Kettering U3A

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16th December 2014

Kettering U3A Year 11 Newsletter 06

www.u3asites.org.uk/kettering

Registered Charity No. 1108614

Next Month

20th January

Long Term Care Clive Langley

From the Chairman— “Have yourself a merry little Christmas.

/Make the yuletide gay./ Next year all our sorrows will be far away(” Would that it were so. The song goes on to affirm that “we all will muddle through somehow”. That’s probably nearer the mark, but notice the “we all” – teamwork, mes braves. 2014 has in many ways been extraordinary – too many to list here – but though we mourn the demise of some Groups we also delight in the creation of new/additional ones. A mah jong group, possibly including other board games such as chess, seems likely to come into being in January. [Now the preachy bit.] It is perhaps superfluous to say that Interest Groups come into being as a response to members' expressed interest or request, and if a Leader can be found to undertake the formation and subsequent running of such a Group. The ethos of the U3A, despite the misleading University in its designation, is to allow those who are retired to keep themselves active, both mentally and physically in some instances. "Learning" takes place, on a variety of levels, but in a social environment rather than in an "Adult-Education" style. Leadership is not dictatorship. Maureen would like to hear especially from new members re subjects they might be interested in, but we also want to hear from longer-standing members. [And now the inevitable appeal-y bit.] Marian wishes to stand down as Secretary in June, though is happy to continue as Speaker Seeker. Maggi also has to stand down. Think on(

MaryMaryMaryMary

Today

16th December

Christmas with

Terry Smith

Kettering U3A

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Your Kettering U3A Committee 2014-2015

Chairman Mary Wildman 01536 741 222 mary@u3akettering.co.uk Vice Chairman Cyril Young 01536 392 065 cyril@u3akettering.co.uk Treasurer/Membership Sec. Maggi McGuire 01536 392 716 maggi@u3akettering.co.uk Secretary/Speaker Seeker Marian Tucker 01536 510 354 marian@u3akettering.co.uk Newsletter/Web site Richard Boyles 01536 744 753 richard@u3akettering.co.uk Groups Co-ordinator Maureen Curd 01832 732 361 maureen@u3akettering.co.uk New Members Coordinator Elizabeth Toseland 01536 460 029 elizabeth@u3akettering.co.uk Committee Member Helen McAdams 01536 628 304 helen@u3akettering.co.uk

Group Leaders Information

Check that all members of your group are fully paid-up members of the U3A. Ensure that you have:-

• A written record showing your member’s name, address, telephone number and email address.

• The name and telephone of each member’s emergency contact.

• The post code of your venue as this will be required by the emergency services should you need to call them out.

• Send articles, reports and photographs about your group to the Newsletter Editor. Copy deadline for the newsletter is 10 days before the monthly meeting.

• To put additional information and/or photographs on your Group’s web page on the Kettering U3A website, please email to the Web Master, Richard@Boyles.co.uk or send hardcopy to him.

• Advise the Group Coordinator of any changes to your group arrangements, e.g. venue, timing, group leader etc.

• Ensure your group members are aware of their turn to do the meeting refreshments at the appointed meeting.

• Refreshment Rota details below:- DECEMBER Your Committee

Members Information Welcome to new members Myra Sergeant and Marian Mackie

• Advise the Membership Secretary, in writing, of any changes to your address, post code, telephone number or email address.

• If you are unable to attend your Group’s meeting, please advise your Group Leader in advance.

• If you know one of our members has a special occasion ahead, e.g. important birthday, anniversary or if they are ill and you feel a card from the U3A would be appreciated, please contact Joan Rolfe on 01536 521531

• Bring your membership card with you to the meeting and have it available for checking in.

• If you cannot get to the monthly meeting for any reasons, you can get a copy of the Newsletter:-from either the Library or the Tourist Information desk, Manor House Museum, Kettering or from Desborough, Rothwell or Burton Latimer Libraries.

• Via our postal service direct to your home (£8.50 per annum) Contact the Membership Secretary to do so.

• Download the newsletter (in glorious colour) from the web site, www.u3asites.org.uk/kettering and click on Links.

