EDITOR’S CHAT I’m writing this on the first day of September, which meteorologically is the first day of Autumn. We’ve had a pretty good summer with a lot of fine weather and a few storms. Pitching a tent in the aftermath of Hurricane Bertha was an interesting experience! I’m sure that many of you have had some great times this summer and I’ve been able to include a report on the German Group’s visit to the Black Forest as well as articles from Armchair Travel, Local History and our Visits Organiser. We also have a lovely article from Marion Blackstock saying what the U3A means for her. Please can I call on other Group Co-ordinators to send in summaries of their activities? We want to be able to show what West Wolds has to offer. COPY DATE FOR THE DECEMBER 2014 ISSUE Articles for the next edition should reach me no later than 22 November 2014 Send it to gcg@sunny-side.ws or phone me on 01673 842 287
CHAIRMAN’S CHAT The months fly by when you are enjoying yourself. I woke up this morning and started to think about my Chairman's Report for the AGM and then realised it was time to write this article for the magazine for the last time this year. You will collect this magazine and inside will be a nomination form for next year's committee. Please use your democratic right and nominate people for committee, obtain their permission first and then get a seconder for your nomination. Several people will stand again if you ask them and it is a useful to have their experience on the committee but it is also a good plan to elect new people who will bring new ideas. People serve on committees for a variety of reasons but our West Wolds Committee is about making sure we have a U3A and that is why so many have given quite long service. Please remember this. Best wishes from Gail Page 2
VULNERABLE ADULTS POLICY All adults who may be vulnerable have a right to protection. West Wolds U3A will value, listen to and respect all adults who may be vulnerable and ensure that everybody feels welcomed, accepted and safe. In addition we will encourage vulnerable adults to be as active as possible and contribute as much as they can to West Wolds U3A. We are a self-help learning organisation for people in their Third Age who are no longer in full time employment . Vulnerable adults who require assistance for their needs and wish to attend U3A meetings and/or Interest Groups must be accompanied by an adult carer of their choice who is capable of assisting them with their needs, thereby ensuring their safety comfort and well-being. A carer accompanying a vulnerable adult to meetings does not have to be a U3A member and will not be charged for attending U3A meetings.
CHRISTMAS LUNCH Market Rasen Golf Club 12 December 2014 12:30 for 13:00 Sign up sheet will available at the October Meeting Payment to be made by the November Meeting
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Armchair Travel The Group re-formed earlier this year. We meet on the last Tuesday of the month in the ‘upper room’ at Jossals from 10am -11.30am. We all buy a drink before the meeting and drink it while we talk and discuss our holidays. So far this year we have enjoyed DVDs of Switzerland’s ‘Glacier Express’ train journey; the Channel Island of Jersey; and chatted about our holidays in Wales. Other places to be discussed include Scotland; Prague; Vienna; etc. Additional members will be welcomed. We have discussed the matter of Travel Insurance for those who are retired and those who may have to declare medical issues. I have suggested that it might be helpful to compile a list of Travel Insurers to which other members of the U3A might like to contribute their ‘favourite’ insurer anonymously. This could include their views on the helpfulness of the firm, the level of cover, and the cost and any other useful information. I will put out some forms at the next 3 meetings which members can complete if they would like to do so. I will hope to publish the final result in the next Quarterly magazine. Cynthia Bunch
What would I do without U3A? It is Sunday night, I must have a look at my German text book before the group meets tomorrow morning, I do not want to fall too far behind. The German group is a challenge and keeps my brain active, which must be good. The coffee and company are very enjoyable; I would miss them if I left. On the 2nd Wednesday I meet with the Poetry group. We read and listen to poetry which is very relaxing. Sometimes it’s an old favourite we all know, or something different which appeals. Usually with a bit of discussion after each one and a tea or coffee break, the time has pleasantly flown past.
