West Wolds Quarterly Newsletter June 2019

ESTABLISHED 1999

Open to anybody retired or semi retired

Greetings from the editors in our 20th Anniversary year

The 20th Anniversary Cake Event in March and the Afternoon Tea in May went off very well, and we are now looking forward to the Hog Roast & Disco in August at the Market Rasen Racecourse. Many thanks goes to Linda Brighton and the members of the Anniversary sub-committee, Brian, Shelley, Pam and Janice Adams who have been busily arranging these events, they have put a great deal of effort into ensuring things go to plan.

One–Off events have also gone well over the last three months, thanks to Sharon Rupp.

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

Cartoon by Gillian Anderton

Articles for the next edition should reach the editor no later than 24th August 2019 Send contributions to newsletter@westwoldsu3a.org Page 2

Our Anniversary year is up and running with the cake event proving to be very successful. The stories told by our founders were fascinating, personally humbling and demonstrate how far we have travelled. At the beginning everyone knew everyone else and now with over 350 members it’s almost impossible to know you all.

Of course these events wouldn’t happen without the commitment of a small group of very special volunteers and we should all be grateful for their huge input.

We do have a varied group of members with some of you attending the monthly meetings and others not, or coming to arrange a group event and then leaving before the speaker starts; some only join one group whilst others belong to over ten. It is the Committee’s challenge to make sure we meet your expectations. If we fail to deliver then you should let me know.

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.

Gillian about to go out on a ‘Shout’ in police car at Nettleham Photo by Terry Francis Page 3

20th Anniversary Cake Event On the 14th March the 20th Annniversary cake event was a great success, Pam Jones from the National Office came and spoke for some length about the U3A in general, and then cut our specially created cake, pieces being distributed to all members as Founder and early members reminisced about how the West Wolds U3A was set up. The photos below show the cake and speakers together with a very appreciative audience.

The Anniversary Cake

Pam Jones gives a rousing speech Page 4

A full hall of members sit and listen to all the reminiscences

Nine Early Members

Early Founding members look on as Pam and Steve make the first cut

Page 5

Pat Hage

Andrea Doyle

Audrey Storey

Doreen Wallis

Jo Howard

Jean Childs Page 6

1999

West Wolds U3A 20 Anniversary Celebrations th

2019

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 ÂŁ12.00pp, Guests ÂŁ16.00pp.

Hog Roast Baps, Salads, Vegetarian Option Disco Through The Years For Our Dancing Delight

Gillian Anderton Page 7

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) June

July

August

Mon 17th

Ceramics Painting, Lissington

Wed 19th

Riverboat cruise with lunch, River Trent, Nottingham

Tues 2nd

Bowls Taster Session, Tealby

Wed 10th

Newby Hall, House & Gardens

Sat 10th

Hog Roast—Market Rasen Racecourse

Sat 31st Aug/ } Ushaw College, Durham; Kynren Epic Tale of Sun 1st Sept } England, & Beamish Museum September Wed 18th

Elsecar Heritage Centre & Wentworth Woodhouse

October

Visit to the International Bomber Command, Lincoln

Tues 1st

November Mon 4th

Tour of Ferry Ales 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: Page 8

West Wolds U3A Membership Survey 2019 A big thank you to all those people who took the time to complete the survey. It is important that we gather information about you so we can understand better your needs and wants. We would possibly know more if we had more respondents – out of 350 members we received 95 completed surveys.

Our speakers were well received with nearly 80% giving positive feedback and attendance of monthly meetings indicates that nearly half have attended eight or more times.

Nearly 97% thought we offered an excellent or good range of activities.

We had a number of suggestions for new groups: Architecture; Summary of Results Accordion; Creative dancing using The survey suggests that our classical music; Drawing/painting; membership consists of three Nature/wildlife study; Polish quarters women, however when we language; Politics; Saxophone/ examine the actual membership list Clarinet playing; Science, we find that it’s only two-thirds Technology and Mathematics; women. Maybe men don’t fill in cooking/baking - trying new foods/ survey forms. Nearly two thirds of improving skills; Learning Russian; members are between the ages of 55 Painting; GCSE Maths; Bird and 74.

