Kettering U3A
15th September 2015 Kettering U3A Year 12 Newsletter 3
Today
W W II by Eric Nixon
From the Chairman— "Oh, it's a long, long time/ from May to December" - actually it seems to go by in a flash, but certainly "the days grow short/ when you reach September". As far as the autumn weather goes, no leaves yet turned to flame; neverless autumn is in the air. For those of us with a background in education, now is the time we wind back up eager to start a new term. Thus the next few weeks will, hopefully, see the start-up of new Groups and ideas, as well as boundless enthusiasm for those interests already established. So, Group Leaders, - updated information on the boards, please; refreshed photos for the Newsletter, and a check on whether the folk on your registers have paid their dues. Then onward, secure in the knowledge that there will be no end-ofterm exams and no marking!! Make the most of "these golden days".
Mary Next Month
20th October
Bee Keeping by David White 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
Rita Ainsworth, Mary Exley, Chris Delaney, Shirley Mepham, Robert Sanders Joyce Crowther, Ma lda Harvey, Margaret Green, John & Janet Flower, June Mason • • • • •
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.
20 Oct Bee Keeping—David White 17 Nov Hearing Dogs for Deaf—Vicky Ryan 15 Dec Being Father Christmas—Colin Oakes 2016 Jan 19 Braybrooke Morris Dancers Feb 16 Cransley Hospice Mar 15 Being a TV Chef - Zena Skinner Apr 19 Harpist and bird Songs - Nick Penny
May 17 Jun 21 Jul 19 Aug 16 Sep 20 Oct 18 Nov 15 Dec 13
A History of Wicksteed Park Annual General Meeting TBA Classic Cars Tell Us All About It - Members interests & hobbies TBA A Tudor Christmas - Martin Sinot Smith U3A Singers (Note meeting on 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 New Members Coordinator
Mary Wildman Cyril Young Diane Tebbutt Elizabeth Toseland Maggi McGuire Marian Tucker Richard Boyles Cyril Young Helen McAdams
01536 741 222 01536 392 065 01536 392 556 01536 460 029 01536 392 716 01536 510 354 01536 744 753 01536 392 065 01536 628 304 2
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 helen@u3akettering.co.uk
Kettering U3A
News — Interest Groups — Visits and Reports Speaker Seeker - A huge Thank you to Trevor Rudkin for preparing a wonderful quiz last month. A very special thank you to Richard Boyles who made the sound system work on the day; without it the quiz was scuppered. Thank you also for the positive and constructive comments received. Keep sending in names of good speakers you have heard, I do appreciate it.
Our next meeting at the Eden Centre, 21, Montague Street, Kettering Format of the meeting: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
Contact: Marian Tucker 01536 510 354 mariantucker1954@gmail.com
Wheelchair disabled access is available at the rear by phoning 01536 484 800
To All Group Leaders
Proposed New Group JAZZ APPRECIATION The group will cover both modern and traditional jazz. Meetings will be monthly and feature music/CDs , discussion about the artists together with an exchange of views/ideas relating to jazz. (NB as with all groups the exact format etc will be agreed by the group themselves) If you are interested Contact: Alan Stephens 07931 637660 or 01536 726911
Would you please ensure you check that all members of your special interest group are fully paid-up members of the Kettering U3A. Some 2014/15 members have not renewed their membership but may still think they can attend the group. This is not the case. Maggi — Membership Secretary Newsletter DEADLINE— is 2 Saturdays before the monthly meeting. After last month’s excitement of all the extra news and photos, this month I had to pad out the blank spaces. 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
Proposed New Group ENGLISH STUDIES Following further enquiries from members I can say that this Group will be going ahead. Contact: Mary Wildman 01536 741 222 marywildman365@gmail.com
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Kettering U3A
Bookworms — We deviated from our normal bookreading, and at our last meeting, watched a DVD of "A Month in the Country" from the book of the same name. We read this book a few months back. It was written by J L Carr, a Kettering schoolmaster. The film starred a very young cast consisting of Colin Firth, Kenneth Branagh and Natasha Richardson, and was very true to the story of a shellshocked soldier coming home from the war. He uncovered wall paintings in a village church, discovering some secrets along the way.
