ESTABLISHED 1999
Open to anybody not in full-time employment
Welcome to this Autumn edition of your Newsletter. Once again, the Editors hope you find it interesting and informative, as that is what we intend it to be! Also a little humorous, here and there. Much depends of course on how much you, the members and group co-ordinators, bring to the party. We have some good articles from those sources, but always need more if the Newsletter is to continue to inform and amuse as wide an audience as possible. The Turkish Delight Desert Dancers will, along with the Ukulele band, be going to Spilsby U3A the day after this edition is published, in order to provide entertainment to their members on the occasion of their 10th Anniversary. That must show that what we get up to here in Market Rasen and local area, is becoming more widely known, and reflects great credit on those of our members who perform in public for the benefit of others. We are still disappointed at the lack of articles about what most of the groups get up to. Surely there must be something worthwhile blowing your trumpet about every now and again, in many of the groups? Language groups joining the Twinning organisations? Crafters selling their work at Fairs? On another page you will see some of our artist members exhibiting their work at West Rasen Green Man Festival. Take special note of the item on page 4 about membership renewal. This is important. Also, Mandy’s item about the welfare of your fellow members may strike home with some of you. Don’t forget why you joined our U3A – to Learn, Laugh and Live! Please note that the address below to send Newsletter contributions has been changed and is now newsletter@westwoldsu3A.org. Please use this instead of our personal email addresses.
Articles for the next edition should reach the editor no later than 23rd November 2018 Send contributions to newsletter@westwoldsu3a.org Page 2
The past three months have seen our membership continue to grow which is a sure sign that we’re doing something right. The coming months are particularly busy for the committee as we prepare for membership renewals, the AGM and election of a new committee. If you have an interest in being part of the committee then please come and see me for an informal discussion.
The Speaker programme for 2019 is almost full thanks to the hard work of Sharon Rupp, also the visits and special events diary is rapidly filling up thanks to Brian Ward and Sharon Rupp. We all look forward to the new programme being published. Preparations for our 20th anniversary are making good progress and in the coming months we will be announcing some very special events with which we hope as many of you as possible will get involved. As membership continues to grow we would like to see some of our new members starting new groups. If you are interested in getting more involved then we will make sure there is support available to get you started. As always if you have any ideas or suggestions please let me know. Steve McCarthy
How to Subscribe on the West Wolds website to receive updates and notice of New Posts by email. Opening the West Wolds website homepage, look for the area shown on the right. Enter your email address and click on the ‘Receive Updates’ button. You will receive an email from Wordpress, which refers you to opening your account. Make sure you click the link shown. International Bomber Command Centre Spire and Memorial Walls Picture taken by Terry Francis Page 3
Time to Renew your Membership Yes folks, it's that time of year again! West Wolds U3A's year runs from 1st September, so it's time to renew your membership if you want to continue to enjoy the many benefits of being a member. Here's what you need to do:
UK taxpayer we can reclaim 25% of your subscription from HMRC for our charity. So, if you are happy for us to do that this year, please read and sign that section too. Then – Pay your Subscription
Subscription rates for 2018-19 are: £17.00 Full membership Joint membership (for Pick up a membership form at our £31.50 two people living at the same monthly General Meeting or download a copy from our website address) Associate membership www.westwoldsu3a.org. The form £11.00 (for people who pay full has been updated in line with current requirements, so please take membership to another U3A) the time to look through it before You can pay by cheque payable to you complete it. 'West Wolds U3A', or with cash. Please give your full postal address Please bring your form and payment to the monthly General on the form. This isn't just for our Meeting if you can. If not, your records; it's also passed on to the Third Age Trust, and is required by Interest Group Coordinator may be willing to bring it on your behalf. HMRC if you sign the Gift Aid Or you can post it to 'West Wolds Declaration. Please also give your U3A Membership Secretary,’ current phone numbers and email Grange Cottage, Grange Lane, address. People do change these from time to time, so this is our one North Kelsey, Market Rasen, LN7 opportunity to make sure we have 6EZ. up-to-date contact details for you. And finally – Collect your Membership Badge A new section headed 'Privacy Statement' explains how we will In return, we'll issue your use your information, so please read it before you sign and date the Membership badge. On the front form. The wording of the Gift Aid will be your name and confirmation Declaration at the bottom of the that you are a member of West form has changed too. If you are a Wolds U3A until 31st August 2019. First – Complete a Form
Page 4
On the back there will be space for you to add details of an Emergency Contact if you want to. We used to ask for these details on our membership forms, but now feel it's more appropriate for you to hold the information and keep it up to date yourself. . It is essential that you carry your card with you at all times – Monthly Meetings, interest group meetings, walks, visits etc.