Watching; Philosophy; Languages for less experienced; Whist; Most people join for social reasons Archaeology; Country dancing; and learning is a secondary element. Table tennis; Quilting; and The majority have been members for Understanding which stars and less than 5 years and most learned planets can easily be seen without a about us by word of mouth. telescope. All we need now is the volunteers to run the groups – let the It appears you find information from Groups Convenor know if you’d like a number of places – monthly to set up any of the above. meetings, newsletter, website and group convenors; therefore we will We will undertake another survey in continue to keep you informed in two years time so please participate these various ways and we’ve now – it will enable the Committee to added the monthly ‘Mailchimp’ understand you better and meet email so hopefully we’ve got all the your needs. bases covered.

Steve McCarthy Friendship and Learning were the main features and nearly 60% enjoy new experiences.

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Group News A new Daytime Ukulele Group is being run on the second and fourth Mondays of the month between 2-4pm in the Festival Hall Committee Room. This new little group was formed to cater for members who wanted to play but were not able to attend in the evenings. We have several beginners as well as one or two ‘old hands’ who help with the teaching.

For information contact Pat Hage on 01673 849447

We received the following comment via the West Wolds website from Lucy Staines at www.frameworkha.org which is a charity delivering housing, health, employment, support and care services to people with a diverse range of needs.

“I wanted to say a BIG thank you to the wonderful West Wolds knitting group .. they have made lots of winter-wear for our residents and the homeless people we support.

Please, please could you pass this on as we really do appreciate all their hard work and so do the people we support!”

The Recorder and Ukulele groups are going to be performing at All Saints Church , Wragby of Saturday 15th June in aid of that church's funds. It is to be billed as a "Musical Extravaganza" and will also feature a soloist singer.

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.

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Local History Group The next three months programme is:June 11th:

Guided walks around Market Rasen with Caroline Foster at either 10am or 11am, from The Hub.

July 9th:

Visit to Wrawby Windmill with John Sass at 10am.

Guided walk around the churches on Lincoln High Street beginning at 10.30am.

All the above using own transport Aug 13th:

Sept 10th:

Middle Rasen Church Hall for a talk by Stuart Sizer on ‘The Shipbuilders of Louth’ at 10:30am.

Meetings at Middle Rasen Church Hall at 10 am.

For more information contact Paul Ettridge 01472 398921

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 a July 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 Page 11

July 11th:

‘Lincolnshire Dialects’ – Loretta Rivett—It may frit frim foak or even give them a meagrim but Linkisheere’s traditional dialect is more than just chitter n’ jabber – it’s proud heritage. The born-and-bred Yellowbelly will be telling local folktales and poems, as well as explaining the origins of Lincolnshire words, some of which date back to the 14th century.

August 8th:

‘Lincoln Ghost Walks‘ - Karen Crow— Lincoln is steeped in spooky stories and ghostly tales, let Karen guide you through the legends.

Sept 12th:

‘Birds of Prey’ - Derek Tindall—Bringing birds

including owls, hawks & a vulture, Derek aims to help you to not only interact with the birds but to get a better understanding of their nature, their history and how we work with them today.

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 2,124 2,356 1,226 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 Groups’ Coordinators tbc Shirley Fuller Tel: 07810 845178 shirley.fuller60@gmail.com

Business Secretary, Third Age Trust Contact and General Meeting Coordinator 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

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

Visits, Press Liaison and Newsletter Copy Editor Brian Ward Tel: 01472 852273 briandgill@btinternet.com newsletter@westwoldsu3a.org

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 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 Daytime Ukulele

10:00 German

3rd

10:00 IT Workshops 10:00 Beginners Family History 10:00 Local History

14:30 Spanish

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

14:00 Bridge 14:00 Digital Photography

10:00 German

4th

14:00 Backgammon 14:00 Film 14:30 Spanish

14:00 Bridge 14:00 Daytime Ukulele 14:30 Art Appreciation

Page 14

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

Please advise any changes to the Groups Coordinator Irene Dixon Tel: 01673 844648 or email: irene@rsimdixon.plus.com

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 DAYTIME UKULELE Pat Hage 01673 849447 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 Gary Beighton 0758 2227856 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

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Forthcoming Programme Sun. 16th June:

Visit to the Claxby Village open gardens.

Noon til 5pm. Approx 8/9 gardens to look at.

A biennial event so not to be missed.

Cost circa £4/5.

Wed. 10th July:

Coach Trip to Newby Hall & Gardens.

Sun 4th Aug:

A visit to a new NGS garden, Cantello Cottage, Heighington, Lincoln.

Cottage garden developed from blank canvas.

Entry £3.

Mon 19th Aug:

By request! Work Party at Mary Howes' place, Meadow Farm Middle Rasen.

Full/part day event - suit yourself.

Full details later.

