Winter Newsletter 2015

VISIT TO THE BBC
One of our brave men, Tony Dobbs, then did an
excellent weather forecast, which would have given
Ian McCaskill a run for his money!
The Visits Group set off to London for a tour of the
We were taken next to the radio theatre where many
BBC on rather a long and tedious journey through
artists have performed live in front of a small
the London traffic, eventually arriving at
audience of members of the public who apply for
Broadcasting House to check in through security
free tickets. Several leading actors have started
before being allowed access to the café for a much
their careers on the stage there, including Benedict
needed cup of tea. We met our guides in the café,
after being given yellow lanyards to wear on the tour. Cumberbatch. The theatre was art deco in style and
used to have a much lower floor in the 1930s which
We were first shown the large newsroom which is
could be seen by the height of some of the door
the view seen at the beginning of every main news
frames. Afterwards we were taken to another studio
bulletin and it wasn’t long before we spotted
newsreader Huw Edwards. When I returned home, to record a short radio play. Some of our members
volunteered to read a part while Esther and Peter did
I watched the One O’Clock News on catch-up and
a sterling job with the sound effects.
our group were clearly visible peering through the
viewing platform at the beginning of the bulletin!
We were then taken to the One Show studio where
we sat on the famous green sofas, which were
actually rather tatty and grubby! It was interesting to
see how small the set actually is.
We were then taken to another studio to have a turn
at reading the news via an autocue, which I rather
rashly volunteered to do together with a copresenter. We had to stand in front of a Green
Screen and read what was on the autocue when
prompted to do so and it was shown on a TV screen
with us in front of a newsroom backdrop.
After returning to the Media Café, some of us
spotted Sophie Raworth on the news floor, perhaps
writing her reports for the 6 O’Clock News, and also
Alex Deakin was presenting the weather forecast at
the end of the news bulletin. It was a very
interesting tour which I really enjoyed but the coach
journey home was again very difficult through
London. I am so glad I don’t have to commute to
work there, it must be very stressful.
Janet Levett
Research in the U3A – exciting news!
In various National Office communications you may have seen references to the involvement of U3As in
research projects. Many of these research opportunities involve Shared Learning Projects (SLPs) run by
Universities, located in areas well away from West Sussex. I know this has put people off joining in, as the
travel costs alone seem prohibitive.
Heather Stone (our L&S U3A Treasurer) and I have however decided to undertake some research, starting
in our own U3A and (who knows?) possibly having far-reaching implications for U3As nationwide.
The subject we are interested in is Whether the U3A model of informal learning is appropriate in the 21 st Century.
At the moment we are at the preliminary stages, but WATCH THIS SPACE (in future Newsletters) to see
how you can join in and help us to explore this issue.
Anne Richardson and Heather Stone
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LOCAL HISTORY - VISIT TO NOVIUM MUSEUM,
CHICHESTER
accompanied the mayor through the streets of
Chichester at night. Originally, this was one of a
pair, but the Municipal Sun has sadly not survived.
The Moon’s last outing was in 1962 for the opening
of Chichester Festival Theatre. It was made of horn,
with hinged access panels allowing candles to be lit,
but some were damaged and it is now on permanent
display, having undergone some conservation work.
The second floor contained artifacts from the city
and district ranging from Roman, Anglo Saxon,
Medieval, Tudor, Stuart, Georgian, Victorian, and
present time. One item was the Racton man, a
Bronze age warrior some 6ft tall who died around
45 years old from a sword wound in battle. Also in
the cabinet was a Bronze Age dagger, an important
On 15th September, 15 members of the Local History find; at nearly 4,200 years old, it is one of the earliest
Group, plus our Chairman, David, visited the Novium bronze objects to have been found. Also on this
Museum in Chichester. This was a guided tour of
floor was the “moving” stocks used as punishment.
the museum.
The condemned would have been placed in these
The Novium Museum, which is located in the centre and toured round the city. They were last used in
of Chichester, in Tower Street, opened in Chichester the mid-1800’s for someone who was drunk and
on 8th July 2012. The Novium is purpose-built to
disorderly. Probably we can all think of some people
show the remains of a Roman Bath House, which
who would benefit from this, especially being pelted
are now uncovered for visitors to see for the first
with refuse!
time. They were previously preserved under a car
park.
