Mansfield and District U3A

Newsletter

Summer Sun at the Picnic

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Established 1999Registered Charity No. 1164177

September AGM 2016Website: www.mansfield-u3a.org.uk

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Welcome from your chairmanHello, and welcome to the September meeting in the 1861 Suite at Mansfield Town F.C. As you know, wedid not have a meeting in August; instead we had the annual picnic at Queen Elizabeth’s Academy. Theweather this year was great – sunny and warm. Members who came once again provided wonderful food.Games were played outside – bowls and horseshoes, while the music played.

I hope you all enjoyed the Olympics in Brazil. A great spectacle and we were represented by awonderful Team GB who did our country proud. I have many memories of the Olympics but onewhich stands out is when two brothers finished first and second in the Triathlon, Alistair andJonny Brownlee, absolutely brilliant!

This will be my last ‘Welcome’ as I leave my position as Chairman of Mansfield U3A after twoyears. Two years not without drama but, I have to say, two years of learning. Chairing meetingsis something everyone should try once, it made me realise more strongly than ever thateveryone who has an opinion should be heard and that bias in anything is hard to control.Believe me, I know! The one thing that I will remember is the hard work your Committee puts into make your U3A work. They all have helped to make my time as Chairman enjoyable evenwhen things were difficult. So thank you to all on the Committee, and I wish the new Chairmanand Committee great success. Bob Longden_________________________________________________________________________________Words from the EditorAt the end of my first year as Editor, I need to take a moment out to reflect on what I let myself in for!There I was, thinking that I could cobble something up in a few hours that would be just as good as yourdaily paper (and better than most). That was a misconception of immense proportions! There is a lot ofwork involved – from persuading people to submit articles to ensuring that there are as few errors aspossible.

First, my thanks to those who do submit reports and articles; please do continue, in ever greaternumbers! Indeed, use the Newsletter to write about your pet subjects or about our U3A! My thanks alsoto the few who help by proof-reading the draft edition, especially David Ling.

However, I do seek more help, so let your AGM resolution be that you will help the Editor insome way, by writing, proof-reading or coming up with new ideas. Mike Allen ____________________________________________________________________________

Maureen Marples. We have learnt with deep regret that Maureen has passed away. Her funeralwill take place on Wednesday September 14th at 1.45pm at the Meden Vale Methodist Church.

We offer our sincere condolences to her family and friends.

In this issue Page 2: Chairman's Welcome; Words from the Editor

Page 3: AGM Agenda; Committee Nominee

Pages 4 – 6: Chairman's Annual Report; Treasurer's Annual Report; Membership Secretary's Report; Group Coordinator's Report

Pages 7 – 10: Interest Groups Meetings Diary; News

Pages 11 – 15: Interest Group News; Getaway Group; Latest News

Page 16: Dates for your Diary and Notices

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Mansfield U3A AGM Agendaat 11.15 am after the General Meeting

1. Chairman's Welcome.The Chairman’s Formal Report is in this issue of the Newsletter on page four.

2. ApologiesApologies to the Secretary at mikeallen@lichfieldave.freeserve.co.uk or on 01623 653345 or onthe day by another member.

3. Approval of Minutes from 2015 AGM These are on website, but 10 copies will be available at the meeting.

4. Treasurer's Report (incl. approval of the Accounts & election of an auditor).A summary of the Treasurer’s Report is in this issue of the Newsletter on page four.

In addition, the Group Co-ordinator’s Report and the Membership Secretary’s Report are onpages five and six.

5. Nominations for committee:The following is seeking election to the Committee:

Christine Smith. Please see below for her introduction.

The following are seeking re-election to the Committee:Jacqui Hampshire (as Vice-Chairman); Linda Leivers (as Groups Coordinator); Mike Allen (as Secretary); Graham Headworth (as Minutes Secretary)

The following continue their terms of office:Yvonne Kennison (Treasurer); Marilyn Dibble (Membership Secretary); Sheila Pegg (Asst Treasurer); Norma Smith (Speaker Finder)

6. Election of the new committee.There being no contest, the Chairman and Committee will be proposed for election en bloc.

7. AOB:Any motions for consideration at the AGM must be proposed and seconded and given to theBusiness Secretary at the beginning of the AGM Meeting.

