Mansfield and District U3ANewsletter

AGM Report: Page 3_____________________________

Established 1999HMRC Charity Registration No.: XT30525

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

Noticeboard: http://mansfieldu3a.blogspot.com

Page 1 of 12

Welcome from your chairmanAT THE START of my first year as Chairman of Mansfield U3A I would like to welcome membersnew and old with the hope they take advantage of all that U3A has to offer.

A big thank-you to our new committee for volunteering to give up their free time to run our U3A. Wesee the return of Mike Allen, a previous Chairman – well respected and with a wealth of experience,Linda Leivers, Groups Co-ordinator, Heartstart contact and social committee member (wonderful tohave her on this committee), along with Graham Headworth, a new member who I am sure will be agreat asset to the committee.

I am pleased that the rest of the committee has agreed to carry on for another year. Thank you tothe retiring member John Troop who will be missed for his valued input.

I joined the Mansfield U3A some years ago and, like some of the new members today, did not reallyknow what to expect. Groups are on offer for members to join, existing groups with vacancies areposted on the notice board, but we encourage members to form new groups so please ask anycommittee member or existing group leader how to go about it.

The Mansfield U3A website is a mine of information for members and visitors, with details of allactivities and links to other sites of interest. As time goes on, I fully expect internet usage to growand grow within our U3A as the web is a wonderful tool that opens-up a whole new world of inform-ation, humour and money-saving deals when shopping, to name but a few. I urge all our membersto get on line.

In this centenary year of the start of the Great War I feel that our debt to the fallen can never be fullyrepaid, but to remember all who have made the ultimate sacrifice is the least we can do; a soberthought as we approach November 11th, 2014.

So please take advantage of all that is on offer, enjoy, and if you can, smile, it does make the worlda better place if we just smile.

I will close my first welcome now and I hope it has not been too boring, but before I do I would like tosay a big thank you to two people:

Firstly to Rita Turner, our Honorary President, who has completed her term and will be greatlymissed at the committee meetings but she remains an active member with many other hats and,secondly to Glenis Carr, our last Chairman, who guided us through forming our new constitution, theCrystal Ball, celebrating 15 years of Mansfield U3A and if I may say so a pleasure to be with on thecommittee.

Thank you Glenis; enjoy your retirement.Bob Longden ______________________________________________________________________________

In this issuePage 2 Welcome.Page 3 Recent Events (AGM Report).Page 4 Christmas Lunch Menu and Holiday Updates.Page 5 - 8 Interest Groups meetings diary.

Page 8 Book Table ReportPage 9 Groups News (Algarve Holiday – start).Page 10 Groups News (Algarve Holiday – end. Art). Page 11 Groups News (Luncheon Club. Singing for Fun. Digital World.)Page 12 Dates for your diary and Notices.

Page 2 of 12

Recent Events

Mansfield And District U3A 14th Annual General MeetingThe 14th Annual General Meeting was held at the Members’ Meeting on Tuesday, 16th September2014, when the then Chairman, Glenis Carr, stepped down and handed over the reins to BobLongden as the new Chair.

He will be supported by a strong team as follows, which was approved nem.com.

Chairman Bob LongdenVice Chairman Sheila WhalleyTreasurer Pauline Boucher Membership Secretary Avril McGeeSpeaker Finder Marilyn DibbleGroups Co-ordinator Linda LeiversBusiness Secretary Linda SprayMinutes Secretary Mike AllenCommittee Member Graham Headworth

The list of this Committee will also be on the back of your new Membership Card.

Rita Turner, our Honorary President of two years also retired and was thanked for her advice, guid-ance and support by Glenis and was presented with a bouquet from the committee and on behalf ofthe members, in thanks for her time in carrying out the role. (See cover photo. Ed)

As the chairman’s report was shown in the September newsletter, Glenis said she would not reit-erate what was said there.