Busy Needles — Busy as ever, are delighted to announce that Sue-I-can’t-knit-Perkins has completed her blanket!!! As it has its own unique features, it could become a collector’s item, maybe? Chris C has learned to follow a pattern and completed her first garment ever, which is a terrific achievement. Well done to them both. Chris J has finished a beautiful, lacy blanket, while my sister (as an honorary contributor) knitted four 4-ply baby jackets in different shades in three days! Marian has donated a huge bagful of wool, while Diane from Singers “A” passed on a vast collection of buttons from a lady who, sadly, will not be needing them again. Denise is hoping to be reunited with her stash soonest, but knits on regardless, as do Janet and Di. Thank you all so much. Meanwhile, I am on square-joining detail again. All very therapeutic. Contact: Mary Wildman 01536 741 222 marywildman365@gmail.com
We are now continuing with "An Officer and a Spy". Contact:
Pauline Parkin 01536 799 197 paulineparkin@hotmail.com
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. Contact: Sue Macfarlane 01536 523754
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Kettering U3A
Canals & Waterways — An impromptu walk and lunch at Woodford Mill Tea Rooms was enjoyed by a small group last month.
Card Making 1 — It has been so good this month to have received so many enthusiastic messages about the August meeting. Everyone enjoyed the boxmaking and the decoupage cards to fit into the boxes. We carried on the theme this month for those who couldn't make it last time. We had a really good natter before getting down to the sharp end but a large quantity of high class cards were produced. Ilse had brought some very nice templates for different boxes and is reproducing some for me so look forward to a bit of "origami". As always we enjoyed two very happy mornings. The next meetings are October 6th and 7th when Christmas will definitely be in the air! Contact: Mary Earl 01536 522 456 madearl@virginmedia.com Card Making 2 — It was definitely using the "KISS" rule ( Keep It Simple Sweetheart) this month. Using black cards, a few flowers , swirls, cut out flowers and leaves the ladies produced some fabulous cards. One of our group even managed to make anniversary cards using different toppers which have given me some new ideas for future months. I have had a few people asking to join this group. Sadly I cannot fit anymore around my table. Is there any enthusiastic crafter amongst our members willing to start a new group? Contact: Marian Tucker 01536 510 354 mariantucker1954@gmail.com
The boat trip for September is fully booked. We are going to Bristol for a few days October 13th15th. For further information I am available at the next U3A meeting. There is a change of date for our planning meeting in November. We are now meeting at Stanwick Lakes for a walk and a lunch on Thursday 26th at 11.0am. The lunch is £10 and we will discuss next year’s programme. If you are interested in joining us please let me know by the end of September. Contact: Christine Strachan 01536 515730 ce.strachan1@ntlworld.com
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Kettering U3A
Computer Group — Last month we looked at the critical subject of backups. You can find full details of the meeting and much more on the tutorials page at www.U3AComputerGroup.co.uk This site always has the most up to date information about the group..
Computer Bits — Lottery—End Of Grant Summary At the end of a successful Lottery Grant Award, you are required to summarise it’s success/failure. Our application was for computers and other equipment primarily for the Computer Group, but also for a wider benefit of U3A members.
Future topics as follows: 22 Sep - Windows 10 is here, is it any good, should you upgrade?
Here is our EOG reply. What the grant has achieved? 2 a) Tell us about the difference your project has made to the people that were involved in it. The equipment has allowed small groups of older people to be taught sufficient IT skills to enable them to use computers to enhance their lives and to increase the IT skills of those with some experience. The computers and software have been used by the members to practice on. Also the variety of systems has allowed everyone with PCs, Chromebooks, smart phones and tablets to be involved. The series of classes have taught all levels of experience from complete novice to more advanced users. We have covered Files and Folders, Internet searching, Word Processing, Spreadsheets, Facebook, Twitter, Skype, Security, Backups and Restore, iPad, iPhone, Android, Windows XP,7,8, Chrome and Apple Mac operating systems. Buying from online stores, E-bay, PayPal. Creating Greetings Cards and Newsletters, Mailing Labels, EMail, Photo Editing, Family History Research. Classes ran on average twice a month. More details at www.U3AComputerGroup.co.uk Also the printer and supplies allowed handout sheets to be given at no expense to the retired members to support the lessons. The digital projector and screen have given us flexibility to be able to utilise various locations and ensure everyone can see what is being taught. 2 b) Tell us about any wider benefits to the community. Members have been able to use their new skills at home, in other U3A interest groups and in the wider community. The digital projector and screen has been used by U3A members to give talks to other U3A groups as well as other non U3A organisations around the county. One computer is being used for the administration of the Kettering U3A as well as being used during the monthly meetings by various speakers we have booked, as is the screen and digital projector.
