Kettering U3A
17th January 2017 Kettering U3A Year 13 Newsletter 7 Today
Nick Barratt (from BBC TV series “Who Do You Think You Are?”) From the Chairman— Welcome, one and all to the start of another busy and, I hope, enjoyable new year in Kettering U3A. If that sounds a little muted an introduction rather than a Happy -New-Year! banner headline emblazoned across the front of this Newsletter, it is due to our great sadness at the loss of our President, Joan Rolfe, and our dear Maureen Curd whose banter I particularly miss. Obituaries of both ladies appear inside. Our thoughts are with their families. 2017 will be a year of changes, in the wider world, but here too in KU3A; changes within Groups, as you will see from the Group articles/ notices, and, come June – not as far off as you think – within your Committee. Time now, then, to start thinking about volunteering especially for the posts of Chairman and, most importantly, Treasurer. If we don’t have a Treasurer, we won’t have a U3A. All the work, the effort put in by Leaders and Officers past and present will go for naught. It’s that simple.
Happy New Year Mary Next Month
21st February
Northamptonshire Search & Rescue
Paul Marlow
Registered Charity No. 1108614
www.u3aKettering.co.uk 1
or
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 In Case of Emergency contact. (ICE) 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, etc. Refreshments The Eden Centre will provide tea, coffee & biscuits at 50p per cup with the U3A members helping to serve.
Members Information
Welcome to new members Wendy Edwards, Barry Edwards and our 1,000th member: Maureen Shram • • • • •
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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 the secretary. 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.U3AKettering.co.uk & click on Links.
2017 Feb 21 Northants Search & Rescue— Paul Marlow Mar 21 A Career That Lies In Ruins—Colin Oakes Apr 18 Charles Rennie Mackintosh Museum— Rob Kendall May 16 Making of Miranda—Miranda Ponsonby Jun 20 Annual General Meeting Jul 18 Kicks & Frills: The story of the French Cancan—David Price Aug 22 Police Files—Bob Thorogood Sep 19 General Knowledge Quiz Oct 17 Magic Lanterns—Mr Grove Nov 21 Gilbert and Sullivan—Bernard Lockett Dec 12 Carols By Candle Light—U3A members
Your Kettering U3A Committee 2016-2017 Chairman Vice Chairman Secretary Treasurer Membership Secretary Speaker Seeker Newsletter/Web site Groups Co-ordinator Committee Member
Mary Wildman 01536 741 222 Shirley Mepham 01536 416 182 Chris Crick 01536 501 131 Elizabeth Toseland 01536 460 029 Diane Tebbutt 01536 392 556 Linda Tyrrell 01536 683 947 Richard Boyles 01536 744 753 Sue Perkins 01536 519438 vacant post 2
marywildman365@gmail.com chris.crick@hotmail.co.uk elizabethtoseland@outlook.com di_tebbutt@hotmail.com lindaj.tyrrell@gmail.com richard@boyles.co.uk lazygirl_tresham@yahoo.co.uk
Kettering U3A
News — Interest Groups — Visits and Reports Newsletter DEADLINE— is 2 Saturdays before the monthly meeting.
Our next meeting at the Eden Centre, 21, Montagu Street, Kettering Format of the meeting:-
You can read and download the newsletter in FULL COLOUR from our internet page at
1.30 – Refreshments Browse the group notices Chat Sign up to groups and trips 2.15— Chairman’s notices 2.30—3.30 Speaker 3.45 (approx) Meeting ends
www.U3AKettering.co.uk Contact: Richard Boyles 01536 744 753 richard@boyles.co.uk
Wheelchair disabled access is available at the rear by phoning 01536 484 800
Obituary We are very sad to tell you that our friend, Maureen Curd, passed away on the evening of Tuesday 3 January following a long fight against cancer.
There is now a hearing loop installed at the Eden Centre. You should sit near the sign on the left of the hall when looking towards the stage.
Maureen was a Londoner, born in Elephant and Castle but she and her husband Robin lived in other areas of the south, both working in the travel industry. She was an early member of the Kettering U3A and was known to us all as she organised all our trips to many places of interest which she loved to do, finding places that we would enjoy visiting. Her expertise was gained during her career in the travel industry and she had a wealth of knowledge re organising tours and visits.
