WESTON- SUPER-MARE NEWSLETTER Spring 2008 Issue 36

AGM 30th May Don't forget it ! INSIDE YOUR SPRING ISSUE   More day trips   Photo gallery   Classified ads   Forthcoming lectures   Full activities guide   Words & Wit   AGM minutes and agenda   Return of the otter   Going green   Group reports   Kryptic Kwiz   And lots more

Your Committee

 

 

Chairman                      Roy Comer                                          

 

Vice Chairman              Jack Donkin                                         

Business Secretary        Martha Perriam                                                                        

 

Treasurer                      Shirley James                                                                           

Membership Sec.          Marjorie Elliott                                                                         

Programme Sec.           Pam Murphy                                        

Social a/c Treasurer &

Welfare Messages        Hilary Chesters                                                                        

Public Relations Alan Walters                                                                            

                                    Pat Hase                                             

Gift Aid                        Bryan Osborne                                     

 

 

Please note.  Personal e-mail addresses and telephone numbers have been removed from this newsletter.  If you wish to be put in touch with group leaders or contributors send an e-mail to the webmaster at the above address and you will be contacted.

 

 

Dates for Your Diary

 

Fri 11 April       April Lecture Lunatick Astronomy

 

Fri 25 April       Trip to Malmesbury

 

Fri 9 May          May Lecture Botticelli

 

Sun 11 May      Half-day trip to Cothay Manor

 

Fri 16 May        Words & Wit Town Hall 2.30

 

Sat 24 May       Theatre trip to Stratford

 

Fri 30 May      Annual General Meeting, St Paul’s Church Hall 2.30

 

Fri 13 June        June Lecture Dry Stone Walls

 

Mon 16 June     West Somerset Railway & Dunster trip

 

Wed 2 July        Day trip to Salisbury

 

Tue 8 July         Copy deadline for next newsletter

 

Fri 25 July         July Lecture Buildings Archaeology

 

Mon 1 Sept       Day trip to Bristol

 

 

    Editorial

Are we a newsletter or a magazine? Opinion seems to be divided. But on the evidence of this issue I think we can claim to be a bit of both. Certainly there’s news in plenty – new day trips and holidays, new groups, new Friday lectures, AGM details, etc. We’ve also got the usual mix of interesting articles, photos, and puzzles, thanks to our regular contributors. So whatever you call it we hope you’ll find our Spring issue a useful and entertaining read. Please hang on to it until May 30; your AGM agenda and minutes are inside. And don’t forget to pay your subs or they won’t let you in!

Peter Watson

 

Chairman’s Comments

So we are now approaching the end of another financial year.  Thankfully our problems appear to have been resolved and we have had a year of steady growth.   Our membership now stands at just a few short of 800, making us one of the largest U3As in the UK.

In the past nine months the day trips organised by members have been a particular highlight and the fact that they have all been oversubscribed indicates that we have identified a specific need.  Many more are planned for the coming months and details are given elsewhere in this newsletter.  Please note that they all have a limited number of places so book early to avoid disappointment.

For the more adventurous, in the autumn we are arranging a week in Northern Spain – away from the crowded Mediterranean beaches.  This will be a unique opportunity to see the parts of Spain very few tourists visit.  Our luxury coach will take us from Weston to Plymouth for the overnight crossing to Santander.  This seven day tour,  costing just £350, will include a private cabin each way, hotel accommodation on a half-board basis and all tours and excursions to places such as Bilbao (the Guggenheim Museum), Castro Urdiales, San Vicente and the Picos De Europa.  Details will be published as soon as the hotel has confirmed the accommodation – all the other services (coach and ferry) have been reserved.

As part of the warm up for Christmas we are planning to visit Koblenz, Rudesheim and Cologne.  Each has a fascinating Christmas market for those last-minute pressies.  The cost of this five day tour including hotel, ferry crossings, etc. will be about £235!

And finally our most ambitious tour will be to China in the spring of 2009.  This will take in The Walled City, The Summer Palace, Beijing Zoo, The Forbidden City, The Great Wall, the Ming Tombs, etc. – and the Emperor’s Warriors!  The cost including flights, hotel full board and all tours will be less than £1,000!  Watch this space.

The range of activities we are offering members is growing all the time and many new courses started this winter.  Are you taking full advantage of your membership?  If you are unable to find something that you like, let us know or start a group yourself.  There are plenty of members willing to help out so don’t be shy in coming forward.  The U3A is a wonderful concept but it needs to be used.

