Kettering U3A
16th February 2016 Kettering U3A Year 12 Newsletter 8
Today 16th February
Cransley Hospice
From the Chairman— Tan-tan-tara! New year, new groups, new faces. Bonnets and Bouquets. I’m delighted to report that in the aftermath of Helen’s resignation from the Committee – thank you, Helen, for all your hard work – Chris Crick has stepped up to the plate as a co-optee. However, let her not volunteer alone, folks: there are other places to fill and will be more come the AGM. If the Groups and KU3A itself are to survive, let alone progress, we need members to come forward willingly to share the running of same. Hats Off to those who do. But Hats On for May! The Great Hat Competition, for a variety of administrative reasons, will take place in May rather than June. There is no set theme – anything goes. And the competition is not just for ladies; men too. So thinking caps on in the meantime.
Mary Next Month 15th March
Being a TV Chef Zena Skinner
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
Doug Hodkinson Geoffrey Pask • • • • •
•
Carol Clorley Val Colby
Brenda Hargood Rosemary Wensor
Advise the Membership Secretary, in writing, of any changes to your address, post code, telephone number or email address. If you are unable to attend your Group’s meeting, please advise your Group Leader in advance. If you know one of our members has a special occasion ahead, e.g. important birthday, anniversary or if they are ill and you feel a card from the U3A would be appreciated, please contact Joan Rolfe on 01536 521531 Bring your membership card with you to the meeting and have it available for checking in. If you cannot get to the monthly meeting for any reasons, you can get a copy of the Newsletter:-from either the Library or the Tourist Information desk, Manor House Museum, Kettering or from Desborough, Rothwell or Burton Latimer Libraries. Or via our postal service direct to your home (£10 per annum) Contact the Membership Secretary to do so. Download the newsletter (in glorious colour) from web site, www.u3asites.org.uk/kettering & click on Links.
Monthly Meeting Dates & Speakers Apr 19 May 17 Jun 21 Jul 19
2016 Harpist and bird Songs - Nick Penny A History of Wicksteed Park Annual General Meeting To be confirmed
Aug 16 Sep 20 Oct 18 Nov 15 Dec 13
Classic Cars Quiz The Old Candleworks by Marianne Perry A Tudor Christmas - Martin Sinot Smith U3A Singers (Note meeting one week earlier than normal)
Your Kettering U3A Committee 2015-2016 Chairman Vice Chairman Secretary Treasurer Membership Secretary Speaker Seeker Newsletter/Web site Groups Co-ordinator Committee Member
Mary Wildman Cyril Young Diane Tebbutt Elizabeth Toseland Maggi McGuire Marian Tucker Richard Boyles Cyril Young Chris Crick
01536 741 222 01536 392 065 01536 392 556 01536 460 029 01536 392 716 01536 510 354 01536 744 753 01536 392 065
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marywildman365@gmail.com c.young590@ntlworld.com di_tebbutt@hotmail.com elizabethtoseland@outlook.com maggi.mcguire@outlook.com mariantucker1954@gmail.com richard@boyles.co.uk c.young590@ntlworld.com
Kettering U3A
News — Interest Groups — Visits and Reports Bookworms — We discussed "The Invention of Wings" by Sue Monk Kidd. Although fiction, the story is based upon the real life Sarah Grimke and her sister, Angelina, who were the first women to speak out in favour of the abolition of slavery, women's rights and racial equality. Sarah is given a slave as a present on her 11th birthday, Hetty (or Handful). The "wings" are the black triangles sewn into patchwork quilts by the slaves, who believed they would one day be free to "fly away". We all loved the book, but were outraged by the treatment metered out to the slaves by their cruel plantation owners.
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:
Wheelchair disabled access is available at the rear by phoning 01536 484 800
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.
