Mansfield and District U3ANewsletter

Garden Visits Group at RHS Harlow Carr: Page 3_____________________________

Established 1999HMRC Charity Registration No.: XT30525

July 2014Website: www.mansfield-u3a.org.uk

Noticeboard: http://mansfieldu3a.blogspot.com

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WelcomeGOOD MORNING Everybody! Again I am having to write my 'Welcome' early as I am off on holidayand will not return until the 8th July, so would miss the printing of this newsletter.

Well, dare I mention the World Cup, including the great finale of the match with Costa Rica? Allfootball fans had great hopes, supermarkets were loaded with beers, lagers and flags etc. – prob-ably now at reduced prices! Did you know that in 1966 – the year we won – the Jules Rimet Trophythat was being competed for went missing. A dog called Pickles eventually found it under ahedgerow.

And so on to Wimbledon, of which I am a great fan, and Henley Regatta, which started on 2nd Julybut I am sorry to miss this year as I will be in Norfolk walking a few miles (about 50 in all). I wasinterested to read that a radio programme was asking people to suggest what sounds epitomise ourcountry. Here are just a few: a manual lawn-mower; a steam engine; the dawn chorus; peal ofchurch bells, different English accents and dialects; music of morris dancers and brass bands.

I am pleased to tell you that Mansfield and District U3A has now completed and sent to the NationalOffice our 'Seconder' form to nominate Barbara Lewis as National Chairman for a further term ofoffice. She has asked me to thank our U3A for their support and I will be attending, along withPauline Boucher, the National Conference in Cirencester on 10th September for the AGM, which isonly two days prior to our own AGM.

It is the time of year now when nominations are to be completed for new Committee Members andforms to do this can be obtained from any Committee Member. Your nomination can be to stand asa general Committee Member, or for a specific role; I.E. Treasurer, Membership Secretary, etc.

Also at the AGM, any proposed changes to the constitution will be put forward for members’approval before submission to the Third Age Trust. A copy of the constitution can still be found onthe notice board and any further suggestions will need to be taken forward to the August committeemeeting prior to the AGM.

I will close now, as I am off to see the new film of 'Jersey Boys' with friends and see how itcompares with the show still running in London. Many of us remember some of the songs ofcourse. Those were the days!

We don't have a meeting next month but I hope to see you all at our Annual Picnic at Queen Eliza-beth's Academy on Tuesday 19th August (12.00 – 3.00). It's free but bring some eats to share, yourown drinks and glasses and relax at this highlight of our year. Or bring some garden games and joinin the fun Karen Troop and the social committee always arranges so successfully.Glenis Carr______________________________________________________________________________

In this issuePage 2 Welcome.Page 3 Annual Subscriptions. Holiday Updates. Recent Events. (Garden Visit to

Harlow Carr, start.)Page 4 Recent Events Cont. (Garden Visit to Harlow Carr, end; Holiday Group at

Hayling Island, start).Pages 5 - 8 Interest Groups meetings diary. Page 9 Recent Events Cont. (Hayling Island, end; Theatre Visit to Pajama Game)Page 10 Recent Events Cont. (Sci-Tech visit to JCB). Groups News. (Art; start)Page 11 Groups News (Art; end; Digital World, Art Appreciation & Sci-Tech).Page 12 Dates for your diary, Book Table and Notices.

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Annual Subscriptions 2014/2015: ReminderOUR financial year ends on 31st July and annual subscriptions are due at the September AGM.

Due to the generosity of our members in supporting our social events and the tax we havereclaimed via the Gift Aid Scheme, we are yet again delighted to offer our members a refund of £2on this year’s subscriptions.

Existing members will therefore only pay £15 for this year. (Associate members £11.50). Subscrip-tions to Mansfield U3A remain at £17 for the forthcoming year for new members.

Payment can be made any time between now and the September meeting so please let me haveyour cheque when convenient, payable to Mansfield U3A. (Post-date to September if you wish.)

Please remind any friends who wish to renew their membership but are unable to attend themonthly meetings to contact the treasurer or any committee member.

