U3A Kettering Newsletter March 2014

Kettering U3A March 2014

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18th March 2014

Kettering U3A Year 10 Newsletter 08

www.u3asites.org.uk/kettering

Registered Charity No. 1108614

Next Month — 15th April

Antiques Roadshow by

James Burton

Please bring along an object to be appraised

From the Chairman Spring is here (well almost!) and this is usually a sign of change for all

manner of things. Here at U3A we are also experiencing change – today’s

meeting is departing from the usual format of having a speaker slot and

getting members/groups sharing their interests/hobbies with us. I hope you

all find it enjoyable and perhaps one or two new interest groups might be

formed.

As well as new beginnings this time of year is also the time for looking forward and making plans for later on in the year. For U3A this is when we start thinking about the upcoming AGM (June) and membership renewals. This year there will be some critical vacancies on the Committee (full details will be in the April Newsletter) and it’s never too early to start thinking about standing for a vacancy! Please give it some thought and if you are interested please talk to any Committee member about the situation. We will also be reviewing our Membership fees but no decisions have yet been made, although we may need to increase the charge for posting the Newsletter due to the recent announcement from Royal Mail. No matter what the outcome we will ensure that any increase is kept to a minimum and Kettering U3A continues to offer excellent value for money.

CyrilCyrilCyrilCyril

Today — 18th March

Something completely different - NO SPEAKER

Members and Groups will tell us all about their hobbies/interests.


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Members & Group Leaders Information

Monthly Meeting

Dates & Speakers

Refreshment Rota

Terry Young is our refreshment organiser and she will keep the contents of the refreshments up to date. There is no need to bring milk and biscuits. There is no washing up! If your group is assisting please be there by 1.15pm to help set-up

This month it is Spanish

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

You will be reminded by e-mail prior to your allocated meeting date Please note— Should you foresee any problems please contact Terry Young ASAP Tel: 01536 392 065 E-mail [email protected]

Normal charges are:-

TEA/COFFEE with biscuits 50p

SQUASH (on request) 30p

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.

Newsletter You can view the newsletter in

glorious colour on the internet at

http://www.u3asites.org.uk/kettering

15th Apr Antique Roadshow. James Burton 20th May Vulcan To The Sky 17th Jun Annual General Meeting 15th Jul TBA 19th Aug TBA 16th Sep TBA 21st Oct Rutland Osprey by Tim Mackrill 18th Nov Every Picture Tells A Story. Mike Leonard 16th Dec Christmas Special

YOUR U3A NEEDS YOU !

New Committee Members Needed

Come and join your Committee

Job Description :- Member of Kettering U3A, eager to work, enthusiastic, willing to help and advise, bring new ideas and to keep your Kettering U3A running. Please fill in a nomination form and return to the Secretary.

If there is no committee there is no Kettering U3A


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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 ———- —————-

Welcome To New Members Tim Collins Jenny Cunningham Liz Aitken Philippa Richardson Tony Roberts Audrey Ormshaw Elaine Warren Chris Warren

Don’t forget that if you can’t get to the meeting you can:

♦ collect a Newsletter from either the Library or Tourist Information counter at Kettering Museum.

♦ use our postal service, cost £4.25 for half year. Ask the membership secretary for details.

♦ download the newsletter from the web site, www.u3asites.org.uk/kettering and click on Links

To All Group Leaders From the Committee Please check that any member of your group is actually a member of the U3A. This is important because of insurance implications.

Group Leaders know the Post Code of your venue. The emergency services will ask for it in order

to despatch an ambulance without delay.

Group Coordinator Message

I was sad to receive Rosemary Cooke's resignation as Lunch club group leader and would like to extend our heartfelt thanks for her long-serving leadership of this group. Fortunately we already have a new leader for the group and I take this opportunity to welcome and thank Glynis Hall for filling the role. I am looking forward to enjoying Ray Bradley's practical gardening presentation in April I am sure it will be well attended.

Web Master If you wish me to put additional information and/or photographs relating to your Groups on the

Kettering U3A Website, please let me have this either via email to [email protected] or by letting me have hardcopy. It would also be useful if I could have your permission to quote your email address. There is not only a list of Groups on the Website, but each Group also has its own page for the purpose of displaying both information and photographs. At present I have been able to include photographs for some Groups, which is due to the efforts of their Group Leaders. Richard Boyles - Kettering U3A Web Master

News Letter Editor Copy deadline 10 days before monthly meeting: Saturday 5th April 2014 Members photos, drawings, cartoons, poems etc. are all welcome. I will publish if space permits.

To All Members Unable to attend your group meeting? Please remember to advise your Group Leader as this will as-

sist your leader in all arrangements. Thank you.

