Kettering U3A April 2014
15th April 2014 Kettering U3A Year 10 Newsletter 09 Today— 15th April Antiques Roadshow by James Burton
Have your objects appraised
From the Chairman Last months’ (March) meeting was as you know a departure from the usual format and based on the encouraging feedback it was a real success. Congratulations and thanks must go to David Clayton and Marian Tucker for all their hard work in co-ordinating the event. I must also thank those members (and groups) who shared their interests/hobbies with us, without whom we would not have enjoyed such an interesting afternoon. I think it is something that we would like to repeat in the future and hopefully get even more members involved. As I mentioned last month the Committee has been reviewing our finances and as a result we have had to make some changes to our membership fees details of which are in this Newsletter. Please also see the important information about the AGM – June is only a couple of months away and as usual there are Committee vacancies to fill. A strong and effective Committee is essential to ensure your U3A continues to thrive so please give serious consideration to joining or helping in any way you can.
Cyril Next Month — 20th May Vulcan To The Sky Registered Charity No. 1108614 1 www.u3asites.org.uk/kettering
Kettering U3A
April 2014
Group Leaders Information
• • • • • • • •
Check that all members of your group are fully paid-up members of the U3A. Ensure that you have:A written record showing your member’s name, address, telephone number and email address. The name and telephone of each member’s emergency contact. The post code of your venue as this will be required by the emergency services should you need to call them out. Send articles, reports and photographs about your group to the Newsletter Editor. Copy deadline for the newsletter is 10 days before the monthly meeting. To put additional information and/or photographs on your Group’s web page on the Kettering U3A website, please email to the Web Master, Richard@Boyles.co.uk or send hardcopy to him. Advise the Group Coordinator of any changes to your group arrangements, e.g. venue, timing, group leader etc. Ensure your group members are aware of their turn to do the meeting refreshments at the appointed meeting. Refreshment Rota details below:APRIL Knit & Natter MAY Photography SEPTEMBER Writers Group JUNE (AGM) TBA OCTOBER Bridge JULY Water Colour Painting NOVEMBER Discussion AUGUST Canals & Waterways DECEMBER Christmas Meeting
Members Information Welcome to the following new members
• • • • •
• •
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 0156 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. Via our postal service direct to your home (£8.50 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.
Monthly Meeting Dates & Speakers 20th May 17th Jun 15th Jul 19th Aug 16th Sep
Vulcan To The Sky Annual General Meeting Kettering Civic Society - Monica Ozdemir Behind the call of duty—Bob Thorogood TBA
21st Oct 18th Nov 16th Dec
Rutland Osprey by Tim Mackrill Every Picture Tells A Story. Mike Leonard Christmas Special
Your Kettering U3A Committee 2013-2014 Chairman Vice Chairman Treasurer/Membership Sec. Secretary Outings/Groups Co-ordinator Speaker Secretary Newsletter Committee Member (Co-opted)
Cyril Young 01536 392 065 Mary Wildman 01536 741 222 Maggi McGuire 01536 392 716 Marian Tucker 01536 510 354 Maureen Curd 01832 732 361 Vacant Richard Boyles 01536 744 753 Elizabeth Toseland ———2
c.young590@ntlworld.com marywildman@uwclub.net maggi.mcguire@outlook.com mariantucker1954@gmail.com mcurd@btinternet.com richard@boyles.co.uk —————-
Kettering U3A April 2014
U3A is a Self-help group for retired people. Registered Charity No. 1108614 Committee for 2014/2015 The Committee of Kettering U3A is governed by our constitution. This states that the Committee shall have 4 Honorary Officers. These are Chairman, Vice-Chairman, Secretary and Treasurer all can serve a term of up to 3 years each. There are committee members who each serve a yearly term but may stand for re-election if they so wish. In June 2014 the situation is:Maggi McGuire (Treasurer/Membership Secretary) will remain in post for a further year. Cyril Young (Chairman) will have completed 4 years in post and is required to stand down Mary Wildman (Vice-Chairman) will succeed to the post of Chairman as per the Constitution Marian Tucker (Secretary) has completed 1 year and will remain in post Maureen Curd (Groups Co-ordinator) is willing to stand for re-election and remain in post David Clayton (Speaker Secretary) is willing to stand for re-election as a Committee Member Elizabeth Toseland (Co-opted Committee Member) is willing to stand for re-election Richard Boyles (Newsletter Editor) is willing to stand for re-election and remain in post