Online BankingFor those members who use internet banking, why not pay your subscriptions ONLINE this year?Full details available from the treasurer. Thanks.Pauline Boucher (Treasurer)______________________________________________________________________________

Holiday UpdatesTHE ALGARVE, PORTUGAL (18th - 25th Sept.)Please remember the pre-holiday meeting at the Junction (Cardinal) in Sutton in Ashfield at 11am.on Saturday 30th August. You will have the chance to ask any questions that may arise afterreading the information in your packs so please collect them today. I also need to divide you intogroups for the airport. It may be an idea to buy your Euros now as they are at a good rate at thetime of my writing this contribution.

THURSFORD (3rd - 5th Dec.)Since cheques will not be cashed until the end of September deadline, you may like to pay the £160balance before then, especially if you know you will be away for either the August or Septembermeeting. Cheques to be made out to Mansfield & District U3A.

Again if you are interested, please add your name to my holiday waiting lists in case of a cancella-tion. (There were unfortunately two cancellations at the last minute for Hayling Island due to illnessso three off the waiting list were able to fill the places and the persons involved did not lose anymoney.)Margaret Burlinson – 01623 632538, marburl@lineone.net

THORESBY (Mon. 2nd Feb. to Fri. 6th, 2015.)This holiday is now fully-booked with a waiting list so please contact me ASAP if you want to come.Terry Whitehead – 01623 626991, 2015@whiteheaduk.plus.com Updates about all holidays are on the website …________________________________________________________________________________________

Recent Events

Garden Visits Group at Harlow CarrHARLOW CARR, near Harrogate, is the most northerly of the RHS plant trial gardens and was thediscerning choice of the Garden Visits organisers Karen Troop and Janet Whitlam and what a gemit proved to be.

The gardens cannot fail to delight and offer a diverse range of plants, colours and innovative land-scaping; something for every taste and size of garden. The outstanding features include

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wild-flower and woodland gardens, an alpine house and limestone outcrop, stream-sidegarden and the intense blue of the Meccanopsis is a lasting memory.

The guides, for the full complement of U3A members who gathered early on Thursday, wereSheila Vickers and Col. Grey whose knowledge of the development of the gardens by manyformer head gardeners, including TV favourite Geoffrey Smith, added a reflective note aswell as humour.

A great day made more sumptuous by the delicious offerings in the famous Betty'sTearooms. Many thanks Karen and Janet from all of us.Jackie Ling

PS: I was curious about the scented garden at Harlow Carr, created in the memory of JoanLambert and I wanted to know more about her. The guides did not know much but the excel-lent team at the Lindley Library were able to discover the following:

"The scented garden was created 1995/96 at the request of Mr Robert Lambert as amemorial to his late wife Joan, and was funded by a donation of £5,000 from Mr Lambert.

"Joan Lambert loved visiting the Harlow Carr garden and had a particular interest in scentedplants. However that seems to be the extent of her horticultural connection. She was notassociated with the NHS (Northern Horticultural Society) in any official capacity and wasn't atrustee or on any of the committees that were in existence at that time."

What a lovely way to be remembered!Jackie Ling More photos on the website ...______________________________________________________________________________

Holiday Group at Hayling Island – 23rd/27th June ONCE AGAIN, Margaret Burlinson arranged awonderful holiday that was enjoyed by a jointgroup of Mansfield and Sherwood U3Amembers as we were also blessed with fineweather throughout the holiday.

On our arrival at the Warner's Holiday Villageafter a lunchtime stop in Oxford, we werepleasantly surprised to find a spectaculardisplay of flowers in the reception area, whichappeared to be a good omen. However, itwas a little disappointing to discover that thevillage was very spread out with lots of on-going building work, but at least we found thechalets were clean and the quality of food andservice in the restaurant was good.

Our second day was a delightful visit to Chichester and Arundel Castle, both places well worthseeing. The view of Chichester Cathedral from the Bishop’s garden was a delight.

Wednesday was for many the highlight of the week with lots to see and do. Portsmouth HistoricalDockyard with the 'Mary Rose' in its new pavilion was the first destination for most of us. Apart fromthe remains of the 'Mary Rose' herself, the thousands of artefacts that have been preserved fromthe wreck were almost too much to take in. We also had plenty of time … Continued on page 9

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Key to Meetings details:THIS TABLE SHOWS THE DAY of the month, time and frequency using the first two letters of theday, followed by numbers 1 - 5 to represent the week number. The final letter M (or F, W or V) indic-ates that the group meets monthly, fortnightly, weekly or at variable intervals.

