye be#”

A new year but for many the same old, same old: resolutions made and broken by 12th Night; diets begun and abandoned ditto; colds and flu; that time when nature seems dead and it is still dark at 8am. Oh dear me. Enough of gloom. “Down where the corn is green”, life is stirring, and within our U3A friendship, caring, sympathy for those suffering illness or loss, support for groups and pleasure in activity, especially of the mind, abound. Nights are discernibly pulling out. There is greater strength in the sun, and much to look forward to in this coming year. We have even, whisper it, a volunteer to be co-opted on to the Committee! Howzat! So keep on looking for the bluebird and all that; chins up, and have a good year!

Mary Next Month 17th February

Up The Cut By Registered Charity No. 1108614

Derek Harris 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 10 days 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. Ensure your group members are aware of their turn to do the meeting refreshments at the appointed meeting Refreshment Rota 2015 JANUARY Committee Members JULY German Conversation FEBRUARY Busy Needles AUGUST Looking at Churches MARCH Golf SEPTEMBER Photography APRIL Water Colour Painting OCTOBER Wining and Dining MAY Card Making 2 NOVEMBER Musical Circles 2 JUNE AGM – TBA DECEMBER Christmas - TBA

PLEASE NOTE - this is a draft timetable. Please contact Terry Young ASAP if you wish to make any changes. Tel: 01536 392065 E-mail c.young590@ntlworld.com

Members Information Welcome to new members

Bernard and Diana Chapman and Mrs A.R. Owen • • • • •

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. 20 Jan Long term Care—Clive Langley 17 Feb Up The Cut—Derick Harris 17 Mar Blacksmithing—Bob Nightingale 21 Apr Family History & the Media: Behind the Scenes of BBC WDYTYA—Nick Barrett 19 May Crazy Hats—Glennis Hooper 16 Jun AGM

21 Jul 18 Aug 15 Sep 20 Oct 17 Nov 15 Dec

Museum & Gallery— Eleanor Baumber Photo Quiz—Trevor Rudkin WWII—Eric Nixon Bee Keeping—David White Hearing Dogs for Deaf—Vicky Ryan Being Father Christmas—Colin Oakes

Your Kettering U3A Committee 2014-2015 Chairman Vice Chairman Treasurer/Membership Sec. Secretary/Speaker Seeker Newsletter/Web site Groups Co-ordinator New Members Coordinator Committee Member

Mary Wildman Cyril Young Maggi McGuire Marian Tucker Richard Boyles Maureen Curd Elizabeth Toseland Helen McAdams

01536 741 222 01536 392 065 01536 392 716 01536 510 354 01536 744 753 01832 732 361 01536 460 029 01536 628 304 2

mary@u3akettering.co.uk cyril@u3akettering.co.uk maggi@u3akettering.co.uk marian@u3akettering.co.uk richard@u3akettering.co.uk maureen@u3akettering.co.uk elizabeth@u3akettering.co.uk helen@u3akettering.co.uk

Kettering U3A

News — Interest Groups — Visits and Reports Our next meeting at the Fuller Church, Gold St. Kettering. Format of the meeting:-

OBITUARY Derek Mason Sadly Derek passed away just after Christmas having bravely battled for a long time with illness. He was a very popular KU3A member always ready with a joke and a smile. He had enlivened many a lunch club gathering with his ready wit. Among his many attributes was a talent for cooking and members of Musical Circles 2 ( of which his wife Eileen was the leader) looked forward to their Christmas lunch provided by him. Many other members had also enjoyed these meals. It was not only the excellent food but the camaraderie that made these such special occasions. In the early days of KU3A when we were experimenting with our first sound system, Derek was always on hand to iron out any technical faults. When Eileen became the KU3A treasurer Derek was a great support to her in this and many other activities they were involved with. His huge circle of friends will miss him greatly and our thoughts are with Eileen and the family. Carole Bradbury

