No.184 August 2013. - Watford and District U3A
Transcription
No.184 August 2013. - Watford and District U3A
1 Founded 1997 by Reg Cooke 1919-2008 Editor: Margaret Thompson Proof Reader: Colin Richards JUST back from the Big Apple where the mercury hit 94 in old money. It was wonderful to see my son with a big happy smile on his face. We had a wonderful time in the cool of the art galleries, MoMA and The Metropolitan and wandering in the shade of Central Park. New York has a vibrancy and diversity all its own. A Glass Boat of Abundance We managed to spend a few days in Montreal as well, with my grandsons who at 14 and 15 are now taller than me, (not difficult) and a bonus was an exhibition of Chihuly glass sculptures [above] at the Musée des Beaux Arts de Montréal. Now its back to my garden which, thanks the wonderful watering expertise of my neighbours, is not as scorched as I had feared. BUT the harvesting! I have never seen so many raspberries, runner and climbing beans and courgettes. Free food—God’s bounty. What a wonderful world - there will be jam today and tomorrow. I hope you are all enjoying this wonderful weather and not finding it too difficult. Wear a big hat and drink lots of water but get out in the sun as it builds up our Vitamin D and wards off winter colds which might prevent us from joining some new Study Groups. Check out the very interesting new ones. SUMMER has arrived. We have waited for this for six years (so an announcer on T.V. told me) it is so nice to have the warmth from the sun instead of the central heating. I Margaret hope it lasts a long time and we all enjoy it in our own way, but whichever way you choose please take care and remember to drink lots, (sorry that does not include alcohol) and can attend the monthly meeting quite happily, knowing the Police Club Ballroom now has Air Conditioning, just in time for the heat wave. Weren't they clever, perfectly timed. In this very unusual weather it is very tempting to go completely out of routine and just go and visit a favourite place, or have a picnic in a beauty spot. If you do please enjoy it, but, if it is on one of the days when you would usually attend a Study Group PLEASE LET THE STUDY GROUP LEADER KNOW YOU WILL NOT BE THERE. He or she has spent time preparing for the session and it is only polite to let your leader know you will not be attending, just a small gesture that will be appreciated. I have received a very nice letter from Liz Arendt MBE who along with Jack and Maple gave us a very entertaining and interesting talk and demonstration at the July Monthly Meeting on ‘The Value of Hearing Dogs for the Deaf’. I will put a copy of the letter on the notice board for the next meeting. Last week, while shopping I met Angela and Gerry Wildman and we had a chat remembering when they were members of the Strollers Group and some of the walks we did. When we parted they asked me to give their good wishes to all their friends at Watford and District U3A. We must have quite a lot of members who will remember them and the walks we all enjoyed. Take care, stay safe, I am off on holiday in August so I look forward to seeing you toward the end of August or in September. A Message From Our Chairlady August 2013 EDITION 184 Study Group Topics Jo Davison SG- Coordinator Studygroups @watfordu3a.org.uk THIS will be a good month for card players! Sue Winterbotham has asked me to pass on details of two Bridge Groups started by Watford Central U3A: the main group meets every Friday, 2.304.30pm, at the ex-Servicemen's Club, Flanders Court, 12-14 St Alban's Road. Apart from a £12 annual subscription there are no fees and the club has a good carpark and bar. There is also a Beginners Group which meets on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the month, 10.30-12.30. If you are interested in joining either group please contact Sue. We also need further members for our own Card & Board Games Group and Fishing/Angling Group, if they are to be viable. As many members were probably away at the beginning of July I will put out the interest boards for these groups again at the next monthly meeting (or feel free to contact me direct). You may recall that we canvassed interest for a French group last summer. Unfortunately, due to unforeseen circumstances the prospective SGL has been unable to commit to launching the group as yet, although she is still keen to do so when circumstances permit. Meanwhile we are considering setting up a 'Survival French' group for those whose grasp of the language is basic or a bit rusty; hopefully this would enable group members to build their confidence and thus gain more benefit from Jean's French Conversation group when it eventually gets under way. For the more linguistically proficient/ ambitious among us perhaps a French Film Group [cont on p2] WU3A is a registered charity, number 1079022 Look at our website for more information :www.watfordu3a.org.uk 2 WU3A COMMITTEE 2012 —— 2013 Chairlady Margaret Foster Vice Chairman