Monthly Meeting Dates & Speakers

16 Dec Christmas. Terry Smith 20 Jan Long term Care—Clive Langley 17 Feb Up The Cut—Derick Harris 17 Mar Blacksmithing—Bob Nightingale 21 Apr Family History & the Media: Behind the Scenes of BBC WDYTYA—Nick Barrett 19 May Crazy Hats—Glennis Hooper

16 Jun AGM 21 Jul Museum & Gallery— Eleanor Baumber 18 Aug Photo Quiz—Trevor Rudkin 15 Sep WWII—Eric Nixon 20 Oct Bee Keeping—David White 17 Nov Hearing Dogs for Deaf—Vicky Ryan 15 Dec Being Father Christmas—Colin Oakes

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Our next meeting at the Fuller Church, Gold St. Kettering. Format of the meeting:-

1.30 – 2.15 Assembly Room Tea/Coffee & biscuits available Browse the groups and chat Sign up to groups and trips 2.15—2.30 In Church for U3A notices 2.30—3.30 Speaker 3.45 (approx) Meeting ends

Speaker Seeker— Thank you to all members who

have given me names of speakers. It is much appreci-ated. As you will see from the newsletter the speakers are planned several months in advance and you may not see your recommendation immediately, but I can assure you that I do keep all recommendations for future reference.

Contact: Marian Tucker 01536 510 354 marian@u3akettering.co.uk

Newsletter DEADLINE— deadline is two Saturdays

before the monthly meeting.

Thank you all group leaders who are sending in reports and photos for the newsletter and web site. Remember you can read and download the newsletter in FULL COLOUR from our internet page at www.u3asites.org.uk/kettering Contact: Richard Boyles 01536 744 753 richard@u3akettering.co.uk

News — Interest Groups — Visits and Reports

Bridge - We have a very friendly Bridge group who

meet every Friday afternoon. If you can play Bridge but perhaps have not done so for a little while then please come and join us. I must say, however, that we do not teach it and therefore you must have some knowledge of the game to be able to join. You would be made very welcome. We start each Friday at 1.30pm at the Bridge Club in Field Street and we pay £2 each week and for that you get good company, a very interesting game and refreshments.

Contact: Sue Macfarlane 01536 523754

Busy Needles — welcomed Chris Jones to the circle

last session and hopes to welcome Chris Crick as another new member next time (Dec 4

th). Charlie is in

his element, spoiled for choice as to whose feet to lie across. That brings us up to seven – I could squeeze in one more round my dining table, so if you are interested please contact me.

Contact: Mary Wildman 01536 741 222 marywildman365@gmail.com

Bookworms — The group met to discuss "The Book

Thief", narrated by Death. It is the story of Liesel, a 9 year old girl, living with a foster family in Nazi Germany. At the age of 9, Liesel was unable to read, but she stole books and was taught to read by her foster father, Hans. We all thought it was a very moving story, told through the eyes of Death. No meeting in December - we meet again on 28th January, when we will be watching the DVD of "The Book Thief".

Contact: Pauline Parkin 01536 799 197 Please send your half yearly finance reports for six months up to 31st December to the Treasurer. Reminder, that the Third Age Trust rules state that groups are not allowed to set up their own group bank account as all money being held above £50 must be in the “U3A No. 2 Account”. If you have any questions on how to proceed, please contact Maggi.

Card Making 1 — Card making took on a festive air

this month with carols playing and mince pies and stollen to eat. In addition some very creative Christmas cards were made. It never ceases to amaze me that from similar materials such varied and beautiful cards are produced. Once again some people will be receiving spectacular cards. We all had a fun time too with much camaraderie. The next meetings will be on March 3rd and 4th when hopefully I will be fully charged up and raring to go. A Happy Christmas and a healthy and prosperous New Year to all the members. Mary

Contact: Mary Earl 01536 522 456

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Card Making 2 — The concentration on the ladies

faces was a joy to be seen when they spent time working on these iris folding cards. Each of us was given the plan and colours of paper chosen. Sounds easy; but, some of us went wrong, me included. Some lovely cards were produced and a joy to keep. We then tackled our old favourite, dahlia folding cards. Ladies, the cards you produced were wonderful, I just forgot to take the pictures of all your creative cards. A huge thank you to everyone who purchased Christmas cards, birthday cards, post-it-note holders and shopping lists pads etc from our stall.