1.30 – 2.15 Assembly Room Tea/Coffee & biscuits available Browse the groups and chat Sign up to groups and trips 2.15—2.30 In Church for U3A notices 2.30—3.30 Speaker 3.45 (approx) Meeting ends Speaker Seeker— As you can see from the newsletter 2015 speakers have all been booked. I hope you enjoy all them all and find them useful, informative or entertaining. Thank you to all members who have given me speakers emails, phone numbers etc. it is much appreciated and will prove useful when I soon start planning 2016 speakers. I also appreciate your comments, negative or positive, as it helps when planning future speakers. Contact: Marian Tucker 01536 510 354 marian@u3akettering.co.uk Please send your half yearly finance reports for six months up to 31st December to the Treasurer. Reminder, that the Third Age Trust rules state that groups are not allowed to set up their own group bank account as all money being held above £50 must be in the “U3A No. 2 Account”. If you have any

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.

questions on how to proceed, please contact Maggi. Contact: Sue Macfarlane 01536 523754

Newsletter DEADLINE— deadline is two Saturdays before the monthly meeting. Thank you all group leaders who are sending in reports and photos for the newsletter and web site. Remember 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@u3akettering.co.uk

Bookworms — We will be meeting at the end of the month to watch the DVD of "The Book Thief", our last book read. In February we will be reading "The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time”, before our March visit to see the show. Contact: Pauline Parkin 01536 799 197

Kettering U3A

Canals & Waterways —

Busy Needles — Continue to be busy producing all kinds of knitted things from our newest member’s first ever square - Chris has proudly mastered casting-on and garter stitch and is progressing to casting-off and stocking stitch - to intricate garments for premature babes. We have recently dispatched a box of the latter to a charity that supplies these items free of charge to hospitals and similar, while a parcel containing three dog-coats and a blanket is going to Wood Green in Godmanchester. We get huge pleasure out of knitting for such and similar causes: if you would like to support us, donations of wool are always most welcome. Next session Thursday Jan 22nd. Contact: Mary Wildman 01536 741 222 marywildman365@gmail.com

2015 timetable Feb 19th Talk about canals by Mary Matts North Park Pavilion 2.0pm Mar 18-19th Lincoln Fosdyke Navigation. This can be a day or overnight trip. Apr 14-16th London trip to include: Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, Thames Barrier, Greenwich May 21st Willen Lake North, Milton Keynes. Jun 16-18th Liverpool Docks and Mersey Ferry Jul 16th Steamer trip Abington/Oxford details to be arranged (day trip) Aug 20th Local trip or Tooleys boat yard Banbury (also a day trip). Sep 17th Day boat hire venue to be arranged Oct 13-15th Bristol Docks & SS Great Britain Nov 19th Planning meeting NorthPark Pavilion 2.0pm Dec 3rd Xmas lunch Contact: Christine Strachan 01536 515730 ce.strachan1@ntlworld.com Card Making 1 — The next meetings will be on March 3rd and 4th. Contact: Mary Earl 01536 522 456 Card Making 2 — The group enjoyed looking back over some of the cards that have been made since I became the group leader. These range from Iris folding, origami to simple layering. Most of us made cards that we had attempted before and felt we made a better card second time around. We then went out to celebrate Christmas with lunch at Bobolis Italian restaurant in Kebworth. It was wonderful and well worth a visit if you like Italian meals. Check out their website. Oh yes ladies, I got some posh colouring pencils from Father Christmas . Please bring your colouring pencils to February 16 meeting. Contact: Marian Tucker 01536 510 354 mariantucker1954@gmail.com

Kettering U3A

24 Mar TBC - APPLE Mac, iPad and iPhone

Country Matters — December’s visit started from The Piper near Wicksteed Park. It was a very windy but sunny day and we enjoyed a walk in the park circumnavigating the lake which was seen at its best, bathed in sunlight. Plenty of Mallard were seen but only one Canada goose. We spotted a heron and a white egret sheltering from the wind on one side of the island. Once over the lake we had the wind behind us which made for easier walking. We strolled around the aviaries on our way back. Many of us enjoyed a good, home-cooked lunch in The Piper. Pleasing to note that the lake is looking good and in a few years the reed beds etc will be established making a haven for wildlife. We are taking a break in January so our next meeting is 12 February, Star & Garter in Chelveston. Look forward to seeing you there 10.15 for 10.30 so we can order lunch!

14 Apr no meeting

Contact:

Computer Group — Unfortunately our E-Mail meeting got cancelled by ASDA at 10am on the day. I e-mailed everyone on the list (86 people) and phoned those who had attended recently, but some did not get the message in time. So in future can everyone please check their e-mail, or www.u3acomputergroup.co.uk a couple of hours before each meeting#. just in case. The re-arranged schedule is now as follows: 10 Feb - PHOTOs. Simple editing, resizing, cropping, renaming to something meaningful. Create photo albums and slide shows 24 Feb - TABLETS and SMART PHONES. iPads, Android, Kindle etc. 10 Mar TBC - E-MAILS. Creating, replying, attaching and saving files and photos.

