Mansfield and District U3ANewsletter

Members' Day report: Page 2_____________________________

Established 1999HMRC Charity Registration No.: XT30525

February 2013Website: www.mansfield-u3a.org.uk

Noticeboard: http://mansfieldu3a.blogspot.com

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Welcome from your chairmanTHE JANUARY meeting was a great success, in spite of the weather that prevented a number of you from attending.

First, I’d like to thank the four members of Mansfield U3A who were brave enough to face their peers and talk about their interests. The range of these was great.

Michael Morton is a professional illustrator and his paintings, mainly of birds, were outstanding in their detail and lifelike poses. I hope that we will be given an opportunity to look at the others that are hidden beneath his bed! The effect of the paintings was increased by the equally professional Picasa slide-show photographed and produced by David Ling.

Then Mary Lewis took over with her talk on Florence Nightingale. ‘The Lady with the Lamp’ has been criticised recently, but few realise she had another life as a leading expert on statistics, especially medical ones. I was fascinated by this and, again, would like to learn more.

In complete contrast, Sheila Whalley took us back to the time she made, hired out and sold fancy dress costumes. Humour abounded as she related tales of past galas, of the weird costumes she had made and of the people who wore them. Once again, we felt that there was a lot more she could have said.

Finally, John Sellars played the piano (the new electronic one) and was magnificent with a repertoire ranging from classical favourites to a really enjoyable sing-along as the meeting drew to a close, half an hour late!

So what have we learned from this? That our own members have as great a capability to interest, educate and entertain us as any outside speaker. I am glad that we have developed the January meeting into something that not only showcases the talent in Mansfield U3A but also demonstrates how we are trying to bring life to the first aim of the U3A movement: To encourage and enable older people no longer in full-time paid employment to help each other to share their knowledge, skills, interests and experience.

The other success of the meeting was the enthusiasm showed for the new groups that were suggested. Linda will talk in more detail about the numbers applying and the groups that will be set up, but the front table was busier than ever before with people signing up. Because the number of members was down, we will offer you the opportunity to sign up to these groups again this month.

Thank you everyone for making it such an enjoyable and successful meeting; we are already planning next year’s – so be prepared!Mike Allen______________________________________________________________________________In this issue

Page 2 Chairman's Welcome.Page 3 New Members' Meeting; Quiz night. Holiday updates.Page 4 Recent Events: Thoresby Holiday; Thoresby Postscript (start).Pages 5 - 8 (Pt) Groups Meeting Programme.Page 8 (Pt) Book table. Page 9 - 11 (Pt) Recent Events (Cont.) Groups News: Garden Visits; Digital World; Theatre

Visits; Gardening; Luncheon Club; Local History; New Groups. Page 11 (Pt) New U3A Trustee.Page 12 Members' Announcements. Speaker's Corner. Dates for your diary.

Notices.

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New Members’ Follow-up MeetingAnother reminder that the new members’ follow-up meeting will be held on Friday February 22nd at The Rushley, Nottingham Road from 10.00 am until 12.00 noon. We have had 54 new members join us since September 2012 and we are hoping that most of you, together with group leaders and committee members, will be able to join us for this relaxed and informal meeting.

As in previous years this will be an opportunity for new members to meet each other, committee members and group leaders, and for you to comment on all aspects of your membership. Given the high attendance at our monthly meetings, it is often difficult to get to know each other and we have found in previous years that the new members' meeting proves to be a good opportunity to find out more about Mansfield U3A and our many Interest Groups.

Refreshments will be provided, so please join us if you can.Avril McGee (01623 452688)

Annual Fun Quiz NightSATURDAY 23RD FEBRUARY AT QUEEN ELIZABETH’S ACADEMY. 7pm.Join us at Queen Elizabeth's Academy on the 23rd February for our annual Quiz Night.

Pauline and Ian have been working hard to test our brains and your Social Committee will be providing your supper (platters of sandwiches, nibbles and cakes).

Organise yourself a team of 8 or join a table on the night; bring your own drinks and glasses and have a great night with friends. Tickets on sale today £6.50.Karen Troop

Holiday UpdatesAround Britain Cruise – 24th May - 3rd JuneBY FRIDAY of this week everyone going on this cruise should have paid their balances. If you choose to pay by cheque you will have to write a covering letter, include all the references shown on your Invoice Guest copies, and post it earlier hoping it will arrive before the deadline. I think it is better & quicker to pay by debit card in the same way as you paid your deposits. It is your choice.