We believe this action is important and could be invaluable to any one of us some day. If you have any questions about renewing your membership, please come and have a chat at the General Meeting, ring me on 01652 678283, or email membership@westwoldsu3a.org.
Shelley Franklin Membership Secretary
WELFARE For some time now I have been sending handcrafted cards, on behalf of the committee and whole membership, to members who are ill, bereaved or in difficulty. It is a task I enjoy, however, it relies completely on you letting me know who needs a card or telephone call. I don’t live in Market Rasen and therefore miss out on the local information (gossip!) So do please let me know the names of those who would appreciate a few words. It has been suggested that as a further support we organise visits to those who would like help in some way, and I think the best way to do this is through group convenors who know their groups so well, arranging for their own members to visit within the group. Please talk to your
group about the idea, after all some may not want visits whilst others would really like someone to call for a chat. And I bet you have some members who are excellent company and would love to undertake this task. We are known as a friendly U3A and your committee’s idea could be another way to show this. Feel free to let me have your own ideas about how we can support members who are in need of a little TLC. To contact me please email mandy.murphy1396@gmail.com or 01673 565295 although I am absolutely hopeless at listening to messages!! Mandy Murphy
Page 5
DATE FOR YOUR DIARY WWU3A CHRISTMAS LUNCH 2018 at MARKET RASEN GOLF COURSE on th Friday 14 December 2018 12noon for 12:30 TICKETS ON SALE FROM OCTOBER 2018 GENERAL MEETING
1999 - IT’S OUR TWENTIETH ANNIVERSARY - 2019 Next year is the 20th Anniversary of West Wolds U3A being created by a few enthusiastic people, some of whom are still amongst our ever growing membership! To celebrate this anniversary, there will be special events taking place during the course of the year, and the members who have laboured long and hard to create them hope that you will all enjoy one or more. WATCH THIS SPACE IN FUTURE NEWSLETTERS TO GET THE LATEST ON WHAT IS HAPPENING.
Page 6
Speakers for 2018 This is the calendar of speakers at the Monthly Meetings for the rest of 2018 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 Social Entertainment.
Dec 13th
The Life of a Tudor Musician in a Royal Court—Peter Barnard— playing a variety of reproduction historical instruments.
Kenbo—That’s not the way to use an exercise band. Photo by Jean Childs Page 7
Visit to EH Thorne (Beehives) Ltd On Tuesday 3rd July, thirty-three enquiring minds arrived at the head office of EH Thorne (Beehives) Ltd in Rand near Wragby for a conducted tour of the enterprise. Once ushered in to the restaurant area which doubled up as our lecture room, Rebecca, a fourthgeneration descendant of the owner, filled us in on the background of the business. Her great grandfather Edgar Henry Thorne started up the company back in the early 20th century more or less by chance after being asked to make a beehive for the head teacher of Wragby School. From then on, he developed a keen interest in beekeeping himself and, also realised there was a ready market for manufacturing bee hives. We watched intently as Rebecca
dismantled a ‘National’ style hive and explained all the parts as she reassembled it piece by piece in front of us. We then split into two groups for our tour.
Thornes manufacture a variety of different styles of ready assembled and flat packed beehives, the majority of which are made from Canadian redwood cedar, so our group were taken first to the timber store. From here we were escorted into a building where we were shown how the wood is cut to size and shape according to each frame type, then assembled by experienced joiners.
