September 2014

Natural History Group

Gardening Club

Needlework

Sunday + Club

Luncheon Club

Cookery

Photography

Geology Group

Walking Group

Scrabble

Book Group

Table Tennis Group

History Group

Swimming Group

Lacemaking

Bridge

Broomfield & District

From The Chair

What a lovely summer we have had, with the forecast of

another few months to come.

I am very pleased to announce that we have a full

committee , with John Williams as Newsletter Editor.

Muriel Hubble taking the position of Publicity and

Thelma Nickerson as New members Greet.

Andrew is away this month at the National U3A AGM,

and Thelma will be doing teas and biscuits, with Pat

Radford

Just had the good news , we can now claim Gift Aid. I

would like to thank Brian Talley and Malcolm Taylor,

for sorting it all out.

Tickets will be on sale for the October Social Event, at

this months meeting.

Look forward to seeing you all

Barbara

CONTENTS

U3A Newsletter

IMPORTANT ITEM – PLEASE READ THIS!

Non Members attending Interest Groups

I would like to reiterate the situation regarding non members attending interest

groups. It has been brought to my attention that a members insurance would be

invalid if an incident occurred with a non member and result in the group leader and

the Broomfield & District U3A being sued. All group leaders have been advised of

this situation and I feel that the Committee Trustees can do no more to make all U3A

members aware.

Barbara Thomas

Chair

MONTHLY MEETING - FUTURE SPEAKERS 2014/2015

September - Iceland - Sylvia Keith

October - Willow Weaving - Debbie Hart

November - Get the best from your camera - Chris Farndell

December - A Christmas Entertainment - Elaine Barker

January, 2015 - Weather - Ian Currie

February, 2015 - Bumble Bees – Unsung heroes of the countryside - John Taylor

March, 2015 - Te Aotearoa - Malcolm Taylor

CALENDAR FOR SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

8th

Sept 9th 10th 11th 12th 13th

Monthly

Meeting 1.30pm

Table Tennis 3 pm

15th 16th 17th 18th 19th 20th

Walking Group

9.30pm

Book Club

Bridge 2pm

Lacemaking 2pm Photography

10am

22nd 23rd 24th 25th 26th 27th

Geology 2 pm Luncheon Club

Blue Strawberry

Scrabble 2 pm

Gardening Group

outing 10.30am

Needlework Group

2 pm

29th 30th 1st Oct 2

nd Oct 3

rd Oct 4

th Oct

History Group

Hedingham Castle

11am

Natural History

Group 10 am

Swimming 10am

Cookery 12.30

Bridge 2pm Lacemaking 2pm

6th

Oct 7th

Oct 8th

Oct 9th

Oct 10th

Oct

Gardening Club

2 pm

Monthly

Meeting 1.30pm

Swimming 10am

Needlework

Group 2 pm

There are 2 Sunday events

1. Sunday + Club 14th

September 12.30 The Barn Galleywood

2. Gardening Group 21st September 10am Hyde Hall – Autumn Plant Fair

U3A FUTURE EVENTS

1. Brooklands Museum Weybridge – offers to U3A Groups dates for 2015 -

“VC10 and Her Royal Connections” The day is comprised of an introductory talk, refreshments and a

visit to one of the museums VC10s.

2.“Cinderella” – Prokofiev’s enchanting ballet Wednesday 19th

November 2014 at the Odeon Covent

Garden

3. “Renaissance Treasures” The National Gallery Collection Wednesday 26th

November 2014

4. The Cheltenham Literature Festival invite U3A members to participate in this major international event

3rd

– 12th

October 2014

5. U3A West End Sing Out Wednesday 22nd

October 2014 at Playhouse Theater, Northumberland

Avenue.

6. Inspiration day for U3A members created by the Royal Opera House Wednesday 8th

October 2014

7. U3A Explores Science at the Ri Tuesday 30th

September 2014 at the Royal Institution London.

8. Exploring Elgar from Stage to Screen at the Elgar Birthplace museum Worcester Wednesday 15th

October 2014.

9. U3A German Language Newsletter August 2014.

10. “An Evening of Mystery and Magic” Broomfield Village Hall 18th

October. Tickets from Barbara

Thomas 01245 440891

11. U3A History Group – visit to Hedingham Castle Sept 29th

11 am

HOLIDAY 2015 to Flanders - Lest We Forget

More information on all the above can be found on the notice board or speak to Barbara Thomas.

Natural History Group will meet on 30th. September at the Village Hall

at 10am. to continue plotting the flora of Centenary Wood.

