Kettering U3A
20th October 2015 Kettering U3A Year 12 Newsletter 4 Today
Bee Keeping by David White
From the Chairman— “Oh what a glorious thing to be/ A healthy, grown up busy, busy bee#” In light of the facts that my father kept bees and that Arthur Askey singing the above was the first thing I ever saw on TV, I am sorry to be missing this month’s talk. However, I am minded to draw an analogy between bees and members of KU3A for you to ponder on. We are a hive of activities – new members and would-be assignees to new Interest Groups – please note the meeting on the 30th and “act upon it if you can”; mutually supportive, we thrive with purpose and on team work, just like the workers, keeping all sweet and smooth. “Where is the sting in the tail?” I don’t hear you ask. Well, there isn’t one, except a couple of appeals: one is for any items (RUGs ie Recycled Unwanted Gifts) you think might be suitable for raffling (see Di Tebbutt); the other is for volunteers for a Task Force to put out tables and boards etc. If you feel you can help, then please speak to Richard and/or Cyril, who are currently over-stretched. Thank you, my honeys. See you next month. Bzzzzzzzzzz.
Mary Next Month
Registered Charity No. 1108614
17th November
by Vicky Ryan 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
Audrey Ellis • • • • •
•
Pat Hall
Muriel Ames
Roy Kightley
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 the web site, www.u3asites.org.uk/kettering and click on Links.
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 all the members who have spoken to me about speakers. Your comments are very much appreciated . Keep them coming. I also like to hear about good speaker members have listened to. This information is much appreciated. Next year we are having a speaker from Wicksteed Park. Have any members got any old photos of Wicksteed Park they would like to share? Await your responses.
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 Wheelchair disabled access is available at the rear by phoning 01536 484 800
To All Members Di you know?
Contact: Marian Tucker 01536 510 354 mariantucker1954@gmail.com
If you are not a fully paid-up member of the Kettering U3A, you are not covered by the U3A insurance and you are not eligible to join and special interest groups.
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
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 are continuing with "An Officer and a Spy". Contact:
Busy Needles —
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
Busy Needles sometimes gets commissions: this is one of them - a lion for a Sunday School lesson on Daniel in the lion's den!
Busy Needles — would particularly like to thank the wonderful donors of materials such as needles, wools and BUTTONS! Your support is so very much appreciated. Members at this morning’s session (Sept 17th) fell upon the buttons like Aladdin in Ali Baba’s cave with whoops of wonder and delight. We have already begun to make good use of this trove, so thank you once more. Never again throw out a “notion” as they used to be called. Left-over fabric, trimmings etc can also be put to good use by us and by the card-makers too. For further information contact Mary, Marian or Di, who will be in charge while Mary is away. See pics of our recent industry. Contact: Mary Wildman 01536 741 222 marywildman365@gmail.com
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Kettering U3A
Canals & Waterways — Twenty four of us enjoyed a day out from Sileby Mill on two canal boats. Thank you to Richard and Jo our main drivers and to everyone who was willing to have a go at steering. There were plenty of volunteers at the locks, 'it was a man thing', it's not always easy to get on and off the boats. We were very lucky with the weather as the forecast had predicted rainstorms which could have flooded the river Soar. No overnight rain and sunshine all day. It was a very pretty and peaceful cruise.