Date of the next AGM: Tuesday September 19th 2017 at 11.15 am. ____________________________________________________________________________

Introducing the new Committee Nominee

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Christine Smith51lilymoor@gmail.com (07859 249086)Christine worked in textiles as a garment technologist and quality controlmanager, first in the UK, then in Morocco and Tunisia, travelling to Londonfor meetings with M&S on a regular basis. She joined U3A to get the mostout of her Third Age, to meet like-minded people and to experience newadventures.

Chairman's ReportThis last year has been busy, to say the least. After last year's AGM, Graham Headworth appliedfor Charity Status for Mansfield U3A, the new Constitution having been voted in by themembers. Graham succeeded and Mansfield U3A is now a registered charity. Thank youGraham – all your endeavours, your skills and know-how have greatly benefited Mansfield U3A.

Over the last few years, we had been under pressure to find a venue to accommodate moremembers. The criteria for such a move included having ample parking space and a bigger roomto enrol more members (amongst other factors). As you know, we tried out the 1861 Suite atMansfield Town F.C. and decided that it ticked enough boxes for the U3A to move there.

The move has not been without its critics; change can be difficult, but since we have moved, Ifeel it is working. One of the advantages is the free parking available for any group trip, as thiswas a problem before. The management has made the move work by being very helpful, forinstance, we are able to use the TV screens they set up for us around the room to broadcast thenotices. We have not had a Notice Board since I stopped servicing it two years ago as no onewould take the job on.

This move was not undertaken lightly and the committee has endorsed the move for all the rightreasons and I hope we will enjoy the benefits of the new venue for many years to come.

In last year’s report, I said that we needed to find someone to take over David Ling’s Webmasterand Newsletter Editor roles. Thankfully, Mike Allen stepped in to edit the Newsletter and I thinkyou will agree he is doing a brilliant job! It is never easy to take over a role but with David’s help,Mike has grown into the role and long may he enjoy it.

The Webmaster’s role has been another story altogether. Either no one was interested, or whenthey found out what was involved, their interest faded. David has built a web site which isexcellent in my opinion. The problem has come when editing the pages was found by many tobe too involved for their level of skill. So after many months, many meetings and muchdiscussion, we decided to use the web site developed by the Third Age Trust.

We formed a sub-committee and contacted other U3As about their experience of using it. Allsaid it was easy to edit and to install new pages and the skill level required was not too high.This was ideal as, over the years, people come and go in U3A so something with the backing ofTAT means that continuity is easier to maintain. The new web site should be up and runningbefore the end of the year once Group Leaders have been given the relevant information to edittheir own group pages at the next Group Leaders meeting.

Groups in our U3A continue to flourish and new ones appear from time to time. As I have alwayssaid, groups are the soul of any U3A.

I would like to wish the new Chair and the Committee all the best for the future.Bob Longden

Treasurer's ReportFinancial Report for the year 2015/2016Owing to the move to the One Call Stadium for our monthly meetings, we have been able towelcome many new members. As well as enriching our groups, this has also had a beneficialeffect on our subscriptions. The move has also proved to be more economical as the room hirecost is considerably less than that of the Oakham Suite and we hope that this will continue.

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I know it is stressed every year how important it is to support our fund-raising activities, and thisyear is no exception. Due to the success of our fundraisers, we have been able to keep our subsat the low rate of £15 (I am sure you all know that we only keep £11.50 of this, the remaindergoes to the Third Age Trust). Even so, our outgoings this year have been greater than ourincome, but because we had a good sum to bring forward from previous years, this has kept usin a steady financial position. Please continue to enjoy and support our fundraisers - the BookStall, the Quiz Night and the Coffee Morning. At the risk of being boring, if any of you are taxpayers and you haven’t filled in a Gift Aid Form, please consider doing so as this all helps tokeep the subs at the current low rate.

The Group Accounts are managed very well by Sheila Pegg, and I would like to thank her for thework she does, and also to all the group leaders for managing and reporting their financialcomings and goings.