Obituary It is with great sadness that we have heard of the death of Joan Rolfe on January 3rd. following a short illness. Joan was the force behind bringing Kettering U3A into existence having been a member of Market Harborough for some time. She organised the inaugural meetings and brought many ideas to the meetings. She served on the committees with Carol Bradbury and Christine Holden and was a very hard working member at all times. On her retirement from the committee she was made an Honorary President in recognition of all her work. This was a role she was extremely proud of. She belonged to several groups including Scrabble, Cardmaking, Discussion group and walking groups. She was also a very keen gardener and knitter. Our thoughts are with her family at this sad time. She will be greatly missed.
Maureen was the epitomy of great things come in small packages as she may have been small but she was one of the most friendly, kindest, cheerful and feisty individuals we knew. She had a great sense of humour and always found the funny side of things even when she was undertaking her chemotherapy. She had been unwell for a number of years but she always put on a cheerful face and she never gave up the fight. She is an inspiration to us all – to never give up despite the odds, and she will be greatly but sadly missed by all her friends within the U3A.
Funeral at Kettering Crematorium Friday 20th January at 3pm then afterwards at Glebe Farm Shop Tea Rooms. Flowers would be greatfully recieved, but the family would instead prefer donations to Kettering U3A.
Our condolences and deepest sympathies go to Robin, Adrian and Jane, Elizabeth and Gary and her grand-daughter Isabel.
Funeral is at Kettering Crematorium on Friday 20th January at 2.15pm
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Kettering U3A
Country Matters — There is no meeting in January – next meeting is at East Carlton Country Park on Thursday 9 February 2017 at 10.30 in the first car park on the left-hand side as you enter the park. Lunch afterwards in either The Samuel Lloyd or The Chequered Flag both of which are in Corby. Look forward to seeing you all.
Bookworms — As we did not meet in December, there is no report this month. Most of us have been catching up on books acquired throughout the year. If you enjoy reading, why not come and join us. We read one book a month, which is chosen by one of the members. At the end of the month, we meet and discuss the book, and choose another for our next read. We are a very informal group. Contact:
Contact:
Derek Warren 01536 518 560 derek@thewarrens.me.uk
Card Making — This enthusiastic group enjoyed making boxes, especially as they were filled with my home made rum truffles when finished. These delightful boxes were made from printer paper, wrapping paper, wall paper and thin card. Some of the group even filled small boxes with chocolate coins for their grandchildren to hang on their Christmas trees. Looking forward to layering cards and using new gadgets very soon. If interested in joining this group I'd be delighted to hear from you.
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 now pay £1.50 each week and for that you get good company, a very interesting game and refreshments.
Contact: Marian Tucker 01536 510 354 mariantucker1954@gmail.com
Contact: Sue Macfarlane 01536 523754 Busy Needles and Banter — At the time of writing I have just sent off 4 large postal bags bulging with the fruits of our labours over the run up to Christmas. Three – garments and knitted-squares blankets - have gone to Life for African Mothers based in Cardiff; one chock full of knitted and crocheted dog coats plus two blankies are bound for Wood Green Animal Centre in Godmanchester. Further, a carrier bag full of very small cardigans – the work of the Knit & Natter Ladies and of my sister (Honorary Knitter) – has been joyfully received by KGH neo-natal unit. Thank you everyone who has donated squares, wool, needles, patterns and buttons etc. Your generosity is so very much appreciated. Mary Wildman 01536 741 222 marywildman365@gmail.com
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Kettering U3A
Canals & Waterways—
Creative Cards — Although the group is full at the moment, if you would like to put your name on the waiting list should any vacancies arise later on. Contact: Eileen Mason
01536 725 925 edmason5@yahoo.co.uk or Maggi McGuire 01536 392 716 maggi.mcguire@outlook.com
Computer Group — No meeting in January. Do you value your family photos and other important data on your PC, Laptop, Tablet and Phone? You MUST make regular backups as when your computer fails or a virus wipes out your data, that is your only way you can recover.
Our Christmas meal and the service at the Waterfront , Market Harborough was very good, a happy ending to a successful year. Our next meeting is on 19th January at Stanwick lakes. We meet at 10.30 am for an 11.0am start. This will enable those who require food after the walk to pre -order. The cost of the walk is £2 to cover the cost of the ranger who is accompanying us. If you wish to join us please let me know in the usual way. On a sad note two of our members have passed away this week. Maureen Curd and Clive Holmes. They will be missed by us all.
