ESTABLISHED 1999
Open to anybody not in full-time employment
Greetings from the editors in our 20th Anniversary year
This new year of 2019 is the 20th Anniversary of the West Wolds and we are celebrating it with a number of events throughout the year, arranged by Linda Brighton and the Anniversary sub-committee, see the various notices within the Newsletter. As relative newcomers, Brian and I are very grateful to the original founders of the West Wolds for creating our U3A in Market Rasen and the surrounding area. It has grown from strength-tostrength with members putting a lot of effort into building all the groups and activities that we have today. Let’s hope it can keep growing and we look forward to the next twenty years of learning, laughing and living. Enjoy the article from Jo Howard telling her memories of the start of the West Wolds U3A, and the photos of some of the early members included within it and on the cover, some are mentioned in her article. This Newsletter can only exist on the articles submitted by you, the members, so please keep sending in any items or photos you think might be of interest to the rest of the U3A to the email address below, or give them to Brian or myself. We will endeavour to include them in the next issue if we have room, please don’t leave it to the last minute though as we don’t like to upset anyone because we are already full.. Many thanks from Terry Francis – Production Editor, and Brian Ward – Copy Editor
Articles for the next edition should reach the editor no later than 24th May 2019 Send contributions to newsletter@westwoldsu3a.org Page 2
I have started our 20th Anniversary year in a very positive mood. At the end of 2018 we had two vacancies on the Committee and these will hopefully be filled by the end of March. It is always good news when we have new members coming onto the Committee, bringing new ideas for improvements. I'm pleased to announce that Irene Dixon is the new Groups Co-ordinator and she has started meeting with convenors to learn as much as she can about the important role convenors play. Without these our U3A would cease to exist. It has always been my commitment to protect what our U3A stands for and also to expand what we can offer so that we deliver something for a broad group of third-agers. This can appear to be a thin line and it isn't always possible to please all of the people all of the time – it is a challenge. Our 20th Anniversary team has worked really hard to plan the anniversary events and I am looking forward to taking part in them and meeting many of you. As always if you have any comments or suggestions please contact me – chairman@westwoldsu3a.org Steve McCarthy
The U3A movement is founded on the principle of its members sharing knowledge and skills with each other and learning together, see the article on Tai Chi. We’re keen to hear from you if you have an interest you’d like to share; or maybe there is a new area of interest that you’d like to learn more about with a small group. Often a short course or a one day workshop is a good way to approach a subject, rather than a group that meets all year. So, if you have something that you'd like to share or explore with members, please contact the Committee. We’d love to hear your ideas.
Early West Wolds members taken in 2001 at Gibraltar Point Photo taken from the archives Page 3
Memories of the Early Days of West Wolds U3A By 1999, my husband, Peter and I had been living in Spridlington for 6 months and had settled in well. We had made new friends in the village and with the help of a Scottish lady, Sheila McKenzie-Spencer, who lived in Welton, we were able to broaden the scope of our interests. One day she took us to a U3A meeting in Welton, where we came across Audrey Storey and Pat Hage, who were keen to start up a new U3A branch in Market Rasen, as the Welton branch was full. Sheila accompanied us to Market Rasen, where we learned more about the U3A, so we decided to join up then and there.
quite dusty, so there was seldom any need for rainwear, as hats and sun protection was our main concern. Walks were normally undertaken in the spectacular Drakensberg Mountain Resorts, often accompanied by a guide, who would warn us to watch out for snakes and scorpions and other dangers. Walking on one’s own or as a couple, even in the suburbs, was not always safe, for fear of being attacked or mugged.