The books have been audited by Mr Joe Crosby and I would like to thank him for theprofessional and kindly way he carried out this work. Mr Crosby feels he cannot audit the booksagain as he has too many commitments. We therefore need to appoint a new auditor for the yearending 2016/2017. If anyone in Mansfield U3A would like to volunteer or knows of a non-member who might help, it would be greatly appreciated.Yvonne Kennison, Treasurer

Abbreviated version of the accounts for the year 2015-2016 ReceiptsSubscriptions £4,338.00Transfer from Social £3,254.02Books £371.70Fundraising Activities £1,807.46HMRC Gift Aid £337.43Diaries £131.00

PaymentsT.A.T. Capitation fees £973.00Direct mailing U3A News £425.11Newsletter £954.02Website maintenance cost £118.98Room hire & Speaker costs £3,970.50Miscellaneous items £1,542.77

TotalsBalance b/fwd 1 August £4,866.00Balance c/fwd 31 July 2016 7121.23

£15,105.61 £15,105.61

Membership Secretary's ReportDuring the last year, we have taken on 37 new members, taking our total membership to 300.The move to our new venue allowed us to increase our membership by 25; the other 12 werereplacements for departing members. All new members are invited to a coffee morning the weekbefore they join and this enables us to distribute information packs and answer the numerousquestions about our U3A. It also provides a good opportunity for new members to make friendsso they feel less overawed at the first monthly meeting.

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We have welcomed many active new members who are enjoying a variety of interest groups.One very proactive new member, Christine Smith, has set up two new groups (Horse Riding andSwimming) and now she has agreed to be nominated for the committee.

We have an ever increasing waiting list, at present standing at 35, but I hope we will have a fewplaces to offer once our present members have had a final chance to renew their membership.Marilyn Dibble

Group Co-ordinator's ReportThe past twelve months have been both exciting and disappointing. The move to Mansfield TownFootball Club has enabled us to increase our membership and, as a result, we have had manyfresh ideas about new groups. Not all have succeeded, but we have added several run by newermembers. Some ideas, still in the planning and incubation stage, will come about during thenext twelve months, I hope.

But not all groups can continue forever. Movement to Music was lost to our list – falling numbersand the cost of the venue meant Joanne, our tutor, could no longer sustain it.

Over many years, Margaret Burlinson has planned, arranged and organised trips at home andabroad for the Holiday Group. I have nothing but admiration for her and offer my personal thanksfor all she has achieved and the pleasure she has given. Now she has retired, a new group, theGetaway Group, has been launched by Christine Smith and Jacqui Hampshire with a differentapproach to holidays. I hope the travellers amongst us will find something to tempt them.

Mind you, the visits to Thoresby organised by Terry Whitehead will continue!

I have a busy year personally and I am delighted that Christine Smith is now my side-kick (orpartner in crime). This addition should make next year an interesting and eventful one.Linda Leivers

Website ReportI'm sorry to have to report that nobody could find an hour a week to take over the webmasterrole and didn't want to be shown how easy it is to help fellow-members in a way I foundenjoyable and satisfying. The result has been that our Recent Events, New Groups and PhotoGallery pages have remained frozen in time since I stood down at the last AGM. Nonetheless,our website remains one of the most popular among fellow-retired in Nottinghamshire andfurther afield with 27,503 visits and 168,913 page views recorded in the last 12 months.

I'm sure you'll join me in thanking the site managers, especially Terry Whitehead and Mike Allen,for helping Group Leaders to update their pages and for taking-on some maintenance duties sothat the site remains the prime source of information for prospective and our present members.David Ling, Administrator

Key to Meetings details:THIS TABLE SHOWS THE DAY of the month, time and frequency using the first two letters of the day,followed by numbers 1 - 5 to represent the week number. The final letter M (or F, W or V) indicates that thegroup 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.

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.

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Interest Group Meetings Meeting Places Leader/Contact

Afternoon Teas Sa2, 3 - 5 M Various Sheila Whalley 01623 453908

Next Meetings: TBA

Antiques andCollectables *

Tu2, 10 – 12.00 M Bridge Street Methodist Church,Mansfield

Pat Blackwell01623 481745

Next Meetings: September 13th – Boxes and Tins; October 11th – James Lewis (Diary Dates)

Art We3, 10 – 12.00 M Big Barn Lane Methodist Church,Mansfield

Gordon Howlett01623 627423

Next Meetings: TBA

Art Appreciation Mo1, 2.00 - 4.00 M Stanhope CentreMansfield

Pauline Boucher01623 644798

Next meetings: October 3rd – Members' Favourite Works of Art

Bridge Mo, F 6.30 - 9.00

West Notts CollegeDerby Rd.,

Joan Hufton01623 557488

Next Meetings: Opening Meeting on September 19th; then October 3rd, October 17th, etc.