If you are aware of anything affecting one of our members, such as an important birthday, anniver-

sary, illness, etc. and feel that a card from U3A would be appreciated, please contact:- Joan Rolfe 01536 521 531


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Visits and Events Due to the cancellations and disappointments experienced in 2013 I have decided to use RB Travel for some visits. This does mean that we will share with the general public for some trips. I have tried to take note of the suggested trips and will endeavour to revert to our normal practise for bookings in the future. Meanwhile we will have a deadline for payment and as the following trip information shows we have a cut-off date. Cheques should be made payable to U3A Kettering No. 2 A/C

Trips & Visits

Wednesday 16 April 15 seats held Windsor Castle. £31.95 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. THE DOWNSIDE IS THAT WE HAVE CUTOFF ON 19 MARCH. This means you only have today to make a decision!!!!! I am currently negotiating for the popular idea of a trip to Hampton Court Palace & Gardens on Thursday 05 June. Details to follow. In future theatre bookings will be arranged by the newly formed theatre group. You will find the details of this group later in the newsletter.

“Health” Warning

These days most people* use a computer. Your data and photographs are at risk unless you take a few simple precautions as below. ALWAYS run an UP TO DATE Virus scanning program ALWAYS make backup copies of your data and photos ALWAYS run the Windows/Apple security updates WARNING from Microsoft that Windows XP will no longer be supported after 8th April 2014. One of the reasons that Microsoft is keen to stop people using XP is because it is feared that once the security updates stop, anyone still using XP will be a tempting target for hi-tech thieves. This was especially true given the work that Microsoft had done to harden more recent versions of Windows against attack. "It's got harder for the bad guys to come up with working exploits for more modern Windows platforms".

Windows 7 and 8 now employ several different techniques that hide the internal workings of the operating system from attackers. Cybercriminals keen to steal data or compromise machines often get a foothold by exploiting a problem in an application such as a web browser. Then they piggyback on the access that application has to a PC's memory to burrow their way in deeper. If you have any questions please contact Richard Boyles for advice. If you are planning to upgrade or buy a new computer I recommend Kettering Laptops, 37 Victoria Street who are very helpful and will even set up your computer in your home for you. * SOURCE: Office For National Statistics say in 2013 83% of UK households have internet access and 73% of the adult population use the Internet every day.

Weston by Welland Church by Alan Robinson


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Card Making 1 — How nice it was to be back card

making with my friends on Tuesday and Wednesday. We managed to get caught up with all the news as well as making a selection of different cards. We had Mothering Sunday, lots of Easter eggs as well as Anniversary and Birthday cards. What a group of talented people. I would like to stress that although several of our cards will be on show at the next meeting, this is in no way a recruitment drive. The group is full with a waiting list. A big thank you goes to Marian Tucker for holding the fort in my absence. The next meetings are on April 1st and 2nd, usual time and place. Contact: Mary Earl 01536 522456

Bookworms — At our next meeting, we will prepare a

wish list for the books members wish to read in 2014. We would like one or two new members to join us. We are a friendly group, and books are chosen by members. Over the past 18 months, new authors have been introduced and our range is fairly eclectic. 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 — I would like to thank

the group for the beautiful picture they gave me of Market Harborough canal basin. It was a lovely surprise. At our last meeting we enjoyed another talk by Mary Matts on flowers of the canals. Mary is a wonderful speaker with a great knowledge of the canals. Her talk also included anecdotes of her first experiences of canals. Our next meeting is on Thursday 20th March 11.0am at the Museum Stoke Bruerne. For early birds we shall have coffee followed by a walk with lunch at the pub afterwards. For those of you who are joining us in Wales in May, Cathy has booked the boat trip for Wednesday 21st. I shall also try and book somewhere for dinner on that day. If you are interested in joining us on any of our trips please let me know. Contact: Christine Strachan 01536 515730 [email protected]

News — Interest Groups — Visits and Reports

Card Making 2 — At our February meeting we

prepared cards for our table at the March monthly meeting. Our March Group meeting is on the 24

th, which is a change

from the scheduled programme. As mentioned last month, I am stepping down as Group

Leader after our March meeting and Marian Tucker has very kindly agreed to take over, with Maggi McGuire’s help, for which I thank them. My “students” are a lovely group of people and I have enjoyed their lively company and sharing my knowledge with them. A huge thank you to them all! Contact: Freda Smith 01536 482 368 Marian Tucker 01536 510 354 [email protected] See many more pictures on the U3A web site


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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