Please let me know which subjects you would like me to cover next. All sessions start at beginner’s level so do not be afraid to come along (subject to space) and give it a try. 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 Country Matters — Please note that Derek is suspending the group for the foreseeable future as he is my carer when I return home after my operation whilst I convalesce. He will keep the group updated as to my progress and hopes to resume ‘normal service’ as soon as possible – he’ll probably be glad of the break by then! Contact:
Derek Warren 01536 518 560 derek@thewarrens.me.uk
Discussion Group — We resume on 8th September after our enforced summer break. I will be standing down as group leader at this meeting and have everything crossed that someone will be willing to take over. It is a vibrant and friendly group which considers a wide range of topics each month. I definitely will want to continue as a member if the group survives. This month we are discussing how influenced we are by television and hopefully in October we are wondering if we could live without a motor car. Get the bus passes out members!! We will update you as to the future of the group as soon as possible. Thank you to all the members who have made the second Tuesday in the month such an interesting and enjoyable time for me. Contact: Mary Earl 01536 522 456 madearl@virginmedia.com 6
Kettering U3A
Friday Pop-in - The Pop-in continues to be very popular with three new members joining us for light refreshments. In a light hearted way we discuss many subjects from local news, to visits to members gardens, theatre visits and ways to keep fit, walking and some venture out on bikes. This is not for the feint hearted and some, handy with cameras, not of the feather kind!!! Due to prior arrangements I will not always be at the meetings but please go along and enjoy the venue and company.
Gardening Group — Contact: Ray Bradbury 01536 516 587
Contact: Sue Hince 01536 521 023
Richard “helping” Brenda at the allotment German Basic Conversation — Kirsten Gather, third from the right in the photo, and a friend of Anna Roberts, made another visit to Kettering recently where she again attended our group meeting.
Kirsten lives in Langenfeld in Germany and she is currently employed at the Heidelberg University and involved in project work relating to 18C English Language. Yes, she speaks English as well as any of us. She took part in our activities on the day, and she had brought another exercise for the group to attempt. Her participation gave us something different, and of course we paused for drinks and on this special occasion for cooked nibbles.
French - We shall meet on Tuesday the 8th and 22nd of September to finish our current book and discuss the future of the group. Hope to see you there. Diana Ellis. Contact: Diana Ellis 01536 723 380 Advanced French Conversation - If interested please speak to Cyril Young 01536 392 065 c.young590@ntlworld.com
Contact: Joe Fletcher 01536 722 399
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Kettering U3A
Looking at Churches — In August we went to St. Edmund’s Church in Warkton to see the Montagu Monuments now that the conservation project on them is finished. It has taken over a year to restore these beautiful sculptures and they are world renowned. We are so lucky to have them near to us in Kettering. They are pristine white marble and the detail on them is superb. Our group visited this church about two years ago, when the statues were very grey and some were in a state of collapse, and now the difference is remarkable. The four tableaux commemorate four members of the Montagu family, of Boughton House. Two of them were created by Louis Roubiliac, who is considered to be one of the greatest sculptors in the 18th century. As one of our group remarked ‘ They would look good in Rome’. We had two charming young students as our guides, one from Cambridge University and one from Exeter University, who were each reading History and studying Boughton House as a summer project. The churchyard was also interesting, with many Celtic Crosses, signifying the Scottish ancestry of the Montagu and Buccleuch families.