So 'Tu2, 2.30 - V M' would mean a group meeting on the 2nd Tuesday at 2.30pm Monthly but withVariable finish times.

The main Mansfield and District U3A meetings are on the 3rd Tuesday of each month (except Augustand December) at the Oakham Suite, 155 Nottingham Road, Mansfield from 10 am - 12.30 pm.

All members are invited to contact the relevant Group Leader if they would like to participate in anyinterest group or attend an event. NB: * indicates a waiting list.

Interest Group Meetings Meeting Places Leader/Contact

Afternoon Teas V, 3.00 - V Various Sheila Whalley 01623 453908

Next Meetings: Sat. Aug. 5th – Timmerman's Gdn Ctr, Woodborough; Wed. 4th Sept. – Saville's

Antiques andCollectables *

Tu 2, 10.00 – 12.00 M Stanhope Centre, Bridge Street,Mansfield

Pat Blackwell01623 481745

Next Meetings: TBA

Art We3, 10.00 – 12.00 M Big Barn Lane Methodist Church, Mansfield

Linda Spray 01623 795176

Next Meetings: July 16th – Outdoor Visit; August 20th; September 17th

Art Appreciation Mo1, 2.00 - 4.00 M Stanhope Centre, Bridge Street,Mansfield

Pauline Boucher01623 644798

Next meetings: Friday 1st August – Joint outing to Cambridge with Sci-Tech; 4th August – Summer Soirée at Pauline's

Beginners' Bridge(With Ashfield U3A)

Mo, Various 6.30 - 9.00

Enviro Centre, Derby Rd College,Mansfield

Maxine Rose/GlenisCarr 01623 459081/627735

Next Meetings: TBA (Also Acol sessions at the Mechanics Institute – Thurs 10 - 12.30 W)

Bowls Th, 1.30 – 3.30 W Mansfield Bowls Club: QE Academy

Don Wright01623 628946

Next Meetings: Outdoors season continues every week.All welcome, including beginners, but flat / bowls shoes must be worn.

Caravan & M'home Rally

Various Various Terry Lammas01623 471963

Next Meetings: July 18th - 20th – Swinethorpe, nr Lincoln. See web site for details

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Interest Group Meetings Meeting Place Leader/Contact

Chat and Stitch Mo3, 2.00 - 4.00 M St John's Centre, Mansfield

Doreen Storer01623 407731

Next Meetings: No Meetings in July or August.

Current Affairs Tu2, 2.00 - 4.00 M St John's Centre, Mansfield

Norma Shillinglaw01623 466934

Next Meetings: No Meeting in August; September 9th

Digital World Fri 2 & 4, 2.00 - 4.00 2/M

Stanton Hill Baptist Church, Albert St. Skegby

David Ling01623 822994

Next Meetings: July 11th – Review of 'Rufford'; September 12th – Review of 'Holidays'

Family History Tu4, 10.00 - 12.00 M St John's Centre, Mansfield

Max Clarke01623 621744

Next Meetings: July 22nd

Film Studies * We1, 1.30 - V M Joy's home Joy Crowe01623 645400

Next Meetings: Aug 6th

Garden Visits During the Summer Various Janet Whitlam01623 635607

Next Visit: TBA

Gardening Tu1, 10.00 - 12.00 M St Peter's Centre, Mansfield

Avril McGee01623 452688

Next Meetings: Aug. 5th – Visit to local Garden Centre; Sept. 2nd – Harvest-time & Quiz

Heartstart Various William Kaye Hall, Ladybrook Lane

Linda Leivers 01623 471963

Next Meetings: July: Fri. 25th, 1.00-3.00pm; Aug: Thurs. 21st,1.00-3.00pm

History Th 2, 2.00 – 4.00 William Kaye Hall, Ladybrook Lane

Linda Spray 01623 795176

Next Meetings: August 14th

Holidays (Home & Abroad)

Various TBA Margaret Burlinson01623 632538

Next holidays: Sept. 18th - 25th – Portugal; Tues. Dec. 3rd - Thurs. 5th – Thursford Xmas Spect.; 2015: Mon. Feb. 2nd - Fri. 6th – Thoresby

