Mansfield and District U3A

Newsletter

Summer at Newby Hall!

_____________________________

Established 1999HMRC Charity Registration No.: XT30525

August 2016 Online EditionWebsite: www.mansfield-u3a.org.uk

Page 1 of 14

Welcome from your chairmanHello and welcome to my August ‘Welcome’, for, as we all know, there is no meeting this monthand the newsletter is only available on-line. The good news is that we have our annual picnic atQueen Elizabeth’s Academy on August 16th, hopefully with good weather and good food anddrink. If the weather permits, there will be outdoor games; if not, a quiz inside and, of course, araffle. So come along, bring some food and drink, don’t forget plates and glasses and enjoy!

We have had some good weather just lately and I was fortunate enough to attend the BrassBand concert on Carr Bank Park, where they were using the new bandstand. The band fromBlidworth played some old favourites and some music that was new to me; the band leader saidthey were to represent Mansfield in the main competition in Cheltenham later in the year sogood luck to them!

I know some of us have grand-parenting duties and it is usual that, during the school holidays,we see more of our grand children. This can only be a good thing as I think watching youngstersgrow up is one of the pleasures of grandparents helping Mums and Dads in what can be astressed lifestyle if both of them are at work.

The Olympics have started! Can it really be four years since London? This time we are in Brazilwhere I have never been but it does look a spectacular place to visit. Let’s wish all ourparticipants the best of luck and hope they win many medals.

I hope to see you at the picnic. If you cannot be there, then don’t forget the AGM on TuesdaySeptember 20th when we will elect the new committee, finalise the accounts and have the ‘endof term’ reports. Bob Longden_________________________________________________________________________________Words from the EditorIn November this year, the U3A family will celebrate the formation of the 1000th U3A, although they don’tintend to tell us which one it is! For an organisation only founded in 1981 and whose early years were astruggle, the explosion of member U3As over the last few years has been both inspiring and worrying.

Inspiring because of the number of ‘third-agers’ (getting on for 400,000) who want more in theirlife than a sofa and a snooze; worrying because, with such rapid expansion, the ethos of themovement of self-help and of learning mixed with pleasure could be easily diluted into justanother round of social gatherings.

Have you any ideas? I’m off to the National AGM on Friday 25th August and would happilyspeak there on any ideas you might have – if you email them to me before that date. It will alsoshow me if anyone reads the Newsletter online! So, feel free to let me have your opinions.Mike Allen

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

Page 3 – 4: AGM Notice; Subscriptions; That Elusive Odd-Job Man; Wind In The Willows

Page 5: National Holocaust Centre Visit Opportunity

Pages 6 – 7: Interest Group News

Page 8 – 11: Interest Groups Meetings Diary

Page 13: Interest Group News; Dates for your Diary and Notices

Cover and Newby Hall photos by Sheila Whalley; Wind In The Willows by Glyn Payze.

Page 2 of 14

Annual Subscriptions 2016/2017Annual subscriptions are due on or before the AGM on September 20th. Because our members havesupported our social events so well over the last year and because we have reclaimed the tax via the GiftAid Scheme, we can once again offer our existing members a discount of £2 on next year’s subscriptions.Existing members will therefore only pay £15 for next year. (Associate members: £11.50.)Subscriptions for new members will remain at £17. (New associate members: £13.50.) Payment can be made any time between now and the September AGM meeting so please let me haveyour cheque, payable to Mansfield U3A. Please remind any friends who wish to renew their membershipbut are unable to attend the monthly meetings to contact the treasurer or any committee member. Online Payment: Sort Code: 60-14-03. Account number: 40396835. Account name: Mansfield and DistrictU3A. Reference: Member’s surname (this is vital to identify who has paid, so please do not forget to enteryour name). Yvonne Kennison, Treasurer

That Elusive Odd-Job Man!When we want to find a tradesman (when the ones we have known and used retire or are nolonger satisfactory), we ask friends and neighbours to recommend someone. But where do yougo if they can’t help? The Yellow Pages are one place, but these do not come with a guaranteeof competence or honesty. And who do you get to do those little jobs that the ‘odd-job man’ usedto do, but doesn’t now as he has disappeared from our lives?