When you see the finished article, you really do not appreciate what skilled workmanship is involved in the making of a beehive. Not only does it require proficient woodworkers but also metal workers who manufacture all the Page 8
different metal components as well as a variety of other operatives who specialise in making the interior constituents. Thornes employ around 90 people and, in addition to those involved in the actual production of the beehives themselves, there are also staff who manufacture ancillary products including beeswax foundation sheets, protective clothing for beekeepers, honey extractors, smokers and many other apiary accessories; in fact they seem to make nearly every piece of equipment essential to the keeping of bees or that of the candle maker,
The company moved into its current premises some ten or eleven years ago having outgrown its original building in Wragby. At Rand there is plenty of room to expand and develop; they even have an extensive ‘supermarket’ where not only beekeepers and candlemakers but also the public can browse their range of equipment and associated ‘bee’ accessories.
Page 9
which includes hundreds of designs of silicone moulds and a spectrum of coloured candle sheets for making rolled candles. They even actually sell bees!!! Our tour guide Rebecca was knowledgeable, passionate and justly proud of her heritage. It was fascinating to see how a beehive is created from start to finish and to know that this relatively small company situated in the back of nowhere is at the top of its profession and exporting its products around the world. We ended our visit back in the restaurant where we started and were served a delicious selection of sandwiches and cakes. Many thanks to Sharon for organising the visit and she and Steve for their photos. Nadia Dawson
Watch out for an second ‘Introduction to Beekeeping’ session at E.H. Thornes in April next year. The first one was held on 14th August and was very successful. Look out for pictures in a future issue. Page 10
Lincoln University School of Health and Social Care and West Wolds U3A For the past 18 months three members of our U3A, Lucie Kew, Sarah Tripp and myself have been involved in a research team working with University of Lincoln. The purpose of the research is to investigate the issues involved when older people pay for their own care, specifically in their own home. As part of the research we are in the process of interviewing older people receiving care, carers themselves and the organisations that deliver the service. The team consists of ten people from various walks of life, all of them over 55 years old and none of us are trained researchers. We meet monthly to discuss progress and to plan out the coming months. The Professor and Doctor leading the research are very supportive and never ask us to do anything we’re not totally comfortable with and supply training to give us the confidence to try new activities. I have learned a great deal from the research process, particularly the hoops academics have to jump through to prove their work is ethical and the methods used are provable and repeatable. From the experience my wife had some years ago in procuring care for her elderly mother I was aware of the complexity in analysing someone’s needs and then getting those needs met. I’ve now learned that the situation over the past few years hasn’t got any easier; if anything, it has become even more difficult as care providers find it difficult to recruit good staff at minimum wage, and local authority budgets no longer subsidise people who can afford to pay.
Our involvement with the School of Health and Social Care has clearly been successful in this instance and we continue to make contact with other areas of the university to open up other opportunities. If you have any questions about the research or our involvement with the university please contact me: chairman@westwoldsu3a.org Steve McCarthy
Page 11
Oct. 11th:
‘Tommy Goes To War”– Michael Credland
Nov. 8th:
AGM—see below
Dec. 13th:
‘The Life of a Tudor Musician in a Rural Court” – Peter Barnard
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 on entry. Don’t forget to pay your car parking charge.
The 20th Annual General Meeting of West Wolds U3A will be held on Thursday, 8th November in Market Rasen Festival Hall at 10.30 am. Members are invited to submit proposed and seconded motions for the agenda by Friday 28th September to the Business Secretary on pamcrooks14@gmail.com. The entertainment at the AGM will be a general knowledge quiz and all are welcome to take part in teams.