Coming to the end of the 15th Anniversary Year and another committee year, she thanked everyoneinvolved for their hard work – Rita (our Honorary President), the committee (who had shownpersonal qualities second to none), the social committee; group leaders, Terry and Lilian Whitehead(for the book stall) and last, but not least, David Ling for his work on the website and newsletter.

Also, of course, were the members called upon from time to time to undertake additional roles.Everyone involved working hard to ensure Mansfield and District U3A ran smoothly for the enjoy-ment of the members. Here she quoted Barbara Lewis from the Third Age Trust magazine:

“Those who contribute also benefit, and those who benefit also contribute”.

In addition, approval by the members to the proposedchanges to the Mansfield and District Constitution, whichhad been displayed on the noticeboard for some 6months or so was sought. These were approved nem.con.

The constitution would, therefore, be re-written to incor-porate those changes when the new committee meets inOctober.

(She then received a bouquet from Sheila Whalley, ournew Vice Chairman. Ed.)

There being no other business, the meeting was closed at11.30am.Glenis Carr

Page 3 of 12

Mansfield USA Christmas LunchMONDAY 1ST DECEMBER 2014 AT THE OAKHAM SUITE, 12.30 FOR 1.00I'll be taking bookings at the October and November meetings and will need your cheque payable toMansfield and District U3A for £17.00 together with your selection from the menu below.

Hope you'll be able to join us!Norma Shillinglaw

Chef's home-made roasted tomato soup, topped with mini cheese toastiePoached salmon and cod terrine, with mixed leaves, dill crème fraiche and crisp ciabatta bread

Chilled duet of melon, with fresh fruits and minted syrup

Traditional roast turkey, with chestnut & apricot stuffing, chipolata & bacon roll and pan gravyPan-fried fillet of sea bass, on spring onion crushed potato cake, with wine & dill cream sauce

Wild mushroom and courgette stroganoff, served with a timbale of fragrant riceAlI main courses are served with fresh seasonal vegetables and potatoes

Traditional Christmas pudding, with fresh rum sauceZesty lemon panacotta, with a poached strawberry & vanilla compote and ginger crumble

Selection of cheeses, with crisp celery snippets and black grapes

Freshly brewed tea & coffee, with warm mince pies

______________________________________________________________________________

Holiday updatesTHORESBY: 2nd - 6th Feb 2015. £190pp. Waiting list in operation, look on the website or contact Terry Whitehead 01623 626991 for details.

THURSFORD SPECTACULAR: 3rd, 4th & 5th December 2014All balances now received by the company. Packs to be collected with luggage labels, itineraries.etc. at the November meeting. Remember I need some names on my waiting list.

DANUBE RIVER CRUISE: 11th - 20th April 2015 I desperately need to recruit 8 more passengers for this holiday to reach a free place which will gotowards paying for the coach driver's gratuity & hopefully reduce the balance amount. For thosewho may be undecided, you may collect from my table and take home: the deck plan & the sheetshowing costs and outline information about the 8 included excursions that may help you.

Having been given an extension, £100 deposits now have to be in by November. Remember to add£55 if you want to take the company's insurance – you will need to fill in a form available from mytable which has to be sent off with your deposit. (Cheques to Mansfield U3A.) To remind you of thecost: Main deck £1049; Middle deck with sliding windows £1189; Panoramic deck with Frenchbalcony £1339. Singles to choose from on the main deck or the middle deck + £159.25 supplement.All very good value! (I have deck plans showing cabin numbers so see me if you've paid your depositand want to make your choice; River Cruise Line is holding front to middle for us.) Do remember thecoach will be stopping every 2 hours to stretch our legs!

LAKE DISTRICT: 22nd - 26th June in Penrith (Shire Hotel)£10 deposits must be paid at the October meeting please + £10 if you wish to take the company'sinsurance. NB: fill in the insurance form. Cheques always to Mansfield U3A. At the time of writingthis all places have been taken – but a reminder: the cost of £370 covers BB and evening meal, allexcursions, coach travel and gratuity for the driver. Do remember that waiting list please, since frompast experience there's sure to be a cancellation!Margaret Burlinson (01623 632538, marburl@lineone.net) Details of all holidays are on the website ...