Newsletter DEADLINE— is 2 Saturdays before the monthly meeting. PLEASE send in reports and photos or we will have to reduce the pages again and I’ll end up editing to fit less space. You can read and download the newsletter in FULL COLOUR from our internet page at www.u3asites.org.uk/kettering Contact: Richard Boyles 01536 744 753 richard@boyles.co.uk Speaker Seeker - Well as many of you have noticed 2016 speakers have been planned and there are even some changes. I have now started planning 2017 and have managed to book a few speakers. I am given information about speakers from members, for which I am grateful, and I always investigate given information as well noting down the info in my speaker seeker folder. The speakers are planned to cover the wide and varied interests that members appreciate. Keep speakers’ names, contact details etc coming as they are much appreciated. June AGM will be upon us soon and due to family commitments I may not be able to continue with the role of Speaker Seeker. Are there any members willing to help take on this role?
Contact: Sue Macfarlane 01536 523754 Busy Needles and Banter — “Charlie’s Ladies” are as industrious as ever with bonnets for newborns, blankets for babies, dogs etc, bedsocks, toys and things for gifts. The “Progress Prize”, however, must go to Chris Crick: from a simple blanket to a complicated jumper in a few short months is astounding. Well done and well done all of us for that matter. Best wishes to the new needlecraft group, too. Contact: Mary Wildman 01536 741 222 marywildman365@gmail.com
Contact: Marian Tucker 01536 510 354 mariantucker1954@gmail.com
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Kettering U3A
Canals & Waterways — Twenty eight of us went to Stanwick Lakes. We were accompanied by a ranger on our longer walk who told us about the work they do to keep everything in order. This was followed by a very good lunch. Our next meeting is at 2.0pm 18th February, at Satra House, Rockingham Road. There will be a talk by Mary Matts and a small charge of £2 to cover the costs. In March we shall be going to Eyebrook Resevoir for a walk followed by lunch at Sweethedges LE15 9AD which is about 1.5 miles from Eyebrook.
Card Making 1 — Our next meetings will be on March 8th and 9th when we are back from holiday. This is a week later than normal. I would like to wish all members a Happy and Productive 2016. Contact: Mary Earl 01536 522 456 madearl@virginmedia.com Card Making 2 — Usual greetings of Happy New Year started this busy afternoon. As it is the beginning of a New Year I checked all the group were members as well contact details and ICE numbers. My yearly accounts were also presented. The next few months were planned to include a visit to Ann, our wonderful talented crafting friend, as well as moving our December meeting a week earlier in line with the U3A meeting for December. Then the serious business of making cards. It was wonderful to see the group using my new tree and owl die cuts in a variety of ways. We then shared a few new ideas that will put into place over the next few months. Our group went out for their " Christmas " lunch at Glebe Farm Shop. A wonderful place to have lunch if you like good food.
Remaining Programme for 2016 th
March 17 Walk around Eyebrook Resevoir, Great Easton Rd, Caldecott, LE16 8RP, followed by lunch at Sweet Hedges Café, Allexton Field Road,Oakham. April 21st a) Rutland water, bluebell walk. b) Trip to Amsterdam 19th April for 3 nights. May 19th Trip to Lincoln. Some may wish to stay overnight and travel on the Wednesday. There will be a boat trip available and for those who wish to visit Lincoln Castle/Cathedral there are concession tickets available at £9/£13 June 15-17th Two night stay in Portsmouth.
Contact: Marian Tucker 01536 510 354 mariantucker1954@gmail.com
July 21st
Shardlow Canal Heritage Centre. th
August 18 th
Sept. 15
Carol to organise a day out. Self drive canal boat trip.
th
October 20
Black Country Museum with boat trip.
th
Planning meeting.
th
Christmas lunch.
Nov. 17 Dec. 15
Contact: Christine Strachan 01536 515730 ce.strachan1@ntlworld.com Computer Group — We meet once a month on the second Tuesday at ASDA, 2-4pm. Due to several members asking for Windows 10 advice I have changed the programme as follows. 08 Mar - Windows 10 beginners + Files & Folders 12 Apr - Photos 10 May- Backups 14 Jun- Files & Folders Aug - No Meeting 13 Sep- Android Tablets & Phones Information and videos from previous sessions can be accessed from the link at the NEW web site at
www.U3AKettering.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.