Discussion Group — A very big thank you goes to

Glynis Hall and Annette Chidwick for running the group during my holiday. I was very grateful. We had a great holiday but were pleased to come back to see everyone. I am looking forward to the Discussion Group on Tuesday when the topic will be "Should History be taught to GCSE level in schools". The next meeting will be on April 8th in The Parish Church Rooms from 2pm to 4pm. Topic to be arranged. Parking is available next to the hall. 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 and we have just completed Word Processing. The next session in managing your Photographs where we will learn how to download from the camera to the computer. Organise the photographs into logical groups and rename them in batches so you will never lose another picture. Beginners session 11 will focus on using E-mail. Replying correctly and attaching documents and pictures to your e-mails. We will also look at Windows Live E-mail and other FREE goodies from Microsoft. Please check Computer Group’s internet site for updates. www.U3AComputerGroup.co.uk 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 11 Mar Beginners 09 - Word Processing part 2 25 Mar Beginners 10 - Manage Photographs 08 Apr Beginners 11 - E-Mail and Windows Live 22 Apr Beginners 12 - (TBC)

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 walk in February was at

East Carlton Country Park when we were exceptionally lucky with the weather – practically ‘wall-to-wall’ sunshine! The snowdrops were at their best and we also spotted a good clump of winter aconites – a cheerful yellow flower at this time of the year. Afterwards, quite a few of us enjoyed a meal in the Royal George pub in Cottingham.

Our March meeting will already have taken place by the time the magazine is in print so our April meeting will be on 10 April at 10.30 am in the car park of the Shuckburgh Arms in Southwick for a stroll in the woods. Look forward to seeing you all there. Contact: Derek Warren 01536 518 560 [email protected]


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Gardening Group —Monday 14 April at the Fuller

Baptist Church, from 2 until 4pm. An afternoon devoted to the Fuchsia, with an explanation of its origins, types and culture. A practical demonstration of taking cuttings, their aftercare, planting out in the garden or in pots and what to do to make the best of this magnificent flower. A small charge will be made to cover the cost of the room hire. Refreshments available. 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. Further details in next months newsletter. 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— Walking at a pace to suit you! Step into

spring and join us for just 30 mins. Walk, then enjoy a coffee. The spring group walk will be 7

th April 2014

10.00 am. Meeting outside the Coffee Shop, Cranford. Looking forward to seeing new and existing members. 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 Contact: Joe Fletcher 01536 722 399

Lunch Club — Rosemary says “a big thank you to all

members of the Lunch Club for their support to me over the years.” As most people will know by now I have taken over the reins of the Lunch Club. A huge Thank You to Rosemary from all lunch members for heading the group for so long and so well. The lunch at the Red Lion in February was thoroughly enjoyed by all 34 of us, if the noise level was anything to go by. It was very

nice to see so many faces. What I wanted to say at the lunch but didn't find the opportunity, was many thanks to those who have offered to help in the months ahead. The March lunch will be organised by Christine Foley tel:- 01536 744033 and will be at the Thornhill Arms Rushton on Tuesday 25th March. As we all know these offers to host are very vital to the sustainability of the Lunch Club which we all enjoy. At the March U3A meeting I will leave a note book on the table, please put your name in the book and your telephone number if you would consider doing it at some point, but are not sure just how or when. It would also be helpful to write down any venues you think would be a good idea or indeed any venues you think are worth a re-visit. The note book will be there each month, or you can contact me. Contact: Glynis Hall 01536 516249 or [email protected]

Golf — As you may imagine from the weather it

hasn`t been the best playing conditions. However several of us turned out most weeks with some surprisingly good scores !! Pytchley like many other courses had a ban on trolleys so it meant carrying your clubs. However from a positive prospective it was good exercise and maybe some may continue using this method when the weather eventually improves whenever that may be !! As usual we meet just after 1pm on Fridays and 9 holes takes under 2 hours so it doesn`t take up too much of the day. There`s a well earned tea or coffee or even a beer afterwards during which we itemise our brilliance on certain holes played and our determination to even improve on for next week !! We would really like to see additional members so that in the summer we can arrange several competitions. So why not give me a call or just turn up at Pytchley on Fridays? Contact: Alan Stephens 01536 726 911 or 07931 637 660 or [email protected]


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Looking at Churches — In February we went to

Weston by Welland to a pretty country church built of multi coloured stone. An added bonus of visiting

village churches is that, if the weather is fine, we have a lovely drive through the countryside to get to them. Our guide had set up a photographic exhibition of how the church once

looked, and described all the restoration work which had been done in the last 200 years. In 1849 it was described as an ancient dilapidated structure, but in 1866 the church was almost rebuilt at the expense of the vicar & local wealthy landowners. There are some very colourful stained glass windows and an unusual baptismal font which opens at the front. The clock mechanism is rare as it is the only one in the country which is a replica of Big Ben, although the face is different. Our next church is BRAMPTON ASH on Wednesday March 19th at 2.0pm. It stands on a busy road, so it is best to park with your back to the church, facing the road. April will be our EVENING visit to the Hindhu Mandir in Mill Road, Wellingborough NN8 1PE. This is on Wednesday April 16th at 6.30pm Contact: Janet Clements 01536 507721 or [email protected]

Knit and Natter - Although Christmas is a long way

off some us are knitting figures for a Nativity scene requested by the church Janet attends. Although we are full at the moment, if anyone would like to start another group we would be happy for them to come and see what we get up to.

