DISTRICT Newsletter - Tavy District U3A · Tavy District U3A Newsletter 5 Eating Out, French Style...

Tavy District U3A

Newsletter

Issue 52

July

2011

Inside this issue:

U3A News 2,7,8,17,21,22

Groups News 3,5,6,7,15,19

Groups 12,13

Walking Groups 14

Social Events 3,6,8,16,20, 14

Tony’s Odyssey 9,10,11

Storybook Dads 16,17

Recipe

Calendar

23 24

TAVY

DISTRICT

www.tavydistrictu3a.org.uk

One of the drier days on Tony Rushbrooke‟s Hebridean Oddessy.

See Pages 9 to 11

We are moving! See Page 2

Woody was a hit See Pages 16 and 17

Our biggest Newsletter ever Thanks to all the contributors who have made it what it is

Tavy District U3A Newsletter 2

We are moving !

This is to inform all members that as from September 7th 2011 the venue for our monthly meetings will be the Town Hall. In January and February our numbers far exceeded the limit of 100 allowed in the Methodist Hall, thus invalidating the insurance. With a membership of 260 plus we have the potential for this to happen every month. Even with numbers below this limit it is rather crowded. We were reluctant to move as we have been well looked after where we are. We had to stay somewhere in the centre of town with easy access and a kitchen. The Town Hall will now allow a half day hiring so we can afford to go there. As well as having much more space they will set out the tables and chairs for us and put them away afterwards, a real bonus for the committee. Oh yes, there's a dishwasher too! Now we have made the decision we are all looking forward to our new venue. Mary Brock

Oh no, they’re not.............Oh yes, they are

The U3A 2012 diaries are already available.

If you would like one, please see the Treasurer, Alan Duncan, at the monthly meeting.


A month or two ago about thirty of us took part in a tour of the Theatre Royal. Jeff and Pat were the volunteer guides for our group. Our tour started front of house by the glass wall of the theatre (which is like that to encourage people passing by to come in). In the auditorium Jeff explained how part of the ceiling can be lowered to create a smaller theatre, why there is no central aisle (everyone would rush to it if there was an emergency) and where captions are displayed for hard of hearing clients. We were then taken to the backstage areas to see the theatre from the perspective of the actors, musicians, dressers and technical staff. We were able to see inside a dressing room where there is a notice warning people not to put anything on the floor as it is liable to flood in very high tides!

We also saw the wings, the orchestra pit, the green room and so much more. Did you know that if all the bricks used to build the theatre were put end to end they would stretch from Plymouth to Exeter? Apparently the Theatre Royal is a great favourite with actors because they say they are so well looked after there.

It was a great tour and I would recommend it to anyone and made so interesting by our well-informed and enthusiastic guides. My next visit to the theatre will be all the more enjoyable because of the extra knowledge I have gained from this tour. Thank you again to the social committee for arranging it and also the follow up in July to TR2 (the production and education centre). Mary Brock

Tavy District U3A Go Backstage

Brentor Garden Visit

The garden visit group enjoyed a sunny afternoon at Thorn Cottage, Sally and Christopher Pancheri‟s garden in Burn Lane, North Brentor. Over a period of 30 years the garden has

been turned from a commercial herb

nursery into a peaceful oasis with formal

planting contained within much needed

windbreak hedging of beech, rose and

rhododendron, all with stunning views of

the northern moor.

The garden is a testament to the skill and

enthusiasm of a gifted plants person.

.A short walk down the road took us into a peaceful wild bluebell wood with an informal decking area overlooking the stream. The garden was open to raise funds for St Luke‟s Hospice and so in true U3A style we supported this very worthwhile cause further by enjoying tea and cakes whilst listening to the music provided initially by Barry Hodges (the organist from Gulworthy Church), and later by Gypsy Train (a local five piece acoustic band). We had a pleasurable time with friends in a beautiful garden and helped to raise over a £1000 on the day which was a great result all round. Hywel Edwards


Some of the U3A members who visited Thorn Cottage gardens at Brentor (See previous page)

Eating Out, French Style

Views from Le Casablanca


Eating Out, French Style

Our U3A restaurant critic has a meal to

remember at Maurice Larose’s new culinary establishment.

Thinking of eating “a la francaise” in Tavistock?

You should visit the Restaurant Le Casablanca currently operating in the Parish Rooms .

Let me say that in nearly twenty five years of

eating in this delightful market town, I have not encountered a restaurant so flawlessly

magnificent as this lustrous gem, tucked insouciantly away in a quiet corner near

Tavistock’s elegantly genteel main street.