2016 2017 2018 2016 2017 2018
Jan 878 2,153 1,964 Jul 1,086 1,423 1,231
Feb Mar Apr May 1,127 960 1,275 1,266 1,330 1,383 1,253 1,267 1,644 1,583 1,701 1,426 Aug Sep Oct Nov 1,386 1,609 1,636 1,170 1,348 1,762 1,651 1,696 1,399 Page 12
June 789 1,063 1,222 Dec Total 1,466 14,648 1,151 17,480
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: 07803 694889 / 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. Page 13
10:00 German
1st
14:00 Bridge 14:00 Digital Photography 14:00 Turkish Delight Desert Dancers
10:00 German
2nd
14:00 Film 14:30 Spanish
10:00 IT Workshops 10:00 Beginners Family History
13.30 Cardcraft 14:00 Bridge 14:30 Spanish
10:00 German
3rd
14:00 Bridge 14:00 Digital Photography
10:00 German
4th
14:00 Bridge 14:30 Art Appreciation
Page 14
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 Market Rasen Ukulele Band
10:00 Embroidery 10:00 4 Mile Walkers 12:00 Luncheon Group 14:00 Canasta 14:00 Poetry 19:00 Market Rasen Ukulele Band 10:00 Telling our Stories 14:00 Readers Group 1 14:00 Gardening Group 19:00 Market Rasen Ukulele Band
10:00 Embroidery * (*Last Wednesday of month) 14:00 Readers Group 2 14:00 Knitting and Crochet (Oct—April) 19:00 Market Rasen Ukulele Band
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
09:45 GENERAL MEETING Festival Hall, Market Rasen 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
Page 15
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 Jacqueline Reid 01673 849490 FAMILY HISTORY – BEGINNERS Jacqueline Reid 01673 849490 FILM GROUP John Bartlett 01673 857480 FRENCH Pat Spolton 01673 828568 GARDENING Steve Field 07860 957310 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 MARKET RASEN UKULELE Heather Barratt 01673 849393 MUSIC APPRECIATION Janis Richmond 01673 843083 PATCHWORK Lyn Henry 01673 843851 POETRY Eva Smith 01673 842218 READERS GROUP 1 Audrey Storey 01673 849625 READERS GROUP 2 Kathryn Wade 01673 849487 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 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 Please advise any changes to Ken Page 16
Singing Together Group A new singing group has been started, covering tunes from the 50s, 60s and 70s, nothing too serious, just a chance to exercise our lungs and brain cells and remember our YOUTH! For information please contact Linda Brighton. Tel. 01673 843925/07762385929 or email lindabrighton1@hotmail.co.uk.
Forthcoming Programme Wednesday 19th September: Gardeners Question Time. Please bring along your gardening questions (on a slip of paper on the day or email in advance to Steve Field at steve@wragby.me.uk ). The panel will attempt to answer your questions which will also be thrown open to the audience for comments and answers. Don’t be shy! Wednesday 17th October: A presentation from Pam Tatam. Subject to be advised in due course. Wednesday 21st November: An entertaining presentation from Sue Stephenson entitled “Puddle Paddock” Wednesday 12th December: Members Xmas Social. Indoor Meetings are held at Holyrood RC Church Old School Hall, King St, Market Rasen LN8 3BB. Members, potential new members and visitors welcome. Enquiries/details Steve Field 07860 957310/steve@wragby.me.uk or any Gardening Group Committee Member.
One for the gardening mathematicians and vegetable growers: “What do you get if you divide the circumference of a pumpkin by its diameter? Pumpkin pi.” Page 17
Oh deer, what a good idea this was. July’s half day visit arranged by Sharon took fifteen of us to the Stourton Estates, near Baumber, and proved to be an eye-opener for every one of us! Owned by Antony & Helen Strawson, he personally took us on a tour of the farmlands, with frequent stops to explain the forestry programme which they followed, producing timber from a range of trees for a range of purposes, as well as mulch, chippings etc. for the garden. Diversification has seen them fence off large areas of fields to allow the development of herds of red deer, the highlight of the tour. As we were there in the afternoon, the stags had taken off to the furthest corner of their field, to get some shelter against the trees, as they don’t care for the heat of the sun. Even 1200mm of lens didn’t show them up very well, but it was a different matter with their ladies! When we arrived in the field (the site of a deserted medieval village, no less!) where they were currently grazing, the sight of our tractor and trailer brought them at a gallop to our side.