Phil Redshaw Secretary Brigid Keenan Study Group Coordinator Jo Davison [SGC Notes cont from p1] with subtitles! might be of interest, or, given our thriving German, Spanish and Italian study groups, possibly an International Film SG would better suit the bill? I will put up interest notices for these groups at the next monthly meeting, or contact me direct if you prefer. Potential SGLs for either group would be particularly welcome! Many thanks to all the SGLs’ who have updated their Synopsis entries; I would be grateful if any further amendments could reach me as soon as possible so we can go to print. And finally, a reminder that the next SGLs meeting will be held at 2.30pm on Friday, 6 September at the Orbital Community Centre, Haines Way, as usual. Please put the date in your diaries and try to be there! Study Group Leaders Meeting Friday 6 September 2013 2.30-4.30pm Treasurer Paul King Membership Secretary Alan Prest Orbital Community Centre Haines Way Watford WD25 7QU Parking Available on Site July Speaker IF you were unable to attend the monthly meeting in July you missed a treat. We met Maple a beautiful Golden retriever who is the ‘hearing dog’who ensures that Elizabeth Arendt, one of the speakers, wakes up in a morning, as she is stone deaf and cannot hear the alarm. We also enjoyed an informative talk from her colleague Jack who gave us an insight into the work of the Hearing Dogs Charity; the breeding, training and placing of the dogs. Maple was a joy and showed her intelligence and reliability in assisting Liz during the morning. Ed. Notes From Committee secretary Barbara Johnson email Secretary @watfordu3a.org.uk July Committee Meeting THE English language has to be used very carefully, otherwise the meaning of words and phrases could be misinterpreted. Therefore a great amount of the Committee time was spent on the Regulations, after having received guidance from T.A.T. (The Third Age Trust). There was also feedback from the Herts Network Meeting. The Committee will not meet in August, so the next meeting will be September. Commitee Secretary Barbara Johnson Contacts as seen on our website Do you ever visit our website? Minutes Secretary Peter Birkett Committee member Sue Saunders Committee member Peter Groves Look at our website for more information :www.watfordu3a.org.uk 3 Two glasses are usually better than one - according to John Britten THOSE members who took two glasses to the May meeting were rewarded for their prescience, as Tony offered us a series of comparative tastings, pitting “TESCO’s finest” against leading branded wines. In each case we were invited to state our preference and to say which we thought was the dearer of the two (not necessarily the same of course). The first bout was between Freixenet Cava and TESCO’s De V allois Champagne. The Cava was the overwhelming choice of the membership, although Tony preferred the greater complexity of the traditional French fizz, and this led to a lengthy discussion about the merits of some of the famous brands and what makes a “good” champagne. but we were surprised to learn that the Cava was only £1 cheaper than the Champagne, which was being sold on “special” at just £10.99. Two Australian Chardonnays had, for me, little to choose between them, and members’ votes were evenly divided. It was accepted that Jacobs Creek is a reliable and consistent brand and on this occasion it had more flavour than TESCO’s equivalent and it was 50p cheaper. Unusually the label declared its ABV to be 12.7% as the Australian wine trade has negotiated a special arrangement with the EU that absolves them from the requirement to round stated ABVs to the nearest 0.5%. Turning to the reds, we compared two identically priced 2011 Cotes du Rhone. Most of us preferred the simple St. V igni rather than the Plan de Dieu V illages sold under TESCO’s label, demonstrating that the French AOC classification is always a guarantee of authenticity but not necessarily one of quality. The final pairing produced perhaps the most surprising result of the day. A typical young (2011) Rioja from the major Campo Viejo label was matched against a 2007 Rioja Reserva sold as TESCO’s V ina Mara brand, but known to have been made by the major producer Baron de Ley. The Reserva was 50 pence cheaper, at £7.99, but was way ahead in our preferences, even winning over those who don’t usually like any Rioja and those who usually prefer the less oaky younger wines. As we savoured this final glass we were reminded that “Wine gets better the further down the bottle you go”. TESCO’s finest also made an appearance at the June meeting, when we re-visited a number of wines from the South of France. Of the three whites we tried, many members preferred the fresh and clean Picpoul de Pinet – a wine that has gained in popularity in recent years after previously being known mainly as a feed source for a local brandy. We all thought it was good value at £7.49. Opinions were more varied over the two other whites, from