Local History Fri1, 10.00 - 12.00 M Bridge Street Methodist Church

Bob & Sue Longden01623 486903

Next Meetings: No meeting in August; Sept 5th: Famous Local People (Members' Choice)

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Interest Group Meetings Meeting Place Leader/Contact

Luncheon Club Th after 3rd Tu, 12.00 - 2.00 M

Various David Ling01623 822994

Next Meetings: July 17th – Crown, Rolleston; No lunch in Aug; Sept. 18th – Cockcliffe Hotel

Movement to Music W 10.30 - 11.30 W St John's Church Hall

Linda Leivers 01623 471963

Next Meetings: Weekly on Wednesdays. Cost £4.00 per session

Music Groups

Classical Music 2 Mo4, 2.00 - 4.00 M Members' homes Peter Hart01623 620940

Next Meetings: July 28th – Female Composers at Peter H's; September 22nd – TBA

Music 2 * Mo4, 2.00 - 4.30 M Members' homes Eric Prescott 01623 631160

Next Meeting: July 28th – TBA

Popular Music Appreciation *

Tu4, 2.00 - 4.00 M St John's School, Mansfield

Peter Haynes 01623 610886

Next Meetings: July 22nd – TBA

Pudding Club * Tu1, 4.00 - 6.00 M Members' homes Sylvia Slack 01623 633981

Next Meetings: August 5th – Janet's house

Reading 1 Th3, 2.00 - 4.00 M Peter Dawson's home

Peter Dawson 01623 882191

Next Meetings: July 17th

Reading 2 Tu3, 2.00 - 4.00 M Ravenshead Library Joan Hufton01623 557488

Next Meetings: July 15th

Science & Technical Tu1, 2.00 - 4.00 M Stanton Hill Baptist Church, Skegby

Ian Boucher01623 644798

Next Meetings: Aug 5th – Visit to Cambridge Science Museum with Art Appreciation; Sept 2nd – How Satellites rule the World with Ian Boucher

Scrabble * Mo2, 2.00 - 4 .00 M Brenda Thurkettle'shome

Brenda Thurkettle01623 628136

Next Meetings: August 11th

Singing for Fun TuV, 5.45 - 7.15 St Alban's Church, Forest Town

June Fell 01623 623547

Next Meetings: July 8th & 22nd; August 19th (Overflow parking opposite.)

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Interest Group Meetings Meeting Place Leader/Contact

Tai Chi Mo, 9.30 - 10.30 W St John's Centre,Mansfield

Cliff Laycock01623 481985

Next Meetings: Weekly on Mondays

Theatre Visits Various Various Sheila Whalley 01623 453908

Next Shows: Tues. 15th July – Taming of The Shrew (meet Odeon 5pm)*; Sat. 27th Sept – Shrek

Walking Groups

Hikers (all-day, 6 - 8 miles)

Th1 & Mo3, 9.30 - V 2/M

Tesco car park, off Oak Tree Lane

Peter Thurkettle 01623 628136

Next Meetings: Mon. 21st July – Ambergate / Heage Windmill; Thurs. 7th Aug. – Ashford in the Water; Mon. 18th Aug. – Tissington Parish Round;Thurs. 4th Sept. – Shilito Woods; Mon. 15th Sept. – Longshaw

Shufflers(short & gentle)

V Lunchtimes Various Sylvia Slack 01623 633981

Next Meetings:Wed. July 30th (1.00pm) – Newstead Abbey Gates

Strollers(a leisurely 2 miles)

We2, 10.30 - V M Various Barbara Massey / Marion Thornton 01623 628357 / 01623 651528

Next Meetings: Aug. 13th – Teversal (VC Car Park) Sept. 10th – Hardwick (Inn Overflow Car Park)

Walkers(an easy 4 - 5 miles)

We4, 10.30 – V M Various Joy & Nick Crowe01623 645400

Next Meetings: July 23rd – Linby / Newstead / Papplewick (5.5 miles, but flat); Aug.27th – Vicar Water

Wine Appreciation 2 * We3, 7.30 - V M Members' homes Mike Allen01623 653345

Next Meetings: July 16th – Majestic Wine Tasting (Starts at 6pm)

Wine Appreciation 3 * Tu4, 7.30 - V M Members' homes Graham Allin01623 473662

Next Meetings: July 22nd – Graves at Ron's; Aug. 26th – Medoc at Barry & Lynne's

Writing for Pleasure * Mo2, 2.00 - 4.00 M Stanhope Centre, Bridge Street,Mansfield

Sue Ford / Hilary Miller 01623 844286 / 620067

Next Meetings: August 11th

Q: How do you know you're old enough to retire? A: Instead of lying about your age, you start bragging about it.