Card Making 1 — Two happy, hectic mornings with some members trying out new skills and producing great cards. Everyone was welcomed to the sound of "The First Noel" on the doorbell as it was Christmas crd time. It created a good deal of hilarity even if it did get a bit tedious! We will have one more assault on Christmas next month. The meeting will be on Nov 3rd and 4th. Contact: Mary Earl 01536 522 456 madearl@virginmedia.com Card Making 2 — Starting off with a super easy card. A picture attached to an embossed card and sprinkles and jewels added to taste. The embossed cards were purchased from a stall at Market Harborough indoor market. Then we made gift boxes. One from Printer paper and the other from my stash of 12 by 12 papers. Two boxes that were made have been filled and donated as raffle prizes. I hope the recipient enjoys them. Contact: Marian Tucker 01536 510 354 mariantucker1954@gmail.com
We turned round just before Birstall locks and wandered in to the village, some looking for lunch others stretching their legs. Several of us went to the local chippy whilst others had lunch at the pub. There were three to choose from. A good day was had by all. Our annual planning meeting is now on 26th November at Stanwick Lakes. We shall meet for a walk at 11.0am which will be followed by lunch at a cost of £10 and then down to business of planning next year’s programme. Please bring your ideas and any information on what you would like to do. There is also a change of date to December 10th for our Xmas lunch at Foxton Locks. This was a huge success last year. I shall be in touch with them shortly and will probably need a £5 deposit as we did last year. I will confirm arrangements and menu hopefully at the October U3A meeting. If you wish to join us at any of the events please let me know. Contact: Christine Strachan 01536 515730 ce.strachan1@ntlworld.com 5
Kettering U3A
Computer Group — PLEASE NOTE that at the monthly meetings I have moved from the normal group tables to the sound desk as I have to multi-task. Forget the Windows 8 nightmare, you can now upgrade to Windows 10# where was Windows 9 you may ask? Who cares? Windows 10 is every bit as good as they have said it would be. In the last meeting we played with Windows 10 and it’s GREAT, even better and faster than all previous versions and now it has been out for a few months, initial bugs would have been fixed, it’s worth upgrading for FREE as long as you do it before next June. I have put a whole page dedicated to Windows 10 on www.U3AComputerGroup.co.uk to help you decide. This site always has the most up to date information about the group.. Future topics as follows:
Country Matters — Due to Jean’s remarkably speedy recovery we were able to meet in September at Eyebrook Reservoir for a beautiful walk. The weather was glorious, there was hardly a ripple on the surface of the water except where crested grebes were diving. The water was very clear and we could see the bottom in places. Several wagtails were seen along the dam including a yellow one. Plenty of other water birds and also damsel flies. All in all a most enjoyable walk, followed by lunch in The Chequered Flag. There will be no meeting in October – November’s venue is Foxton Locks, meet Thursday 12th November at The Black Horse Pub car par in Foxton village at 10.15 for 10.30 start. Look forward to seeing you all! Contact:
27 Oct - Apple iPad and iPhone 10 Nov - No meeting 24 Nov - No meeting 8 Dec - Cloud Storage, OneDrive, Google Drive, iCloud, Dropbox etc 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 email me for any computer related advice or problems. Also personal help at www.Computing121.co.uk
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Derek Warren 01536 518 560 derek@thewarrens.me.uk
Kettering U3A
Discussion Group — My last meeting as group leader went very well. A consortium will run it from now as no one individual wanted to take it on. Everyone, however, wanted the group to continue as the format seems so successful. I am so pleased that it will continue and I look forward to remaining an active member. I would like to say a big thankyou to all the members for making the second Tuesday in each month such a pleasure. The topic for October is "Are cars really necessary?" The topic for November will be "Friends" and the meeting will take place on Nov 10th from 2-4pm. The new point of contact will be Tom Piercy on 712581
French - 2nd and 4th Tuesday at 2pm Contact: Diana Ellis 01536 723 380
Advanced French Conversation - If interested please speak to Cyril Young 01536 392 065 c.young590@ntlworld.com
Contact: Mary Earl 01536 522 456 madearl@virginmedia.com
Gardening Group — 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.