Bowls Tu 2.30 – 4.00 WCoaching / Roll-ups at£3.00 per session

Lammas Centre,Sutton in Ashfield

Jennie / Dave Drew01623 555012

Next Meetings: Indoor season begins Tuesday October 11th.

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

Doreen Storer01623 407731

Next Meetings: Meetings as per calendar

Craft Workshop We4, 2.00 - 4.00 M Ruth Colley's home Ruth Colley 01623 472010

Next meetings: September 28th – No meeting; October 26th – Welcoming new members

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

Norma Shillinglaw01623 466934

Next Meetings: Meetings as per calendar

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

Max Clarke01623 621744

Next Meetings: Meetings as per calendar

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

Next Meetings: Meetings as per calendar

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Garden Visits Various during the Summer

Various Janet Whitlam/KarenTroop01623 635607

Next Visits: TBA

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

Avril McGee01623 452688

Next Meetings: October 4th – Members' Day: Harvest Festival and Picture Quiz

Getaway Various TBA Christine Smith07859 249086

2016 Holidays: Mon. Sept. 26th to Mon. Oct. 3rd – Mallorca* (Margaret Burlinson). 2017 Holidays: Jan. & Feb. – Thoresby Hall * (Terry Whitehead). Information on all Holidays can be seen on pages 11-12 in this Newsletter

Golf Last Friday of Month Various Paul Mann01623 615416

Next Meeting: TBA

History We3, 10.00 - 12.00 M M'field Bowling Club, Chesterfield Road, Mansfield

David Drew01623 555012

Next Meetings: Sept 12th – Visit to Richard III Exhibition, Leicester.

Horse Riding Fr4, 11.00 M exp.Fr2, 11.00 M beg.

Kirkfields Equestrian Centre, Blidworth

Christine Smith07859 249086

Next Meetings: Meetings as per calendar.

International Dining We2, 6.30 for 7.00 M Various Jacqui Hampshire01623 239210

Next Meetings: Sept 14th – Anya, Sherwood; October 12th – Gurkha One, Rolleston

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

Bob & Sue Longden01623 486903

Next Meetings: October 7th – Visit to the National Mining Museum

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

Various Eileen & Colin Bell01623 429239

Next Meetings: Sept. 22nd – The Wagon at Halam; Oct 20th – Fillets at Forest Town

Music Group

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

Next Meetings: Sept. 26th – Beethoven at Peter Hart's

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

Next Meeting: Meetings as per calendar

Popular Music Appreciation *

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

Peter Haynes 01623 610886

Next Meeting: Meetings as per calendar

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

Next Meetings: Meetings as per calendar: Alternately at Sylvia's and Janet's.

Read a Little Aloud Fri2, 2.00 - 4.00 M St Peter's Community Centre, Bellamy Road

Sheila Haslam 01623 627764

Next Meetings: Meetings as per calendar

Reading 1 Th3, 2.00 - 4.00 M Peter Dawson's home Peter Dawson 01623 882191

Next Meetings: Meetings as per calendar.

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

Next Meetings: Meetings as per calendar

S cience & Technical Tu1, 2.00 - 4.00 M Stanton Hill Baptist Church, Albert St.Skegby

Ian Boucher01623 644798

Next Meetings: October 4th – Lung Cancer: Dr B Cox (King's Mill)

Scrabble Mo2, 2.00 - 4.00 M Brenda Thurkettle's home

Brenda Thurkettle01623 628136

Next Meetings: Meetings as per calendar

Swimming Sun1&3, 2.00 F FitnessFlex Gymnext to MTFC.

Christine Smith07859 249086

Next Meetings: Meetings as per calendar. Cost: £4.00 per session incl. sauna, jacuzzi, etc.

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

Jean Kirk 01623 480207

Next term: Monday Sept. 5th – December 12th, with half term break on Oct. 24th.

Theatre Visits Various Various Sheila Whalley01623 453908

Next Visits: Saturday December 3rd – 'The Jungle Book'. Oddsocks returns to the Thoresby Riding School with their latest zany production of Rudyard Kipling's book.The performance starts at 2pm and costs £14.