They posed carefully for us, whilst we learned about their lifestyle, outdoors as much as possible, whilst they gained in weight, and aged happily. On to stop at the nursery field, where those ladies who had been visited by the stags were enjoying the afternoon sunshine. The latest arrival was admired from a respectful distance! The afternoon ended with tea and excellent cake enjoyed sat out in the grassy events area. The adjacent Baumber Walled Garden was also unknown to most of us! A short visit will be arranged in June next year. A very interesting, relaxing and unusual afternoon visit. More members could have been accommodated, and you missed a treat. Many thanks Sharon. Brian Ward
Page 18
IN TIMES OF STRESS … Grant me … The serenity to accept the things I cannot change The courage to change things I cannot accept And the wisdom to hide the bodies of those I had to kill today because they got on my nerves! Also help me to be careful of the toes I step on today As they may be connected to the feet I have to kiss tomorrow. Help me to give 100% … 12% on Monday 23% on Tuesday 40% on Wednesday 20% on Thursday and 5% on Friday And help me to remember … … when I’m having a bad day and it seems that people are trying to wind me up … That it takes 42 muscles to frown And only 28 to smile … (but using more muscles burns more calories …) Submitted by Dawn Stopper
Badminton Opportunity Lincoln U3A Badminton Group is open to visitors. The group meets every Friday between 1.30 and 3.30 at Riseholme College on the Showground Campus. There are vacancies within their mixed ability group for anyone who has played Badminton before (not suitable for complete beginners). If you would like to participate please contact Roy Shooter on 01522 684355 or roy@theshooters.me.uk. Page 19
A party of 30 people left for the far North at the crack of doom (07:30) on August 22nd. Destination – all things railway at Newton Aycliffe and Darlington. First stop was at the Hitachi Train Factory where different ATs (Aluminium Trains) are being built. We were met by their Communications Manager who ensured that we were kitted out in boots, a fetching high-visibility vest, hard hat, safety glasses and shoe covers.
How the build progress is tracked
What the passenger doesn't see Very fashionable After a quick introduction we were taken for a wander about in the assembly area. Here train bodies are brought in from Japan and Italy, ready to be fitted out with all their systems and furnishings. These trains are very complex and are put together by teams working together. The quality and attention to detail was highly impressive.
Scotrail train leaves for the outside world and first testing
Page 20
It is hard to imagine that five years ago the factory did not exist. Starting from scratch, the company has recruited and trained workers from the local area and now employs around 1500 people on the site. It’s pleasing to note that there are 50 apprentices on the strength of the company. Our next railway stop, after a good lunch at the Crown in Newton Aycliffe, was at Head of Steam a museum located at an original 1825 Stockton & Darlington Railway station. It had a wide range of exhibits telling the story of railways in the area from the first days of the Stockton and Darlington Railway. There was plenty to interest everyone.
How do we get in there? This is a copy of the Cock of the North which, in its day, was the most powerful steam railway engine in the country. After the talk we had a good look at the work in progress. The engineering is most impressive but it’s a million miles away from the trains coming out of the Hitachi works.
How Prince of Wales will look
6’ 6” driving wheels up close
A short walk from the museum took us to the workshop where the Tornado was built. We had an excellent presentation for the Chief Mechanical Engineer. He described the work involved in building a new steam locomotive, the Prince of Wales.
Thank you to Brian Ward for organising and running such an interesting trip. We went out with 30 people and we came back with 30 people – a good result. Geoff Goddard. Photos by Brian Ward
Page 21
Visit to The International Bomber Command Centre On 18th July, about 47 members paid a visit to the new International Bomber Command Centre, on a hilltop overlooking the city of Lincoln, and with views of the Cathedral which had been a landmark during WWll for bombers returning from raids over Germany, to the many Lincolnshire airfields.
the steel memorial plaques naming almost 58,000 airmen from the UK, Commonwealth, the Americas and other countries, who died on active service with this branch of the RAF. At 31.09 metres high, this is the tallest war memorial in the UK. A Ribbon of Remembrance is also being laid along the walk to the spire.
We were split into two groups and assigned a guide who took us all around the grounds that form a Memorial Park, planted with a tree to commemorate every Lincolnshire airfield at which bomber squadrons had been based, and dominated by the ‘spire’ (the height is that of a Lancaster wingspan), together with Page 22
how it functioned; the Home Front is also remembered. A large café in the building was frequented by all members to take refreshments and lunches.
A Dakota from the Battle of Britain flight circled us three times to add to the sense of occasion, it was almost as though Brian Ward had arranged it. When we came out to re-join the coach, the local Austin Car Enthusiasts club were having a meet in the drive of the IBCC, some were in remarkable condition, there were a number of Austin Sevens in various formats and other Austins too.
The Chadwick Centre exhibition building – the roof is curved along the lines of a Lancaster wing – houses an interactive museum showing poignant stories of what the war entailed for the men and women who joined Bomber Command, and Page 23
After lunch we moved on to the local Wickenby Airfield, which had been home to Nos 12 and 626 squadrons, and which is now home to a small, volunteer run Memorial Collection in the old control tower, as well as being still an active airfield for private planes. It has a small but well-stocked cafĂŠ which we all enjoyed.