Mansfield U3A has been asked why it can’t produce a list of recommended trades-people assome other U3As have done. Yes ... well ..., the truth is that this is not something which wewould want to do to avoid possible litigation when the tradesman did a bad job! However, thereare ways out of this dilemma. Mansfield District Council runs a scheme called ‘Handyperson’. ACouncil employee (who has been police checked and is a qualified tradesman) will performthose intensely annoying but vital little jobs such as repairing window locks, hanging doors,fitting security chains, changing bulbs, putting up curtain rails and so on. There is an invoicedcharge of £7 for half an hour’s work or £13 for one hour and you have to supply the materials (orask him to buy them). Phone 01623 463076 to access the service and the people at the officewill ask a number of questions to ensure that the service is tailored to the needs of the customer.

The ‘Handy Person Adaptation Service’ is run by Nottinghamshire County Council and doesmuch the same thing. There is no charge for jobs concerned with safety such as putting uphandrails and grab rails, but other odd-jobs come in at £15 an hour with materials on top. Thephone number for that is 0300 500 50 50. Again, questions will be asked before a localtradesman is sent out to do the job.

Page 3 of 14

The 17th ANNUAL GENERAL MEETINGof the

Mansfield and District U3Awill be held on

Tuesday September 20th 2016 at 11am

All members are invited to attend and to vote in the election of the new Committee after the monthlymeeting. The full Agenda and the Minutes of the 16th AGM in September 2015 will be published inthe September Newsletter and on-line on the Mansfield U3A website.

For larger jobs, Notts County Council use a national scheme called ‘Checkatrade’ which can befound on www.checkatrade.com (Control + Click to access the link). Firms are approved byTrading Standards, in partnership with Nottinghamshire County Council, so that if things gowrong, you can complain to them (and not to the Mansfield U3A committee!).

The problem here is that, when you enter your post code and bring up the names of the trades-people, they are often miles away and hardly local. Even if the leaflet that is put through the doorgives mainly 01623 phone numbers, this is a slight 'trick' as the firms are not local at all, but justconnect to the general number given. In addition, the firms often seem large ones, notnecessarily suitable for what we want done. This problem was admitted by the NCC adviser butat least you know that the workers have been checked. NCC no longer uses a scheme called‘Buy With Confidence’, although this logo still appears on older leaflets.

Leaflets for both council-run schemes can be obtained from the offices on Chesterfield Road andit would be sensible to collect them and keep them ‘handy’. You never know when a blocked sinkor damaged curtain-pole will need attention, and supremely competent though we might think weare, help is always needed.Mike Allen & Terry Whitehead

The Wind in the WillowsThe annual jaunt to Tolethorpe Hall near Stamford took place on Wednesday July 13th this yearwhen 13 members neglected their intellectual ideas and ignored the Shakespeare playsavailable to watch Alan Bennett’s dramatisation of ‘Wind In The Willows’ by Kenneth Grahame.

After a good journey down in theRavenshead bus driven by one of theirU3A members, we were able to enjoya picnic in weather just about warmenough to sit on the lawn before theplay began. Strangely enough, for anadaptation from a children’s book, theaudience was composed mainly ofadults who seemed to know the storybetter than the few children.

The set was, as always, ingenious,with a river of real water, an entranceto the underground home of Mole andRatty, a revolving interior scene, a vaguely realistic golf-buggy car and a cart with a lugubrious(human) horse.

The large cast contained a number of children as rabbits, hedgehogs and squirrels, harried byfive unpleasant (adult) weasels. Toad was the liveliest character, with Mole an Alan Bennett-likefigure, Badger a schoolteacher-type and a rather bumbling Ratty (with a tail).