The group is closing down until the Spring of next year. Ideas for future activities and offers of private gardens to visit welcome. Contact: Ray Bradbury 01536 516 587
Contact: Sue Hince 01536 521 023
German Basic Conversation —
Contact: Joe Fletcher 01536 722 399
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Kettering U3A
Looking at Churches — In September we went to St. Nicholas church in Little Bowden, which was difficult for some of the group to find, having no spire, and surrounded by trees. On arrival it appeared to be very well kept, as there was a volunteer tending the very pretty flowerbeds all around the graves. St. Nicholas has been greatly extended in recent years and has a vestibule with kitchen, toilets, and tables set out in a café style. There is also an upstairs to this area, which was being used that afternoon by a group of Mkt.Harboroough U3A hand bellringers, which sounded like an interesting group to belong to. Our guide, Sheila, had attended Little Bowden Church for 50 years and was happy to belong to such a friendly community. Everywhere in the church was light and bright and warm. The ceiling had been painted in recent years and the stained glass windows were superb. Very few of the churches that we have visited have had so many beautiful windows. One of them depicted a local airman who was killed in the 2nd World War. Another showed a little two year old boy, who was the son of the vicar, Canon Basil Redlich. His little son drowned in the river Jordan, which ran through the end of the vicarage garden. Then there was the Vivian Redlich chapel dedicated to the martyr, who was Canon Redlich’s older son. He was a missionary who was killed by a tribe from an island near to Japan. In the chapel there was a large scroll written by the President of this island, asking for forgiveness many years afterwards, and the President had been over to Little Bowden personally to meet Vivian’s family. Sheila and her friend made us very welcome with tea and cakes which they had made especially for us. This was an unexpected bonus at the end of a very pleasant afternoon. Sadly the church has suffered from four thefts of lead from the roof, so once again they are fundraising. This time the lead will be replaced by a substitute material, and it is hoped that this will deter thieves. Apparently it was done in broad daylight with a ladder. How times have changed over the years. In our youth, no-one would have dared to desecrate a church. Our next church visit will be to St.Peter’s in Oundle on Wednesday, October 21st. This will be a MORNING visit at 10.30am as they cannot take us in the afternoon. Parking is in the surrounding streets, or there is a carpark behind the Co-op. On Wednesday, November 18th it will be St.Etheldreda in Guilsborough at our usual time of 2.0pm.
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— Contact: Bridget Ling 01536 515 730
Knit and Natter - Knit and Natter. If I say that the "nattering" recently covered such topics as French historical novels, English studies topics, and religious questions such as how big a blanket was Moses wrapped in before being consigned to his basket in the bullrushes, you might think us very highbrow multitaskers (we can knit at the same time). You'd be right on the latter count, at any rate. What's more, we can be just as noisy when half the group are away as when we are all present. Remarkable! For date of next meeting or further information Contact: Annette Chidwick 01536 523 867 annette.chidwick@tiscali.co.uk
Contact: Janet Clements 01536 507 721 janet.clements@ntlworld.com
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Kettering U3A
Little Bowden church photos by Alan Robinson
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OBITUARY Fiona Makepeace-Lott With great sadness we heard that Fiona had passed away on Monday 5th October after a long illness. She had joined KU3A in the first intake of members and was an active participant until her illness more or less confined her to her home. When the Musical Circles group was formed Fiona was one of the first to join. She was very gifted and her love of music combined with her extensive knowledge was a real asset to the group. We shall remember the many happy hours we shared with her. She was a lovely lady who will be missed by many. Our thoughts are with her daughter Katrina and all the family. The funeral is on 26th October at Carey Baptist Church at 1.15pm. Donations to Medicins sans Frontieres.
Lunch Club — Our thanks go to Maggi McGuire and Sue Hart who hosted the September lunch at the Sondes Arms in the beautiful village of Rockingham. In response to my request at the lunch for someone to take over my post to oversee the Lunch Club, Maggi and Sue happily agreed and will take over from January 2016. Thanks Maggi and Sue this enables the group to continue.
