MAIDSTONE INVICTA U3AMAIDSTONE INVICTA U3AMAIDSTONE INVICTA U3AMAIDSTONE INVICTA U3A

Newsletter 13Newsletter 13Newsletter 13Newsletter 13

November 2014November 2014November 2014November 2014

Don’t forget: we’re on the Web www.MIU3A.org.uk

Chairman’s ReportChairman’s ReportChairman’s ReportChairman’s Report

Inside this issue:

Chairman’s Report 1

Social Secretary’s Reports 2 / 3

Interest Groups 4

Quiz and Christmas Meeting 5

Forthcoming Speakers 6

Steering Group Contacts 7

Firstly a big thank you to all those members

who responded to the plea in the Septem-

ber Newsletter and have volunteered to

assist with the set up and clearing away of

tables and chairs at monthly meetings. This

is a great help to the committee members

who have other jobs to do at this time to

ensure our meetings run as smoothly as

possible. Sharing our knowledge is at the

heart of the U3A so sharing our goodwill

and muscle power is equally important and

appreciated.

It seems that whilst members are willing to

help in a practical way at meetings, it is

proving very difficult to find someone to help

“behind the scenes” as Secretary to the

committee. Filling committee posts are just

as important and I implore all members to

consider whether you could apply a few

hours a month (one meeting and a little

paperwork) for the benefit of MIU3A. The

Secretary’s role is currently being added to

the work of existing committee members

where possible. We would be only too hap-

py to help a new volunteer to learn the

ropes. None of the committee work is ardu-

ous, but many hands make the jobs less for

each of us and we would really like to fill the

vacancy that has existed for several months

now. Please make contact through the

website or speak with committee members

at monthly meetings.

Turning now to car parking, some com-

plaints have been raised about the difficulty

some members have in finding a space

near to the hall. As you will be aware, only

6 parking places were deemed necessary

when planning permission was given for

Beechwood Hall, so we now have to make

the best of that ridiculous decision. If you

are fit and able bodied, please consider

parking your car well away from the hall,

using your bus pass or offering to car-

share. One of the reasons Beechwood Hall

was originally selected for our meetings

was because of the ease and number of

bus services to the nearby Maidstone Hos-

pital. One of the spaces in front of the hall

is designated for Blue Badge holders, yet

we have no idea how many of our members

qualify to use it. Perhaps this is something

we need to be made aware of in future so

further consideration can be given to the

parking issue.

Meanwhile, please only use the spaces in front

of the hall itself if you are a Blue Badge Holder,

the visiting speaker or a committee member

who has heavy equipment to carry for use at

meetings. Members are encouraged to car

share as much as possible to reduce the num-

ber of vehicles looking for parking spaces

around the Beechwood Hall. Remember that

we do have a Voluntary Transport Co-ordinator

who would be more than happy to link mem-

bers together. Contact Kay through the website

link on the contacts page or telephone if you

either need or could offer to car share. A little

transport planning could save the environment

as well as reduce frustration for all members.

Another subject that has exercised the minds of

the Executive Committee relates to insurance

for Interest Groups. Insurance cover for mem-

bers to attend U3A Interest Groups is included

in your membership BUT if you meet in a hall

that is hired for that purpose – it is imperative

that the booking and contract with the hall is

made through the MIU3A Secretary – otherwise

you would not be covered by U3A insurance.

The Executive Committee has become aware

of some Group Leaders who choose to ignore

this requirement and this is very concerning.

Please could all Group Leaders ensure that

they run their groups in accordance with the

guidelines provided by Interest Groups Co-

ordinator? A refresher of guidelines for interest

group leaders is being planned for early next

year. Meanwhile, please don’t hesitate to dis-

cuss this issue with Liz Judson if you have any

queries.

Finally, the Christmas season has crept upon

us again. Are you ready to enjoy yourselves?

Remember that you will need to let us know if

you wish to attend the Christmas Meeting as

our membership is larger than available space

in the hall and places are limited. MIU3A wish-

es each and every one of you a Happy Christ-

mas and healthy new year.

Sue Bassett

Chairman

QUIZ, SUPREME COURT, AND

THANK YOU

Hello everybody. There are a few

things to mention this time. Firstly,

the Quiz Afternoon seems to have

been well received and enjoyed by

those who took part. Eight teams

participated and the winner was ‘Just

Playing’, a team based on one of our

play reading groups. Thanks must

go to Elizabeth Cross and Pat

McMorrow who did a sterling job in

running the quiz itself and to all

those members of our Committee

who played their part in its organisa-

tion. It looks very much as though it

will become an annual event and an

even better one as some lessons

have been learned.

Secondly, the visit to the Supreme

Court appears to have gone down

well with the 40 members who came

along, many of whom made a day of

it in London by finding other things to

do as well. To see inside such a

magnificent building, to have its func-

tions explained and to be given such

an interesting tour was well worth-

while.