We occasionally need to remind ourselves what we are about.  We are a self-help organisation for people no longer in full time employment and we aim to provide educational, creative and leisure opportunities in a friendly environment.  We are run entirely by volunteers and draw upon the knowledge, experience and skills of our own members to organize interest groups in accordance with the wishes of the membership.  Quite a mission and although I believe Weston U3A achieves this admirably, there is always room for more subjects and organisers!

Best wishes and have a good summer.

Roy Comer

 

Weston U3A Half Day Excursion to Cothay Manor, Sunday May 11^th 2008

 

Romantic Cothay Manor, near Wellington, Somerset, was built in 1480 and is said to be the finest example of a small classic medieval manor house remaining in England.  The 12 acre gardens were laid out in the 1920s by Reginald Cooper, friend of Vita Sackville-West and Lawrence Johnston of Hidcote.  On either side of a yew walk are garden “rooms”, white, scarlet and purple, with herbaceous borders, a scree bed and a bog garden as well as five- acre arboretum and lake. The visit will include a guided tour of the manor when we arrive (be aware that all bags and carried items have to be left in the locked cloakroom and soft overshoes worn over our own shoes).  Then there will be a cream tea and time to explore this magical garden before we leave.

The cost will be £17.50 per person to include the guided tour of the house, entry to the garden and cream tea.  The coach will leave Locking Road Coach Park at 1.30 pm (no other pick up points) and return at approx 6.30 pm.

 Please

·         Return the tear off slip below to Martha Perriam at 3 Glebe House, 80 Upper Church Road, W-s-M, BS23 2AE before April 11^th.

·         Enclose your cheque for £17.50 made out to Weston U3A Social Account

·          Enclose a stamped addressed envelope.

After April 11^th you will either be sent your ticket(s) or, if there are not enough members interested, your cheque back. Applications will be dealt with in the date order of receipt.  Refunds after April 11^th will only be possible if your place can be taken by someone else from the waiting list.

………………………………………………………………………………

 

Weston U3A Half Day Visit to Cothay Manor, Sunday May 11^th 2008

 

I should like to apply for …. tickets.

Name(s) in capital letters ………………………………………………………………………………..

Telephone ……………………….

I enclose my cheque for …………. made out to Weston U3A Social Account

I enclose a s.a.e.

Signed …………………….. Dated …………………

 

 

Green Burials

Now that we are all being made aware of our carbon footprints, perhaps we should begin to consider the impact on the environment of our final resting place.  I wonder how many people have considered having a woodland burial, where the burial place is marked by the planting of a tree or flowers and there is no stone memorial above the grave.?

            There are more than one hundred woodland burial sites in Britain – they are less costly than cemeteries or crematoria and require less maintenance.  And they are consistent with the current policy of increasing the forestation of Britain.

A part of the cemetery at Bedminster, south of Bristol, has been made into a natural/woodland burial area and it is a delightful place to visit.  Each resting place is marked by a young tree or shrub against which is a small plaque bearing the name of the deceased and sometimes the names of those who remember them.  Some have a circle of flowers around the base, and tokens such as windchimes have been placed in the trees.  It is a simple and restful place in which to remember one’s loved ones.

There is also a privately run memorial woodland burial ground at Thornbury north of Bristol (www.memorialwoodlands.com) which was created by Chris Baker, (whose family once ran the Bristol department store Baker & Baker) from his inheritance at Rookery Farm a decade ago.  A charitable trust is now responsible for the maintenance of the site which consists of mixed woodland and open planting.  They also provide a bespoke funeral directing service with options for religious or non-religious services.

None of us likes to think of our final resting place, but as Benjamin Franklin said “there are two things we can be certain of, death and taxes”.  So perhaps we should be giving more thought to the creation of an environmentally friendly final resting place?

 Maureen Bezzant

 

 

WESTON U3A

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

Notice is hereby given that the Annual General Meeting of Weston U3A will take place on Friday May 30^th 2008 at St. Paul’s Church Hall, Walliscote Road, W-s-M at 2.30pm. NB Membership status will be checked on entry. Tea will be served afterwards.

 

AGENDA

1. Apologies
2. Minutes of the AGM and EGM held on 6^th June 2007
3. Matters Arising
4. Chairman’s Report
5. Financial Reports

1. Main Account
2. Social Account

• Appointment of Independent Examiner for the Accounts 2008/9
• Election of up to 3 members of the Committee (retiring members Roy Comer, Pam Murphy, and the late David Hunt)
• Motions
• AOB - it would be helpful if matters requiring research could be brought to the attention of the Chairman at least 7 days before the meeting.