The play was a series of tenuously linked scenes from the book, but failed to be sufficientlydramatic. Thus the battle at the end between the ‘heroes’ and the 'villains' (weasels and stoats)was no more than a comic chase. Toad’s escape was more fun and did capture the spirit of thenovel, but too often, the play subsided like an old soufflé. Nevertheless, an enjoyable evening.Perhaps, next year, we will have to try Shakespeare again!Mike Allen

Page 4 of 14

The National Holocaust Centre and MuseumSome time ago, it was announced at our monthly meeting that a U3A Study Day was beingarranged at the remarkable and renowned National Holocaust Centre and Museum atLaxton. A number of members expressed interest, but we went no further at the time. Now,the study day has been organised and the programme announced.

Group Booking by Friday 23rd September is essential and Mike Allen will be taking namesat the Picnic and the September Meeting. You may also phone 01623 653345 to book aplace (leave name & phone number) or email mikeallen@lichfieldave.freeserve.co.uk

Page 5 of 14

Remembering, Listening, Learning:An Opportunity to visit The National Holocaust Centre and Museum

Wednesday October 5th 2016

This day presents an engaging and interactive day, unique to U3A members, whichenables shared learning and the opportunity to create and reflect. The day will explore thehistory of the Holocaust, and consider lessons it may present to society today:

Is there anything that can be learned from the Holocaust?

Members will have the opportunity to participate in tours of the exhibitions and discussion,in addition to attending workshops led by experienced educators.

The most memorable aspect of the day, undoubtedly, will be the opportunity to listen to thetestimony of a Holocaust survivor. As the programme has been designed to enableopportunities for discussion and participation, members may wish to re-visit the exhibitionson a second visit – return visits are included within the admission cost.

The Programme of the day starts at 10.00am and includes:Tea and coffee on arrival

Introduction to the day, including a brief historical contextTour of the Holocaust exhibition and Journey exhibition, including a short workshop

considering memory and personal historyLunch

A choice of workshop, one to be chosen from:Art and the Holocaust

Faith and the HolocaustChallenges for today

Sharing of the testimony of a survivor of the HolocaustIntroduction to the Memorial gardens, and an opportunity to reflect on what has been

considered and learnt through the day.The day concludes at 4.00pm

The cost per delegate is £20 to include:Admission, including free return visits within the calendar year.

Lunch and refreshments, including tea and coffee available throughout the day.Educator-led tours and workshop.

July's SpeakerDavid Skillen, July's monthly meeting speaker, provided us with a snapshot of the American Civilfrom a different perspective – that of the women involved in it. From Harriet Beecher Stowe whowrote 'Uncle Tom's Cabin' to an ex-slave who ran the Underground Railway from South to Northrescuing other slaves; from a woman who pioneered the idea of military hospitals to those whofought in the war as soldiers, his talk illuminated the courage and fortitude of women caught up inthis bloody conflict.

A most interesting talk by someone who was absorbed by the history of the Civil War.

Latest Group News …Garden Visits at Newby HallWhat can I say about the Garden Visits Group outing to Newby Hall and Gardens? It was atreat!

We had arranged a private guided tour around the Hall which is stunning and packed withChippendale furniture, gorgeous ornate ceilings and paintings that have been bothcommissioned and collected on the travels ofprevious owners. It has Roman Statues in threerooms that rival even those at ChatsworthHouse and a collection of Gobelin tapestriesmade to measure for a room with moreChippendale furniture to match.

Stunning and, with two experienced guides sofull of knowledge, the tour really wasexceptional.

Then it was back to the restaurant for lunchbefore we wandered around the gardens whichare beautiful. Standing in front of the Hall,looking down to the double herbaceous border that is only three years old after having beencompletely redesigned and re-planted was just one of the highlights for me. However, John did

like the Zimbawbean Statues on display and forsale and said he would have liked to be the oneto polish them too! You had to see them to knowwhat I mean! Then there was the Dolls’ Houseexhibition and some of Gyles Brandreth’scollection of teddy bears. Some went on theminiature train and, of course, many of us cameback with plants from the nursery.

Something for everyone, you might say and yetwe could not fill the coach! In fact, there wereonly 24 of us. Such a pity, but for those of usthat did go, it was a memorable day out.