This year’s events are now almost

over and done with and, in general,

support has been good. The coach

trips seem to have been enjoyable

and successful as many of you have

expressed your satisfaction. I want

to say a big ‘Thank You’ to those of

you who have supported the social

events. I have tried to ensure that

they have been well organised and

good value. I am hoping for in-

creased interest next year and I look

Social Secretary ReportsSocial Secretary ReportsSocial Secretary ReportsSocial Secretary Reports

Page 2 Newsletter 13

SOCIAL SCENE NEXT YEAR 2015

Following on from 2014, most of you

will be aware that details of possible

coach trips for 2015 were sent out

last month. Responses, by e-mail,

phone and personal contact indicat-

ed that at least 30% of you would

support such events, which is good.

You voted for your favourites - the

three most popular are Audley End

House with 28% of the vote, Barrow

Boys and Bankers with 23% and

East Anglian Panorama with 18%.

By early January I hope to have

quotes, costings and dates con-

firmed in time for the January News-

letter and Meeting.

Also for next year we have a Theatre

Team which, although not directly

under the control of the Social Secre-

tary, will be organising social events

in the form of theatre trips. Many of

you have requested such outings so

please support this new venture.

The first trip on 16 April - to see

‘Top Hat’ at the Marlowe Theatre in

Canterbury - is already fully

booked, but there will be a waiting

list as there may be cancellations.

The Theatre Team comprises Pat

Wells, Ruth Marriott, Christine Ste-

phens and Dione Neate.

Dave Houghton

RAFFLE AND BOOKSTALL

The Raffle will only be held twice a

year at the AGM and the Christmas

party but will have bigger prizes.

We are looking for someone to take

over the bookstall from Jenny da Si-

va. If you are interested please con-

COFFEE MORNINGS

Coffee mornings are held on the 1st

and 3rd Tuesdays of each month,

10.30am until noon, at Audley Mote

House in Mote Park (accessed from

Willington Street). Come along and en-

joy a chat in pleasant surroundings.

Dave Houghton will usually be there to

greet you.

Details can be found on the Maidstone

Invicta U3A website www.miu3a.org.uk

under 'events' and dates will always be

shown in the Newsletter. Parking adja-

cent to Mote House is restricted to resi-

dents and those with walking difficul-

ties. You are requested to use the car

park situated about 250 yards before

Mote House.

The dates of future coffee mornings at

Mote House are 2nd and 16th Decem-

ber and 6th January. If you require any

further information please contact me.

Dave Houghton

Social Secretary

COFFEE AFTERNOONS

For those of you who prefer your coffee

in the afternoon there is a meeting held

between 2.30pm and 4pm on the 4th

Thursday of each month at Maidstone

Museum. The next meeting will be on

27th November.

Patricia Humphries

Meeting Co-ordinator

RECIPE—FILO CIGARS

These are a neat twist on the tradi-

tional mince pie and the recipe

makes 12 handy nibbles with tea or

coffee.

• 24 filo sheets, cut into 12.5cm

squares

• 4og unsalted butter, melted

• 175g mincemeat

• Icing sugar to dust

Method

Preheat the oven to 200c (180c fan)

gas mark 6.

Line a baking sheet with greaseproof

paper.

Lay out a square of filo pastry on a

clean, dry work surface and lightly

brush with the melted butter, then lay

another sheet on top. Spoon a thin

line of mincemeat diagonally from

corner to corner across the square.

Fold the pastry over the mincemeat

to make a triangle. Starting along the

long edge, rollup to make a cigar

shape.

Transfer carefully to the baking

sheet. Repeat with the remaining filo

and mincemeat.

Brush the remaining butter over the

cigars and bake for 10—12 mins.

until crisp and golden. Dust with icing

sugar and serve to family and

Social Secretary’s ReportsSocial Secretary’s ReportsSocial Secretary’s ReportsSocial Secretary’s Reports

Newsletter 13 Page 3

FILM CLUB—(Mad About Movies) This

Group now meets at Marsham Street.

There is space for members to join.

TABLE-TOP GAMES EVENING

GROUP—A new host and venue is availa-

ble. Please sign up to re-establish your

place in the Group.

BRIDGE BEGINNERS—A new Group has

now commenced and is full. It is hoped

more spaces will be available shortly.

BETTER BRIDGE—Due to begin in early

2015 on a Wednesday afternoons, in a

member’s home. Sign up now to be sure of

a place and also please look at the web-

site for information.

UKELE REVIVAL—A member has very

kindly agreed to host a Group, sign up now

to establish your place and have fun whilst

learning or perhaps, YOU are able to offer

some valuable assistance for playing the

instrument.

DISCUSSION GROUP– this group has

now commenced and such is the populari-

ty, we are looking to form a third parallel

Group. Sign up in the usual way, at the

monthly meeting or via the website.

VILLAGE VISITS GROUP 3—This is on

variable days and the launch was on Fri-

day, 21st November.

FAMILY HISTORY– A Facilitator/ Co-

ordinator is required for this Group.