 

NB Nominations for committee members and motions for debate, both properly proposed and seconded, must be returned to the Secretary by MAY 3

 

Nomination form

 

We nominate ……………………… as committee member for 2008/2010

 

  Proposer ……………………… Name in caps ………………… …………

  Date …………

  Seconder ………………………. Name in caps ………………… ………..

   Date …………

   I agree to stand for election: Signature of nominee……………………….      

   Date……………

 

THIRD AGE WESTON

(University of the Third Age)

 

Minutes of the Annual General Meeting held on 6^th June 2007

 

1. Present: 269 members.
2. Apologies were received from 25 members.
3. Quorum: the Membership Secretary confirmed that the current paid up membership was 675 and that the 20% quorum had been achieved.
4. Appointment of tellers:  Lilias Critchley, Joyce Wren, Brian Airey and Lyn Robinson were proposed as tellers by Bernard Openshaw, seconded by Philip Richardson and elected unanimously.
5. Minutes of the AGM held on 9^th June 2006 were agreed and signed by the Chairman.
6. Matters Arising:  none.
7. The Chairman’s Report was tabled.  Roy Comer welcomed the unprecedented number attending the AGM.  He highlighted the problems associated with the Travel Group which had dominated Committee meetings over the past year.  He thanked Trustees for their dedication to protecting the interests of the U3A, and especially the Secretary and Treasurer for their unstinting efforts under very difficult circumstances.  He also thanked other officers, the “backroom team” who run the coffee mornings, the newsletter distribution team and the Group Leaders, without whom the U3A would not exist.  Membership has grown steadily during the year and several new groups have started.  He looked forward to a successful year ahead.
8. Financial Reports:

1. The Main and Social Accounts were presented by the Treasurer and tabled.  She answered a question from Arthur Spencer on the price of U3A diaries and confirmed that they would be sold at £2 this year. The adoption of these two sets of Accounts was proposed by Hilary Semmens, seconded by Ray Whiting and passed unanimously.

b.       A report on the Travel Account was presented by the Chairman.  He explained that when the Committee sought to bring the Travel Account under proper financial controls the Travel Group leader withdrew all co-operation and the papers were only submitted to the Treasurer after Solicitor’s action.  The Group Leader’s membership was subsequently terminated.  The Chairman quoted the Outside Examiner - Mr. Nash’s - Report dated 28^th March 2007.  “Upon first examination of the papers relating to the travel activities of the U3A, I discovered that the accounting records had not been properly kept in accordance with the Charities Act.  Hence I was unable to carry out my normal duties as an examiner in relation to the years ended March 2006 and March 2007 as the accounts were incomplete and had been managed irregularly.  However, with the assistance of the Treasurer’s reconciliation of the Bank account, I am satisfied that the latter appear to balance.  I congratulate the Treasurer on her skilful work.  I agree that the Trustees acted entirely correctly throughout.”

        The Chairman then gave some examples where the account had been operated contrary to Charity  Commission regulations, and in one case unlawfully.  There followed a period of questions and answers and    a lengthy and heated discussion, at the end of which he moved that:

“The Travel Group’s Accounts be adopted , even though they have received a qualified report from the               Independent Examiner, provided that all actions, reactions and verbal abuse shall cease forthwith.

In essence this means that :

·         The Trustees will drop any further charges, discontinue their investigations and will not require any monetary benefits to be repaid.

·         All attacks on the Committee and any other retaliatory proposals and recriminations be withdrawn.

·         Mr.J.Alen be invited to apply to be reinstated as a member given that he accepts the normal conditions of membership as stated in the governing document”

                                 The result of a secret ballot was 211 in favour, 14 against and 4 spoilt voting papers.  The Travel Accounts were therefore adopted with the above caveat.

 

9. Appointment of Independent Examiner for the Accounts 2007/2008:  Mr. Roy Nash was proposed by Maureen Page, seconded by Mike Wilkinson and this was passed unanimously.
10. Election of Secretary and Treasurer: Martha Perriam and Shirley James respectively were re-elected unopposed to these posts.
11. Election of Committee Members: as a result of a secret ballot Hilary Chesters, Jack Donkin, Marj Elliott, Pat Hase and Alan Walters were elected for a two year term.
12. Motions proposed by Maurice Titchard and Peter Freeman had been pre-empted by Resolutions passed under 8b.