As a result there is a vacancy for the post of Vice-Chairman. It is also felt that it would be beneficial to increase the Committee by an additional member, this means that nominations are sought for a Committee Member. Any member of our U3A can apply. If you have an interest or would like to know more please contact any current Committee member. Nomination forms for vacancies must be completed and returned to the Secretary, Mrs M Tucker, 167 The Headlands, Kettering NN15 6AF by NO LATER THAN 31st May 2013 You MUST check that the member you are nominating is prepared to let their name go forward
3
Kettering U3A
April 2014
IMPORTANT NOTICE Revision of Membership Fees 2014/2015 The costs of running our U3A have been steadily rising over the past 2 or 3 years and we have been able to absorb the increase and keep membership fees stable. As a result of a financial review at the Committee Meeting held on Wednesday 26th March 2014 this is no longer possible and the decision has been taken to revise membership fees for 2014/2015. The cost of providing speakers for the monthly meeting has, as I have mentioned previously, continued to rise. The printing and associated stationery costs for our monthly Newsletter have also increased over the years as have the cost of rooms for monthly and other meetings. We have endeavoured to keep the increase to a minimum and have taken not only current local U3A’s fees into consideration but also regional and national. I am pleased to say that even after this revision Kettering U3A is still amongst the lowest in Northamptonshire. The Third Age Trust recommend level for new U3A’s is £20 - £25, this figure is also pretty much a reflection of the National average so I believe we are still offering good value. Due to the recent Royal Mail increases we have also had to increase the cost of posting out Newsletters to those members who choose this method of receipt. The revised fees are as follows: Full membership £14 p.a. (inc Third Age Trust £3.50 capitation fee) Dual membership £10.50 p.a. (Membership of two or more U3As) Posting of Newsletter £9.00 p.a Trips & Visits
Our next meeting at the Fuller Church, Gold St. Kettering Format of the meeting:-
We reached the cut off dates for the trips with RB Travel and tickets will be available at the meeting today. Please make sure you see me if you have made reservations.
1.30pm Hall open Tea/coffee & biscuits available Time to browse the groups and sign up for a visit. 2.15pm - 2.30pm U3A notices. 2.30pm—3.30pm Speaker 3.30pm (approx.) another opportunity to sign up for a visit and time to renew membership.
Thursday 14th August 15 seats held London.
£16.95.
Sunday 31 August 15 seats held Buckingham Palace (Includes afternoon tea cruise )
£61.45
Tuesday 09 Sept. 9 seats only held Highclere Castle (Downton Abbey)
£36.25
These trips are inclusive of return coach fare and entry fees where needed. Also they have various pick up points.
Editors Note Due to AGM notices, some group news items have been edited and photos excluded.
Thursday 05 June 2014. Trip to Hampton Court Palace and gardens. Entrance fee £12.60. Return Coach fare with 30 passengers will be £16.40 so total cost would be £30.
4
Kettering U3A April 2014
News — Interest Groups — Visits and Reports Bookworms — At our last meeting, we chose books to read over the next 6 months. Our next book is by a local author, J.L. Carr, a former headmaster of Highfields School, Kettering. Some of you may have even been taught by him. The book is "A Month in the Country" and has been made into a film, starring Colin Firth. If there is anyone out there who has a copy of the film, would it be possible for the Bookworms Group to borrow it? We'd be most grateful.
