West Wolds Quarterly Newsletter

ESTABLISHED 1999

Open to anybody not in full time employment

"Learn, Laugh and Live"

ow we are well into the new year and looking forward to Spring it is time to think about getting out and seeing new places, so look within the Newsletter for Brian’s planned visits for the year ahead and the One Off events arranged by Sharon Rupp.

Also the Gardening Group have arranged some visits so if you are into Gardening or just like looking at other peoples’ gardens to get some ideas, see the programme in the Newsletter and join the group. For further information sign up at the General Meetings.

Remember that the ethos of all U3As is to LEARN, LAUGH, LIVE! We hope that this will be echoed in these pages and that you will bring something to them through your own contributions. So don’t be shy, put pen to paper and send us your thoughts, and details of your work and deeds plus any unusual photos, to: magazine@westwoldsu3a.org.

We would also appreciate any feedback on things you would like to see in the Newsletter. Thanks for any contributions received for this issue.

Many thanks from Terry Francis – Production Editor, and Brian Ward – Copy Editor. ………………………………………………………………………………………………..

2016 2017 2018 2016 2017 2018

Jan 878 2,153 1,964 Jul 1,086 1,423

Feb Mar Apr May 1,127 960 1,275 1,266 1,330 1,383 1,253 1,267 1,348 Aug Sep Oct Nov 1,386 1,609 1,636 1,170 1,348 1,762 1,651 1,696

June 789 1,063 Dec Total 1,466 14,648 1,151 17,480

Articles for the next edition should reach the editor no later than 25th May 2018 Send contributions to magazine@westwoldsu3a.org Page 2

I welcome two new members to the committee, Linda Brighton (Vice Chairman) and Pam Crooks (Business Secretary). We are so lucky to have a dedicated team of volunteers who are prepared to come forward and devote their time and energy. Without them the organisation would cease to exist.

The extent of our success is measurable by the growing number of members we have and the diversity of groups. At the last count we had over 50 activities, a 20% increase in the last two years and more groups are under consideration.

It would be great if we could encourage even more people to get involved and share the load so if you have an interest in making a contribution or have ideas as to how we can make things better then please contact me – chairman@westwoldsu3a.org.

Steve McCarthy __________________________________________________________________________

How to Subscribe on the West Wolds website to receive updates and notice of New Posts by email.

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THE STROLLERS GETTING READY TO WALK AT BLYBOROUGH Photo by Linda Brighton Page 3

THE STROLLERS WALK AT BLYBOROUGH WEDNESDAY 7th FEBRUARY 2018 Our walk through Blyborough village began on a very cold but bright morning and our organisers Mary Barr and Anne Wilkinson had arranged for us to meet at Uncle Henry’s at Grayingham to have warming coffees first before we drove in convoy to Blyborough where we parked up at the village football field and organised ourselves into two groups. One group going on the flat slightly shorter route, and the other going up the hill out of the village and along main road and down through Blyborough Park towards Blyborough Hall. The walk up the hill wasn’t too strenuous and helped to warm us up and there were lots of patches of snowdrops along the main road for us to enjoy.

As we approached the Kissing Gate into Blyborough Park and looked down towards the Hall nestled amongst the trees it was a lovely sight with the very blue sky framing the picture. We had a very pretty frost still laying on parts of

the path and foliage and several more areas of snowdrops to delight our eyes.

The cold of the morning made the air quite brisk and invigorating as we made our way down to the gate at the Hall only to find that both the Main gate and the Kissing gate were both locked! Undaunted, several of our group including Val (Marsh) (see photo) decided to climb the gate ably assisted by Malc (Marsh).

The rest of us chose to walk across the field much to our dog Belle’s relief, where we could see our cars parked up at the side of the road.

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After changing out of our very muddy boots it was back in the cars and off to Kirton in Lindsey where we had a very nice lunch at the Fair Garden Centre.

Our grateful thanks to Mary and Anne for organising a lovely “Stroll” and enjoyable lunch and chat.

Photos and article by Linda Brighton

Total Confidence You assume with age comes confidence But this will never be All because of technology.

First computers unbelievably slow Attached to tapes before they would go.

E-mail arrived Amazing innovation Causing such exasperation!