 

The meeting closed at 4.45 pm and was immediately followed by an EGM

 

 

 

 

 

THIRD AGE WESTON

(University of the Third Age)

Minutes of the Extraordinary General Meeting

held after the AGM on June 6 ^th, 2007

 

1.       Present: 210 members, who comprised a quorum.

2.       Adoption of revised constitution: the Trustees proposed a new constitution closely modelled on the template provided by the Third Age Trust.  An amendment submitted by Arthur and Eva Spencer was withdrawn in favour of the Chairman’s alternative proposal that Committee meeting minutes would be displayed at weekly coffee mornings for inspection by all members, for 3 consecutive weeks, within ten days of the Committee meeting at which they were approved  This was unanimously agreed by the meeting.

      A question was raised about the election of officers at AGMs.  The Chairman explained that the members at an  AGM would elect committee members, who would then elect the officers.  It would be open to members to  change this clause of the constitution at a future AGM.

      The revised constitution was then adopted by members, 209 in favour, 1 against.

3.       Vote of thanks: Bernard Openshaw thanked the Chairman on behalf of members for his handling of both the AGM and EGM, which closed at 5.15 pm.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weston U3A Day Excursion to Salisbury and Old Sarum on Wednesday, July 2^nd, 2008

This excursion for U3A members (or guests for only one trip p.a.) will take us first to Old Sarum, Iron Age hill fort and original settlement site for Salisbury where the Norman Cathedral once stood.  It returned 2 Members of Parliament long after the “new” cathedral was built in 1220 and the townspeople relocated to the modern site below.  After a guided walk there we shall be taken down to Salisbury before lunchtime. A guided tour of the cathedral has been arranged for 3.00.  If anyone would like to stay on in the cathedral to listen, the choir practise from 4.30 to 5.10. The coach will pick us up at 5.30.  There is much to see in the cathedral close and nearby, including the National Trust’s Mompesson House and several museums. The cost will be £14.50 per person to include both guided tours.  Refreshments not included in this price but there is a good restaurant and café in the cathedral. The coach will leave Locking Road Coach Park at 9.00 am and return at approx 7.00 pm. Members may be picked up at Farm Foods, the BP garage, or Homebase by arrangement.

 

·         Return the tear off slip below to Martha Perriam at 3 Glebe House, 80 Upper Church Road, W-s-M, BS23 2AE before June 2^nd.

·         Enclose your cheque for £14.50 made out to Weston U3A Social Account

·          Enclose a stamped addressed envelope.

After June 2^nd you will either be sent your ticket(s) or, if there are not enough members interested, your cheque back. Applications will be dealt with in the date order of receipt.  Refunds after June 2^nd will only be possible if your place can be taken by someone else from the waiting list.

…………………………………………………………………………………..

Weston U3A Day Outing to Salisbury & Old Sarum on Wed July 2^nd 2008

 

I should like to apply for …. tickets.

Name(s) in capital letters ………………………………………………………………

Telephone ……………………….

I enclose my cheque for …………. made out to Weston U3A Social Account

I enclose a s.a.e.

I should like to be picked up and dropped off at……………………………….

Signed …………………….. Dated …………………

 

THE WESTON U3A LECTURES

April - September 2008

At St. Paul’s Church Hall, Walliscote Road, WSM

Members and GUESTS £1.00 including refreshments

On second Fridays of the month, at 2.15 pm

 

April 11^th:                       Andrew Lound:  “Lunatick Astronomy”.  The Lunar Society was one of the most influential groups in the 18^th century; no aspect of science or industry was overlooked at their monthly dinner parties.  Andrew Lound will tell the story of the Lunar Society based on new and surprising research.

                                    Chair: Mike Wilkinson

 

May 9^th:                         Bob Baggs will present an illustrated lecture on “Botticelli: his life and times”, with special reference to the “Primavera”.  Bob is, in retirement, a tour guide to the art galleries, cucina and vino of Italy.

                                    Chair: Bernard Openshaw

 

June 13^th                       Chris Stephens: “Dry Stone Walls: morphology, geology, chronology, ecology” (or, in other words, Chris says, “Going to the wall after retirement”!)  Chris is the chair of the national Dry Stone Walling Association.

                                    Chair: Martha Perriam

 

July 25^th                        Susan Shaw: “Buildings Archaeology – the Stories Houses Can Tell”. Dr Shaw will talk about some of the parish studies carried out by the Somerset Vernacular Buildings Research Group.

                                    Chair: Martha Perriam

 

Sept 12^th                       David Sebborn: “My Brother the Admiral”: the story of Robert Blake, Cromwell’s General of the Sea.  David is Education Officer of the Blake Museum, Bridgwater.

                                    Chair: Brian Pike.                     