Page 4 of 12

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

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

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

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

Interest Group Meetings Meeting Places Leader/Contact

Afternoon Teas TBA TBA Sheila Whalley 01623 453908

Next Meeting: Nov. 8th – Reg Taylor's Garden Centre, Southwell. £15.50 for 2

Antiques andCollectables *

Tu 2, 10 - 12 M Stanhope Centre, Bridge Street,Mansfield

Pat Blackwell01623 481745

Next Meetings: Nov. 18th – Members' Choice (anything interesting or curious)

Art We3, 10 - 12 M Big Barn Lane Methodist Church, Mansfield

Linda Spray 01623 795176

Next Meetings: Nov. 19th

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

Pauline Boucher01623 644798

Next meetings: Mon. Nov. 3rd – at Diana Osborne's

Beginners' Bridge(With Ashfield U3A)

Mo, Various 6.30 - 9.00

Enviro Centre, Derby Rd College,Mansfield

Maxine Rose/GlenisCarr 01623 459081/627735

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

Bowls TuW 2.30 – 4.00 Lammas Sports Centre, Sutton

Don Wright01623 628946

Next Meetings: From Tues.14th October 2014 to 24th March 2015 (weekly) Bowls moves indoors.Cost £3.00..All welcome, including beginners, but flat / bowls shoes must be worn.

Caravan & M'home Rally

Various Various Terry Lammas01623 471963

Next Meetings: TBA

Page 5 of 12

Interest Group Meetings Meeting Place Leader/Contact

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

Doreen Storer01623 407731

Next Meetings: Oct. 20th; Nov. 17th

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

Norma Shillinglaw01623 466934

Next Meetings: Nov. 11th; No meeting in December

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

Stanton Hill Baptist Church, Albert St. Skegby

David Ling01623 822994

Next Meetings: Oct. 28th – Autumn; Nov. 4th – Reviewing Members' submissions

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

Max Clarke01623 621744

Next Meetings: Oct. 28th; Nov. 25th

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

Next Meetings: Nov. 5th; Dec. 3rd

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: Nov. 4th – Jill Bewick: From Autumn into Winter, Christmas Design

Heartstart Wed. 12th Nov6.00 - 8.00 pm

William Kaye Hall, Ladybrook Lane

Linda Leivers 01623 471963

Next Meetings: Wed. 12th November

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

Linda Spray 01623 795176

Next Meetings: TBA

Holidays (Home & Abroad)

Various TBA Margaret Burlinson01623 632538

Next holidays: Wed. 3rd - Fri. 5th June – Thursford Xmas Spectacular; 2015: Mon. 2nd - Fri. 6th Feb. – Thoresby Hall; Sat. 11th - Mon. 20th April – Danube Cruise; Mon. 22nd - Fri. 27th June – Lake District

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

Bob & Sue Longden01623 486903

Next Meetings: Nov. 7th – Bolsover Colliery Co. with John Danbury. Dec. 5th – Quiz & Fuddle

Page 6 of 12

Interest Group Meetings Meeting Place Leader/Contact

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

Various David Ling01623 822994

Next Meetings: Oct. 23rd – Denby Lodge; Nov. 20th – Fothergill's (Full); Dec. 11th – Launay's

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: Oct. 27th – Brahms & Liszt at Sheila's; Nov. 24th – Nature in Music

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: Oct 28th; Nov 25th

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

Next Meetings: Nov. 4th – Janet; December – No Meeting

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

Peter Dawson 01623 882191

Next Meetings: Nov. 20th; Dec. 18th – Fuddle at Peter's

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

Next Meetings: Nov. 18th; Dec. 16th

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

Ian Boucher01623 644798

Next Meetings: Nov. 4th – Higgs Boson by Barry Jackson; Dec. 2nd – Christmas Surprise

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

Brenda Thurkettle01623 628136

Next Meetings: Nov. 11th; Dec. 9th

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

June Fell 01623 623547

Next Meetings: Oct. 14th; Oct. 28th; Nov. 11th; Nov. 25th; Dec. 2nd Next Concert: Sunday Dec. 14th – Christmas Concert at St Alban's, 3pm.

