Mansfield and District U3ANewsletter

Quiz Night: Pages 3 and 4_____________________________

Established 1999HMRC Charity Registration No.: XT30525

March 2015Website: www.mansfield-u3a.org.uk

Noticeboard: http://mansfieldu3a.blogspot.com

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Welcome from your chairmanWELCOME to the March newsletter; as the old saying goes if March comes in like a lion, it goes outlike a lamb, well as I am writing this missive it is a very windy March 2nd so we shall see.

A busy month for Saints' days: St. David, for Wales on the 1st of March, St. Patrick on March 17th,along with many others. March is also when we celebrate Mothering Sunday, a movable date butusually on the fourth Sunday of Lent. We must thank our cousins in the USA. for making this a dayfor mothers although we in U.K. celebrated Mothering Sunday for some centuries before but it haddropped from favour.

On the last day of February the Quiz Night arranged by Pauline and Ian Boucher at Queen Eliza-beth’s School took place. Pauline and Ian organised a brilliant quiz, enjoyed by all, the refreshmentswere provided by the Social Committee, led by Janet Whitlam who made all the cakes, LindaLeivers and Sue Longden, who together with Janet made all the sandwiches, Jean Hinds and LizEllis who organised the raffle. The proceeds of the night subsidises our membership fees.

This was the ninth quiz evening organised by Ian and Pauline and they promised a tenth next year.A great night enjoyed by over 100 people for little cost but a lot of hard work. Thank you again to allinvolved.

(There's another report on pages 3 & 4.)

Our U3A has a full calendar of events for all the groups detailed in the newsletter so please use thisalong with the website for your information. We are still hoping a volunteer will step forward toservice the notice boards but until then they are your primary source of information!

The speaker this month is Irene Dougan who will be talking about Derbyshire Delights. We are stilllooking for a speaker finder for next year so please help if you can.

Mansfield library are staging some interesting talks in March and April:

• March 17th at 2.00p.m. A talk by Steve Horne entitled “Thynghowe, a Viking Site in Sher-wood Forest”,

• April 7th at 2.00 pm. a talk by David Zelder, and

• April 23rd at 2.00 pm. a play called “Hamlet’s Revenge”. Booking advised!

I shall sign off by hoping you enjoy the meeting and if you have any concerns or suggestions pleaselet your Committee know.Bob Longden

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In this issuePage 2 Welcome.Page 3 Holiday Updates. Theatre Visits Updates. Book Table Report. Recent

Events (Quiz Night – Start)Page 4 Recent Events (Quiz Night – End)Page 5 - 8 Interest Groups meetings diary

Page 9 Thoresby 2015Page 10 Groups News (Antiques & Collectables, Theatre Visits, Stamford Theatre Jolly)Page 11 Groups News (Shufflers, Wine Appreciation 4, Digital World, Luncheon Club) Page 12 Dates for your diary and Notices

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Holiday updatesDanube River cruise – 11th-20th AprilAll balances have now been received by the travel company, and a list of dietary requirements. Ihave been waiting for some more information from the company, after which I hope you will be ableto pick up your itineraries for the cruise at the March meeting.

Do remember the pre-holiday meeting on March 28th at the Junction in Sutton in Ashfield at 11-12noon, when we shall be discussing any questions arising, along with information about currencies,weather, meals, dress code for evening, entertainment if any, spending on board, excursions, etc. Itis important to let me know if you cannot attend as we do not want to waste time waiting for you!Remember you can stay for a meal if you wish.

I can tell you that we shall be leaving Mansfield at 6am so you could get your heads together toshare taxis or even a mini bus if any of you live in the same area.

Penrith, Lake District – 22nd - 26th JuneI would be most grateful if you could pay your balances of £354 at the March meetingplease. Remember they will not be submitted until after the April meeting. Your chequesto be paid to Mansfield U3A.Margaret Burlinson (01623 632538, marburl@lineone.net) Details are on the website …

Thoresby 2016I'm still in negotiation but if we go next year it will be January 11th to 16th 2016. When I get furtherdetails I will put them on the Mansfield web page under Holidays.Terry Whitehead (01623 626991, 2015@whiteheaduk.plus.com)

Theatre Visits updatesLondon Spectacular – September 7th & 8th (Miss Saigon plus visit to the London Eye andguided tour of The Houses of Parliament)

Costs summary:Full price with show & visits included: £220 (£46 Single Supplement), deposit £40.No show with visits only: £180, deposit £10.No show & no visits: £145, deposit £10.(Optional pre-theatre meal costs to be announced later.)