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On the 3rd Wednesday we meet for our Story Telling session. This usually has a theme and is based on our own experiences. One person is chosen to write a fairly long piece and another two people each to write a short piece for the following month. At the next meeting the writers read their own stories followed by comments from the listeners. It is surprising how varied the opinions and memories are. It is a lively group. It comes to the 4th Wednesday. Oh dear I must do some dusting, the beginners French group meet in my house. Thursdays are busy. Each Thursday afternoon Gail has a Drama group in her home. She usually chooses a play for us to read and give our opinions on the story or the writer. Sometimes a play takes two weeks to finish. Other times she shares her theatrical experiences or other aspects of drama and it is most enjoyable. On the 1st and 3rd Thursdays it is more advanced French. This is another brain exercise. It is a friendly group and I always look forward to going and trying hard, hoping I have accomplished something. The 2nd Thursday is of course U3A general meeting. Lots of chat and hopefully an interesting talk. Twice a month there is Scrabble on a Friday afternoon, thrice if there are 5 Fridays. I think it is true to say we are keen and play to win. We sometimes have 9 players but usually 5 or 6. One or two more would be very welcome. One Friday a month we meet in Jossals (evening in summer, afternoon in winter) to listen to jazz. What better way to pass a couple of hours than sitting back with a latte (or a glass of wine if I am not driving) and listening to some good music. There is a theme to work to and we are invited to bring our own favourites, so the variety is good. As I said at the beginning, how would I pass my time without U3A? Marion Blackstock
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General Meetings 2014 9th October Michael White – The Crime Scene Tells A Story 13th November AGM – Items from Members 11th December Christmas Theme
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Local History Programme 14th October Jo Willisch – Settling in Lincolnshire 11th November Dr Stephen Bloy – History of Grimsby's Fishing Industry, Part 2 9th December Tom Lane – Lincolnshire Folklore
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THE WEST WOLDS QUARTERLY DIARY INSERT Remove this insert from your magazine, fold along the lines indicated
COMMITTEE & MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITIES Chairman Gail Dennis Tel: 01673 843575 galedennis@btinternet.com FOLD
General Meeting Reception Lyn Henry Tel: 01673-843851 lynhenry@btinternet.com Marion Blackstock 01673 849208
Treasurer & Membership Secretary Barry Dukes Tel: 01472-852454 lindumwold@btinternet com
Website, Magazine & Printing Geoff Goddard Tel: 01673-842287 gcg@sunny-side.ws with assistance from Ken Reid Tel: 01673-849490 ken@kmreid.free-online.co.uk
Secretary & Third Age Trust Contact Sheila Nash Tel: 01673-866569 thenashes60@hotmail.com U3A Network Contact Mandy Murphy Tel: 01673-860893 mandy1390@yahoo.co.uk Groups Coordinator Ken Howitt Tel: 01652-678490 kenhowitt@btinternet.com FOLD
General Meeting Catering Margaret Cromack 07711-112171 margaret.cromack@btinternet.com
Equipment Custodian & General Meeting Hall Arrangements Ken Reid (co-opted) Tel: 01673-849490 ken@kmreid.free-online.co.uk Visits and Speaker Finder Brian Ward 01472 852273 briandgill@btinternet.com Publicity David Oliver Tel:01673 880188 david.g.oliver@btinternet.com
Archivist and Greeter Paul Davison 07746-626482
Why not visit our website at http://community.lincolnshire.gov.uk/westwoldsu3a Page 7
INTEREST GROUPS WEEK
Monday
Tuesday
10:00 German
10:00 Bead & Wire Jewellery
14:00 Bridge 14:00 Recorders
14:00 Film 14:30 Spanish
10:00 German
10:00 Local History
13.30 Craft 14:00 Bridge
14:00 Art Oils 14:30 Spanish
10:00 German
10:00 Country Walks 10:00 Wanderers 10:30 Strollers
1st
2nd
3rd
14:00 Bridge 14:00 Recorders
14:30 Spanish 19:00 Film
10:00 German
10:00 Music Appreciation 11:30 Armchair Travel * (*Last Tuesday of month)
14:00 Bridge
14:00 Art Oils 14:30 Spanish
4th
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MONTHLY TIMETABLE Wednesday
Thursday
10:00 Country Walks 10:00 Wanderers 10:30 Strollers
10:00 French 10:00 Patchwork * 10:00 Keep Fit
12:00 Luncheon Group
14:00 Drama 14:00 Patchwork *
Friday
10:00 Beginners Family History 10:00 Latin