On entry into what was known as The Parish

Rooms under previous management, your eye is caught by the unusual arrangement of the tables,

effectively decorated and arranged in a large square, in the centre of which is a magnificent

centrepiece consisting of Moroccan artefacts; the colourful walls sport the Moroccan National

Flag and the North African atmosphere is

completed by an array of appropriate bunting .

All is carefully designed to put the guest at ease and enable one to follow Epicurus in his advice

that “We should look for someone to eat and drink

with before looking for something to eat and drink.”

The chef really knows what he's doing. The

cooking is refined, adventurous and presented

with an artist's eye for shape and colour. It’s

served immediately before you from the large

open plan kitchen that adds a funky new

dimension to eating out. Heritage vegetables

and artisan French cheeses are lovingly

incorporated into dishes that reflect North

Africa’s charm and culture.

When I went on Thursday, May 12 the guests, of

whom there were in the region of 40, came

from Tavistock U3A’s four French groups, so it

was clear that our chef Maurice’s culinary talents

were going to meet with discerning scrutiny.

The main course was a delicious lamb

“couscous et legumes” followed by a superb choice of cheeses and a “salade de fruits

exotiques”; my dining partner particularly relished the choice of North African wines and I

was especially pleased to have thé à la menthe

to finish.

The welcome was friendly, and our chef

restaurateur, M Larose, was charming and

knowledgeable about the food and wines. My colleague and I particularly enjoyed the cabaret

in which the chef and three gallant helpers dressed up in traditional costume; this was

matched later in the proceedings by the chef’s wife, Marie Madeleine, who entertained us with

a fine rendition of some French songs, with

which we all joined in, ably accompanied on the

piano by the redoubtable Monica Saunders.

Help came from many of the guests there, and it

is to be hoped that no-one crucial is omitted from the list; suffice it to say that Judy Brown,

Pauline Noblet , Val White and Jennie Youngs

were very much in evidence as were John and Carol Hughes, Kevin Dickens and David Palmer

and no-one has seen a teapot so magnificently handled as effectively as by Alan Duncan. Anna

Clarkson managed the finances with charm and efficiency and I can thoroughly recommend the

whole experience.

It seems this restaurant only opens one day in

the year....so watch out twelve months from

now. This place has what the French call du

gueule, or real character and it’s certainly

somewhere I'll be recommending in the future.

Liz Johnson


Music Appreciation

In May we all met up as usual at Janice's house, each of us bringing a few CDs from our own collections. What we listen to is a 'lucky dip' as we have no idea beforehand what the programme will be. This Monday, we had another varied selection, ranging from 'serious' classical music to more popular pieces. Sitting in Janice's conservatory, enjoying

the beautiful views, we had a bonus, with

a blackbird just outside which was

singing along (I am convinced). And this

was a very special meeting: after the

music, we enjoyed our postponed

'Christmas Lunch' (surely, in May, the

last of this season's?).

Janice had originally intended to

celebrate one day in the winter, but the

weather prevented this as it was too icy

for any of us to travel.

This time, she had prepared a superb buffet for us, and as the wine flowed and the laughter got louder, the blackbird couldn't make himself heard. So, Janice, a very big thank-you from us all in this Group, not only for this party but for starting the Group up again after it had closed down a few years ago.

Judith Brown

Tavy District U3A setting off from Padstow.

See Page 12

When preparing to travel, lay out all your clothes and all your money. Then take half the clothes and twice the money. ~ Susan Heller

Quote from Stephen Thake at the June meeting (Did that apply to the U3A cyclists?


Wine Tasting

You may think that wine tasting sessions are

something that tends to be organised in the

winter months.

Tavy District U3A felt the need to continue

well into the summer, in fact during the week

in which both the Summer Solstice and

Midsummer‟s Day fell, for a very good

reason.

The chance to visit Sharpham vineyard on

the River Dart near Totnes was an

opportunity not to be missed.

In the interests of learning, they were able to taste six of the wines and three of the cheeses produced on the premises. (It was also the week that the Royal College of Psychiatrists report into alcohol abuse amongst the over 65‟s was published, but as the group were not drinking in their own home they decided it didn‟t count!). A very good day out and thanks to Hywel Edwards for organising it all.

John N

Two Things to Remember:

No 1: Our monthly meetings will be at the Town Hall from September onwards.

The August meeting will be the last at the Methodist Church hall.

