EDITOR’S CHAT We have some substantial articles about the activities of some of our Groups in this edition. Many are recreational and some are cultural but most combine both aspects; as the final sentence of our Chairman’s report states. These activities show the diversity of the interests of West Wolds members. West Wolds U3A is not a social club, it provides many activities that are designed to stretch our brains, to provide the mental stimuli that are essential to a full life in the Third Age. Becoming a member of the U3A was one of the best things that I have done and I’m sure that speaks for all of you. In November 2011 I edited the West Wolds quarterly for the first time and I have been doing it ever since. By the end of 2016, I shall have been doing it for five years. My predecessor, Steve Field had edited it for five years as well. I think that is quite long enough because we don’t want the format to become stale and a change would be a good thing. So I am giving notice that the December 2016 edition will be the last one that I shall work on. This should give plenty of time for the organisation to press gang another willing volunteer to take over. Of course if someone comes forward before that date I will happy to hand over the reins to that person. Best wishes from Geoff
COPY DATE FOR THE MARCH 2016 ISSUE Articles for the next edition should reach the editor no later than 20 November 2015 Send it to gcg@sunny-side.ws or phone me on 01673 842 287
Cover Picture Big Toys from the collection of Jeff and Maggie Williams visited as part of the tour to the Forest of Dean
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CHAIRMAN’S REPORT 2015 has been another busy U3A year. We have had a variety of Speakers at our General Meetings, various trips to go on and over 40 interest groups we could join. Thank you to everyone who has made this possible. A big thank you to those who have retired from the committee and a warm welcome to those joining us for the following year. Our first committee meeting is after the publication deadline for our magazine so we will let you know who is doing which job at our next General Meeting in December. We have again welcomed many new members to West Wolds U3A and continue to try and make everyone’s U3A experience as interesting as possible and as much fun as possible. Learn, Laugh and Live is the strap line and we certainly do. Best wishes from Gail
Visit Bookings Payments When the Visits Organisers are making arrangements with travel and coach companies they have to make a financial commitment. This regularly involves paying a substantial deposit. Our organisation does not have unlimited resources and we are thus exposed to risk if people who have expressed an interest subsequently withdraw from the visit. We can end up with paying for places that are not filled and consequently make a loss. In addition a problem exists if people booking forget to make the required payment when it is called for. That creates uncertainty that the visit will pay for itself After some thought the visits organisers have decided that, when a person or persons put their names on the bookings list they will be required to pay for the trip there and then. So — if you plan to join an expedition, remember to bring your cheque book to the general meeting otherwise you won’t get on the list! Page 3
High Tea at Carlton Towers Friday 6th November 2015. welcomed with a glass of punch served in the imposing entrance hall, furnished with deep comfy sofas and cheered by a wood fire. This was followed by a guided tour. We learned that somewhere underneath all the Gothic exterior lies an older, part Jacobean, part Georgian house, although the site has been occupied by the same family since William the Conqueror’s time. The family Our coach delivered us to the grand entrance of this Victorian trace their ancestry to Robert de gothic mansion at 2.30. We were Brus, becoming Stapleton in What better way to spend a dull, wet, November afternoon than by partaking of a luxury tea in a stately home? Admittedly it was a bit of a gamble – Carlton Towers near Snaith is not well known and it is a long way to go for tea – but trusting to Brian’s judgement 35 U3A members signed up for the trip. And once again Brian came up trumps.