Languedoc. I felt that TESCO’s Grenache Blanc lacked character, whilst the Muscat from Riviera, (which should have been good, from 100 year old vines) did not show off the true nature of the grape, being neither sweet, as you would expect from the South, nor dry as in wines from Alsace. The reds were generally more favoured, and certainly Southern France is now producing some very good value wines in this category. The favourite of many – and a wine which we have tasted several times before – was the 2011 Faugeres from Domaine Marie, at £8.49 from Waitrose. It was notable that the ABV of this GSM blend has crept up in recent years; when we tasted the 2008 vintage a few years ago it was 13%, but this time it was a full point higher. The same applied to the 2011 Cahors from Le Malbec du Clos. Cahors is a reliable appellation, and this 100% Malbec was thought to be a very good example at £8.29 (also from Waitrose). But again, by comparison with the 2007 at 12½%, this later vintage was 1% stronger. Although “stronger” doesn’t of itself mean “better”, it is often a clue that the grapes were riper and richer when harvested and so the resulting wine can have more body and flavour. But for a “full body” (just an empty bottle unfortunately), members were impressed by the size of the double-magnum Franconian flasch which had been brought back from Germany. This led Tony to discuss whether there is currently as much truth in the traditional belief that wines last longer, and taste better, from large containers rather than small ones. Perhaps we should try a comparison some time. LIFESTYLE REPORT from Christel Goodricke ‘Genealogy’ AT OUR July meeting Phil Redshaw, our very own Vice Chairman, gave us a most interesting and informative DVD presentation on tracing our ancestors/recording our family history. The easiest way to start is to talk to existing family i.e. parents or grandparents. Look out old photos, letters and even postcards. They will be a mine of information as in the "olden days" everyone seemed to write information on the back of these. What's in a surname? it was only in the ll/12th century that surnames began. Before that, if for example, you were a carpenter by trade you would be known as "Son of Carpenter". Names were by word of mouth as not many people could write or read. Also the 1st son would be named after the father's father and the 2nd son after the mother's father. In the UK State Registration only began in 1837 and the first Census Records began in 1841. 1911 are the latest Census Records available for research purposes and are a fountain of information regarding your next of kin. The Internet also has valuable information for those of us who are computer literate with many websites available. Unfortunately most of these will ask you for an annual subscription, well worth it if you are going to start researching your Family Tree. Susan Fifer from the Barnet U3A has written a very good book, which will certainly point you in the right direction. At the moment the BBC have an interesting programme called "Who Do You Think You Are" and recently have begun to show that they also come across some dead ends in their research. In February every year there is an exhibition at Olympia which is well worth visiting for helpful hints when starting out on your past family quest. There are also many magazines on sale, i.e. Ancestry and Your Family Tree for reference. At our time of life it would be a lovely thing to record our family life for our children and grandchildren. Make up a "Time Capsule", either in file or box form and put in photos, certificates, cards from important days in your life. How nice would that be? Thanks to Rod who wrote this report. Look at our website for more information :www.watfordu3a.org.uk 4 Exploring London Pat Harding OUR JUNE Trip was a very interesting visit to the newly renovated Cutty Sark. On arriving we were able to purchase our tickets immediately so we left the group to decide when to visit. Lots of us went in first and were amazed at the work which had been done. After exploring the whole ship we had lunch and then split, some to visit Greenwich Museums, others went for walks along the river, even as far as the O2 and catching a clipper back. Others went by boat to Westminster and back. The weather was beautiful and all enjoyed themselves. July saw a longer trip taking in a fleeting visit to Stonehenge and the new visitor centre, and then on to Wilton House [R] which I understand was very interesting with knowledgeable guides. Reports back say everyone enjoyed it. Science Interest Group 17th June; Obesity: What makes us fat? Richard Bruckdorfer, Professor Emeritus in Biochemistry from Maurice Crewe OBESITY is a condition which is the cause of much personal misery as well as posing a serious strain on our health services. To understand the problem, we need to understand a few facts about the way our body stores the food we eat. Fat is the main form of energy storage because it is more