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Kettering U3A
Country Matters — There was no meeting in January and in February we met in the car park of the Spread Eagle pub in Cottingham before the walk.
French - 2nd and 4th Tuesday at 2pm
Contact:
Friday Pop-In - November meeting was another great success with new members joining us and I hope more members will join us in 2016
Contact: Diana Ellis 01536 723 380
Derek Warren 01536 518 560 derek@thewarrens.me.uk
Discussion Group — The subject at the January meeting was 'The Monarchy' presented by Pat Clarke. The general opinion of the group was that the present Queen was held in respect but that this could be heavily influenced by the Press. Some doubts were expressed about the future for the Royal Family. The next meeting will be Tuesday March 8th 2.00pm at the usual venue when the subject will be 'Shopping' Any member of the group with strong opinions on the subject will be most welcome. Contact: Richard Ling
Contact: Sue Hince 01536 521 023
Family History - Our first meeting was attended by 23 people and we did the normal registration and checking of “In Case of Emergency” (ICE) details. I conducted a brief “hands up” survey of members’ previous family history experiences and only two had not yet started at all, two have recently started and everyone else has been researching for a few, or many years. We brain stormed ideas for future meetings as well as passing around a sheet asking for people's interests which I will analyse and report back to the members. We agreed that in the March meeting we will focus on a few of the 332,000 genealogy internet web site links indexed on www.cyndislist.com Katrina, our LDS host, is extremely knowledgeable about family history researching and gave us some excellent short cuts to find FREE census information rather than having to pay for it on the major web sites via www.familysearch.org She also demonstrated how we can search names using soundex rather than actual spelling. Soundex searches for names which “sound like” the spelling. As I did with the Computer Group, I have set up a U3A Family History web site where I will post news and genealogy resources for the group. It can be accessed from a shared web page, as can the Computer Group and our main U3A Kettering web site, at
01536 515 816 b_r_ling@hotmail.com
English Studies— will continue on the second Monday afternoon in the month, from 2pm to 4pm at 36 Skeffington Close, Geddington NN14 1BA. Our prime study will be understanding Shakespeare, appropriately enough as April will see the 600th anniversary of his death. There is still room in the group, and copies of various works will be provided.
www.U3AKettering.co.uk
Contact: Mary Wildman 01536 741 222 marywildman365@gmail.com
For those who signed up for the group but were unable to attend, keep an eye out for news via e-mail and the web site above. Also please send in any suggestions or interests you have which we can use for future meetings.
French Conversation The French conversation group met at Lamb & Holmes’ conference's room which is a beautiful venue on the 22 January. Thank you to Christine Simmonds. We introduced ourselves to each other then the conversation went to places we visited, our likes and dislikes and sport. A good varieties of topics. Our next meeting on the 19th of February at the same venue from 2-4 pm. Contact: Michele Junin 01536 671 971 m.p.junin@outlook.com
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Kettering U3A
Heartbeat— The next meeting will be on Monday 4th April 2016 at 10 a.m. We will meet outside the Old Forge Coffee Shop, Cranford, NN14 4JE. This will be a circular walk of 30 minutes and will be on footpaths, so it will not be muddy. We will be able to meet in the Old Forge afterwards for coffee. Hope to see you there.
Gardening Group — The group is closing down until the Spring of next year. Ideas for future activities and offers of private gardens to visit welcome. Contact: Ray Bradbury 01536 516 587
Contact: Bridget Ling 01536 515 816 b_r_ling@hotmail.com
German Basic Conversation — Contact: Joe Fletcher 01536 722 399 Kettering-Lahnstein Twinning Committee — Perhaps you may be able to help or know of someone who would welcome a student into their homes during the Easter holiday and the summer holidays? If you can help, contact contact Barbara Murkitt 01536 513 251 bmurkitt@talktalk.net Golf — Our regular group meets at 1.30 pm Fridays at Pytchley Golf Club still seems to be the most popular time !!
