U3A Kettering Newsletter Apr 2014

Kettering U3A April 2014

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15th April 2014

Kettering U3A Year 10 Newsletter 09

www.u3asites.org.uk/kettering

Registered Charity No. 1108614

Next Month — 20th May

Vulcan To The Sky

From the Chairman

Last months’ (March) meeting was as you know a departure from the usual format and based on the encouraging feedback it was a real success. Congratulations and thanks must go to David Clayton and Marian Tucker for all their hard work in co-ordinating the event. I must also thank those members (and groups) who shared their interests/hobbies with us, without whom we would not have enjoyed such an interesting afternoon. I think it is something that we would like to repeat in the future and hopefully get even more members involved.

As I mentioned last month the Committee has been reviewing our finances and as a result we have had to make some changes to our membership fees details of which are in this Newsletter. Please also see the important information about the AGM – June is only a couple of months away and as usual there are Committee vacancies to fill. A strong and effective Committee is essential to ensure your U3A continues to thrive so please give serious consideration to joining or helping in any way you can.

CyrilCyrilCyrilCyril

Today— 15th April

Antiques Roadshow by James Burton

Have your objects appraised


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Your Kettering U3A Committee 2013-2014

Chairman Cyril Young 01536 392 065 [email protected] Vice Chairman Mary Wildman 01536 741 222 [email protected] Treasurer/Membership Sec. Maggi McGuire 01536 392 716 [email protected] Secretary Marian Tucker 01536 510 354 [email protected] Outings/Groups Co-ordinator Maureen Curd 01832 732 361 [email protected] Speaker Secretary Vacant Newsletter Richard Boyles 01536 744 753 [email protected] Committee Member (Co-opted) Elizabeth Toseland ———- —————-

Group Leaders Information

Check that all members of your group are fully paid-up members of the U3A. Ensure that you have:-

• A written record showing your member’s name, address, telephone number and email address.

• The name and telephone of each member’s emergency contact.

• The post code of your venue as this will be required by the emergency services should you need to call them out.

• Send articles, reports and photographs about your group to the Newsletter Editor. Copy deadline for the newsletter is 10 days before the monthly meeting.

• To put additional information and/or photographs on your Group’s web page on the Kettering U3A website, please email to the Web Master, [email protected] or send hardcopy to him.

• Advise the Group Coordinator of any changes to your group arrangements, e.g. venue, timing, group leader etc.

• Ensure your group members are aware of their turn to do the meeting refreshments at the appointed meeting.

• Refreshment Rota details below:-

APRIL Knit & Natter MAY Photography SEPTEMBER Writers Group JUNE (AGM) TBA OCTOBER Bridge JULY Water Colour Painting NOVEMBER Discussion AUGUST Canals & Waterways DECEMBER Christmas Meeting

Members Information

Welcome to the following new members

• Advise the Membership Secretary, in writing, of any changes to your address, post code, telephone number or email address.

• If you are unable to attend your Group’s meeting, please advise your Group Leader in advance.

• If you know one of our members has a special occasion ahead, e.g. important birthday, anniversary or if they are ill and you feel a card from the U3A would be appreciated, please contact Joan Rolfe on 0156 521531

• Bring your membership card with you to the meeting and have it available for checking in.

• If you cannot get to the monthly meeting for any reasons, you can get a copy of the Newsletter:-from either the Library or the Tourist Information desk, Manor House Museum, Kettering or from Desborough, Rothwell or Burton Latimer Libraries.

• Via our postal service direct to your home (£8.50 per annum) Contact the Membership Secretary to do so.

• Download the newsletter (in glorious colour) from the web site, www.u3asites.org.uk/kettering and click on Links.

Monthly Meeting Dates & Speakers 20th May Vulcan To The Sky 21st Oct Rutland Osprey by Tim Mackrill 17th Jun Annual General Meeting 18th Nov Every Picture Tells A Story. Mike Leonard 15th Jul Kettering Civic Society - Monica Ozdemir 16th Dec Christmas Special 19th Aug Behind the call of duty—Bob Thorogood 16th Sep TBA


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U3A is a Self-help group for retired people. Registered Charity No. 1108614

Committee for 2014/2015

The Committee of Kettering U3A is governed by our constitution. This states that the

Committee shall have 4 Honorary Officers. These are Chairman, Vice-Chairman,

Secretary and Treasurer all can serve a term of up to 3 years each. There are

committee members who each serve a yearly term but may stand for re-election if they

so wish.