No 2: You can view the Newsletter photos in a bigger format (and in colour) by

looking at them on the website www.tavydistrictu3a.org.uk

Wine tasting at Sharpham Vineyard


U3A Resource Centre June 2011

In the last couple of weeks, whilst our illustrious leader Leslie was enjoying leading various Saga holidays, the Café Français group were able to borrow some French DVD‟s from the U3A Resource Centre. Thanks to the hospitality of Jo, we spent a thoroughly enjoyable couple of days watching them, luckily with sub-titles! U3A have recently added a considerable amount of new stock on DVD.

The new list dated June 2011 is now available to all U3A Leaders and members who would like a copy. All you need to do is either phone or email Elizabeth Gibson, Resource Centre Manager 020 8315 0199 [email protected] Pauline Noblet

Treasure Hunt

A large crowd waits for the start of the U3A

Treasure Hunt

A large crowd was waiting in Bedford

Square for the start of the annual walking

Treasure Hunt around Tavistock.

However, it transpired that it was just those

with silver hair who queuing to give their

food orders before setting off around the

town centre. The date had clashed with the

local College graduation day! Furthermore,

the Lions Club were not putting the bunting

up at the same time just for us - it‟s

Carnival Week soon.

The format this year was slightly different in

that it was a Murder Mystery. A skeleton,

thought to have been a missing relative of a

former U3A Chair had been unearthed.

Participants had to find out, not “whodunit”

but who the victim was.

To make sure that the Bernard James team

didn‟t win there were no prizes so everyone

was a winner!


According to the locals it was the wettest May in living memory, and we know, we were there! Claire and I were on an island hopscotch holiday in the Outer Hebrides which entailed hopping from one island to another from Barra in the south to Lewis in the north using the Cal-Mac ferries and finishing on Skye. Everything worked to plan………..except for the weather. The ferry crossing from Oban to Barra was fairly smooth which was good as 5 hours of rough water would have been unpleasant. Once on Barra at 6.00 in the evening we had to find a campsite and as there are no official campsites on Barra this was not easy. I had phoned a number from my online research whilst on the ferry and learned from Mr Morrison that, whilst there was hot water and a toilet, the latter had no door, which he would rectify! We tried to find alternative accommodation, but

failed,so we finished up at Mr Morrison‟s field which had wonderful views over Barra Sound and yes, a small building in the corner of the field with hot water and a toilet with a door that Mr Morrison had installed as promised, and all for £8 per night.

The man himself was busy installing shelves and hooks and allsorts and saying that it was all due to me that he had decided to make a start on these improvements! I had found some walks on my online research and I also had a small book of walks and so armed with these we did a walk round Vatersay, a small island attached to the south end of Barra by a causeway. The sun was actually shining at the start of the walk which was very pleasant incorporating some old buildings and the odd stone circle as well of course stunning views which were a feature of all the islands (when you could see them). Towards the end of the walk it rained heavily which was a sign of things to come. After two nights on Barra we embarked for South Uist. Arriving on Eriskay in the morning we made straight for one of the hostels run by the Gaittlin Trust at Howmore on the west coast of South Uist. I had decided

before leaving home to try for hostels as campsites were few and far between but had no idea what they would be like. This one was a typical bunkhouse with two or three bunkrooms, a kitchen, lounge and toilet, but it was absolutely full! We had the option of camping round the corner outside the church and as luck would have it we found a washroom in the church

that we could have used rather than share the one in the hostel with a dozen macho walkers, but we decided to find a regular campsite further up the island at Shellbay, which we did.

Wet and Windy…………..a Hebridean Odyssey


The facilities here were adequate and we stayed two nights and incorporated a walk (wet and windy) which made me wish I had brought my waterproof boots (well I thought it was summer!). Still I had my trusty umbrella which despite the wind maintained its shape and kept me reasonably dry. The next site was on the island of Benbecula which is attached to South Uist and North Uist by causeways but in every respect is no different from either of the other two. The campsite here was more modern than Shellbay and therefore the facilities were better. . The site was small but if you got a front pitch the views were lovely and we spent two more nights there. We also had another two walks. The first was a circular walk past a prehistoric burial cairn named Barpa Langass and on to Pobull Fhinn stone circle which has lost many of its stones and is not as impressive as some on Dartmoor. The second walk was to a nature reserve on the west coast where we passed a group of bird watchers (we are not twitchers!) This was an alternative to driving across the tidal sands to the island of Vallay (watch the tide!), which Claire vetoed! All these walks were made despite the inclement weather where some of the winds were so strong it was all I could do not to take off with my umbrella a la Mary Poppins! When we couldn‟t walk we drove down dead end lanes usually to an area with stunning views.