                            

 

 

 

Lecture Reports

JANUARY 2008 Charterhouse, the largest Roman town in the South West

A huge turnout on a day of atrocious weather, which shows the tremendous drawing power of these lectures. This month we were privileged to hear a fascinating talk by Vince Russett, the North Somerset archaeologist, about the archaeology of Charterhouse on Mendip area, from prehistory to the Victorian lead mining. He explained about the modern ways of investigating an archaeological site, using all sorts of ideas pinched from other disciplines. It all goes to show that archaeology is not all about sore knees and dirty fingernails.

Kevin Morris

 

FEBRUARY 2008 Love and Marriage Edwardian Style by Yvonne Bell

A most interesting talk was well illustrated with a selection of photographs and postcards showing brides, grooms and families all dressed in the fashion of the day.  Those large hats the ladies wore did take up a lot of space.  We learnt how one could tell if a girl was over eighteen by her hairstyle.  It was surprising how popular swastikas were as good luck emblems to be carried on the happy day.  Yvonne also brought along a genuine Edwardian wedding dress and copies of sheet music of songs that celebrated marriage and were popular at the beginning of the twentieth century.

Jack Donkin

 

 

AMAZING ANAGRAMS

GEORGE BUSH = HE BUGS GORE

THE MORSE CODE = HERE COME DOTS

SLOT MACHINES = CASH LOST IN ME

 

A CELEBRATION OF

 

 

FRIDAY 16 MAY, TOWN HALL, 2.30pm ADMISSION 50p

Including a Speaking Contest with superb trophies. Open to all U3A members

The first subject on which you speak for three minutes is: 

MY HERO IS… From this round five competitors will be chosen to enter the final session and the qualifying subject on which you speak for five minutes is:  FOR ME HEAVEN IS A HOLIDAY IN…

The contest will be judged by Bristol Speakers and their decision will be final. The speaking contest is in English and swearing or offensive language will not be appreciated. Guidance notes, even a complete text, may be used but visual aids such as flip charts are not permitted. A lectern warning light indicates when to finish. More than 20 seconds excess will incur penalty points.Trophies must be returned to Weston U3A during April 2008. Each winner of a trophy will be held responsible for its safe keeping. CLOSING DATE FOR ENTRY IS WEDNESDAY 23 APRIL ENTRY FORMS SHOULD BE SENT TO KEITH ANDERSON, 21 CARNAVON ROAD, REDLAND, BRISTOL BS6 7DT

 

 

 

ENTRY FORM

 

 

Name…………………………………………………………………………

 

Address………………………………………………………………………

 

…………………………………………………………..Postcode…………

 

                                                                 Telephone………………………U3A membership no…………………..

 

 

 

 

 

 

The table tennis group asked for this picture to appear as a tribute to

David Hunt who will be sadly missed

 

 

 

 

 

Noel and Reg – two of our coffee morning stalwarts (see ‘Help Needed’)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Art Appreciation group visits Bristol Art Gallery. But whose hand is that on the exhibit? 

 

 

 

 

 

 

U3A walkers at Clatworthy Lake

 

 

 

Weston U3A Day Excursion to West Somerset Railway & Dunster Castle

 

A day excursion has been arranged for U3A members on Monday, June 16^th 2008 to visit Dunster and its castle via a journey on the West Somerset Steam Railway.

The cost will be £23 per person, to include coach and train fares, driver’s tip and admission to the castle and gardens.  If you are a member of the National Trust please deduct £7 from the ticket price and quote your National Trust membership number on the booking form.  Please note that you must bring your membership card with you on the day or pay the £7 entrance fee!

The coach will leave Locking Road Car Park at 9am and we shall return at approx 6.30 pm.

Refreshments are not included in the price, but there will be light refreshments available at Bishops Lydiard station, and there are cafes and pubs in Dunster with picnic facilities in the castle grounds.

Guests will be welcome but may only join us for one U3A excursion per season.

 

Weston U3A Day Excursion to Dunster & West Somerset Railway

on Monday 16^th June

 

I should like to apply for ……. tickets.

Name(s) in capital letters ………………………………………………………………………

I enclose a stamped addressed envelope.

I enclose my cheque for ………. made out to Weston U3A Social Account

 (My National Trust membership number is ……………………….)

Signed ……………………………..

The Return of the Otter

If you go for a walk on the Somerset Levels you might get a surprise: you might spot an otter. Yes, this furry chap is making a comeback.

            Many years ago the otter was a regular sight in the English countryside. But disaster struck in the post-war years, bringing the otter close to extinction. The cause? Otter hunting and the clearing of river banks played a part, but by far the greatest cause was the introduction of chemicals like dieldrin, used by farmers as a pesticide and in sheep dip. The run-off from farm fields entered the food chain of the fish on which the otter fed, causing severe damage to the species throughout Europe. The use of dieldrin was finally banned in 1989, and a programme of cleaning up Britain’s waterways was embarked upon. Slowly the otter began to recover, and is likely to be found wherever clean water and inviting river banks exist. It is in this way a marker of environmental health.