The list went on:Mobile phones, laptops, iPads, iPhones and Skype Digital everything Mini everything Fitbit trackers, Micro: bits and goPros What’s next?

Who knows?

But the latest amazing discovery Scientists jumping up and down Graphene Flexible, yet stronger than steel Smartphones we could wrap and roll True potential yet to be realised My hands in the air I have to say Confidence hasn’t come my way!

Angela Pykett

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Speakers for 2018 This is the calendar of speakers at the Monthly Meetings for 2018 March 8th

Spire Chocolates – Lindsay Gardner – Spire Chocolates, based in Louth and founded by Lindsay in 2012

April 12th

Stories of a Lorry Driver and Furniture Removal Man – Leonard Priestley

May 10th

Our friends outside - encouraging wildlife into the garden Steve Lovell

June 14th

From Curate to Cavalry (U3A Member) – Terry Brighton – From Chaplain to the SAS, via a ride down the Valley of Death to New York Times Best Selling Author.

July 12th

Meet Our Tiger – Kathleen & Chris Barnett – Adopted a Bengal Tiger rescued from a squalid zoo in Belgium for the Born Free Foundation.

Aug 9th

Tax, Care and Toyboys – Chris Dingley – Everything you need to know about future-proofing your assets by taking out the right type of Will and Estate Planning

Sept 13th

Dennetts Ice Cream—Robin Dennett – Homemade Ice Cream to Dennetts own recipe since 1926 by four generations.

Oct 11th

Tommy Goes To War—Michael Credland - Using a display of uniforms and artefacts to illuminate his talk, Michael takes us through the kit the Tommy took to war.

Poppies will also be sold for the Royal British Legion.

Nov 8th

AGM—Plus Members’ Entertainment

Dec 13th

TBA

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EXCITING ONE-OFFS FOR ALL TO ENJOY!!

Here’s your chance to enjoy something different, and not have to get involved with a regular group date. Sign-up sheets for these (and future) ideas will be available at each Monthly Meeting.

Golf taster session 3RD April 10.30am—12.00 at Market Rasen Golf Club Brush up your skills or come and try for the first time with PGA professional Dan. These are held under cover in the driving range if weather is inclement.

Wear trainers or outdoor shoes please. If 10 people sign up the charge will be £9, more if less people attend. Therefore a £5 deposit will be payable by the February general meeting (only refundable if event is cancelled).

Homefield Alpacas 1ST May 10am at The Homestead, Chapel Lane, Great Carlton, Louth, LN11 8JR Learn about this amazing animal’s habits and needs, observe them in the field and then take the alpacas for a short walk. Experience how they communicate with the herd and enjoy a hands-on experience.

Refreshments included. £15 with a £5 deposit payable by March’s meeting please (only refundable if event cancelled) Stourton Estates Venison Farm 5TH June 2pm near Baumer A tractor & trailer safari around the estate to see the deer and their young, witness the restoration programme and see conservation in action.

Opportunity to taste and buy the venison. £5 to include refreshments.

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E H Rand Beehives 3RD July 10am Beehive business park, Rand, near Wragby, LN8 5NJ 10.30am-12pm Come and tour this interesting site and learn all about bees, beehives and honey production, will include refreshments. £5.

Please note: due to last-minute cancellations at previous events, in some cases the venue will require an up-front deposit. This will be mentioned in the event details. I am asking for deposits 2 months ahead of the event so that there is sufficient time to cancel if insufficient numbers sign up, thus avoiding any penalty charges, and deposits can then be refunded. Thank you for your understanding.

Update on Somerby Vineyards tour: cancelled due to a non-refundable £100 deposit being required by the venue.

Please let Sharon or any committee member know if there is anything you would like to see on the programme.

(All arranged by Sharon Rupp

JUST CHECKING! Have you got your Membership Card for the current year? All West Wolds U3A members should have received a card with their name and an expiry date of 31 August 2018. Most cards were collected from our monthly General Meetings and the last few were delivered to members’ homes in January.

If you don’t have your card, please contact me on 01652 678283 or by email at shelley_franklin@yahoo.co.uk.

Shelley Franklin, Treasurer & Membership Secretary

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April 12th:

“Stories of a Lorry Driver and Furniture Removal Man” – Leonard Priestley

May 10th:

“Our friends outside - encouraging wildlife into the garden” - Steve Lovell

June 14th:

“From Curate to Cavalry ” - Terry Brighton

Tea/coffee and biscuits served from 09:45 to 10:15.