Canals & Waterways — In March We enjoyed a day out walking by the canal at Braunston. Some of the group strolled to the tunnel and looked around the blacksmiths workshop, whilst others were more energetic and walked further along the towpath. We did however enjoy a good lunch at the pub. The trip in April is a punt on the Cam and I have emailed details to those who have booked. I am still looking for a venue for the evening meal when we go to Wales in May. I shall be needing names for those who wish to go to London to the canal museum at St. Pancras and for a walk/boat trip on the Thames to Regents park. If you are interested in joining us on any of our trips please contact me
Contact: Pauline Parkin 01536 799197 Card Making 1 — Another two productive mornings with beautiful cards made. Several members tried new techniques and were pleased with their results. It was lovely to welcome Jan back, we had kept her chair warm! I was very excited on Wednesday when a new guillotine arrived to replace my worn out one. We laughed at what excites us these days! These mornings are such a joy with such decorative results. The next meetings are on May 6th and 7th. Usual time, usual place. Contact: Mary Earl 01536 522456
Contact: Christine Strachan 01536 515730
A Good Read — New members welcome. Card Making 2 — The next meeting is at 167 Headlands on Monday April 14 then Monday 26 May usual time 10:00 until 12:00. At the time of going to press we will not have created new cards at the new venue. Look out for the new creations on the web site. I would be very grateful if you could let me know if you are not coming.
Contact: Diana Ellis 01536 723380
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: Marian Tucker 01536 510 354 mariantucker1954@gmail.com
Contact: Sue Macfarlane 01536 523754 5
Kettering U3A
Card Making 2 — continued... Card Making group 2 says a huge thank you to Freda Smith, who has run the group for five years.
April 2014
Country Matters — Our March walk started from Woodford and took us along the River Nene to the old railway, We walked along the old track bed and headed towards the A14, following the brook we walked along the bank and then returned to where we started from. We spotted a lot of wild flowers and blossom along the way and enjoyed the views across the river also heard a lot of bird song so spring is definitely on its way. Quite a few of us enjoyed lunch afterwards in the Duke’s Arms.
April’s meeting will have taken place by the time the magazine is in print, May’s meeting is starting from The Vane Arms car park at Sudborough, 10.30 on Thursday, 8 May . Please note it was very muddy in the wood during the recce so wellingtons or stout footwear is advised! Contact: I would like to thank the ladies most sincerely for the beautiful bouquet of flowers they presented to me at the March 2014 meeting, which was my last as their Group Leader. The flowers are still going strong and giving off their lovely fragrance. Thank you so much for your thoughtfulness.
Derek Warren 01536 518 560 derek@thewarrens.me.uk
Discussion Group — As always we had lively time debating whether History should be compulsory up to GCSE level in schools. Much thought was given to were work relevant subjects more more important to students and we came to no firm conclusion. One thing that was evident was that History does repeat itself and that we never learn from the mistakes made. Next week we are discussing the problem of Food Waste and will be led by Janet Chivers. On May 13th Pat Clark will be asking Should Society pick up the bill for Self Abuse? The June meeting will be hosted by Annette Chidwick and the topic will be in next months Newsletter
Freda
Computer Group — The beginners classes are progressing slowly. We cover all versions of Windows and Apple Mac. All subjects will be covered as we progress in a slow, step by step way. Each lesson is fully supported by a detailed hand-out sheet to take home and some online video tutorials. More information is on the Computer Group’s internet site below including the revised timetable.
Contact: Mary Earl on 01536 522456
BEGINNERS COURSE New members are welcome. E-mail Richard or just turn up French —
Full details and up to date schedule at www.U3AComputerGroup.co.uk Contact: Richard Boyles 01536 744 753 e-mail: Richard@Boyles.co.uk
Please ring me if you are interested in brushing up your knowledge of the language. Contact: Diana Ellis 01536 723380
6
Kettering U3A April 2014
German-2 Conversation for Absolute Beginners— The established group for basic German Conversation remains oversubscribed so this new group for absolute beginners has been formed and is now also FULL. This group meets on Wednesdays 1.30 to 3.00pm fortnightly. Contact: Joe Fletcher 01536 722 399
Golf — The weather has definitely improved even if the golf hasn`t !! The good news is that the ban on trolleys to protect the course has been lifted which has been welcome. There have been 6 of us playing regularly but a few more will be welcome. For those who haven`t played Pytchley its quite an interesting 9 hole course with 1 par 5, 3 par 3`s and 5 par 4`s. The beauty is that you can get around within 2 hours and there`s a nice little clubhouse for a coffee or beer afterwards. We meet each Friday at 1`sh for a 1.30 T off or as soon as possible after. Contact: Alan Stephens 01536 726 911 or 07931 637 660 or alanstephens26@yahoo.com
Friday Pop-in - We meet at the Toller Church rooms 10 – 11.30 on the first Friday of every month. New members please come and join us for coffee, exchange of books, magazines and local news. We need your support. Contact: Sue Hince 01536 521023 Gardening Group — Advance notice. Sunday 1st June, Finedon Gardens Group Opening 6 miles SE of Kettering From 2 to 6pm. Four gardens open under the NGS with a combined admission charge of £3.50. All four gardens are different from vegetables to flowers. Plants for sale at some locations, generally wheelchair friendly, with an offer of refreshments at a KU3A member’s house in Finedon.