            The otter leads its life in close proximity to water and is a superb swimmer. At 40-65 inches in length it is twice the size of its competitor, the American mink. An otter occupies a territory of up to 20 miles in length and lives on a diet of fish and frogs (in Spring). It lives in a ‘holt’ – a hollow in a river bank or tree roots. Its presence can often be detected from its droppings (‘spraints’) which have a sweet, fishy smell and sometimes include fish scales. Otters can live as long as 10 years, but average only four. Their young can be born at any time of the year and stay with the mother until 12 months old. There is just one litter per year, producing 1-5 cubs.

            It is a true delight to watch an otter as it floats on its back, holding the fish it has caught between it front paws to eat it. Only the rear feet are used for swimming and the broad tail acts as a rudder, but it can move well on all fours when it comes ashore. Keep your eyes open on your next walk!

            You can, of course, also read Henry Williamson’s delightful book Tarka the Otter, with its West Country setting.

Stan Radcliffe

 

 

 

 

Blaise Castle & the S.S. Great Britain Monday 1st September 2008

 

    The coach will leave Locking Rd. car park at 9. 00 a.m taking us first to Blaise Castle, leaving Blaise at 12.30 p.m. We make our way to Bristol harbour side. Time for lunch, the area has a variety of eateries to suit your preferred calorie intake. We make our own way to The S.S.Great Britain, either by foot (half an hour flat stroll) around the harbour side, passing several possible lunch stops, or by free bus which is very convenient, or by harbour ferry. Further details will be given once time tables are available to me.

    You can decide how much time you wish to spend at the S.S.Great Britain; I have elected not to have a guided tour since the available audio tour is excellent and will allow us to go at our own pace. Enjoy the museum, dry dock, shop, as well as the ship and enjoy a cuppa’ in the restaurant, overlooking the harbour. Toilet facilities are available on site. The coach will pick us up at 5 00 p.m for our return journey home.

    Coach pick-up/set-down points will be Locking Rd. car park, Farm foods, BP garage and Bus stop at Home Base.

    To book please return the slip below to Miss.B.J.Shaddick, 6 Wigmore Gardens, W-s-M. BS22 9AQ. The cost of the trip is £12. 75., make your cheque payable to ‘Weston U3A Social Account’ and enclose a self addressed, stamped envelope. You will be sent confirmation, alternatively your cheque will be returned if there is not sufficient interest in the trip.

Applications will be dealt with in the date order of receipt. Refunds will only be possible if your place can be taken by someone else from the waiting list. Closing date for bookings is 5th August.

…………………………………………………………………………………..

Weston U3A day trip to Blaise Castle & the S.S. Great Britain

I should like to apply for…..Tickets.

Name(s)…………………………………………..Tel……………………..

Address…………………………………………….. ………………………          

Chosen pick-up/set-down point…………………………………………….                                                 

I enclose my cheque for…………………….    made payable to Weston U3A Social Account. I enclose a S.A.E.

 

Signed…………………………………………………………………………

 

Ice Show Trip to Westpoint

Last September we embarked, with some trepidation, on organising our first ever trip. It was to take 45 members by coach to Westpoint Arena, near Exeter, for the Holiday on Ice show. Encouraged by Martha, and totally supported by Hilary, we took our first steps: enquire about prices from coach firms, contact Westpoint booking office, decide on admin charges and driver’s gratuity, and divide the total by 45!

            We were surprised at the response and quickly arrived at the number needed to make it a viable trip. Everyone promptly paid his/her money, which made our job so much easier. Therefore by the time the bills came in the monies were ready in the U3A social account.

            Then suddenly it was February 20, and we were all ready at Locking Road car park by the time the coach arrived. A smooth journey took us quickly towards Exeter and Dave, the driver, was able to park very near the entrance. Consequently, at the end of the show, it was straight back on the coach with no waiting around in the cold. Everyone was smiling broadly after the show; the whole scintillating performance was a winner – words cannot describe it. It has to be seen.

            Such an exciting day out to lift our spirits on a dull February day. I wonder if we might do it again next year?