13 Feb - Photos, re-naming, printing 13 Mar - Microsoft Word 10 Apr - Microsoft Excel (basic) 08 May - Microsoft Powerpoint
Contact: Christine Strachan 01536 515730 cestrachan1@gmail.com
More information and videos can be accessed from Computer Group link 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. Discussion Group — By the time the January news letter is published we will have had our first meeting of 2017 and discussed our programme for the year. However for the Feb meeting may I suggest the following topics. “Do appeals from so called celebrities encourage you to give to the charities for which they are appealing?” and "Has our generation mortgaged our children and grandchildren's generation to debt and stratospheric property prices?” The Feb meeting at the usual time and usual place Tuesday Feb 14th. Contact: Richard Ling
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01536 515 816 b_r_ling@hotmail.com
Kettering U3A
English Studies — Thomas Malory Morte d’Arthur is our next project as requested. Next meeting January 23rd. If you would like to have a closer acquaintance of English literature – you choose the genre and the era.
English Country Dancing — We begin our Spring meetings on Weds. 11 th. Jan. then every 2nd & 4th
Contact: Mary Wildman 01536 741 222 marywildman365@gmail.com
Friday Pop-In - At the Kino Lounge, Market Place, Kettering. The Kino Lounge can be found next door to (what was) Mr. Ray’s. 6th January 2017, Twelfth Night and all that! I walked through Kettering town thinking that not too many members will turn out today. The weather forecast had not been great and, some may have been recuperating from journeys and festivities. How wrong my thoughts had been. I entered the Kino Lounge and was greeted by waves from the corner of the room. More members arrived and again, we all had a most enjoyable morning. An added pleasure was welcoming Maureen, a new member of Kettering U3A and, her first visit to the Pop-in. I hope, Maureen, you enjoyed the time with us and we see you again. I am going to post the following two dates for the PopIns. First Friday of each month and we invite all members of Kettering U3A to join us that is; Gentlemen and Ladies! We have a good time. You pop in and leave any time to suit. Please come! Next date: Friday 3rd February 2017 and Friday 3rd March 2017 Time: 10 a.m. – 11.30 a.m.
Weds. We meet at St. Andrew Church Hall 10.30noon. New members very welcome. Contact:
Jean Beaver 01933 224 474 beaver.jean@yahoo.co.uk
Family History - Last month I was too late to include a photograph of U3A member Diane Sweeny giving her very interesting talk “My (Somewhat Haphazard) Journey Through Family History”, so here it is. In our January meeting we will have helped each other with research problems or the ubiquitous brick wall. Meetings Schedule Feb - How I Traced My Immigrant German Ancestors From 1656 To Present - Joe Fletcher Mar - "No wonder I couldn't find it". Mis-transcriptions, errors, lies etc! By Moira & Peter Dodkins from the LDS Northampton Family History Centre ,7,8, Apr Who Do You Think You Are Live in Birmingham NEC (Car share trip Richard + 3 going on Thu 6th April) Apr - A talk by Ray Bradbury May - Brick Walls Workshop 4 - Bring Your Laptop & YOUR brick walls & we'll help each other Jun - TBA Jul - Using Family Tree to store photos, voice recordings, documents etc. to preserve current Family History. By Moira & Peter Dodkins from the LDS Northampton Family History Centre Aug - NO MEETING (Your ancestors are on holiday) Sep - Back To Basics. How to start researching your family history for complete beginners. OPEN TO ANYONE Oct - Brick Walls Workshop 5 - Bring Your Laptop & YOUR brick walls & we'll help each other.