Knit and Natter - We are looking forward to start our meetings in 2016, hopefully with lots of new creative ideas.
Contact: Alan Stephens 01536 726 911 or 07931 637 660 or alanstephens26@outlook.com
Contact: Annette Chidwick 01536 523 867 annette.chidwick@tiscali.co.uk
History - The first meeting of the History Group took place on the 1 February 2016. 52 members attended and enjoyed a talk on the history of Grafton Underwood and Geddington given by Chris Holden, a Kettering member and former Chairman. The next meeting will be held on Monday 7th March from 2pm and will be at the Counties Community Centre in Hertford Road, Kettering. The speaker will be Mr Ian Addis whose talk is entitled “Out to play in Kettering” and will cover the history of the parks in Kettering such as Rockingham Pleasure Park, North Park and Wicksteed.
Looking at Churches — In January the group went to Grafton Regis, which is a tiny village full of history. It had snowed two days previously and was quite a distance from Kettering, so I was a bit worried that not many would turn up, but it was a lovely sunny day with blue skies, and the usual number of 22 came on the tour.
There will be a charge of £2.00 per person to costs of hall hire and speakers. Group members will be asked to help set out chairs etc. and put them away. All help will be greatly appreciated.
Our guides consisted of two churchwardens, a historian, and a few helpers, and we were made extremely welcome. Several of the group e-mailed me afterwards to say that it was the best tour ever. The village is well known for its connections with the Woodville family. Elizabeth Woodville met Edward IV and they were secretly married. They became the parents of the Princes in the Tower.
Contact: Eileen Mason
01536 725 925 edmason5@yahoo.co.uk or Maggi McGuire 01536 392 716 maggi.mcguire@outlook.com
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Kettering U3A
Lunch Club — Maggi and Sue have now taken over from Glynis to oversee the Lunch Club from January. The Lunch Club has existed for many years and long may it continue. It is an excellent way of members coming together.
Looking at Churches — continuedV We started by going around the small church where lies the only Woodville monument in the country. This is an alabaster topped tomb of Sir John Woodville, Great Grandfather of Elizabeth. The Manor House which belonged to the family was later made into a palace for Henry VIII. This was later burned down during the English Civil War.
Contact: Maggi McGuire 01536 392 716 maggi.mcguire@outlook.com Musical Circles 1 — Mendelssohn -: String Quartet No.1 2nd movement (canzonetta) Auf Flugeln des Gesanges Symphony No. 5 - 2nd movement All played by the Berlin Philharmoniker and conducted by Lorin Maazel. Staying a while longer in Germany and with the same orchestra we listened to several pieces by Beethoven including the overture to 'Coriolan' delivered with great gusto. Moving on to Russia we heard a contrast of styles from -: Prokofiev Symphony No.1 - finale Tchaikovsky Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy Music from Swan Lake Rachmaninov Prelude in G sharp minor Stravinsky Danse Sacrale from The Rite of Spring Finally we wandered to Italy to listen to two arias from Verdi La Donna a Mobile from the opera Rigoletto Celeste Aida from the opera Aida Both sung by the wonderful German tenor Jonas Kaufman. Another happy afternoon enjoyed with friends.
After an interesting tour of the church, we were taken to the village hall where tea and biscuits awaited us.
The hall was beautifully painted in a Tudor style, with portraits and pictures all around. Added to this we had the bonus of a speaker telling us all the history of the village, from the Woodville family, through to Elizabeth the first. It was a fascinating afternoon. On certain dates in the summer there are Talks and Walks, where there are guided walks around the historical sites. The villagers dress as the characters depicted in each site and the story is told. If anyone is interested, the cost is £8.50 per person, tea and cake served at the end. It is hoped that u3a will go on Saturday May 14th. Our next meeting will be a talk on Wednesday 17th February at 2.0pm in Holy Trinity Church, Rothwell. This is entitled’ Stories of a Northamptonshire Pastime’, given by Mr Bob Bett, who makes a hobby of visiting churches and graveyards. The talk is open to all u3a members and a donation of £2 each will be given to Cransley Hospice, so it is hoped for a good audience. On March 16th at 2.0pm we will be at Kibworth, Leicestershire. A few years ago there was a TV programme about a typical English village in medieval times, and they chose Kibworth. Mark Wood was the presenter and he also wrote a book about the village, so it should have an interesting church.