Now we found the scenery in the Lincolnshire Wolds very different to what we had been used to and we soon grew to love the green fields, woodlands, and farmlands, which had a beauty all of their own. Above The activities included Bridge (run all, we always felt safe and did not by Bryan Storey) and a walking need to be looking over our group led by Peter and Doreen shoulders all the time. Peter and I Wallis. There were about 6 people on were quite amused at first at how our first walk, but as the Market everyone brought rainwear and Rasen branch grew bigger, we were changed their shoes before setting delighted to find that we soon had out on a walk, no matter what the 12 walkers, which was brilliant. The weather was on the day. Very soon, sociable pub lunches after our walks however, we realised that we were were great for getting to know ill-equipped and unprepared for the people better. cold and rainy days that sometimes descended on us out of the blue. Jean Childs told me that she thought Peter and I were a rather On one of our early walks, I was glamourous couple - and looking wearing my white tennis trainers back, I realise that this was mainly (the only trainers I had at the time) due to our ignorance!! We had been and our trail took us alongside a used to the South African weather, farm field on a damp but sunny day. where the footpaths were dry and The walk ended at the farm gate, Page 4
Early Members in Caister in 1999 which was also used for letting the cattle in and out, so consequently the road surface was very wet and squelchy. While making our way through the gate, I tried hanging on to the gate itself, which was close to the edge of the pathway, but to no avail. I finished up with my snowy white trainers transformed into a muddy brown mess, inside and out! Some of the people who walked with us still recall that day and we have a good laugh whenever it is mentioned. On the day we went to Donningtonon-Bain, we were caught out again, but this time I was prepared and had brought along a new, seethrough plastic mac in a small packet, probably bought from the Pound Shop, as I did not possess more suitable rainwear. Peter
carried his good old plastic mac, which he had owned for years. We had a lovely walk, but midway through we were caught in an unexpected, very heavy shower. Feeling quite pleased with myself, I opened my new rain mac, only to find that it was huge - big enough for me to fit into at least three times, and also very long, so I was drowned by the mac as well as the rain! We were compensated by the lovely meal we had at the local pub afterwards and thoroughly enjoyed the food as well as the company. It took us a while to get used to the British weather and the change of seasons from a dark and freezing winter to the beautiful, but still chilly springtime, with daffodils, tulips and other springtime bulbs in bloom. We both joined the Bridge Group, which met every Monday at the Limes Hotel, as Peter was a good Bridge player and did not mind too much that I was not so good, as he was used to the strange bids that I made and odd cards that I played,
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having partnered him in Lusaka, where we sometimes played with friends. I always enjoyed the monthly Friday Coffee Mornings at the Limes more, as they were good for catching up on Group Activities and meeting new people.
which l am still a member, as are a few of the people who were there at the beginning. lan Watson-Smith, who was very good at Scrabble, started the German Group, as he had been in the RAF and was stationed in Germany after the war. Some of the other members had also lived in The Local History Group really Germany, so quite often the classes appealed to us as it gave us a chance digressed into chats about their to learn more about the history of experiences while they were living Lincolnshire and the local villages. I there and the German lesson was never liked History in South Africa, forgotten about! However, we as I found it very repetitive and always got a good cup of tea or boring, but after we joined this coffee and cake, as lan loved cooking group my whole attitude changed. and delighted in providing us with a The meeting was always interesting good cuppa. and the coach outings were super, as we were usually accompanied by a In this way, thanks to the U3A, our local person, such as Stuart Sizer, lives were enriched and our who was an authority on the history friendships grew. of the churches and villages we visited. Jean Childs, Doreen and At the 1999 Christmas meeting a few Peter Wallis, Iris and Graham talented people, among them Wallace, Joan and Arthur Wilson, Graham Wallace, presented Pat and Al Hage and a number of humorous short acts. The walking others were among the people that Group, dressed in peculiar outfits, we grew to know on these outings. performed a hilarious comical ‘walk,’ singing to the tune of “l love Next we joined the Family History to go a-wandering," set to our own group, led by a very knowledgeable words. With everyone smiling and gentleman named Arthur Roberts, as in a good mood, we ended the Peter’s great-grandfather originated meeting with a Faith Lunch, mince from Kings Lynn and his sister had pies, a glass of wine and one of already done a fair amount of Arthur Wilson’s famous quizzes. research on his background. This group held plenty of opportunity for Jo Howard further research. (It is good to record that so many of the founder members are still with us to this I also joined the Scrabble group, day! … Editor) headed by Barbara Campbell, of Page 6