We were met by our guides, Portia and Catherine,
and commenced our tour on the ground floor, which
holds the remains of the Roman baths filling much of
the ground floor gallery. There is an audio visual film
which shows how they were built and used in Roman
times. The bath house would have been used as a
meeting place, to engage in leisure activities and
perhaps to talk business. It would have been an
active and noisy place, full of chatter and gossip,
where games might have been played and beauty
treatments enjoyed. We were shown metal strigils
which would have been used in the baths to scrape
off dirt, perspiration, and oil which would have been
applied by slaves before bathing.
Also on the ground floor was part of a mosaic floor
recovered from a ploughed field and carefully pieced
together (I hope they liked jigsaw puzzles!), and the
Edward wears a copy of the Sutton Hoo burial ship
Jupiter Stone which was part of a plinth. This would
helmet
have held the statue of the god, being decorated
with two of the three Graces. There was also the
stone Bosham head which was recovered in 1880
On the third floor was the Activity Centre, where you
and weighs 170 kg. This is probably the head of a
could get close up and hands on to various artifacts.
Roman Emperor. It has been suggested that it may Some were reproductions, but there were original
be Vespasian who reigned from AD 69.
things included, such as flint axes and spear heads,
We then moved up to the first floor, which held a
pottery and helmets. Our Chairman had the time of
display of artifacts from Roman times to 19th
his life trying on all the military helmets, from
century. Notable amongst these was the lead coffin gladiatorial and centurion helmets, to a copy of the
lining which came from the Roman cemetery, just
Sutton Hoo burial helmet, through to a German
outside the Roman West Gate, as Roman law
World War One helmet.
forbade burial within towns. The occupant of the
All too soon, our guided tour finished, although we
coffin was buried around late 3rd or 4th century and could have stayed and gone round on our own after
specialists, after examining the bones, have said he the tour. The Novium is a fascinating place with a
was probably an old man with some wealth as lead
great range of artifacts from throughout the
would have been expensive. Also on this floor was
centuries. It's well worth a visit.
the Municipal Moon, a lantern which was used in
processions and carried by a mace bearer, who
Roz Harding
2
THE SEWING GROUP CUTS A DASH
describe and I know it sounds crazy, but trust me, it's
great fun and very effective.
Recently we were delighted to receive some new
equipment from the U3A committee – a large cutting
mat, a long ruler and a safety rotary cutter. These
items have been a great help, previously we only
had one small mat, ruler and cutter, not a lot of
equipment for 12 people.
We've put the new equipment to good use this
month, as we've been learning an interesting
technique. This involves sewing squares of fabric
together to make blocks, then cutting the blocks
across the sewing lines, re-arranging the cut pieces,
then sewing them together again! It's hard to
When we've finished tinkering with the blocks, we'll
join them together to make quilts. You'll see some of
these in March next year at the Exhibition of Work.
Who knows, you might decide to give it a go and join
our group.
Sheila Taylor-Bennett
LANCING & SOMPTING U3A CALENDAR 2016
The 2016 Lancing & Sompting U3A Calendar will be on sale at the Christmas Social on 7th December,
price £4 each. If you can't make the Social, please ask your Group Leader to order a copy for you.
The calendars have been produced by the Photography Group, from photographs taken by Group
members, and are exclusive to the Lancing & Sompting U3A.
Our thanks go to Mike Jeffrey, who took over as Leader of the Photography Group, and arranged
the production of the calendars, at very short notice.
A sample of the pictures from the 2016 calendar:
APRIL - Another Wet Day
NOVEMBER - Beached For The Night
2016 DIARIES
The U3A 2016 diaries are now available. They cost £2 each and Heather Stone will be bringing them along
to each monthly General Meeting for you to buy - see Page 9 for dates.
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PHOTOGRAPHY GROUP
The October meeting of the Photography Group was the annual photographic competition. Steve White of
Southwick Camera Club once again kindly agreed to judge the photographs submitted by the members for
the two categories, Architecture and Waterways.
It was pleasing that there were a considerable number of photographs submitted for each of the categories.
Steve gave valuable feedback on how to improve our technique and then marked each photograph out of
20, before finally choosing the winners. Congratulations to the winners, whose entries are featured below.