Page 7 of 12

Interest Group Meetings Meeting Place 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: Thurs. Nov. 6th – Crich (Hurt Arms Ambergate); Mon. Nov. 17th – Eckington & Ford; Thurs. Dec. 4th – Laxton; Mon. Dec. 15th – Poolsbrook (meal after?)

Shufflers(short & gentle)

V Lunchtimes Various Sylvia Slack 01623 633981

Next Meetings: Wed. Nov. 19th – Rumbles Cafe, Sutton Lawn

Strollers(a leisurely 2 miles)

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

Walkers(an easy 4 - 5 miles)

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

Next Meetings: Oct. 22nd – Pleasley Vale; Nov. 26th – Sherwood Forest

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

Next Meetings: Nov. 17th – Soave with Norma; Dec. 10th – Sharing Supper (Bob and Sue)

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

Next Meetings: Nov. 25th – Sauvignon Blanc with Ian and Pauline; Dec. 13th (Sat) – Christmas Social with Ron and Carole.

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

Sue Ford / Hilary Miller 01623 844286 / 620067

Next Meetings: Nov. 10th; Dec. 8th

BOOK TABLE REPORT

SALE OF BOOKS in September raised £39.41.

Mathematically-inclined members may worry about the accuracy of this figure seeing as books are40p and magazines are 20p.

Easy explanation: one lady bought a magazine and emptied her purse full of small change into thebox, saying she could not be bothered to count it. Definitely more than 20p but how much no-oneknows and ALL contributions gratefully accepted.

At the AGM Pauline thanked me and my husband. But there is a team and I would like to extend mythanks to the rest: Barbara, Joyce and Marian.Lilian Whitehead

Page 8 of 12

Groups NewsHoliday to the Algarve, Portugal. 18th to the 25th SeptemberALTHOUGH we didn't have to start at the crack of dawn, we arrived at our destination, the HotelDom Jose in Quarteira nicely in time for dinner. The hotel is situated on the sea front, with a widepromenade, ideal for an after-dinner stroll in the warm evening air.

This holiday turned out to be far from the lazy, relaxing holiday that many people associate with theAlgarve. On the first day, we hit the ground running (or rather the sea). A boat trip along the coasthad been arranged to see the caves and grottoes in the cliffs at Ponta da Piedade. From the hotel,the sea looked perfectly calm, but once we sailed out of the harbour at Vilamoura, we quickly foundthat we were on the Atlantic Ocean, with nothing between us and South America.

It was a small boat for such heavy seas, andseveral members suffered from seasickness.Having survived the first ordeal, the boatsailed into calmer waters, and the second'test' awaited. There wasn't a jetty, so we hadto go ashore on a rubber boat. This meantsitting on the edge of the larger boat, anddropping about four feet onto the side of therubber dinghy, which was rising and fallingwith the waves. Having survived this ordeal,we were ferried ashore but had to wade thelast few feet to the beach, getting our feet wet!

Congratulations to those with walking sticksand other mobility aids who did it. Needless tosay, we were pleased when Margaret organ-ised a coach to take us back to the hotel,rather than returning by sea!

The next day was just as busy, with a visit toFaro. Here we saw storks standing in their bigclumsy nests, which appear to be far too bigto balance on the slender lamp-posts andchimneys where they were built.

Fishing plays a big part in the local economy,and a visit to the vegetable and fruit marketand then to the fish market was a real eye-opener. If you fancy octopus, squid, sword-fish, conger eels or other things we couldn't even recognise, this is the place to be. This wasfollowed-up by a visit to the small port of Tavira, which specialises in fishing for octopus. As acomplete contrast, we also visited San Lorenzo church. The whole interior including the vaultedceiling, was finished in blue and white ceramic tiles, depicting biblical scenes.