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discovered that B&B for one night costs from £275 to £450 per room. However the high spot of the visit was the excellent tea held in the imposing Venetian Room where, disconcertingly, we were overlooked by the family coat of arms topped by a lifelike image 1301, later Beaumont and now of a grimacing Saracen’s head. Fitzalan Howard (brother to the And the delicious tea menu – Duke of Norfolk). Interesting finger sandwiches, quiche, features included numerous 17th smoked salmon, mini trifles, century breastplates displayed in individual lemon meringue pies, the hall (all too small to fit us eclairs, scones and cakes. Try as properly!), a priest’s hole under hard as we could, there was still one of the guest bedrooms food left over and no-one had (reflecting the family’s Catholic thought to bring a doggy bag. history), and the sumptuous It was a thoroughly enjoyable interior decoration by the afternoon and many thanks to Victorian designer John Francis Brian Ward for organising it, the Bentley. The house is now used final outing of the 2015 season. for weddings and corporate Helen Wilson events – the curious amongst us
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Country Walkers — Norfolk 2015 Despite the gloomy weather forecast for the week beginning 21st September fifteen intrepid walkers arrived at Kelling Heath on the Monday afternoon. Unfortunately, one of our number returned home the following morning having succumbed to a lurgy. After dining in our respective lodges we met up at Holly Lodge for a convivial meeting to discuss our itinerary for the week. At 10:30 a.m. on day two we met at Burnham Overy Staithe where the tide had receded sufficiently for us to use the car park! We had a bracing and birdwatching walk along the coastal path to Brancaster where crab sandwiches were enjoyed. Having by minutes missed the bus to return to our cars and with the weather taking a turn for the
worse, we adjourned to the pub across the road for ‘coffee’ Day three dawned fine again and Felbrigg Hall was our destination. We did the 4.5 mile Marble Hill walk and then
It began to rain
enjoyed refreshments outside the Hall before the drizzle began. Some explored the Hall and others the beautiful walled garden where the fading light only served to enhance the colours of the fruit and flowers. The rain began in earnest but it did not deter nine of us from enjoying a fish and chip supper in Sheringham. It rained hard all night and Geoff found the leaks in his Austin Healey Sprite when he went to visit his nephew who lived some 30 miles away. (It was an epic journey, not to be repeated — Ed.)
Up and over! Page 6
to Holt for our return to Kelling Heath. The site had a very good
A Black Prince on the North Norfolk Railway.
Day four was beautiful and we enjoyed a ride on the North Norfolk Railway from Holt to Sheringham, walking the coastal
Leaving Sheringham on the way to Cromer
swimming pool, spa, steam room and sauna which were used by the more energetic members of our group who emerged glowing. The traditional ‘Last Supper’ was again enjoyed at ‘The Feathers’ in Holt where Helga was serenaded for her birthday next day.
Day five was home time and I don’t know about the others, but path from there to Cromer. Some I felt fit and relaxed and very took the high road (cliff top) and grateful to Helen and Elizabeth some went along the beach for their efforts in organising a where the tide had ebbed enough lovely week. for them not to take a swim. Text, Mary Ellis Brandishing our bus passes we caught the Coasthopper bus to Photographs, Ken Howitt, Sheringham and after a wander and Doreen Wallis, the train round the town looking at 1940s displays arrived at the station to take the steam hauled train back 1940s in Sheringham
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General Meetings 2015 January 14th David Kew (member) – Ballooning
February 11th Annette Mackenzie – Owlin’mad
March 10th Lynda King – Leprosy Mission
.