Tenby – 1s t - 5th July Next month I shall need all the balances for this holiday, £268 (sharing) or £280 (single). Cheques to be made out to Mansfield & District U3A. Just a reminder about seeing me no later than the March meeting if you have any food or room requests. Similarly come and choose your place on the coach plan unless you don't mind where you sit.

Thursford Christmas Spectacular – 4th, 5th & 6th December Deposits of £10 need to be paid no later than the April meeting please. Cheques to be paid to Mansfield & District U3A. Remember the offer from the Company of a £10 insurance premium, If you wish to take this, then you must collect a form from me that you can fill in at my table, add the £10 to the deposit amount and then give me a cheque for £20.

At this time of writing, due to a cancellation I have a double room spare for these three days away. All the names on my waiting list require a single room. Since there are still 9 months to go it really would help if I could have more names on the reserve list for twin and double rooms. Margaret Burlinson Details of all holidays are on the website ...

Recent EventsThoresby HolidayWAKING UP to more snow on Monday and after a phone call to Thoresby who said the roads were O.K., they had plenty of food and the bar was well stocked, John said “get packed, we’re going early”. We did, but were not the first as we followed Alan and Sheila into the car park.

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At lunch I was “approached by a man” (no names mentioned David!) and asked to do a report for you all, so here goes:-

We unpacked and started our break with good food and good company.

Tuesday morning saw us first into breakfast as Terry had arranged for St. John’s Church at Perlethorpe to be opened and what a treat. After an icy walk there, with Thoresby and the grounds shrouded in mist, we arrived at the church heated especially for us. After a very interesting talk and slide show we wandered around looking for the dragonfly, butterfly and mice carvings on the pew ends. After a lovely walk back, everywhere carpeted in snow, the mist now gone and a cloudless blue sky we were ready for our coffees. This morning was a fabulous photo opportunity (check-out the website) but not for us. The camera was in the room with a flat battery and not just once did I remind John that this was HIS fault!

In the afternoon Marilyn 'persuaded' us to join her team for Terry’s Quiz. Our answers sounded so good but a score of 13 and a half did not get us the winning prize. Luckily for us, the team in front won a prize and shared their chocs with us so you could say that we did 'win'. P.S. well done to Margaret and her team.

After early morning walking on Wednesday we headed for the Courtyard. Terry had arranged for The Lancers and Yeomanry Museum to be opened and for us to have a guided tour. Our retired Captain certainly knew his stuff taking us from early to modern warfare. They even have the original bugle that sounded the Charge of The Light Brigade. Very interesting, and from our ticket money, U3A donated £420 to the Museum’s Fund.

For the rest of our break we danced, did yoga, had spa treatments, played snooker, wine tasting, laughed with the comedian or just quietly read a book and dozed in the Great Hall. Some of us had singing lessons and then performed Mama Mia; and of course we look forward to see the entrants for the Photography Competition. Terry also arranged for Trevor Lee to come and we all enjoyed a 'sing song'.

Nearly 250 of us from Mansfield and other local U3As had a lovely break and our HUGE THANKS have to go to TERRY and LILIAN for all their hard work arranging this.

This hard work enabled us to meet new friends, laugh, reminisce, share jokes, get advice, share innuendo (remember ladies – no names revealed but what a laugh!) but most of all share the FELLOWSHIP so freely given in the U3A.Karen Troop. More photos on the website ...

Thoresby Postscript, by Terry WhiteheadSOME random thoughts on an eventful period, I decided to sort them into plus and minus; they are not in any order.

Minus: People living in Mansfield ringing me up Monday morning to tell me it was snowing.

Minus: Margaret Burlinson being told the community bus would not be turning out.

Plus: The community bus turning out.

Plus: Linda Leivers realising how good Kings Mill Hospital is. 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 the day, followed by numbers 1 - 5 to represent the week number. The final letter M (or F, W or V) indicates 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 with Variable finish times.

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

Interest Group Meetings Meeting Places Leader/Contact

Art Appreciation Mo1, 2.00 - 4.00 M Baptist Church, Rosemary St.