It would help if those intending to see Miss Saigon could pay their £40 deposits at the Marchmeeting please so that we do not miss that cheaper accelerator ticket. (Ring me if you won't be thereas the deadline for deposits is 18th April). Cheques payable to Mansfield and District U3A. Shelia Whalley (01623 453908) Details are on the website …______________________________________________________________________________

Book Table ReportSALE of books in February raised £39.40; thanks everyone who bought and brought – andeveryone who helps the book table to run smoothly and so profitably for everyone's benefit.Lilian Whitehead.________________________________________________________________________________________

Recent Events

Quiz NightNINETY-SIX members joined our fun Quiz Night on 28th February, which was again held at QueenElizabeth’s Academy.

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Playing in teams of 8, members answered a variety of questions and out of a possible score of 130the winning team scored 107. There was an exciting finish and only 4 points separated the first fourteams. Final results were as follows:

1. Whitehead’s Wonders 107 Terry Whitehead2. The Flyers 105 Ruth Colley3. The Winos 104 Bob Longden4. Mansfield Marvels 103 Brian Harvey

EVERYONE knew that David Lloyd George was the only British Prime Minister who didn't speakEnglish as his first language but NO-ONE knew that the 'E' in E-BAY stands for 'Echo-Bay'.

The Social Group provided a delicious supper to their usual high standard and thanks go to JanetWhitlam and her team (Linda Leivers and Sue Longden) for all their hard work. Thanks too to LizEllis and Jean Hind who laid the tables and sold the raffle tickets.

This was our ninth Quiz Night and next year we shall be celebrating our tenth quiz on Saturday 27thFebruary. Thanks to everyone who came and joined in the fun and who contributed so generouslyto the raffle – the evening made a surplus of just under £400 – a welcome boost to funds.

We do hope everyone enjoyed the evening – we both did and will be seeking out some cunningquestions for our 10th Quiz Night next year.Ian and Pauline Boucher

PSWE KNOW we speak for everyone if we thank Ian and Pauline for all the hard work they put inorganising these events and for their friendly, relaxed and humorous presentation. We haven'tmissed one since joining Mansfield U3A and wouldn't want to. This year's was a highlight for us aswe shared a table with new members who knew more of the answers than we did! Thank you Ianand Pauline David and Jackie Ling

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Key to Meetings details:THIS TABLE SHOWS THE DAY of the month, time and frequency using the first two letters of theday, followed by numbers 1 - 5 to represent the week number. The final letter M (or F, W or V) indic-ates that the group meets monthly, fortnightly, weekly or at variable intervals. So 'Tu2, 2.30 - V M'would mean a group meeting on the 2nd Tuesday at 2.30pm Monthly but with Variable finish times.

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

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

Interest Group Meetings Meeting Places Leader/Contact

Afternoon Teas Sa1, 3 - 5 M Various Sheila Whalley 01623 453908

Next Meetings: March 7th – Brown's, Berry Hill, £10; April 4th – Dakota, Annesley Woodhouse, £9

Antiques andCollectables *

Tu2, 10 - 12 M Stanhope Centre, Bridge Street

Pat Blackwell01623 481745

Next Meetings: March 10th – Ivory, bone and Bakelite; April 14th – Free Choice

Art We3, 10 - 1.00 M(NB Change)

Big Barn Lane Methodist Church, Mansfield

Gordon Howlett01623 627423

Next Meetings: March 18th – Architecture; April 15th – TBA

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

Pauline Boucher01623 644798

Next meetings: March 30th (NB date) – Portraits

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

Bowls Tu 2.30 - 4.00 W/Th 1.30 - 3.30 W *

Lammas Sports Centre, Sutton*

Don Wright01623 628946

Next Meetings: *Returns to Mansfield Bowls Club on 24th March. Cost £3.00. All welcome, including beginners, but flat / bowls shoes must be worn.