1999
West Wolds U3A 20 Anniversary Celebrations th
2019
West Wolds U3A Afternoon Tea At: The Festival Hall On: Thursday 23rd May 2019 2pm – 4pm Booking required. Ticket price £8.00pp. Members only Entertainment, Music & Competitions
West Wolds U3A Hog Roast & Disco At: Market Rasen Racecourse County Enclosure On: Saturday 10th August 2019 Time 7pm till late Booking required. Ticket Price; Members £12.00pp, Guests £16.00pp. Hog Roast Baps, Salads, Vegetarian Option Disco Through The Years For Our Dancing Delight
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THE LONG AND THE SHORT OF IT! A PROGRAMME OF FULL DAY VISITS AND SHORT OUTINGS FOR 2019—
OUR TWENTIETH ANNIVERSARY YEAR ARRANGED FOR WEST WOLDS U3A MEMBERS & GUESTS Red: visits arranged by Brian Ward (briandgill@btinternet.com) Blue: visits arranged by Sharon Rupp (sharonrupp@hotmail.com) Green: events related to our 20th Anniversary (separate information will be published) March
20th Wed
Burton Constable Hall – behind closed doors private viewing
April
10th Wed
Louth Riverhead Theatre – Loot (Joe Orton)
May
June
13 - 16
RHS Flower Show, Cardiff, & National Botanic Garden of Wales (discounted PC Coach Holidays trip) Withdrawn
29th Mon
Ceramic Painting, Lissington
30 Tue
Beekeeping for Beginners, Rand
14th Tues
Rifle Shooting, Market Rasen
15th Wed
Louth Riverhead Theatre – Oklahoma (Rogers &Hammerstein)
21th Tues
Lincs. Police HQ Nettleham, behind the scenes
23rd Thur
Afternoon Tea – Festival Hall
05th Wed
Baumber Walled Garden
19th Wed
Riverboat cruise with lunch, River Trent, Nottingham Page 8
Cancelled
July
August
02nd Tues
Bowls Taster Session, Tealby
10th Wed
Newby Hall, House & Gardens
10th Sat
Hog Roast—Market Rasen Racecourse
Sat 31st Aug/01st Sep
Ushaw College, Durham; Kynren Epic Tale of England, & Beamish Museum
September 18th Wed
Elsecar Heritage Centre & Wentworth Woodhouse
October
Visit to the International Bomber Command, Lincoln
1st Tues
November 4th Mon
Tour of Brewery and Tasting at Fiskerton
All bookings are made subject to our U3A Visits Booking Policy statement. You can book at the Visits & Unique Events Tables, each Monthly Meeting. 20th Anniversary events are shown with this symbol:
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Group News West Wolds Warblers
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. 01673 843925/07762385929 or email lindabrighton1@hotmail.co.uk.
New Backgammon Group
A 5000 year old game is being given a new lease of life in WWU3A. We start as a small select group but we would welcome new players. Come and try out a bit of strategy round the board - if you can get the dice to work for you!! We meet in Naughty or Nice Bistro next to the White Swan in Queens Street at 2pm on the first Tuesday each month. All you need is a bit of change for your drink of choice. Contact is Roger Dixon 01673 844648
Groups’ Coordinator
Irene Dixon has joined the Committee and together with her husband Roger will take on the role of Groups’ Coordinator after Ken Howitt stood down. They will be contacting all Group Convenors over a period of time to get to know you and your groups.
Note:
Please note that the title ‘Group Coordinator’ has been replaced by ‘Group Convenor,’ this is to line up with National Office terminology and to stop any confusion with the Groups’ Coordinator role.
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. Page 10
Local History Group The next three months programme is:Tues April 9th
A talk on the “Windmills of Louth” by Stuart Sizer at Middle Rasen Church Hall, starting at 10am.
Tues May14th
A visit to and a talk about “The Broadbent Theatre”, Wickenby by Gail Dennis. Starting at the theatre at 10 am.
Tues June 11th
A walk around points of historical interest in Market Rasen with Caroline Foster.
Meetings at Market Rasen Festival Hall at 10 am. For more information contact Paul Ettridge 01472 398921
BALLET HI – WAS CALLING! On a February morning, a select group of culture vultures set off – many having just finished the weekly Thursday Keep Fit class – by coach to the City of Kingston-upon-Hull, destination the Hull New Theatre. Last year we went to see the Russian State Ballet of Siberia perform Swan Lake, at the lovely old Victoria Theatre, Halifax. This year the venue was a more modern theatre, where the same company was staging The Nutcracker that afternoon and evening. What a beautiful performance, colourful sets and to quote from the publicity leaflets: ‘the scenery turned the stage into a winter wonderland.’ I think everyone without exception (and it wasn’t all ladies) found this an experience to be cherished for a long time to come. Live music from the orchestra, excellent circle seats from which to view the performance, and fine dancing from all on stage, made this a real treat for all the senses. Beforehand most of the group went to a nearby Italian ristorante to partake of food and drink, to get us in the mood. The return journey found us all relishing a ‘grand day out,’ as Wallace & Gromit would declare it. Brian Ward. Page 11
April 11th:
‘Tales of the Tower of London’ – Keith Hanson. Chief Exhibitor at The Tower of London for 20 years, Keith takes us through the Tower’s history, famous prisoners and Crown Jewels.