Sunday was a day at leisure, but some of us went, by coach, to the Ponta da Piedade, (Point ofPity) lighthouse, then on to Cape St. Vincent. This is the most south-westerly point of Portugal, andis the 'Lands End' of Europe. The lighthouse stands splendidly on the top of a high cliff, withwonderful views to the North and East. We also visited the small town of Lagos, which gave itsname to the much larger city in Africa.

The next day saw no rest from our schedule, with a visit to Foia Mountain, the highest point in theAlgarve. The mist cleared, and gave the most wonderful views to the coast.

Page 9 of 12

There was a very nice shop selling luxury woollens and wines, so we all had a tasting of port, orwhatever we fancied. On the way up, as we passed many cork oaks, we had a most interesting'lecture' on cork from our tour guide Irineu (pronounced Iri). Corks aren't used so much in winebottles nowadays, so many new uses have been found, including luxury handbags and wallets. Onthe way down, we had the opportunity to take the medicinal waters at Monchique, and on to Silvesfor lunch and a long climb to the ancient castle.

Tuesday was our last organised trip. We hada cruise on the Guadiana River, which formsthe border between Spain and Portugal. Noseasickness this time!

We sailed upstream from Rio de SantoAntonio, with Spain on our right, and Portugalon our left, to Foz de Odeleite, where westopped for lunch. The food, horse mackerelfollowed by chicken with salad, had all beenbrought up on the boat with us, andsomehow, it was all nicely cooked on abarbecue at the side of the restaurant. Themeal lasted over three hours, and betweencourses, there was music and merriment withmany of our members joining in!

And so to our last complete day, a free day.Some of us visited the gypsy market, othersrelaxed by the pool or on the beach, whilstothers walked to Vilamoura, calling on the way to look at another fish market. They like fish inPortugal! The Marina in Vilamoura is the place to see millionaires' yachts moored up, and issurrounded by expensive restaurants. Just the place to enjoy a cup of coffee and pretend you arerich!

Thursday was the day to leave. The flight back wasn't until 7.20pm, so there was plenty of time totake a stroll along the promenade or take it easy until the coach arrived to take us to the airport. Wearrived back in Mansfield at about midnight.

Many thanks to Margaret Burlinson and her helpers for the splendid organisation of the holidaywhich we all thoroughly enjoyed! Also thanks to our tour guide, Irineu, who was splendid! And – asa last footnote – some of us had business-class seats on the way home, and one lucky lady had arow of three seats to herself! Guess who that was!Max Clarke Photos on the website ...

ArtTEN MEMBERS attended on 17th September and we welcomed two new members from Sher-wood U3A. Various projects were worked on, including a few 'Nottinghamshire' subjects as wassuggested last month. It was noted that we were all a lot quieter this time – could it be because MrAllen was on holiday?

We meet again on 15th October, and like all master artists, we shall be undertaking 'selfies'. Takealong a pedestal mirror so you can draw or paint your image through the glass. Should be fun. Ishall try to make myself look more beautiful. Artistic licenceLinda Spray

Page 10 of 12

Luncheon ClubOUR SEPTEMBER lunch at Cockcliffe Hall Hotel proved the power of the Boucher family crystalball as it had changed ownership since Pauline and Ian picked it earlier in the year. It will be a strongcontender for our prestigious Lunch Venue of the Year Award and we'll all remember the queue toask for their panacotta recipe! (They are closing shortly for refurbishment so check before you go.)

We'll be able to do some pre-Christmas shopping on October 23rd as Gordon and Sue Howletthave arranged a very economically-priced menu at the recently-refurbished Denby Lodge at Ripley,which is very handy for Christmas shopping at the Denby Pottery factory outlet. (Two courses from£7.50 and three from £9.50) and then, on 20th November, Karen and John Troop have arranged alunch at Fothergill's – the refurbished Lamb's – that's already sold out with a waiting list.