Sun 1st Sept:

Garden visit with free seed collecting at Hall Farm Gardens, Harpswell.

- our third visit but always popular. 1pm-5pm

Wed 18th Sept:

Back in Holyrood School room. Talk by Gail and John Summerfield from Westshores nurseries on 'Scented Pelargoniums'

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.

If April showers bring May flowers, what do May flowers bring…

Pilgrims!

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WHAT GOES ON BEHIND CLOSED DOORS The sunny first day of spring saw a small group of members and, even potential members, travel to East Yorkshire, to discover what has to get done in a large country house when the public have left for the winter.

of tassels, carpets and chairs galore, china and ceramics, a chapel, and dozens of windows that are clad in ultra violet protective materials, you realise that the weekly vacuum of your living room is a doddle!

Burton Constable Hall was the setting for us to learn how everything by way of rooms, pictures, books and artefacts is cleaned on a four yearly cycle.

Our guided tour was led by Gary Dewson, the House Technician, who is responsible for all building matters within the Hall, and Philippa Wood, the Curator. They taught us how to use brushes made from hog bristle, squirrel hair and When you consider that this pony hair; how to climb a scaffold includes a library of over 4000 books, tower and dust the cornices and bedrooms with four-posters and lots light fittings; how to deal with Page 18

And to round it all off, we were served a very generous Afternoon Tea before we re-joined the coach to come home.

woodworm and other nasty infestations! A fascinating revelation of what goes on behind closed doors.

Before going into the Hall, we had time to discover ‘Capability’ Brown’s bridge, the parkland and gardens, the ha-ha and Orangery, the oldest sweet chestnut tree in East Yorkshire, dating from the turn of the 16/17th centuries, the Stables and a temporary art display by a local artist, and even the skeleton of Moby Dick’s sperm whale. We also had time for lunch!

All in all, another “grand day out.”

Article & Photos

by Brian Ward.

Page 19

The West Wolds U3A cycle group is now moving on from the cooler winter season and toward the summer and settled weather, we hope! While we suffered storm Hannah's mid-March winds we were forced to cancel two of the planned rides. As soon as the risk from high winds passed, the members were back in the saddle with a local mixed -terrain ride out of Rasen and another from Brigg up the Ancholme Valley toward the Humber.

We looked at E. Torrington Church with its open bell tower from the road but could find no road or track to visit. So, that’s a challenge for another day.

The U3A's website not only shows On the way to Hainton we turned what's planned, but often carries a summary of the rides we have taken, off on the Beck House road over to for example a recent entry included Croppers Gorse and Holtham Garrs.

It’s a rough old road running down these two rides. into a picturesque valley before reaching the shaded wooded area.

Wednesday 20th March saw an Apart from us cyclists, and some improvement in the weather with exceptionally noisy sheep, there was sun and a blue sky crossed by vapour trails, and a small group took nothing to disturb a variety of off locally to make the best of it. Our interesting bird life. route was a mixed terrain with a We stopped at the Golf Course for straight run south out of Rasen toward White House Corner on the our break before returning to Market Rasen around midday.

B1204. By way of a change we rode through Bleasby Moor and then across to East Torrington. However, Friday 22nd March we explored the we were so warm by the time we got Ancholme Valley from Brigg to to Collow Abbey Farm, we stopped South Ferriby with Martin. After a cuppa at the leisure centre we left a to remove a layer of clothing. No, little later than expected. Martin had there was no explicit scene, just a jumper or four off and onto the back arranged our lunch stop at the Post Box Café in South Ferriby for 11.30. of the bikes.

However, despite being wind Page 20

assisted on the ride out, we stopped occasionally along the river and that lost us a little time. Of course, it was worth a delayed arrival to enjoy the view. At around 7 miles out the cycle track stops, so we turned into Saxby All Saints to ride the B1204 the rest of the way into South Ferriby.

Turning toward Ferriby Sluice we had our planned stop at the Post Box Café. We would all recommend the food and service in the little café, where the two ladies made us very welcome.

Returning from Ferriby Sluice along the Ancholme, there are steps to a footpath passing the boat yard and leading to the cycleway.

options before deciding to re-ride the road between Horkstow and SaxbyAll-Saints.

From Saxby we returned to the Ancholme’s bank to ride the 7 miles of cinder cycle track along the valley and back into Brigg. With the wind against us on the return, it certainly was exhilarating!

On to the U3A website members can see what we do and even join the cycle group. If you are interested in cycling there are plenty of opportunities for new members.