Sue Browning

Natural History Group

The group has been somewhat depleted over the summer as several members have been on

holiday.

We have, however, made the most of the sunshine and enjoyed a trip to Hyde Hall Flower

Show and, most recently, to Kingsteps, (see above) a delightful and homely garden in

Danbury.

For September we have planned our usual pilgrimage to the Autumn Plant Fair at Hyde

Hall on Sunday 21st. Meet there at 10 o'clock.

We also plan to go to Green Island Gardens, near Ardleigh on 26th September (postcode

CO7 7SP). Meet there at 10.30.

Our next house meeting is on Monday 6th October at 2 o'clock.

The Needlework Group will resume later in September. We usually meet on the 2nd and

4th Friday afternoons 2pm at Ros Smith’s. Forthcoming dates are 26th September (I am

away on 12th Sept) and 10th & 24th October. If you knit, stitch, crochet, tat, quilt, do

patchwork, tapestry or anything with textiles and a needle, you will be most welcome to

make progress with your project and share your expertise over tea and a chat.

If there is sufficient interest by members of the group or the wider U3A membership, we could

consider organising a joint visit to the Knitting and Stitching Show at Alexander Palace 8th – 12th

October. Please let Ros Smith know if you would like to go.

Needlework Group

Gardening Group

Since the last Newsletter we have had two meetings, the first one, where eight of us

attended at The Crown, Sandon which was very pleasant, the weather being gorgeous.

We had a much smaller meeting at The Globe, Chelmsford in August as we only managed

4 of us, which I know was mainly due to holidays.

We are meeting again on Sunday, 14 September 2014 at 12.30 at The Barn, Galleywood.

So if there is anyone else out there who would like to join us then please give me a call.

Muriel Whiting

At July's meeting of the Luncheon Club, 13 of us met on a beautiful sunny day at The

Duck, Newney Green. We had a very pleasant time and everyone was joining in .

September's meeting is on 24 September 2014 to be at The Blue Strawberry, Boreham, by

popular demand. So if you would like to join us please put your name on the list, which is

on the Notice Board at the monthly meeting or telephone me. Just by way of a gentle reminder, that if you put your name down for one of these events that if you

are unable to attend that you please do give me 24 hours notice.

Muriel Whiting

The next meeting is on 1st October at 12 30pm at Roy and Jacqui.

Jacqui Barnaby

There are 12 people interested in a photography group. The problem is finding a venue . I

am prepared to host a meeting so that members can try to sort out times and place. I

suggest Saturday 20th September at 10 o'clock - Jacqui Barnaby

Sunday + Club

Luncheon Club

Cookery

Photography

We have now completed our summer visits programme to Walton on the Naze when Liz found a

sharks tooth! At Thorndon Park we saw firm evidence of climate change in the rocks. The church

walls once more revealed much interest. How did a pebble with modern shells in it get there?

Starting in September we resume our monthly talks – the first is on 23rd September when you are

invited to bring any rocks you have brought back from your holidays and any other specimens you

may wish to have a closer look at. We will remind you how to use light and a hand lens to reveal

how the rock was formed.

The programme for the rest of the year and beyond is as follows:

28th

October Geology of Essex

25th

November Moving Continents

27th

January Diamonds

24th

February Hot & Squashed Rocks

24th

March Igneous Rocks

28th

April Life in Jurassic Seas

26th

May Black Gold

We are also contemplating a group visit to the Jurassic Coast next summer as well as local trips.

Do join us at 2pm on the fourth Tuesday of the month.

No previous knowledge is assumed. Just a fascination with natural things and processes.

Ros & Ian

Geology

Regretfully there were insufficient numbers for us to go out in July so on 16th September

we shall be walking the Bradwell Cockle Spit (about 6 miles) starting at the site of the

Roman Fort of Othona. We will meet at the Community Centre at 9.30am, please bring a

packed lunch and something to drink (we can leave in the car). If you are coming please let

Malcolm know so that transport can be arranged.

Our October walk will be seeking to close the Chelmsford Centenary Circle from Sandon

to Broomfield - lunch at the Angel. More info next month.

Hopefully all walkers managed to keep in trim over August - I did my training walking 4

miles around a ship!!!!

Malcolm

Walking Group

BRAIN TEASER – where is this?

Answer in October edition

The book group met on 17th July and discussed Kane and Abel by Jeffrey Archer. We

decided not to meet in August and our next meeting will be on Thursday 18th September.

If anyone would like to join our group please contact me, we would welcome new

members.

Barbara Bartlett

We have had two successful sessions during August at Chelmsford Sport & Athletics

Centre. A good way of exercising primarily chasing after the ball. The bats and balls are

provided with a very modest charge for the hire of the table, shared between those playing.