Architecture:
1st Jan Arnold - 2nd John Desborough - 3rd Ted Brown
Rivers and Waterways:
1st John Desborough - 2nd Roger Boakes – 3rd Jean Gould
4
‘FIDDLE MATS’ AND ‘FIDDLE BOARDS’ FOR
PATIENTS WITH DEMENTIA
Take a look at the photos of the mats and contact
me if you can help in any way to make life better for
those patients living with Dementia.
I attended a Craft Show at Farnborough earlier this
Now - some of you know my poor ‘put upon’
year, with some of my U3A Card Group friends. My
husband Ron …………………… and I wonder if any
daughter Nicky, who is a nurse at Brighton General
of you would be able to help him? You see, once I’ve
Hospital, came along too.
had an idea, it seems to spread out and Ron
At this Show we saw an exhibition of some fabric
inadvertently becomes involved. Once the Hospital
‘Fiddle Mats’ made to help occupy and calm patients Ward Manager saw the ‘Fiddle Mats’ she floated the
with Dementia. Returning home, my daughter and I
idea to daughter Nicky of ‘a sort of Fiddle Board’ as
(both amateur ‘sewers’, with dozens of pieces of
ideal for the male patients with Dementia. She said
unused fabric cluttering up our houses) decided to
she had no idea how this could be designed and
make a couple of these mats to take in to the
made, but wouldn’t it be a good idea if someone
Hospital for use by the patients.
could make one………………..!
We knew that the mats had to be patient-safe,
Yes, you’ve guessed it – daughter Nicky told Ron,
completely washable, comprise items of ‘fiddling’
and Ron (not a handyman, but always willing to try)
interest, like buttons and button holes, zips, laces,
scrounged some wood and some ‘fiddle bits’ from
tactile fabric, sparkly fabric, etc. etc. and made to lap one of our male U3A members and made a
-sized specifications. With these criteria in mind, the ‘prototype’ Fiddle Board. It was an immediate
success. So, Ron now needs some help from
only limit to the design was our own imaginations.
Nicky and I made half a dozen of these ‘prototypes’ anyone willing to help him by making some
and Nicky took them into the Hospital. The response ‘Fiddle Boards’.
from the staff nursing Dementia patients was
overwhelmingly positive. Their message to Nicky
was ‘keep them coming, they have made such an
enormous difference to the patients and to the ability
of the staff to nurse these patients’. ‘Fiddling’
certainly calms the patients and prevents them from
agitating others in the Wards.
Like the ‘Fiddle Mats’, the level of handyman/wood
working skill required to make a ‘Fiddle Board’ is
only rudimentary. You could also help if you could
donate any spare large nuts & bolts, small door
bolts, catches, latches, handles etc. – in fact
anything that can be fixed to a wooden board that
Following this feedback, I mentioned the ‘fiddle mats’ will still have a moving part ‘to be fiddled with’. (Look
to members of the U3A Sewing Group and
in your sheds and garages – you’ll be surprised at
immediately the word spread. As a result, some of
what you find – but, please, no rusty old bits of
our L&S U3A members have made and donated a
junk!).
collection of absolutely beautiful ‘fiddle mats’ (far
If anyone can help in any of the ways suggested,
more colourful and interesting than the functional
please don’t hesitate to contact Ron or me by
mats supplied by Nicky and I!), and all very gratefully telephone on 01903 753195; or by email:
received by the staff at the hospital. Not only have
[email protected]
U3A members contributed, but one lady acquainted
to a U3A member, through a Quilting Club, has also
made some ‘masterpieces’!
Thus, with the ‘keep them coming’ message in mind,
I wonder if there is anyone else in our U3A who
can sew, who would like to ‘have a go’? The level
of needle-working competence required to make a
successful ‘fiddle mat’ need only be very basic. (If I
can do it, anyone with a sewing machine can do it)!
Also, if any member has spare, clean, washable
fabric measuring half a metre or more that they
would like to donate, I would be very pleased to
receive it. Additionally, spare ‘fiddling’ things to sew
onto the mats would be gratefully received.
Anne and Ron Richardson
5
JAZZ AND MUSIC APPRECIATION GROUP
Hello to all of our Jazz & Music Appreciation Fans.
We would like to give a very warm welcome to our new Members.