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Walking Groups

Hikers (all-day, 6 - 8 miles)

Th1 & Mo3, 9.30 - V 2/M

Tesco car park, off Oak Tree Lane,Mansfield

Peter Thurkettle 01623 628136

Next Meetings: Thursday October 6th – Belper; Monday 17th – Bilsthorpe

Shufflers(short & gentle)

Th4, 12.00 - V M Various Sylvia Slack 01623 633981

Next Meetings: September 22nd – Saville Restaurant, Rufford Abbey

Strollers(a leisurely 2 miles)

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

Next Meetings: Sept 14th – Sherwood Pines. As parking is £4.00, share cars; Oct 12th – ThoresbyPark – use Stables car-park

Walkers(an easy 4 - 5 miles)

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

Next Meetings: Sept – No walk as U3A Mallorca holiday; October 26th – Rowthorne Trail

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

Next Meetings: Sept 21st – Wine Society Reds at Ron's; Oct 19th – Chenin Blanc at Norma's

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

Next Meetings: Sept 27th – Rosé at Lynne and Barrie's; Oct 25th – Viognier at Ian and Pauline's

Wine Appreciation 4 * Th4, 7.30 - V M Members' homes Jane Kockum01623 407235

Next Meetings: Meetings as per calendar

Writing for Pleasure Mo2, 2 - 4 M Stanhope Centre, Bridge Street,Mansfield

Hilary Miller/Sue Ford01623 620067/844286

Next Meetings: Meetings as per calendar

Harmony (an independent Interest Group) meets every fortnight on Wednesday evenings from 5.45 pmto 7.15 pm at St Alban's Church in Forest Town, starting September 21st. Contact June Fell on 01623623547 or at the monthly meeting to learn more about this singing group of U3A Members.There is a special rehearsal on Wednesday Sept 7th for the concert on Sunday Sept 11th.

The Book Table re-opens this month, so shake the moths out of your pockets and buy yourAutumn reading from us!

The National Conference & AGMThe Treasurer and I were privileged to attend the AGM of the Third Age Trust (the body that oversees allU3As) in Nottingham in August. After the opening lecture, a truly excellent exploration of how music can

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affect our health, by Dr Victoria Williamson, and a pleasant lunch, the AGM began. The NationalChairman, Pam Jones, gave her speech, which I hope to cover in greater detail next month because of itsimportance. A national consultation about the future structure of the U3A movement as a whole is takingplace and Mansfield U3A must be prepared to offer its views.Mike Allen

Our October Speaker'Life Can Be Funny' by Pat Hall This month's talk features quick-change comedy sketches with characters such as 'A LotteryWinner', 'Nil By Mouth' and 'Lady Raleigh'.

Throw in every day observational comedy, oddities, jokes and anecdotes, together with her ownquirky poems such as 'The Ratting', 'Trying to find a Loo' and 'Call Centres', add some nostalgiaand audience involvement and mix well.Norma Smith

The Summer PicnicWhat a difference a year makes! Last year, we huddled in the hall at the Queen ElisabethAcademy while it drizzled outside; this year, we sat out in the sun, amazed at our good fortune.

Having had far fewer sunny days than we deserved, the latesummer has been kind to us at last. Windy it might have been,but the sun shone. And the food was delicious – as always.How our members manage to produce such an abundance ofdelights each year is beyond belief.

Home-made bread, pies, quiches, snacks nestled amongst theshop-bought goodies; the sweets were a temptation too muchfor any calorie-counting slimmer. In fact, no slimmer survivedthe day, as every plate of food was cleaned and little was left forthe carrion crows.

Conversation rose and fell in the sun, the strains of ElvisPresley (courtesy of Bob Longden) drifted across the courtyard,wine glasses were filled and refilled and all was right with the

world. The draw for the raffle was made and the bottles disappeared atthe same speed as the éclairs; even the body lotion won by your Editorwas welcomed by another member who could put the Body Butter tobetter use!

Later, the outdoor games began; the bowls has its adherents, includingmany who had never played before, while the other games flourished aswell.