Contact: Carole Bradbury 01536 516 587 cabrad@me.com
NEW WEB SITE - I have set up a new web site to share access to our main U3A Kettering web site, the Computer Group and Family History Group sites at
www.U3AKettering.co.uk
Contact: Janet Clements 01536 507 721 janet.clements@ntlworld.com
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Kettering U3A
Musical Circles 2 — The theme for the January meeting of Musical Circles 2 was "Variation". Composers often like to produce variations on a set theme, either as a technical exercise or as a way of showing off. Some set their own theme, and then introduce the variations. This was exemplified by the first piece of music, namely the "Andante con variazione" from Schubert's Octet in F Opus 166, played by the Academy Of Ancient Music Chamber Ensemble. Perhaps best known are the Enigma Variations by Edward Elgar. The opening theme was played, and then Variation 6 (R.P.A), Variation 10 (Nimrod) and then the Finale (E.D.U.). This time the orchestra was the Royal Philharmonic, conducted by Yehudi Menuhin. Composers can be inspired by someone else's theme, and the first example of this was Benjamin Britten's "Variations On A Theme Of Frank Bridge". The BBC Symphony Orchestra under Andrew Davis played the Introduction And Theme, March, and Fugue And Finale. To end the first half a recording of Alison Balsom and the Goteborg Symphony Orchestra livened things up with Arban's "Variations On Bellini's "Casta Diva"". After refreshments extracts from Sviatoslav Richter playing Beethoven's Diabelli Variations continued the theme. A pleasant afternoon of music concluded with two Fantasias by Vaughan Williams ("Fantasia On A Theme Of Thomas Tallis" and "Fantasia On Greensleeves"), once again played by the BBC Symphony Orchestra led by Andrew Davis. Our next meeting is due on Wednesday 17th February. Contact: Eileen Mason 01536 725 925 Photography Group — A hardy group of photographers assembled at Wicksteed Park on a windy February afternoon. The sky was very dramatic at times, and there were plenty of ducks, geese and swans to photograph too. Shooting into a low sun can cause problems with contrast and lens flare, as well as confusing the light meter inside the camera, but it's amazing how well modern cameras cope with such conditions. After a walk round the lake a welcome visit to the café gave us the opportunity to plan our next meeting, which will be on Monday March 7th 2pm at Stanwick Lakes, weather permitting. Contact: Trevor Rudkin 01536 711 976 trevor.rudkin@gmail.com Above are 3 Photos and a montage by Steve Booker
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Kettering U3A
Safe Driving — The purpose of the group is to help members to improve their driving skills and confidence so that they feel more able to deal with the conditions they find on our roads today. The majority of road accidents are caused by driver error. Improving your driving skills and becoming a better driver means that you’ll not only be safer on the roads, but you’ll probably find driving far more enjoyable. Before joining the group you’ll be invited to take one of the group leaders on a short assessment drive. This will last for about thirty minutes and can be on familiar roads if you wish - you can even bring somebody with you if you like. At the end of the drive you can decide if you want to proceed any further with building your driving skills and confidence. For those who choose to join the group, we then discuss your areas of particular concern and decide how we can help. All the driving techniques we use are based on “Roadcraft”, the police driver’s handbook. There is NO TEST involved, but we can prepare you to take an advanced driving test if you wish. Last year two members of Kettering U3A, Bridget Ling and Steve Booker, both successfully passed their advanced driving test with the Institute of Advanced Motorists.
Playford English Country Dancing Due to illness etc. I have had to suspend meetings until after Easter. Our numbers are very low so new members would be very welcome.