However, if you are not happy fiddling with the internet, just come along to the monthly meeting and chat with someone from the group.

Gordon Jennings

At Horkstow (suspension) Bridge, built 1836 by Sir John Rennie, Martin and Chris checked other route Page 21

Behind the Scenes at Police Headquarters in Nettleham police officer needs to be fitter than ever.

On May 21st a group of U3A members visited Lincolnshire Police HQ. We were met on the coach by John Horton our host for the day.

Our first stop was a brief talk by Special Sergeant Kevin Taylor who explained how drones have been used over the last few years and the life-saving events that have occurred. It costs around £16,000 to introduce a drone however the running costs are negligible whereas a police helicopter costs £3,000 an hour to run.

Outside to take a look at the various vehicles used in Lincolnshire from the All Terrain Vehicle to the Vauxhall Astra estate car and try out the ‘blues & twos’.

Then on to the Command and Control Unit which was in a very secure building well away from public access and we were privileged to witness incoming 999 We then split into smaller groups and 101 calls and how they are dealt and toured the building. We stopped with by a very experienced team of by the TV editing suite where police officers and civilian staff.

Wendy from our group had the Our group completed the tour with chance to introduce a programme a chance to talk to a firearms team. using an autocue machine. After a These highly trained officers quick replay of the recording we volunteer for the role and undergo were off again to the stores where rigorous training. but don't receive there was an opportunity to inspect additional payments for the work, the stab vests worn by all police only job satisfaction. officers. The body armour and other equipment makes for a very heavy For further information and photos load to be constantly carried during see the Post on our website. their 12 hour shift. The modern Article by Steve McCarthy Page 22

20th Anniversary Afternoon Tea On May 24th over 60 members came to the Festival Hall to be entertained with an Afternoon Tea laid on by the 20th Anniversary sub committee led

by Linda Brighton.

As guests arrived they were treated to a glass of Prosecco or Orange Juice and fifties/sixties music was played in the background.

A table Magician moved around the room delighting all who took part in his tricks, and a quiz identifying different cakes was on each table giving people something to think about whilst they were nibbling.

The music was changed to Strictly Ballroom Dance Tempo and guests were invited to dance along in front of the stage.

Tables were laid with plentiful delicious sandwiches, mini pork pies, quiches and other treats supplied by M&S, followed by plates of wonderful mini cakes, and unlimited tea & coffee was available, served by the tireless volunteers.

Many thanks to Linda, and her very hard working committee and volunteer helpers.

A very enjoyable afternoon was had by all.

Article and photos by Terry Francis Page 23

MICK ROBINSON TELLS THE LIFE STORY OF BEEJO The Great European Tour - Part 3 We found a camp site somewhere on the outskirts of Rome and booked in for three nights. From here we intended to visit a few of the historical sites: the Colosseum, the catacombs and the ruins of ancient Rome, not to mention the Vatican, which is an independent state within a state..

One big problem with Beejo is that there are no locks on the doors and even if there were, anyone could open the flap on the side screens and unlock the door from the inside.

Failing that, they could remove the side screens altogether and get in that way. All this meant that we couldn’t leave her at the camp site and use public transport. In fact, leaving her anywhere with all our possessions was a bit dodgy, especially in Rome, a city noted for its vagabonds and thieves. On our first full day we went to see the Vatican city and parked up in the Vatican square. No-one is allowed to do that today so it was Beejo’s proudest moment, 1500 miles from home. We went into St. Peter’s cathedral and climbed up to the roof from where we could look down on our bright little maroon and yellow car, surrounded by a crowd of people and attracting a lot of attention. We wondered if it had been a wise decision to leave her there, but hopefully, the presence of

so many witnesses would keep her safe. We also went to see the Sistine Chapel with its painted ceiling. We had to trek through many corridors and through many rooms before we reached the star attraction so it was a good hour later before we got back to the car. I held my breath a little as we approached, but everything was fine. Maybe Rome wasn’t such a bad place after all.

Feeling a bit tired, we decided to follow the continental custom of having an afternoon siesta in Parco de Borghese, a little way from the centre of the city. In 1972 it was not all that difficult to find a parking space and we did so and then walked round the corner to find a grassy spot in the shade of a tree.