energy dense than carbohydrates and protein. A lean man will have a body which contains 15% fat. Silhouettes and waist circumferences This fat can originate from both dietary fat and carbohydrate. The only way to lose representing normal, overweight, weight is to eat less. There is little evidence that obesity is caused by a less active and obese metabolism in those afflicted. Obesity is dependent on the balance between the energy we eat and the energy we expend on metabolic processes, keeping warm and exercise. There is good evidence that genetics is important but by no means the only factor. Our appetite is regulated by a large number of hormones and nerve endings which act on the hypothalamus, a relatively primitive area of the brain. Even the adipose tissue where fat is stored produces hormones that regulate appetite. It seems likely that those who tend to become obese have an active appetite centre in their hypothalamus which makes it more difficult to resist eating any available food. The excess needs only be small to have an effect over a number of years, especially if combined with a low exercise regime. Losing weight would seem to be an easy task – simply eat less and exercise more. It isn’t – at least not for the majority. Nevertheless, with self-discipline, it is possible. The causes of obesity are complex and may be related to behaviour under stress. Psychotherapy can be of value. Pharmaceutical options are fraught with danger and surgery often an unkind option. Professor Bruckdorfer kindly gave us this summary of his presentation which was a great relief. To take notes including the long words he mentioned and explained, would have challenged almost any of us. It was a most interesting and informative talk explaining many of the complicated processes contributing to overweight, and reassuring to hear the basically simple advice in his last paragraph. Look at our website for more information :www.watfordu3a.org.uk 5 Pam Grant’s Page ‘Garden Group Notes’ IN JUNE we ventured a long way with a visit to Hidcote Manor Gardens in the North Cotswolds near Chipping Campden. This destination had been mentioned on many occasions and had also featured on TV programmes. The first colourful displays were in fact at the service area stop where we realised we were seeing coachloads of dressed up people heading for Ladies’ Day at Ascot! Hidcote is a beautiful garden now owned by the NT but originally developed by Lawrence Johnston over a period of forty years. He started it soon after his mother bought the estate in 1907 and it quickly grew to be his life's work. Although both of his parents were American, Lawrence was actually born in Paris. After studying Classics at Cambridge he became a naturalised British citizen and fought in the Boer War and First World War. Following his retirement from the army, Johnston had the time and money to pursue his other interests but he always found the time and energy to devote to his garden. Johnston gave his garden to the National Trust in 1948 and Hidcote welcomed its first paying visitors in 1949. When Johnston started gardening here he found the estate was very exposed. To provide shelter from the wind, he planted evergreen oaks and hedges of holly, hornbeam, beech and yew. These divided the garden into a series of compartments or 'rooms', built around two main corridors that gave breath-taking views over the surrounding countryside. Each of the garden rooms had its own character and atmosphere, with surprises and discoveries around every corner. He intentionally made those areas close to the house formal in design and structure, with those further away more naturalistic. We found that the overall garden was not particularly large but with so many small rooms with lovely colourful planting, small paths and old steps it was great fun to explore. The map was quite an interesting challenge to most at some point! The forecast had been for a serious chance of heavy thundery showers but although the day remained muggy we were spared any downpours. Most people enjoyed tea and cake and a visit to the extensive plant centre before having a good journey home in the big comfortable tourer coach we were given. The day though long was much enjoyed by all. IN JULY we made a return visit to Nymans Gardens in Sussex first visited last year in the Spring. The house and 600 acres of land were originally purchased by Ludwig Messel a prosperous stockbroker in 1890. He designed some features of the garden which can still be seen today such as the Wall Garden, the Pinetum (wrecked in the 1987 storm then recreated using many cuttings from the fallen trees) and the recently restored rock garden. His son Leonard rebuilt the house as a Tudor mansion and designed the Rose Garden. Sadly much of the house was destroyed by fire just after the Second World War although the gardens survived to be rescued by the intervention of the National Trust. Leonard’s daughter Anne and her husband the Earl of Rosse then lived in the