Local History Programme Tuesday 12th January - Dr Stephen Bloy - "Searching for Walter"
Tuesday 9th February - David Robinson - "Recent archaeology on the Wolds "
Tuesday 8th March - Richard Pullen - "Women in WW1"
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THE WEST WOLDS QUARTERLY DIARY INSERT Remove this insert from your magazine, fold along the lines indicated
COMMITTEE & MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITIES 2016
FOLD
The new committee was elected at the General Meeting in November. This Quarterly has been printed before the committee met to assign responsibilities. These roles will be published on the West Wolds Website and in the March 2016 edition of the Quarterly. Members elected to the committee are as follows:
Paul Davison Heather Barratt Gail Dennis Lyn Henry Ken Howitt Eunice Hughes Steve McCarthy Mandy Murphy FOLD
David Oliver Brian Ward Plus one co-opted member
Geoff Goddard
Why not visit our website at
www.westwoldsu3a.org Page 9
INTEREST GROUPS WEEK
Monday
Tuesday
10:00 German
1st
2nd
14:00 Bridge 14:00 Digital Photography
14:00 Film 14:30 Spanish
09:30 Paper Engineering 10:00 German
10:00 Local History
13.30 Card Craft 14:00 Bridge 14:00 Web Design & Social Media 14:00 Belly Dancing
14:00 Art 14:30 Spanish
09:30 Paper Engineering 10:00 German
3rd
4th
10:00 Country Walks 10:30 Strollers
14:00 Bridge 14:00 Digital Photography
14:30 Spanish 19:00 Film
10:00 German
10:00 Music Appreciation * 10:00 Armchair Travel * (*Last Tuesday of month)
14:00 Bridge 14:00 Web Design & Social Media 14:00 Belly Dancing Page 10
14:00 Art 14:30 Spanish
MONTHLY TIMETABLE Wednesday
10:00 Country Walks 10:30 Strollers
10:00 Embroidery 10:00 4 Mile Walkers 12:00 Luncheon Group
Thursday
Friday
10:00 French 10:00 Patchwork * 10:00 Keep Fit
10:00 Beginners Family History 10:00 Latin
14:00 Drama 14:00 Patchwork *
14:00 Scrabble 14:00 Biblical Hebrew
09.45 GENERAL MEETING Festival Hall Market Rasen Everyone Welcome Tea, Coffee, Event Notices Guest Speaker
10:00 Family History 10:00 Latin 10:00 Line Dancing 14:00 Paper Engineering
14:00 Poetry 14:00 Drama
10:00
Telling our Stories
14:00 Readers Group 1
10:00 Embroidery * (*Last Wednesday of month)
14:00 Readers Group 2 14:00 Beginner’s French 14:00 Knitting and Crochet (Oct—April)
10:00 French 10:00 Keep Fit 10:00 Patchwork * 14:00 Drama 14:00 Patchwork *
10:00 Cross Stitch 10:00 Keep Fit* (* And 5th Thursday, if there is one) 14:00 Drama
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10:00 Latin 10:00 Cycling 10:00 Line Dancing 14:00 Biblical Hebrew 14:00 Scrabble* (* And 5th Friday of the month, if there is one) 10:00 COFFEE MORNING Jossals, Market Rasen 10:00 Latin 10:00 Line Dancing* (* + 5th Friday, if there is one) 14:00 Mah Jong 14:00 Paper Engineering 14:00 Biblical Hebrew
INTEREST GROUP CO-ORDINATORS ABSOLUTE BEGINNERS COMPUTING Lynn Henry 01673 843851. ARMCHAIR TRAVEL Cynthia Bunch 01673 844661 ART Gillian Anderton 01673 844382 BELLY DANCING Gillian Anderton 01673 844382 CANASTA Jan Watkins 01673 308791 BRIDGE Bryan Storey 01673 849625 CARD CRAFT Cynthia Burke 01673 849506 CROSS STITCH Ann Field 01673 857529 CYCLING Heather Barratt 01673 849393 DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY Pat Hage 01673 849447 DRAMA Gail Dennis 01673 843575 EMBROIDERY Pat Hage 01673 849447 FAMILY HISTORY Steve Field 01673 857519 FAMILY HISTORY – BEGINNERS Jacqueline Reid 01673 849490 FILM GROUP John Bartlett 01673 857480 FRENCH Pat Spolton 01673 828568 GERMAN Jo Howard 01673 862015 GOLF Trevor Tripp 01673 844699 KEEP FIT Dawn Stopper 01472 851133 KNITTING AND CROCHET Sue Jacobs 01673 828898 LATIN Gwen Parsons 07749 044413
LINE DANCING Margaret White 01673 849274 LOCAL HISTORY Jean Childs 01472 859347 LUNCHEON GROUP Pam John 01673 844260 MAH JONG Jacqueline 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 1 Audrey Storey 01673 849625 READERS GROUP 2 Jan Healy 01673843047 RECORDER GROUP Geoff Goddard 01673 842287 SCRABBLE Audrey Storey 01673 849625 SINGING TOGETHER Heather Barratt 01673 849393 SOCIAL MEDIA Steve McCarthy 01673 308364 SPANISH Alison Atkinson 01673 849979 TELLING OUR STORIES David Atkinson 01673 849979 THE 4-MILERS Mary Ellis 01673 842584 THE 9-MILE HIKERS Helen Wilson 01673 828315 THE COUNTRY WALKERS Ken Howitt 01652 678490 THE STROLLERS Cynthia Burke 01673 849506 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 12