14:00 Scrabble 9:15
De Aston Ladies Gym
10:00 Embroidery
09.45 GENERAL MEETING Festival Hall Market Rasen
10:00 Family History 10:00 Latin
12:00 Luncheon Group Everyone Welcome Tea, Coffee, Event Notices Guest Speaker
14:00 Paper Engineering
14:00 Poetry Jazz & Swing Enjoyment 6.30 in the summer 2.30 in the winter
14:00 Drama
10:00
Telling our Stories
14:00 Readers
9:15
10:00 French 10:00 Keep Fit 10:00 Patchwork *
10:00 Latin
14:00 Drama 14:00 Patchwork *
14:00 Scrabble* (* And 5th Friday of the month, if there is one)
De Aston Ladies Gym
10:00 Embroidery * (*Last Wednesday of month)
10:00 Cross Stitch 10:00 Keep Fit* (* And 5th Thursday of the month, if there is one)
14:00 Beginner’s French 14:00 Knitting and Crochet (Oct—April)
14:00 Drama
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10:00 COFFEE MORNING Jossals, Market Rasen All welcome 10:00 Latin 14:00 Mah Jong 14:00 Paper Engineering
INTEREST GROUP CO-ORDINATORS ABSOLUTE BEGINNERS COMPUTING Lynn Henry 01673 843851. ARMCHAIR TRAVEL Cynthia Bunch 01673 844661 ART-OILS Gillian Anderton 01673 844382 BALLROOM DANCING To be arranged. BEADING AND WIRE JEWELLRY Jacqueline Reid 01673 849490 BRIDGE Bryan Storey 01673 849625 CHOIR To be arranged. CRAFT Cynthia Burke 01673 849506 CROSS STITCH Ann Field 01673 857529 DRAMA Gail Dennis 01673 843575 EMBROIDERY Pat Hage 01673 849447 FAMILY HISTORY Jacqueline Reid 01673 849490 FAMILY HISTORY – BEGINNERS Jacqueline Reid 01673 849490 FILM GROUP John Bartlett 01673 857480 FRENCH Pat Spolton 01673 828568 FRENCH (BEGINNERS) Gail Dennis 843575 GERMAN Jo Howard 01673 862015 JAZZ AND SWING ENJOYMENT Brian Ward 01472 852273 KEEP FIT Dawn Stopper 01472 851133
KNITTING AND CROCHET Sue Jacobs 01673 828898 LATIN Gwen Parsons 01673 885438 LOCAL HISTORY Jean Childs 01472 859347 LUNCHEON GROUP Pam John 01673 844260 MAH JONG Reid 01673 849490 MUSIC APPRECIATION Ron Jones 01673 843438 PAPER ENGINEERING Lyn Henry 01673 843851 PATCHWORK Lyn Henry 01673 843851 POETRY Eva Smith 01673 842218 READERS GROUP Audrey Storey 01673 849625 RECORDER GROUP Geoff Goddard 01673 842287 SCRABBLE Audrey Storey 01673 849625 SPANISH Alison Atkinson 01673 849979 THE 9-MILE HIKERS Helen Wilson 01673 828315 COUNTRY WALKS Ken Howitt 01652 678490 THE STROLLERS Cynthia Burke 01673 849506 TELLING OUR STORIES David Atkinson 01673 849979
VISITS Brian Ward 01472 852273
THE GROUPS CO-ORDINATOR IS:KEN HOWITT 01652 678490 kenhowitt@btinternet.com LIFTS: If you do not have transport it is usually possible to arrange lifts to the various venues. A contribution to the cost of fuel is also welcome. Page 10
Local History Group - Summer Visits As has become our recent custom , the 8 autumn, winter and spring monthly lectures were followed by 4 visits around the county. Stuart Sizer followed up his April talk by taking us on a coach trip to the market town of Horncastle and Old Bolingbroke, starting with a guided tour of St Mary's Church. We admired the best stained glass window to be found for many a mile – in one of the toilets. Some of us risked life and limb and climbed up to the ringing chamber to view the clock mechanism, then settled for a coffee in the Chancel, before dodging the showers to peep through gateways and down back lanes at hidden gems, Roman walls, the canal, the many inns and Georgian Bow windows. Refreshed in the Admiral Rodney it was back on the bus for a drive past the site of the Battle of Winceby and Slash Hollow - we had seen the countrymen's rusted weapons – scythes – mounted in Horncastle Church. The secluded and mostly unknown – site and remains of Old Bolingbroke Castle were explored before we enjoyed a walk around this peaceful village, belying its former importance as the birthplace of Henry 4th in 1367. Sadly, Stuart has said that this would be the last of the 12 annual outings he has conducted around and beyond the county, although he will return to lecture to us. Brian Ward kindly offered to arrange the well-supported June visit which was to Grimsby Town Hall with the option of continuing to the Fishing Museum afterwards. Everyone seemed to enjoy the unusual Time Trap museum in the cellars below Grimsby Town Hall, which showed just how hard life was in a growing fishing town. We also benefitted from a helpful guide who showed us around the many rooms of the Town Hall, and some even sat in the Mayor’s chair in the Council Chamber. Again, much to see, from Princess Diana’s signature to the various maces which the town has accumulated over time, and the mayor’s robes and the town’s silverware. In July, Brian was again in charge for a guided walk around Brigg. We were shown the town from the market place to the riverside area Page 11