Musical Circles 1 — Our theme in September was the portrayal of birds in music. Before each piece of music, we played a recording of the birdsong. The music was Handel’s Organ Concerto No 13 “Cuckoo and the Nightingale” written in 1739 with 5 movements. “Starlings”, a piece of light music written by Charles Williams (1893-1978) in 1950. The Overture to “The Thieving Magpie” written by Rossini in 1817 for La Scala, Milan. The 2nd movement of Beethoven’s 6th Symphony, “The Pastoral”, written in 1808, which has a cadenza for woodwind instruments that imitates bird calls. Beethoven helpfully identified the bird species in the score: nightingale (flute), quail (oboe), and cuckoo (two clarinets). “On Hearing the First Cuckoo in Spring”, a tone poem composed in 1912 by Frederick Delius. Contact: Carole Bradbury 01536 516 587 cabrad@me.com October lunch will be at the Red Lion in Broughton and will be organised by Jean and John Lewis. The menu will be on the Lunch Club table at the U3A meeting as usual the week prior, hope you can join us. Welcome to new members. There will be no November lunch due to the closeness of our annual U3A Christmas lunch in early December. This will be organised as usual by Ray Bradbury and I am sure Ray will be taking names for this very soon. Don't forget to put your name down.
Musical Circles 2 — We started with Beethoven's piano sonata Pathetique followed by Bach 'Air' from suite No3, Chopin Concerto No2 2nd movement, Humming Chorus from Madam Butterfly, Bruch Violin Concerto finale, Hummel's Trumpet Concerto finale and the first movement of Mozart's Flute Concerto, after coffee and biscuits we listened to Mozart’s Horn Concerto KV495 Finishing with Haydn's 'Surprise' Symphony.
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: Eileen Mason 01536 725 925 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: Glynis Hall 01536 516249 or glynis.john@o2.co.uk
Contact: Jean Beaver 01933 224474 10
Kettering U3A
Two photos by Steve Booker
Photography Group — Despite the prediction for heavy rain four brave souls from the Photography Group braved the weather for our September visit to Foxton Locks. Obviously photographing in rain has its difficulties. Cameras are often more waterproof than you think but you do have to be careful not to let them get too wet and allow the water to soak into the electronics, so having a cloth or, even better, a small chamois leather helps to wipe off surplus water from the camera body and lens at regular intervals. And it's important for picture quality to keep rain drops off the lens.
Keep the camera pointing downwards, put on the lens hood, and if you have a chamois leather or similar, drape it over the camera and lens when you are not taking the picture. Another issue with rainy weather is that sometimes the sky is a dull flat grey or off-white. If you include this sky it will look boring in your final image, and it can fool your camera's light meter into thinking it's a bright day, and so it will darken the picture and make it look dull, so that's another reason for keeping the camera aimed low, to cut out most of the boring sky, if not all of it. So why bother to take photos in the rain? The main reason is atmosphere and interest, plus colours are so much more saturated and vibrant when the surfaces are wet. It brings out textures, and it makes for really good close-ups of flowers and berries, with the drops of water glistening on them. So don't just be a fairweather photographer! Our next meeting is planned for Monday 19th October at 2pm. We are hoping for lovely autumn colours, so we shall visit Barnwell Country Park near Oundle, weather permitting. Contact: Trevor Rudkin 01536 711 976 trevor.rudkin@gmail.com 11
Kettering U3A
Safe Driving — Two-thirds of drivers won’t take breaks
Singing For Pleasure —
on any long journey, IAM finds
Singing for Pleasure “A” will meet as usual. Contact Jill Dee #
As many as 65 per cent of drivers on long journeys do not to stop to take rest breaks on the motorway because they don’t feel they have any need to. While 79 per cent of drivers will only choose to stop and take a rest if a motorway service area is located in a convenient place on their journey. The findings come from a recent survey conducted by road safety charity the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM), in which 1,753 people took part during June 2015. The poll asked to what extent keeping hydrated and taking a break between long journeys is important to drivers and found many respondents did not consider taking a rest break essential unless they had a pressing reason. Findings further reveal that while many drivers prepare for a long journey beforehand – filling up their cars with fuel (85 per cent) or programming in a destination into their satnavs (over 60 per cent), only 50 per cent of drivers will plan to make arrangements to stop at a service station, and as little as two per cent fail to do any planning at all. An