Slowly, the numbers dwindled as we left, sated. Our thanks must go toJanet Whitlam, Sue Longden and Linda Leivers who spent a long timepreparing the tables, setting out the food and clearing up with the help ofBob Longden (our resident DJ) and others, including the caretaking staffat the school.

And thanks to all who came – your enjoyment was there to see.Mike Allen

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News from the Third Age TrustOn Tuesday November 22nd, the U3A Movement will celebrate the creation of 1000 U3As.Unfortunately, the official celebration is in London, but I'm sure we can all spare a thought for thisnoteworthy event.

Latest Group News …The Getaway Group – the new name for the Holiday Group!As we all know, Margaret Burlinson has retired from organising Mansfield U3A holidays after overten years in this arduous job and the thanks of all those who have travelled with her over the yearswill follow her on her final trip to Majorca and then into her new and quieter life.

A new group has been formed – the Getaway Group – and this change of name signals adifferent approach to organising holidays. Different members will take on the responsibility oforganising a holiday, spreading the load that was borne by Margaret alone across a number ofpeople.

Christine Smith is the Leader of the Getaway Group and Jacqui Hampshire is working alongsideher to get it started. Three holidays have been suggested and they are detailed below. Butremember, our holidays are now our own, no longer shared with Sherwood who have struck outseparately. So the success of the holdays depends on Mansfield members choosing to go onthem.

Now the difficult bit – choose one (or more – or all) of these proposed holidays:

NorfolkJune 12th – 16th 2017. Potters 5-star Holiday Resort at Hopton-on-Sea on the coast in Norfolkbetween Great Yarmouth and Lowestoft. A 5-day holiday from Monday to Friday with 4 meals perday and with activities during the day and evening entertainment.

The prices are based on 35 people in bungalow accommodation (hotel rooms on request at aprice similar to the bungalows).£339pp in a standard bungalow; £359pp in a standard-plus bungalow7 singles; 5 standard double bungalows; 6 standard twin bungalows; 8 ‘plus’ bungalows (twin)and 2 ‘plus’ bungalows (double).1 free place with 35, 2 free places with 42 – if we have free places, the price will be reduced foreveryone.

Lake Garda, ItalySeptember 6th – 13th 2017. An 8-day holiday (B, B & EM) in a 3* hotel on the shore of the lakefrom £699. Prices are based on at least 25 persons booking.

Day trips to Venice and Verona will be included in the price, plus an optional trip to the Dolomitesif desired. Other trips can be added, but of course, these will increase the price.

The brochure will be available at AGM.See Christine Smith for both at the monthly meetings or contact her on 01623 443480 or 07859249086 or at 51lilymoor@gmail.com

Thursford Christmas SpectacularNovember 30th – December 2nd 2017 at the 3*** Links Country Park Hotel, West Runton,Norfolk. Two nights dinner, bed and breakfast from £239. Prices are based on 25 peoplebooking. The single supplement is £25. 12 singles, 7 doubles and 11 twins have been reserved

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at this country house hotel set in 35 acres of parkland, with a golf course. All rooms are en-suitewith flat screen TVs, free WiFi and tea- and coffee-making equipment.

Tickets to the Thursford Spectacular Show are included in the price, together with one full dayexcursion to Norwich. If you would rather play a round of golf or use the leisure facilities, this canbe organized. There will be a stop in Holt on our return journey.

On the evening we arrive in Thursford, the early dinner will have a Christmas theme before weset off for the theatre, with mulled wine and a mince pie on our return from the show.

Breakfast is buffet-style with juices, cereals, fruit, toast and a full English breakfast, as would beexpected from this quality of hotel. Dinner is a three-course table d'hôte menu with a choice offour starters, four main courses and four desserts, followed by tea or coffee.See Jacqui Hampshire for Thursford at the monthly meetings; or contact her on 01623 239210or at jhampshire09@talktalk.net.

Thoresby Hall Holiday 2017There will be two holiday dates: Monday January 9th to Friday January 13th at £182pp and MondayFebruary 20th to Friday February 24th at £220pp. Room upgrades are available. For details see theMansfield U3A website: Interests & Hobbies: Holidays. It's 'waiting list only' now so contact2017thoresby@whiteheaduk.plus.com or 01623 626991.Terry Whitehead

Mallorca September 26th – October 3rdFor those few who let me know they could not get to the meeting at The Junction, pleaseremember to:

Keep your passports handy for me to check before leaving Mansfield; check your EHIC card is not out of date; bring your coach plan and itinerary; bring your insurance details & policy; check your luggage label & make sure you are at the right pick up point.