A Hebridean Oddyssey (continued)

Then it was over to Leverburgh on South Harris. We had decided to go straight up to the west coast of Lewis before coming back to Tarbert on Harris for the crossing to Skye. We made for the Blackhouse at Garenin where there was another hostel run by the Gaittlin Trust. Would it be full, we thought? No, it was closed! So on to another site recommended in my literature further along the coast.

This was the worst site of the holiday as the toilet stalls were so small that it required the dexterity of a Houdini to perform the necessary! So the next day we moved on after I had destroyed the inadequate lock on the toilet door by pulling too hard and disturbing the occupant! We had a laugh about that. You may think there‟s too much written about toilets in this narrative, but it‟s an integral part of camping, especially when you get out in the middle of the night……………….you have to be very careful of the wind direction!


A Hebridean Oddyssey (continued)

On our way to the next site we incorporated a visit to the Blackhouse village at Garenin and watched a demonstration of tweed weaving and saw how the villagers lived centuries ago right up to 1964. Next stop on the tourist trail was the Callanish Standing Stones, a very impressive example second only to Stonehenge of which I took numerous photos. A very picturesque drive to the next site passing cyclists burdened down by panniers and struggling in the winds. We eventually found the site at Kneep in the back of beyond overlooking a fabulous beach where we battened down the hatches. The facilities were good, the views stunning and all for £8 a night. We spent the next two days exploring the area, taking numerous photos and had another walk along a stony track into the teeth of the gale. I think this area was my personal favourite of the trip. After two nights we made our way south to Harris but on our way we visited the island of Great Bernera which is joined to Lewis by the „The Bridge over the Atlantic‟ The other occupants were very pleasant and we had an enjoyable time as well as meeting up with people we‟d previously seen on our travels who had been forced to abandon their tent due to a pole broken in the high winds. Here we visited an iron age hut at the top of the island. Further down on Harris we had a delightful drive to the South Lochs before reaching our campsite at Horgaborst on South Harris. We had noticed this site on our drive from the ferry again overlooking a lovely beach. We intended to stay three nights before going to Skye but were driven by the winds and rain to seek refuge in a hostel near Tarbert.

This was superior to the others in that Claire and I had a twin room but shared the lounge and kitchen. The other occupants were very pleasant and we had an enjoyable time as well as meeting up with people we‟d previously seen on our travels who had been forced to abandon their tent due to a pole broken in the high winds. We spent the next two days driving around and had another walk to an old ruin (no, not Claire!). We also went to a very interesting medieval church, St. Clements, which is empty inside and houses the tomb of Alasdair Crotach MacLeod (the MacLeods were big in The Hebrides), amongst other tombs and effigies. I took some very ethereal photos of the inside. We were due to take the ferry to Skye after two nights in the hostel but the ferry was stuck at Lochmaddy on North Uist due to heavy seas so we spent a further night at the hostel and embarked the next day. We spent two days on Skye with our friends, visiting Drumvegan Castle (stronghold of the MacLeod chieftans), as well as the Talisker distillery and The Museum of Life which gave a wonderful insight into the hard and innovative lives of the islanders before the advent of cars, television, mobile phones, electricity, flush toilets and all the other paraphernalia of modern life. Then it was back to the mainland and home. Tony Rushbrooke

Interest Groups & Contacts

Group Contact Tel:

Antiques David Richards 854147

Art Appreciation W/L Miriam Taylor 618577

Art Appreciation Maralynn Butterworth 613392

Astronomy W/L Marion Lake 614162

Basic Computing John Dean 853084

Bird Watching Keith Penney 614104

Bridge Tuesday Group Marion Lake 614162

Bridge Intermediate W/L Ivor Williams 860384

Bridge Beginners Marion Lake 614162

Calligraphy Christina Christensen 613294

Complementary Therapy Catriona Meek 612708

Craft Group 1 W/L Val Dean 853084

Craft Group 2 W/L Mary Brock 612215

Creative Writing Felicity Barnaby 618387

Cribbage Jennie Youngs 854792

Digital Camera Computer John Dean 853084

Digital Camera For Fun Bernard James 615486

Discussion Ian Gasper 611304

Drama/ Play Reading Caroline Lorenzi 612103

Embroidery Group 1 W/L Ann Silcox 612027

Embroidery Group 2 Kylie Martin 618245

French Cafe W/L Jenny Gilbert 855116

French Conversation W/L Maurice Larose 614068

Café Francais Anne Snook 614801

French Novel Reading Frances Stephens 612783

W/L denotes a Group is full and a waiting list in operation

Interest Groups & Contacts

Group Contact: Tel:

Gardening Julia Harris 853785

Garden Visits Pauline Noblet 616481

Genealogy Mary Piper 852108

German Conversation Renate Edmonds 617732

History: The Stuarts and Commomwealth

Ian Silcox 612751

Jazz Mary Piper 852108

Lacemaking Christine Christensen 613294

Mah Jong Intermediate Ann Newman

Music Appreciation Jan Willie 854788

Poetry Group 1 W/L Diana Brace 615264

Poetry Group 2 Liz Johnson 810596

Pottery Kylie Martin 618245

Reading Circle Group 1 Renate Edmonds 617732

Reading Circle Group 2 Anne Snook 614801

Reading Circle (Woodtowners)

Group 3 W/L Frances Stephens 612783

Recorder Esther Warner 854194

Science & Technology Bernard James 615486

Scrabble W/L Jean Rogers 853718

Table Tennis Jenny Gilbert 855116

Theatre Visits Chris Webb 613884

Wine Tasting W/L Frances Howard 840010

Wood Turning Kath Walker 615759

W/L denotes a Group is full and a waiting list in operation


Forthcoming Walks Strollers Walking Group No walks in July or August. Contact: Diana Smirles: 612763. Walking Group – John Tuesday 12th July. Meet Pixon Lane car park 9.40am to car share to Minions (Hurlers CP). (SX259711). Walk Minions, Gimble, Sibleyback Lake, Tregarrick Tor. 7.5 miles. Tuesday 9th August. Meet Pixon Lane car park 9.40am to car share to Bel Tor Corner. (SX695731). Walk Ponsworthy, Jordan, Sherwell, Yar Tor. 6.5m Contact: John Noblet: 616481 Email: [email protected]

For your own comfort and safety please make sure that if you are joining a walk you wear walking boots or other stout footwear

and bring a packed lunch (unless a pub lunch is indicated) and drink with you.

Don’t forget the waterproofs. If you haven’t already arranged to share

transport, let the leader know.

Walking Group—Peter Thursday 28th July. Meet at car park by Sourton church. (SX 535902). 10.00am. Walk Sourton Tors, Branscombe‟s Loaf, Crash Site, Great Links Tor.. Approx 7 miles. No walk in August or September. Contact: Peter Snook: 614801 or 07761 374883 Email [email protected]

Wise monkeys in a line? John‟s walking group at Bovisand in June

Walking Group – Tony Thursday 21st July. Meet Postbridge CP. 10.00am 3 hour walk, packed lunch. NB. Bring bus pass. Thursday 18th August. Meet quarry CP opposite Two Bridges Hotel. 10.00am. 3 hour walk, packed lunch. NB. Bring bus pass Contact: Tony Rushbrooke : 854260 Email: [email protected]


There are some really good shows coming to The Theatre Royal over the next few months and the chart will give you details of the availability of seats I have reserved for our U3A group. If you want to reserve tickets you can email me on [email protected] or sign up at the monthly meetings. I must have the payments by the deadlines as I have to pay for the tickets almost immediately and won‟t have any time to contact individuals, and would hate anyone to be disappointed! If you are not going to be at the monthly meeting you could always send me a cheque payable to Tavy District U3A at 6 Hessary View Tavistock Pl19 0EZ.

Show Date Time Seats in

Price Pay by Meeting Comments

One Man Two Guvnors

Thursday 6 October

2.30 Circle row A

£18 September National Theatre‟s rave production

Top Hat Thursday 20 October

2.30 Upper circle row A

£22 August Hollywood dance musical

La Fille mal gardee

Thursday 27 October

7.30 Back row of Circle

£24.50 August Birmingham Royal Ballet

La Boheme Tuesday 22 November

7.15 Upper Circle row C & D

£29 September Waiting list

Fisherman‟s Friends

Sunday 29 November

7.30 Circle row C (23) Stalls row D (7)

£29.50 August Note early payment date The Shanty men from Port Isaac

Theatre Group

Calling All Swimmers - Again!

One of new members, Gretta Madigan, has kindly offered swimmers the use of her outdoor swimming pool. She says that it is not heated but she swims in it most days. Gretta lives in Bere Alston and if you need more details, perhaps you could call her on 840081. I did suggest to her that I could arrange a visit her pool, at her convenience, if enough people were interested so give me a call if that is something that you would like to do. Chris Webb


Storybook Dads

It‟s not often that our speakers tug at the emotional heartstrings in the way that Graham Osborn and Woody did at our May meeting. We thought you would like to share the following correspondence that we have had.