There is a venue hire fee of 50p per person.

Please give your name at the reception table.

University of Lincoln and West Wolds U3A Our relationship with the University started just over a year ago and a number of members have become involved in several activities mainly linked to the School of Social Care and Health. We have three members on a team of ten researchers examining the ethical issues involved in self funded care of the aged. It is a three year project which will involve interviewing those buying their care, their carers and the support services.

Others are involved with pharmacy students discussing their particular diagnosis and the impact of medication on their lives.

We are currently trying to arrange a lecture day at the university which is proving difficult to progress and we are also hoping to form links with the business school.

If anyone would like to be involved either contact me or look for information on the website.

Steve McCarthy - Chairman Page 10

Remove this insert from your magazine, fold along the lines indicated

Chairman and Website Administration Steve McCarthy Tel: 01673 308364 steve@pigyard.com

Vice Chairman and Greeters Coordinator Linda Brighton Tel: 01673 843925 lindabrighton1@hotmail.co.uk

Visits, Press Liaison and Newsletter Copy Editor Brian Ward Tel: 01472 852273 briandgill@btinternet.com magazine@westwoldsu3a.org Newsletter Production Editor and Technical Support Terry Francis Tel: 01673 842088 terryfrancis22@gmail.com magazine@westwoldsu3a.org

Business Secretary and Third Age Trust Contact Pam Crooks Tel: 01673 565010 pamcrooks14@gmail.com Treasurer and Membership Secretary Shelley Franklin Tel: 01652 678283 shelley_franklin@yahoo.co.uk General Meeting Coordinator David Oliver Tel: 01673 880188 david.g.oliver@btinternet.com

Archivist Paul Davison Tel: 07746 626482 davison216@btinternet.com Support Roles (Non Committee) Catering Co-ordinator Margaret Foster Tel: 01427 668050 gordonmfoster@btinternet.com

Groups Coordinator Ken Howitt Tel: 01652 678490 kenhowitt@btinternet.com Speaker Finder, Special Events Organiser, Minute-taker and Secretary to East Lincs. Neighbourhood Sharon Rupp Tel: 01673 857390 sharonrupp@hotmail.com

Welfare Mandy Murphy Tel: 01673 565295 Mandy.murphy1396@gmail.com

Make sure you visit our website at

www.westwoldsu3a.org

and become a subscriber in order to receive all the latest news, Back copies of the Quarterly Newsletter can be read on the website.

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10:00 Beginners Family History 10:00 German

1st

14:00 Bridge 14:00 Digital Photography 14:00 Turkish Delight Desert Dancers

09:30 Paper Engineering 10:00 German

2nd

13.30 Cardcraft 14:00 Bridge

10:00 German

3rd

14:00 Bridge 14:00 Digital Photography

09:30 Paper Engineering 10:00 German

4th

14:00 Bridge 14:30 Art Appreciation

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14:00 Film 14:30 Spanish

10:00 IT Workshops

14:30 Spanish

10:00 Country Walks 10:30 Strollers 14:30 Spanish 19:00 Film

10:00 IT Workshops 10:00 Music Appreciation * (*Last Tuesday of month) 10:30 3 Mile Walkers 14:30 Spanish

10:00 Country Walks 10:30 Strollers

19:00 Mr Ukulele Group

10:00 Embroidery 10:00 4 Mile Walkers

10:00 French 10:00 Patchwork * 10:00 Keep Fit

10:00 Latin 10:00 Line Dancing 10:00 Biblical Hebrew 10:30 Cycling

14:00 Drama

14:00 Scrabble

GENERAL MEETING Festival Hall Market Rasen

12:00 Luncheon Group 14:00 Canasta 14:00 Poetry

19:00 Mr Ukulele Group

10:00 Telling our Stories 14:00 Readers Group 1 14:00 Gardening Group 19:00 Mr Ukulele Group

10:00 Embroidery * (*Last Wednesday of month) 14:00 Readers Group 2 14:00 Knitting and Crochet (Oct—April) 19:00 Mr Ukulele Group