Contact: Marian Tucker 01536 510 354 mariantucker1954@gmail.com

Canals & Waterways — We celebrated the end of

our year with lunch at The Foxton Locks Inn. A wonderful time was had by all. The food and service were very good. The Inn has been refurbished and has a welcoming atmosphere. Our next years timetable is below as well as on our U3A website. We have had a very successful year with a varied Programme and I would like to wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Thank you all for supporting this group We meet on January 15th at Stanwick Lakes at 11.am for a short ,walk and talk as we go by Hilary from the RSPB, followed by a snack/lunch at the cafe. We usually pre-order our food. If you are interested in joining us please let me know.

—— 2015 timetable —— Jan 15th Stanwick Lakes 10.30am walk with Hilary from RSPB, followed by lunch. Feb 19th Talk about canals by Mary Matts North Park Pavilion 2.0pm Mar 18-19th Lincoln Fosdyke Navigation. This can be a day or overnight trip. Apr 14-16th London trip to include: Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, Thames Barrier, Greenwich May 21st Willen Lake North, Milton Keynes. Jun 16-18th Liverpool Docks and Mersey Ferry Jul 16th Steamer trip Abington/Oxford details to be arranged (day trip) Aug 20th Local trip or Tooleys boat yard Banbury (also a day trip). Sep 17th Day boat hire venue to be arranged Oct 13-15th Bristol Docks & SS Great Britain Nov 19th Planning meeting NorthPark Pavilion 2.0pm Dec 3rd Xmas lunch

Contact: Christine Strachan 01536 515730 ce.strachan1@ntlworld.com

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Computer Group — I wish everyone a very merry

Christmas and a happy New Year. May Santa bring you your favourite laptop, tablet or smart phone.

We had our second meeting at ASDA where we learnt about creating, renaming, moving files and folders. Hopefully student feel more confident with this. Group members have requested the following subjects which I have booked as follows.

13 Jan - E-MAILS. Creating, replying, attaching and saving files and photos.

27 Jan - CLOUD STORAGE. Learn how to store and share files and photos using Drop Box, One Drive, Google Drive

10 Feb - PHOTOs. Simple editing, resizing, cropping, renaming to something meaningful

24 Feb - TABLETS and SMART PHONES. iPads, Android, Kindle etc.

Details on the web site below.

Final selection of hardware purchased with the lottery grant is below.

This grant will allow the computer group to be more interactive for those without laptops to bring along, the projector and screen will allow flexibility where we meet. Information and videos from previous sessions at www.U3AComputerGroup.co.uk Contact: Richard Boyles 01536 744 753 e-mail: Richard@Boyles.co.uk As always, you can contact me for any computer related advice or problems.

Also personal help at www.Computing121.co.uk

Country Matters — In November we met at

Eyebrook Reservoir on an overcast morning but at least it wasn’t raining. We crossed over the dam and continued walking to the wooded area to the east side of the reservoir. Along the way we spotted several bird species: cormorants, great crested grebes and a lot of mallard ducks. We also noticed quite a few different fungi under the autumnal trees. We enjoyed lunch afterwards at the Chequered Flag in Corby – very good value for money too.

We will have had our December meeting by the time the magazine is in print, we are taking a short break over the Christmas/New Year period and will meet again on 12 February 2015 in the car park of the Star & Garter pub in Chelveston around 10.15 to pre-order our lunch before we start. Look forward to seeing you there.