Contact: Janet Chivers 01536 214 250 janet.chivers@talk21.com French Conversation - We tried a new venue on the 18th of November. The traveller's room at the station and paid £10.00 for the 2 hours. It was very cosy and central so we decided to make it our monthly venue. We still have 2 vacancies if someone is interested in joining our group. Our next meeting will be on the 17th of February 2017. I wish you and your family all the best over the Festive Seasons. Contact: Michele Junin 01536 671 971 m.p.junin@outlook.com
www.U3AKettering.co.uk Contact: Richard Boyles
French - 2nd and 4th Tuesday at 2pm
01536 744 753 richard@boyles.co.uk
Contact: Diana Ellis 01536 723 380
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Kettering U3A
German Basic Conversation —
History - At the meeting on the 2nd January the group were given a superb presentation by Mr Roy Smart, who told us all about David Lord Beatty. His power point was excellent. The talk covered his life as a child to his career in the Royal Navy. Although he was a lot longer than many of his contemporaries, he made swift progress to the top and became the youngest Admiral of the Fleet since Nelson. We learnt about his role during the Battle of Jutland during the First World War which he survived becoming a great hero. He was a very confident person and moved in the right circles despite having had an affair with a wealthy American woman who was married, and following a messy divorce whom he married. The marriage was not a happy one however as he was an unfaithful husband. In the intervening years doubt has been case on his abilities as a leader. Certainly his choice of Flag Officer in the North Sea Fleet was a great mistake. He selected him because he liked him, however the man was a terrible communications officer and used signalling flags during the battle instead of the radio, his messages could not be understood nor could they be seen during the battle due to ships blowing up, guns blazing and smoke from the fleet. All in all a great afternoon. Roy will return later in the year to give us a talk on Percy Pickering and his sister, early aviators in England and hopefully, a talk concerning Amy Johnson. The talk on the 6th February will cover Rockingham Forest during the ages with Dr Peter Hill. The group will meet as usual on the first Monday afternoon in the month at the Counties Community Centre, Hertford Road, Kettering (near the Pytchley Road). Doors open at 2pm and the talk starts at approximately 2.15 pm after tea or coffee. A charge of £2.00 is made for each meeting which covers our expenses. Many thanks to all our members who help set up and clear away the meeting room and serve the refreshments. We do appreciate your help and would not be able to run the group without you. If any U3A members are able to recommend speakers, please contact Eileen or Maggi. Thank you.
Contact: Joe Fletcher 01536 722 399 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 Gardening Group — The group is now closing down for the Winter and will restart in the Spring. Ideas for places to visit or gardens to see are welcome. Contact: Ray Bradbury 01536 516 587 prbrad@live.co.uk Heartbeat— We met at Prologis Park in Kettering on 2nd January 2017 on a very frosty and cold morning, a good turn out, thanks everyone who came along. The walk was a little longer than expected as the group decided to take the circular route rather than the linear one. Despite some slippery areas we made very good time, completing the circuit in 35 minutes. Chatting continued over coffee. The next group meeting will be on 3rd April 2017 in Cranford. We will meet outside the Old Forge Coffee Shop in Cranford, please arrive in time for departure at 10a.m. Once again a circular walk of about 30 minutes, and I hope that Spring will be in the air. Contact: Bridget Ling 01536 515 816 b_r_ling@hotmail.com
Contact: Eileen Mason
01536 725 925 edmason5@yahoo.co.uk or Maggi McGuire 01536 392 716 maggi.mcguire@outlook.com
Knit and Natter - Meet on the 2nd and 4th Monday. Contact: Annette Chidwick 01536 523 867 annette.chidwick@tiscali.co.uk 7
Kettering U3A
Lunch Club - The January lunch will be held at “The Red Lion” in Broughton which is always a very popular venue for the lunch club members. Menu details will be available at the monthly meeting when you can choose your meal and book your place. On the day, please arrive about 12 noon for 12.30 pm start.
Looking at Churches — There was no meeting in December but we will be visiting the parish church of St. Leonard, Loddington (postcode NN14 1LE) on Wednesday 18th January 2017. We will meet at 2pm and the cost will be £4.00 per person as the church will be providing refreshments. Contact: Janet Flower 01536 764 541 janet@jf7678.co.uk Lunch Club - Christmas Lunch at the Stirrup Cup Almost forty U3A members and a few guests braved the fog and arrived at The Stirrup Cup for Christmas Lunch. We were welcomed with a wonderfully set table and thanks to Kathleen and Elizabeth a reminder note of what we had ordered. The staff appeared with beautifully prepared prawn cocktails, pâté and melon cocktails. Christmas songs were being played but not bellowing out, so it was wonderful to talk to new people. Main courses of beef, turkey and my personal favourite of salmon all accompanied with a good selection of vegetables. There were lots of empty plates, a sure sign of a good meal. Desserts of Christmas pudding, chocolate cake and lemon roulades were enjoyed by all there. Tea and coffee finished off this delightful meal. The staff at the Stirrup Cup were duly thanked for serving and preparing this wonderful meal. A huge THANK YOU to Kathleen and Elizabeth for arranging this fantastic lunch. I personally loved it. Well done to Ray, who saved us all having to wash up, by collecting and counting the money. Looking forward to the next meal. Marian
We are a friendly group and you would be very welcome to come along to join us. You will find it an excellent opportunity to meet other U3A members and to make new friends in a social environment. Contact: Maggi McGuire 01536 392 716 maggi.mcguire@outlook.com
Special Christmas Lunch. Report. Almost forty members sat down to the special Christmas lunch of the Lunch Club at the Stirrup Cup in Barton Seagrave early in December 2016. Although you could have the traditional Christmas fare there was plenty of other choices from the three course festive menu. The food was good and plentiful, the atmosphere very Christmassy and the company was excellent, a very good start to the Christmas season. Thanks must go to Santa's little helpers who helped make the experience go so smoothly. You know who you are. Ray
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Kettering U3A
Scrabble— There is interest in restarting the Scrabble Group.