Pauline Boucher01623 644798

Next Meetings: 4th March – Into the 1500s & Childrens' Picture Books with Molly Pollitt Next Visit: 29th April – Tea & talk at Thoresby

Beginners' Bridge (With Ashfield U3A)

Mo, Various 6.30 - 9.00

Enviro Centre, Derby Rd College,Mansfield

Maxine Rose/Glenis Carr 01623 459081/627735

Next Meetings: 4th &18th March; 8th & 22nd April; 13th May (Also Acol sessions at the Mechanics Institute – Th, 10 - 12.30 W)

Bowls Th, 1.30 - 3.30 W Lammas Centre, Sutton-in-Ashfield

Don Wright01623 628946

Next Meetings: February 14th, 21st, 28th; March 7th & 14th. (End of Season; Summer programme details next month.)

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

Doreen Storer01623 407731

Next Meetings: 18th February; 18th March; 15th April

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

Norma Shillinglaw01623 466934

Next Meetings: February 12th; March 12th; April 9th

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

Stanton Hill Baptist Church, Skegby

David Ling01623 822994

Next Meetings: 22nd February – Final of Thoresby photo competition; 8th March – Art of Seeing Pt1 & Members' Choice; 22nd March – Art of Seeing Pt2 & Members' Choice

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

Max Clarke01623 621744

Next Meeting: 26th February – Memories of Mansfield with Ian Blackwell

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

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Interest Group Meetings Meeting Places Leader/Contact

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

Next Meetings: 4th March; 1st April

Garden Visits During the Summer Various Marion Thornton01623 651528

Next Visits: 17th May – Burton Agnes Hall; 19th July – Trentham Gardens and Wollerton Old Hall Garden

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

Avril McGee01623 452688

Next Meeting: 5th March – Don Witton: Ten Top Gardens

Holidays (Home & Abroad)

Various TBA Margaret Burlinson01623 632538

Next holidays: 24th May - 3rd June – Around Britain Cruise; 1st - 5th July – Tenby; 4th, 5th & 6th December – Thursford Christmas Spectacular

Introduction to Internet use

TBA TBA Terry Whitehead01623 626991

Next Meeting: Group in abeyance

Line Dancing TBA TBA Carole Justice01623 491809

Next meeting: Group in abeyance

Local History Fri1, 10.00 - 12.00 M The Rushley Inn, Nottingham RoadMansfield

Bob & Sue Longden01623 486903

Next Meetings: 1st March – According To Local Custom (Local Viking Settlement) with guest speaker

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

Various David Ling01623 822994

Next Meetings: February 21st – Lamb's at the Market, Mansfield; March 21st – Ania, Sherwood

Music Groups

Classical Music 1* Th2, 2.00 - 4.00 M Members' homes Alan & Marlene Radford 01623 427934

Next Meetings: 14th February – Chopin with Peter; 14th March – Donizetti with TBA

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

Next Meetings: 25th February – Borodin & Mussorsky with Sheila; 25th March – Saint Saens & Fauré with Marie

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Interest Group Meetings Meeting Places Leader/Contact

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

Next Meeting: TBA

Popular Music Appreciation

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

Peter Haynes 01623 610886

Next Meetings: February 26th; March 26th

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

Next Meetings: March 5th at Sylvia's; April 2nd at Janet's; May 7th at Sylvia's

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

Next Meetings: 21st February; 21st March; 18th April; 16th May

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

Next Meetings: 19th February; 19th March; 16th April; 21st May

Science & Technical Tu1, 1.30 - 3.30 M Stanton Hill Baptist Church, Skegby

Ian Boucher01623 644798

Next Meeting: 5th March – Embedded Systems with Dr. David Marples; 2nd April – Sounds and Vibrations with Peter Thurkettle Next visit: TBA

Scrabble Mo2, 2.00 - 4 .00 M Brenda Thurkettle's home

Brenda Thurkettle01623 628136

Next Meetings: 14th January; 11th February; 11th March

Singing for Fun Th V West Notts College, Derby Rd. Mansfield

June Fell 01623 623547

Next Meetings: February 21st; March 7th & 21st, April TBANext Concerts: TBA

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

Cliff Laycock01623 481985

Next Meetings: Feb. 11th, 18th & 25th; March 4th, 11th, 18th & 25th

Theatre Visits Various Various Sheila Whalley 01623 453908

Next Visits: Wed. 27th February – Good Old Days. (Matinee at the Palace Theatre, Mansfield). Sat. 2nd March – Eric Clapton. (Matinee at the Palace Theatre, Mansfield). Sun. 10th March – Me and My Girl. (Matinee at the Palace Theatre, Mansfield). Wed.17th April – Blood Brothers. (Matinee at the Theatre Royal, Nottingham.)

