Mansfield and District U3ANewsletter

Visit to Arley Hall. (See Recent Events: Page 13)_____________________________

Established 1999HMRC Charity Registration No.: XT30525

September 2015 – AGM EditionWebsite: www.mansfield-u3a.org.uk

Noticeboard: http://mansfieldu3a.blogspot.com

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Welcome from your chairmanWELCOME to our September meeting, a busy time as it is the AGM, a Committee to vote for, as wellas normal U3A business. We must decide on the new Constitution which if accepted will enable ourU3A to gain Charity Status. This will be my first AGM as Chairman so I am hoping for a smooth run totop off my first year as Chairman.

On August 18th we held the annual Mansfield U3A Picnic, a rainy day, so outdoor games werecancelled, we must hope for better weather next year. However the day went well, lots of chatting,good food, what drink we brought, a raffle and a quiz. Wonderful prizes for the raffle and quiz so welldone everyone.

A special thanks to our Social Committee who always do wonderful work and the organisation issecond to none and even with the inclement weather we had over 70 members attend.

I usually like to put in some notable dates for the month; September is harvest time for the farmers,but I thought I would mention 1665 and 1666. In September 1665 the Great Plague reached it'sheight, after a year of deaths due to the plague, over 100,000 people died in London alone out of apopulation of around 350,000.

The plague started to decline in it's ferocity but still causing many deaths into 1666. Londoners stillhad another disaster to undergo. The Great Fire. Started in Pudding Lane on September 2nd and itlasted until September 6th destroying most of the City of London. From the ashes arose some greatbuildings none grander than St. Paul's Cathedral designed by that great architect Sir ChristopherWren.

This month is when a new U3A is launched at Forest Town. Some of our members have been busypromoting this launch, distributing leaflets and by word of mouth. One of the remarks that peoplemake when approached is, what is the U3A?

We, I hope enjoy the U3A and all it has to offer, so perhaps we as a group should do more to pass onthe ethos of the U3A, so many more people can have a more interesting Third Age.

Well to finish I hope you have had a good summer, and let's not forget good health means more nowthan ever, so keep well and keep enjoying life.Bob Longden_________________________________________________________________________

In this issue Page 3: AGM Agenda and Chairman's Report.Page 4: Treasurer's and Group Co-ordinator's Reports.Page 5: Membership Secretary's, Newsletter and Website Reports.Page 6: Introducing New Committee Nominees. Holiday Updates.Page 7: National U3A AGM Report (Start.)Pages 8 – 11: Interest Groups meetings diary.Page 11: National U3A AGM Report (End.)Page 12: Book Table Report. Recent Events – Summer Picnic. Groups News –

Luncheon ClubPage 13: Groups News – Garden Visit to Arley Hall and Golf.Page 14: Groups News – Art. In case you missed it (Start).Page 15: In case you missed it (End).Page 16: Dates for your diary and Notices.

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AGM Agenda1. Chairman's Welcome.

2. Apologies.

3. Approval of Minutes from previous AGM.

4. Treasurer's Report (Inc. Approval of the Accounts & election of an auditor)

5. Nominations for committee:The following are seeking election to the Committee (Introductions on page 6):Reg Dixon (Business Secretary); Jacqueline Hampshire (Committee Member); Yvonne Kennison(Treasurer); Sheila Pegg (Assistant Treasurer); Norma Smith (Speaker Finder).

The following is seeking re-election:Marilyn Dibble (Membership Secretary)

The following will complete their terms of office at the 2016 AGM:Bob Longden (Chairman); Sheila Whalley (Vice-Chairman); Linda Leivers (Groups Coordinator);Mike Allen (Minutes Secretary); Graham Headworth (Committee Member).

6. Election of the new committee.

7. Adoption by vote of the members present of the proposed new Mansfield and District U3AConstitution (2015).

8. A.O.B.(Any motions for consideration must have been proposed and seconded and sent to the BusinessSecretary by the beginning of September.)