Contact: Jean Beaver 01933 224 474 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
Singing For Pleasure — Has restarted with a flourish, not of trumpets, but of voices raised in song, accompanied by the redoubtable Marian Quinney, to whom I am eternally grateful. A varied selection of pieces from Folk to Musicals has been chosen to start us off; more will follow in due time. Numbers are creeping up with new members coming along as well as others returning from holiday or illness. However, we still have room for more – men included! The Group is also open to Ise members. If interested contact
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
For information contact Jill Dee (A) Mary Wildman B
Roy Franklin 01536 482808 or 07751 106617 r.franklin672@btinternet.com
Contact: Mary Wildman 01536 741 222 marywildman365@gmail.com
New Group— Spanish, Intermediate — The Spanish conversation group continues to meet on the second and fourth Wednesday of each month from 2pm to 4pm. We have the use of a training room free of charge so our sessions continue to be free. We use the book Pasos 2 which is for second level students and we are now well on the way to completing that. Because of the size of the room, we are now really at full capacity. However, we would be happy to consider one or at most two more members 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 Spanish and be able to converse at a fairly fluent level.
Stitchin' Time Have you ever wanted to learn to crochet, or perhaps knit or even learn to cross stitch? Are you able to knit, crochet or cross stitch? Then this new group is waiting for you to join them. Contact:
Pauline Parkin 01536 799 197 paulineparkin@hotmail.com
Contact: Bob Thorogood 01933 650 551 bob@rltservices.co.uk
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Kettering U3A
Theatre Goers — Local
Trips & Visits - One of our members has called me to ask if I would arrange a day trip to Eltham Palace. I have researched the possibility and hope that I may enjoy a group booking. As you all know the cost of a coach depends on the numbers.
Programme for 2016 The Theatregoers group are meeting to review the future programme for 2016 and at present have decided on:Giselle by the Royal Ballet on Wednesday 6th April. Please let me know if you wish to join us. We will inform you as soon as we decide on other productions. Theatregoers Members Information Our small group meet to decide which productions to attend. We then offer to purchase tickets for any U3A members who wish to participate. All we ask is for early booking and prompt payment for the seats by the date specified. Transport and car share to be arranged by the individual. Some production are very popular and tickets need to be purchased well in advance to ensure good seats, also cannot be purchased until paid for. If tickets are required, cash or cheque must be produced at the meeting or cheque posted to Glynis very soon after to enable the purchase of tickets and ensure availability. Cheque's - please make payable to U3A Kettering No.2 Account and write on the back of the cheque which production it is for. Please find more information on the U3A board and to order or pick up tickets go to Theatre Goers table at the monthly meetings. Contact: Glynis Hall
Eltham Palace is an important 14th -16th century Tudor Palace and a 1930's millionaires mansion. Monarchs often visited and 7 hunted in the surrounding parks. Henry V111 spent much of his boyhood at Eltham and Cardinal Wolsey took the oath of office as Lord Chancellor of England in 1525. Henry turned his favours to Hampton Court and Elizabeth 1st only visited occasionally. The property was sold to Nathaniel Rich who badly neglected it. Stephen & Virginia Courtald leased the palace in 1933 they renovated it to a high degree and lived there until May 1944. The palace was used as an army education unit until 1992 English Heritage is now responsible for the upkeep of the palace and gardens. I propose a visit in June/July but they do ask for definite bookings one month in advance. Please let me know if anyone does have an interest and I will set the ball rolling.
01536 516 249 glynis.john@o2.co.uk
Walking Group - 18 walkers set out on the morning of Wednesday 3rd February for a 5.5 mile walk from the Black Horse at Nassington. The weather was initially dull and overcast with a biting wind but later the clouds broke and some blue sky was actually visible. The route involved some crossing and re-crossing of the River Nene along with the usual discussion as regards pronunciation of its name. We also crossed Sibson Airfield and then returned by way of a brief stop at the terminus of the Nene Valley Railway at Yarwell Junction and then to Yarwell Mill where the river level of gave rise to some impressive water flows. On returning to the Black Horse an excellent lunch was enjoyed by the group enhanced by a roaring open fire. The March walk on Wednesday 2nd will start at the Griffins Head, Wilby Rd, Mears Ashby NN6 0DX tel 01604812945 at 10.oo am for 10.15 start. The walk will be about 5.5 miles over mainly flat countryside and reservoir paths.