The amount of euros you take depends on your personal preference.I will see you all at Walkden Street on Monday September 26th no later than 5.10am to leave at5.20am for East Midlands Airport.

Details of the discussion about the Balearic Islands' debacle on tourists will filter through to youvia your reps. at the meeting. I am keeping my fingers crossed that we all have an enjoyable &trouble free holiday!

Christmas in CheshireThere is still room for three more to join the five already booked on a 5-day break to Cheshire onDecember 23rd – 27th. Details available from my holiday table or ring me on 01623 632538.Margaret Burlinson

Bridge GroupThe Bridge Group has been revived by Joan Hufton. The new group will begin on Monday,September 19th and meet every fortnight at 6.30 pm at the West Notts College on Derby Road. Iwill be waiting at the reception desk inside the main entrance on the first Monday to greet allinterested members.

If you are interested, phone me on 01623 557488, turn up at the first meeting or on Monday,October 3rd as some of you will not have heard of the revival until the September meeting!Joan Hufton (01623 557488 or johnbhufton@gmail.com)

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Lunch ClubThe Full Moon in Morton was the setting for the August Lunch Club outing – an olde-worlde,tucked-away pub in a small village near the Trent. About 20 members joined Eileen andColin Bell for a very pleasant meal in the back room. The next meal will be at The Wagon inHalam. Please book your meal and food choice beforehand at the meeting in September. Colin & Eileen Bell

International DiningThe venue for the International Dining Group on Wednesday 12th October will be the GurkhaOne in Rolleston NG23 5SG (the restaurant is in The Crown inn). This is an Indian restaurantwith a Nepalese twist, as you will find out if you go on the web-site, and should be an interestingexperience. I'll be at the September meeting with the usual form for the interested parties.

Lombardi's Italian Restaurant in Chesterfield was excellent, although, unfortunately, our numberswere down due to holidays and other commitments. The eleven members who were therehowever found the food and company first class and they would all recommend this restaurantwithout any hesitation.Jacqui Hampshire

Bowls ClubThe match between Mansfield U3A and Mansfield Bowls Club had to be postponed because ofinclement weather on Saturday Sept. 3rd. The contest will be renewed later, possibly indoors.

I shall be retiring from leading the group after the AGM when Pat Gunter and Jenny Drew willtake over – it couldn't be in better hands!Don Wright

Theatre GroupPlease collect your tickets for The War Horse and The Full Monty. If you paid a deposit for Showboat andthen cancelled, please collect your refund. It's now too late to pay for The Producers. If you are going toBeautiful in London in October, please collect your itinerary, The Sound of Music was cancelled due tolack of interest.Sheila Whalley

Read A Little AloudSince the group was started in March, we have enjoyed many interesting readings of extractsfrom books and poems, as well as magazines – but the best part of the afternoon is thediscussion which follows. Each month, I choose items from all kinds of literature – classic,contemporary, and even children’s. Among the latter was a section from ‘The War Horse’ and Iadded an article telling the fascinating story of how Michael Morpurgo came to write it andeventually – after 20 years – saw it made into a film which has topped all previous box officereceipts.

All pieces (for example ‘Senior Moments’, ‘Shame On Me’ and ‘Love At Christmas’) promptmemories and anecdotes and give us food for thought. Sessions on ‘Men Were Deceivers Ever’and ‘The Paths Of Our Lives’ brought up some funny tales, and we all had plenty to say aboutthe ‘sliding door’ syndrome … the ‘what if … ?'

We’d still like a few more members to join us. My poor husband is the only male (I swear there’sno pressure on him!) and he would like some support. We ladies would also like to have morebalance in the group. We only ask that our members are open-minded and friendly. You don’teven have to read aloud if you prefer not to.