Date of the next AGM: Tuesday September 20th 2016 at 11.00 am. ______________________________________________________________________________

Chairman's ReportI DO NOT know where the last year has gone! Last September I took over from Glenis Carr, theprevious Chair, wondering what happens now. The help I received was gratefully accepted, thereare many wise and experienced people in our U3A and I would have been foolish not to tap intotheir knowledge.

A challenging year in some respects, losing a valued Committee Member in Linda Spray was thelow. As you know, Linda died after an illness and she will be missed as her example of helping torun the U3A and also her involvement in several of the groups. Mike Allen stepped up and volun-teered to take on Linda’s duties, thanks Mike. I thank all of the committee for their work but I mustmention two:

Avril McGee, the Membership Secretary and Pauline Boucher, the Treasurer, who are both standingdown from the committee after many years. I wish them well. We are fortunate to have some of ourmembers volunteer to come onto the committee to keep things running and I look forward toworking with them.

This last year has seen a growth in our group activities with new groups being set up and run.Congratulations to the group leaders! This is one of the prime reasons for a U3A; groups are thelifeblood of any U3A and we are fortunate to have people with enthusiasm who are willing to set upand run groups. Groups are run in many different ways to suit their member’s needs, they may beheld in their homes, many different venues such as church halls, a list of which is available. They

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organise day trips out and of course the holiday group that sources holidays abroad and in the U.K.It all adds up to what can be a great time if you take advantage of all that is on offer!

A challenging year ahead as we must find a replacement for David Ling as web and newslettereditor; thank you David for all your work in those areas. There are many members who work tomake Mansfield U3A the success it is, so even when problems occur our U3A will go on.Bob Longden

Treasurer's ReportFinancial year 1st August 2014 - 31st July 2015THIS HAS BEEN another financially successful year for Mansfield U3A. Income from book sales,the coffee morning and quiz night all showed an increase on last year. Our finances are in a veryhealthy position.

The committee thanks members once again for their support over the year.

Below is a brief summary of our accounts for the year. A detailed financial report will be given at theAGM and copies of the full accounts are available from the treasurer on request.Pauline Boucher, Treasurer

Abbreviated Income and Expense Account1st August 2014 - 31st July 2015

Group Co-ordinator's ReportTHE PAST twelve months have been very worthwhile for Mansfield U3A and extremely satisfying forme personally. The fundamental principles of all U3As are to share knowledge and discover newskills and experience and we have certainly achieved this in the past year. Although our U3A cannotgrow in the number of members we have managed to increase the number of Groups to benefit all.

The existing, long standing groups continue to thrive, a few have seen a change of Group leader,many of those groups have new members to revive enthusiasm. We have, as would be expected,lost a few groups or group leaders, some through sad circumstances, other groups just ran theircourse.

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The new members who joined our U3A this year have added their interests to the pool of know-ledge and as a result we have seen the number of groups grow. International Dining, Golf, Read aLittle Aloud and Craft Workshop all broaden our opportunities and skills.

We already have several potential new or revived ready to add extra interests in the coming year, Iencourage you all to support these whenever you can; you are never too old to learn!

I would like to thank all Group Leaders for their support during this year and look forward to the nextyear with optimism.Linda Leivers

Membership Secretary’s Report 2015/2016MANSFIELD U3A’s membership remains very healthy, as in previous years our waiting list formembership continues to grow and we should all take pride in being part of an organisation with anexcellent reputation.

There is a new U3A planned for Forest Town and, together with the success of Rainworth U3A, it ishoped that prospective members will not have to wait so long.

I am now in my 7th year as Membership Secretary and feel that the time is right (if not overdue!) tohand the reins over to someone with fresh ideas.