In June 2014 the situation is:-

Maggi McGuire (Treasurer/Membership Secretary) will remain in post for a further year.

Cyril Young (Chairman) will have completed 4 years in post and is required to stand down

Mary Wildman (Vice-Chairman) will succeed to the post of Chairman as per the Constitution

Marian Tucker (Secretary) has completed 1 year and will remain in post

Maureen Curd (Groups Co-ordinator) is willing to stand for re-election and remain in post

David Clayton (Speaker Secretary) is willing to stand for re-election as a Committee Member

Elizabeth Toseland (Co-opted Committee Member) is willing to stand for re-election

Richard Boyles (Newsletter Editor) is willing to stand for re-election and remain in post

As a result there is a vacancy for the post of Vice-Chairman. It is also felt that it would

be beneficial to increase the Committee by an additional member, this means that

nominations are sought for a Committee Member. Any member of our U3A can apply. If

you have an interest or would like to know more please contact any current Committee

member.

Nomination forms for vacancies must be completed and returned to the Secretary,

Mrs M Tucker, 167 The Headlands, Kettering NN15 6AF

by NO LATER THAN 31st May 2013

You MUST check that the member you are nominating is prepared to let their name go forward


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Trips & Visits

We reached the cut off dates for the trips with RB Travel and tickets will be available at the meeting today. Please make sure you see me if you have made reservations. Thursday 14th August 15 seats held London. £16.95. Sunday 31 August 15 seats held Buckingham Palace (Includes afternoon tea cruise ) £61.45 Tuesday 09 Sept. 9 seats only held Highclere Castle (Downton Abbey) £36.25 These trips are inclusive of return coach fare and entry fees where needed. Also they have various pick up points. Thursday 05 June 2014. Trip to Hampton Court Palace and gardens. Entrance fee £12.60. Return Coach fare with 30 passengers will be £16.40 so total cost would be £30.

Our next meeting at the Fuller Church, Gold St. Kettering

Format of the meeting:-

1.30pm Hall open

Tea/coffee & biscuits available

Time to browse the groups and sign up

for a visit.

2.15pm - 2.30pm U3A notices.

2.30pm—3.30pm Speaker

3.30pm (approx.) another opportunity to sign up for a visit and time to renew membership.

IMPORTANT NOTICE Revision of Membership Fees 2014/2015

The costs of running our U3A have been steadily rising over the past 2 or 3 years and we have been able to absorb the increase and keep membership fees stable. As a result of a financial review at the Committee Meeting held on Wednesday 26

th March 2014 this is no longer possible and the decision has been taken to

revise membership fees for 2014/2015. The cost of providing speakers for the monthly meeting has, as I have mentioned previously, continued to rise. The printing and associated stationery costs for our monthly Newsletter have also increased over the years as have the cost of rooms for monthly and other meetings. We have endeavoured to keep the increase to a minimum and have taken not only current local U3A’s fees into consideration but also regional and national. I am pleased to say that even after this revision Kettering U3A is still amongst the lowest in Northamptonshire. The Third Age Trust recommend level for new U3A’s is £20 - £25, this figure is also pretty much a reflection of the National average so I believe we are still offering good value. Due to the recent Royal Mail increases we have also had to increase the cost of posting out Newsletters to those members who choose this method of receipt. The revised fees are as follows: Full membership £14 p.a. (inc Third Age Trust £3.50 capitation fee) Dual membership £10.50 p.a. (Membership of two or more U3As) Posting of Newsletter £9.00 p.a

Editors Note

Due to AGM notices, some group

news items have been edited and

photos excluded.


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Card Making 1 — Another two productive mornings

with beautiful cards made. Several members tried new techniques and were pleased with their results. It was lovely to welcome Jan back, we had kept her chair warm! I was very excited on Wednesday when a new guillotine arrived to replace my worn out one. We laughed at what excites us these days! These mornings are such a joy with such decorative results. The next meetings are on May 6th and 7th. Usual time, usual place. Contact: Mary Earl 01536 522456

Bookworms — At our last meeting, we chose books to

read over the next 6 months. Our next book is by a local author, J.L. Carr, a former headmaster of Highfields School, Kettering. Some of you may have even been taught by him. The book is "A Month in the Country" and has been made into a film, starring Colin Firth. If there is anyone out there who has a copy of the film, would it be possible for the Bookworms Group to borrow it? We'd be most grateful. Contact: Pauline Parkin 01536 799197

A Good Read — New members welcome.