28 Apr TBC - CLOUD STORAGE. Learn how to store and share files and photos using DropBox, OneDrive, GoogleDrive

Derek Warren 01536 518 560 derek@thewarrens.me.uk

12 May TBC - Save Money and get FREE stuff online. Details on the web site below. 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 contact me for any computer related advice or problems. Also personal help at

www.Computing121.co.uk

Discussion Group — A very interesting meeting led by Jan Perry. Each member spoke for one minute on a topic related to improving our community or the world. After each contribution we had an eight minute discussion. Jan kept us well in order and the topics were very varied and aroused a lot of discussion. My favourite was having a National England day, not on St George's Day but on the 21st of June when roses are plentiful. Not only did we feel that it would have a good feel good factor but could have large commercial interest too. The January meeting will be led by Tom and is titled "Are the armed forces relevant now?" and in February David will lead on "Conspiracy Theories”.

Above, a successful Skype demonstration

Any enquiries while I'm away can be to Carole Bradbury on 01536 516587 ( Contact: Mary Earl on 01536 522 456 )

Kettering U3A

Gardening Group — The Chairman suggested I write a column on gardening during the winter months when there are no other activities going on. So here goes.

Friday Pop-in - We were made very welcome at our new venue of the Cransley Coffee Shop. A huge , BIG thank you to all members who supported me. A grand total of 12. The area that the coffee shop could provide with that number of members was small and snug. In the New Year, if the support continues, we may have to look for a larger venue. I hope to see you all next month.

Jottings from my Patch Seed Catalogues. Now is the time to plan ahead or at least dream about how your garden will look in Spring and Summer. Get seed catalogues in for something to do during the long winter evenings and do a little forward planning. Digging. Carry on with any Winter digging when the conditions are right, but remember a little and often. You don’t want to finish up with a bad back. Rhubarb. If you have the space why not plant a new rhubarb crown. Some of the new varieties are sweeter than the old favourites and less liable to bolt. Fruit trees and bushes. Now is the time to investigate new varieties of fruit trees and bushes. Three winters ago I invested in a new variety of plum called ‘czar’. It is on a low rooting stock, reaching a maximum height of 9 feet and is very prolific, giving us pounds of fruit for jamming, eating or for the freezer for crumbles and so forth. If it’s raspberries you want then you can’t go wrong with ‘Autumn Bliss’, very prolific and with a lovely taste, but check in the catalogues for a variety that meets your needs. Potatoes. Those you get from the supermarket will taste nothing like what you will get if you grow your own. ‘Chitting’ ie sprouting the tuber, is one of the first jobs of the gardening year. Place the potatoes with the ‘eyes’ upright in a light , cool, frost free spot. You can use an egg carton to keep them upright or if you have a few more then place them in a low sided box with crumpled newspaper to keep them upright. In a short while you will get them sprouting strongly and then you can plant them out in the garden when the chance of frost has passed, or in a container on the patio. Garden tools. Generally check your tools over and clean and oil them if appropriate and send the mower to be sharpened if you can’t do it yourself. Bargains. When the weather is really horrible visit garden centres and look for bargains as they try and get rid of old stock to make way for the new season’s offerings. Remember they can only sell attractive looking stock so what they get rid of usually only requires a little TLC to bring it back to its former glory. However, do not buy bargain potting compost. They do not put ‘use by’ or ‘sell by’ dates on compost so there is no way of telling how old it is and compost does deteriorate over time as toxic chemicals get to work. Better to wait until the new stock comes in.

Contact: Sue Hince 01536 521 023 Christmas Carols & Songs – Kettering U3A December 2014 Meeting Thank you for the kind donation of £50 you gave, which I have today forwarded to the Air Ambulance Service, towards the excellent work they carry out. Thank you very much indeed. Terry Smith

Contact: Ray Bradbury 01536 516587

Kettering U3A

Lunch Club — As we go into 2015, the January lunch club will be organised by me. I thought we would try a different format this month and visit the Trading Post at the top of Northampton Road by the A14 in Kettering. As it is January I don't think it will be too busy. I will get some menu's ready for the January meeting and will take names so I know how many. They will organise some close tables for us. You will, however, order and pay individually when you get there. It will be interesting to see if this works well. I chose this venue as it is close to home if we happen to have bad weather and it has the facility of a car park which is always good. Some town centre venues do not, which can be a problem parking and on top of that the cost.