Karen Troop & Janet Whitlam

Page 6 of 14

Bridge for BeginnersJoan Hufton is reviving this group – full information is on the Mansfield U3A website. Ifinterested, contact Joan on 01623 557488. More details next month.

Lunch ClubA smaller group than usual went to the Old Reindeer at Edingley for a Carvery lunch on theThursday July 21st. A pleasant meal was had by the 14 members.

The August luncheon will be at the Full Moon at Morton on Thursday August 18th. As thereis no meeting in August, please make sure that you book your meal with us by email orphone before then; the menu can be found via the Luncheon page on the website. Colin & Eileen Bell

Tai-Chi The Autumn Term will begin on Monday September 5th and will end on Monday December 12th, with abreak on October 24th. Subscriptions are due on the first Monday and it is hoped they will remain at £25.Cheques to be made payable to Mansfield and District U3A.

Jean Kirk has asked that any members not continuing with the class should inform her as soon aspossible.

Local HistoryA visit to the National Mining Museum has been arranged for Friday October 7th. The coach leaves theRedfern Coach depot at Mansfield Woodhouse at 9.30am and returns at around 4.00pm. The cost will be£11.50 and must be paid by the September meetings of the Local History and Sci-Tech Groups.Ifmembers wish to go underground, they should inform Bob and Sue as soon as possible.

Bowls ClubA friendly bowls match between the U3A Bowls Group and Mansfield Bowling Club has been arranged forSaturday September 3rd. The start time is 2.00pm at the Mansfield Bowling Club Green on ChesterfieldRoad, Mansfield. Spectators will be most welcome.Don WrightDDDdfg

Riding GroupFour lady riders turned out at Kirkfields Riding Centre for a hack around the woods. There was only one casualty - and I was not even riding! Just tripped up twice over my boot laces. The horses were very well behaved, apart from Blue, who thought it was a good opportunity to have a snack. He tried to eat most of the bracken and the odd tree, but Avril McGee soon got the better of him.

But what a lovely way to spend an hour in good company (and the ladies were OK as well!).Christine Smith

_______________________________________________________________

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.

Page 7 of 14

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: Sept 13th – Boxes and Tins; Oct 11th – Visit by James Lewis (MTFC)

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: Sept 5th – Modern Art; Oct 3rd – Members' Favourite Works of Art

Beginners' Bridge Mo, F 6.30 - 9.00

Room DR 132 Derby Rd College,

Joan Hufton01623 557488

Next Meetings: Check the Bridge for Beginners page on the Mansfield U3A Website for start date

Bowls Tu 1.30 – 3.30 WCoaching / Roll-ups at£3.00 per session

Mansfield Bowls Club,Chesterfield Road

Don Wright/Pat Gunter 01623 628946/626250

Next Meetings: Outdoor Season until Sat. Sept 17th. All welcome; flat soled shoes required

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

Doreen Storer01623 407731

Next Meetings: Meetings as per calendar. No meeting in August

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

Next meetings: Meetings as per calendar

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

Norma Shillinglaw01623 466934

Next Meetings: Meetings as per calendar. No meeting in August

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

Page 8 of 14

Garden Visits Various during the Summer

Various Janet Whitlam/KarenTroop01623 635607

Next Visits:

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

Avril McGee01623 452688

Next Meetings: Sept 6th – Transforming Lives and Land, a talk by Jennie Street

Golf Last Friday of Month Various Paul Mann01623 615416

Next Meeting: Aug. 26th – Oakmere Park 9.30 for 10.00 tee-off.

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.

Holidays (Home & Abroad)

Various TBA Margaret Burlinson01623 632538

2016 Holidays: Mon. Sept. 26th to Mon. Oct. 3rd – Mallorca* (Margaret Burlinson). Details on website.2017 Holidays: Jan & Feb – Thoresby Hall. Mon. Jan 9th to Fri. Jan 13th; Mon. Feb 20th to Fri. Feb 24th. Please check Holidays page on website for full details.