Following the AGM and when all the fees have been collected, we can start the process of taking onnew members; as always I know that you will all give a warm welcome to this year’s new members.Avril McGee, Membership Secretary

Newsletter ReportCONTRIBUTIONS from members filled ten 12-page issues last year and 14 pages in the bumperAugust on-line edition. (The August issue was only published on-line as we don't meet that monthand it's wasteful to print copies that can't be distributed promptly.)

I am most grateful, both personally and on behalf of all our readers, to all our contributors for theirvaried news of events, future interest group plans and tales that made this evolve as it did under myeditorship. However, this is the last issue that I'll be producing so I offer my best wishes to MikeAllen, who may be my successor if an assistant comes forward to share the workload.David Ling, Editor

Website ReportOUR WEBSITE continued to grow in importance to members as the prime source of information asmore grasp the importance of the internet as a fundamental part of modern life. It's now thepreferred way to keep in touch with friends and relatives, to continue learning, seek bargains, booktickets and much more, according to recent research, so I'm delighted that usage continues to grow.Our website recorded 2,278 visits and 12,582 page views in August.

The most recent change was the introduction of an improved on-line reader that allows the latestnewsletter to be read on-line in full colour, with larger text than is possible in the printed version andfrom around the 10th of each month, anywhere, and without needing to download it first.

I will be stepping down as Webmaster at the AGM but the site managers, Terry Whitehead, LindaLeivers and Bob Longden, will take over liaison with Group Leaders and moderation of their updatesuntil someone steps forward to be my successor. I know they'll enjoy the role as much as I have.David Ling, Webmaster

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Introducing the new Committee nomineesReg Dixon – Business Secretarydixonreg@yahoo.co.ukReg has been a Member for several years, having retired from the NHS in 2001.He is a keen supporter of Luncheon Club, and goes on the occasional outing. Hishobbies include walking (less frequently recently), flying, motorcycling, and DIY.He was Secretary of Mansfield Rotary Club until 2014. He believes every clubmember should try to contribute something towards running the club.

Yvonne Kennison – Treasurerm.kennison@ntlworld.comYvonne joined Mansfield U3A in 2013, has enjoyed the Writing for Pleasure groupand has recently taken on the challenge of learning to play Bridge with herhusband Michael. They took their first holiday with the U3A in April, cruising alongthe Danube. She's an active member of Brookside (Mansfield) WI and St PhilipNeri's Church.

Sheila Pegg – Assistant Treasurersheila.pegg@sky.comSheila joined in October 2014 and is enjoying meeting new people at the various groups. She is semi-retired and is a member of the Reading, Bridge, International Dining and Gardening groups. She is looking forward to trying Tai Chi and intends to join a walking group as soonas she can find the time!

Norma Smith – Speaker Finderkendall.smith@virgin.netNorma taught for forty years. After retiring, she worked as a trained C.A.B. volun-teer adviser for 10 years. She also helps with the production of The Echo, a localrecorded newspaper for the blind and partially sighted.

She is a member of the Art Appreciation Group, Local History and Wine Group 2.

Jacqueline Hampshirejhampshire09@talktalk.netJacqui is a fairly new member after a career in sales and relocating from Norwichto Mansfield. She started the International Dining group and is also a member ofLocal History. Firmly believing that you only get as much out of an organisation asyou are prepared to put in, she wishes more members followed that mantra. Herother interests include amateur dramatics, line dancing and ten pin bowling.

Holiday UpdatesMALLORCA; 26TH SEPT - 3RD OCTOBER 2016If you have chosen to take the company's insurance of £39 for 8 days please bring in the completedfront page from your insurance sheet with a cheque payable to Mansfield & District U3A. I will alsoneed completed insurance forms by the October meeting from those who have their own insurancesand the airline want your passport details so you will need to collect a form from my table.

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Just a reminder to please check the expiry date, although as long as it is valid for the eight days weare there then you do not need a date beyond. It is no use filling in a form if you need to apply for anew passport; wait until it arrives.