Golf — Our regular group meets at 1.30 pm Fridays at Pytchley Golf Club still seems to be the most popular time !! Contact: Alan Stephens 01536 726 911 or 07931 637 660 or alanstephens26@outlook.com Heartbeat— The next meeting for Heartbeat will be MONDAY 5th October 2015 Meeting at Cheyne Walk, Kettering at 10a.m. We will be walking round Wicksteed Park, through the arboretum. See you all there. Contact: Bridget Ling 01536 515 730
Knit and Natter - We had a full house today. It’s funny in the kitchen making coffee, as it sounds like a lively avery with everybody chatting away. It’s good fun. We had a craft stall at Rothwell church and although it didn’t seem very busy, after expenses we made £16 which will go in our charity collection. We will decide at the end of the year where it is to go. Three bags of knitted garments have been sent off to Life For African Mothers in Cardiff, from where they go to Sierra Leone. Some cot blankets went to Neonatal Unit at Kettering Hospital. Once again if anybody has any spare wool we would love to hear from you. Thank you
Contact: Janet Clements 01536 507 721 janet.clements@ntlworld.com
Contact: Annette Chidwick 01536 523 867 annette.chidwick@tiscali.co.uk
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Kettering U3A
Looking at Churches — VIVIAN REDLICH OF LITTLE BOWDEN. The next church will be Little Bowden, near Market Harborough, on Wednesday September 16th at 2.0pm. Sat.Nav.LE16 8AS. This small church has an interesting chapel dedicated to the modern martyr Vivian Redlich, whose father Canon Basil Redlich baptised both Roy and me. Vivian was a missionary who died at the hands of the Japanese in what is now called Papua New Guinea in August 1942, aged 37 years. He had the opportunity to escape, but would not leave his native parishioners. The original of his last letter to his father is displayed in a glass case at St.Paul’s Cathedral in London. When Roy and I went to Canterbury Cathedral last year, in the Martyr’s Chapel there was a picture of Vivian Redlich on display. After his death, the tribe who killed Vivian began to believe that there was a curse, as disasters started to happen, so in 2009 a huge ceremony was held in the Cathedral of Papua New Guinea, where people attended, to ask for forgiveness. Vivian’s half brother went over for the service of reconciliation.
Lunch Club — For those who were at the August U3A meeting, you hopefully heard Cyril announce that we are looking for someone to oversee the Lunch Club due to the fact that I will be standing down from the post in December. It was not mentioned at the last lunch I attended as I have only recently made the decision. A decision I arrived at realising I have too many commitments both within the U3A and outside, also an ailing ninety three year old mother in a wheelchair who needs help. I am sure you will understand the need to pass this on to another member, we need the lunch club to continue. I will be at the September lunch where I will be looking for names to host the 2016 calendar, to ease the transition. Please get in touch with me or Cyril if you are willing to step in. Continuing our lunches in September, the date will be 22nd September organised by Maggi McGuire and Sue Hart, venue to be the Sondes Arms, Rockingham. The menu will be at the U3A meeting the week prior and I have been informed by Maggi at a cost of £7.50 for two courses and £9.50 for three, look forward to seeing you all. Please put your name on the list at the U3A meeting as usual the week prior, hope you can join us. Welcome to new members.
WANTED The Montagu Monuments Conservation Project is seeking volunteers to lead tours of the monuments. If you are interested in sharing the fascinating history of these astonishing monuments please email annemarie.sandos@princes-regeneration.org or write to Anne- Marie Sandos, Montagu Monuments Learning and Outreach, Boughton House, Kettering, NN14 1BJ
New Members - We visit a different venue each month on the fourth 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: Glynis Hall 01536 516249 or glynis.john@o2.co.uk
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Kettering U3A
Musical Circles 1 — Is there a better way to spend an afternoon other than listening to good music with friends? Not in my book and this session was no exception. We had decided to have a mixed bag this time and Mary started us off with Concerto in G for two guitars by Vivaldi followed by Ben Webster playing 'But Beautiful' on the clarinet.