10:00 Family History 10:00 Latin 10:00 Line Dancing 10:00 Biblical Hebrew 10:30 Cycling

14:00 Drama 10:00 French 10:00 Keep Fit 10:00 Patchwork * 14:00 Drama

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 Line Dancing 10:00 Biblical Hebrew 10:30 Cycling 14:00 Scrabble* (* And 5th Friday of the month, if there is one) 10:00 COFFEE MORNING Advocate Arms, Market Rasen 10:00 Latin 10:00 Line Dancing* 10:00 Biblical Hebrew 10:30 Cycling* (* And 5th Friday of the month, if there is one) 14:00 Mah Jong

ARCHITECTURE David Oliver 01673 880188 ART APPRECIATION Caroline Foster 01673 844408 BIBLICAL HEBREW Alison Atkinson 01673 849979 BRIDGE Bryan Storey 01673 849625 CANASTA Jan Watkins 01673 308791 CAR ENTHUSIAST GROUP Steve McCarthy 01673 308364 CARD CRAFT Cynthia Burke 01673 849506 CROSS STITCH Cynthia Burke 01673 849506 CYCLING Gordon Jennings 01673 844222 DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY Allen and Alice Forster 01652 678034 DISCOVERY GROUP Mary Howes 01673 849554 DRAMA Gail Dennis 01673 843575 EMBROIDERY Pat Hage 01673 849447 ETHICS and MORAL DILEMMAS DISCUSSION GROUP Steve McCarthy 01673 308364 FAMILY HISTORY Steve Field 01673 857519 FAMILY HISTORY – BEGINNERS Jacqueline Reid 01673 849490 FILM GROUP John Bartlett 01673 857480 FRENCH Pat Spolton 01673 828568 GARDENING Mary Howes 01673 849554 GERMAN Jo Howard 01673 862015 IT WORKSHOPS Steve McCarthy 01673 308364 KEEP FIT Dawn Stopper 01472 851133 KNITTING AND CROCHET Sue Jacobs 01673 828898 LATIN Gwen Parsons 07749 044413

LINE DANCING Margaret White 01673 849274 LUNCHEON GROUP Pam John 01673 844260 MAH JONG Jacqueline Reid 01673 849490 MAN SHEDS Terry Francis 01673 842088 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 Lyn Henry 01673 843851 RECORDER GROUP Geoff Goddard 01673 842287 SCRABBLE Audrey Storey 01673 849625 SPANISH Alison Atkinson 01673 849979 TELLING OUR STORIES David Atkinson 01673 849979 TRIBUTE BANDS Phyl Murray 01673 838543 TURKISH DELIGHT DESERT DANCERS Gillian Anderton 01673 844382 THE 3-MILERS Ken Howitt 01652 678490 THE 4-MILERS Mary Ellis 01673 842584 THE 9-MILE HIKERS Allen and Alice Forster 01652 678034 THE COUNTRY WALKERS Ken Howitt 01652 678490 THE STROLLERS Cynthia Burke 01673 849506 UKULELE Heather Barratt 01673 849393 UPHOLSTERY AND FURNITURE RESTORATION Gail Dennis 01673 843575 VISITS Brian Ward 01472 852273

THE GROUPS CO-ORDINATOR IS: KEN HOWITT

01652 678490 kenhowitt@btinternet.com Page 14

Digital Photography Group—The group is proposing to produce a 2019 Calendar showcasing the work of the group’s members.

Beginners Family History—Please note that this group has moved to 1st Monday of the month at 10.00, for details contact Jacqueline Reid.

Local History Group— It is with regret that the Local History group has folded due to lack of interest in running it, since Jean Childs has stepped down.

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.

Forthcoming Programme Wednesday, March 21st 2018 - ‘Understanding the Latin’ A talk by Pam Spolton—to clear away all those myths and help us understand those long Latin titles.

Sunday, 8th April 2018 - afternoon visit to N.G.S. garden at Ashfield House, Barnston, Lincoln. 110 flowering cherries!

April 13-16th 2018—Coach tour to Amsterdam to see the Dutch Bulbfields, Keukenhof Gardens etc Wednesday, April 18th 2018 - ‘Flowers for cutting and floral display’ A talk and demonstration by Cecile Povey of Market Rasen Flower Club.