existing driving simulator study conducted by Loughborough University showed that even mild dehydration can be hazardous to drivers, suggesting it can have the same effect on someone that is driving while under the influence of drinks and drugs in terms of driver errors made – affecting mood, mental functioning and changes in level of concentration (1). The IAM’s survey findings suggest that many drivers fail to prioritise their wellbeing and alertness when they are behind the wheel simply because they don’t take regular breaks on long journeys. Other major reasons as to why drivers do not consider taking a motorway break include: deeming the price of fuel at service stations too expensive (56 per cent) or citing that food, drinks and snacks at service stations are considerably overpriced (45 per cent). For drivers who do have a reason to stop at a motorway service station, over 94 per cent have said they only stop to use the toilet facilities. In fact, over a third of respondents consider a toilet break very important on long distance routes and 75 per cent would welcome more frequent continental style picnic and toilet only rest areas across motorways and main road networks. Sarah Sillars, IAM’s chief executive officer said: “Where drivers avoid taking rest breaks at a motorway service station, simply because they want to reach a destination quicker, raise the risk of making several mistakes and being involved in an incident. “Although participants have expressed an interest towards self-serving picnic and toilet sites, drivers must be encouraged to take regular breaks every two hours at any type of service station. “Take a bottle of water with you before embarking on a long journey, keep hydrated throughout and allow for some muchneeded rest.”
Singing for Pleasure “B” begins on September 25th at Fuller from 10am to 11.45am. I shall be around on October 9th but for the following two sessions (Oct 23rd and Nov 6th) Di Tebbutt will be in charge. For further information contact Mary Wildman ... Contact: Jill Dee 01536 514 054 or Mary Wildman 01536 741 222 mary@u3akettering.co.uk Spanish Conversation — The Spanish Group which really has to be called ‘Intermediate Spanish’ now because the students have all progressed so much since we started, continues to meet on the second and fourth Wednesday of each month at the ASDA training room. The book we use is Pasos 2 and we are now over half way through it. Our lessons consist of some grammar, some conversation and some exercises from childrens’ exercise books that I have managed to acquire in Spain – they find these the hardest!!! With 12 students, we would have to say that we are full but we would always try to fit in one more person provided they already have a knowledge of the language that would enable them to keep up. Teaching is by my colleague Bill Simon and myself with occasional sessions with a guest Spanish lady for pure conversation. Contact: Bob Thorogood 01933 650 551 bob@rltservices.co.uk
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
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 Cake by Helen Nicolay
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Trips & Visits - King Richard III Walking Trail Wednesday 7th October started a bit dull and wet but it was definitely dry for the fantastic trip Rosemary and Eileen organised for a Richard III walking tour in Leicester. A visit to the cathedral started the day for many to see the tomb of Richard III. The tour guide then walked us around Leicester outlining the many facts about finding of Richards body , how it was identified, where kept etc. We were all handed our walking guide, included in the price of a trip, before we started a brilliant walk. Back to the coach for lunch at the Wistow garden centre, where some people even did Christmas shopping. A huge thank you to Rosemary and Eileen for organising such a wonderful outing. Marian Tucker
Theatre Goers — The following performances are at the Milton Keynes Theatre. An Inspector Calls: Wednesday 24th February 2016; centre stall seats, concessionary price £21. A decision has been made to cancel the booking of this show due to the fact a film of that name was recently shown on the television. Therefore, as we sometimes struggle to get the numbers required to obtain the concessionary ticket price, we had no other option than cancel the reservations. Guys & Dolls: Wednesday 15th June2016; centre stall seats £25. Closing date20th October 2016. Five members went to see the Agatha Christie murder mystery, Mousetrap, at the Derngate theatre. The scene is set when a group of people, gathered in a country house cut off by the snow to discover, to their horror, there is a murderer in their midst. Each suspect each other as they reveal their sordid past, which had you believe that anyone one of them could have committed the murder. The actor taking part as, Christopher Wren, was the most spirited character on stage: young, excitable, loud