You might take this opportunity to check the expiry date on your EHIC card which you need to takewith you in case of a medical emergency. It only lasts for 5 years at at time. You must not pay forthis card; it's free! See me if you need help acquiring one. Margaret Burlinson______________________________________________________________________________

The U3A National AGM on August 27th 2015THANKS to the Committee for allowing me to attend the U3A National AGM at Nottingham Univer-sity’s Conference Centre on Thursday August 27th and to vote on behalf of Mansfield U3A for thenew officers. The experience was well worth it and I recommend that we send a delegate next yearwhen the AGM will be back in Nottingham.

As usual with AGMs, over half the people, or U3As in this instance, were absent – and hadn’tbothered to send in their proxy votes, although the 43% voting this year was higher than last year.No doubt there will be criticism of the new Chairman and the direction she takes TAT in from thosewho could not be bothered to put a stamp on an envelope. Serves them right!

Pam Jones of Witney U3A was elected as Chairman with a small but comfortable majority. She hadnot been my first choice but maybe that was what was needed after Barbara Lewis’s very dynamic‘reign’! A safe pair of hands, whereas one of the other candidates offered a more challenging view.

Her short speech followed the written statement - in essence, it was ‘more of the same, only better’. Ihope that this is the way forward for an organisation that could become top heavy with bureaucracy.

Michaela Moody of the East Midlands was elected as one of two Vice-Chairmen.

The Treasurer (John Ellison) was re-elected and interpreted the Financial Report for us.Rather like Mansfield U3A, TAT is ‘in a good state’ and there will be no increase in capitationfor the foreseeable future. It is a £2.5m ‘business’ with an expenditure of £2.05m

The membership growth is good (360,000+ members) though the percentage rise hasslowed. The most interesting statistic was that of the ‘penetration’ of the 60+ age-group. Thisvaried widely – the average was 4% of the age-group, but the highest was 9.2% and thelowest minute – in the centre of large conurbations (as would be expected). So there isfurther room for ‘expansion’ though membership does depend on the area's social structure. Continued on page 11 ...______________________________________________________________________________

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.

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Interest Group Meetings Meeting Places Leader/Contact

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

Next Meetings: Sept.12th – The Maypole at Wellow;

Antiques andCollectables *

Tu2, 10 - 12 M Stanhope Centre, Bridge Street

Pat Blackwell01623 481745

Next Meetings: Sept. 8th – Anything with one or more flowers on it; Oct. 13th – Art Deco

Art We3, 10 - 1.00 M Big Barn Lane Methodist Church, Mansfield

Gordon Howlett01623 627423

Next Meetings: September 16th – Church or Cathedral part/all; Oct. 21st – Animal Head in b/w

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

Pauline Boucher01623 644798

Next meetings: Sept. – No meeting; Oct. 5th – Victorians: how they worked (Bridge St. 2pm)

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 Th 1.30 - 3.30 W Mansfield Bowls Club, Chesterfield Road

Don Wright/Pat Gunter 01623 628946/626250

Next Meetings: Every Thursday. £3.00. All welcome, inc. beginners, but flat / bowls shoes requ'd

Caravan & M'home Rally

Various Various Terry Lammas01623 471963

Next Meetings: TBA – Burton Constable Hall; TBA – Christmas in Yorkshire

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

Doreen Storer01623 407731

Next Meetings: Next Meetings: September 21st; October 19th

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

Next meetings: September 23rd – Ideas for Christmas

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

Norma Shillinglaw01623 466934

Next Meetings: Oct. 13th

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

Max Clarke01623 621744

Next Meetings: As per calendar

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Interest Group Meetings Meeting Place Leader/Contact

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

Next Meetings: As per calendar

Garden Visits During the Summer Various Janet Whitlam01623 635607

Next Visits: TBA

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

Avril McGee01623 452688

Next Meetings: October 6th – Members' Own Harvest Crops

Golf Various Various Paul Mann01623 615416

Next Meetings: Thursday Sept. 24th – Ramsdale Park, 1st 9 holes.