The Latin Group goes on a trip to learn about the Celts You may wonder what the Celts The Latin Group had already learned how the Romans had have to do with the study of Latin, which is usually associated conquered Britain in AD 43, but they in fact did not manage to conquer the lands we now know as Wales, Scotland and Ireland. These are the places we traditionally associate with Celtic culture. However, there have been Celtic objects found all over England too – in Cornwall, Norfolk and even in Lincolnshire! Many discoveries have also been made all over Northern Europe and the Mediterranean. Since the Roman Empire covered much of these areas it is easy to see how Celtic with the Romans, Pompeii, art influenced that of the Caesar and Virgil, but Caesar Romans. The Celts are therefore himself, writing during the now seen as a race of people with Roman conquest of Gaul, described how Gaul was divided their own identity influencing the culture and languages such as into three parts, one of which was occupied by Celts. Each Greek or Roman author who mentions the Celts tells a slightly different story and needs to be read with a critical eye, but the influence they had on Roman artefacts was plain to see at the British Museum Celtic Exhibition.
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recurrent symbol in Celtic art. There were also many examples The exhibition displays objects of Celtic crosses, jewellery, face from all over Britain and Europe. masks, weapons and domestic objects such as drinking and eating vessels. It is amazing how well preserved many of the artefacts are. This is probably because many were found in graves and burial chambers. Welsh, Gaelic, Cornish, Manx and Breton.
The group spent over two hours in the exhibition and all agreed that it had been a very worthwhile experience. Learning about the history behind the The Gundestrup Cauldron found Latin language is fascinating and makes the learning of the in Denmark was particularly impressive. It shows some of the language all the more relevant. Many members and present day warriors wearing helmets with schoolchildren may not agree, decorative boars, which is a especially when confronted with grammar! We, however, learn it with alacrity, as it is said to keep our brains active and hopefully will slow down memory loss! Come and join our group and see for yourselves. Patricia Spolton
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Trip to the Forest of Dean After two weeks of fine weather, 25 members of West Wolds U3A and our driver Terry Baker set off on a trip to the Forest of Dean in the rain! It had stopped by the time we arrived in Gloucestershire.
We continued on our journey as it started to rain again. The Bells Hotel & Golf Club was our base for the next few days. We all enjoyed our 3 course meal, then Pam Singer gave us a talk on the history of the Forest of Dean, she entertained us with stories of sheep, wild boar, miners and trees. On Tuesday morning we set off for Chepstow Castle, Wales with our guide Pat Lacy. A lovely
We arrived at Morgan Car factory at lunchtime, after a very nice lunch, we spent two hours looking around the factory and museum. It was very noisy but interesting. I came away with a red Morgan (model toy), the large ones are just outside my price range- ÂŁ31,000 to the sky's the limit.
drive down the valley, beautiful views thorough the mist, then the sun came out and we saw the River Severn. The castle was very interesting and it was larger than it looked, I will go back for a longer visit next year, as heavy rain shower came half way around the tour and we all got very wet! .
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The original castle doors (over 800 years old) have been replaced with modern reproductions, the original was on display, in the dry!
a collection of art displayed around the town. We lunched in Monmouth, then off again around the Forest, viewing the villages- Bream, Park End, Blakeney, Soudley and Cinderford twice. Pat entertained us with stories of the Forest,
pointed out the damage course by the wild boars and the slag heaps.
There was a Knight on horseback in the grounds, part of
Our arrival at Dean Heritage Centre & Museum, was timed just right —in between a rain
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shower and after 75 school children had left. There was lots to see.. Galleries with the history of the Forest from the Ice Age to the present, mining, animals, Victorian schoolroom, beam engine, forester's cottage and chickens. No wild boar, only stuffed ones. Several members bought small wild boar stuffed animals for their grandchildren!!!! they were very cute!
cars, buses, tractors, motorbikes, military vehicles which they open to groups for charitable purposes. We spent a delightful two hours with them, playing with their toys—BIG TOYS. We had a BBQ lunch and some of us Ladies had a ride on a double decker bus.