with a nervous energy. In my view he was the one who I would have murdered given the chance. Perhaps not so fast-paced as todays murder mysteries tend to be but it was the excellent cast which made each one of us become an "armchair detective" as we watched the mystery unfold in anticipation. When I say we "watched" that's not entirely true; as one cannot watch through closed eye lids. I will not be guilty of pointing the finger at the those who succumbed. Put the blame it on the delicious lunch! I was the guilty one when I offered sweets to my companions, the rustling of the sweetie paper turned heads as the audience were deathly quiet so enthralled were they with the atmosphere and suspense: you could have heard a pin drop. Did we identify the murderer? Shall I reveal who done the dastardly deed? NO. We have been sworn to secrecy not to reveal what we know. Our lips are sealed. The murderer can carry on regardless, to do it again and again every night. The sweets? they were put back in my handbag and not bought out again until we were on the bus home. Contact: Helen McAdams 07713 119 620 or 01536 628 304 helenmcadams@talktalk.net Trips & Visits It is with regret that the London trip on 24 October has been cancelled due to lack of numbers. Contact: Maureen Curd 01832 732 361 maureen@u3akettering.co.uk
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Kettering U3A
Wining and Dining - Christmas Lunch Club The Annual Christmas Lunch of the Lunch Club will be held on TUESDAY 1 DECEMBER 2015 at the Masonic Complex in CORBY at 11.30 am. for a prompt 12 noon start. The cost will be a specially negotiated £15. As everyone in KU3A is a potential member of the lunch club all are welcome, this time including spouses and friends. The hall is big enough and the caterers experienced enough to cope with any number. The menu is a traditional Christmas offering to get the festive season underway. If you have a special dietary requirement please let me know, otherwise the meal will start with Cream of Vegetable Soup, followed by Turkey with Stuffing and Chipolata Sausages, Roast Potatoes, Mashed Potatoes, Carrots, Peas and Cauliflower Cheese. Then Christmas Pudding with Brandy Sauce followed by Mince Pies. Christmas Crackers and Novelties complete the festive line up. This has always proved a popular event and we have been well looked after by the caterers in recent years so do come along. The list opens this month and will be open at the November meeting as well. A £10 deposit will secure you a place at the table. In the event you are not able to come after paying your deposit and I haven’t notified numbers to the Masonic then your deposit will be returned. If you notify me after final numbers have been notified then every effort will be made to sell your ticket to someone else but with no guarantee. There is plenty of parking at the Masonic but please car share if possible. The place is easy to find but maps will be available if you are not too sure of the way. deposit and I haven’t notified numbers to the Masonic then your deposit will be returned. If you notify me after final numbers have been notified then every effort will be made to sell your ticket to someone else but with no guarantee. There is plenty of parking at the Masonic but please car share if possible. The place is easy to find but maps will be available if you are not too sure of the way. Contact Ray Bradbury on 01536 516587
Theatre Goers — Local ODEON + CULTURE FILMED LIVE Review by Glynis Hall for the Royal Ballet's Romeo and Juliet filmed live at the Odeon Kettering as part of their Culture+ screening. Celebrating its 50th anniversary, Kenneth MacMillan’s first big ballet is a popular classic. Although official reviews surprisingly were not especially good, those around me within the U3A group were completely captivated by this well known tale. The lovers were played by Sarah Lamb and Steven McRae. Juliet performed as light as a feather wisping about the stage, straining to be liberated from controlling parents, whilst Romeo completely smitten, danced and lifted her to enable them to achieve the most beautiful balletic arcing grace and forms. The tragic ending was acted to perfection leaving the audience enthralled and exhausted. You held your breath at the expertise within the astonishing duals of swordplay. The whole combination was a superb ensemble, with the trio of saucy harlots and the Mandolin Dance and the tussle over a bridal bouquet – all matched by the orchestra’s account of Prokofiev’s wonderful score. Definitely not disappointed. Our next production is the Royal Ballet's NUTCRACKER in December, tickets already collected and given out. I am sure we are all in anticipation of another excellent evening. The Theatregoers group are at present deciding on the programme for 2016 and will inform you soon. 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. Cheques - 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.