by one member of the local Brigg Social Historians (there were an awful lot of pubs in Brigg at one time, a relic of its Fairs no doubt!), and another member walked us all the opposite way to look at the shops and traders’ premises of the town. There was even a nunnery. Thanks, Brian. Everyone enjoyed both visits due to you. In August, 20 of us met up at St Mary's Guildhall, High Street, Lincoln for a conducted tour by Vic Hughes. What a hidden gem – the building I mean but Vic is too – off the tourist route at the corner of Sibthorp Street - it is usually open on Heritage Weekends. It was built c1157 as a town house in Romanesque style of local stone for Henry 2nd to display his crown. It has amazingly survived despite its many uses over the years but was eventually restored in 1986 and serves as the offices of Lincoln Civic Trust and as a church hall. Do visit if the opportunity presents itself.
Ein Schwarzwald Reise (a Journey to the Black Forest) Like every year, the hard working members of the U3A’s German Language Group need a break, so this year we went to the Black Forest. We left Newark in the rain but the sun was shining as we arrived in London to catch the Euro-Star to Paris. From there we went to the Grand Hotel in Strasbourg. On the next day we went sightseeing around the old city which is actually on an island. The first building we visited was the ancient cathedral with its astronomical clock. From Strasbourg we went by local train through beautiful countryside to Ofenburg in Germany. Changing trains, we went on to our destination at Alpirsbach and then by taxi to the Athena Palace a small, friendly hotel. Alpirsbach is one of the many beautiful, charming small towns in the long winding Kinzig Valley. After registration , to our astonishment, we were each given a tourist pass entitling us to free rail and bus travel as well as admission to some amenities. The town is dominated by an ancient Benedictine Monastery, the Abbey and Page 12
Monastic School dating back to 1045. The buildings are a typical example of the early Roman building style. On Sunday some of us attended a service there. 900 hundred years ago the monks started brewing beer; and a very fine tasting beer is still brewed today. By courtesy of the hotel we enjoyed an informative and at times humorous tour through the whole brewery , culminating with unlimited drinks of beer and some local bread. The glass factory was also worth a visit. The skill and craftsmanship of the workers is of the highest standard. But, best of all, we remember the charming coffee house in the Abbey Square, being served with lovely cakes, pastries, coffee and tea while sheltering under umbrellas from the hot sun. Some of us went by train to Freudenstadt. It was said to be a good place to go shopping. The rest of us visited the “Voigt Bauernhof�, an open air farming museum near Gutach where the pages of time are turned back and history is re-lived. And of course we were served with the fine Alpirsbach er beer. The temperature was 32.5 Celsius when we visited the fairy like town of Schiltach; noted for its fine eating establishments, the fachwerk houses, timber yards and sawmills, tanneries and tourism. In Triberg we admired the highest waterfalls in Germany where the waters of the Gutach River tumble down over seven rock steps. As we sat down in a restaurant at the bottom of the falls we had a massive thunderstorm with lightening and heavy rain. In Gutach they have been making cuckoo clocks for centuries. Another highlight was a huge miniature railway museum. A full day trip by train to Ausburg took us from mountain scenery to agricultural flatland, but it was fine to sit back and enjoy the view, free of charge. On our return journey at Strasbourg we found that our train to Paris on the next day had been cancelled (a familiar story, it was still Bordeaux due to a strike). David and Graham got our tickets changed to an earlier train by stressing the feeble state of some of our group!! However we travelled first class and in spite of all this we got home safe and sound. Joe Willisch Page 13