Contact: Diana Ellis 01536 723380

Bridge - We have a very friendly Bridge group who

meet every Friday afternoon. If you can play Bridge but perhaps have not done so for a little while then please come and join us. I must say, however, that we do not teach it and therefore you must have some knowledge of the game to be able to join. You would be made very welcome. We start each Friday at 1.30pm at the Bridge Club in Field Street and we pay £2 each week and for that you get good company, a very interesting game and refreshments.

Contact: Sue Macfarlane 01536 523754

Canals & Waterways — In March We enjoyed a

day out walking by the canal at Braunston. Some of the group strolled to the tunnel and looked around the blacksmiths workshop, whilst others were more energetic and walked further along the towpath. We did however enjoy a good lunch at the pub. The trip in April is a punt on the Cam and I have e-mailed details to those who have booked. I am still looking for a venue for the evening meal when we go to Wales in May. I shall be needing names for those who wish to go to London to the canal museum at St. Pancras and for a walk/boat trip on the Thames to Regents park. If you are interested in joining us on any of our trips please contact me

Contact: Christine Strachan 01536 515730

News — Interest Groups — Visits and Reports

Card Making 2 — The next meeting is at 167

Headlands on Monday April 14 then Monday 26 May usual time 10:00 until 12:00. At the time of going to press we will not have created new cards at the new venue. Look out for the new creations on the web site. I would be very grateful if you could let me know if you are not coming. Contact: Marian Tucker 01536 510 354 [email protected]


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Discussion Group — As always we had lively time

debating whether History should be compulsory up to GCSE level in schools. Much thought was given to were work relevant subjects more more important to students and we came to no firm conclusion. One thing that was evident was that History does repeat itself and that we never learn from the mistakes made. Next week we are discussing the problem of Food Waste and will be led by Janet Chivers. On May 13th Pat Clark will be asking Should Society pick up the bill for Self Abuse? The June meeting will be hosted by Annette Chidwick and the topic will be in next months Newsletter Contact: Mary Earl on 01536 522456

French — Please ring me if you are interested in

brushing up your knowledge of the language. Contact: Diana Ellis 01536 723380

Computer Group — The beginners classes are

progressing slowly. We cover all versions of Windows and Apple Mac. All subjects will be covered as we progress in a slow, step by step way. Each lesson is fully supported by a detailed hand-out sheet to take home and some online video tutorials. More information is on the Computer Group’s internet site below including the revised timetable.

BEGINNERS COURSE New members are welcome. E-mail Richard or just turn up

Full details and up to date schedule at www.U3AComputerGroup.co.uk Contact: Richard Boyles 01536 744 753 e-mail: [email protected]

Country Matters — Our March walk started from

Woodford and took us along the River Nene to the old railway, We walked along the old track bed and headed towards the A14, following the brook we walked along the bank and then returned to where we started from. We spotted a lot of wild flowers and blossom along the way and enjoyed the views across the river also heard a lot of bird song so spring is definitely on its way. Quite a few of us enjoyed lunch afterwards in the Duke’s Arms.

April’s meeting will have taken place by the time the magazine is in print, May’s meeting is starting from The Vane Arms car park at Sudborough, 10.30 on Thursday, 8 May . Please note it was very muddy in the wood during the recce so wellingtons or stout footwear is advised!

Contact: Derek Warren 01536 518 560 [email protected]

Card Making 2 — continued...

Card Making group 2 says a huge thank you to Freda Smith, who has run the group for five years.

I would like to thank the ladies most sincerely for the beautiful bouquet of flowers they presented to me at the March 2014 meeting, which was my last as their Group Leader. The flowers are still going strong and giving off their lovely fragrance. Thank you so much for

your thoughtfulness. Freda


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Friday Pop-in - We meet at the Toller Church

rooms 10 – 11.30 on the first Friday of every month. New members please come and join us for coffee, exchange of books, magazines and local news. We need your support.