Since the last newsletter we have had a presentation on the Sussex Jazz Divas
by Jim Burlong. This was followed by Ladies Who Play The Organ In Jazz by
David Stevens in the early Summer; David is very knowledgeable on all aspects
of Jazz, so a few of our presenters enlist his help when they want to do a
presentation. We had a presentation by me on the softer side of jazz. This included artistes such as Mel
Torme, Miles Davies, Cleo Laine, Chet Baker, and many other well known musicians. In July the
presentation by Sylvia Ashdown was Male Vocalists, then Margaret Clayton gave us More Place Names In
Jazz. In September, Jim Burlong gave us The Great Jazz Standards, including April in Paris by Wynton
Marsallis, My One And Only Love by Sonny Rollins, East of the Sun by Diana Krall, and Blue in Green
played by Miles Davis. I must say Jim really knows his Jazz, and this was a very good presentation. For
our October meeting we had Cyril Pelluet from Shoreham & Southwick U3A Jazz Group. His presentation
was Juke Box Memories Of The 50s & 60s. This certainly brought back tunes from the past, as it related to
our mis-spent youth in coffee bars. We then had a first presentation by one of our group, Roger Coughlan,
on The Spice of Big Bands, this was certainly enjoyed by all.
We recently had a vote on having meetings in August. I am pleased to say this had a Yes vote, because
quite a few of our members said they would not go away when the school holidays were on! The other
news is that the Group is now full until further notice as we have reached a total of 30.
Finally, I put in an application for a capital item, a new Hi-Fi System as the one we have was not giving us
its best at times. I am very pleased to say this was accepted! I must say a big thank you to Heather Stone,
our Treasurer, and the rest of the committee who gave the O.K. on this.
John Anthony
PETANQUE GROUP
boules come in a range of weights and diameters
and are engraved with a unique number.
Although some members of the group have had to
The player’s hand is measured, then using a chart
drop out, the remaining members are making steady the appropriate diameter is chosen. They are
progress in their understanding of, and ability in, the available on Ebay or similar websites, or from
sport.
specialist suppliers.
Two sets of eight boules have been purchased by
A pointer may select a smaller but heavier boule with
the U3A which together with an existing set of eight deep markings to grip the terrain closely, and which
boules provides equipment for 8 players. Several
cannot easily be dislodged by the smooth boule of
members have now purchased their own sets.
the shooter.
The shooter may conversely buy a larger, lighter
boule offering a greater surface to connect with the
pointed boule it is attempting to dislodge; also in
competition it is not unusual to play up to six games
in one day.
The new sets of boules with coche and measure
showing the indentations, can be used either as
pointing or shooting boules.
Members have been given a small ‘quiz’ sheet to
assess their grasp of the theory and etiquette of the
sport, which can be used as an aide-memoire.
Progress is measured not only by the accuracy of
play but also by grasp of tactics. One important
factor is ‘reading’ the terrain, the lumps and bumps
of which can be used to advantage as players
progress.
The value of novices using leisure boules is that
This is a year-round outdoor activity, dependent
when a player is ready to progress they will have
upon dry weather, and suitable footwear and clothing
decided whether their skills suit the role of pointer, in is essential; however in wet weather if sufficient
which case they can invest in a set of marked/ridged members would like to meet for a coffee and
competition boules, or as a shooter, using smooth
discussion, that’s fine.
boules with no or fewer indentations.
We meet on the first and third Friday of the month, at
Competition boules are made of a harder substance Impulse Leisure Centre (Lancing Manor) from
than leisure boules, as they are designed to
2.30pm. Prospective members are very welcome.
withstand tougher punishment. Whereas leisure
boules are all the same size and weight, competition Sue Fleck
6
POPPIES FOR CHARITY
The members of the Knitting and Crochet Group
decided over the summer to make poppies to sell for
the Poppy Appeal 2015. As many members will
know we sold the poppies at the monthly meetings in
September and October and raised a splendid £100
for the Royal British Legion. The cheque has now
been sent to the RBL appeal office and we would
like to thank everyone for buying the poppies.
My own thanks go especially to the group
members who produced the goods.