SOME NOTES AND GUIDANCE FOR ARRANGING U3A VISITS This guidance and information is for the benefit of any Group Coordinator who wants to arrange a visit under the auspices of West Wolds U3A and to offer it to Members as part of that Group’s activities; it does not apply to any personal holiday arranged for fellow members and/or friends. As you know, a Visits Programme is arranged across the year by the Visits Team, but certain Groups have arranged outings (day trips or longer) for the benefit of their members, and long may that continue. Now that more Awaydays and short holidays are being arranged for the benefit of all U3A Members, it makes sense to ensure that dates are co-ordinated before firming anything up, so that Members are not faced with a clash of options. Therefore please do this with me, in case the Visits Team has some longer term plan not yet publicised at Monthly Meetings – although to this end a Programme will be made available as far ahead as possible, and a Planner will also be available on the Notice Board at each Monthly Meeting, on which all Group Coordinators are requested to enter their dates and trip details for the benefit of everyone to see. There are certain legal and national U3A stipulations of which organisers must be aware. It is a rule from head office that no member may benefit from arranging any visit, for example a free place offered by Tour Operators, if you choose to use the services of one. Similarly, any organiser pays for their own place. I mention this in case it is thought that such hard working people get a free place; if only! It is also a legal requirement that any visit which combines travel with accommodation has to be booked by a Tour Operator who is bonded, to comply with the EU Package Travel Directive. It might help to mention that we are building a relationship with different coach operators so can offer advice on vehicle sizes and charges, to help others when required.
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Finally, don’t forget to send an article about your trip, with photos if possible, to the Editor of West Wolds Quarterly, so everyone can share in what others have enjoyed. Brian Ward
2014 Visits Programme 20 to 24 September Liverpool Holiday bookings closed (Brian Ward) Saturday 4 October Craft Works Cards Show, or Town Visit, Harrogate coach fare and entry ticket (Mandy Murphy) Monday 13 October Bombardier Train Building Works, Derby, fully (Brian Ward) Wednesday 15 October Louth Riverhead Theatre ‘The Ladykillers’ bookings now being taken (Brian Ward) 5th/6th December Thursford Collection & famous Christmas Spectacular Show, plus Norwich visit (2 days) bookings being taken (Barbara Bartlett)
2015 Visits Programme Next year’s programme will be published in the December Issue. The provisional programme is available on the Visits’ Table
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HARLAXTON Summer Schools 2015 Our own Mandy Murphy received this letter from one of the summer school organisers. Look out for the programme when it is released, it represents really good value. Dear Mandy, I'm idly trolling through the Lincolnshire U3A websites in order to do some publicity for Harlaxton 2015 and what should I see - but your name on the West Wolds Committee. Our numbers for the second school were a bit down this year so we're trying to get more publicity. The Website for 2015 is up and running. So could I ask you to try to get a bit about Harlaxton 2015 in your Newsletter. The personal touch is always better than my e-mailing the editor. If the website presents a problem we will be mailing you the stuff in the week beginning 8th September. Regards, Hendy AUNTIE EMMA SAYS .... Send your letters to: Auntie Emma, 269 Church Mill, Market Rasen, LN8 7UP. No correspondence can be entered into. Q: My fiancĂŠ and I have been engaged for 23 years, but I am reluctant to commit myself to a man too rashly. He has asked me to go on holiday with him to Eastbourne this year, in separate boarding houses naturally, but do you think I should accept? I do not want him to think me precocious by doing so. Timid of Tealby A: Well Timid, I do think that one can be over cautious in these matters. Provided you do not drop your defences at any time, I would recommend you take the plunge and accept his suggestion. And do not forget your moisturiser. Q: My aged Aunt has suggested that using my kitchen for the repair of my Velocette is not usual in a man of 76. Do you agree or is she being bossy? Cyril from Claxby. A: Do what you want to Cyril, at your age you should not be dominated by aged Aunts! Page 16