Contact: Sue Hince 01536 521023

Gardening Group —

Advance notice. Sunday 1st June, Finedon Gardens Group Opening 6 miles SE of Kettering From 2 to 6pm. Four gardens open under the NGS with a combined admission charge of £3.50. All four gardens are different from vegetables to flowers. Plants for sale at some locations, generally wheelchair friendly, with an offer of refreshments at a KU3A member’s house in Finedon. Contact: Ray Bradbury 01536 516587

Italian Classes — One Italian class is running. If

there is anyone else interested please contact: John Sellick 01536 517 878 [email protected]

Heartbeat— Thanks to Priscilla for leading the

January walk, everyone enjoyed it. By the time this newsletter is published we will have done the April walk at Cranford. The next ½ hour group walk will be on Monday 7th July 2014 meeting at Poplars Farm Road, Kettering at 10.00 a.m. Please remember that the object of the walk is to improve fitness, and to enjoy a chat with other members of the group, it is not a race! Several members arranged their own walk last month, well done. Coffee afterwards will be at Weekley

Post Office. Contact: Bridget Ling 01536 414810

German-2 Conversation for Absolute Beginners—The established group for basic German Conversation remains oversubscribed so this new group for absolute beginners has been formed and is now also FULL. This group meets on Wednesdays 1.30 to 3.00pm fortnightly. Contact: Joe Fletcher 01536 722 399

German–1 Basic Conversation — This

established group for Basic German Conversation

is now FULL

Enjoying the ‘5th Season’ in Germany. U3A members with others from Kettering took the opportunity to visit our twin town, Lahnstein, in Germany. The so called ’5th season’ there lasts some weeks until Ash Wednesday, with preparations for the carnival celebrations and then the colourful parades and activities in the streets during a weekend, Rosenmontag, i.e. Monday before Lent, and Shrove Tuesday. Helen, Shirley and Jean dressed for the occasion, and took time to visit Kettering Strasse in the town, named in honour of our twinning heritage. Our members enjoyed the experience: the brass bands, colourful processional floats, the general atmosphere, and also an excursion in the Rhine district. They were of course learning the German language at every

turn? Contact: Joe Fletcher 01536 722 399

Lunch Club — Although it was grey and raining it did

not deter 30 members attending the lunch at The Thornhill Arms Rushton in March. It was a good lunch and in good company and organised by Christine Folley, thank you Christine. Next month I will be organising the lunch at Samuel Pepy's in Slipton on Tuesday 22nd April. Names taken as usual at the April U3A meeting. Our lunches are organised every month and are on the 4th Tuesday of the month, new members very welcome, please come and join us.

Contact: Glynis Hall 01536 516249 or [email protected]

Golf — The weather has definitely improved even if

the golf hasn`t !! The good news is that the ban on trolleys to protect the course has been lifted which has been welcome. There have been 6 of us playing regularly but a few more will be welcome. For those who haven`t played Pytchley its quite an interesting 9 hole course with 1 par 5, 3 par 3`s and 5 par 4`s. The beauty is that you can get around within 2 hours and there`s a nice little clubhouse for a coffee or beer afterwards. We meet each Friday at 1`sh for a 1.30 T off or as soon as possible after. Contact: Alan Stephens 01536 726 911 or 07931 637 660 or [email protected]


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Looking at Churches — In March we went to

Brampton Ash where we were surprised by how big and light the church appeared to be. It was on the point of being closed down in 1994 but a bequest of half a million pounds enabled huge restoration work to be done. Everywhere now looks bright and well kept, and as described in the printed guide, is an architectural gem. In the nineties, vandals broke into the church & stole brass from a huge brass of Sir John Holt, who died in 1418 and his wife. This has now been restored and is about to be situated against an inner wall, rather than set in the floor. It has taken a lot of work & dedication, but it looks just as it did in medieval times. Tomorrow Wednesday 16th April we will be going to the Hindu Mandir at Wellingborough, at 6.30pm for a talk & presentation. The donation will be £3. There will be no visit in May as I will be on holiday and I don’t like to miss seeing a church, so our next one will be on Wednesday June 18th at 2.0pm to East Carlton. If the weather is sunny by then we have the opportunity to go across the road to East Carlton Park afterwards. Contact: Janet Clements 01536 507721 or [email protected]

Brampton Ash Church

by Alan Robinson

Knit and Natter - Another successful morning having

now completed our Nativity Scene we have started knitting some squares for McMillan Cancer Care, they need them to make blankets for patients going through Chemo because they feel the cold whilst having the treatment.