Anne Dobbs
VISIT TO LONGLEAT
This visit went ahead only after a monumental effort
from Jean. With 22 members cancelling after we
had sent out the letters asking for the final balance,
(which as you know is worked out based on the
number of members who said they wished to go),
we were faced with a shortfall of nearly £100. It was
only after negotiations with the Coach Company for
a reduced fee, and a few members stepping in at the
last minute, that we were able to go. Jean toiled for
many hours reworking the figures, Sue had to keep
updating Longleat on a daily basis, and we were
very lucky they did not give up on us.
With a terrible weather forecast for strong winds and
heavy rain, we began our journey wondering if we
would be able to drive round the Safari Park. Once
again our luck held, and with a good run along the
M27 we arrived still in dry weather. It was decided
that we should go straight to the Park.
We had some excellent views of all the animals,
starting in the African Village where lots of giraffes,
zebra, deer, camels, antelopes and rhinos all
mingled together. Driving slowly so that we could
take pictures, our coach driver told us that, as his
coach was fairly new, he would not be going through
the monkey compound; they had already stripped
another coach of all its trim. Passing by, we could
just see a few brave drivers with monkeys climbing
over their cars.
We negotiated the double holding gate system, then
we were entering the big cats area. The first tiger
was still enjoying his dinner, while the others having
finished theirs just lazily watched us as we passed
7
within a few feet of them. Through another double
gate, and we encountered the first pride of lions, just
a male with 2 females sleeping amongst the trees.
Into the next enclosure, we saw a bigger pride,
several males with their lionesses all dozing in family
groups, then a little further round a group of younger
cubs separated from the older lions. The next pen
of cheetahs were more alert, they kept a focused
eye on us.
The wolf wood was the end of our safari. We
spotted several lone wolves amongst the trees,
much lighter in colour than I expected.
A couple of hours amongst such magnificent animals
was enjoyed by all.
Finally the heavy rain started so we headed for a
quick look round the smaller cuddlier animals
including Aleksandr's and Sergei's friends the
meerkats, an adorable baby anteater with the
longest snout who kept falling over, very tame
marmosets and the penguins. On a damp boat trip
round the lake we were lucky enough to see the
hippos as they gradually came out from their hiding
place under the tree lined bank, and 54-year-old
Nico, the oldest Silverback gorilla in Europe, on his
own island in the middle of the lake. On the opposite
bank a group of younger gorillas sat sheltering from
the rain. The rain did not deter the Californian sea
lions who frolicked around us as we cruised around;
eventually we stopped and fed them sardines before
heading back. With only a few minutes to spare, we
just had time for a whirlwind look at a couple of
rooms of the house before our journey home.
Gwen Davies
Photos by Eddie Pinto
VISIT TO LEEDS CASTLE
WALKING GROUP
Some interesting new walks are planned for the
winter months with distances ranging from 2.5 to 4
miles.
Our itineraries cover Arundel, Widewater, Airport,
some Downs walking, Goring, Ferring, Angmering,
Adur River, and Worthing.
After a lovely walk through parkland with streams
running alongside the River Len, escorted by scores We have been very fortunate to have a couple of
of friendly Canada Geese, all expecting to be fed by new Leaders offering walks, but we are still looking
for "new blood" as some of our present Leaders
the visitors, we came across our first view of the
have now been faithful for the last 6 years. Naturally
Castle. I must admit I was surprised, it was not the
the various walks we have enjoyed over the years
ancient castle I expected but a much more modern
will be repeated, but that is no problem; as
version.
dedicated walkers, we do love to get out and about
Originally a Norman stronghold, it became home to
Areas within reasonable distance are a bit restricted,
six of England’s medieval queens, including Queen
particularly as we are constrained from venturing
Elizabeth 1 who was once imprisoned here before
her coronation, Henry VIII and his first wife Catherine South of the area; furthermore we try to arrange
walks with public transport access to avoid having to
of Aragon. Later it became a Jacobean country
house, then a Georgian mansion, finally to be owned arrange car sharing. Having said that, we do have
some very generous members who are always
by Hon. Olive, Lady Baillie a wealthy Anglowilling to offer car lifts.
American heiress who acquired Leeds Castle in
We usually defer our Celebration Meal until the New
1926 when she turned it into a 20th century retreat
Year to avoid the rather hectic run up to Christmas,
for the influential and famous. Surrounded by a
so we will be arranging this in January.
wide deep moat, you can understand why it has
been used for Government meetings including G8
Summits.