partially rebuilt house until her death in 1992 and the estate has gradually been put back in order. The day was one of the amazingly hot and humid ones we had in mid-July with a corresponding need for sunhats and a gentle pace. Some members of the group went at some stage on a buggy ride or on a tour of the gardens with a very knowledgeable guide while others were happy to wander at their own pace. The summer borders, partly replanted this year, were splendid and incredibly colourful whilst the rose garden was full of perfume despite some of the roses looking rather hot and weary. The new rock garden looked really well established and areas of trees provided much needed shade. The house was full of mementoes of Anne and her theatre designer brother Oliver but remains very much as it was in her parents’ day and was of great interest to those who went round the rooms. There was also an exhibition of some of E H Shepard’s original ‘Wind in the Willows’ drawings to enjoy. Both of these afforded some much appreciated shade too! We had a tough journey back on a problem-laden M25 but were treated to a very creative route which even involved Heathrow’s Terminal 5 at one point! Look at our website for more information :www.watfordu3a.org.uk 6 Please see ‘The Study Group Synopsis’ for Group Leaders’ contact numbers and times and venues of Study Group Meetings. Anglo-German Walks ‘Sprechen Sie Deutsch?’ 2nd and 4th Fridays 9.30 start 10-12 miles. Meeting points: Always at a pub in the Chilterns. 21 member s are split into two Groups (‘A’ Team goes on 2nd Fridays, ‘B’ team on 4th Fridays). Communication via email/ car sharing possibilities. New members are welcome but may not be able to be given a choice of Team, because of numbers in each Team. Same walk done on both Fridays, normally led by Dick Chapman. Aug Cholesbur y/ The Blue Ball Ashr idge. Sep West Wycombe/ Chequer s, Wheeler End. Oct Little Hampden Common/ King and Queen, Wendover . Nov Cadmor e End/ Pr ince Alber t Fr ieth. Dec Studham/ Br idgewater Ar ms Little Gaddesden. Antiques 2nd Tues 2.30-4.30pm at my home. Unfortunately several members of the group had other commitments – hospital appointments, holidays and family. So this month’s meeting had to be cancelled. Aug Toys. Art Appreciation 2nd Mon 10.00 for 10.30am ‘The Sun Postal Sports & Social Club’ Bellmountwood Avenue, WD17 3BN In July Alan Wray gave us interesting talk covering two contrasting subjects: pictures relating to Ovid’s Latin poem “Metamorphoses”, including some Titians, followed by paintings of Yorkshire landscapes. 12 Aug ‘Lesser known Landscape Artists’: George Morland - Brian Ashford; Richard Wilson - Annie Cooper; Kyffin Willams - Cynthia Morgan; Paul Henry - Sue Sidders; also a taste of LS Lowry (whose exhibition is at the Tate) presented by Ray Gynne. Beginners Latin & Roman Life 4th Fri Garston Fire Station 23 Aug 2.30pm We shall consolidate knowledge of Latin verb families and noun endings. We shall also be looking at the topic of Roman doctors, medicines and health. Better Photos 4th Mon 10.00am. Book Discussion Group 4th Mon 2.30-4.30pm. Gr oup full: waiting list. Book Discussion Too Last Fri in month, 10.00am. The group met informally on 28th June. 30Aug will be our fir st meeting to avoid most of the Summer holidays when people are away. The first book we will read is The Island by Victoria Hislop. We are still looking for more members, so if you are interested in reading books which take you out of your comfort zone, and telling us how you found them, please contact me, Barbara Johnson. You will be very welcome. Chess 2nd & 4th Tues 9.30am. If anyone wants to learn how to play I am willing to teach them. We also have a very good national Correspondence Chess kindly set up by Dick Chapman. Computers 3rd Thurs 2.00pm Garston Fire Station, St Albans Road, (next to Asda). The computer club is now full but I am prepared to create a waiting list for anyone interested in joining. Computing for Beginners 3rd Fri 2.00pm ASDA ASDA Community Centre north Watford. Mainly of interest to those who want to ask basic questions but can't find anyone to answer them. It's of limited value to anyone without a laptop. Classics Group 3rd Mon 2.15pm. New members are always welcome. Cryptic Crosswords 1st & 3rd Fri of the month. Current Affairs 3rd Tues 10.00am Hollytree House. A very full meeting for the July discussion covered our usual wide range of topics. Defence spending seems to be better managed in France than in the UK but though we feel there is need for some expenditure we have doubts about nuclear deterrents, especially when controlled from the USA. That and many aspects of our investment are dominated, far more than we would like by big business interests. Other topics that came up were the need to save water: inadequate support for engineering training; domination of sport presentation by Sky Television; and the present Government's desire to privatise any thing that makes a profit; After Belgian and