Contact: Derek Warren 01536 518 560 derek@thewarrens.me.uk

Discussion Group — A very good meeting was held in

November when we discussed " The News". We started with ways in which news has always been given through the ages, going on to how we have received news by radio and television. Content was discussed in detail and we wondered about the propaganda aspect of what we are fed. The discussion was very lively with everyone participating and our conclusions were that we need news but sometimes it would be nice to have good news. December discussion is being led by Jan Perry and we are all being given a minute to have a say on something that could improve the World or our Community. The meeting in January will be led by Tom who will be posing the question "Are the armed forces relevant in today's society"? The date will be Jan 13th. On February 10th David will be leading with the topic of "Conspiracy Theories". During my absence please direct any queries to Carole Bradbury on 01536 516587. A Peaceful Christmas to all members and a Healthy and Happy 2015.

Contact: Mary Earl on 01536 522 456

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Gardening Group — The group is now taking a rest

until the Spring of next year. Proposals for future activities warmly welcomed.

Contact: Ray Bradbury 01536 516587

Heartbeat— Next meeting will be on Monday 5th

January 2015. We will meet at the corner of Bryant Road and Pytchley Road at 10am, for a half hour brisk walk to welcome in the new year. Hope to see you there.

Contact: Bridget Ling 01536 414 810

German-2 Conversation for Absolute Beginners—The established group for basic German Conversation remains oversubscribed so this new group for absolute beginners has been formed and is now also FULL. This group meets on Wednesdays 1.30 to 3.00pm fortnightly. Contact: Joe Fletcher 01536 722 399

German–1 Basic Conversation — This established

group for Basic German Conversation is now FULL.

Contact: Joe Fletcher 01536 722 399

Lunch Club Christmas Special — About forty

members sat down to a traditional Christmas meal with all the trimmings at the Masonic hall in Corby last week. The food was good, the service was excellent and the company was..., well what do you expect from Kettering U3A!. All present seem to have had a good time and were quite complimentary. Happy Christmas to all.

Contact: Ray Bradbury 01536 516 587

Golf — If you want to join us then we meet every

Friday just after 1 pm at Pytchley Golf Cente for 9 holes which we usually finish by 3.30 pm followed by a cup of tea/coffee. For further info please give me a call. Look forward to hearing from you.

Contact: Alan Stephens 01536 726 911 or 07931 637 660 or alanstephens26@outlook.com

Lunch Club — There is no usual December lunch

club as we were at the annual U3A Christmas Lunch which we all enjoyed very much, thanks to Ray. As we go into 2015 the January lunch club will be organised by me. I though we would try a different format this month and visit the Trading Post at the top of Northampton Road by the A14 in Kettering. Being January I don't think it will be too busy. I will get some menus ready for the January meeting and will take names so I know how many. They will organise some close tables for us. You will however, order and pay individually when you get there. It will be interesting to see if this works well. I chose this venue as it is close to home if we happen to have bad weather and it has the facility of a car park which is always good. Some town centre venues do not, which can be a problem parking and on top of that the cost.

HAPPY CHRISTMAS TO ALL AND A HEALTHY 2015.

New Members - We visit a different venue each month on the forth Tuesday of the month. A menu is provided at the U3A meeting the week prior for you to make a choice and payment is not required until the day. New members are very welcome to join us, we are a very friendly bunch. See our Lunch Club table at the meeting.

Contact: Glynis Hall 01536 516249 or glynis.john@o2.co.uk

Knit and Natter - As you can see by the picture we

had a lovely Christmas Lunch at the Park House last Monday. This completed an enjoyable Year with lots of lovely things being knitted and crocheted Our next meeting will be Monday 19th January 2015. Wishing everyone a Happy Christmas.

Contact: Annette Chidwick 01536 523867

Friday Pop-in - We were made very welcome at our

new venue of the Cransley Coffee Shop. A huge , BIG thank you to all members who supported me. A grand total of 12. The area that the coffee shop could provide with that number of members was small and snug. In the New Year, if the support continues, we may have to look for a larger venue. I hope to see you all next month.