May 9th:
‘The Lincolnshire Co-op, Historical Perspectives ‘ Andrew Jackson is Head of Research and a historian at Bishop Grosseteste University and will enlarge on the history of the Lincolnshire co-op which was founded in 1861 by Thomas Parker, a joiner from Gainsborough.
June 13th:
‘Staying Safe’ - Ex- Senior Police Detective Stuart
Gibbon advises on home security, bogus callers, telephone cold callers, mobile phone security and scam mail. A must for everyone to stay safe in these modern times. 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 arrival.
2017 2018 2019 2016 2018 2019
Jan 2,153 1,964 2,413 Jul 1,423 1,231
Feb Mar Apr May 1,330 1,383 1,253 1,267 1,644 1,583 1,701 1,426 2,050 Aug Sep Oct Nov 1,348 1,762 1,651 1,696 1,605 1,860 2,171 2,043 Page 12
June 1,063 1,222 Dec Total 1,151 17,480 1,611 20,060
Remove this insert from your magazine, fold along the lines indicated
Chairman and Website Administration Steve McCarthy Tel: 01673 308364 chairman@westwoldsu3a.org
Vice Chairman and Greeters Coordinator Linda Brighton Tel: 01673 843925 lindabrighton1@hotmail.co.uk
Newsletter Production Editor and Technical Support Terry Francis Tel: 01673 842088 terryfrancis22@gmail.com newsletter@westwoldsu3a.org General Meeting Coordinator Pam Crooks Tel: 01673 565010 pamcrooks14@gmail.com
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 Speaker Finder, Unique Events Organiser, and Secretary to East Lincs. Neighbourhood Sharon Rupp Tel: 07803 694889 / 01673 857390 sharonrupp@hotmail.com Visits, Press Liaison and Newsletter Copy Editor Brian Ward Tel: 01472 852273 briandgill@btinternet.com newsletter@westwoldsu3a.org
Groups’ Coordinators Irene (& Roger) Dixon Tel: 01673 844648 irene@rsimdixon.plus.com Support Roles (Non Committee) Catering Co-ordinator Margaret Foster Tel: 01427 668050 gordonmfoster@btinternet.com Welfare Mandy Murphy Tel: 01673 565295 Mandy.murphy1396@gmail.com Committee Minute Taker David Oliver Tel: 01673 880188 david.g.oliver@btinternet.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
13.30 Cardcraft 14:00 Bridge 14:00 Recorders
14:00 Backgammon 14:00 Film 14:30 Spanish
10:00 IT Workshops 10:00 Beginners Family History 10:00 Local History
14:30 Spanish
10:00 German
3rd
14:30 Spanish 14:00 Bridge 14:00 Digital Photography
10:00 German
4th
10:00 Country Walks 10:30 Strollers
14:00 Bridge 14:30 Art Appreciation ** (suspended for winter months)
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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 10:00 Cycling (Short Rides) 10:30 Strollers 14:00 West Wolds Warblers 19:00 West Wolds Ukulele Band
10:00 Embroidery 10:00 4 Mile Walkers 10:00 Cycling (Short Rides)
10:00 Beginners Italian 10:00 Patchwork * 10:00 Keep Fit
10:00 Latin 10:00 Line Dancing 10:00 Biblical Hebrew 10:00 Cycling (Longer Rides)
14:00 Drama
14:00 Scrabble 14:00 Discovery Group
09:45 GENERAL MEETING Festival Hall Market Rasen
12:00 Luncheon Group 14:00 Canasta 14:00 Poetry 19:00 West Wolds Ukulele Band 10:00 Telling our Stories 10:00 Cycling (Short Rides) 10.00 9 Mile Hikers 14:00 Readers Group 1 14:00 Gardening Group 19:00 West Wolds Ukulele Band
10:00 Family History 10:00 Latin 10:00 Line Dancing 10:00 Biblical Hebrew 10:00 Cycling (Longer Rides)
14:00 Drama 10:00 Cross Stitch 10:00 Italian 10:00 Keep Fit 10:00 Patchwork * 14:00 Drama
10:00 Embroidery * (*Last Wednesday of month) 10:00 Cycling (Short Rides)
10:00 Keep Fit* (* And 5th Thursday, if there is one)
14:00 Readers Group 2 14:00 Knitting and Crochet (Oct—April) 19:00 West Wolds Ukulele Band
14:00 Drama