4th June 2011 Dear Mary Thank you for your very kind note about the presentation that Woody and I gave to your U3A members. I was so grateful that the Governor of Dartmoor Prison agreed to my request that Woody could attend the presentation. Afterwards I wrote to the Governor explaining how well Woody had spoken to your wonderful audience and how proud I was of his performance - and the rapturous applause that he received. I am thrilled to say that the Governor then wrote a let-ter of commendation to Woody thanking him for his efforts and I know that this type of letter is rare and will sit well in Woody's file leading to his release hopefully in about 18 months time. I will pass on your lovely note to Woody which I know he will appreciate very much. Kind regards Graham Osborn


This note was written by Woody on the reverse of the photo sent to Mary Brock

Woody

Learning Opportunity For Free! Whilst on the subject of HMP Dartmoor, we have received the following email: It seems to be too good to be true but we are promised it is not! Contact Andy Harding at HMP Dartmoor on 01822 322241 for more information.

I would like to make you aware of the Dartmoor Learning Centre adjacent to HMP Dartmoor in Princetown. We are sponsored by the Union Learning Fund and offer free learning opportunities to the local community as well as the staff and families of HMP Dartmoor. We have 10 PC's linked to broadband as well as a wealth of links to free IT based learning opportunities such as:

Basic IT

Advanced IT

Diploma Level Courses (many and various)

Open University Units (over 500 areas to choose from)

Languages (over 37 languages)

The training offered is free at the point of delivery and can be undertaken at the Centre or alternatively on one‟s own PC at home, once the initial required training has been identified by attendance at the centre

Your Social Committee

Contact any member of the Social Committee for more information

about social events:

Norma Woodcock: 613597 Lillian Taylor: 617720 Chris Webb: 613884 Diana Smirles: 612763 Mary Brock: 612215

All contributions for the Newsletter to John Noblet, please.

Email to [email protected]

or phone 616481

The deadline for the next issue is 20th August


Miraculous Minack

Intrepid U3A theatregoers were witness to a series of miracles on 9th June in Cornwall. Firstly, despite the gloomy start, we had no need of anoraks and waterproof trousers and it was a matter of digging out the sunhats and suntan cream instead. The scene was beautiful as we took our seats, ate our picnic lunches and gazed over the stunning sea view. Then, Chaucer and the Rough Coast Theatre Company combined to enchant us with a mixture of energy, humour and sheer narrative skill as “The Canterbury Tales” was brought to life by a group of actors who persuaded us that they were a wardrobe crew stuck at an airport who then proceeded to stage several of the tales to pass the time while their plane to New York was delayed by fog, strikes and volcanic ash! The bawdy nature of some of Chaucer‟s Tales was enthusiastically embraced by the troupe and their interpretation of various earthy scenes was a delight. Suffice it to say that the combination of a blanket held upright by two medieval villagers as they jiggled up and down excitedly to the accompaniment of a rhythmic tune as they simulated a couple enjoying themselves will live in my mind for quite some time.

They balanced this by a moving version of true love as Courtly Love was displayed in all its glory in several tales. The cast must have shed several pounds in weight as they coped with constant costume changes and rapid shifts of scene too. They even involved some members of the audience with the sound effects by handing out whoopee cushions and coconuts! In case you are wondering – to bring to life the farts and horses clip clopping. Anyone who had harboured doubts about the comprehensibility of Chaucer in the twenty first century soon realised that human nature hasn‟t changed much and settled down to revel in an entertaining afternoon‟s drama which was not disturbed even when a spectator succumbed to the heat in a faint and had to be assisted out of her seat. Needless to say, the actors carried on gamely as they knew that “the show must go on.” The performance was given an alternative title on the coach journey home and it is one which I am fairly sure that Geoffrey Chaucer would relish in its alliterative zest:

“Farting and Fornication” Diana Brace


Propelled Into Shakespeare

In May I, along with several other U3A theatregoers, was lucky enough to have been transported by The Propeller Theatre Company into a maelstrom of violence and a carousel of comedy in the same week. This multi talented group, whose artistic director is Edward Hall, presented “Richard III” with their all male cast amazing us with their skill and versatility. It was a truly incredible picture of a violent world in which a charismatically evil man can conspire his way to the crown through a welter of blood as his henchmen wield a chainsaw to commit murders on his behalf. The music and song, which feature in the play, provided a mystical edge to the scene. It is a mixture of pieces written by the company and arrangements of traditional work. The standard of the singing was superb and added greatly to the atmosphere. Richard Clothier was excellent as the determined and brutal king.