Holidays (Home & Abroad)

Various TBA Margaret Burlinson01623 632538

Next Holidays: Mon. 18th to Fri. 22nd January 2016 – Thoresby Hall (Terry Whitehead); Sat. Sept. 26th to Sat. Oct. 3rd 2016 – Mallorca (Margaret Burlinson)

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

Next Meetings: September 23rd (note date change) – Caribbean Evening at The Schoolhouse, South Normanton; October – No meeting; Nov. 11th – Rani at Huthwaite

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

Bob & Sue Longden01623 486903

Next Meetings: Oct. 2nd – Bolsover Castle with Ian Morgan

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

Various Eileen & Colin Bell01623 429239

Next Meetings: Sept. 17th – White Lion at Bingham; October 22nd – Full Moon at Morton; Nov. 19th – The Elm Tree, Heath, Chesterfield; Dec 10th – Christmas Meal at Launay's

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

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: Sept. 28th – Russian Composers at Peter Hart's.

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Interest Group Meetings Meeting Place Leader/Contact

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: October 6th – Sylvia's

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

Sheila Haslam 01623 627764

Next Meetings: September 11th

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, Albert St, Skegby

Ian Boucher01623 644798

Next Meetings: Oct. 6th – Structures & Bridges with Alan Paul

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

Brenda Thurkettle01623 628136

Next Meetings: As per calendar

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

Jean Kirk01623 480207

Next Meetings: Note change of day – rehearsals begin Wed. Sept. 2nd; then 16th, 30th, etc

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

Jean Kirk01623 480207

Next Meetings: Our term restarts on Sept. 14th to Dec. 14th. Every week.

Theatre Visits Various Various Sheila Whalley01623 45390

Next Visits: Sept. 25th – Mac & Mabel * ; Oct. 15th – The Body Guard *

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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: Mon Sept. 21st – Hickling; Thurs Oct. 1st – Farnsfield & Southwell;Mon Oct. 19th – Newstead Abbey

Shufflers(short & gentle)

Th4, 12.00 - V M Various Sylvia Slack 01623 633981

Next Meetings: Sept. 24th – Saville Restaurant (12noon); Oct. 24th – Social Evening at St John's

Strollers(a leisurely 2 miles)

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

Next Meetings: Oct 14th – Berry Hill Park from 3 Denby Drive; Nov 11th – The Lawn at Sutton

Walkers(an easy 4 - 5 miles)

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

Next Meetings: Sept. 23rd – Teversal to Brierley Forest from Teversal VC car park; Oct 28th – Harlow Wood

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

Next Meetings: Sept. 16th – Shiraz at Norma's

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

Next Meetings: Sept. 22nd – Sth American Reds at Graham & Eileen's; Oct 27th – Picpoul de Pinet

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

Hilary Miller/Sue Ford 01623 620067/844286

Next Meetings: Sept. 14th – A letter to The Queen; Oct. 12th; Nov. 9th; Dec. 14th

The U3A National AGM (Continued from page 7)Many of us remember Barbara Lewis from her visit to us last year – a dynamic, humorous Amer-ican ‘go-getter’. In that style, she gave her valedictory speech which was a review of her U3A lifeand a general ‘thank you’ to all those who had worked with her. Clearly, she had enjoyed her timeas Chairman and was held in great affection by her colleagues.

The main point was her Awareness document and the Mission Statement – ‘Going Forward 2014-2016’. It was through these, she said, that she hoped she would be remembered. Both are avail-able on our website and I hope to return to them with our members in the future.

The keynote speech was given by Dr Lewis Dartnell, a research fellow at Leicester University. Itwas entitled ‘The Knowledge: How to Rebuild the World from Scratch after the Apocalypse’. Notsurprisingly, it was based on a book he had written (£7.20 Amazon) of the same title!