Our group of members also welcomed members of Market Rasen Retired Forces Veterans Association. Many thanks to Brian for a special outing. Terry Francis
NEXT NEW MEMBERS MEETING For any new members, make a note in your diary to attend the New Members meeting to be held on Friday 26th October, at our Chairman’s house (The Pig Yard) in Market Rasen, from 2.0 pm until 4.0 pm.
If you have joined us since last Autumn and could not get to the previous such get-together in April this year, please do come along and talk to your Committee members and tell us how you find West Wolds U3A. Full details will be given in due course.
Page 24
Canasta Group
What would you do with a hand like this?
Concentration from all players
Photos by Brian Ward
Our Members performing in public
U3A 2019 Diaries The 2019 U3A diaries are now available. They can be ordered individually online from the national U3A website or via West Wolds U3A. In September I shall take orders (together with payment) for those members wishing to purchase via West Wolds U3A. The price of a diary is ÂŁ3 each. There may possibly be a discounted price of ÂŁ2.50, if sufficient orders are received. David Oliver Page 25
WEST WOLDS U3A - NINE MILE HIKERS - WINTERINGHAM/ WHITTON/ALKBOROUGH CIRCULAR - Wednesday 20 June 2018 Ten well-prepared hikers met near Winteringham Haven on a fine if rather breezy morning for a 9.8 mile circular walk led by Barry and Shelley Franklin.
the sea defences have been deliberately breached as part of a flood mitigation scheme. The resulting marshes and lagoons have attracted many wading birds.
The circular walk split neatly into roughly equal thirds.
Moving on to Alkborough we dropped in at the church before stopping at ‘Julian’s Bower’ which is Initially following the Humber Bank, a turf maze or labyrinth of unknown we kept an eye out for birds, age. We ate our packed lunches managing to spot a Marsh Harrier. while enjoying the far-reaching views. We left the bank at Whitton. The ancient church had information on the various invaders, Romans and Vikings included, who had visited over the years. Shelley had arranged for the nearby village hall to be open so we could use the facilities. A rare luxury on a 9-milers’ walk! Leaving Whitton we embarked on the steady climb up the escarpment. Walking through wild-flower meadows we had amazing views over ‘Trent Falls’ and the nature reserve at Alkborough Flats. Here
After lunch we set out to return to Winteringham along field paths.
Page 26
We passed a very impressive firewood stack. Someone is prepared for winter!
Many thanks to Barry and Shelley for finding a walk with such variety. Alice Forster
A pleasant afternoon was spent keeping an eye out for the Marsh Harrier and other birds until we reached Winteringham.
NEW MEMBERSHIP SURVEY – TELL US WHAT YOU WANT FROM YOUR U3A In October we will be issuing a new survey which we strongly encourage as many of you as possible to complete and return – in November. It will also be available online in October, for you to complete via the website. The aim of the survey (the last one was a few years ago, and we have gained nearly a hundred new members since then), is to gather information about why people join U3A, what they seek from membership, and whether West Wolds gives you that. In this way, your elected Committee members can continue to work towards being a welcoming and worthwhile organisation for you – we aim to please! The Committee
Page 27
THERE‘S A SPIDER IN MY CUCKOO CLOCK (This is an almost true story) There’s a spider in my cuckoo clock No wonder it keeps going wrong. There‘s cobwebs round each moving part So it’s knackered the cuckoo’s song. I put the kettle on at ten and then it cuckoos eight. I’ve missed ‘The Archers’ twice this week Coz’ that bloody cuckoo‘s late. I stagger out of bed when the sun begins to shine. The cuckoo says it’s eight o'clock but I know damn well it’s nine. I unfastened the back once then peered in quite meekly. And tried a swipe at the spider With a ‘Woman’s Weekly‘. Sunday p.m., last part of the serial (the vicars mixed up in some scandal). Put the radio on; I’ve missed it — oh no The cuckoo’s now stuck on its handle.
I’ve dusted the clock and vac‘d in the back and some of the time it goes fine. But I can‘t trust the cuckoo — he'll have to be shot
I just want the right bloody time!
Page 28