German–1 Basic Conversation — This established group for Basic German Conversation is now FULL. Contact: Joe Fletcher 01536 722 399 German-2 Conversation for Absolute Beginners— The established group for basic German Conversation remains oversubscribed so this new group for absolute beginners has been formed and is now also FULL. This group meets on Wednesdays 1.30 to 3.00pm fortnightly. Contact: Joe Fletcher 01536 722 399 Golf — If you want to join us then we meet every Friday just after 1 pm at Pytchley Golf Cente for 9 holes which we usually finish by 3.30 pm followed by a cup of tea/coffee. For further info please give me a call. Look forward to hearing from you.

New Members - We visit a different venue each month on the forth Tuesday of the month. A menu is provided at the U3A meeting the week prior for you to make a choice and payment is not required until the day. New members are very welcome to join us, we are a very friendly bunch. See our Lunch Club table at the meeting.

Contact: Alan Stephens 01536 726 911 or 07931 637 660 or alanstephens26@outlook.com

Contact: Glynis Hall 01536 516249 or glynis.john@o2.co.uk

Heartbeat— In early January, thirteen of us met for a brisk walk around Wicksteed Park and a good chat over Coffee at the Costa Coffee Shop in the Tesco store. The next meeting will be Monday 30th March 2015 for a walk around Cranford. Meeting time will be 10a.m. outside the Old Forge Coffee shop in Cranford. New members welcome. Contact: Bridget Ling 01536 515 730

Looking at Churches — New Year visit will be to Braybrooke, Leics at 2.0pm on Wednesday, January 21st 2015. I thank all of the ‘Looking at Churches’ group for their loyal support in all weather. Contact: Janet Clements 01536 507721 janet.clements@ntlworld.com

Knit and Natter - There isn’t anything to report because we haven’t met since before Christmas. Our next meeting will be on Monday 19th January.

Contact: Annette Chidwick 01536 523867

Kettering U3A

Musical Circles 1 — Our last meeting of the year was a lovely mixture of offerings with a hint of the season in some but not all. We listened to the wonderful voices of Pavorotti and Mirella Freni singing the duet from Puccini's Madame Butterfly, some Correli Christmas concerto, some Chopin and the Shepherds' Farewell by Berlioz. Polish carols proved to be popular as several of us have links with Polish friends and my own contribution was a personal favourite, the final act from the ballet Spartacus, music by Khachaturian. We concluded with festive fare and all thoroughly enjoyed the afternoon. Our only regret is that Fiona's illness prevented her from joining us on this occasion and we all wish her all the best for the future.

Singing For Pleasure — "And more, much more than this, we did it our way"! We’ve sung for our suppers and for ourselves too; We’ve entertained dozens with songs old and new. From Region to Barnwell we’ve made joyful sounds With tunes from the Trenches and some Gospel rounds, Crossed the Red River to be Home on the Range In appropriate headgear, though we may have looked strange With Silver Bells chiming we've Decked out the Hall; Danced with Eliza coming home from a ball; Musically speaking, travelled like Dr Who But where- and when-ever, we enjoy what we do With our friends in Ise Valley; no politics here. A new programme’s in prospect; of that never fear. So here's to all singers, and Happy New Year!

Contact: Carole Bradbury 01536 516 587 cabrad@me.com

Contact: Jill Dee Musical Circles 2 — Normally meet on the 3rd Wednesday of the month.

01536 514 054

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

Contact: Eileen Mason 01536 725 925

Playford English Country Dancing I am on a waiting list for an operation in the New Year. Meetings are postponed until after Easter. Contact: Jean Beaver 01933 224474

Photography Group — began 2015 with an indoor meeting in January. Some of the time was devoted to taking photographs of flowers using a simple natural light set-up that group members could easily duplicate at home. Still life and table-top photography is not only useful when the weather and lighting is unfavourable out of doors but it also forces the photographer to think about lighting, focussing, depth of field and exposure as well as composition. The rest of the time was spent on reviewing photographs on laptops, and learning new (and revising some previous) techniques for enhancing the images using Photoshop and Lightroom. The next meeting of this group will be on Monday 2nd February. We hope to meet out of doors, and therefore we shall meet in the morning (10.00am to 12.00 noon) to make the most of the available light. The venue has yet to be decided.