Caravan & M'home Rally

Various Various Terry Lammas01623 471963

Next Meeting: April 9th/13th – Bath Marina; May 21st/July 2nd – France

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

Doreen Storer01623 407731

Next Meetings: Feb. 16th; March 16th

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Interest Group Meetings Meeting Place Leader/Contact

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

Norma Shillinglaw01623 466934

Next Meetings: February 10th; March 10th

Digital World Fri2 & 4, 2.00 - 4.00 2/M

Foxglove, Forest Town

David Ling01623 822994

Next Meetings: March 13th & 27th

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

Max Clarke01623 621744

Next Meetings: Feb. 27th

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

Next Meetings: April 1st; May 6th

Garden Visits During the Summer Various Janet Whitlam01623 635607

Next Visit: TBA

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

Avril McGee01623 452688

Next Meetings: April 7th – Medicinal Weeds with John Etherington; May 5th – Planting for Wildlife

Heartstart In abeyance William Kaye Hall, Ladybrook Lane

Linda Leivers 01623 471963

Next Meetings: TBA

History Th2, 2.00 - 4.00 M William Kaye Hall, Ladybrook Lane

Linda Spray 01623 795176

Next Meetings: March 12th; April 9th

Holidays (Home & Abroad)

Various TBA Margaret Burlinson01623 632538

Next Holidays: Sat. 11th - Mon. 20th April – Danube Cruise; Mon. 22nd - Fri. 26th June – Lake District

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

Next Meetings: March 11th – Mint (Asian); April 8th – BB's (Italian)

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

Bob & Sue Longden01623 486903

Next Meetings: April 3rd – Inspector Hopkinson's Discovery, with Ian Morgan; May 1st – The Myth of Byron's Daughter Ada Lovelace, with Ralph Lloyd-Jones

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Interest Group Meetings Meeting Place Leader/Contact

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

Various David Ling01623 822994

Next Meetings: March 19th – Lion at Farnsfield*; April 23rd – Refined (West Notts College)

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

Linda Leivers 01623 471963

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

Music Groups

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

Next Meetings: March 23rd – Free choice (Geoff); April 27th – Ballet Music (Marie)

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

Next Meeting: As per calendar

Popular Music Appreciation *

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

Peter Haynes 01623 610886

Next Meetings: As per calendar

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

Next Meetings: TBA

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

Peter Dawson 01623 882191

Next Meetings: As per calendar

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

Next Meetings: As per calendar

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

Ian Boucher01623 644798

Next Meetings: April 2nd – Bar Codes with Graham Allin; 5th May – GM Foods with Jill Pullan

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

Brenda Thurkettle01623 628136

Next Meetings: As per calendar

S inging for Fun Tu, 5.45 - 7.15 F St Alban's Church, Forest Town

June Fell 01623 623547

Next Meetings: March 17th & 31st; April 14th & 28th Next Concert: TBA

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Interest Group Meetings Meeting Place Leader/Contact

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

Jean Kirk 01623 480207

Next Meetings: Every Monday

Theatre Visits Various Various Sheila Whalley01623 45390

Next Visits: April 30th mat. – Oklahoma (£32.40); Wed. 6th May mat. – Legally Blonde £18.00; May 23rd mat. – Birmingham Royal ballet (£23.50); Sat. 30th May mat. – Lord of the Dance (£40.00 before discount); Wed. 17th June mat. – Anything Goes (£36.00 before discount)

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. March 16th – Lathkill Dale; Thurs. April 2nd – Alfreton; Mon. April 20th – Epperstone / Lowdham; Thurs. May 7th – Gratton & Bradford Dales; Mon. May 18th – Southwell

Shufflers(short & gentle)

Th4, 12.00 - V M Various Sylvia Slack 01623 633981

Next Meetings: March 26th – Sutton Lawn; April 23rd – Hardwick Hall

Strollers(a leisurely 2 miles)

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

Next Meetings: March 11th – Sherwood Forest

Walkers(an easy 4 - 5 miles)

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

Next Meetings: March 25th – Edingley and Kirklington

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

Next Meetings: March 18th – Italian white at George & Mavis's; April 15th – Whites at Bob & Sue's

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

Next Meetings: March 24th – Hungarian Red at Barrie and Lynne's; April 28th – Riesling at Colin's

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

Sue Ford / Hilary Miller 01623 844286 / 620067

Next Meetings: March 9th; April 13th

Did you hear about the fat, alcoholic transvestite? All he wanted to do was eat, drink and be Mary.

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Thoresby Hall 2015AFTER THE EXCESSES of Xmas and the New Year the usual small army of U3Aers descendedon Thoresby Hall in early February. Marshaled by our Negotiating General, Terry, over 200members of Mansfield U3A and friends from nearby U3As, experienced the best that Warner's canoffer. Friends have said to me several times, “Why on earth do you go for a holiday break just 11miles from home?” All of us who go know the answer, “Once you are through the front door youcould be anywhere in the country.”