Contact: Annette Chidwick 01536 523867

Safe Driving—Time for action on older drivers

The IAM is calling on the government to introduce a national strategy of driving health checks and better information for elderly drivers and their families. The call comes after a poll showing that forty-two per cent of the population are worried about an elderly relative driving, yet they are unlikely to do anything about it.

The IAM and Vision Critical poll of 1,297 people shows that while concern about elderly drivers is evident, acting on our concerns is another issue. Fifty-eight per cent of those concerned did nothing about it. When we do talk to our relatives about their driving it does not always go down well. Of those that had done this, nearly half of respondents (47%) were met with negative reaction. IAM chief executive Simon Best said: “Talking to an elderly relative about their driving is a difficult conversation to have. Driving is associated with independence, so giving up the car keys can be a very stressful process. This is especially true for drivers with dementia as they often underestimate the impact of the condition on their driving skills. “Voluntary online and on road driving assessments will provide an unbiased view and help everyone make the right decision at the right time. We are finding while there are some elderly drivers who should not be on the road, most get it right and as many as 15% give up too early. “But with ever increasing numbers of elderly drivers, this is a growing mobility and road safety issue that won’t go away. The government needs to act now.” The IAM wants: A government action plan for older drivers.

Widespread availability of voluntary on road driving assessments.

More car manufacturers considering older drivers in vehicle design.

Better information and online assessment tools for older drivers, their families and health professionals.

Road designs that make it easier for older drivers to keep driving.

There are now more than four million drivers over 70 years old, a figure that is set to increase to 5.8 million in 2032.

Institute of Advanced Motorists (www.iam.org.uk)

Steve Clorley Email: [email protected] Telephone: 01832 732342 or 07973 624815 Roy Franklin Email: [email protected]


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Musical Circles 2 — Perhaps this programme should

have been saved for Halloween. The theme was “The Dark Side”, a chance to revel in some beautiful baritone voices and dramatic music portraying the villains, shifty characters and downright evil people of film and opera.

The phrase “The Dark Side” of course comes from the film “Star Wars”, and so it was appropriate that the meeting began with John Williams’ main title theme.

The second item featured Bryn Terfel as Satan, from “Mefistofele” by Boito, introducing himself to Faust as “the spirit that denies everything”.

Another nasty piece of work is Iago, in Verdi’s opera “Otello”. Leo Nucci sings superbly Iago’s exposition “I believe in a cruel GodU

”War is frightening, and Holst’s “Mars – The Bringer Of War” dramatically portrays the relentless drive of an approaching army.

(shortened due to lack of space-Editor) Contact: Eileen Mason 01536 725925

Musical Circles 1— The meeting of musical circles one had a selection of music tenuously based on the coming of spring". Contact: Carole Bradbury 01536516587

Playreading—Last month's play was 'Bedroom Farce'

by Alan Ayckbourn. He is always an entertaining playwright and this one was no exception. It is a light hearted romp about four couples and is set in their various bedrooms. Hence the title! Once again we all enjoyed a short trip to the world of the thespians. Odeon Cinema. We have the tremendous good fortune of having our local cinema taking part in the Culture programme. Opera, Ballet and Drama are shown live and it is so pleasing to see so many KU3A members now supporting this venture. It is a wonderful experience to see opera direct from the Metropolitan Opera House in New York, ballet from Covent Garden and Moscow and drama from the National Theatre and various other venues. The quality of the performances has been excellent and I am so grateful that we have been given this opportunity for such a small price. There is plenty more to come and programmes are always available from the cinema so if you haven't already done so do give it a try. Contact: Carole Bradbury 01536 516587

Photography Group — Publication deadlines mean

that our April meeting is yet to happen as I write this. Assuming satisfactory weather we should be visiting the old market town of Oundle. “Satisfactory weather” to a photographer is a relative term, and does not always coincide with other people’s idea of it. For example, hot sunny days with blue skies and the sun overhead tell the photographer to put the camera away, as the contrast will be too high, highlights will burn out and shadows become blocks of pure black. On the other hand the dull flat days we often get in this country can be useful. They are ideal for taking details, such as flower close-ups or architectural details, because the soft lighting produces weak shadows, and so detail is not hidden. You just have to remember to keep the boring pale sky out of the picture. What is “good weather” to a photographer? We love snow, and frost, and mist or fog. My favourite is just before or just after a thunderstorm! This group’s display at the last U3A meeting generated lots of interest, so thanks to Marilyn and Roger for producing displays of their work, and thanks to all those people who came to look at our photos and have a chat or ask questions. The date and venue for our May meeting has yet to be decided at the time of writing this. Photos on U3A website. Contact: Trevor Rudkin 01536 711976 or