The siesta was very refreshing and we woke up about one hour later ready for further adventures. I knew even as we approached the car that something was amiss; the side screen had been tampered with. It was still a big shock though when I opened the door and saw that there was a big empty space where the suitcase should have been. This was serious, they had taken every item of clothing we possessed other than the shorts and tee shirts that we stood up in. They had probably thrown most of them away as none of them were worth much. Of course, Pat was carrying important things like

Page 24

passports and cash in her handbag but all the same, this was serious, terminal even. Use our credit cards?

What credit cards? Claim on our travel insurance? What travel insurance? In any case, it had knocked the heart out of us and we made the decision to go home.

chances are that we would be running out of money, which was going down faster than we had hoped. The exhaust would almost certainly have fallen off and all sorts of other things might have gone wrong. But back then, we didn’t think like that. In fact, for many years, we dreamed of repeating the It was over 1300 miles and I figured trip but what with work, kids and we should drive home as quickly as available time, and of course, possible. Refreshed by our one hour money, we never got the chance. of sleep we left Rome immediately. I We have it now, but … no, I don’t can’t even remember the route but think so. we drove all night and halfway through the next day before we gave Mick Robinson up and pulled off onto a side road somewhere in France. Another very welcome siesta, this time much longer. It was still 300 miles to Calais and another 200 miles home.

We drove through the night again and arrived in Dover early the next day and continued northwards.

Beejo had been brilliant, never missed a beat, until Leicester that is, and then, the exhaust fell off. I didn’t even try to repair it, just threw it in the back, where the case should have been, and continued home, rather more noisily. We were glad when we got there.

Only recently, 46 years later, did I consider the theft as possibly a blessing in disguise. Our next move would have been to catch the ferry across from Brindisi to Greece and Athens, the furthest point from home and incidentally, a city we still haven’t visited even now. The Page 25

The Market Rasen and District Small Bore Rifle Club The Rifle Shooting morning at Market Rasen Rifle Club at Lammas Leas Road, which was established in 1907, was a great success and enjoyed by all.

Initially there was a brief talk on the history of Shooting clubs which were popular after the Boer War and also the history of the Market Rasen Club and the Clubhouse dating back to 1939 which was initially built for the Home Guard at De Aston and later relocated at Market Rasen in 1946 now with a fully functional shooting range at the rear of the premises.

All joined in to try different rifles and later small arms under expert tuition from two experienced

Rifle Club members Tom Murtagh and another member called Keith.

Weapons included .22 calibre Rifle shooting , .22 calibre P.S.P ... A High Pressure Pneumatic Air Rifle running at circa 3000 psi. , shooting at targets at the range on a semi competitive nature all interspersed with Biscuits, cakes and refreshments in the clubhouse .

Later on there were opportunities to try firing BB replica guns such as the M40 semi automatic Machine gun, a Luger Pistol and a Beretta Pistol.

Other replica guns were also on display such as a Webley Pistol and Colt 45 revolver.

All in all a good friendly atmosphere and visit, arranged by Sharon Rupp.

The Rifle Club is open Tuesdays and Thursdays at 7pm to members and visitors for a small charge.)

Article by Alan James Photos by Terry Francis

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Ceramics Painting By the end of the session, not only had we all completed a lovely piece of pottery but had made new friendships or strengthened old ones in an enjoyable and very relaxing environment.

Immediately 4 of the group asked to come again, so the next session will be held on Monday 17th June at 9.30am.

A small group of 8 attended the Ceramics Painting event on Monday April 29th. After a comprehensive outline by Maria who runs the studio, of all the options we had to choose from – Silk Screening, Acrylic finishes, Firing finishes and so on we chose our pieces and began selecting colours and designs.

Please see Sharon on the Unique Events table at the General Meeting to sign up or call her on 01673 857390 or email sharonrupp@hotmail.com.

Peace reigned for at least 30 minutes whilst we all set to work, concentrating on our intricate designs. Once the kettle went on and the biscuits came out, the usual chatter associated with a group of 7 ladies (and 1 gent) ensued.

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Humanity and Sanity.

Earth received an honoured guest, My neighbour Brian, is laid to rest.

Let his earthly vessel lie Emptied of its poetry of life.

For in the nightmare of the dark, All the dogs of Europe bark.

And all the still living Nations wait Each sequestered in its hate.

Greed and fraud abound, affecting every land.

Follow me, they shout, follow me right To the bottom of the night.

But with your un-constraining voice You can still persuade us and rejoice.

Just with the changing of a verse, You could make harvest of this curse.

Yet, as they all brag and shout Of human successes all around The signs of failure are widely about.

But still, in the deepest depths of our hearts, Let the healing, soothing fountains start.

Joe Willisch

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