Musical Circles 2 — The theme for the August meeting of Musical Circles 2 was "Fabulously French". All the music was composed by French composers. (OK, Chopin was born Polish, but he gained French citizenship in 1835). In alphabetical order we had Berlioz (The Overture to Act 2 of "L'Enfance Du Christ"), Bizet (a setting of a poem "Ouvre Ton Coeur" by Louise Delatre), Canteloube (3 Bourees from "Song Of The Auvergne"), Charpentier ("Canticum In Navitatem Domini"), Chopin (Prelude No.13 Op.28), Debussy ("Syrinx"), Delibes ("Marche Et Cortege De Bacchus" from "Sylvia"), Faure (Madrigal Op.35, a setting of a poem by Armande Silvestre), Franck (Violin Sonata IG part 4), Mendelssohn (Wedding March from "Midsummer Night's Dream"),
Rachel's input was most unusual. It was a couple of movements from The Jazz Album for piano, trumpet and strings composed by Shostakovich. Next up was Gwyneth's choice of The Christmas Burial (from English Song) music by Britten and sung by Philip Langridge. This was followed by two old favourites; Frank Sinatra singing Chicago and Dean Martin singing Mambo Italiano. I had decided to have a bit of fun with my contributions so played a track from 'The Glory???? Of The Human Voice with Florence Foster Jenkins murdering one of my favourite arias, The Queen of the Night from Mozart's opera The Magic Flute. We then had a giggle over excerpts from The William Tell Overture composed by Rossini and played, or should I say galloped, on the Gaviola Fair organ. After an interlude for tea, cakes and gossip we concluded with a delightfully funny talk about Wagner's 10 hour Ring Cycle condensed into 20 minutes by the very talented Anna Russel. I always thoroughly enjoy our meetings. Apart from the companionship, we benefit so much from sharing our tastes with each other and it opens up new avenues for all of us to experience different things. Long may our pleasant afternoons continue.
Offenbach ("Les Oiseaux" from "The Tales Of Hoffmann"), Poulenc ("Salve Regina"), Ravel ("Trois Beaux Oiseaux Du Paradis"), Saint-Saens ("Des Pas Dans L'Allee" from a poem by Maurice Boukay) and Satie (Gnossiennes 1. Lent). Hopefully there was something for everyone in the programme. Contact: Eileen Mason 01536 725 925
Contact: Carole Bradbury 01536 516 587 cabrad@me.com
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Kettering U3A
Photography Group — will visit Foxton Locks on Monday 21st September at 2pm, weather permitting.
Safe Driving — 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.
Contact: Trevor Rudkin 01536 711 976 trevor.rudkin@gmail.com
Steve Clorley 01832 732342 or 07973 624815 stephen.clorley@yahoo.com Roy Franklin 01536 482808 or 07751 106617 r.franklin672@btinternet.com
Selfie of Richard Boyles on lock keeping duties with U3A member Jackie Rowson on her boat while Christine Strachan opens the lock for her. Playford English Country Dancing - We shall be happy to welcome a new member, Margaret Hall, to our next meeting. Any other people interested please contact me. We meet, 2nd &4th Weds. at St. Andrews Church Hall 10.30-noon. Contact: Jean Beaver 01933 224474
Aerial view of Foxton Locks taken from a drone
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Read all about Foxton Locks on the Lock Keepers’ web site I created at www.foxtonlocks.org.uk
I can get many more empty space fillers unlessU..
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Kettering U3A
Singing For Pleasure —
Trips & Visits - King Richard III Walking Trail Wednesday 7th October. Cost £15
th
“A” Group reconvened on Friday September 4 and sang for the residents of The Lawns in the afternoon. Lots of compliments ensued. Now attention turns towards Christmas. For more information contact Jill DeeU “B” Group has its first session on Friday 25th. I am delighted to report that Marian Quinney feels able to play the melody line for the songs and carols we’ll be warbling. Hurray! Nonetheless, we would still like to find someone who can play with both handsU Contact: Jill Dee 01536 514 054 or Mary Wildman 01536 741 222 mary@u3akettering.co.uk Spanish Conversation — The Spanish conversation group has been going for well over two years and it continues to thrive. We meet on the second and fourth Wednesday of each month from 2pm to 4pm. Our sessions are normally free as we usually have the use of ASDA’s Training Room free of charge. When that is not available we use a member’s house. We use the book Pasos 2 which is for second level students. Occasionally we have a guest speaker for conversation sessions who is a Spanish lady and former teacher. Having accepted two new students who all have previous experience of the language, we are almost at full capacity. However, we would possibly be able to take one more student but because of the level our members are at, a new student would need to have a reasonable knowledge of the Spanish language.
Coach to Leicester, Walking Tour with a Blue Badge guide which will take you between 1 1/2 to 2 hours. You need to be able to walk and stand for that time. There are no seats on the route.
Afterwards back on our coach for our afternoon stop at Wistow Rural Centre for lunch/shopping etc.