Photography Group — The Photography Group did not meet in December, and by the time you read this they will have already had their January meeting, a cobweb-removing walk around East Carlton Park.
If interested please contact Sue, our Groups Co-ordinator Contact: Sue Perkins 01536 519438
lazygirl_tresham@yahoo.co.uk 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. Just occasionally we cannot have the ASDA room and when this happens we have an alternative at a total cost of £12 per session. 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 ASDA room, we are now really at full capacity but could start a waiting list for anyone who has a good level of understanding of the language (we are currently studying the subjunctive mood of verbs) Contact: Bob Thorogood 01933 650 551 bob@rltservices.co.uk
Your group leader has been photographing in Warwickshire over Christmas, as well as indulging in some sports photography at non-league Stamford AFC. The next meeting is due on Monday 6th February, and the activity chosen will be very weatherdependent. If it is too cold or too wet we shall have another Photoshop editing session. If the weather is photogenic we may venture out to some interesting location. group members stay in touch with your e-mails for the final decisions.
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 Musical Circles 2 —
The next meeting will be on the 18th January 2017.
Contact: Trevor Rudkin 01536 711 976 trevor.rudkin@gmail.com
Contact: Eileen Mason 01536 725925 edmason5@yahoo.co.uk
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Kettering U3A
Safe Driving — Holiday on ice: Tips from IAM RoadSmart
Singing For Pleasure — (aka A Group), after a very busy and successful festive season, has one more “gig” before starting on a new programme for Spring/ Summer 2017. Alas, they will be without Carol, who has been a wonderful accompanist and mainstay for much of the Group’s existence, as she is retiring. All our thanks, Carol. You will be much missed. Luckily for the Group, Lynda will be on hand to step up to the keys, as it were. Mary Wildman, also, is stepping down for a while at least owing to work overload, and was very touched by co-singers kind words. Next rehearsal will be on January 20th.
It’s the start of the New Year and temperatures have dropped below zero in many places. Even though we hope most drivers will be getting back into their usual routines, the icy roads won’t make very easy. This week’s tips give advice on how to deal with driving and riding on ice, from IAM RoadSmart’s head of driving and riding standards Richard Gladman.
Contact: Jill Dee 01536 514 054 Singing For Pleasure — formerly known as B Group, having come of age so to speak, is looking for a new name. All suggestions (as long as they aren’t rude ones) considered. Rehearsals began last Friday; next one on January 27th. Membership is open to all, never mind how long it’s been since you last sang or what sex you are, and to both KU3A and IVU3A members alike. Folk songs, Musicals, Music Hall, Spirituals – we tackle anything. If you fancy coming along Contact Mary Wildman
Only drive if it is really necessary. In very bad weather it is better to stay in or take public transport rather than risk an accident. Always check the weather and road conditions on your route before setting off. Make sure you know how the demister settings on your car work and how to adjust them properly. Never pour hot water on the screen as the sudden temperature change may cause cracks. Prevention is better than cure so if possible cover the glass overnight with cardboard or an old sheet to prevent freezing, or invest in a windscreen cover. Adding boiling water or heating up a key can melt plastic components in modern car locks so be gentle when it comes to warming them up or use a squirt of de-icer.
Contact: Mary Wildman 01536 741 222 marywildman365@gmail.com Notice Boards — The committee have decided that due to lack of able bodied volunteers to help set up each month and bring the large notice boards from upstairs and return them after the meeting, we will run without them. Richard has created A4 posters for each group which will be displayed in plastic holders instead. Some are below. Any constructive comments and better still, able bodied help would be welcome.