Scrabble—Meetings are held at the Parish church rooms. Time 2.00pm—4.30pm on the 1st & 3rd Wednesdays of each month. New members are welcome. We enjoy playing in a relaxed atmosphere. Contact: Pauline Reed 01536 513 850

Contact: Trevor Rudkin 01536 711 976 trevor.rudkin@gmail.com

Kettering U3A

Safe Driving — Safe Driving Group Older drivers - staying mobile, staying safe

Spanish Conversation — The Spanish conversation group continues to meet on the second and fourth Wednesday of each month from 2pm to 4pm. Our sessions are normally free as we have the use of ASDA’s Training Room free of charge. However we cannot use that room on 28th January so there may be a small one off charge if we can find an alternative venue. We use the book Pasos 2 which is for second level students 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.

The number of drivers over the age of 70 will double over the next 20 years and there are now over one million license holders over the age of 80. Many will be able to continue to drive safely well into old age, others will not.Enlightened policies and practical actions are needed to help them keep safe and competently mobile for as long as possible, and to help them decide when the time has come to stop driving. Giving up driving too early places a direct burden on health and other services which can no longer be independently accessed. Older drivers are safe drivers for several reasons: They have many years of driving experience, which can compensate for less rapid reflexes. They are much more cautious drivers, and so less prone to taking risks. Most self-regulate by not driving at times and in places they do not feel comfortable, for example, at night, when the weather is bad, when traffic is heavy, and in areas that are unfamiliar. Few older drivers drink and drive or take illegal drugs, and most don’t speed. IAM recommendations: Compulsory medicals and driving retests are a disproportionate action to take against a group who present no greater risk to themselves and others as middle-aged drivers. There is no case for an arbitrary age limit on driving as no two older drivers are the same and today’s 70 year old is healthier and fitter than ever before. The best way to check ability is to undergo a voluntary driving assessment designed to rate driving skills and give practical advice on coping with the effects of ageing. These assessments need to be much more widely available and incentives put in place to encourage take up. Better information is needed to allow older drivers and their families to continue to drive safely and ultimately to make the informed decision to give up. New online assessment tools have a key role to play in providing information and as a first step in the assessment process. Training and awareness of the issues affecting older drivers must be improved among the medical profession. Car makers and road designers should take more account of the needs of older drivers in the future. The government should show clear leadership in implementing these changes through partnership and cross departmental working.

Contact: Bob Thorogood 01933 650 551 bob@rltservices.co.uk Safe Driving — Safe Driving Group Little did I know that when I signed up for the safer driving course it would lead to my passing the Advanced Institute of Motoring test. I enrolled for the safer driving instruction that was offered by the U3A. Like most of the candidates I felt unsure of what to expect in terms of tuition, was I going to be criticised, or was I going to be encouraged to continue? I need not have worried, the help was constructive and built up my skills week by week. After I had completed the safer driving sessions the leaders asked if I would like to continue and progress further, after much thought I decided to go ahead and try. After a few more lessons I took the test and passed. What an enjoyable experience and I have learnt a new skill for life. Bridget Ling.

Steve Clorley 01832 732342 or 07973 624815 stephen.clorley@yahoo.com Roy Franklin 01536 482808 or 07751 106617 r.franklin672@btinternet.com

Kettering U3A

Theatre Group — Local Productions

Theatre Goers — National Jesus Christ Superstar: Derngate; 18th March; stall seats £31.50; closing date 28th January. Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber rock opera; exploded onto the musical scene in 1971 but is as compelling today: stunning audiences and changing the musical theatre forever. The Curious Incident Of The Dog In The Night Time: Derngate; 25th March; stall seats£25#.Based on award- winning novel by mark Haddon and winner of seven 2013 Oliver Awards; this highly acclaimed National Theatre production is a beautiful, eloquent, dazzling, inventive show about the wonders of life of it. Kings Speech: Milton Keynes; 6th May; stall seats £15.00; closing date2nd March. The story of King George V1: his impromptu ascension to the throne and the speech therapist (Jason Donovon) who helped the unsure monarch find his voice and become worthy of it. Barnum: Milton Keynes; 13th May; Seats in upper circle, front row; £22.50; closing date 26th January. This exhilarating musical follows the irrepressible imagination and dreams of Phineas T Barnum (Brian Connelly) Americas greatest showman; who lit up the world with colour, warmth and the excitement of his imagination. Book now and don't be disappointed. A deposit will secure you a seat.