Heartbeat— Thanks to Priscilla for leading the January walk, everyone enjoyed it. By the time this newsletter is published we will have done the April walk at Cranford. The next ½ hour group walk will be on Monday 7th July 2014 meeting at Poplars Farm Road, Kettering at 10.00 a.m. Please remember that the object of the walk is to improve fitness, and to enjoy a chat with other members of the group, it is not a race! Several members arranged their own walk last month, well done. Coffee afterwards will be at Weekley Post Office. Contact: Bridget Ling 01536 414810
Contact: Ray Bradbury 01536 516587 German–1 Basic Conversation — This established group for Basic German Conversation is now FULL
Italian Classes — One Italian class is running. If there is anyone else interested please contact: John Sellick 01536 517 878 montemassi@talktalk.net
Enjoying the ‘5th Season’ in Germany. U3A members with others from Kettering took the opportunity to visit our twin town, Lahnstein, in Germany. The so called ’5th season’ there lasts some weeks until Ash Wednesday, with preparations for the carnival celebrations and then the colourful parades and activities in the streets during a weekend, Rosenmontag, i.e. Monday before Lent, and Shrove Tuesday. Helen, Shirley and Jean dressed for the occasion, and took time to visit Kettering Strasse in the town, named in honour of our twinning heritage. Our members enjoyed the experience: the brass bands, colourful processional floats, the general atmosphere, and also an excursion in the Rhine district. They were of course learning the German language at every turn? Contact: Joe Fletcher 01536 722 399
Lunch Club — Although it was grey and raining it did not deter 30 members attending the lunch at The Thornhill Arms Rushton in March. It was a good lunch and in good company and organised by Christine Folley, thank you Christine. Next month I will be organising the lunch at Samuel Pepy's in Slipton on Tuesday 22nd April. Names taken as usual at the April U3A meeting. Our lunches are organised every month and are on the 4th Tuesday of the month, new members very welcome, please come and join us. Contact: Glynis Hall 01536 516249 or glynis.john@o2.co.uk 7
Kettering U3A
Safe Driving—Time for action on older drivers
April 2014
Knit and Natter - Another successful morning having now completed our Nativity Scene we have started knitting some squares for McMillan Cancer Care, they need them to make blankets for patients going through Chemo because they feel the cold whilst having the treatment.
The IAM is calling on the government to introduce a national strategy of driving health checks and better information for elderly drivers and their families. The call comes after a poll showing that forty-two per cent of the population are worried about an elderly relative driving, yet they are unlikely to do anything about it. The IAM and Vision Critical poll of 1,297 people shows that while concern about elderly drivers is evident, acting on our concerns is another issue. Fifty-eight per cent of those concerned did nothing about it. When we do talk to our relatives about their driving it does not always go down well. Of those that had done this, nearly half of respondents (47%) were met with negative reaction. IAM chief executive Simon Best said: “Talking to an elderly relative about their driving is a difficult conversation to have. Driving is associated with independence, so giving up the car keys can be a very stressful process. This is especially true for drivers with dementia as they often underestimate the impact of the condition on their driving skills. “Voluntary online and on road driving assessments will provide an unbiased view and help everyone make the right decision at the right time. We are finding while there are some elderly drivers who should not be on the road, most get it right and as many as 15% give up too early. “But with ever increasing numbers of elderly drivers, this is a growing mobility and road safety issue that won’t go away. The government needs to act now.” The IAM wants: A government action plan for older drivers.