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In the talk he discussed how we could rebuild our civilisation if the worst happened. Topics such asagriculture transport, health, etc. were covered and he put forward ideas of simple technology wecould employ to ‘restart’ our lives after the short grace period of looting the supermarkets, etc.

It was fascinating and I shall certainly buy the book, although I have some doubts – the concept ofrebuilding a civilisation without technology is theoretically possible, but the practical problems seeminsurmountable, especially if the catastrophe is climate-change or a nuclear war.

The day was enjoyable and worthwhile. I will be reading his book, and the Mission Statement andBarbara Lewis’ Great Awareness Pack. If U3A in general, and Mansfield U3A in particular, retreatinto being merely social organisations without the drive of learning or doing they will die and a greatmovement will have failed.Mike Allen______________________________________________________________________________

Book Table Report SALE OF BOOKS in July raised £43.41.

There was no bookstall at the picnic but it'll be back in business in September. Thanks everyone.Lilian Whitehead (01623 626991; 2015@whiteheaduk.plus.com)______________________________________________________________________________

Recent EventsSUMMER PICNIC – August 18thOur Summer Picnic was once again well-attended and, despite the poor weather, members arrivedladen with food and drink to share at our usual venue at Queen Elizabeth’s Academy. Although wewere unable to eat outside there was lively conversation and much jollity inside as members chattedwith friends and took part in the Chairman’s Cunning Quiz.

The afternoon flew by and some members were lucky enough to win prizes in the raffle which madea net contribution to funds of £85. Two members, Bridget Clarke and Sue Howlett, won the top prizeof free membership to Mansfield U3A for the coming year.

A pleasant afternoon spent with good friends and good food – no-one noticed the pouring rain.

Thanks to all the Social Committee for organising the whole thing – the venue, the prizes, the quizand the raffle. A big thank you to all members for the delicious food and for coming along andmaking the afternoon so enjoyable.Pauline Boucher (01623 644798; pauline12boucher@yahoo.co.uk)

Photos on the website …________________________________________________________________________________________

Groups NewsLuncheon ClubHELLO EVERYONE. As you know, David and Jackie Ling are moving on to pastures new and we,Colin and Eileen Bell, will take over the running of the Luncheon Club. Our contact details arebelow.

We're sure you'd like to join us in thanking David & Jackie for all their hard work over the last sevenyears organising the group and wish them well for the future.

We are both relative newcomers to the U3A, joining in October 2014 and enjoy golf and art as wellas being involved in the lunch group. We are aiming to continue keeping the Luncheon Group

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successful and are looking forward to meeting old and new members at our table during theSeptember meeting and the White Lion the following Thursday.

We have booked and agreed a menu with the Full Moon, Morton, near Southwell for the 22ndOctober and hope you can join us there.Colin & Eileen Bell (01623 429239; c.bell74@btinternet.com)

Garden Visits at Arley HallON JULY 29th, the Garden Visits Group enjoyed yet another successful trip organised by JanetWhitlam and Karen Troop, who had arranged for us to be given a private tour round Arley Hall andthe rest of the day in the gardens.

The Hall is a Victorian ‘Jacobethan’ pile,attractive enough from the outside and withsome magnificent plaster ceilings inside,furnished and decorated for its prime purposeas the Manchester wedding venue. Even‘Coronation Street’ holds weddings here,according to Geoffrey, our helpful guide, whotold us that Viscount Ashbrook’s home (thoughhe actually lives down the drive in the oldSchoolhouse) is also often used as a film set.

The tour was interesting, and kept us out ofthe blustery wind until lunchtime when mostof the party took to the cafe to eat the estate’slamb pie (‘to die for’ according to reports).Then it was into the gardens and showers.