Contact: Bob Thorogood 01933 650 551 bob@rltservices.co.uk
Wistow Rural Centre has been created and extended in recent years to provide a wide variety of shops in pleasant rural surroundings. The 18th century walled garden to Wistow Hall and fine Listed vinery has been used as a Plant Nursery for several decades and now houses Ken Bailey Garden Centre at Wistow and the enchanting Model Village. The Wistow Cafe/Bistro, Mediterranean Deli/Farm Shop and Pet Accessories are opposite the large car park, and the other shops are Wistow Gallery, Porcupine new and reclaimed furniture, Outerspace – contemporary garden furniture, Jocalia handbags and accessories, Utopia fragrances.
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: Rosemary Cooke 01536 356 899
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Kettering U3A
Theatre Goers — The following productions are all at the Milton Keynes Theatre. An Inspector Calls: Wednesday 24th February 2016; centre stall seats, concessionary price £21,. Closing date 5th January 2016. Chicago: Wednesday 16th March 2016, end stall seats, non-concessionary price £37.50. Closing date 20th October 2015. Guys & Dolls: Wednesday 15th June 2016, centre stall seats, concessionary price £25. Closing date 20th October 2015. As I have now been elected to the position of New Members Facilitator I will no longer be able to sit at the Theatre Goer`s table at the monthly meeting. I will continue to be team leader of the Theatre Goers group and therefore will purchase theatre tickets for anyone wishing to go to any given performance. To pay for a reservation, my colleague ,Glynis Hall, will be at the Theatre Goer`s table. Contact: Helen McAdams 07713 119 620 or 01536 628 304 helenmcadams@talktalk.net
Theatre Goers — Local ODEON + CULTURE FILMED LIVE Review for ROMEO AND JULIET will be in the October newsletter THE NUTCRACKER Royal Ballet Wed 16th Dec 7.15pm Tickets have now been purchased for The Nutcracker please go to the Theatre Goers table at the next U3A meeting to collect.
Trips & Visits - This is the last chance for people to book places on the proposed trip to London on Saturday 24 October . At the moment there aren’t enough bookings so it might be cancelled.
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 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. Theatre Goers 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. For more information the theatre ticket organisers are :Contact: Glynis Hall (local productions) 01536 516 249 Contact: Maureen Curd
01832 732 361
Helen McAdams (national ) 01536 628 304
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Kettering U3A
Walking Group With a few new faces, our numbers swelled to 17 for our September walk, starting at The Bell Inn, Gumley. The 6 mile circular walk took us across the fields to Laughton, then down on to the banks of the Leicester Line of the Grand Union canal, with a short stop to admire the view from Laughton Hills. Yet again, the weather was kind to us and we enjoyed an excellent lunch at The Bell Inn.
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The next walk will be on Wednesday 7th October from the Queen's Head, Main Street, Bulwick NN17 3DY and will be 5 miles in length.
I can get many more empty space fillers unlessU.. Writers Group & Writers Too The anthology is out now and selling well, I’m happy to say. Makes a very good Christmas Present. To secure your copy speak to me or to Elizabeth Toseland while I’m away in October and November.
Meet at 09.45 to order lunch. The walk will be led by David Hamilton
Contact: 01536 518900
Mobile: 07512790188 davidh280947@gmail.com
Wining and Dining - Our next meeting is on Wednesday 14th October at 7.0pm, venue to be decided. I shall be at the U3A meeting in September Contact: Christine Strachan 01536 515 730 ce.strachan1@ntlworld.com
Water Colour Painting Classes - start again on 10th September 2015 in the Parish Church Rooms, Sheep Street, Kettering from 1.45 pm to 3.45 pm on the 2nd and 4th Thursday of the month, with free parking next to these rooms. Should the car park happen to be full, then the church grounds may be used. Dates for the Autumn Term are:September October November December
Next meeting is a “writing on the spot” session. For more information contact Mary Wildman
10th, 24th 8th, 22nd 12th, 26th 10th (last class)
(New classes for the Winter Term will start on 14th January 2016). If you wish to join us then please
English Studies. Following further enquiries from members I can say that this Group will be going ahead. Quite when and whether it will embrace Writers Too, has yet to be discussed and decided. We hope to come to a definite decision at the forthcoming New Groups meeting. We shall be “doing” Shakespeare to begin with. For further information
Contact: Jo Beaver on 01933 224474 or Barbara Goodall on 01536 523259
Contact: Mary Wildman 01536 741 222 marywildman365@gmail.com
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Kettering U3A
Writers Group—Taken from the Anthology
Writers Group—Taken from the Anthology
Snow It snowed in the night. I drew back the curtains and saw a perfect Earth. Untouched by humans.