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Holiday Group at Hayling Island continued from page 4.… to visit HMS 'Victory' and HMS 'Warrior' before visiting the 'Spinnaker' tower, which giveswonderful views over the harbour. A few brave souls walked over the glass floor, with nothingbeneath them but a long drop to the ground.

Although Thursday was a free day, Peter, the coach driver took a party of us to Southsea, wheresome of us enjoyed the biggest and richest pieces of cake ever for lunch at the 10th Hole café. It wasa short drive to the 'Bidet' museum (Sheila’s bit of fun), which actually turned out to be the D-Daymuseum. This was devoted to the D-Day landings and had on display the Overlord Tapestry, amodern version of the Bayeux Tapestry.

Our holiday ended on Friday, with a stop in Winchester, where some of us toured the cathedral.Then it was the long ride home, made more tiring because of the hold-ups in the Friday afternoontraffic.

Another good and rewarding U3A holiday; “Well Done” and thanks to Margaret – and especially toSheila who plied us with hot and cold drinks on the coach!Max Clarke More photos on the website …

Theatre Visits Group trip to see The Pajama Game in LondonFORTY-THREE U3A members had a greattime on a trip to London where we stayed forone night at a good hotel near the BritishMuseum. After checking into the hotel, someof us went to different parts of London butlater we joined the rest of the group in CoventGarden.

The weather was perfect, just right forspending the afternoon outdoors. There wassuch a lot going on: you could watch Africanacrobats in the piazza; listen to a girl singingopera arias while having a drink or just strollaround the market.

Later we all enjoyed a meal before going tosee ‘The Pajama Game’, a musical set in the USA in the 50’s.

It was an excellent performance and I loved the dresses the women were wearing. The story wasabout a ‘Pajama’ [American spelling] factory where the union was trying to get a pay rise. Next day,after a good breakfast, we made our way to Hampton Court Palace. It was my first visit and I wassurprised at all there was to see. In the Tudor side of the palace we caught a glimpse of Henry Vlllstrolling by with a lady.

The Tudor kitchens, Henry’s chapel and apartments and his banqueting hall were amazing. It wasalso interesting to find out about William lll and his wife Mary and walk through their apartments.They had a new palace built, which joins onto the old Tudor palace. There are both Tudor andGeorgian courtyards and the view of the palace from the formal gardens is Georgian. There is alarge walled garden on the way to one of the cafés. It has hundreds of old-fashioned roses filling theair with wonderful scents.

On behalf of the rest of the group I would like to thank the hard-working people who organised thistrip.Joy Crowe More photos on the website …

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Sci-Tech visit to JCBSIXTEEN members of the Sci-Tech group visited the JCB factory at Rochester near Ashbourne on3rd June. After welcome refreshments, the party was split into two groups and taken byguides for a personal tour of the 'Story of JCB' exhibition.

They then moved on to the assembly line of the world famous backhoe loader machine(most drivers have followed one of these at some time!). Here they saw the manufacturingprocess from the delivery of the sheet steel to the laser cutting, painting, assembly andfinally the finished product.

The JCB story is one of innovation, ambition and sheer hard work. From small beginnings in1945, making agricultural tipping trailers with just 5 employees, they now have a globalworkforce of over 11,500. The company is still privately-owned by the Bamford family and theyhave 22 plants on 4 continents and over 750 dealers around the world. All this in just 68 years.

A most enjoyable day for members of this group.Ian Boucher _____________________________________________________________________________

Groups NewsArtTEN MEMBERS met on 18th June. The theme was Summer, and a variety of work was producedwith the usual banter and joviality.

We are hoping to venture out next time to Rufford Park armed with folding chairs, sketchpads, paints, etc. This is a lovely time of year with bright light, glistening water, fluffy cloudsand pretty scenery, so we hope to do it all justice with our interpretations. Meet 9.45 am inthe Methodist church car park, then in convoy to Rufford. Plan B, if it's a bad day, is to stay at thechurch and work indoors as normally.