Contact: Maureen Curd 01832 732 361 maureen@u3akettering.co.uk Wining and Dining - Once again we had a very enjoyable evening at El Toros in Rothwell. We shall have been to Tong Thai in Kettering by our next meeting. I am hoping to book Rue de Gare Desborough for our meal in March, details to follow. Contact: Christine Strachan 01536 515 730 ce.strachan1@ntlworld.com
Contact: Helen Neale 01536 723 899 or 07763 980 840 or Neil Burton 01536 526 966 neb2804@hotmail.co.uk
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Kettering U3A
Water Colour Painting Classes - The Group meets on the 2nd and 4th Thursday of each month from September to March. There are no classes from April to August. Our classes are held in the Parish Hall, Market Place, Kettering, NN16 0AL, from 1.15pm to 3.15pm. The Winter Term dates are as follows:February 25th, March 10th, 24th (last class) The Autumn Term starts again 8th September 2016. Fees for each term are around £10.00 (6 classes). If you are interested in painting or drawing then come along to our classes. You may use oils, water colours, acrylics or pastels. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced painter we welcome everyone. You must be a fully paid up member with the U3A before you are able to join us, otherwise we shall be very pleased to see you.
This picture in called "Whittington Castle, Shropshire" and is painted in water colour by Hazel Britton. Writers Group— Is it the effect of the dark winter nights and S.A.D? Whatever the cause, this month’s writing also had its fair share of darkness. It included some almost unremittingly grim contributions including one on FGM and another on a World War I 'Shot at Dawn' execution by firing squad. A spine-tingling example of Gothic Horror added yet more shadows.
On the 15th March at the U3A Meeting our Group will be holding an Exhibition. Some paintings will be for sale and others will be displayed to let you see their work. Do come and view our paintings.
Luckily to counterbalance this we had the pleasure of welcoming Bob Thorogood who started the ball rolling with a reading from the opening of his book ‘Behind the Call of Duty’. Those of you who heard his talk in August 2014 will realise what a good start that gave us. Tony Roberts added the other outer slice to the sandwich when he finished the meeting off with a beautifully written contemplation on the subject of ‘Fire’. The filling of the sandwich may have been strong but it was as nourishing as those outer slices were tasty. Elizabeth Brassington reminded us of the Nottingham Writers' Club 2016 National Short Story Competition which is also on the subject of ‘Fire’. The competition closes on 29 February and details are at: http://www.nottinghamwritersclub.org.uk/nationalcompetition/enter.php.
"Fishing in Cornwall" is the title of this picture which is painted in Acrylics by Bob Thorogood. Contact: Jo Beaver on 01933 224 474 or Barbara Goodall on 01536 523 259
Next month’s meeting will be at the usual time of 2pm on Tuesday 1st March and at the usual location - the Parish Church Rooms in the Market Place. Plenty of free parking! For those who want some inspiration Tony has proposed an intriguing selection of subjects. Thanks, Tony! Contact: Tom Piercy 01536 712 581 tom@tom-and-ann.demon.co.uk
Check it out...