A mediaeval gatehouse leads you through to a wide
courtyard and then into the Castle. An eclectic mix
of ancient and modern, the Tudor chapel and
paintings, relics of the civil war, family history of the
Culpepper family, then the more modern rooms
designed by French designers for Lady Baillie.
The Walking Group at Widewater
I am so happy to report that my original Joint Coordinator – June Fox, who so many of you will
remember – is now back walking with us again,
having successfully received a new hip. Well done
June!
Marion Wood
Enjoying the sunny day we wandered through the
Culpepper Garden. Originally used as a kitchen
garden, it is now a lovely flower garden with low box
hedges. To our surprise we found a Pea Hen with
her 4 little chicks scratching around the flower beds.
Just below, a lovely sunny terrace garden, with
ornamental pots and urns planted in a
Mediterranean style, had views over the Great Water
Lake with its colourful Ferry.
In the grounds we saw a Falconry Display with Owls
and Falcons, and a commemoration of the 600th
anniversary of Agincourt, so it was an interesting
day.
Gwen Davies
8
NEW CRAFT GROUP
Any members interested in joining a new
general craft group please contact Sue
Maxwell, so that a meeting can be arranged
to discuss what members would like to be
included in the group, and the time, day and
venue to be used.
Sue Maxwell 01903 411094
GENERAL MEETINGS
SUSSEX U3A NETWORK
Sussex U3A Network (S.U.N) arranges a
programme of study days seeking to cover a wide
range of topics, including the arts, humanities,
science and current affairs. The study days are
intended to enrich our members’ knowledge of the
topics covered. They are held at various locations
throughout East and West Sussex, and cost £10 per
day.
Bookings forms are available at least six weeks in
advance on the S.U.N website, or from our
representative Marion Wood on 01903 756189, or at
monthly General Meetings.
Future Study Days topics include:
Saturday 16th January 2016 – Steyning
Jazz – the Sound of Surprise - Mike Head
Jazz, possibly the only true American art form, draws
on its African and European roots to produce a
fascinating and unique music. A look at its
development through the recordings and images of
the most important jazz and blues musicians.
Saturday 13th February 2016 - Pulborough
Fifty Years of Changing Britain 1942 – 1992 Gillian Pitt
Exploration of the scientific and technological
developments combined with social and political
ideas and action which have changed our lives and
our nation.
Saturday 12th March 2016 - Seaford
General Meetings are held at Lancing Parish Hall,
South Street, Lancing on the first Monday of the
month 2 - 4pm.
Invited speakers talk on a wide variety of subjects,
many on local interests. Non-members are
welcome to come to these meetings to gain an
insight into our activities. Refreshments are
provided.
Future Meetings
December 7th – Christmas Social - Andy Thomas
– A Victorian Christmas (Members only)
January 4th - Quiz
February 1st - Houses of Parliament - Kevin
Garden
March 7th - Exhibition of work
If you find that you are sitting next to someone you
have not met before, please say hello and
introduce yourself, they may well be a fairly new
member who has not had a chance to meet many
members. Please help us to make everyone
welcome, and to live up to our reputation of being a
friendly U3A.
DRAFT PROGRAMME FOR 2016 VISITS
This is the provisional programme for 2016. All will
take place on the 3rd Wednesday in the month.
No visits will take place in January, February,
or December
March – Kensington Palace, London
April – Brooklands Museum, Weybridge
May – Exbury Gardens, Hampshire
June – Dover Castle and Tunnels, Kent
July – Wilton House, Wiltshire
Mathematics in Action - Dr Roger Luther
August - Ightham Mote, Kent (NT)
A look at some areas of life, from personal to
national, in which mathematics plays an interesting
role – including home décor, traffic behaviour and
elections.
September – Kingston Lacey, Dorset (NT)
Saturday 16th April 2016 - Crowborough
Please note: If you have expressed an interest in
any visit but then change your mind, please let us
know before we ask for the final payment. We
base the final costs on the number of members
going, if you decide that you do not wish to go after
the final payment is requested, it means the cost of
the trip alters. We do of course understand late
cancellations due to illness or unforeseen
emergencies.
The Treasures of Music - John Hursey
Music is a unique container of human
expressiveness offering the listener the chance to
join the composer on a journey of exploration. The
day will explore the overture, the concerto and the
symphony.