Dutch monarchs have decided to abdicate, should our own Queen follow their example. All being well, by the time this report is published, we shall all be rejoicing at the arrival of the royal baby! Current Affairs Two 2nd Wed. of the month 10.00am-12noon at Asda's Community Centre. Cycling 1st and 3rd Monday starting at Watford Met Station at 10.00am. DIY Discussion 2nd Mon 10.00am – 12 noon Tea Tree House, Garston Lane Watford, WD25 9QR Street parking -Buses from Watford, Nos. 5, 6 & 321. European Studies 4th Wed 10.00am. Garston Fire Station. Exploring London 7 Aug Spinnaker Tower and Submar ine Museum All Tickets sold and waiting list. 4 Sep Chiswick br ewer y and Chiswick House Some tickets available. Film Group 1st Thursday 2.15pm 1 Aug Cadillac Recor ds. Chr onicles the r ise of Chess Records and its recording artists. 5 Sep The Talented Mr .Rigby. In late 1950s New Yor k, Tom Ripley a young underachiever, is sent to Italy to retrieve a rich and spoiled millionaire playboy, named Dickie Greeleaf but when the errand fails Rigby takes extreme measures. This group is now full. Look at our website for more information :www.watfordu3a.org.uk 7 Gardening Thurs 15 Aug Kathy Br own’s Garden near Bedford for afternoon visit with garden tour and tea and cake! We are making a lunch stop at Frost’s Garden centre before arrival. Few tickets remaining. Thurs 19 Sep Outing to Beth Chatto’s garden. Tickets on sale to Group members in August, any remaining on open sale in September. Thurs 17 Oct Outing to Sheffield Par k. Mor e details later. Cheques only please! Genealogy 2nd Fri 10.00am Meetings are held at ‘Step Up’, 39 Oxhey Drive, South Oxhey. On occasions we meet at other locations so please contact the SGL if you are coming for the first time. New members welcome. German Conversation 1st & 3rd Thurs 10am-12 Noon. This gr oup is now full. Golf Lessons August Dates - Wednesdays 7th and 21st August – Lessons start at 11:30 am at the Practice Ground, Batchwood Hall Golf Club, with pro Mark Flitton. Cost £6 for one hour. No commitment, just attend when you can. Bad weather may prevent lessons taking place. For further details contact John Robinson tel. 01923 350063 email [email protected] Greetings Cards Hollytree House. 2nd Thurs (2 Groups) 10.00am & 1.30pm. History 2nd Mon 2.00pm Fire Station Garston (Asda CP off A41). Italian Alt Thurs 10.00am. A self help group, guided by a fluent Italian speaker. Jazz 3rd Wed 2.30pm. Lifestyle 4th Tues Combewood 2-4pm. Luncheon Club 4th Wed. Any members who would like to join us for lunch please phone Fay for details. Money Matters 1st Thurs 10.00am to Noon prompt ASDA Conference Centre, St Albans Road, nr the Dome roundabout. Music Appreciation 3rd Wed: 9 Nancy Downs 10 00am coffee, 10.30am meeting. This month we venture into the world of chamber music. We will see the great Polish pianist, Krystian Zimerman playing the Four Ballades by Chopin. This will be followed by a performance of Schubert's "Piano Trio No 2" which will be played by The Beaux Arts Trio. The second movement is based on a delightful Swedish folk song, which Schubert had heard shortly before he started composing the work. It is one of a number of compositions he wrote shortly before his untimely death at the age of 31. Programme notes are provided at the start of each meeting. Needlecraft 1st and 4th Mondays, Garston Fire Station. Opera 2nd Mon 2.30pm at Christine’s. 10 Aug Nor ma – Act II. This will be a different production from the one we saw in June so it will be interesting to compare the two. 9 Sep As it is Ver di’s 200th birthday this year I am hoping to be able to show a recording of a BBC 4 programme presented by Rolando Villazon about Verdi and his operas. This will last one hour and then in the second half we will see excerpts of Verdi’s work on DVD. 14 Oct T.B.A. Pathfinders 4th Tues am We meet at about 9.50am at the walking venue. We usually walk 4 - 5 miles and then have pub lunch together. New members are very welcome. Contact [email protected] 27 Aug Walk the Alban Way in easy stages with Pat and Diane. 24 Sep Rickmanswor th Aquadr ome with Mar ie and June. 22 Oct Hampstead with Kath and Annie. Performing Arts & Poetry Mon evening 7.30pm at Nancy Downs Oxhey, Unless specified otherwise. SGL Brian Redding Tel/Skype: 01923825203 19 Aug Play r eading. 16 Sep Poetr y and discussion. 21 Oct Play r eading. Rock & Pop 4th Thurs 2.30pm Hollytree House. 22 Aug Br itain’s first two rockers – Tommy Steele & Terry Dene. Sept No Meeting. We still have vacancies – so come and join us! Science Interest Now meeting at the Sun Postal Sports & Social Club, Bellmountwood Avenue, Watford, WD17 3BN where we can accommodate new members. Please contact Maurice on [email protected]. 19 Aug TBA. 16 Sep ‘Human Population’: Len Mann. 7 billion and rising. 