Richard Clothier was excellent as the determined and brutal king.. We were also treated to a scintillating production of “The Comedy of Errors” which bubbled and fizzled with energy, fun and humour. The company began the performance with music played by them on stage as they set the scene for a Latin American version of the play. They even performed music in the foyer in the interval in aid of a charity! No rest for them at all. The speed of delivery, the fantastic comic timing and the involvement with the audience ensured an afternoon of sheer delight. If you ever see fliers about a performance of The Propeller Theatre Company, whatever the play, go and see it! They are brilliant. Diana Brace

The Moonwalk

Jennie and Marian would like to thank everyone for their sponsorship and

support for their recent Moonwalk.

The money raised will go towards the target of 10 million pounds for breast

cancer causes..

We completed the Moonwalk with 17,000 other participants on a beautiful

moonlit night which was very chilly at times but a very moving experience.

We were happy and glad to see the finish line at 4.10am !!!!!!

Thanks to all who helped.

Jennie Youngs and Marian Harris


There and Back

„It is just like being on holiday for a day!‟ said Marian as we approached Wadebridge. It was a calm sunny day and all 18 of us were ready for our first cycle ride of the year to Padstow. Everyone was set up with their hire bike and we were ready for the off. They say you never forget how to ride a bike and a couple of our intrepid members were about to put the theory to test. Discussions about choice of gears continued for the first couple of miles, but the delightful, obliging staff at Bridge Bike Hire had set us up well so few alterations were needed. We discovered the bells and the very comfortable saddles, and enjoyed a relaxed, easy ride along the Camel Trail, taking in the unfolding views of the river and the shore line, and fortunately the two members with (bright) yellow jerseys seemed to be in no rush to take their place at the front of the pack!

.After coffee in the sun there was time for a shopping fest - jewellery, tops and shoes, would the credit card survive the onslaught? This was unselfish work as we all were buying gifts for friends and family and it was so easy to purchase with U3A friends giving such excellent advice! Stein Cod and Chips were enjoyed sitting on the wall overlooking sand worm diggers and the remains of the outgoing tide, with the return journey even allowing for a little French conversation practice (for some!) with a lovely baby and his parents. Thanks to Chris Webb for wonderful organisation of the weather, the cars and the bikes. It seems she enjoyed it so much she is going to do it again in September – get signed up for another wonderful day out! Janet Hunt

Enjoying well earned refreshment at Padstow


Okehampton Rivers Day

On 27th May, ten Tavy District U3A members attended Okehampton's Study Day “Our Rivers”. We were welcomed by their Chair and then a reading from “Tarka the Otter” got us in the mood for the rest of the day. Our first speaker was Paul Carter who works for the environment agency as a water bailiff. His passion for his work was quickly apparent and he began his illustrated talk by explaining the life cycle of the salmon. He showed us how fish passes are constructed where weirs would otherwise obstruct the passage of the fish up the river. Another important aspect of his work is to stop poaching. He said it does not occur so often in Okehampton as it does in Tavistock! We were shown pictures of lamps and snares that are used. This side of his job can be quite dangerous so he wears a protective vest and carries an anchor and a baton at all times. Agricultural pollution can be another problem when cows are allowed into rivers to drink. Bankside fencing helps here. There are now salmon hatcheries to help stock the rivers and so numbers are well up. The progress of salmon can be checked by electric fishing. He made us laugh when he explained that someone had suggested using snorkels to count fish! Can you imagine the scene? A piranha has also been caught, presumably a pet someone had tired of. It was worrying to hear that there are now only three local water bailiffs where there used to be nine but encouraging to hear how much progress is being made. The second speaker was Ross Harrington from the West Country Rivers Trust set up by Ted Hughes and Conrad Voss Bark.

He lives and farms on the River Okement. He does not have the policing powers of a water bailiff but his job is to protect and enhance the region‟s rivers and streams. He works with landowners and the community through education and development. Practical advice can be given because of the research that has been done. He explained that crops of maize, where the soil gets compacted, are a complete disaster for water courses as are cattle cooling their feet in rivers. The solution to this is to erect a fence two metres back from the river which the farmers will happily accept when it is explained it will save them money. Both talks were most informative and enjoyable, given by two dedicated people who obviously love their work. The morning was rounded off by a walk around the town which enabled us to admire the achievements of the Okement Rivers Improvement Group (ORIG). Before starting out, Christine Marsh gave

a short illustrated talk describing the huge

amount of work this group has undertaken

in the last decade in order to clean up the

river, open up very delightful walkways

and commission works by local artists to

enhance the river‟s surroundings. In

September 1999, in her role as the then

Town Mayor, she had appealed for

volunteers to help clean up the rivers in

Okehampton.