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: Aug 10th – Lombardi's in Chesterfield.

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

Bob & Sue Longden01623 486903

Next Meetings: No meeting August; Sept. 2nd – Public Transport by Ian Boucher

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

Various Eileen & Colin Bell01623 429239

Next Meetings: August 18th – The Full Moon, Morton

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

Linda Leivers 01623 471963

Next Meetings: Meetings as per calendar

Page 9 of 14

Music Group

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

Next Meetings: No meeting in August

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: Sept 6th – A Quizzical Look at Science and Technology: Gordon Howlett

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

Brenda Thurkettle01623 628136

Next Meetings: Meetings as per calendar

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

Jean Kirk 01623 480207

Next Meetings: Sept 5th – AutumnTerm begins.

Theatre Visits Various Various Sheila Whalley01623 453908

Next Visits: TBA

Page 10 of 14

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: Mon Aug 15th – Hope & Edale; Thurs Sept 1st – Ashford-in-the-Water; Mon Sept 12th – Foolow, Cresswell Dale, Grindlow

Shufflers(short & gentle)

Th4, 12.00 - V M Various Sylvia Slack 01623 633981

Next Meetings:

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

Walkers(an easy 4 - 5 miles)

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

Next Meetings: Aug 24th – Teversal Village (Vistors' Centre Car Park); Sept – No walk organised,as U3A Mallorca holiday

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

Next Meetings: Aug 17th – Portguese Whites at Bob and Sue's; Sept 21st – Wine Society Whites at Ron's

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

Next Meetings: Aug 23rd – Villa Maria from NZ and UK at Ian and Pauline's; Sept 27th – Rosé at Lynne and Barrie'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. Contact Jean Kirk on 01623 480207 or at the monthlymeeting to learn more about this singing group of U3A Members. The new term begins on Wednesday September 7th.

The Book Table made £44 in July, making a total for the year of £371 which is a great contributionto funds.

Page 11 of 14

Latest Group News cont....HolidaysMallorca Just to remind all travellers to Mallorca about the meeting at The Junction in Sutton onSaturday September 10th starting at 11am promptly. The side door will be open 15 minutesbeforehand. Drinks can be bought from the restaurant bar to bring into the meeting if you sowish. We will be discussing airport arrangements & any other issues which may have arisenafter reading through your itineraries. A very important matter has just come to light whichwill also need your attention.

You are welcome to stay for a meal after the meeting (the restaurant is to your left as youleave the meeting room).

Christmas Away From Home!Five of us have now booked a five-day holiday break between December 23rd-27th in Cheshireat the 4* Hallmark hotel. We would still like three more people to join us, either to share two twinrooms or take three singles (£60 single supplement added on to the £484 price which includesan excursion & pantomime). If we can get those three extra passengers, the private transportcost will be no more than £25. Deposit £60 plus insurance £20 (unless you have your owninsurance). Let's give our families a break for once! Ring me on 01623 632538 to talk about thisfestive break.Margaret Burlinson

Thoresby Hall Holiday 2017I require balance cheques. Assuming everyone has paid £50pp deposit (apart from those I havetold), the prices are as stated in the leaflets and on the website. However, the single surchargeis now £10 and not £40.

You will receive an email (or phone call for those without emails) to let you know the balance.Please make cheques payable to Mansfield U3A. Anyone wanting to go on the waiting list,please give me a ring. There is no booking charge, you only pay if you come on the holiday andthat you could find out about on the Sunday before the holiday starts on the Monday. Contact 2017thoresby@whiteheaduk.plus.com or 01623 626991.Terry Whitehead

Wine Group 2Wine Group 2 held a most interesting evening in July when the wine to be 'tasted' was new to all of us –Sauvingon Gris. Thought to be an older version of the Sauvignon Blanc grape, Sauvignon Gris has apinkish hue to its skin and has similar levels of acidity. It does produce fruit with higher sugar levels, whichcontributes to greater aromatics and a richer and rounder feel to the wine. At one point these wines werehighly prized yet due to the ridiculously low yields that the grape produces, it almost became extinct.