My granddaughter asked me for a pet spider for her birthday, so I went to our local pet shop and they were £70! Blow this, I thought, I can get one cheaper off the web.

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Interest Group Meetings Meeting Places Leader/Contact

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. 18th Feb. – Lathkill Dale; Thurs. 7th March – Roche Abbey; Mon. 18 March – Ockbrook & Dale Abbey; Thurs. 4th April – Normanton & Keyworth

Strollers(a leisurely 2 miles)

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

Next Meetings: 13th February – Brierley Forest Park; 13th March – Sherwood Forest

Walkers (an easy 4 - 5 miles)

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

Next Meetings: 27th Feb. – Teversal to Brierley Forest; 27th March – Spa Ponds

Wine Appreciation 2*

We3, 7.30 - V M Members' homes Mike Allen01623 653345

Next Meetings: Feb. 20th – Gewurztraminers from 4 countries, with G/MP; March 20th – Reds, own choice, with RB

Wine Appreciation 3*

Tu4, 7.30 - V M Members' homes Graham Allin01623 473662

Next Meetings: Feb. 26th – Chardonnay with Graham & Eileen; March 26th – Wide price range reds with Barrie & Lynne

Writing for Pleasure* Mo2, 2.00 - 4.00 M The Stanhope Centre (Bridge St. Methodist Church), Mansfield.

Sue Ford / Hilary Miller 01623 844286 / 620067

Next Meetings: 11th Feb.; 11th March; 8th April; 13th May

Book TableYOU HAVE a guest contributor this year, my wife is resting after Thoresby and I am stuck on the computer catching up on everything else. (I am typing this as snow is several inches deep and cars are sliding all over Skegby Lane.)

The first book stall of the year was a relative disaster and we only raised £25.40.

There are three possible explanations; any could be true:

1. It snowed and half the people who normally read books do not like to come out in freezing, icy conditions.

2. Lots of people had eReaders for Christmas and have stopped buying books. Or:3. Everyone had had new books for Christmas and did not want to start any more.

We shall wait and see when February comes and the weather is warm with bright sunshine and every member comes and buys 3 books each.

Incidentally, thank you to the kind person who parked next to me in the Oakham car park last month and altered the paintwork on my car door. You may think it improves the look but I do not.Terry Whitehead.

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Thoresby postscript, cont. from page 4

Plus (or I think it was funny): David Ling being barred from accessing the Mansfield U3A website due to its pornographic nature.

Minus: People not wearing their badges to go down to the restaurant. I got complaints from the staff that no-one knew who was who and this is a MAJOR source of irritation for me as I need to complain about the restaurant organisation anyway.

Plus: The number of people who have been ill (and I do know who they are) before the holiday having 4 days not having to worry about their partner.

Plus: The Church opening up and giving us a good talk about the history. Also the wonderful carvings I had not seen before.

Plus: The military museum opening for us out of season and the magnificent sum we were able to donate to them.

Minus: The petty attitude of the Entertainment Manager not letting Trevor Lee down to the floor to set up 10 minutes before his talk and then hustling him off so two couples can start to dance.

Plus: Winning a box of sweets by remembering the quiz we heard at Cricket St Thomas in December.

Minus: Knowing all Warner Hotels are doing the same quiz at the same time. We could have won the video quizzes but it could have caused serious trouble on the floor when everyone found out why we had won, I would probably shouted it out, so we just stayed away.

Plus: Talking to one of Thoresby staff who we have seen for about 10 consecutive years about U3A. She is now looking forward to retiring and joining Dukeries U3A. Or another if Dukeries are full.

Plus: Chatting to lots of different people. My Thoresby holiday is the only time of the year I am sociable.