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10:00 Latin 10:00 Line Dancing 10:00 Biblical Hebrew 10:00 Cycling (Longer Rides) 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 10:00 Cycling (Longer Rides)* (*And 5th Friday of the month, if there is one) 14:00 Mah Jong
ART APPRECIATION Caroline Foster 01673 844408 BACKGAMMON Roger Dixon 01673 844648 BEGINNERS ITALIAN Pat Spolton 01673 828568 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 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
LOCAL HISTORY Paul Ettridge 01472 398921 LUNCHEON GROUP Pam John 01673 844260 MAH JONG Jacqueline Reid 01673 849490 MAN SHEDS Terry Francis 01673 842088 MARKET RASEN UKULELE BAND 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 STAGE STREAMED TO SCREEN Roger Dixon 01673 844648 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 Ken Howitt 01652 678490 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 WEST WOLDS WARBLERS Linda Brighton 01673 843925 VISITS Brian Ward 01472 852273
Please advise any changes to the Groups Coordinator Irene Dixon Tel: 01673 844648 or email: irene@rsimdixon.plus.com Page 16
Forthcoming Programme 'Historical Lincolnshire Plants'- a talk by Loretta (Titch) Rivett. Wed. 17th April: Talk by Mr Leigh Perkins from the Beaver Plant Nursery on 'Carnivorous Plants', - with some samples!! . Wed. 8th May: Annual plant sale and visit to Jane Guy's garden at Faldingworth. 2pm start. Fri. 17th May: Visit to Ann and Bob Armstrong's garden, the 'Woodlands' at Louth. This is a private visit to this lovely NGS garden. Cost £5 to include refreshments. Car share. Fri. 31st May Visit to Epworth Old Rectory, home of John Wesley. There is a walled 'Physic' garden, but this weekend it is also the 'Botanical Engineers' Flower Festival' with craft stalls and museum also open. Cost approx. £2.50. Car share. Times tba. Wed. 5th June: Baumber Walled Garden. Cost £8. Car share Sun. 16th June: 2p.m. Visit to Aubourn Hall which is open for the NGS. Cost approx. £5. Home made teas available. Wed. 10th July: Coach Trip to Newby Hall & Gardens Wed. 20th March:
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 Mary Howes 01673 849554 or any Gardening Group Committee Member. Exercises for Gardeners 1. Begin by standing on a comfortable flat surface, where you have plenty of room at each side. With a 2kg potato bag in each hand, extend your arms straight out from your sides and hold them there as long as you can. Try to hold for a full minute and then relax. 2. Each day you will find you can hold this position for just a bit longer. 3. After a couple of weeks, move up to a 5kg bag. 4. Then try a 25kg potato bag , and eventually try getting to the stage where you can lift a 50kg potato bag in each hand and hold your arms out straight for more than a full minute. 5. When you feel confident at that level, try putting a potato in each of the bags. Page 17
WEST WOLDS U3A UKULELE GROUP Market Rasen Ukulele Band entertaining at Waterloo House
This is a friendly association of U3A members, who enjoy learning and playing the ukulele, singing and having fun, with the opportunity to play before an audience as part of a band, if they wish. The band, The West Wolds U3A Market Rasen Ukulele Band, (MRUB) has evolved from the ukulele group and now includes a bass player and two percussionists. In 2018 the band carried the West Wolds U3A banner and played at the Lincoln Show, The Bomber Command Memorial Centre, a 40’s re-enactment at Thorpe Camp and at the celebration of Spilsby U3A’s 10th Anniversary. It also played outdoors, in Market Rasen market place in support of the mayor’s events and at West Rasen Green Man Festival.