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We still have a few places available, so if you wish to join us, please come along and you will bemade very welcome.Linda Spray

Digital WorldOUR JUNE photographic walkabout atRufford Park helped us admire anew thebeauty of the lake and the abundant bird-life,which were both popular subjects for discus-sion at Stanton Hill Baptist Church at 2.00 on11th July.

Some had found opportunities outside thepark too!

This was our last meeting before the Augustbreak, when we'll all be in holiday mood and hopefully collecting interesting material to discusswhen we reconvene on 12th September.David Ling (01623 822994)

Art Appreciation/Sci-Tech visit to Cambridge – 1st AugustWE SHALL visit the Fitzwilliam Art Gallery while Sci-Tech members divert to the Whipple Scienceand Technical Museum.

The coach leaves from Redfern's garage, off Debdale Lane in Mansfield Woodhouse, at 9.00amand returns from Cambridge at 5.00pm so we should be back around 7.00pm.

There's plenty of free car parking at Redfern's.Pauline and Ian Boucher

Luncheon ClubOUR JUNE lunch, on 19th June, was hostedby Margaret Burlinson and Sheila Whalley, atThe White Horse at Woolley Moor, wherethe food and service matched the delightfulsetting.

(The proprietor opened especially for usduring a very hectic week of refurbishmentsthat saw a services trench across the car parkfilled only hours before we arrived!)

Our July lunch, on the 17th will be the lastbefore our summer break and will be at TheCrown, Rolleston, a favourite country pub ofKaren and John Troop's close to SouthwellRacecourse and riverside walks. They havearranged an attractive menu offering 2courses for £12.95 and 3 courses for £15.50.

We don't lunch in August but Pauline and Ian Boucher will be the hosts at Cockcliffe Hall Hotel inBurntstump Country Park on 18th September where their selected fine-dining menu will cost £12.95for 2 courses or £16.95 for 3.

Please pre-book for either or both at the Lunch Club table or by email to dlpruk@aol.com.David Ling More photos on the website ...

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______________________________________________________________________________Book Table Report: JuneSale of books in June raised £43.10. New members may not realise but the sale of booksmeans your annual U3A subscription is around £2 less than it would be if the stall were notthere. So why not turn up and get your summer holiday read at a bargain price (ALL books40p) and keep YOUR subs low?Lilian Whitehead.

______________________________________________________________________________Speakers' CornerWE ARE delighted to welcome Linda Davey and look forward to some Tantalising Tea Tales aboutthe history of tea, its cultivation and processing, and a little about the impact that tea has made onour lives, our history and culture. She's involved with the UK Tea Council and will be bringing a smalldisplay of items relating to tea. She will also demonstrate one of the 'blooming teas'.______________________________________________________________________________Dates for your diary (Check the website for more information and updates.)Tues. 15th July: EAST MID'S REGIONAL U3A CONF. & AGM at Trent College, Long Eaton. Tues.19th Aug: ANNUAL PICNIC at Queen Elizabeth's Academy 12.00 – 3.00. Free. But bringsome eats to share, your own drinks and glasses, and any garden games we could play. Detailsfrom Karen Troop (633404)_____________________________________________________________________________Event and Visit PaymentsMEMBERS are reminded that deposits and payments for events and visits organised by MansfieldU3A and its interest groups are non-refundable, but places so reserved may be offered to others.______________________________________________________________________________Changes of address, etc.PLEASE contact the membership secretary, Avril McGee (01623 452688), if you've changed youraddress, phone number or email since joining Mansfield U3A so that she can update our records.______________________________________________________________________________DisclaimerTHE VIEWS expressed here are those of the contributors, only, and do not necessarily reflect thoseof the editor, the committee of Mansfield U3A or the Third Age Trust. Nor can any responsibility beaccepted for members' announcements or any errors that may occur.______________________________________________________________________________Next IssuePLEASE SEND contributions for the August online-only issue to mansfieldu3a@aol.com, or intypescript, to the editor as soon as you can and by 1st August at the latest. Thanks!

Editor: David Ling (01623 822994) Printed by: Portland Print (www.portlandprint.org.uk)

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