Wednesday 16th May 2018 2pm -Grand plant sale. To be held at member Steve Field's garden in Wragby, together with viewing of garden and 'Steve's Folly' Tuesday 29th May 2018 - Visit to Goltho Gardens and Nursery. Further details later.

Wednesday 20th June 2018 -'Photography in the Garden and of Plants' A talk with practical demonstration by Ben Skipper, freelance natural history and County photographer. A joint meeting with the photographic group. Bring your own cameras!

Wednesday 27th June -All day coach visit to Scampston and Jackson's Wold gardens, and the Lavender Farm, Yorkshire.

Indoor Meetings are held at Holyrood RC Church Old School Hall, King St, Market Rasen LN8 3BB. Visitors and New Members welcome.

Enquiries/details Mary Howes 01673 849554 Mum found her toddler sitting in the garden sucking on a slug! After the initial cries of horror and disgust, she said, ‘Well, and what did it taste like? ‘Worms’ was the reply Page 15

Track days at Blyton Park Having owned my 1959 Frog for 4 years I began to wonder about doing a track day. I found out that Blyton Park offered events run by Javelin Track Days so I popped along for a look see last summer, as it’s only 15 miles from my home.

Blyton Park is owned by Ginetta Cars. On an old airfield, the main track is 1.5 miles long with an interesting variety of corners and an excellent surface. It has the advantage of wide grassy runoff areas with only one place where there is a chance to meet Armco if you get it wrong!

twenty minute session with an instructor. So off I toddled in pouring rain feeling very apprehensive as I had never done a track day before. After signing in, we had a very comprehensive safety briefing outlining the dangers of the

circuit and the various flag signals to watch out for. As my Frog was probably the slowest car there blue flags were going to very important.

The actual driving began with three sighting laps to see which way the anticlockwise circuit went. Then, after a short break I met Tim my instructor whose first question to me was ‘What do you know about trail So last September I booked a day braking?’ Not much! ‘Well that’s’ there, including for an extra £20, a what you are going to learn’ Out on Page 16

the circuit he sat beside me showing me the lines round the corners.

Gradually he encouraged me to go faster and brake later and soon he was telling me to brake up to the apex of the bend. It is hard to convince yourself if that’s OK but eventually I began to get the hang of it.

rebuilt after it failed last autumn. It’s now got a straight cut close ratio gear set and I’ve upgraded from inch and a quarter SUs to a 45DCOE Weber so all 1330 cc are pulling their weight.

Out on the circuit for the first session it was clear that it was still damp and slippy. However my new Yokohama 539s were settling in well and grip was coming. As the day wore on the track dried out and in the afternoon I had a ball. We covered 60 miles over several short sessions and used nearly 4 gallons of fuel but it was worth it. Suffice it to say I was completely knackered.

On my own I had an absolute blast getting quicker and keeping up with some other drivers who had not had any instruction. One chap in a Caterham followed me for several laps just to find the lines. Returning to the paddock area with warm tyres and the smell of hot brakes I felt quite pleased with myself. I had The whole session cost me £89 plus several sessions of a few laps at a £10 for the hire of a helmet. Excellent time and thoroughly enjoyed the value! I recommend it to other day. members of MASC. I went home thinking ‘I’ve got that Would I do it again? You can be out my system.’ No chance, I was sure of that. Cadwell is not far away hankering after a dry track day from where I live…. sometime!

Geoff Goddard

On the last day of January this year I was back again with the promise of Geoff is a member of our Car a track that was going to dry out Enthusiast Group which is open to through the day. At this point I must any member with an interest in cars say that I had to get the gearbox and motoring.

A Message from Mandy Murphy If anyone knows of any member that is ill or in any difficulty and would welcome a get well card or some other contact, please let Mandy Murphy know and she will arrange it. Her contact details are 01673 565295 or email mandy.murphy1396@gmail.com.

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THE GREETER TEAM new members see what a great U3A we have and how friendly we are.

Greeters at the February Meeting As most of you are aware by now we are lucky enough at West Wolds U3A to have our very own Greeter Team and very proud of them we are too!