Contact: Annette Chidwick 01536 523867 Looking at Churches — In March we went to Brampton Ash where we were surprised by how big and light the church appeared to be. It was on the point of being closed down in 1994 but a bequest of half a million pounds enabled huge restoration work to be done. Everywhere now looks bright and well kept, and as described in the printed guide, is an architectural gem. In the nineties, vandals broke into the church & stole brass from a huge brass of Sir John Holt, who died in 1418 and his wife. This has now been restored and is about to be situated against an inner wall, rather than set in the floor. It has taken a lot of work & dedication, but it looks just as it did in medieval times. Tomorrow Wednesday 16th April we will be going to the Hindu Mandir at Wellingborough, at 6.30pm for a talk & presentation. The donation will be £3. There will be no visit in May as I will be on holiday and I don’t like to miss seeing a church, so our next one will be on Wednesday June 18th at 2.0pm to East Carlton. If the weather is sunny by then we have the opportunity to go across the road to East Carlton Park afterwards. Contact: Janet Clements 01536 507721 or janet.clements@ntlworld.com
Widespread availability of voluntary on road driving assessments. More car manufacturers considering older drivers in vehicle design. Better information and online assessment tools for older drivers, their families and health professionals. Road designs that make it easier for older drivers to keep driving. There are now more than four million drivers over 70 years old, a figure that is set to increase to 5.8 million in 2032. Institute of Advanced Motorists (www.iam.org.uk)
Brampton Ash Church by Alan Robinson
Steve Clorley Email: stephen.clorley@yahoo.com Telephone: 01832 732342 or 07973 624815 Roy Franklin Email: r.franklin672@btinternet.com
8
Kettering U3A April 2014
Musical Circles 1— The meeting of musical circles one had a selection of music tenuously based on the coming of spring". Contact: Carole Bradbury 01536516587
Photography Group — Publication deadlines mean that our April meeting is yet to happen as I write this. Assuming satisfactory weather we should be visiting the old market town of Oundle. “Satisfactory weather” to a photographer is a relative term, and does not always coincide with other people’s idea of it. For example, hot sunny days with blue skies and the sun overhead tell the photographer to put the camera away, as the contrast will be too high, highlights will burn out and shadows become blocks of pure black. On the other hand the dull flat days we often get in this country can be useful. They are ideal for taking details, such as flower close-ups or architectural details, because the soft lighting produces weak shadows, and so detail is not hidden. You just have to remember to keep the boring pale sky out of the picture. What is “good weather” to a photographer? We love snow, and frost, and mist or fog. My favourite is just before or just after a thunderstorm! This group’s display at the last U3A meeting generated lots of interest, so thanks to Marilyn and Roger for producing displays of their work, and thanks to all those people who came to look at our photos and have a chat or ask questions. The date and venue for our May meeting has yet to be decided at the time of writing this. Photos on U3A website. Contact: Trevor Rudkin 01536 711976 or trevor.rudkin@gmail.com
Musical Circles 2 — Perhaps this programme should have been saved for Halloween. The theme was “The Dark Side”, a chance to revel in some beautiful baritone voices and dramatic music portraying the villains, shifty characters and downright evil people of film and opera. The phrase “The Dark Side” of course comes from the film “Star Wars”, and so it was appropriate that the meeting began with John Williams’ main title theme. The second item featured Bryn Terfel as Satan, from “Mefistofele” by Boito, introducing himself to Faust as “the spirit that denies everything”. Another nasty piece of work is Iago, in Verdi’s opera “Otello”. Leo Nucci sings superbly Iago’s exposition “I believe in a cruel GodU ”War is frightening, and Holst’s “Mars – The Bringer Of War” dramatically portrays the relentless drive of an approaching army. (shortened due to lack of space-Editor) Contact: Eileen Mason 01536 725925
Playreading—Last month's play was 'Bedroom Farce' by Alan Ayckbourn. He is always an entertaining playwright and this one was no exception. It is a light hearted romp about four couples and is set in their various bedrooms. Hence the title! Once again we all enjoyed a short trip to the world of the thespians. Odeon Cinema. We have the tremendous good fortune of having our local cinema taking part in the Culture programme. Opera, Ballet and Drama are shown live and it is so pleasing to see so many KU3A members now supporting this venture. It is a wonderful experience to see opera direct from the Metropolitan Opera House in New York, ballet from Covent Garden and Moscow and drama from the National Theatre and various other venues. The quality of the performances has been excellent and I am so grateful that we have been given this opportunity for such a small price. There is plenty more to come and programmes are always available from the cinema so if you haven't already done so do give it a try.