Interest GroupsInterest GroupsInterest GroupsInterest Groups

Page 4 Newsletter 13

Please advise me if you wish to add

your name to any of the following

requested interest groups; -

WINE TASTING; SMART

PHONES/TABLETS; WELLBEING;

AMBLING/ STROLLING; ASTRONO-

MY; BELL RINGING; PHOTOSHOP

ELEMENTS; SPIRITUALITY OR

ANOTHER INTEREST OF YOUR

SUGGESTION.

Where possible I am only too pleased to accommodate your requests, re-member, of course, you have to play your part in volunteering your time, knowledge and skills for the benefit of other members, just as they do for you. All of us have a skill to offer; driving is a skill and maybe you could offer another member a lift, if not to a Group, then possibly to the General meeting – please, think about it.

If a Group is listed as “full” please consider getting together with others and make contact with me to discuss the way forward for a parallel Group.

Finally, please remember if your Group requires a hall for their activity or a coach for an outing, this must be booked and paid for by MIU3A. Please contact a member of the Executive Committee for advice. It is a simple procedure but needs to be done under the aegis of the Commit-tee and Treasurer to ensure we tick the right boxes for insurance etc.

Liz Judson

Interest Group Co-ordinator

Do remember if for

any reason you are

unable to attend a

Group meeting please

advise the Host or Fa-

cilitator. It is a great

help to know how

many will attend.

We hope you have all informed Ros Roads or indi-

cated at the last meeting that you wish to attend

the Christmas Meeting as we are restricted to 150

attendees. This number includes all the helpers

and performers so to avoid disappointment please

email Ros and sign up now.

Food and drink—there will be mulled wine soft

drinks, tea and coffee and to eat there will be

mince pies, sausage rolls, cake and other nibbles.

Entertainment—the members of the Poetry

Group, Play Reading Groups, the Singing Group

and various others are practising hard to provide

you with entertainment throughout the afternoon.

Raffle—There will be a free draw for 5 superb priz-

es and the numbers will your membership number.

You will still win even if you are not at the meeting.

Father Christmas will make an appearance at

some point in the afternoon and will distribute pre-

sents from his sack. If you wish to join in please

put a wrapped present, to the value of £3 and suit-

able for male or female, in Father Christmas’s sack

when you sign in.

forward to your contin-

ued support. Thank

you.

Dave Houghton

CHRISTMAS MEETINGCHRISTMAS MEETINGCHRISTMAS MEETINGCHRISTMAS MEETING MIU3A 2014 QUIZMIU3A 2014 QUIZMIU3A 2014 QUIZMIU3A 2014 QUIZ

The MIU3A 2014 Quiz, organised by MIU3A Social

Secretary Dave Houghton and run by excellent quiz

hosts Elizabeth Cross and Pat McMorrow, took place

at Beechwood Hall on the afternoon of October 28th.

Eight teams took part in a closely fought competition.

The final winners were the ‘Just Playing’ team, pic-

tured with their winner’s certificates. Unfortunately

someone had to come last and this time it was the

‘Odds and Ends’ team who were awarded the wood-

en spoons.

Feedback from participants indicates that it was a

very enjoyable afternoon and so the Social Secretary

hopes to continue with a quiz as an annual MIU3A

event.

Page 5 Newsletter 13

through the seasons and is accom-

panied by birdsong and music.

16th March 2015

THE ARTS & CRAFTS MOVEMENT AND IT’S GAR-DENS – by Stephen Harmer, Hadlow College

Gardens have always been affect-

ed by changes in fashion and so-

cial or economic factors, the arts

and crafts garden design move-

ment was no exception. This style

was not solely intended for the gar-

den, it was a generic style that also

incorporated interior design.

Speakers are subject to change.

Further speakers for 2015 will be

announced shortly.

If you have heard or would like to

hear a particular speaker and think

your fellow members would enjoy

that person, please put your sug-

gestions to me and I will do my

best to accommodate your ideas.

Martyn Roads – Speaker

Co-ordinator

Speakers at Forthcoming MeetingsSpeakers at Forthcoming MeetingsSpeakers at Forthcoming MeetingsSpeakers at Forthcoming Meetings

Page 6 Newsletter 13

15th December 2014

NO SPEAKER – CHRIST-

MAS CELEBRATIONS.

Please see the article in the

newsletter for details of all the

exciting things planned

19th January 2015

JOHN BETJEMAN & THE

RAILWAYS – by Chris

Green

John Betjeman's love of railways

between the wars which influ-

enced so much of his poetry and

his post-war campaigning to stop

stations such as St Pancras being

demolished by developers and

modern planners.

16th February 2015

A YEAR IN MOTE PARK –

by Simon Ginnaw

I am a Country Park Ranger and

Wildlife Tour Guide in Kent, with

qualifications in ecology, conser-

vation and forestry. I developed a

rich passion for Mote Park from

my Granddad who was also a

Mote Park Ranger before he re-

tired. Mote Park dates back to

the 1250s and is one of Kent's

largest parks, with a wealth of

habitats and wildlife. This talk is

illustrated by my own wildlife pho-

tography showing the park

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Newsletter 13 Page 7