[email protected]

Playford English Country Dancing - We are getting

very low on numbers & would welcome new members. We meet at St. Andrews Church Hall on 2nd & 4th Weds. 2.30p.m. - 4p.m. No need to bring a partner as we change partners frequently. Gentle exercise for the

brain as well as the body! Contact: Jean Beaver 01933 224474


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Wining and Dining - Thirteen of us went to El Torro's

in Rothwell. The service was very good and the food was delicious. We shall have been to The Turkish restaurant again in Rothwell by the time of this newsletter. Rothwell seems to have a good selection of Restaurants. I am thinking of booking Chimichanga's in the restaurant quarter Kettering on May 14th. If you are interested in joining us please let me know by the 7th May. Contact: Christine Strachan 01536 515730 [email protected]

Sugar Craft— If anyone who would like to learn, but

feels they are hopeless, come to watch as we work and I guarantee that they will soon realise that they can achieve good results. Contact: Joan Allingham 01536 722610

Theatre Group — Local theatre is organised by

Glynis Hall with the help of Sue Hince. It includes The Lighthouse and Masque Theatres Kettering, Odeon Cinema Kettering with filmed live performances of opera and ballet from the Royal Opera House and The Metropolitan Opera and also plays by the National Theatre. Local theatre proved to be of interest to quite a few members at the March U3A meeting, and twenty tickets were requested and purchased for an assortment of shows over the next few months. Because tickets cannot be reserved, payment is needed early to make sure of availability of seats. The recent live filmed showing of The Sleeping Beauty by the Royal Ballet Company at the Kettering Odeon, was enjoyed by five members and left us all quite captivated by a beautiful performance. We would be very interested to have your feedback on the shows you visit to put into the monthly newsletter. Please contact Glynis for this on 01536 516249. As this is local theatre it does not matter if only one or two choose to go. Glynis or Sue will take names and organise tickets, but each member must provide their own transport or car share. The Group meet on a monthly basis to source and discuss a variety of shows we think U3A members would be interested in. Tickets purchased can be collected at the following U3A meeting. Forthcoming shows might be of interest.

Scrabble—Meetings are held at the Parish church

rooms. Time 2.00pm—4.30pm on the 1st & 3rd Wednesdays of each month. New mem-bers are welcome. We enjoy playing in a relaxed atmosphere.

Contact: Pauline Reed 01536 513850

Theatre Group — continued

The Lighthouse Theatre Wizard Of Oz by Kettering Operatic Society Wed 30

th April £12.50 Payment at

April meeting or cheque by Sun 20th April

Odeon cinema - National Theatre's before booking filmed Live (Encore) production of The Curious Incident Of The Dog in The Night Time - Olivier Award winner 2013. Thurs 22

nd May. I will know at the

April U3A meeting if seats are available and if so cost is £13 standard £14.60 premium seats. Payment will be required at April meeting or cheque by Sun 20

th

April.

Cheques payable to U3A Kettering No.2 A/C to Glynis Hall 57B Headlands Kettering, Northants NN15 7EU

Gilbert and Sullivan’s “Patience” at the Masque Theatre on Wednesday 14 May starting at 7.30 pm. Tickets £10. Grumpy Old Women at the Lighthouse Theatre on Monday 26 May at 7.30 pm. Tickets £20. West Side Story 5 June 2014 Matinee Circle Seats £35.00 (Car Sharing) Milton Keynes Theatre Closing Date for booking 28 April Top Hat 28 August 2014 Matinee Stall seats (with coach and tip, depending on numbers) £43.20 Milton Keynes Theatre Closing Date for booking 30 June One Man, Two Guvnors One of the funniest productions in the National Theatre’s history. A farce that is verbally funny, full of good gags which the actors play to the hilt. 24th September 2014 Matinee. Dress Circle seats (with coach and tip, depending on numbers) £34.00 Derngate. Closing Date for booking 31 July.

Individuals interested in seeing any of the above, please contact Helen McAdam. Full payment for tickets will be require and once booked will be non-refundable.