Playford English Country Dancing - We are getting very low on numbers & would welcome new members. We meet at St. Andrews Church Hall on 2nd & 4th Weds. 2.30p.m. - 4p.m. No need to bring a partner as we change partners frequently. Gentle exercise for the brain as well as the body!
Contact: Carole Bradbury 01536 516587
Contact: Jean Beaver 01933 224474
9
Kettering U3A
Spanish Conversation — The Spanish conversation group (I have changed the name from ‘Basic Spanish’ because this group is no longer suitable for absolute beginners) continues to meet on the second and fourth Wednesday of each month from 2pm to 4pm. We have now managed to acquire 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. We are now at full capacity. However, we would be happy to start a waiting list but because of the level our members are at, new students would need to have a reasonable knowledge of basic Spanish.
April 2014
Theatre Group — continued The Lighthouse Theatre Wizard Of Oz by Kettering Operatic Society Wed 30th April £12.50 Payment at April meeting or cheque by Sun 20th April Odeon cinema - National Theatre's before booking filmed Live (Encore) production of The Curious Incident Of The Dog in The Night Time - Olivier Award winner 2013. Thurs 22nd May. I will know at the April U3A meeting if seats are available and if so cost is £13 standard £14.60 premium seats. Payment will be required at April meeting or cheque by Sun 20th April. Cheques payable to U3A Kettering No.2 A/C to Glynis Hall 57B Headlands Kettering, Northants NN15 7EU
Contact: Bob Thorogood 01933 650551 bob@rltservices.co.uk Scrabble—Meetings are held at the Parish church rooms. Time 2.00pm—4.30pm on the 1st & 3rd Wednesdays of each month. New members are welcome. We enjoy playing in a relaxed atmosphere. Contact: Pauline Reed 01536 513850
Gilbert and Sullivan’s “Patience” at the Masque Theatre on Wednesday 14 May starting at 7.30 pm. Tickets £10. Grumpy Old Women at the Lighthouse Theatre on Monday 26 May at 7.30 pm. Tickets £20. West Side Story 5 June 2014 Matinee Circle Seats £35.00 (Car Sharing) Milton Keynes Theatre Closing Date for booking 28 April Top Hat 28 August 2014 Matinee Stall seats (with coach and tip, depending on numbers) £43.20 Milton Keynes Theatre Closing Date for booking 30 June One Man, Two Guvnors One of the funniest productions in the National Theatre’s history. A farce that is verbally funny, full of good gags which the actors play to the hilt. 24th September 2014 Matinee. Dress Circle seats (with coach and tip, depending on numbers) £34.00 Derngate. Closing Date for booking 31 July.
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 722610 Theatre Group — Local theatre is organised by Glynis Hall with the help of Sue Hince. It includes The Lighthouse and Masque Theatres Kettering, Odeon Cinema Kettering with filmed live performances of opera and ballet from the Royal Opera House and The Metropolitan Opera and also plays by the National Theatre. Local theatre proved to be of interest to quite a few members at the March U3A meeting, and twenty tickets were requested and purchased for an assortment of shows over the next few months. Because tickets cannot be reserved, payment is needed early to make sure of availability of seats. The recent live filmed showing of The Sleeping Beauty by the Royal Ballet Company at the Kettering Odeon, was enjoyed by five members and left us all quite captivated by a beautiful performance. We would be very interested to have your feedback on the shows you visit to put into the monthly newsletter. Please contact Glynis for this on 01536 516249. As this is local theatre it does not matter if only one or two choose to go. Glynis or Sue will take names and organise tickets, but each member must provide their own transport or car share. The Group meet on a monthly basis to source and discuss a variety of shows we think U3A members would be interested in. Tickets purchased can be collected at the following U3A meeting. Forthcoming shows might be of interest.