Contact: Sue Hince 01536 521 023

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Looking at Churches — In November we went to

Great Bowden, near Market Harborough. We were greeted at the door by a young vibrant vicar, who appeared to have a thriving congregation and a very well cared for church. Reverend Shakespeare spoke first about the history of the church, followed by the Church Warden, who talked about all the alterations that had been done over the years. She also made tea & coffee for us which was very welcome. There are some beautiful stained glass windows, one modern window depicts the fox hunting that goes on in the area. The main window over the altar was of both the Crucifixion and of the Resurrection, which apparently is very unusual. There is also the best preserved medieval painting in the country, which is very large and entitled ‘Doom’. There will be no tour in December, so our first one of the New Year will be to Braybrooke, Leics at 2.0pm on Wednesday, January 21st 2015. Roy & I wish you a very Happy Christmas and a healthy New Year, and I thank all of the ‘Looking at Churches’ group for their loyal support in all weather.

Contact: Janet Clements 01536 507721 or janet.clements@ntlworld.com

Photos by Alan Robinson

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Musical Circles 2 — Unfortunately the November

had to be cancelled due to illness and a misunderstanding. We have also cancelled the December meeting as it falls near to Christmas. Our next meeting will be in January 2015.

Contact: Eileen Mason 01536 725 925

Musical Circles 1 — Owing to ill health, holidays and various other commitments of 50% of our members we decided to cancel our November meeting. We shall meet on Monday 15th December, each bringing their own musical contribution. We have enjoyed another year listening to a wide range of music and I would like to thank our members for their efforts in making this such a pleasant group. I wish everyone a very Happy Christmas and a Healthy New Year.

Contact: Carole Bradbury 01536 516 587

Photography Group — We finally made it to Summer

Leys Nature Reserve, having postponed last month's visit due to poor weather. There can be no complaints about the weather this time, with plenty of sunshine around. Unfortunately the birds were not being very cooperative, even at the feeding stations, so no award-winning natural history photographs were taken, but it was a very pleasant afternoon in the fresh air anyway. And with two members of the group paying their first visit to this particular Nature Reserve they now can revisit at any time, knowing where the paths, hides and feeding stations are. We managed a morning visit to Summer Leys Nature Reserve in December, despite the efforts of the weather forecasters to put us off, and despite one of the group having to pull out at short notice due to an injured back. (We wish him a speedy recovery - he missed a good morning out!). It was cool and cloudy, but it was pleasant walking weather, the rain held off, and this time there were plenty of blue tits, chaffinches, reed buntings, bullfinches and so on at the feeding station to watch and photograph. Our next meeting will be on Monday 5th January 2015. The venue and the time will be decided after Christmas, when we have a better idea of the weather, lighting conditions and availability of people. We still have room for one or two people to join our itinerant photo group if they wish to further their photographic skills.

Contact: Trevor Rudkin 01536 711 976

trevor.rudkin@gmail.com

Playford English Country Dancing - The last

meeting for 2014 will be on Weds. 10th Dec. from 2.30-4p.m. at St. Andrews Church Hall. I am on a waiting list for an operation in the New Year. Meetings are postponed until after Easter.

Contact: Jean Beaver 01933 224474

Singing For Pleasure — As Semprini used to

say,"Old ones, new ones, neglected ones..." - we are well into our seasonal-programme rehearsals. First concert this year: December 5th at a new venue. It is wonderful to have back with us Barbara and Doreen and to welcome a new member, Anna Wilson. Anna is primarily an Oundle U3A member and (yippee) an alto. We are also very much looking forward to our Group Christmas Lunch and grateful to Margaret for producing, as ever, our striking festive knitted corsages. "Deck the Halls", ring those "Silver Bells" and a Merry Christmas to one and all.

Contact: Jill Dee 01536 514 054

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Scrabble—Meetings are held at the Parish church

rooms. Time 2.00pm—4.30pm on the 1st & 3rd Wednesdays of each month. New members are wel-come. We enjoy playing in a relaxed atmosphere.

Contact: Pauline Reed 01536 513 850

Sugar Craft— If anyone who would like to learn, but

feels they are hopeless, come to watch as we work and I guarantee that they will soon realise that they can achieve good results.