There is also the added piquancy that every day you are entered into a free draw with the chance ofwinning £50, courtesy of Terry’s famed negotiating skills! Apparently the lady from Warner's whoTerry deals with fled away on holiday for the week we were there! I don’t think Terry will rest until hecan recruit enough members to fill Thoresby Hall. Imagine what further discounts he could achievein such a circumstance.

Archery, .22 shooting, walks, dancing, aqua-fun were amongst the physical activities that tried tokeep the effects of the good food under control as well as the more sedentary activities such as filmshows, music recitals, board games that were on offer.

Many ladies made their usual pilgrimage to the Spa and more than a few men joined them but notnecessarily for the manicures, pedicures, facials and massages, body wraps etc (although you cannever be quite certain) but the steam room, hydrotherapy, ice cave et al seemed to put a glow onmany faces right through to the evening quizzes and later entertainment.

Evening entertainment by the resident singers and dancers was enjoyable but the comedian withhis show that used the same routines and gags he used a dozen years ago had us all in stitches.Not least the usual victims of his wit. Father Ted and the Ladies of the Convent know to their cost.No names but one person “troops” into my memory.

Get your skates on if you want to join us for next year; I think Terry has already signed up returnees.Graham Headworth

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Groups News

Antiques and Collectables‘KITCHENALIA’ was the topic for our February meeting. Various people had said they were strug-gling to find anything that fitted into this category but true to form they raided their sheds, garagesand kitchen cupboards to come up with an amazing assortment of items.

The heavy flat irons seemed to be still around as didjelly moulds in either stoneware or glass. Alsoproduced were toasting forks, ladles etc. You will seefrom the image some things that you may not easilyrecognize and we were asked to guess what theseitems were used for.

The item at the front right was used to make butterinto the shape of a rose with individual petals. Thecopper cone with the handle is a wine muller thatwould be held by the handle, pointed end down. Thewine was poured into the top and the pointed endplaced in the fire. Did you know that? No-one in the group did.

The white object at the back was a tongue press, when people used to do these things at home andat the front right is a metal waffle maker. By far the most amusing item was a gadget for makingboiled eggs square. We would have all liked to see an example of that.

As you will gather lots of the items brought back memories of things we used to eat. Amongst themwere jelly and blancmange and toast and dripping etc. I think it left many of us thinking “What’s forlunch?” Pat Blackwell

Theatre Visits"HUMBUG, Flim-Flam and a new sucker is born every minute," so boasted Phineas T Barnum anddidn't we all love him for the showman/con artist when played to perfection by Brian Conley.

Even before the curtain went up we were treated to a band of roving jugglers, acrobats and dancersweaving through the audience.

What followed was two glorious hours of high voltage energy by a superb cast who unfolded thestory of three ring circus backed up by some great rumbustious music. There were many magicalmoments ranging from General Tom Thumb's entry, Jenny Lund's 'Swedish Nightingale' singing tous and not daring to breathe whilst Phineas T Barnum (aka Brian Conley) walked the tightrope.

Our accompaniment of foot-tapping, thigh slapping and synchronised clapping were so moving thateven Sheila Whalley was seen to be dancing in her seating row! Graham Headworth

Annual Stamford Theatre JollyFOR ONCE, I've aroused myself to do something useful – I've booked 20 seats for Tom Jones,that bawdy novel by Henry Fielding now turned into a play!

Books your seats asap for Tuesday 14th July – first come, first served. We’ll leave as usual at 5pmfrom the Odeon car park so that we can picnic on the lawns at Tolethorpe Hall. Bring food & wetweather protection. Phone me on 01623-653345 to book.Mike Allen

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Shufflers HEAVY RAIN did not deter 20 members enjoying meeting together at Fillets Fish Restaurant,Forest Town for our February outing for an excellent fish and chip lunch and a chat.

We all left feeling much brighter and even the weather had cheered up with the sun trying to comeout and the rain stopped!!

Our next meeting is at the Rumbles cafe Sutton Lawn on Thurs March 26th 12.30pm for a mealand a 'shuffle' on the flat. Just let me or Rita Turner know you are coming so that we can order youa meal!Sylvia Slack (chief shuffler)

Wine Appreciation 4SIX MEMBERS have expressed an interest in an additional wine group where like-minded peopleget together in a relaxed atmosphere to learn about wine from all around the world.