On the way back to the Hotel we passed the Speech House, the famous meeting place of the free miners. Also the place where the locals meet to protest about the modern day issues —Fracking and quarries expansion. Then we were homeward Wednesday, we went to bound, stopping for a break in Westbury on Severn, to the home Evesham. of Jeff and Maggie Williams. A big Thank You to the Driver They have a private collection of Terry for his patience, Thank You to the members of U3A who helped make my first trip away with a group so enjoyable and a Big THANK YOU to Brian Ward for organising it for us. Brilliant!!!!!! Caroline Foster
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Telling Our Stories At the Annual General meeting in November many of you will have seen the booklet that the Telling Our Stories Group had prepared. There was lots of fascinating material complied from personal histories over many decades. Those personal memories are worth preserving. Here is a short piece from Arthur Wilson, sadly no longer with us. When we were living in Legsby Road our garden backed onto the DeAston School playing fields. All was quiet one fine day, so I decided to go down to the bottom of the garden and sort out the compost heap. While clearing the site I began to dig the soil over andI unearthed a round object with a brass centre in it. In a dilemma as to what it was and knowing that the military were prominent around here during World War II, I wondered if it was something that had been left behind by them. Now what should I do about it? Aha – I know – phone the police. A lady answered and after I had told her about it she said, “Is it dangerous?” I said I didn’t know. Eventually she passed me over to a police officer, while I went through the same process again. After it had
all been inserted into the computer, he said he would send an officer round. I was expecting a car to race along herewith sirens blaring and blue lights flashing– but it didn’t happen. When they did arrive about half an hour later, the officer said, “I think you have something to show me down the garden.” He went forward to look at it and I stood back. He picked it up and said, “This is the school sports field and this is a discus,” which was a relief to me! He asked if I wanted it. I said, “No,” –so he went off with it. With hindsight, I should have kept it – it’s worth quite a bit now ……… the brass part was for putting weights in! A good end to a worrying day.
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Arthur Wilson
What the Professions Say About Retiring Golfers never retire, they just lose their drive. Lumberjacks never retire, they just pine away. Accountants don't retire, they just lose their balance. Bank managers don't retire, they just lose interest. Vehicle mechanics? They re-tyre every day. Teachers don't retire, they just mark time. Roofers don't retire, they just wipe the slate clean. Engineers never retire, they just lose their bearings. Beekeepers never retire, they just buzz off. Musicians never retire, they just decompose. Farmers never retire, they just go to seed. Watchmakers never retire, they just wind down. Academics never retire, they just lose their faculties. Painters never retire, they just put a gloss on it. Tree surgeons never retire, they just branch out.
Retirement Question and Answer Session Question: How many retirees to change a light bulb? Answer: Only one, but it might take all day Question: Among retirees what is considered formal attire? Answer: Tied shoes. Question: How many days in a week? Answer: Six Saturdays, One Sunday Question: When is a retiree's bedtime? Answer: Three hours after he falls asleep on the couch.
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More News from the Keep Fit Class Just a line to portray What our class do today New members — we’ve a few more Intent on fitness — what’s in store? We stretch and strengthen, tone and flex For our health's sake (either SEX) Now I’ve got your attention I’d just like to mention We move in unison to the beat Sitting, lying down or on our feet I’ve introduced scarves — they’re grand And also a giant elastic band!!! The mind boggles I hear you say But why not try it out one day? We all keep fit and have some fun Then go for coffee when we’re done One week our hall was not free So we had a walk then went for tea Occasionally as a special treat We book a meal and go out to eat As our class is not so small We’ve moved to the Festival Hall More space for our U3A You’re all most welcome next Thursday So get up out of the chair Come on down we’ll see you there ”Movement is life” Dawn Stopper Life is a tough proposition and the first hundred years are the hardest! It’s also something to do when you can’t get to sleep
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