Review for Alice's Adventures in Wonderland: It was really spectacular with great visual effects. You have to appreciate Alice’s lovely encounters with the dissolving Cheshire Cat, the gyrating Caterpillar, the enraged Duchess and above all the deranged Red Queen. What more can I say, it was a marvellous pantomime on pointe, with a lot of the premium seats taken up by Kettering U3A Odeon+Culture SAT 25TH APRIL MET OPERA - CAVELLERIA RUSTICANA/PAGLIACCI - £15.50/£17.10 VERY POPULAR ONLY FEW SEATS LEFT TUES 5TH MAY ROYAL BALLET – LA FILLE MAL GARDEE - £13/£14.60 WED 10TH JUNE ROYAL OPERA – LA BOHEME £13/£14.60 SUN 5TH JULY ROYAL OPERA – GUILLAUME TEL £13/£14.60 This is just a selection of Odeon+Culture for the new season, more information can be seen on the Theatre Goers table at the meetings. Please be aware we need to book well in advance to secure good seats. Some of the productions are very popular and seats are booked months in advance.

Contact: Helen McAdams on 01536 628 304 07513 119 620 Wining and Dining - If you are interested in joining us please contact me. Contact: Christine Strachan 01536 515 730 ce.strachan1@ntlworld.com Trips & Visits - Proposed list for 2015 as follows: Friday 20 February Anglesey Abbey Snowdrops. Thursday 22 April Wrest Park—As this would be an afternoon only trip to Bedford I am looking at a visit to Charles Wells brewery. Tuesday 12 May Hampton Court Palace & Gardens. Monday 20 July Norwich. September Houses of Parliament Dates to be advised.

Corn Market Blues SAT 2ND MAY Chantel McGregor and Alex McKown A www.CornMarketBlues.co.uk presentation at The Raven Hall, Corby. Two of the UK’s young multi award winning blues/rock artists. Tickets £13 advance. £15 on the door.

All dates are subject to confirmation but please confirm interest so that cancellations do not apply!!! Due to time restraints i.e. only monthly meetings non refundable deposits are requested as we need to fill coaches to cover costs. Dates are definite and bookings will be taken for the following COACH ONLY DAY TRIPS TO LONDON. Saturday 28 February 2016. Saturday 27 June 2016. Saturday 24 October 2016.

Lighthouse Theatre See the Theatre Goers table at the next meeting Please find more information on the U3A board and at the Theatre Goers table at the monthly meetings. If tickets are required cash or cheque must be produced at the meeting or posted to Maggi very soon after to enable Glynis to arrange tickets and ensure availability. Contact: Glynis Hall 01536 516 249 glynis.john@02.co.uk

Contact: Maureen Curd 01832 732 361 maureen@u3akettering.co.uk

Kettering U3A

Walking Group -

Watercolour Painting — The dates for the Winter Term 2015 are as follows:January February March April

The January walk returned to the old favourite a 7 mile stroll round Pitsford reservoir. On a very blustery day we made good time and got to the lunch stop at the George at Brixworth by 1.00 o’clock. A good lunch rounded off a day of good exercise!! Next walk will be on the 4th February and subject to weather conditions will start from the Vane arms in Sudborough and walk through Drayton Park and Lowick. Meet as usual 10.00am

- 8th and 22nd - 12th and 26th - 12th and 26th - 16th (Last Class)

New classes for the Autumn Term will start on 10th September 2015. All classes are held in the Parish Church Rooms, Sheep Street, Kettering. Car parking is next to these rooms and also the church grounds may be used.

Contact: Pete Spence 01536 742372

Our pictures for this month are:-

"Battling Hawfinches" painted in water colour by Jo Beaver.