www.U3AKettering.co.uk 11
Kettering U3A
Kettering U3A Interest Group Timetable Please contact group co-ordinator for more information before joining a group Day No fixed day Safe Driving
Co-ordinator
Tel.no
Venue
Frequency
Time
Steve Clorley Roy Franklin Ray Bradbury Bridget Ling Maureen Curd
01832 732342 01536 482808 01536 516587 01536 515816 01832 732361
varies varies varies varies varies
varies varies varies varies varies
varies varies varies varies varies
Marian Tucker Maggi McGuire Carole Bradbury Annette Chidwick Maggi McGuire Richard Boyles Trevor Rudkin Glynis Hall Mary Wildman
01536 510354 01536 392716 01536 516587 01536 523867 01536 392716 01536 744753 01536 711976 01536 516 249 01536 741222
Home
3rd Monday
10.00 – 12 noon
varies Home Counties Community Centr LDS Church, Rothwell Road varies Home Home
3rd Monday 1st & 3rd Mondays 1st Monday 2nd Monday 1st Monday 2nd Monday 2nd Monday
2.00pm 10.00 – 12 noon 2.00 – 4.00pm 2.00 – 4.00pm 2.00 – 4.00pm 10.30—12.30 2.00 – 4.00pm
Richard Boyles Richard Ling Mary Earl Diana Ellis Glynis Hall Joan Allingham Tom Piercy
01536 744753 01536 515816 01536 522456 01536 723380 01536 516249 01536 722610 01536 712 581
ASDA, Kettering Parish Church Rooms Home Home varies Home Parish Church Rooms
2nd Tuesday 2nd Tuesday 1st Tuesday 2nd & 4th Tuesday 4th Tuesday weekly 1st Tuesday
2.00 – 4.00pm 2.00 – 4.00pm 10.00 – 11.30am 2.00pm varies 1.30 – 4.00pm 2.00—4.00 pm
Joe Fletcher Bob Thorogood Pauline Parkin Mary Earl Janet Clements Eileen Mason Jean Beaver Ann Kemp Christine Strachan
01536 722399 01933 650551 01536 799197 01536 522456 01536 507721 01536 725925 01933 224474 See Newsletter 01536 515730
Home varies varies Home varies varies St.Andrews Church varies varies
Fortnightly 2nd & 4th Wednesday 4th Wednesday 1st Wednesday 3rd Wednesday 3rd Wednesday 2nd & 4th Wednesday 1st Wednesday 2nd Wednesday
9.30 – 11.00 am 2.00 – 4.00pm 2.00 – 4.00pm 10.00 - 11.30am 2.00pm 2.00pm 10.30—12 noon varies varies
Christine Strachan Derek Warren Mary Wildman Barbara Goodall Jo Beaver
01536 515730 01536 518560 01536 741222 01536 523259 01933 224474
varies varies Home
3rd Thursday 2nd Thursday Fortnightly
2.00 – 4.00pm varies 10.00-12.00
Parish Church Rooms
2nd & 4th Thursdays
1.15 – 3.15pm
Sue Macfarlane Sue Hince Michele Junin Alan Stephens
01536 523754 01536 521023 01536 671 971 01536 726911
Bridge Club, Kettering Kino Lounge, Market Place To Be Advised Pytchley Golf Club
weekly 1st Friday 3rd Friday Every Friday
1.30 – 4.00pm 10.00 – 11.30am 2.00—4.00pm 1.00 – 4.00pm
Co-ordinator
Tel.no
Venue
Frequency
Time
Canasta
Margaret Hall
01536 512215
Kettering Bridge Club
Weekly
2.00-4.30pm
Swimming
Isabel Collins
01536 520971
Kettering Pool
Weekly
9.00-9.45am
Singing A
Jill Dee
01536 514054
Fuller Church
Fortnightly Fridays
10.00-11.45
Singing B
Mary Wildman
01536 741222
Fuller Church
Alternate Fridays
10.00-11.45
Gardening Group Heartbeat Travel Groups Monday Card Making 2 Musical Circles 1 Knit and Natter History Family History Photography Theatre English Studies Tuesday Computer Group Discussion Group Greeting Card Making French Lunch Club Sugarcraft Writers Group Wednesday German Conversation Spanish Conversation Bookworms Card Making 1 Looking at Churches Musical Circles 2 Playford Dancing Walking Wining & Dining Thursday Canals & Waterways Country Matters Busy Needles Water Colour Painting Friday Bridge Friday Pop in French Conversation Golf
Day
Monday
Friday
12 RJB/2015