Next session Thursday, 11th September, at 3pm - please come along and swell our numbers

for a fun hour - we don't take it seriously!

Jean Lock.

Scrabble

Another pleasant afternoon of scrabble was

had on

Thursday August 28th. As usual there was

time for

2 games with a cuppa and biscuits in

between.

Next session Thursday 25th September at

2pm. Do come and join us if you wish to.

Heather Steed Book Club

Table Tennis

HEDINGHAM CASTLE You are all invited to join the members of the History Group

on a visit to Hedingham Castle on Monday 29th

September.

We will meet at 11am. Entrance is £7.50 (Concessions £5-00).

Please pay at the gate and we will meet up inside.

Garden lovers take note the castle has lovely grounds.

Hedingham Castle at Castle Hedingham is located 4 miles west

of Halstead and 3 miles south east of Great Yeldham in the Colne Valley.

Please let Dick Chapman know if you are coming and whether you would like or can offer

a lift. You can contact Dick at the meeting on the 10th

September.

AUDLEY END

We had a splendid trip to Audley End in

July. The house has many beautiful rooms

and exhibits manned by knowledgeable

volunteers. Then there is a laundry, dairy

and stables to explore. The grounds (with

plenty of places to picnic) include both

formal and kitchen gardens. Expert

volunteers conduct tours of both gardens

and stables. One visit is not enough to see

everything. We’ll have to go again next

year.

DATES FOR OCTOBER

Tuesday 21st October - Visit to Braintree Museum - Meet in the museum at 10.30am

Entrance is £3 (Concessions £1.50)

Monday 27th

October – Planning meeting and DVD – Meet at 10.30am

Lyn Collins

The swimming group has fallen by the wayside during the summer, especially during school

holidays! However we shall be up and running (or should I say swimming) by October. Make a

date for your diary, 10 am at Riverside every Wednesday.

Barbara Bartlett

History Group

Swimming

The Lacemaking group is resuming after the Summer break on the first and

third Fridays of the month as usual. Meetings take place at 2pm.

We are a small group at the moment and would welcome new members.

Lacemaking is a lot easier than it looks and tuition and equipment are

available to beginners.

Wendy Talley

The Bridge Group has resumed its meetings again now that September has come. We are,

as ever, meeting on the 1st and 3rd Thursdays of each month. Though the members of this

group have progressed immensely – we are no longer Mini Bridge – all bid and play a

proper game as Beginners (i.e. still requiring tuition of further skills.)

We are, however, in a state of crisis as our numbers have dropped to 5 – the

minimum needed for a game of Bridge is 4 – it doesn’t allow for the odd absence. This is

due to several of our previous members moving away and leaving our U3A.

We would welcome anyone who is interested in playing what is the “Prince” of card

games. This includes total beginners (Mini Bridge Learners) and those with some

knowledge who want a bit more practice to improve their game.

We meet in my house and have a very friendly, relaxed atmosphere. I am able to set

up 3 tables for 3 different levels if this required. I can of course give appropriate tuition or

supervision.

Unfortunately, I shall not be at this month’s meeting but you will be able to contact me as

from 13th September.

I sincerely hope this message will evoke some interest. It would be a pity if this group

staggers along, peering over the Abyss of Collapse!

Melanie Pimm.

Lacemaking

Bridge Group

Chair Barbara Thomas

Vice Chair Sue Browning

Secretary Barbara Bartlett

Treasurer Esther Turnbull

Programme Secretary Muriel Whiting

Membership Secretary Pauline Draper

Newsletter Editor John Williams

Group Co-ordinator Jacqui Barnaby

Publicity Muriel Hubble

Refreshments Andrew Lilley

Committee Member Jean Wrenn

Group Leaders

BOOK CLUB BARBARA BARTLETT

CANASTA MARIE MACKIE

COOKERY JACQUI BARNABY

GARDENING PAT RADFORD

GEOLOGY ROS SMITH

HISTORY LYN COLLINS

LACEMAKING WENDY TALLEY

LUNCHEON CLUB MURIEL WHITING

BRIDGE MELANIE PIMM

NATURAL HISTORY SUE BROWNING

NEEDLEWORK ROS SMITH

SCRABBLE HEATHER STEED

SUNDAY + GROUP MURIEL WHITING

SWIMMING BARBARA BARTLETT

TABLE GAMES MARION KHOSHUEI

WALKING GROUP MALCOLM TAYLOR

TABLE TENNIS GROUP JEAN LOCK

The Committee