In between all this it played for various Residential Homes and helped several churches and village halls with their fundraising efforts both in the year and on the run-up to Christmas. It has also provided entertainment for Darby and Joan and WI meetings. The band has done all this just for the fun of entertaining, with members offering their time, both to rehearse and perform, for free. The music played ranges from Abba through George Formby to Status Quo and includes numerous other songs which encourage audience participation. It already has over 10 bookings for 2019 and if anyone would like the band to play for them, please contact the bookings organisers Mary and Martin on 01673 878 503 or email: mrukuleleband@gmail.com) The group is very fortunate to have an excellent Musical Director in Mr Tim Hirst under whose tuition and guidance it has made very significant improvements in musical
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ability and presentation improvements that have been readily recognised by other groups of musicians. The Ukulele group meets on Wednesday evenings 7- 8.30 pm in St Thomas’ Church Room in Market Rasen. Last year we welcomed some new players – three of whom now play in the band. If you are interested in joining please contact the group convenor Heather Barratt (01673 849393), or email: bruin10@spitfire24.plus.com
Market Rasen Ukulele Band Saves the Day In October last year, a fund-raising event at All Saints church, Wragby, looked like being cancelled when, at the beginning of the month, ill health rendered the expected performers unable to fulfil the engagement. However, help was at hand when a plea to the MRUB, was eagerly responded to by 14 members. But more was to come! The Recorder Group also offered to perform as did U3A members Margaret and Tony Neale, so that by 27th October there
were three acts put together to perform a Musical Extravaganza. The audience enjoyed the Recorder music and were very appreciative and amazed that this was their first public performance. Margaret and Tony presented a medley of songs and poems to the delight of all. The MRUB, which includes members of the previous acts, then provided the second half of the show. They performed a variety of songs ranging from Status Quo to sea shanties with ballads and folk songs in between. The audience enthusiastically joined in with the community singing and even asked for an encore. The Revd Mark Holden expressed his and the church’s thanks that in a very short time the West Wolds U3A members had been able to turn a disaster into a success with a very enjoyable evening’s entertainment to the benefit of all and the church finances. Heather Barrett
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U3A KEEP FIT - a poem by our leader Our Keep Fit class is going grand Folks come and go, you understand. But our regulars, I’m proud to say, are definitely here to stay. It’s “working out” just as I planned co-ordination with foot and hand, stretching and turning every way the Supple Seniors of U3A. Our moves to music happily are also good for the memory. Sometimes we are on a mat, doing stretches like a cat. But many of them much prefer to do them seated on a chair!
I introduced resistance bands but two were snapped by heavy hands! We are much stronger than I thought so some more I went and bought; they’re great for muscles and other things – especially those ‘bingo wings’ ! So we STILL stretch, tone and flex, ideally meant for either sex. May I mention ONCE AGAIN “come on guys, we need more men.” It’s beneficial – ask Terry, Brian, and Ken (our valued and FIT) long suffering men. Give it a try Thursdays at 10.00!
All most welcome at the Festival Hall – Dawn Stopper.
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Peace Day Centenary 19th-21st July On the 19th July 1919, Market Rasen held a Peace Day event day– Parades, music, sports, competitions, church services and fireworks. The Market Rasen Mail recorded all the activities. Rase Heritage Society and other groups in Market Rasen are organising an Centenary event weekend to take place this year. 19th Friday, service at the Cemetery, laying laurel wreaths. 20th Saturday, exhibitions at the Old Police Station (OPS) and the Festival Hall. 21st Sunday, joint service with the Churches. U3A Drama group is re-enacting in the OPS Magistrate’s court. U3A Ukulele group is entertaining the crowds in the Festival hall. I am asking other U3A members if they would be interested in helping e.g. promoting the event, marshalling on the day or making 15 Laurel wreaths. Please contact Caroline Foster on 01673 844408 or caroline.foster33@outlook.com
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Learning the Ancient Art of Tai Chi
West Wolds U3A members have been trying out a different form of exercise over the winter months in a 15 week course introducing the ancient art of Tai Chi. Sometimes referred to as a “moving meditation,” the exercise combines deep breathing with slow, flowing movements. Originally developed as a martial art in China, Tai Chi is now practised around the world and the benefits to health and wellbeing are widely recognised. Studies have shown that regular practice can reduce stress, improve posture and balance, and increase muscle strength in the legs. You don’t have to be super fit to do Tai Chi, it is suitable for everyone. The NHS website says that it’s ideal for inactive older people wanting to raise their activity levels gently and
gradually. A recent study in the JAMA Internal Medicine journal confirmed that it was more effective than other interventions in preventing falls in the elderly. Our course was the idea of Shelley Franklin, who had been learning Tai Chi at her local gym and experienced the benefits for herself. Her teachers had asked her to keep their classes going while they were away training in China. So that gave Shelley the experience and confidence to share her knowledge with fellow U3A members. After taking advice from the Third Age Trust’s national subject adviser on Tai Chi, we launched the first course in November 2018 with up to 25 enthusiastic members attending sessions at the Festival Hall on Tuesday afternoons.