At an inaugural meeting it was thought that viable membership for such a gathering would be 10 -12, and meetings will therefore be deferred until we have such a number.

We would like hear from any of you who would be interested in joining us for these occasions,which we hope will be informative, sociable, and fun.Jane Kockum (01623 407235, jane@kockum.co.uk)

Digital WorldOUR RELAUNCH with a new, less-formal format proved it's worth at the last meeting when amember dropped-in to discuss options for a new camera in the £100/150 price bracket but left toseek a replacement battery for the old one he liked that might cost less than £10!

Meetings are at the far end of the bar at the Foxglove in Forest Town, opposite ASDA, on any 2ndor 4th Friday (2.00 – 4.00). They are free and refreshments are available from the bar.

We don't have an agenda so come along and ask or show us whatever you want. It doesn't matterhow much or little you know, what camera you use or how basic or technical you want the chat tobe.

But do please bring your camera and some pictures on a camera memory card or laptop.David Ling (01623 822994 or dlpruk@aol.com)

Luncheon ClubOUR FEBRUARY lunch, arranged by Mike Allen, was our first visit to the Fox & Hounds at Blid-worth Bottoms. This proved to be a delightful but small country pub that offered a simple menu atvery attractive prices that everyone enjoyed.

Next, on 19th March, we'll be returning to the Lion at Farnsfield, a long-time club favourite, whereNorma and Ian Shillinglaw have arranged an attractive menu at a discount. Fish 'n Chips lovers willbe able to compare their version with the Fox & Hounds's but there will be lots of alternatives if theyfancy a change. (This lunch sold out very quickly but a couple of members have had to drop outsince the last newsletter so the waiting list has shrunk a bit.)

Then, on April 23rd, we'll be returning to Refined at Vision (West Notts College, Derby Road) tocheck if the college's catering and hospitality department's chefs of the future will reach the stand-ards of those who displayed their skills to us a couple of years ago, when it was very popular withmembers and is likely to sell-out again. Please pre-book at the Luncheon Club table or by email.David Ling (01623 822994 or dlpruk@aol.com) More photos on the website …

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Marion Owens. It is with deep regret that we have learned that Marion passed away on 14thFebruary. Her funeral was on Thursday 5th March. Our thoughts are with her family and friends atthis sad time.______________________________________________________________________________

Speakers' CornerOUR SPEAKER today is Dianne Mannering who will be telling us about the shortage of womenaboard the first fleet that sailed to Australia in 1787. It had been decided that once settled in BotanyBay, Governor Phillip would send for some women. The ship 'Lady Julian' set sail in July with itsreluctant cargo of women from Newgate Prison.

Many of the illustrations in this talk will be Dianne's own cartoon sketches.

______________________________________________________________________________Dates for your diary (Check the website for more information and updates.)Fri. 8th May: COFFEE MORNING at The Towers. Details in due course from Linda Leivers.Fri. 22nd May: ART APPRECIATION OPEN MEETING with Olwyn Hughes at Bridge Street Meth-odist Church Hall from 12.30. £4. Details from Pauline Boucher.Wed. 1st July: NNNG PICNIC IN THE PARK at Rufford. Details in due course from Rita Turner.Tues. 18th Aug: ANNUAL SUMMER PICNIC at Q. Elizabeth's Academy. Details in due coursefrom Linda Leivers.Mon. 11th to Fri. 15th Jan. 2016: WARNER'S THORESBY HALL. Details in due course fromTerry Whitehead_____________________________________________________________________________Event and Visit PaymentsMEMBERS are reminded that deposits and payments for events and visits organised by MansfieldU3A and its interest groups are non-refundable, but places so reserved may be offered to others.______________________________________________________________________________Changes of address, etc.PLEASE contact the membership secretary, Avril McGee (01623 452688), if you've changed youraddress, phone number or email since joining Mansfield U3A so that she can update our records.______________________________________________________________________________DisclaimerTHE VIEWS expressed here are those of the contributors, only, and do not necessarily reflect thoseof the editor, the committee of Mansfield U3A or the Third Age Trust. Nor can any responsibility beaccepted for members' announcements or any errors that may occur.______________________________________________________________________________Next IssuePLEASE SEND contributions for the April issue to mansfieldu3a@aol.com, or in typescript, to theeditor as soon as you can and by 1st April at the latest. Thanks!______________________________________________________________________________

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

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