Contact: Joan Allingham 01536 722 610

3. Wash it off Fog can cause sprays of rain to sit on your windscreen so make sure you use your wipers on the intermittent setting throughout your journey. Keep your windscreen washer topped up with screen wash to rinse off any debris. If the fog is freezing fog, do not use your windscreen washer unless you have non-freezing washer fluid in them, or the screen will become covered in ice. 4. Be ready to brake Driving at a steady pace will ensure you can slow down or brake early enough for any hazards. However, if the vehicle behind you appears closer than it needs to be, you should make sure you are going slowly enough that you are able to slow down or stop without it being sudden. This will allow the car behind to not be caught out and run into you. Keep an eye on your speed throughout and only increase your speed when the road significantly clears. Patches of fog will not always be of the same density - it may get thicker again, so be prepared for that and ready to slow down again. 5. Watch out for pedestrians and cyclists Pedestrians and cyclists are extremely difficult to see in fog, so take extra caution to ensure you can cope with them. Very often they will be wearing dark clothing as opposed to high visibility gear - making it more difficult to spot them easily. Keep your eyes peeled and make sure you reduce your speed, giving yourself enough time to spot them. 6. See and be seen In traffic queues the movement of the vehicles can cause the fog to clear to a degree within the queue. But, the driver at the head of the queue does not have that benefit - don't be tempted to rush past other cars (especially on the motorway) to then suddenly find a wall of fog at the front of the queue. If you have to stop, whether you're waiting for help while you're on the hard-shoulder or on a side-road, you and your car should always be visible to other road users. Have the car's lights on, use the hazard warning flashers, and wear a high visibility jacket to help other vehicles passing by identify you. Display a warning triangle if you break down - but not on a motorway, where setting it out creates a high risk, and it is likely to be blown over by passing traffic. Without this equipment you might remain unseen and be involved in an accident. This advice is from the Institute of Advanced Motorists http://www.iam.org.uk

If you’d like help with any driving related issues or to find out more about the Safe Driving Group, please contact either Roy or Steve. Steve Clorley 01832 732342 or 07973 624815

stephen.clorley@yahoo.com

Roy Franklin 01536 482808 or 07751 106617

r.franklin672@btinternet.com

Spanish Conversation — The Spanish conversation

group continues to meet on the second and fourth Wednesday of each month from 2pm to 4pm. The next meeting is on 10 December. We have the use of a training room free of charge so our sessions continue to be free. We use the book Pasos 2 which is for second level students Having accepted two new students who both have previous experience of the language, we are now definitely at full capacity. However, we would be happy to start a waiting list but because of the level our members are at, having completed more than two years of study, new students would need to have a reasonable knowledge of basic Spanish.

Contact: Bob Thorogood 01933 650 551

bob@rltservices.co.uk

Safe Driving — Safe Driving Group

Six tips for driving in mist and fog 1. Clean and clear The conditions that cause fog also cause windows to mist up. Dirty windows mist more quickly than clean ones, so it is important to keep your windows clean, and then use your wipers and the car heater (and air conditioning if you have it) to clear them. Be sure to clear your wing mirrors too so you can see traffic in them, especially in towns. 2. Light and bright Switch on your dipped headlights in misty or foggy conditions. Do not rely on the fact that your car's lights automatically come on with the engine, as this may not put the rear lights on - and they are equally important. Only use your fog lights if visibility is less than 100 me-tres, but don't forget to turn them off when visibility im-proves. Do not use the full beam lights in fog as this will only obscure your visibility further. Simply use your dipped headlights to help you see further ahead and drive at a speed you can stop at within the distance you can see.

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Wining and Dining - We shall have enjoyed our

Christmas meal at The Snooty Fox, Lowick by the time of the U3A meeting. A couple of us went for a taster a few weeks ago and were delighted with the food. Our first event of the year by popular request will be at Kino' s lounge, Market Place Kettering. It is on Wednesday 14th January at 7.0pm. If you are interested in joining us please advise me by the first week in January.

Contact: Christine Strachan 01536 515 730 ce.strachan1@ntlworld.com

Theatre Goers — National . A deposit will secure you a seat.

Contact: Helen McAdams on 01536 628 304 07513 119 620

helenmcadams@talktalk.net

Trips & Visits - Proposed list for 2015 as follows:

Friday 20 February Anglesey Abbey Snowdrops. Thursday 22 April Wrest Park—As this would be an afternoon only trip to Bedford I am looking at a visit to Charles Wells brewery. Tuesday 12 May Hampton Court Palace & Gardens. Monday 20 July Norwich. September Houses of Parliament Dates to be advised.