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During the one hour sessions, we start with warm-up exercises followed by a sequence of 18 simple Tai Chi movements, carried out to a background of calming Chinese music. There is no equipment required, and no need to get up and down off the floor. Members of the group can practise the movements at home and will hopefully continue to reap the benefits into the future. People in our group have already reported improved balance, easing of aches and pains, and feelings of calmness after taking part in sessions.
bring to the movements. Kenny also showed us his prowess with a sword. Sadly we didn’t have room for everyone who expressed an interest in the group this time, but Shelley is keeping a waiting list of people who would like to join if we run the course again. So if you’d like to learn a little about the art of Tai Chi and start to experience the benefits of this gentle form of exercise, please speak to Shelley at a General Meeting, ring her on 01652 678283 or email shelley_franklin@yahoo.co.uk.
On 26 February, Shelley’s teachers accepted an invitation to come to the Festival Hall and work with our group. May and Kenny have been practising Tai Chi for the past 12 years, they regularly train with their master in China and have won medals in international competitions. So it was a real treat to watch their group perform and to see the grace and control that they
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MICK ROBINSON TELLS THE LIFE STORY OF BEEJO The Great European Tour - Part 2 We drove to Chamonix where there was a cable car to take us up the mountain. It made a big dent in our limited funds but this was something that we really wanted to do. Mount Blanc is 4810 metres tall (15,630 ft. for the dinosaurs amongst us who still cannot cope with metric). We stepped on board at 10 a.m. The sun was out, the sky was blue and the air was still. Perfect conditions for the amazing scenery that was to greet us on the one hour ride to the top. White capped peaks in all directions, rivers, roads and buildings appearing like some fantastic model laid out below us. The air became cooler as we gently rose to Aiguille du Midi at 3840 m (12,480 ft.) where we stepped out
into a world of snow and ice. This was a completely new experience for us. In fact it was my first holiday beyond the shores of Britain. I had seen the mountains of Scotland and Wales, even ascended Snowdon by the railway, but this was totally different and it took my breath away. Before us rose the snow covered summit of Mt. Blanc with a clear path from the station heading off in that direction. I briefly thought that we might walk the rest of the way until I realised that I had been deceived by the sheer scale of this fabulous landscape. What we were looking at was another 3000 feet of climbing, the equivalent of Snowdon. If you really want to stand on the actual summit, you
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certainly have to earn it and we were not equipped to do so. The other thing that quickly became apparent was that at 12,480 feet it wasn’t only the scenery that took my breath away. There was a serious lack of oxygen and we soon began to feel it. In fact there was a notice advising that we should not stay up there for more than two hours. So at 1:00 p.m. we made our way back to the cable car, only to find that, incredibly, it was closed for lunch. This meant that by the time we got on board for the descent we had been in oxygen debt for 3 hours and Pat was feeling decidedly groggy. There was no seating in the cable car, with standing room only and when Pat actually fainted, I had to lower her to the floor as gently as I could. A German lady came forward with some smelling salts and Pat came round, but we were back to ground level before she fully recovered.
overcharged. How long is this car?” “I don’t know exactly,” I replied. “Why?” “Because any vehicle less than 3.5 m long is a bit cheaper.” “Well, there aren’t many cars less than that, but I’m pretty sure that this one is,” I said. We pulled up at the Italian exit and engaged in a lengthy argument, mostly in English but with some pathetic attempts at Italian about what we should have paid. A tape measure was produced and there was more incomprehensible jabbering in Italian. But the outcome was that we got some money back, which made us happy beyond the value of the refund. We had won a minor victory!
On emerging into Italy, the heat hit us like driving into an oven. It was as if we had gone into another country, which of course, we had. It was very hot. We continued into Northern Italy for another hour or We got over the ascent of Mt. Blanc, so, then found a campsite for the and put it down as a successful trip, night, a proper campsite with toilets one that, even with all our extensive and showers and everything. I think travels, has hardly been beaten to we cooked a decent meal that night. this day. But it was not yet over. As I said, Italy was hot, hotter than We decided to pay the toll to use the anything we had experienced before. Mt. Blanc tunnel, which would take Having learnt the hard way, we now us through to Italy. The tunnel is 7 kept the roof up to give us shade but miles long and passes directly with the side windows off so that air beneath Aiguille du Midi, where we blew right through the car. had spent 3 enjoyable hours earlier Admittedly it was hot air but that that day. On the way through, Pat was the nearest we had to air was studying the price schedule and conditioning. All the time we suddenly exclaimed, “We’ve been travelled this way we could hear the Page 25
constant chirrup of cicadas from the roadside.