Bookings for this year's 'Joyeux Noel' fine-dining lunch at Launay's on 11th December are nowopen too with prices ranging from £15.95 for 2 courses to £38.50 for 5. (Pre-book please with £10deposit.) Menu highlights include oysters, seared salmon, blade of beef Bourguignon, beetrootrisotto, guinea fowl, cassoulet, tarte tatin and chef's famous chocolate pot.

Please pre-book at the Lunch Club table or by email to dlpruk@aol.com.David Ling (01623 822994) Photos on the website ...

Singing for Fun OUR CHOIR, Singing for Fun, and Ladies’ choir Bellisima, performed another successful concert atSt Alban's Church on Sunday 28th September. As the bright light shone through the beautiful altarwindow, the choirs sang to an almost full church. In turn, each choir sang under the direction ofSuzy Fell who sang a solo and our excellent pianist John Sellers also played a solo piece. The teaand cake refreshments were well received with everyone saying how much they had enjoyed theentertainment. Photo on the website ...

The male section of our choir is at present very depleted in number, but the excellent contribution ofthe only two members could clearly be heard. I do know that Suzy would welcome more men whowould like to sing and those who want to try.

I have been a member of the U3A choir since it began and have always enjoyed our practicesessions. Unable to attend over the summer, I was unprepared for singing at the concert so I wentalong as a member of the audience to hear how we sounded. I wasn’t disappointed and wished Ihad been up there singing with them, so I’ll be at the next practice which is on Tuesday 14thOctober at the usual time.

Date for your DiaryDon’t miss the next concert at St Alban's Church, Forest Town on Sunday 14th December.Hilary Miller

Digital WorldOUR SEPTEMBER theme of 'toys' brought out some creative submissions from members who'dfound kids' toys, pets' toys and boys' toys, including vintage cars and miniature trains, that had beenrecorded well, both technically and creatively, so we all learnt something useful.

We also dipped our toes into the mysteries of the Lightroom editing software that's now availablecheaply on subscription. It's less-daunting to newcomers to editing than the professionals' favouritePhotoShop so we'll be revisiting this regularly as a step onwards from members' favourite Picasa.

We have a few vacancies so do come along to Stanton Hill Baptist Church on any second Friday inthe month (2.00 - 4.00) and join in. It doesn't matter how much or little you know or what camerayou use as we all gain by learning from each other.David Ling (01623 822994)

Page 11 of 12

______________________________________________________________________________Speakers' CornerOUR speaker today is Steve Lovell, who will be showing us highlights of Costa Rica, CentralAmerica's best kept secret; it really is an incredible place. From cloud forests to pristine beaches ithas it all, stretching from the Caribbean to the Pacific. With over 28% of its land under governmentprotection, containing 800 species of birds (many of which are endemic), 260 mammals and a stag-gering 65,000 species of insects it boasts the highest biodiversity rate on the planet.

_____________________________________________________________________________Dates for your diary (Check the website for more information and updates.)Mon. 1st Dec: MANSFIELD AND DISTRICT U3A CHRISTMAS LUNCH at the Oakham Suite.12.30 for 1.00pm. Tickets £17.00pp from Norma Shillinglaw

Some Social Group things to look forward to in 2015:Sat. 28th Feb: FUN QUIZ NIGHT at Queen Elizabeth's Academy. Tickets: £7.00pp, inc. buffetsupper will be on sale at the monthly meetings. Don't leave it too late or you might miss out!Fri. 8th May: COFFEE MORNING at The Towers. Details in due course.Tues. 18th Aug: ANNUAL SUMMER PICNIC at Q. Elizabeth's Academy. Details in due course.Linda Leivers_____________________________________________________________________________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 November issue to mansfieldu3a@aol.com, or intypescript, to the editor as soon as you can and by 1st November at the latest. Thanks!______________________________________________________________________________

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

Page 12 of 12