The enthusiastic response to this appeal

led to the formation of the Okement Rivers

Improvement Group. The first meeting

was held in April 2000 when a formal

management committee, constitution and

mission statement was agreed.

Continued on Page 22


Okehampton Rivers Day (continued)

'To protect and enhance Okehampton Town Rivers and riverside environment for the benefit of the local community and our visitors.' Many of us are reasonably familiar with Okehampton but very few of us were aware that just popping behind Lidl will find you at the start of one of these delightful walks and all of us from Tavistock who went would urge you to go on one of these. After an excellent lunch, the afternoon began with a series of local reminiscences describing what the river has meant to many local inhabitants.

This was followed by two films, the first made by members of the Okehampton U3A in which a local Riparian (someone responsible for an area of the river bank) explained the various tasks he finds himself undertaking throughout the year and the second depicting the construction of Meldon Dam. Work began on this in 1970 in response to

increased demand for domestic water

supply, after more than 5 years of battle

with conservationists.

The reservoir supplies water to north and west Devon, and is used for trout fishing. This delightful little film, which had been technically updated, showed the design and construction of the concrete gravity dam in the Dartmoor National Park and conveyed something of the atmosphere of a beautiful stretch of Dartmoor both before and after. The afternoon ended with a welcome cup of tea and we were able to take a further look at the exhibition which involved work both by local U3A members and also children from the local primary school.

There was much to admire, in particular a superb “installation” of tiles by Susan Eckles, a U3A member and local artist, showing the many different sights and areas of interest along the two rivers that delineate the town. This will probably be displayed in a prominent part of the town ...keep an eye out for it! Mary Brock Liz Johnson

Meldon Dam


Recipe

Corn

er

Do you have a favourite recipe?

Do you want to share it with us?

This one is from our Chair, so it must be good.

Fruity Chocolate Fridge Cake 125g margarine 1½ tbs syrup 1 chopped up Mars bar 50g sultanas 25g cherries 300g Rich Tea biscuit crumbs 50g chopped nuts 100g milk chocolate bar Line 8"x8" tin with foil Melt syrup, margarine and Mars bar until liquid. Stir in rest of ingredients, except chocolate bar. Pour in tin and flatten out. Melt chocolate bar and spread evenly on top. Put in fridge for at least an hour. Cut into squares and enjoy. Mary Brock

Dont Forget! Our monthly meetings will be in the

Town Hall from September.

Don’t go to the wrong place!

All contributions for the Newsletter to John Noblet, please.

Email to [email protected]

or phone 616481

The deadline for the next issue is 20th August

TAVY

DISTRICT

Tavy District U3A

meets on the first Wednesday of

the month at 2.00pm

Chair Mary Brock 612215

[email protected]

Vice Chair Liz Johnson 810596

[email protected]

Secretary David Voller 612348

[email protected]

Treasurer Alan Duncan 612082

[email protected]

Membership Pauline Noblet 616481

[email protected]

Groups Liaison Maurice Larose 614068

[email protected]

Speaker‟s Liaison Jennie Youngs 854792

[email protected]

Two Moors Liaison Liz Johnson 614068

[email protected]

Social Cttee Liaison Mary Brock 612215

[email protected]

Equipment Officer Malcolm Ashfold 614004

[email protected]

The Committee

JULY Friday 29th Sunday 31st

Theatre Royal Workshop (TR2) Sidmouth Folk Festival (DAC Trip)

AUGUST Tuesday 16th Guys and Dolls at Sterts Theatre

SEPTEMBER Friday 9th Thursday 15th Thursday 22nd

Day in Oxford (with West Dartmoor U3A) Bike Ride Exeter morning shopper and canal cruise to Exmouth with cream tea (DAC Trip)

OCTOBER Friday 21st Skittles and lunch (optional) at Blacksmith‟s Arms

NOVEMBER Monday 14th to Friday 18th

“Perfect Pembrokeshire” 4 night break (DAC Trip)

DECEMBER Monday 5th Christmas lunch (TBC)

Social Calendar

Full details of costs, times and to sign up are on the Social Committee table at the monthly meeting or phone Norma on 613597

DISTRICT Newsletter - Tavy District U3A · Tavy District U3A Newsletter 5 Eating Out, French Style...

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