The gardens are in the Top 10 in Britain and the Top 20 in Europe, or so they say. They aredelightful – the herbaceous borders are the most densely planted and colourful I have seen. Thenthere are the Herb Garden, the Scented Garden, the Walled Garden, the Rockery, the avenue oftrees trimmed into magnificent, high, circular ‘chimneys’, the abundant Kitchen Garden and more.

The final pleasure was the Nursery where unusual plants were greedily grabbed by our gardeners.And then back into the traffic for the journey home, a really enjoyable day out completed.Mike Allen (01623 653345; mikeallen@lichfieldave.freeserve.co.uk)

GolfFOR THEIR second outing, eight keen golfers from Mansfield, Sherwood and Ashfield U3As turnedup at Oakmere Golf Club on 30th July, all eager to break the course record. Yes. Well.

Four hours later, the intrepid 8 returned,exhausted; some had beaten their handicap,but others had merely shown their handicapwas playing the game.

Not even the weather could really be blamed –a few slight showers, then a glorious last fewholes in the sunshine. All enjoyed the day andthe social side was reckoned the real winner.

All players lived to play another day. A betterround, hopefully, with more than the occasionalgood shot that brings such personal pleasureand fewer shots that elicit despair!

Mike Allen (01623 653345; mikeallen@lichfieldave.freeserve.co.uk)

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ArtALTHOUGH it was the holiday month, we managed to have eleven at our August meeting.

Those who followed the suggested subject found it tough, but they were attempting one of the mostdifficult subjects, the face. The only concession was that the subject was “not famous”, I.E.Unknown. Drawing someone with expression is where it gets really tough. We are a group of wideability and everyone produced some veryacceptable work. The atmosphere was, asusual, happy, chatty and relaxing.

We currently have a vacancy for an absolutebeginner or the next big name in art. Wewould love to have more but we would needto change venue. Michael Morton is alwaysthere to give advice and encouragement.

Next meetingThe suggested subject for 16th Septembermeeting is “Cathedral or Church – all or part”.Hopefully members will have completed their‘faces’ and have them at the meeting to see.Gordon Howlett (01623 627423; g.howlett@ntlworld.com)______________________________________________________________________________

In case you missed it … some highlights from the August issueANY committee member will print-off the August on-line issue for you if you missed any of thesereports, can't do that yourself and don't know anyone who'd be willing to help:

In that issue:

Garden Visits Group at Tatton ParkTHE MANSFIELD U3A Garden Visits group visited Tatton Park Hall and Gardens on 30th June, ascorching hot day at 36 degrees.

We were most interested in the gardens so asked the guide which was the best way to see themand following her advice walked through the kitchen garden into the Rose Garden, which was mostdisappointing. It had been laid out in 1911 and needs a major overhaul …Sandra Evans Photos here ...

Gardening Group at Yorkshire LavenderTHIRTY LADIES and I (kindly referred to as the ‘thorn between the roses’) set off on Tuesday July7th for ‘Yorkshire Lavender’.

Yorkshire Lavender is a 60 acre farm set 200 feet up in the Howardian Hills overlooking the Vale ofYork. The view was magnificent, stretching across rolling farmland, with few houses in sight, to thedistant prospect of York Minster, partly hidden behind a ruined castle. No motorway, no wind farms,no huge warehouses, just English countryside in all its beauty.

After coffee and lavender shortbread (delicious), we listened to the owner who recounted the historyof the farm over the last 23 years since he set it up, a fascinating story of triumph over the sadnessof his wife’s early death and his determination to care for his two children. Then we walked thepaths set with many varieties of lavender and other plants and herbs, taking in the views down thehill to the deer park …Mike Allen Photos here ...

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Sci-Tech Group visits Morgan Motor CoAFTER A fairly long journey, 15 members arrived on time at the Morgan factory near Malvern on7th July and were welcomed with a hot drink in the factory’s restaurant before an introductory talkby the tour manager, accompanied by slides explaining the history of Morgan, the present dayfactory and operations, and the future plans. This was very interesting, and he welcomed questionsand attempted to fully answer them all.