October – Greenwich, London
November – Meal (4th Wednesday)
If your copy of the newsletter is delivered to you by hand.......
It is no longer possible to deliver newsletters by hand. Most members download their copies from our
website. If you do not have access to the internet, issues can be posted to you. It will be necessary for
you to provide stamped addressed C5 envelopes (229x162mm) to the Group Secretary, Sue Leaney, if
you wish to receive your newsletters in this way.
9
Interest Groups and Co-ordinators
Committee Members
We respectfully ask that you contact co-ordinators during office hours if possible
2015 - 2016
Ancient History
Ron Richardson - 01903 753195
Knitting and Crochet
Anne Dobbs - 01903 210439
Chair
David Fleck - 01903 756535
Art/Painting and Drawing
Peggy Smart - 01903 521025
Living History
Anne Richardson - 01903 753195
Vice-Chair & Publicity
Barry Upton - 01903 750362
Art Appreciation
Wendy Bowers - 01903 756125
Local History
Roz Harding - 01903 446176
Treasurer
Heather Stone - 01903 752989
Bird Watching
Gwen Davies - 01903 765378
Mah Jong Group 1
Barbara Franklin - 01903 761364
Secretary
Sue Leaney - 01903 763703
Book Group 1
Edna Wright - 01903 753696
Mah Jong Group 2
Mary Appleton - 01903 767757
Assistant Secretary
Marion Wood - 01903 756189
Book Group 2
Mary Appleton - 01903 767757
Military Matters
Don Kinnear - 01903 600632
Website Administrator
Gwen Davies - 01903 750362
Bridge
Brian Partridge - 01903 754740
Petanque
Sue Fleck - 01903 756535
Membership Secretary
Jean Upton - 01903 750362
Card Making
Chris Bamford - 01903 751970
Photography
Mike Jeffery - 07799 527391
Interest Group Co-ordinator
Sue Maxwell - 01903 411094
Classical Music
Hazel Clyne - 01903 762938
Play Reading
Roger Frewin - 01273 462496
Committee Member & Speakers
Sue Shoosmith - 01903 751546
Current Affairs
Rosemary Welch - 01903 754104
Poetry
Jean Whale - 01903 767655
Committee Member
Roz Harding - 01903 446176
Easy Cycling
Terry Pashley - 01903 750720
Practical Gardening
Gwen Cole - 01903 767757
Exploring Psychology
Anne Richardson - 01903 753195
Psychology Today
Margaret Howard - 07534 980317
Family History
Brenda Hester - 01903 753993
Scrabble
Val Thomas - 01903 367107
French Language
Pauline Smith - 07804 618452
Garden Appreciation
Gwen Davies - 01903 765378
History
David Fleck - 01903 756535
Interactive Travel
Anne & Ron Richardson 01903 753195
Jazz/Music Appreciation
John Anthony - 01903 533134
Would you like to join us? Our
membership is open to retired and
semi-retired people who wish to
enjoy learning new skills, or pursuing
an interest within a social group.
Our subscription year is 1st April to
31st March.
Sewing
Sheila Taylor-Bennett 01903 756079
Singers and Shakers
Frankie Wohler - 01903 416759
Visits
Gwen Davies - 01903 765378
Sue Shoosmith - 01903 751546
Jean Upton - 01903 750362
Walking
Marion Wood - 01903 756189
Mike Hester - 01903 753993
Annual membership:
2015-2016
£13.00
Reduced part year subscription:
1st October - 31st December £9.50
1st January - 31st March
£6.50
Welfare Officers
Chris Bamford - 01903 751970
Margaret Smith - 01903 756065
Welcome to our new members:
We hope you make full use of your
membership to our thriving group and
enjoy making new friends and
stretching those brain cells!
.
We welcome ideas for new groups:
For more information, or to put
forward your ideas, please contact
any of the Committee members
above.
Speakers:
If you know anyone who could give
us a talk, please contact Sue
Shoosmith on 01903 751546
Membership entitles you to attend
our monthly General Meetings and
as many of the Interest Groups as
you wish.
An application form is available from
our Membership Secretary, Jean
Upton on 01903 750362.
The next Newsletter will be published on March 1st 2016. Deadline for articles 7th February.
Email address for articles: [email protected]
Tel: 01903 752419
10