Writers Group — This month five regulars (plus yours truly) came along to the Parish Rooms to be confronted by a selection of small objets (as they say in some circles) – from a tuning fork to a miniature anvil – and were given 45 minutes to write something inspired by one or more of the items. What they managed to come up within the time was truly impressive. The task for next month is to develop these pieces if desired or to write something new: Twelfth Night or what you will, so to speak. Contact:

Mary Wildman 01536 741222 marywildman365@gmail.com

Writers Too Interest has been expressed in this proposed group for “beginners”. Now up and running on the second Monday of each month from 2 to 4pm. Next meeting on February 9th. Venue: my abode. Contact: "Magnolia" in water colour and painted by Eileen Mason.

Mary Wildman 01536 741222 marywildman365@gmail.com

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 414810 01832 732361

varies varies varies varies varies

Marian Tucker Maggi McGuire Carole Bradbury Annette Chidwick Trevor Rudkin Helen McAdam Mary Wildman

01536 510354 01536 392716 01536 516587 01536 523867 01536 711976 01536 628304 01536 741222

Home

3rd Monday

10.00 – 12 noon

varies Home varies Home Home

3rd Monday 1st & 3rd Mondays 1st Monday monthly 4th Monday 2nd Monday

2.00pm 10.00 – 12 noon 2.00 – 4.00pm 10.30—12.30 2.00—4.00 pm

Richard Boyles Mary Earl Mary Earl Glynis Hall Joan Allingham Mary Wildman

01536 744753 01536 522456 01536 522456 01536 516249 01536 722610 01536 741222

ASDA, Kettering Parish Church Rooms Home varies Home Parish Church Rooms

2nd & 4th Tuesday 2nd Tuesday in month 1st Tuesday 4th Tuesday weekly 1st Tuesday

2.00 – 4.00pm 2.00 – 4.00pm 10.00 – 11.30am varies 1.30 – 4.00pm 2.00—4.00 pm

Joe Fletcher Joe Fletcher Bob Thorogood Pauline Parkin Mary Earl Janet Clements Eileen Mason Jean Beaver Pauline Reed Ann Kemp Christine Strachan

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Home Home varies varies Home varies varies St.Andrews Church Parish church rooms varies varies

fortnightly fortnightly 2nd & 4th Wednesday 4th Wednesday 1st Wednesday 3rd Wednesday 3rd Wednesday 2nd & 4th Wednesday 1st & 3rd Wednesday 1st Wednesday 2nd Wednesday

9.30 – 11.00 am 1.30 – 3.00 pm 2.00 – 4.00pm 2.00 – 4.00pm 10.00 - 11.30am 2.00pm 2.00pm 2.30 – 4.00pm 2.00 – 4.30pm varies varies

Christine Strachan Derek Warren Mary Wildman Barbara Goodall Jo Beaver

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varies varies Home

3rd Thursday 2nd Thursday fortnightly

2.00 – 4.00pm varies 10.00-12.00

Parish Church Rooms

2nd & 4th Thursdays

2.00 – 4.00pm

Friday Bridge Friday Pop in

Sue Macfarlane Sue Hince

01536 523754 01536 521023

weekly 1st Fri monthly

1.30 – 4.00pm 10.00 – 11.30am

Golf

Alan Stephens

01536 726911

Bridge Club, Kettering Cransley Hospice Coffee Shop, Dalkeith Pace Pytchley Golf Club

Gardening Group Heartbeat Travel Groups Monday Card Making 2 Musical Circles 1 Knit and Natter Photography Theatre Writers Too Tuesday Computer Group Discussion Group Greeting Card Making Lunch Club Sugarcraft Writers Group Wednesday German Conversation 1 German Conversation 2

Spanish Conversation Bookworms Card Making 1 Looking at Churches Musical Circles 2 Playford Dancing Scrabble Walking Wining & Dining Thursday Canals & Waterways Country Matters Busy Needles Water Colour Painting

Every Friday

1.00 – 4.00pm

Meetings below with Ise Valley U3A Day

Co-ordinator

Tel.no

Venue

Frequency

Time

Monday Canasta

Pam Towns

01536 521160

Kettering Bridge Club

Weekly

2.00-4.30pm

Swimming

Isabel Collins

01536 520971

Kettering Pool

Weekly

9.00-9.45am

Jill Dee

01536 514054

Fuller Church

2nd & 4th Fridays

10.00-12.00

Friday Singing

12 RJB/2014