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Our venue on Berry Hill has been refurbished by Tesco, funded by the 5ps charged for plasticbags. There's parking, it’s comfortable and we're a really nice lot, so do contact me on 01623627764 if you are interested.Sheila Haslam

Pudding ClubWe continue to meet on the 1st Tuesday of each month from 4 pm to 6 pm. There is onevacancy and we'd welcome a new member interested in testing and tasting puddings!Sylvia Slack

The ShufflersThis friendly group meets on the 4th Thurday each month to visit local places for a cheap andcheerful meal and, if possible, a short shuffle. If you are no longer a 'hiker', a 'walker' or even a'stroller', then why not join us as we 'shuffle' our way round the world – or the car-park!

The August mini heat-wave broke and the morning dawned misty with heavy rain forecast, but it did notdampen the spirits of the group of Shufflers who left for Lincoln. The minibus was very comfortableand all enjoyed the journey. Our first stop was at Pennell's Garden Centre for an excellent lunchfollowed by some retail therapy in the well stocked shop and garden department.

Then on to Lincoln Castle to see the wave of poppies that had been brought from the Tower OfLondon. The walk up to the castle and through the grounds proved a challenge but all rose tothe occasion and arrived at the viewing point where the poppies cascaded down from the wallinto the moat. We stood thinking about all the lost young lives these flowers represented. Aftertaking lots of photos and a visit to the cafe, it was time for the journey home while we serenadedMarjorie with a rousing rendition of 'Happy Birthday'. Who said the less-mobile members couldno longer have fun?

Our next meeting is at Rufford Country Park on Thursday September 22nd.Sylvia Slack

Golf GroupFive members only managed to get to the last 'meet' at Oakmere Golf Club, but all enjoyed the day,playing the first nine of the Admiral's Course, then, after a short break, the Commander's Course. MikeAllen gained the highest points on the second course, while Paul Mann won overall.

The next meeting will be on Friday September 30th when we will attempt the front nine on Ransdale Parkmain course, followed by the front nine of the par-3. A new mixture!Paul Mann

Latest Mansfield U3A News …The Holocaust Centre Study DayA major Study Day for Nottinghamshire U3As has been arranged at the Holocaust Centre on WednesdayOctober 5th and full details were in the online August Newsletter. Names of those interested in attendingmust be taken at today's meeting as the closing date is Friday September 23rd. Details will be available atthe September meeting.

Diaries: The 2016-2017 U3A Diaries have arrived and can be collected from the Secretary, MikeAllen at the September meeting.

Subscriptions remain at £15 for the year 2016-2017 and will be required by the AGM. Cheques payable to Mansfield and District U3A or see below for online details.

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Online Banking is now available to members to pay their subscriptions online:Sort Code: 60-14-03 Account Number: 40396835Account name: Mansfield and District U3A REFERENCE: Member's name (for identification)

Dates for your diary (Check the website for more information and updates)September 20th Tuesday: Mansfield and District U3A AGM. 10.00am in the 1861 Suite atMansfield Town Football Club.

October 11th Tuesday: 'A Morning with James Lewis'. Mansfield U3A Antiques and Collectablesgroup invites you to a talk by the auctioneer and valuer, well-known from his appearances on television.The talk will be held in the meeting-room opposite the 1861 Suite at 10.00am. Cost: £5 incl. tea/coffee.See Pat Blackwell for tickets.

October 18th Tuesday: Monthly Meeting. 'Life Can Be Funny' by Pat Hall.

October 21st Friday: Group Leaders Meeting at 10am at Bridge Street Methodist Church.Apologies to Linda Leivers, please.

________________________________________________________________________________Mansfield U3A Christmas Lunch

Monday December 5th in the 1861 Suite at Mansfield Town Football ClubCost: £19 (incl. Tips). 12.30 for 1 pm.

Book your places now with Norma Shillinglaw.Please pay by cheque made out to Mansfield U3A at the October and November meetings.

The full menu will be available at the meetings, in the October Newsletter and online, for you to choose.________________________________________________________________________________

Saturday February 25th 2017Annual Fun Quiz Night and Buffet at Queen Elizabeth’s Academy.

Tickets will be on sale at the October meeting.Details from Pauline Boucher on 01623 644798 or pauline12boucher@yahoo.co.uk

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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, Marilyn Dibble 01623 634805, 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 next issue to mikeallen@lichfieldave.freeserve.co.uk or byhand to Mike Allen as soon as you can and by the 1st of the month at the latest. Thanks!______________________________________________________________________________Editor: Mike Allen 01623 653345 Printed by: Portland Print

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