If you haven’t done so already, get an antifreeze check at your local garage or fast-fit centre. Keep your washer bottle topped up with an even stronger concentration of de-icer. It might sound like old news, but you need to triple or quadruple the distance from other cars in front of you in icy conditions. If a car has to stop suddenly or worse an accident occurs you will need that extra time to react and stop. Richard said: “As ever preparation and planning are the key to worry-free driving when the mercury plummets. Plan your route carefully as major routes are likely to be treated with salt and less likely to be icy although this might still form in dips and on bridges. Leave more time for your journey. Respect the conditions and don’t expect your journey to take the same amount of time as normal. Factor in delays and give yourself plenty of time to clear the ice properly from all the windows of your car. A crystal clear view will give you the best chance of surviving the arctic blast.” www.iamroadsmart.com If you’d like help with any driving related issues or to find out more about the Safe Driving Group, please contact either
Steve Clorley 01832 732342 or 07973 624815 stephen.clorley@yahoo.com Roy Franklin 01536 482808 or 07751 106617 r.franklin672@btinternet.com
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Kettering U3A
Walking Group - “The walking group meets on the 1st Wednesday every month at different locations for a walk lasting 2 to 2½ hours starting at 10:00am. These walks are usually between 4 and 6 miles and taken at a relatively leisurely pace. The group generally end the walk with lunch at a local village pub. New members are very welcome; just call or email me using the contact details below. Please note that the next walk details might change (weather, pub issues etc.) so if you are not on my contact list please contact me to confirm the location. In December we did a relatively short walk from Little Addington in really nice weather ending with lunch at the Bell Public House. Our January walk was somewhat further being 7½ miles round Pitsford Water on 4th January. The weather was relatively pleasant for the time of year with just a little light drizzle for 10 minutes. Fifteen of us blew away the cobwebs of Christmas and the New Year ending with a light lunch at the Willow Tree Café at Brixworth Country Park. Thanks to Ann Kemp and Jackie Rowson for organising the walks. Our February walk will be on Wednesday 1st February and will be announced by email the week before to all members of the group on my contact list as start point has not been fixed as the weather may well affect this. If you are not on my list and you would like to join us please give me a call a few days before the walk.
Water Colour Painting Classes The dates for the Winter Term 2017 are as follows:January 12th, 26th February 9th, 23rd March 9th, 23rd April 13th, (Last Class) (The Autumn Term will start again in September 2017) We meet in The Parish Hall, Market Place, Kettering, from 1.15 pm to 3.15 pm on the 2nd and 4th Thursday of each month. We are very lucky to have Michael McGuire giving up his free time to help anyone wishing to improve their painting skills. "Horse Drawn Narrowboat" and is painted in water colour by Jo Beaver. Contact: Jo Beaver on 01933 224 474 beaver.jean@yahoo.co.uk or Barbara Goodall on 01536 523 259 barbiegood@aol.com
New members are welcome so for more details,
Wining and Dining - I would welcome ideas for places to eat in the coming year.
Writers Group— Our January meeting got 2017 off to a flying start. Turnout was as high as it has been for several months and we were delighted to welcome new member Candice. To get the show on the road, Sandy kindly responded to our request to demonstrate her techniques for kick starting creativity. We then shared stories of a frustrating visit to the Bank of England; a passenger’s description of a sweaty-palm drive up the precipitous side of a mountain; a war-time tale of lost love (with an intriguing open ending); the family history revealed by a discovered Family Bible; and finally a contribution to ‘Baubles’, a published collection of short stories. All of these were helped along with plenty of constructive feedback. Don’t say there’s any lack of variety at our meetings! Oh, and the library staff, supportive as ever, have got the heating back on again. Our next meeting will be on the usual first Tuesday (7 February), at the same place (Kettering Library) and at the same time (from 1:45 to start at 2pm, until about 4pm). If you can’t find us just ask at the reception desk; we’ll let them know where we are. You are encouraged to bring along some of your work to share—you can be sure of supportive and helpful comments. By all means choose your own subject, but if you do need a subject line, how about ‘A Stranger Comes to Town’?
Contact: Christine Strachan 01536 515 730 cestrachan1@gmail.com
Contact: Tom Piercy 01536 712 581 tom@tom-and-ann.demon.co.uk
Contact: John Flower 01536 764 541 john@7678.co.uk Stitchin' Time— Unfortunately, due to illness, we were unable to meet this month, but no doubt we have all taken the time to do some knitting, crochet and cross stitch. Contact:
Pauline Parkin 01536 799 197 paulineparkin@hotmail.com
Theatre Goers — At the moment, the group is trying to get a new group leader.