The Cistercians of Pipewell Abbey Can you hear the brothers singing In the lively April air? They are eagerly embracing A life of work and prayer. Deep in this valley desolate, With a faith that’s strong and sure, A church they build and consecrate To the Blessed Virgin pure. With labour hard and life austere, They worship God in holy fear.
A golden sun, Rising above the twisted fingers of naked trees, Cast her beams on the silvery whiteness Blanketing a sleepy world. I gazed at the carpet of glistening purity, Spangled with diamond-like crystals.
Listen – the brothers’ psalmody Floats on the summer breeze. They chant each office solemnly For man’s eternal ease. But barrels brim with ale and wine And the timber barns are full. There’s gold enough for vestments fine And the grange is rich in wool. “Oh brothers good, beware your wealth, Ere it ensnares you by its stealth.”
A clear blue sky, Unblemished by cloud, A vision fit for an angel’s eyes. It was Paradise. It thawed in the night. I drew back the curtains and stared at a grey dawn, The perfection trashed. Daylight showing dirty piles of rutted slush. The splendour destroyed by nature’s whim,
Can you hear the brothers praying In the creeping autumn cold? King’s commissioners are coming To relieve them of their gold – To strip each window of its glass And the steeple of its lead. How will the brothers serve the Mass? And those that would be fed? “Oh brothers, you must understand, King and Count are hand in hand.”
in part, And by the demands of modern life. Paradise was lost. By: David Wise
——- oOo ——This Time Whenever we spoke of breaking up it was really hypothetical Since we knew about it all too well And as language meant the same to you and me I really thought the chain had snapped, we in our own circle, A ring of arms, Tight band of charms, This time.
Aye – you hear the brothers sighing On this bitter winter’s morn. Reluctantly complying, They leave midst ribald scorn. White cowled, they fade into the snow, Blowing o’er the icy brook, For all their prayers there’s nought to show Save a cross and holy book. They go to minster, church and town, And greedy men pull Pipewell down! By: Neil Dyson
But as the weak links began to chink memories spun back like catalysts Stretching our credibility farther Until the threads were beyond joining again. Yet when the hurt recedes eventually as it must, what is there but a chance to repeat This time?
—— oOo —— The Odyssey There was an old man called Odysseus Who embarked on a trip inauspicious. When the Sirens were wailing He just kept on sailing Though the song that they sang was delicious. A lovely young girl named Calypso Was cross when he gave her the slip, so He sailed off through the rocks And got his socks washed By a laundress who gave him a strip-show.
It feels like casting off a disease So familiar it’s almost needed To sustain a kind of biorhythm A means of living And when you are removed Will my life improve or Be lost within its emptiness? Perhaps we should have tried to make it This time.
Though Poseidon was making him damp He fled from a giant and vamp, Then gave Penny, his wife, The fright of her life By going back home as a tramp. By: Elizabeth Brassington
By: Sally Angell 15
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 515730 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 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 Diana Ellis Glynis Hall Joan Allingham Mary Wildman
01536 744753 01536 522456 01536 522456 01536 723380 01536 516249 01536 722610 01536 741222
ASDA, Kettering Parish Church Rooms Home Home varies Home Parish Church Rooms
2nd & 4th Tuesday 2nd Tuesday in month 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
2.00 – 4.00pm
Friday Bridge Friday Pop in
Sue Macfarlane Sue Hince
01536 523754 01536 521023
Bridge Club, Kettering Kino Lounge, Market Place
weekly 1st Fri monthly
1.30 – 4.00pm 10.00 – 11.30am
Golf
Alan Stephens
01536 726911
Pytchley Golf Club
Every Friday
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 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
1.00 – 4.00pm
Meetings below with Ise Valley U3A Day
Co-ordinator
Tel.no
Venue
Frequency
Time
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
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
Monday
Friday
16 RJB/2015