21 Oct ‘The pathology of heart disease’ :Prof. Richard Bruckdorfer. Scrabble 1 2nd and 4th Thurs. Group is now full. Scrabble 2 2nd Thurs 10.00am. Group is now full. Scrabble 3 1st Mon 10.am Hollytree House. We have 18 members, but could fit a few more in. Shakespeare Last Wed 2.00 pm 28 Aug In J uly we watched the DVD of A Midsummer Night's Dream and now we shall finish reading the play. We shall be choosing our next play and also looking at some sonnets. 25 Sep We shall be r eading some sonnets and introducing our chosen play. Snooker Every Mon 11.00am - 1.00pm Spanish Group Devereux Drive, Watford Sporting Forum Meet at Coombewood House on 3rd Tuesday at 2.00pm 30 Aug - Friday Racing at Sandown Par k. This is a great day out to attend the afternoon meeting at Sandown. First of all bring a Hamper/Picnic Lunch plus a rug or folding chair to sit on the Turf. We supply a selection of wine. Our ticket includes entry to the major stands and Look at our website for more information :www.watfordu3a.org.uk 8 paddock area. All you need is to pick some winners. Its possible because we had a lucky member last year. Cost for transport and entry to racecourse is £25.00.This event is open to all U3A members and their partner/friend. Contact Sylvia Jones. 17 Sep Ten Pin Bowling at Woodside Leisur e Centr e at 2.00.pm. 15 Oct Visit to Twickenham Rugby Gr ound. We have a 2 hr private tour of the ground. Before that we will be having lunch at the Winning Post a local Pub. This will be a exciting and interest day out. Leaving at approx. 11.00am from Watford Essex Arms. Event open to all U3A members, partners and friends. Contact Allan Humphris. Strollers 2nd & 4th Tues 11.00am. 2.5-3 miles. 13 Aug Cindy & Peter : Redbour n. Par k & eat at The Chequers, St Albans Rd, Redbourn. Table Tennis Closed for the summer. The Explorers 1st Fri of the month. 2 Aug Essex Ar ms to car shar e 09.30 Sarratt Leaders Jean & John Dolamore CP Cock PH Sarratt. 6 Sep 10.00 Croxley Green Leader Yvonne Fitton. Park Red House PH. 4 Oct 9.30 Essex Arms to car share 10.00 Old Reddings CP. Walk Stanmore. Leaders Jean & Peter Groves. Eat Three Crowns, Bushey Heath. Thirsty Walkers Every 4th Thursday leaving The Essex Arms at 9.30am; car-sharing where possible. A good lunch after the walk with friendly company. Come and try it. 22 Aug Peter and Jean Gr oves ar e going to Berkhamsted from The Five Horseshoes PH. 26 Sep Alan and Car ol Rose will take us on their favourite walk through Bedmond. Parking at The Compasses PH. Oct 24 A walk by Alan and J ulie Steer ar ound Rothampsted and Harpenden Common. Toffee 2nd Thurs 10.00am-12.00. Aug NO MEETING 12 Sep our usual venue. Tuesday Trekkers Meet 9.45 for 10.00am. 13 Aug Leader Wiggo of Watfor d without bicycle (Dennis). Meet CP off Barton Rd Croxley Green. We hope for no low flying aircraft to get in our way this month. 10 Sep Tony & Br enda will lead us ar ound Ruislip Lido Meet The Case is Altered Pub, Eastcote High Rd, Eastcote, HA5 2EW. We will return to the Pub for refreshments after the walk, not before. Tuesday Ramblers 4th Tue Meet – varied. We walk 10-12 miles in 4-5 hours, stopping for a pub lunch midday. Details from John Carleton U3A Singers 1st & 3rd Mon 2.30pm. Aug We ar e taking a summer br eak so no meetings during August. 2 Sep Back to wor k, r eady to pr epar e for Chr istmas! Walking 2nd & 4th Wed 10.00am. Unless otherwise stated. Most walks meet JS A41. Six miles. Watford Colosseum Group Watford Colosseum Group is of course open to all our members and we get the best prices and seats for the shows selected. If you are on email and wish to receive the latest Watford Colosseum Selected Shows List please contact Alan Rose, and register your details. This way you will receive the up to date availability of the shows on offer, thank you. Wine Appreciation Last Friday 2.30 - 4.30pm. Wit Knits 1st Monday 10.00am. Var ious venues. Writers Workshop Fortnightly Tues 2.00pm. See ‘success’ story below. SGLs Please check your group Entry. There are many missing entries for ‘News from the Groups’- ??? -leaders from whom I usually receive copy. Are you tired of sending or has your group closed? With the advent of ‘Group’ emails, information is easily disseminated to your existing group members but Not to potential new members and valuable coffee /gossip time is used at monthly meetings when SGLs stand up and tell us ‘routine detail’ which is easier understood and retained if it is written in the Newsletter. Ed Look On Watford Bus Stops By Janice Day A couple of years ago three members of the Writing Workshop group, Maureen Carrington, John Grainger and Janice Day won first, second and third place in a poetry competition organised by Age UK, Hertfordshire. The poems were published in their magazine. Encouraged by this, Haydn Illingworth and Janice Day entered another local competition. Watford’s Member of Parliament donated a pair of Art Deco vases (The Richard Harrington Challenge Cups) for the winners of the new literature competition and an art competition which started last year. The competition was organised by Watford Arts Council and Watford Writers. I am pleased to say that we both came in the final