Contact: Helen McAdam on 07513 11920

Spanish Conversation — The Spanish conversation

group (I have changed the name from ‘Basic Spanish’ because this group is no longer suitable for absolute beginners) continues to meet on the

second and fourth Wednesday of each month from 2pm to 4pm. We have now managed to acquire a training room free of charge so our sessions continue to be free. We use the book Pasos 2 which is for second level students. We are now at full capacity. However, we would be happy to start a waiting list but because of the level our members are at, new students would need to have a reasonable knowledge of basic Spanish.

Contact: Bob Thorogood 01933 650551

[email protected]


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Walking Group - For our April walk 15 members met

up at Top Lodge in Fineshade Wood. We headed past Fineshade Abbey and right round Blatherwycke Lake covering 6 miles of varied landscape. Conditions were near perfect now the ground has had a chance to dry out. We returned to Top Lodge for a well deserved lunch with it being warm enough to eat outside. The next walk will be on Wednesday, 7th May round the Hambleton Peninsula at Rutland Water.

You can get details of this walk at the next meeting or contact: Jacky Rowson 01536 515 959 or John Sharp on 01536 518 026

Writers Group (continued)

In April we welcomed back Pat Clarke to our Group; our best wishes go especially to Neil, whom we miss. The following piece was written, a little tongue-in-cheek I think, by our newest member, Elizabeth Toseland. The topic was as per the title.

A Cello is a Very Unusual Murder Weapon

Catherine, one of my sisters, was taught to play the cello as a thirteen year old. She was required to make a bus journey each week for her lesson with the said cello. This was something that required considerable personal bravery as she ran the gauntlet of mockery and derision meted out on the street and on the bus.

At that time, the bus conductor, perhaps inspired by the television comedy "On the Buses" often used his job as an outlet for good-natured banter e.g "Give us a tune, love".

With a physique a bit smaller than the cello, Catherine may have nurtured a desire to use the instrument as a murder weapon. Whether in our out of its soft case, she could, with difficulty, have brought it down hard on the head of one of her tormentors. One of the four strings might have been removed from its peg and used for garrotting purposes. A cello bow is larger and sturdier than the violin bow wielded by another of my sisters but I doubt whether a cello bow would make an efficient murder weapon. However, the twelve inch spike at the base of the cello might be used for stabbing purposes.

The mellow, sonorous sound of the cello is more soothing on the ear than a lone, high-pitched violin. I do not think the playing of a cello has often provoked murderous thoughts but the playing of a violin might.

A cello is made of wood - albeit highly varnished wood and would undoubtedly be useless for playing if used to murder someone

My sister, Catherine never became a Jacqueline du Pre. After approximately eighteen months, she gave up playing the cello. Perhaps the parents of Jacqueline du Pre chauffeured her to and from her cello lessons, so she did not have to take the bus.

No murders took place.

Writers Group — Are you someone with an idea for

a story, a poem, an article, an essay, even a play that you've been dying to get down on paper, but have never got round to it? Or have you something that you've already written and would like to share! Why not come along to our friendly group? All you need is a love of words and a sense of humour; you'll find lots of positive encouragement and advice as well as a cuppa. We meet on the first Tuesday of each month from 1.45pm to 3.45pm in the Parish Rooms in Kettering: next meeting May 6th. For those who like a suggestion to work to - or ignore - the topic is a potted biography of anyone living, dead, fictional, imaginary or whatever as for a lead obituary in The Times. For more information or ideas contact: Mary Wildman 01536 741222 [email protected]

Watercolour Painting— The Water Colour

Painting Group has no classes in May, June, July and August. The new Autumn Term will begin on Thursday, 11th September, 2014 in the Parish Church Rooms (next to St. Peter & Paul Church), Kettering, and will be from 2pm to 4pm. We meet on the 2nd and 4th Thursdays of each month. We are in talks with a teacher who we hope will be joining us in September. If you would like to join us then please get in touch with Jo Beaver or Barbara Goodall - telephone numbers are on the back


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Kettering U3A Interest Group Timetable (Updated October 2013)