Wining and Dining - We had a very good evening at The Lake Isle Uppingham. The food was very tasty and the staff were very friendly. I have booked The White Horse at Old for our Xmas event. There is a choice of a two or three course menu at £21.95 and £25.95 respectively. A £10 deposit is required plus we will need to pre-order our food at least a week before. If you are interested in joining us please let me know (with your deposit) at the next U3A meeting or when we go to The Old Bank on 21st October. Contact: Christine Strachan 01536 515 730 ce.strachan1@ntlworld.com
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. Contact: Glynis Hall (local productions) 01536 516 249 Helen McAdams (national ) 01536 628 304
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Kettering U3A
Water Colour Painting Classes - are held in the Parish Church Rooms, Sheep Street, Kettering from 1.15 pm to 3.15 pm on the 2nd and 4th Thursday of the month. Free parking is next to these rooms. Should the car park happen to be full then the church grounds may be used.
Walking Group A much reduced band of eight intrepid walkers left the Queen’s Head at Bulwick on the morning of Wednesday 7th October amidst steadily falling rain. Luckily the forecast further heavy showers did not materialise and shortly after leaving the rain stopped completely. That’s where our luck ran out as with the advent of Autumn ploughing and sowing of crops some of the fields which were bone dry in July were turned into heavy mud and by the time we had crossed the first one we were all two inches taller. Shortly after the half way point discretion being the better part of valour a route back was taken which avoided the mud and kept us dryshod for the return. A most enjoyable lunch was taken back at the Queen’s Head.
Dates for the Autumn Term are:October November December
8th, 22nd 12th, 26th 10th (last class)
New classes for the Winter Term will start on 14th January 2016. The following photographs of our class were taken on the 10th September, 2015, but not all our members
The next walk will be on Wednesday 4th November starting at 10.15 a.m. from the Horse and Jockey pub, St. Mary's Road, Manton, Rutland LE15 8SU. Lunch may be pre-ordered from 10.00 a.m. Contacts: Ann and John Kemp on 01536 761241 or 07789 415720
were present. Contact: Jo Beaver on 01933 224474 or Barbara Goodall on 01536 523259
Contact: 01536 518900
Mobile: 07512790188 davidh280947@gmail.com
Writers Group & Writers Too Writers’ Group. I am delighted to report that we are resting not upon our laurels; indeed we are continuing to raise our standards onwards and upwards. Thank you to everyone who has bought copies of the Anthology – feedback has been most gratifying. If you have not yet bought a copy – they make terrific presents – see Elizabeth Toseland. Your £3.00 will go into KU3A funds. I am also pleased to award full credit to Mary Earl for the prose piece on 46 Acacia Avenue! Only when she saw it in print did she realise she had written it, apparently. As one who has to look at the morning paper to know what day it is, I pass no comment. October’s meeting is/was a free writing on the spot session, the polished results of which may be flaunted at the November meeting. Elizabeth Toseland will be in charge and will set a topic for December. For further information contact Mary Wildman or Elizabeth Toseland Writers Too See English Studies. English Studies began in earnest in the Writers Too slot on September 14th with Act One of Julius Caesar. (Copies of the play are available from me.) Whether the second Monday in the month will become its permanent slot has yet to be confirmed, but seems likely. We shall still have leisure to look at the writingmembers work as well. The next meeting, however, will be on the fifth Monday in November viz 30th at the usual time and place. For further information contact Mary Wildman or Sue Perkins 01536 519438 in my absence. Contact: Mary Wildman 01536 741 222 marywildman365@gmail.com 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 2nd 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
1.45 – 3.45pm
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
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