had. Donkeys perhaps, or Punch and Judy shows. Bald-headed men with knotted hankies on their heads, We were now ready for a trip to the grown men building sand castles for seaside, thinking of the lovely their kids or getting buried in the golden beaches of Cornwall, only sand. Cornwall was so much better. much warmer. We eventually ended Anyway, now it was hot again, so we lay on the loungers, getting our up at Viareggio on the northwest money’s worth. We were slow coast. But in some ways we were disappointed. For a start, we had to learners. pay to go on the beach, which we did. For that we also got two of the That night we paid the price, or at least, I certainly did. When I was sunbeds and shades, regimented in younger, too much sun caused my neat rows, no room to build nice big skin to peel and then to start itching, sandcastles and no stream coming in not hurting so much, but itching like that you could dam. And then it mad. I spent most of the night started raining. The beach was walking round the camp, taking abandoned by most people; Italians frequent cold showers. I got very are not used to wet weather in little sleep on that night and Pat did summer. We stayed put as we could not fare much better. still shelter under our sun shade. After our recent experiences of But then an attendant came round temperatures that were unfamiliar to putting them all down as all his customers had left. We waited till he us, we decided to abandon sunshine, sea and sand and head for some had gone and then put them up culture. Pisa was only a short drive again! so that was the first stop. Of course, We were not about to be thwarted by we had to visit the Tower, the one a drop of rain so we went in the sea that a temporarily malevolent Superman straightened up in one of where it was wet anyway. But that the Superman films. The tower wasn’t like Cornwall either. The (Torre pendente di Pisa) is 180 feet waves were piddling, only two or three inches tall so no diving into the tall and leans over so that the top is around 13 feet out of true. It was a surf here. That was the first time bit more than that when we were that I realised that the Med. is there but some correction work has always like that, shielded as it is been done since. Of course we had from the big oceans. It wasn’t long to climb to the top, because it was before the rain stopped and yet there, though that is no longer somehow the place lacked allowed. We got into conversation something that our seaside resorts Page 26
up there with a couple who had obvious Yorkshire accents and they told us that they too were touring Europe by car, though their car was only a year old and they were not going any further than Italy. It caused something of a sensation when we pointed out our car, parked proudly nearby. Next stop was Florence, a bit further inland and famous for the Uffizi gallery. There is a room devoted to Botticelli and within that, a whole wall covered with The Birth of Venus. It is an outstanding art gallery and we enjoyed it for a couple of hours. Later we sat in the Piazza della Signoria admiring a statue of Michaelangelo’s David and tucking into some fast food we had bought, probably a pizza.
was simply a device for making a lot of noise. Not for any particular reason either, just out of habit. At first, when somebody honked at me from behind, I thought I had done something wrong, made a mistake. That is, until I realised that most honks meant nothing, except when they got really mad and held it for one long blast. On top of all that, they would cut in front of you, suddenly veer off or brake violently for no apparent reason. As it happens, the Morris 8 was one of the first mass produced cars of the 30s to be equipped with hydraulic brakes and they had just been thoroughly overhauled, so they were pretty good. Just as well. I had also converted from the original 6v to 12v so the lights were not bad either.
“Nah then, “said a voice. “How’re y’doing?”
We found a camp site somewhere on the outskirts of the city and booked in for three nights. From here we It was Tracey and Dave, from the intended to visit a few of the Tower of Pisa. What a coincidence. historical sites: the Colosseum, the Or was it, really? After all, the classic catacombs and the ruins of ancient tourist route is Pisa, then Florence, Rome, not to mention the Vatican, then Rome. Perhaps we would meet which is an independent state again in Rome, our next stop… within a state….. On yet another hot day we arrived in Rome, where driving on the right in a busy city was the least of my problems. The traffic was horrendous and the Italian drivers were complete maniacs, even worse than the drivers in the rest of Italy. They seemed to think that the horn
Mick Robinson Watch out in the June issue of the Newsletter for the final instalment of Mick’s tale as BEEJO tackles Rome with dire consequences...
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APPLE POWER! Is the one thing, you have got to keep in mind when you are feeling down and weak. Apples are the best nourishment for you at home; for you on your travels; for the aged, for the children during summer, during winter in the morning, in the evening. To consume an apple, is always refreshing. Apples smooth your brow, they bring Phosphorous into your brain. Apples provide vigour and enhance your spirit; and they rejuvenate your blood.
And also, when you are thirsty, drinking the cider, it makes you joyous and gay. Therefore friend, be advised: eat apples fresh, cooked or baked daily, about two to ďŹ ve. You will not get fat, but you will remain young, handsome and salubrious.
And ďŹ nally, your nerves will get thick like cords Friend! - The Apple is your Fortune. Joe Willisch
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