We then commenced the tour and were allowed into all the workshops with the exception of thePaint Shop (for obvious reasons). The tour lasted about an hour on top of the introductory talk, andwas fascinating.

All Morgan cars are bespoke and hand-made on site to the customers’ specifications in theirchoices of materials, colours and design. We saw some amazing cars during the tour, such as aGothic horror-type car with hands for wing-mirrors and skulls for headlights, together with racythree- and four-wheel models. We were able to watch the workers hand-making the bodies andframes of the vehicles, and installing the (BMW) engines which arrive as ‘BMW’ but once in the carthey become ‘Morgan’ engines …Jill Pullan Photos here ...

Caravans and Motorhomes Rally in FranceAFTER a long day's driving, we met up at a campsite near La Rochelle on 21st May. Regrettably Peter and Avril had a problem with the starter motor which took a few days to rectify. However the sun still shone and it didn't stop us having a good few days on bicycles.

Our next destination was Montalivet, on the Medoc. To get there we took the ferry from Royan toPoint de Grave.

This small town has superb beaches, which stretch for miles, many good cafes and a terrific marketwith lots of fresh fish. We moved further down the Medoc to Andernos les Bains situated on the bayof Arcachon where we spent many an evening with a glass of wine watching the sunset.

Four of us went further south to Biarritz for a couple of days and we met up again at St Emillion; canhardly be a better place for wine devotees. We visited the caves, had free wine tasting and visitedprobably the most expensive wine shop ever …Linda Leivers Photos here ...

Singing for Fun Concert at St Alban'sTHE MANSFIELD U3A Singing for Fun Choir joined with Bellissima Ladies' Choir at St Alban'sChurch at Forest Town to perform a music concert on 26th July, the proceeds of which are going toSt Alban's, a lovely church with a beautiful stained glass window.

The choirs, over the course of two hours, entertained the audience with a variety of music. Thisranged from religious to country and folk music, film scores, songs from West End shows, and evena little bit of jazz. One of the accompanying pianists, Isaac Savage, played two pieces of Gershwin.

We also had a rendition of the Messiah, given by one, yes I did say one, of our choir members,Sylvia Atkinson. A “Yorkshire lass” herself, it was a tale about a Yorkshire man going to hear theMessiah, not realising what it was about. It involved a lot of farmers' lost lambs or sheep, much tothe amusement of all present .

As usual we performed under the direction of Suzy Fell. I'm sure I speak on behalf of all the choirmembers, when I thank Suzy for teaching us so much, and giving us the joy that singing brings ...Doreen Storer Photo here ...

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______________________________________________________________________________John Swanwick. It is with deep regret that we have learnt that John passed-away on Thurs. July16th after a short illness. His funeral was on Wed. Aug. 5th. Bunty Kirk. Also, that Bunty passed away on Sat. Aug. 8th. Bunty was a past committee and hard-working MU3A member for some years. Her funeral was on Fri. Sept. 4th. Our thoughts are with their families and friends at this sad time.

______________________________________________________________________________Dates for your diary (Check the website for more information and updates.Tues. Sept 15th: AGM at Oakham Suite; 11.00 (after the general meeting)Fri. Sept 25th: THEATRE ROYAL, Nottingham celebrates its 150th anniversary. Details fromSheila Whalley. (01623 453908; jeansheila@btinternet.com)Mon. Jan. 18th to Fri. 22nd, 2016: WARNER'S THORESBY HALL. See page 3.Sat. Feb. 27th, 2016: Quiz Night at Q. Elizabeth's Academy. Details from Pauline Boucher.(01623 644798; pauline12boucher@yahoo.co.uk)______________________________________________________________________________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 October issue to mikeallen@lichfieldave.freeserve.co.uk, or intypescript, to Mike Allen as soon as you can and by October 1st at the latest. Thanks!______________________________________________________________________________

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

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