The Greeter Team was started in 2017 by Sharon Rupp who having seen that when visitors arrived at the Festival Hall for the first time they looked a bit lost and had no idea who to speak to. Sharon gathered a few willing volunteers to help her start The Greeter Team; a few friendly folk who would welcome and Greet visitors and current members alike, but very importantly, make our prospective

We now have a strong team of 24 volunteers (but could definitely use more!) led now by myself, Linda Brighton. We work in teams of three at each General Meeting and assist our visitors by showing them around the group displays, telling them about the Speaker for the day and, most importantly, showing them where the tea & coffee can be found!

We are also on hand to help our current members with any questions they may have about the different groups running at our U3A, and we are a valued part of the West Wolds U3A team.

So, if you spot a Greeter in their blue sashes at your next visit say “Hello.�

The Greeter table is located near to the Signing in Table as you enter the Hall if you need any help. We all like to chat in the Greeter Team so will be very pleased to see you!

Linda Brighton

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DAY VISITS & LONGER TRIPS …

MORE DETAILS ON 2018 VISITS If you don’t get to the monthly 27 June: £32.00 pp meeting, here are a few further Day trip to various Yorkshire details on the planned visits in 2018: gardens. Members of our Gardening Group will want to join this visit, but all members are welcome as always, Wednesday 28 March: Halifax Piece Hall, with guided tour, and the gardens will of course offer Victoria Theatre for Russian Ballet photo opportunities as well. performing Swan Lake.

Fully booked.

13 – 16 April: Dutch Bulbfields at Keukenhof to see the famous Spring flower displays, and the next day a trip on the Hoorn – Medemblik steam tram, with a U3A inspired extra – coffee and pastries served to our group as we trundle through the countryside, Firstly we go to Scampston Walled followed by a trip on a vintage boat. Gardens, providing nine acres of differing layouts in the grounds of Scampston Hall, near Malton. Lunch can be taken in the Café, or you might want to take a pack-up.

On next to nearby Jackson’s Wold, a traditional garden where we get a private tour. Finally on to Yorkshire Lavender, with a whole array of scented lavenders in various garden This is a PC Coach Holidays trip, layouts. with a discount for U3A members which I have negotiated. Full details A full day out, offering a range of in their brochure, and bookings to be different garden experiences. Pick made through them directly (website up the leaflet for full details, plus or ‘phone) NOT via a Travel Agent, timings and cost. specifying you are a West Wolds U3A member. We already have a good sized group booked to go.

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22 August: £40.00 pp. Limited to maximum of 29 persons.

One for the technical boys and girls (yes, we have many ladies who have proved they enjoy going behind the scenes of industry). This is a long day, travelling to Newton Aycliffe in County Durham for a visit to the purpose built plant where Hitachi Rail EU are building new electric and bi-mode trains for various operating companies in the UK.

There will be a presentation to our group and a tour of the production facilities – not a visit available to the general public.

Lunch will be taken at a nearby hostelry, (pre-ordered, own cost), after which we make the short journey to Darlington, firstly to take a look at the Head of Steam Museum, housed in the original Stockton & Darlington Railway station. Across the station yard is the S & D Carriage Works, now the home of the A1 Trust which built ‘Tornado’, a 1930s design steam engine, taken to modern technological standards, and now running on today’s rail network on

special trains. The current project is ‘Prince of Wales’, a different 1930s steam design, also by the LNER which served this East Coast route.

When complete, this will also be seen across the UK. Again, full details in the visit leaflet.

18 – 20 September: A return visit to country house hotel Solberge Hall, near Northallerton.

We used it in 2016 for another programme, and were so well behaved that the hotel has offered us that year’s rates! Each bedroom is unique, and all are double or twin bedded, so you don’t get to sleep in the broom cupboard. This year’s programme starts with a visit en route to Burnby Hall Gardens, near York, which many of us enjoyed in June 2015.

The gardens are extremely varied and interesting, so a September visit will show them in a different light. The interesting museum devoted to the life of Major Percy Stewart shows how his travels led to the inspiration for the gardens.

A small café is on site. Later on, we continue to the hotel, and the evening will be enlivened by our own close up table magician, which never fails to entertain.

Next morning we visit the unique Middlesborough Transporter Bridge, which crosses the River Tees. This is a fascinating piece of Victorian engineering, now a Grade ll* listed structure.