Nine plus and five minus.Terry

Groups News (Check the Interest Group web pages for updates) Garden Visits 2013We have planned two visits this summer:

FRIDAY 17TH MAY. Burton Agnes Hall is an Elizabethan Manor House in the village of Burton Agnes in East Yorkshire. It was built by Sir Henry Griffin in the early 17th Century to a design by Robert Smythson. The Hall is surrounded by award-winning gardens that include a Garden gallery, a Walled garden and stunning herbaceous borders. Cost £22.50. Coach departs from the Odeon Complex Mansfield 8 am.

FRIDAY 19TH JULY. Trentham Gardens and Wollerton Old Hall Garden. After some retail therapy and/or garden exploration at Trentham, we travel on to Wollerton Old Hall Gardens in the afternoon. Designed by Lesley Jenkins, they are reputed to be one of the most beautiful gardens created in the past 25 years. A garden for the plant enthusiast and lots of design ideas. There are wonderful collections of clematis, salvias, phlox and roses. Cost £19.50. Coach departs from the Odeon Complex Mansfield 8 am.

To book a place, come and see us at the monthly meeting or ring me on 651528.Marion Thornton

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Digital World OUR last meetings concentrated on sorting the good, bad and indifferent entries to the 'People Relaxing at Thoresby' photographic competition held during the holiday, with members judging entries anonymously before basic cropping, straightening and colour adjustments so that the winners could be picked fairly.

The results will be announced in the next issue but entries included some with excellent composition and humour, as you may have seen on the website already, but the challenge posed by photographing snow scenes in bright sunlight proved too much for some. (The judges gave particular credit to entrants remembering to increase Exposure Value settings to compensate for the glare from snow. Those who realised that grey mist often looks more dramatic in black & white gained points too, but landscape shots that didn't show people lost them.)

Do come along to Stanton Hill Baptist Church at 2.00 on any 2nd or 4th Friday if you'd like to join in and share tips about making the most of your camera.David Ling

Theatre Visits• Wed. 27th Feb: 'The Good Old Days' – Palace Theatre, matinee, £11.98 tickets to be

paid for by 12th February.• Sat. 2nd March: 'Classic Eric Clapton' – Palace Theatre, matinee, £13.32 tickets to be

paid for by 15th February.• Sun. 10th March: 'Me and My Girl' – Palace Theatre, matinee, £9 tickets to be paid for at

the February meeting. (A 5-hour parking ticket is available from the theatre for £2.)• Wed. 20th March at 2.30: FREE talk and tour of the Palace Theatre Mansfield; limited

numbers; put your name on the list.• Wed 15th May PM: 'The Mouse Trap' – Theatre Royal, Nottingham, £24.30 payment no

later than 19th February.

For your information, the ODEON cinema does live satellite transmissions of opera etc. Contact the cinema for further details.

(Mothering Sunday is on Sunday the 10th of March the same day as the Palace show.)Sheila Whalley (01623 453908)

GardeningOUR FIRST Gardening Group meeting of the year kicks off on Tuesday March 5th at 10.00 am, at St Peter’s Centre, Mansfield.

At the February U3A meeting we are taking names of anyone wanting to join the Gardening Group, both existing and, hopefully, some new members. Anyone with an interest in gardening is welcome, whether that is growing flowers or vegetables or just simply admiring other people’s gardens!

Due to space restrictions at St Peter’s we have to limit our group size to 50. So don’t delay and sign up for what is expected to be an exciting and varied programme, with some interesting new speakers and a couple of old favourites with new topics. A local garden visit is also incorporated and a most exciting outing has been organised.

Remember also we are always appreciative of plants or cuttings or garden produce for our plant stall and interesting items for our notice board. Each month we have a garden-related raffle, so you can see there is something for all garden enthusiasts to enjoy.

In the meantime, if you have any queries or wish to join the Garden Group but cannot attend the February U3A meeting, just get in touch with me on 452688.Avril McGee

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Luncheon ClubJANUARY'S lunch at 281 on Nottingham Rd, (the Pine Lodge that was) proved that Mansfield now has another venue worthy of a repeat visit so thanks are due to Brian and Barbara Harvey for recommending it and making the arrangements.