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Kettering U3A
Kettering U3A Interest Group Timetable Please contact group co-ordinator for more information before joining a group Day No fixed day Safe Driving
Co-ordinator
Tel.no
Venue
Frequency
Time
Steve Clorley Roy Franklin Ray Bradbury Bridget Ling Maureen Curd
01832 732 342 01536 482 808 01536 516 587 01536 515 816 01832 732 361
varies varies varies varies varies
varies varies varies varies varies
varies varies varies varies varies
01536 510 354 01536 523 867 01536 392 716 01536 725 925 01536 744 753 01536 711 976
Home 3rd Monday Home 2nd & 4th Mondays Counties CommunityCentre 1st Monday
10.00 – 12 noon 10.00 – 12 noon 2.00 – 4.00pm
Family History Photography
Marian Tucker Annette Chidwick Maggi McGuire Eileen Mason Richard Boyles Trevor Rudkin
LDS Church, Rothwell Road 2nd Monday varies 1st Monday
2.00 – 4.00pm 2.00 – 4.00pm
English Studies
Mary Wildman
01536 741 222
Home
2nd & 4th Mondays
2.00 – 4.00pm
Richard Boyles Richard Ling Diana Ellis Maggi McGuire Sue Hart Joan Allingham Tom Piercy
01536 744 753 01536 515 816 01536 723 380 01536 392 716 01536 724 635 01536 722 610 01536 712 581
ASDA, Kettering Parish Church Rooms Home varies
2nd Tuesday 2nd Tuesday 2nd & 4th Tuesday 4th Tuesday
2.00 – 4.00pm 2.00 – 4.00pm 2.00pm varies
Home Kettering Library
weekly 1st Tuesday
1.30 – 4.00pm 2.00—4.00 pm
Maggi McGuire Eileen Mason Joe Fletcher Bob Thorogood Pauline Parkin Janet Flower Eileen Mason Jean Beaver John Flower Pauline Parkin Christine Strachan
01536 392 716 01536 725 925 01536 722 399 01933 650 551 01536 799 197 01536 764 541 01536 725 925 01933 224 474 01536 764 541 01536 799 197 01536 515 730
Home
2nd Wednesday
10.00-12 noon
Home varies varies varies varies St.Andrews Church varies Home varies
Fortnightly 2nd & 4th Wednesday 4th Wednesday 3rd Wednesday 3rd Wednesday 2nd & 4th Wednesday 1st Wednesday 1st Wednesday 2nd Wednesday
9.30 – 11.00 am 2.00 – 4.00pm 2.00 – 4.00pm 2.00pm 2.00pm 10.30—12 noon 10.00 start 2.00 - 4.00pm varies
Christine Strachan Derek Warren Mary Wildman Barbara Goodall Jo Beaver
01536 515 730 01536 518 560 01536 741 222 01536 523 259 01933 224 474
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 Janet Chivers Michele Junin Alan Stephens
01536 523 754 01536 214 250 01536 671 971 01536 726 911
Bridge Club, Kettering Kino Lounge, Market Place Travellers Room, at Station 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 512 215
Kettering Bridge Club
Weekly
2.00-4.30pm
Swimming
Isabel Collins
01536 520 971
Kettering Pool
Weekly
9.00-9.45am
Ballroom Dancing
Pat Johnson
01536 483 398
Singing A
Jill Dee
01536 514 054
Fuller Church
Fortnightly Fridays
10.00-11.45
Singing B
Mary Wildman
01536 741 222
Fuller Church
Alternate Fridays
10.00-11.45
Gardening Heartbeat Travel Monday Card Making Knit and Natter History
Tuesday Computers Discussion Group French Lunch Club Sugarcraft Writers Group Wednesday Creative Cards German Conversation Spanish Conversation Bookworms Looking at Churches Musical Circles 2 Country Dancing Walking Stitchin’ Time Wining & Dining Thursday Canals & Waterways Country Matters Busy Needles Water Colour Painting Friday Bridge Friday Pop In French Conversation Golf
Joint Meeting with Ise Valley U3A Day
Monday
Friday 2nd & 4th Friday
12 RJB/2016