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Then on to Hartlepool Docks, for lunch at the National Museum of the Royal Navy, and the chance to tour the site and enjoy the Paddle Steamer ‘Wingfield Castle’, and the battleship ‘HMS Trincomalee.’

wines included! Nothing but the best for our members and friends.

The final morning takes us to the renowned Bowes Museum at Barnard Castle, famed for its silver swans automaton, but containing so much more of the collection amassed

by John and Josephine Bowes.

Lunch will be served in a private room before we leave for the journey home. Full programme details and booking form have been available since October, and half the rooms have already been taken by early bookings.

Wednesday 18 July International Bomber Command Centre, Lincoln, followed by Wickenby Airfield Museum.

Full Programme details and costs will be available from March Meeting onwards, and on the website.

And don’t miss the short experience visits arranged by Sharon Rupp as Dinner tonight will be a gourmet well. taster multi course menu, with Photos and article by Brian Ward.

This is Ken Howitt enjoying a halfway Hot Chocolate break on a 4 mile walk, its all go!

Photo taken at the Café in the Hartsholme Park by Sarah Tripp

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“HOW I CAME TO THE PLOUGH” It was an old established custom in the land of my birth, “The Cowland,” in an Eastern province in Moravia, now part of the state called — CZECH REPUBLIC. It was the event, when 12 year old boys “came to the plough.” It meant passing a test to harness a horse, put it to a one-share plough, and plough a straight furrow in a stubble field, turn the horse and the plough at the end of the field. Then proceed to plough another 20 furrows. A panel of two judges and of course family members and friends, judged the ability of the young ploughman.

My test had been scheduled for the second week in March. The winter had been hard, cold and long. The first snow came in the middle of November and the temperature dropped to well below zero. Naturally, all outdoor work on the farm ceased, except work in the forest; felling trees and transporting the timber away, on horse drawn sledges. Gradually the snow reached up to the window sills. All movement now was by sledge and ski.

Christmas was a short spell of joyous entertainment.

Every year, towards the end of the month of February, a warm wind, called “the Foehn,” came from the Mediterranean sea across the Alps and started to melt the snow and break up the ice on rivers and lakes. The water levels on the rivers always rose and flooded the adjoining meadows, leaving behind the silt, which fertilised the fields. As soon as the month of March came in, farmers went out and tested the land, to see if it was ready for ploughing.

I had been practising, harnessing the horse, our old plodder called “Satan,” (I don't know why he was called that name, because he was the softest, most docile and trustworthy one of our horses). On the day of my test, the two judges arrived at our house about mid-morning. There were drinks, refreshments and a lot of talking, followed by watching me, preparing the horse; fitting the bridle, bit, reins, breast collar, breach, harness, places girth, trace and break straps. Then it was lunch time, lasting about two hours. Now I had to put Satan to a wagon and with some help, get the plough loaded.

I drove out of the yard, grasping the reins tightly and also using commands to steer the horse, which I had learned - Gee - go right, Haw — go left, Page 22

Giddup — get going, and Whoa - stop. Arriving at the field to be ploughed, again with help, we unloaded the plough. I steered the horse in front of the plough and with chains fastened him to the whippeltree. Nervously, I grabbed the wooden handles of the plough frame, the reins wrapped round both of my hands. One of the judges said: “If you are ready, let's go”! I slapped the reins lightly on the horse's back and shouted: “Giddup”.

As the horse moved off, I pressed down hard on the handles, the frog of the share cut into the soft soil. Fortunately, the horse knew more about ploughing and keeping in a straight line than I did. Arriving at the end of the field, it was quite a task to turn the horse and the plough. I lifted the share so that the plough moved on, on its wheel. I pulled on the left rein and shouted Haw, but Satan knew anyway, where to go. There was already a piece of land ploughed, so it meant just following the cut furrow. The turning had been the most strenuous and difficult manoeuvre of my test.

My test ended, after I had done the 20 rounds. The judges checked, that all the furrows had been fully turned over, that the handling of the horse had been correct and that I had kept in a straight line. Apparently, I had done all what was required and so was declared a “PLOUGHMAN”! I had come to the plough; I was 12 and a half years old. A party to celebrate the creation of another ploughman followed. It was to continue the yearly cycle of preparing the land to grow corn and crops for another year.

Joe Willisch

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