All dates are subject to confirmation but please confirm interest so that cancellations do not apply!!! Due to time restraints i.e. only monthly meetings non refundable deposits are requested as we need to fill coaches to cover costs. Dates are definite and bookings will be taken for the following COACH ONLY DAY TRIPS TO LONDON. Saturday 28 February 2016. Saturday 27 June 2016. Saturday 24 October 2016.

Contact: Maureen Curd 01832 732 361 maureen@u3akettering.co.uk

Theatre Group — Local Productions for 2015 Odeon+Culture BOLSHOI BALLET Swan Lake (Live) Sun Jan 25th 3.00pm - £13 - £14.60 Lighthouse Theatre An evening with MONTY DON Sat Feb 28

th - £15

MONTY DON has proved to be very popular and only back rows left. Please let me know if you want tickets as soon as possible and I will book seats if there are any available. There are 14 members to watch Alice's Adventures in Wonderland by the Royal Ballet, I am sure it will be enjoyable and I will write a review in January.

HAPPY CHRISTMAS to all members and HAPPY THEATRE GOING 2015

Please find more information on the U3A board and at the Theatre Goers table at the monthly meetings. If tickets are required cash or cheque must be produced at the meeting or posted to Maggi very soon after to enable Glynis to arrange tickets and ensure availability.

Contact: Glynis Hall 01536 516 249 glynis.john@02.co.uk

The pencil drawing called "Seashells, Seaweed & Crab Claws" is by Freda Giddings.

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Watercolour Painting — The last Water Colour

Painting Class for the Autumn Term was held on the 4th December. The Winter Term will start on the 8th January, 2015, 2pm to 4pm in the Parish Church Rooms. (There is a free car park adjacent to these rooms). We meet on the 2nd and 4th Thursday's of each month.

Water colour painting of a "Purple Emperor" by Jo Beaver.

Anyone wishing to join this term will have to be added to our Waiting List, as the class is now full.

Contacts: Barbara Goodall 01536 523 259 Jo Beaver 01933 224 474

Walking Group -

Contact: Pete Spence 01536 742372

Writers Group — goes from strength to strength,

especially in the variety and high quality of pieces members are producing. We have indeed reached quite a literary level and seem well set to continue on this path of creative self-discovery. We are also pretty well full. I know there are would-be writers out there who would like to come along but feel rather daunted or out-numbered. Therefore, I have decided to start a second Group for beginners: for those who need encouragement to put finger to keyboard or pen to paper; help and advice perhaps, or just ideas. So, if you are someone with an idea for a story, a poem, an article, an essay, even a play, but have never got round to pursuing it, or if you would like to share or improve upon something you have already written, please let me know. The venue will be at my home in Geddington, the day and time to be decided. I’m aiming for once a month starting in January. The next meeting for Group 1 will be Tuesday, January 6

th from 2pm to 4pm at the Parish Rooms.

There is no topic as we shall be having a “Writing on site” session. Contact: Mary Wildman 01536 741222 marywildman365@gmail.com

SNOW (By David Wise) It snowed in the night. I drew back the curtains and saw a perfect Earth. Untouched by humans. A golden sun, Rising above the twisted fingers of naked trees, Cast her beams on the silvery whiteness. Blanketing a sleepy world. I gazed at the carpet of glistening purity, Spangled with diamond-like crystals. A clear blue sky, Unblemished by cloud, A vision fit for an angel’s eyes. It was Paradise. It thawed in the night. I drew back the curtains and stared at a grey dawn, The perfection trashed. Daylight showing dirty piles of rutted slush. The splendour destroyed by nature’s whim, in part, And by the demands of modern life. Paradise was lost.