Nowadays, the grape is found mainly in Australia, New Zealand and Chile, though some Frenchwhites use it as a blend. We found the wine softer than the more usual Sauvignon Blanc, but lessastringent. In fact, it was most enjoyable. The 'winner' was from NZ (search Amazon for Villa Maria),but another can be bought at Tesco for £6.75 until August 15th (Brancott Estate). Why not try it outthis summer? Thanks to John and Margaret Florence for their detective work!Mike Allen

Page 12 of 14

International DiningOur next venue will be on August 10th at Lombardi's Italian Restaurant in Chesterfield with a 7pmstart. Book your menu choice from their website with Jacqui. The sat-nav figures are S41 7LL.

September will see us visit once more the Polish restaurant Anya in Sherwood. I will do my best toget the details onto the website! I will be at the monthly meetings to take bookings. Jacqui Hampshire

Golf GroupEight local U3A golfers made their way round Ransdale Park's par-3 course on July 29th. It's a verygood par-3 indeed, and the second nine is particularly demanding. In the the first group out, DerekBurke and Colin Bell played well, though Mike Allen managed to show how badly one can play!. Thesecond group included 'Captain' Paul Mann and they seemed to manage better. A pleasant socialfollowed in the bar.

The August 26th meeting will be at Oakmere again. The first nine holes will be on the Admiral's Course,with a 9.30am meet for a 10.00am tee-off; the second nine will be on the Commander's Course, with thefirst tee-time at 12.15pm. Play 9 or 18 holes as you wish and the cost will be from £11 to £15.Paul Mann

Read a Little AloudSince the group was started in March, we have enjoyed many interesting readings of extractsfrom books and poems and magazines – but the best part of the afternoon is the discussionwhich 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’ by Michael Morpurgo,and I added an article telling the fascinating story of how he came to write it and eventually –after 20 years – saw it made into a film which has topped all previous box office receipts.

All the pieces prompted memories and anecdotes on the themes of ‘Senior Moments’, ‘Shameon Me’ and ‘Love at Christmas’ which gave us food for thought. Sessions on ‘Men wereDeceivers Ever’ and ‘The Paths of our Lives’ brought up some funny tales, and we all had plentyto say about the ‘sliding door’ syndrome … the ‘what if … ?'

We’d still like a few more to join us. My poor husband is the only male – I swear there’s nopressure 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.

Our venue on Berry Hill is being refurbished by Tesco, funded by the 5p 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

Latest Mansfield U3A News …Holidays: The new Holidays Group has begun its work with a meeting attended by quite a numberof interested members. Jacqui Hampshire and Christine Smith would welcome more people to help,but already ideas for holidays are coming in.

Look out for the September issue of the Newsletter which will give full details about what is planned.

Diaries: 65 have been ordered and have arrived. To be distributed at the September AGM meeting.

Page 13 of 14

Dates for your diary (Check the website for more information and updates.)August 16th Tuesday: Summer Picnic. In August, in place of the normal meeting, Mansfield U3Ameets at the Queen Elizabeth Academy on Chesterfield Road for a Summer Picnic from noon to 3pm.Bring food to share and your own drinks. Outdoor games – indoors if it's wet!

August 25th Thursday: U3A National Conference at the East Midlands Conference Centre atNottingham University. To be attended by Mike Allen (Sec.) & Yvonne Kennison (Treas.)

September 19th Monday: U3A East Midlands Region Conference to be held at Eastwood Hall. Theprogramme is on http://eastmidlandsu3as.org.uk/events and features talks on the calendar and onweather as well as a speech by the National Chair, Pam Jones. If you wish to go, the cost is £10 and the application form is on the website above.

September 20th Tuesday: Mansfield and District U3A AGM. 10.00am in the 1861 Suite atMansfield Town Football Club. General Meeting first, then the AGM starts at 11.15am.

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.

______________________________________________________________________________

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.______________________________________________________________________________

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) ______________________________________________________________________________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

Page 14 of 14