Next up, on February 21st, Norma Shillinglaw is arranging a return to Lambs at the Market, one of the great successes of 2012, for a varied menu that will be priced at £10 for two courses and £15 for three. This sold-out within hours of opening for bookings so sorry but ... !

We will be exploring new ground on March 21st when Margaret Burlinson and Maisie Hammond will be sharing their enthusiasm for Ania in Sherwood, Nottingham, a Polish-owned and run restaurant that has collected rave reviews on Trip Advisor and from other U3As.

They are offering a special menu priced at £10 for two courses and £15 for three that will showcase the national cuisine. I'm told that their Sledzie Z Salatka Jarzynowa (a herring dish) and Filet Piersi Kurczaka W Sosie ze Śmietana (chicken) are especially notable!

Bookings are open today.David Ling Menus are on the website ...

Local HistoryTHE GROUP'S first meeting of 2013 were treated to a wonderful insight into the Myths and Legends of Mansfield and its surroundings. Jennie gave an interesting talk on not only Ghosts, Legends and Myths but never once mentioned the Robin Hood Legend other than to say that while researching she found so much more about the area that it was not necessary. Thanks to Jennie and all the other members for a good and interesting meeting.Bob Longden

New GroupsAT THE January meeting suggestions for a number of new groups was put to the members: Yoga, Art and Board Games.

All have been well supported and work is under way to make these happen as soon as possible.

I have found several Yoga teachers to take the class and when I can match days and times to a suitable venue this will start soon.

The response to the proposed Heartstart training was very encouraging, with almost 40 people on the list. The first session is full, with others filling up. Please put your name on the training session sheets at the next meeting to ensure you don’t miss out. This is free and takes just two hours of your time, the end result may be that YOU SAVE a LIFE!

I am working hard to ensure that the Art and Board Games groups will get started as soon as possible. This may easier if the horrid weather stays away.

Crafts, Concert Visits and Canasta groups have also been suggested by members and I will raise these at the next meeting. Linda Leivers, Groups Co-ordinator

_______________________________________________________________________________________New Regional TrusteeWE WELCOME Michaela Moody, Chairman of Woodhall Spa U3A, as the new Regional Trustee representing all U3As in the East Midlands Region at national level. She succeeds Liz Wilson of Sherwood U3A.

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Members' AnnouncementsFOR SALE: Nikon J1 Compact System Camera, black, 10 months old; with 10 to 30mm (equiv to 30 - 110mm) zoom lens, USB cable, charger and small bag. £150-00 ono. Peter Bowler, 01773 715374.

FOR SALE: Kindle eReader, with case; brand new and still in original pack. Offers to Sheila Whalley, 01623 453908.

_______________________________________________________________________________________Speakers' CornerOUR SPEAKER today is Angela Plum whose talk 'An Arctic Adventure' will describe her experiences with polar bears North of Norway.

Angela and her husband took a holiday of a lifetime, crossing the Arctic tundra in small inflatable boats, skidoos and on foot.

She will describe this wonderful adventure and the amazing wildlife she saw, with numerous photos and a film; in all she 'shot' 53 Polar Bears and recorded the sounds of a cub talking to its mother. As she travelled around the Arctic she also saw Whales, Arctic Foxes, Walruses and Reindeer.

Angela's trip has gained her recognition of her work from a scientist working with the recent TV series on Polar Bears and will inspire us all to go and try a new adventure.Marilyn Dibble

_______________________________________________________________________________________Dates for your diary (Check the website for more information and updates.)Fri. 22nd Feb.: NEW MEMBERS' MEETING at the Rushley, 10.00 am Sat. 23rd Feb.: ANNUAL QUIZ NIGHT at Queen Elizabeth’s Academy. (See page 3)______________________________________________________________________________ Event and Visit PaymentsMEMBERS are reminded that deposits and payments for events and visits organised by Mansfield U3A 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 your address, 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 those of the editor, the committee of Mansfield U3A or the Third Age Trust. Nor can any responsibility be accepted for errors that may occur.______________________________________________________________________________Next IssuePLEASE SEND contributions for the March issue to mansfieldu3a@aol.com, or in typescript to the editor, as soon as you can and by 1st March at the latest. Thanks!______________________________________________________________________________

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

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