Individuals interested in seeing any of the above, please contact Helen McAdam. Full payment for tickets will be require and once booked will be non-refundable. Contact: Helen McAdam on 07513 11920
Wining and Dining - Thirteen of us went to El Torro's in Rothwell. The service was very good and the food was delicious. We shall have been to The Turkish restaurant again in Rothwell by the time of this newsletter. Rothwell seems to have a good selection of Restaurants. I am thinking of booking Chimichanga's in the restaurant quarter Kettering on May 14th. If you are interested in joining us please let me know by the 7th May. Contact: Christine Strachan 01536 515730 ce.strachan1@ntlworld.com
10
Kettering U3A April 2014
Writers Group (continued)
Watercolour Painting— The Water Colour Painting Group has no classes in May, June, July and August. The new Autumn Term will begin on Thursday, 11th September, 2014 in the Parish Church Rooms (next to St. Peter & Paul Church), Kettering, and will be from 2pm to 4pm. We meet on the 2nd and 4th Thursdays of each month. We are in talks with a teacher who we hope will be joining us in September. If you would like to join us then please get in touch with Jo Beaver or Barbara Goodall - telephone numbers are on the back
In April we welcomed back Pat Clarke to our Group; our best wishes go especially to Neil, whom we miss. The following piece was written, a little tonguein-cheek I think, by our newest member, Elizabeth Toseland. The topic was as per the title.
A Cello is a Very Unusual Murder Weapon Catherine, one of my sisters, was taught to play the cello as a thirteen year old. She was required to make a bus journey each week for her lesson with the said cello. This was something that required considerable personal bravery as she ran the gauntlet of mockery and derision meted out on the street and on the bus.
Walking Group - For our April walk 15 members met up at Top Lodge in Fineshade Wood. We headed past Fineshade Abbey and right round Blatherwycke Lake covering 6 miles of varied landscape. Conditions were near perfect now the ground has had a chance to dry out. We returned to Top Lodge for a well deserved lunch with it being warm enough to eat outside. The next walk will be on Wednesday, 7th May round the Hambleton Peninsula at Rutland Water.
At that time, the bus conductor, perhaps inspired by the television comedy "On the Buses" often used his job as an outlet for good-natured banter e.g "Give us a tune, love". With a physique a bit smaller than the cello, Catherine may have nurtured a desire to use the instrument as a murder weapon. Whether in our out of its soft case, she could, with difficulty, have brought it down hard on the head of one of her tormentors. One of the four strings might have been removed from its peg and used for garrotting purposes. A cello bow is larger and sturdier than the violin bow wielded by another of my sisters but I doubt whether a cello bow would make an efficient murder weapon. However, the twelve inch spike at the base of the cello might be used for stabbing purposes.
You can get details of this walk at the next meeting or contact: Jacky Rowson 01536 515 959 or John Sharp on 01536 518 026
The mellow, sonorous sound of the cello is more soothing on the ear than a lone, high-pitched violin. I do not think the playing of a cello has often provoked murderous thoughts but the playing of a violin might.
Writers Group — Are you someone with an idea for a story, a poem, an article, an essay, even a play that you've been dying to get down on paper, but have never got round to it? Or have you something that you've already written and would like to share! Why not come along to our friendly group? All you need is a love of words and a sense of humour; you'll find lots of positive encouragement and advice as well as a cuppa. We meet on the first Tuesday of each month from 1.45pm to 3.45pm in the Parish Rooms in Kettering: next meeting May 6th. For those who like a suggestion to work to - or ignore - the topic is a potted biography of anyone living, dead, fictional, imaginary or whatever as for a lead obituary in The Times. For more information or ideas contact: Mary Wildman 01536 741222 marywildman@uwclub.net
A cello is made of wood - albeit highly varnished wood and would undoubtedly be useless for playing if used to murder someone My sister, Catherine never became a Jacqueline du Pre. After approximately eighteen months, she gave up playing the cello. Perhaps the parents of Jacqueline du Pre chauffeured her to and from her cello lessons, so she did not have to take the bus. No murders took place.