ten. The theme for the stories was ‘One Day’. I went to the presentation held at Watford Museum and met Richard Harrington who presented the first and second prizes. I was able to read the ten stories. They were as diverse as the authors imaginations and interpretation of the theme. Some time ago several members took part in writing classes organised by the council to promote Allotments and our stories and poems, which obviously had an allotment theme in its widest sense, were displayed in bus stops. The ‘One Day’ final ten stories are being displayed again on posters in bus stops throughout Watford. I hope some of you will look for them and read them. They can also be read on the Watford Observer Web Site. U3A DIARY 2014 Price £2.00 Dark Red cover and the same features as before. Available from Francis Goode at Monthly Meetings. U3A Calendar 2014 Price £4.00 available from U3A national office. see p54 Third Age Matters issue 7 Francis Goode phone Look at our website for more information :www.watfordu3a.org.uk 9 PEACE HOSPICE RAFFLE Just to remind all my generous supporters that next month, September will be our 3r d r affle for 2013. We have already received a large donation from one of the Study Groups, and hopefully we will make a lot more of money to add to our cheque for The Peace Hospice in January. PLEASE BRING PLENTY OF CASH!!! Thank you very much indeed. I can always collect any prize donations or bring them to the General Meetings. I sit at the back, right hand side as you come in. June Baughen WU3A CHRISTMAS REVIEW First Rehearsal Monday September 30th 2.30pm The Sun Sports & Postal Club Bellmountwood Avenue, Casiobury Park WD17 3BN A reminder to those members who have agreed to be involved with our Christmas Show. Nobody will be word perfect etc but please come with your ‘offering’ so I can plan the programme. Margaret T VUE CINEMA Revised Prices OVER 60s RATES Mon-Thurs befor e 5.00pm £6.05 After 5.00pm & Sat & Sun £7.10 Booking Fee 75p U3A ALMONERS Please let us know of any member who is sick or bereaved and in need of our support. We cannot help if we do not know! Irene Lowe Peggy Element Janet Carleton Joyce Hoffbrand Watford U3A’s Projector & Laptop Computers and our sound system To make a booking contact: Colin Richards [email protected] CHARITY APPEALS STAMPS for The Peace Hospice. Marie & Barry Irwin CHEAP SOFTWARE As U3A students, we qualify for cheap software from www.software4students.co.uk SENIORS CLUB Mon at 12.00noon £3.55 Selected films are shown and price includes tea and biscuits See Website for Titles www.myvue.com VIRTUAL U3A www.vu3a.org.uk There is a Virtual U3A on line for those unable to attend an ordinary U3A. If you have any friends or know anyone who would benefit from this please pass it on. The website says “An important target group for this virtual development includes older people who are geographically isolated through illness or perhaps personal commitments. (carers, for others.)”. Watford Central Library have a reading group for any-one who enjoys listening to audio books. The Talking Book Club meet every six weeks upstairs in the lecture room (a lift is available) at Watford Central Library, where we enjoy discussing what we've been listening to with biscuits and tea. All are welcome and we operate on Tuesdays, 2.15pm – 3.30pm For further information please contact 0300 1234049 (local rate) Study Group Refreshment Rota 2012/13 August September October November December Computer Club Gardening Club Card Group Needlecraft Exploring London Pat Walker Pam Grant Yvonne Fitton Jean Armstrong Pat Harding Monthly Meeting Talks programme. 1st Tuesday 10.00am - 12.00noon. 6 Aug J er sey Zoo and work of Gerrald Durrell. Barry KaufmannWright will give a light-hearted look at life as a Keeper working with Gerry Durrell, the late TV naturalist. Barry worked also for 22 years as a Police Wildlife Crime Officer. 3 Sep Elgar on the River Sever n David Clarke, a former lecturer and member of Stevenage U3A, spent a six -night river cruise from Gloucester to Stourport accompanied by excerpts of Elgar`s music. 1 Oct Elstr ee: Br itain`s Hollywood Bob Redman is a co-founder of “Elstree Screen Heritage”. He will speak on the last 100 years of Elstree Studios where some of the most iconic film and TV productions were made. 5 Nov Cuba Our ver y own Ray Gynne will give an illustrated talk on his visit to Havana and Trinidad in western Cuba. Hemmingway and Che Guevara will also be in evidence. 3 Dec WU3A Chr istmas Review with members of The Performing Arts Group, The U3A Singers and other ‘press ganged’ talent. Fun and Laughter! For more detail contact our ‘Speaker Secretary’- Cindy Birkett [email protected] September ‘Study Group News’ Editor Jill Ibbott News from the groups MUST be received by: 20 August October Newsletter Editor Margaret Thompson Pictures, Articles & Study Group News MUST be received by: 20 September E-mail all copy for both Look at our website for more information :www.watfordu3a.org.uk