Please contact group co-ordinator for more information before joining a group

Meetings below with Ise Valley U3A

CY Feb/14

Day Co-ordinator Tel.no Venue Frequency Time

Monday

Canasta Pam Towns 01536 521160 Kettering Bridge Club Weekly 2.00-4.30pm

Swimming Isabel Collins 01536 520971 Kettering Pool Weekly 9.00-9.45am

Friday

Singing Jill Dee 01536 514054 Fuller Church 2nd & 4th Fridays 10.00-12.00

Day Co-ordinator Tel.no Venue Frequency Time

No fixed day

Safe Driving Steve Clorley 01832 732342 varies varies varies Roy Franklin 01536 482808 varies varies varies

Gardening Group Ray Bradbury 01536 516587 varies varies varies

Heartbeat Bridget Ling 01536 414810 varies varies varies

Travel Groups Maureen Curd 01832 732361 varies varies varies

Monday

A Good Read Diana Ellis 01536 723380 home 1st Monday 2.00pm

Card Making 2 Marian Tucker Maggi McGuire

01536 510354 01536 392716

home 1st Monday 10.00 – 12 noon

Musical Circles 1 Carole Bradbury 01536 516587 varies 3rd Monday 2.00pm Knit and Natter Annette Chidwick 01536 523867 Home 1st & 3rd Mondays 10.00 – 12 noon

Photography Trevor Rudkin 01536 711976 varies 1st Monday monthly 2.00 – 4.00pm

Theatre Helen McAdam 07513 11920 Home 4th Monday 10.30—12.30

Tuesday

Bridge Experienced Roger Stimson 01536 481523 home weekly 2.00pm Computer Group Richard Boyles 01536 744753 Fuller Church 2nd & 4th Tuesday 2.00 – 4.00pm Discussion Group Mary Earl 01536 522456 Parish Church Rooms 2nd Tuesday in month 2.00 – 4.00pm French Diana Ellis 01536 723380 home 2nd & 4th Tuesdays 2.00pm Greeting Card Making Mary Earl 01536 522456 home 1st Tuesday 10.00 – 11.30am Italian John Sellick 01536 517868 Home weekly 10.00 – 11.00am Lunch Club Glynis Hall 01536 516249 varies 4th Tuesday varies Sugarcraft Joan Allingham 01536 722610 home weekly 1.30 – 4.00pm Writers Group Mary Wildman 01536 741222 Parish Church Rooms 1st Tuesday 1.45 – 3.45pm

Wednesday

German Conversation 1 Joe Fletcher 01536 722399 home fortnightly 9.30 – 11.00 am

German Conversation 2 Joe Fletcher 01536 722399 home fortnightly 1.30 – 3.00 pm

Spanish Conversation Bob Thorogood 01933 650551 varies 2nd & 4th Wednesday 2.00 – 4.00pm

Bookworms Pauline Parkin 01536 799197 varies 4th Wednesday 2.00 – 4.00pm Greeting Card Making Mary Earl 01536 522456 home 1st Wednesday 10.00 - 11.30am Looking at Churches Janet Clements 01536 507721 varies 3rd Wednesday 2.00pm Musical Circles 2 Eileen Mason 01536 725925 varies 3rd Wednesday 2.00pm Playford Dancing Jean Beaver 01933 224474 St.Andrews Church 2nd & 4th Wednesday 2.30 – 4.00pm Scrabble Pauline Reed 01536 513850 Parish church rooms 1st & 3rd Wednesday 2.15 – 4.30pm

Walking Ann Kemp See Newsletter varies 1st Wednesday varies

Wining & Dining Christine Strachan 01536 515730 varies 2nd Wednesday varies

Thursday

Canals & Waterways Christine Strachan 01536 515730 varies 3rd Thursday 2.00 – 4.00pm Country Matters Derek Warren 01536 518560 varies 2nd Thursday varies Play Reading 1 Carole Bradbury 01536 516587 home 2nd & 4th Thursday 2.00 – 4.00pm

Water Colour Painting Barbara Goodall 01536 523259 Parish Church Rooms 2nd & 4th Thursdays 2.00 – 4.00pm

Jo Beaver 01933 224474

Friday

Bridge Sue Macfarlane 01536 523754 Bridge Club, Kettering weekly 1.30 – 4.00pm

Friday Pop in Sue Hince 01536 521023 Toller Church (Meeting Ln.) 1st Fri monthly 10.00 – 11.30am

Golf Alan Stephens 01536 726911 Pytchley Golf Club Every Friday 1.00 – 4.00pm

U3A Kettering Newsletter Apr 2014

Documents

Transcript of U3A Kettering Newsletter Apr 2014