11
Kettering U3A
April 2014
Kettering U3A Interest Group Timetable (Updated October 2013) Please contact group co-ordinator for more information before joining a group Day No fixed day Safe Driving Gardening Group Heartbeat Travel Groups Monday A Good Read Card Making 2 Musical Circles 1 Knit and Natter Photography Theatre Tuesday Bridge Experienced Computer Group Discussion Group French Greeting Card Making Italian Lunch Club Sugarcraft Writers Group Wednesday German Conversation 1 German Conversation 2
Spanish Conversation Bookworms Greeting Card Making Looking at Churches Musical Circles 2 Playford Dancing Scrabble Walking Wining & Dining Thursday Canals & Waterways Country Matters Play Reading 1 Water Colour Painting Friday Bridge Friday Pop in Golf
Co-ordinator
Tel.no
Venue
Frequency
Time
Steve Clorley Roy Franklin Ray Bradbury Bridget Ling Maureen Curd
01832 732342 01536 482808 01536 516587 01536 414810 01832 732361
varies varies varies varies varies
varies varies varies varies varies
varies varies varies varies varies
Diana Ellis Marian Tucker Maggi McGuire Carole Bradbury Annette Chidwick Trevor Rudkin Helen McAdam
01536 723380 01536 510354 01536 392716 01536 516587 01536 523867 01536 711976 07513 11920
home home
1st Monday 1st Monday
2.00pm 10.00 – 12 noon
varies Home varies Home
3rd Monday 1st & 3rd Mondays 1st Monday monthly 4th Monday
2.00pm 10.00 – 12 noon 2.00 – 4.00pm 10.30—12.30
Roger Stimson Richard Boyles Mary Earl Diana Ellis Mary Earl John Sellick Glynis Hall Joan Allingham Mary Wildman
01536 481523 01536 744753 01536 522456 01536 723380 01536 522456 01536 517868 01536 516249 01536 722610 01536 741222
home Fuller Church Parish Church Rooms home home Home varies home Parish Church Rooms
weekly 2nd & 4th Tuesday 2nd Tuesday in month 2nd & 4th Tuesdays 1st Tuesday weekly 4th Tuesday weekly 1st Tuesday
2.00pm 2.00 – 4.00pm 2.00 – 4.00pm 2.00pm 10.00 – 11.30am 10.00 – 11.00am varies 1.30 – 4.00pm 1.45 – 3.45pm
Joe Fletcher Joe Fletcher Bob Thorogood Pauline Parkin Mary Earl Janet Clements Eileen Mason Jean Beaver Pauline Reed Ann Kemp Christine Strachan
01536 722399 01536 722399 01933 650551 01536 799197 01536 522456 01536 507721 01536 725925 01933 224474 01536 513850 See Newsletter 01536 515730
home home varies varies home varies varies St.Andrews Church Parish church rooms varies varies
fortnightly fortnightly 2nd & 4th Wednesday 4th Wednesday 1st Wednesday 3rd Wednesday 3rd Wednesday 2nd & 4th Wednesday 1st & 3rd Wednesday 1st Wednesday 2nd Wednesday
9.30 – 11.00 am 1.30 – 3.00 pm 2.00 – 4.00pm 2.00 – 4.00pm 10.00 - 11.30am 2.00pm 2.00pm 2.30 – 4.00pm 2.15 – 4.30pm varies varies
Christine Strachan Derek Warren Carole Bradbury Barbara Goodall Jo Beaver
01536 515730 01536 518560 01536 516587 01536 523259 01933 224474
varies varies home
3rd Thursday 2nd Thursday 2nd & 4th Thursday
2.00 – 4.00pm varies 2.00 – 4.00pm
Parish Church Rooms
2nd & 4th Thursdays
2.00 – 4.00pm
Sue Macfarlane Sue Hince Alan Stephens
01536 523754 01536 521023 01536 726911
Bridge Club, Kettering Toller Church (Meeting Ln.) Pytchley Golf Club
weekly 1st Fri monthly Every Friday
1.30 – 4.00pm 10.00 – 11.30am 1.00 – 4.00pm
Meetings below with Ise Valley U3A Day
Co-ordinator
Tel.no
Venue
Frequency
Time
Monday Canasta
Pam Towns
01536 521160
Kettering Bridge Club
Weekly
2.00-4.30pm
Swimming
Isabel Collins
01536 520971
Kettering Pool
Weekly
9.00-9.45am
Jill Dee
01536 514054
Fuller Church
2nd & 4th Fridays
10.00-12.00
Friday Singing
12 CY Feb/14