Theresa and Ken Hale

 

NEW GROUP OFFERS

Architecture

The U3A Lecture on July 25^th will be given by Dr. Susan Shaw of Bristol University on Buildings Archaeology - the stories houses can tell.  She will describe some of the parish studies carried out by the Somerset Vernacular Buildings Research Group. If there are members out there interested in Architecture perhaps this lecture will kick start a U3A Group.  We will have a meeting after the lecture at St. Paul’s Church Hall to discuss how, when, where, who and what. If you cannot attend the lecture but are interested in joining such a group please contact Martha in the first place on 622255.

 

New Book Club

Anyone interested in joining a new book group please phone NoreenWard. At present we have two book groups, both full.

Aviation in all its forms

Interested in flying? Ex services? Just like talking about aircraft? Make model ‘planes? Or simply like to chat over a cup of tea? Join us – date and time yet to be decided – in the lounge at Clifford House. Limited off-street parking. For more details contact Pete Noyle

 

Spanish

Ken Jones, who leads a Spanish Group for Woodspring U3A, is willing to lead a group for us if enough members are keen to join. The preliminary meeting will be held on Wednesday, April 9^th, at 2pm at the Friends Meeting House. Regular time, day of the week, venue and type of group (class, conversation, literature or whatever) to be decided then. If you are interested please contact the Secretary in the first place.

 

Welfare

Do you know any member of U3A who is unwell and would love to receive a ‘Get Well Soon’ card? Or any member who has had a bereavement and would be comforted to know that we care? Please ring me on 01934 417642 and I will send them a card to let them know that we are thinking of them.

Hilary Chesters

 

FOR SALE

COFFEE MAKER includes two small cups Never used. £8.

 

‘MAGIC EYE’ TV LINK (from digital TV to any analogue TV in house). Plus instructions and 15 metre cable with connections. £8.

WALKING BOOTS – pair of ladies HEAD EXPLORATION walking boots. Brand new, brown, size 5. £15.

 

 

 

GROUP NEWS

Computers

This group is well attended and as such there is a waiting list of those wishing to join. As previously mentioned the group is run on the lines of a forum, it would be difficult, if membership was not limited, as some would probably not have the opportunity to have their say due to each session only lasting two hours. One thing that does become clear is the fact that no computer owner seems to use his/her computer in the same way as another.

Jack Luxon

Ethics Group.

 Attendance averages around 10 but we can take on a few more members as we meet in a hall. Discussions range over all matters considered to have an ethical element and are usually introduced by members "off the cuff". If you feel that you would like to make a contribution to "putting the world to rights" this is the group for you.We meet at The Open Door, Aller Parade, Oldmixon, every other Friday morning at 10:30 (Week A).

Alan Wickham

Flower Arranging

We are only meeting five times during this quarter. In March I am going on holiday to Thailand to visit my daughter who lives there and Easter occurs as soon as I return. However I am sure I will bring floral ideas and containers back from my trip.

We have concentrated on flowers for special occasions with an emphasis on Weddings. We practised an arrangement for a pew end in a church, then a modern  hand-tied bridal bouquet. The latter we found easier than the traditional bridal bouquet, but were surprised at how many flowers were needed when the bouquet is tightly packed. However the results were stunning. The wedding or celebration theme continued with an arrangement to go on a buffet table. Thought had to be given to the colour scheme, where to place the flowers and how to ensure the arrangement was stable when everyone was reaching for the food!

More thought was needed to arrange flowers that said ‘Welcome’. This arrangement could be for an event such as a U3A meeting, a party or for guests at home. Arrangements ranged from large pedestals, through long layered arrangements to one in a small watering can for a flower club meeting. Our last arrangement was for Valentine’s day. Red flowers are always expensive at this time but the members searched hard, getting some real bargains, and then transformed them into elegant heart shaped arrangements for the centre of an intimate dinner table-a-deux.

The next meeting is on 1^st April and during the summer months we will re-visit some basic designs.

Lindsay Ireland

German Conversation

 The group still meets every Tuesday in the small room of the Friends Meeting House during the coffee morning.   Meetings generally start about 11 o'clock.  During the last year our numbers reached to 10 or 11 but recently we have lost some members - mostly due to their moving to other parts of the world. However we still manage 6 or 7. There is no formal instruction but we try to discuss as many subjects as possible in German. New members welcome.

Alan Wickham

History A

Since the last newsletter was published, Winston Churchill has dominated our studies like a colossus; others, notably George Orwell, have played cameo roles, but none matched the wartime Prime Minister for influence or durability. One of his earliest decisions as First Sea Lord – fuelling the fleet with oil rather than coal “…this one decision was to have more profound effects on the fate of the British Empire, not to mention the history of the world, than almost anything else Churchill did until the May days of 1940.” Eventually it led to Suez, Anglo-American oil interests in Iran, and Islamic fundamentalism.