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Kettering U3A Interest Group Timetable

Please contact group co-ordinator for more information before joining a group

Meetings below with Ise Valley U3A

RJB/2014

Day Co-ordinator Tel.no Venue Frequency Time

Monday

Canasta Pam Towns 01536 521160 Kettering Bridge Club Weekly 2.00-4.30pm

Swimming Isabel Collins 01536 520971 Kettering Pool Weekly 9.00-9.45am

Friday

Singing Jill Dee 01536 514054 Fuller Church 2nd & 4th Fridays 10.00-12.00

Day Co-ordinator Tel.no Venue Frequency Time

No fixed day

Safe Driving Steve Clorley 01832 732342 varies varies varies Roy Franklin 01536 482808 varies varies varies

Gardening Group Ray Bradbury 01536 516587 varies varies varies

Heartbeat Bridget Ling 01536 414810 varies varies varies

Travel Groups Maureen Curd 01832 732361 varies varies varies

Monday

Card Making 2 Marian Tucker Maggi McGuire

01536 510354 01536 392716

Home 3rd Monday 10.00 – 12 noon

Musical Circles 1 Carole Bradbury 01536 516587 varies 3rd Monday 2.00pm Knit and Natter Annette Chidwick 01536 523867 Home 1st & 3rd Mondays 10.00 – 12 noon

Photography Trevor Rudkin 01536 711976 varies 1st Monday monthly 2.00 – 4.00pm

Theatre Helen McAdam 01536 628304 Home 4th Monday 10.30—12.30

Tuesday

Computer Group Richard Boyles 01536 744753 ASDA, Kettering 2nd & 4th Tuesday 2.00 – 4.00pm

Discussion Group Mary Earl 01536 522456 Parish Church Rooms 2nd Tuesday in month 2.00 – 4.00pm Greeting Card Making Mary Earl 01536 522456 Home 1st Tuesday 10.00 – 11.30am Lunch Club Glynis Hall 01536 516249 varies 4th Tuesday varies Sugarcraft Joan Allingham 01536 722610 Home weekly 1.30 – 4.00pm

Writers Group Mary Wildman 01536 741222 Parish Church Rooms 1st Tuesday 2.00—4.00 pm

Wednesday

German Conversation 1 Joe Fletcher 01536 722399 Home fortnightly 9.30 – 11.00 am

German Conversation 2 Joe Fletcher 01536 722399 Home fortnightly 1.30 – 3.00 pm

Spanish Conversation Bob Thorogood 01933 650551 varies 2nd & 4th Wednesday 2.00 – 4.00pm

Bookworms Pauline Parkin 01536 799197 varies 4th Wednesday 2.00 – 4.00pm Greeting Card Making Mary Earl 01536 522456 Home 1st Wednesday 10.00 - 11.30am Looking at Churches Janet Clements 01536 507721 varies 3rd Wednesday 2.00pm Musical Circles 2 Eileen Mason 01536 725925 varies 3rd Wednesday 2.00pm Playford Dancing Jean Beaver 01933 224474 St.Andrews Church 2nd & 4th Wednesday 2.30 – 4.00pm Scrabble Pauline Reed 01536 513850 Parish church rooms 1st & 3rd Wednesday 2.00 – 4.30pm

Walking Ann Kemp See Newsletter varies 1st Wednesday varies

Wining & Dining Christine Strachan 01536 515730 varies 2nd Wednesday varies

Thursday

Canals & Waterways Christine Strachan 01536 515730 varies 3rd Thursday 2.00 – 4.00pm

Country Matters Derek Warren 01536 518560 varies 2nd Thursday varies

Water Colour Painting Barbara Goodall 01536 523259 Parish Church Rooms 2nd & 4th Thursdays 2.00 – 4.00pm

Jo Beaver 01933 224474

Friday

Bridge Sue Macfarlane 01536 523754 Bridge Club, Kettering weekly 1.30 – 4.00pm Friday Pop in Sue Hince 01536 521023 Cransley Hospice Coffee

Shop, Dalkeith Pace 1st Fri monthly 10.00 – 11.30am

Golf Alan Stephens 01536 726911 Pytchley Golf Club Every Friday 1.00 – 4.00pm

Busy Needles Mary Wildman 01536 741222 Home 1st & 3rd Thursday 10.00-12.00