            Schama rushed us quickly through the First World War apart from some detail on the disastrous Dardanelles campaign (Churchill’s plan) and we moved onto events within living memory (for some of us!): the general strike of 1926; the rise of the Nazi Party in Germany, German aggression in Europe, Hitler’s policy towards the Jews, Chamberlain’s policy of appeasement, rearmament in Britain, and, as we write, the crises of 1938 – Czechoslovakia – and 1939 – Poland.

            Jack has provided many apposite readings from the Oxford History; Mike has kept us up to date with technological progress, and showed extracts from his enormous video library; Antje made an interesting contribution on the life of Hitler. Thank you to all of them.

AHGS

 

IT for U3A – Computer Classes

This is not so much a Group but a 12-week course for U3A members in the use of IT (Information Technology) and computers. We have been very fortunate to be allowed the use of the Weston College UK-on-Line classroom in the Boulevard.  The first course ran through autumn 2007 and the second course commenced on 26 February 2008.

Each course is limited to eleven members as there are only 8 computer terminals in the classroom. There is some doubling up but not everyone can attend every week. The course covers Computer Desktop Management, File and Data Management, Internet, E-Mail, Word Processing, and Excel Spreadsheets. There is also the opportunity to enrol on the College computer courses, some of which are still free. There are vacancies still for the September 2008 course.              

Graham Rain

Murders & Mysteries

The present season will continue until June 5^th. I propose to take at least one year off from this subject and so will not be starting again in the autumn. I thank all of you who have supported me through the many years. You have helped me to enjoy giving these talks.

Jack Donkin

Music Making

Please note we now meet on Thursday mornings instead of Wednesdays as before.

Jean Stephens

Natural History

Harbingers of Spring (with apologies to Stravinsky)

Spring is almost here and by the time you read this we will have arranged the excursions for our spring and summer season.   The signs are already there in our gardens after one of the driest Februaries on record – the first mowers and the first ice-cream vans have already been reported!   Birds that spent the winter with us are already moving south and native species are busy building their nests.   The same seems to apply to bumble-bees, too.   A warm and sunny day will bring out hibernating butterflies – I have already seen Small Tortoiseshell, Comma and Red Admiral.   Of those that emerge from the chrysalis the Small White is invariably the first to be seen (I have already seen one, but that was in Madrid).                                                                                                     

 

Our group meets on the second Thursday of each month at various venues and anyone is welcome to join us.

Dennis Darling

Psychology

The Psychology Group has got off to a good start, meeting weekly on Wednesdays from 10am till 12 noon. We have lively discussions covering ‘head to toe’ of humanity. Space for one or two more curious types.

Pat Reeves

Science & Technology

Monday 10^th March sees the restart of the group with a presentation of Sound with Vision – a demonstration of the pitfalls and problems of adding sound to videos with examples from various video productions. April 7^th sees the subject of Egyptology being explored with a presentation of a National Geographic DVD Secrets of the Pharaohs (with an unusual insight into ancient embalming!).

            The 2008/2009 session begins in October (dates to be announced). The first three talks and discussions will be on Alternative Energy. The subject of Wind Power will cover the current wind farm under construction off the coast of East Anglia (a DONG power project). Two proposals for the Severn Barrage will be examined. And the final talk will look at Hydro-Electric Power in Scotland.

            Further details of the session in 2009 will be published in due course. The group meets at the Friends Meeting House on Mondays at 2pm. All are welcome.

Mike Wilkinson

Theatre Group

Twenty members went by public transport to the Bristol Hippodrome last December and thoroughly enjoyed a performance of Mamma Mia. A coach party is going to Stratford on 24 May to see The Merchant of Venice at the Courtyard Theatre. There are still a few seats on the coach if anyone would like a day in Stratford. The cost is £7 per person. Please let me know if interested.

Pat Ashford

Walking

 Winter is over and spring is already here, the fields are nice and muddy; fortunately we have not yet had to call out the B-O-S  hovercraft to rescue those who have become stuck . As always  volunteers are needed to lead walks and of course it becomes ever more difficult to discover ‘new’ venues within reasonable motoring range. It is inevitable that paths which have been trodden before will have to be trodden again.

Jack Luxon

Kenneth’s Kryptic Kwiz – Girls Names

[Thanks again to Kenneth Bingham for another ingenious brainteaser. Answers at back.]

 

1.       Does she cling to you (3) 2.       She is always complaining (4) 3.       Does she always say ‘not tonight’ (9) 4.       Ban twice A (7) 5.