Some of the knit and natter ladies enjoying a cup of coffee and a chat. Contact: Annette Chidwick 01536 523867

Musical Circles 2 — We started with a rousing

number by Paganini, his Violin Concerto no. 1, just to get us in the mood. We then listened to to Haydn’s Symphony No. 94 in its entirety, first performed in 1792. Then there was a change to the voice, with the marvellous Lucia Popp singing arias from Verdi’s Rigoletto. Daniel Barenboim then played the first movement from Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 25, a piece that even made Mozart sweat to play, so fiendishly difficult was it. Louis Spohr, regarded as the greatest violinist of his day, who died in 1859, then provided the next piece, his Overture Opus 12. A stand alone composition, not the introduction to an opera. We then listened to an item by John Field, his Piano Concerto No. 5, entitled by him as ‘By Fire and Lightning’, played by Benjamin Frith, a winner of many piano competitions. We ended as we started with a piece by Paganini, his Caprice No. 5. A fitting finish to an afternoon of good music and good company with a break for refreshments and a good gossip Contact: Eileen Mason 01536 725925

Musical Circles 1— Due to illness, holidays and

hospital appointments we had to cancel our February session but we are looking forward to our next meeting which will be hosted by Gwyneth. We would be pleased to hear from another member who is interested in a pleasant afternoon listening to music. If you would like a 'taster' do give me a ring. Contact: Carole Bradbury 01536516587

Safe Driving—Driving should be a pleasant and

enjoyable experience that enables us to make the most of life, but it can also be stressful and even dangerous. A variety of reasons, including a loss of confidence, health problems or bereavement can result in older drivers having problems with driving. If you’ve got any concerns about you’re driving, we’d be pleased to help. To find out more about the Safe Driving Group, please contact either Roy or Steve. Steve Clorley Email: [email protected] Telephone: 01832 732342 or 07973 624815 Roy Franklin Email: [email protected] Telephone: 01536 482808 or 07751 106617

Weston by Welland Church by Alan Robinson


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Playreading —We welcomed Jan Perry, a long

standing member of KU3A, to our group last month. Our play was "A Pressing Engagement" by David Walker, a short comedy enjoyed by all. For our second session members each made a contribution bringing poems, short stories or passages from books. We also had a general knowledge quiz which kept most of us guessing. It should have been called 'On Tip of my Tongue' because it seems that is where the answer always lies. Next month's dates are March 13th and 27th Contact: Carole Bradbury 01536 516587

Photography Group — Bad timing. It happens a lot in

photography – or it does to me anyway. The March meeting of this group was arranged for the afternoon at Foxton Locks. The morning began with frost and mist. It would have been perfect for those atmospheric shots by the canal. But by the time we’d met up in the afternoon it was dull and cloudy. We took a walk up and down the locks, taking a few photos on the way. It started to rain, so the rest of the meeting was spent drinking coffee in the pub. On the way home it poured with rain, then the skies cleared and the sun came out. More lovely lighting going to waste! Still, it makes it more special when it does all come right. The next meeting will be on Monday 7

th April in Oundle

at 2.00pm. More photos taken by this group can be seen on the group’s page of the Kettering U3A website. Contact: Trevor Rudkin 01536 711976 or [email protected]

Foxton Locks photo by Marilyn Foulsham

Poker Group —

Contact: Ted Bray 01536 521803

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

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 meet at various

members’ houses so there is no charge. 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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Wining and Dining - We enjoyed a lovely evening at

Prezzo's taking advantage of a voucher which also made it a very reasonable price. I have booked the Turkish restaurant in Rothwell for Wednesday 9th March at 7.0pm I went there this week with another group member and as we enjoyed a tasty meal decide to book it for our group. If you wish to join us please let me know. 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 — The new Theatre Group met on the

24 February to discuss how the group would operate. It was agreed to try and arrange a monthly theatre visit and to use a variety of theatres. Local - The Lighthouse, The Core, The Castle. A little further afield— Royal & Derngate, Milton Keynes, The Curve. Also to look at special visits to theatres or shows in London, Birmingham etc. To start the ball rolling, the following visits were agreed:-

Broadway and Beyond at the Lighthouse Theatre on Saturday 12 April starting at 7.30 p.m. Tickets £14 and concessions £13.

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.

Individuals interested in seeing any of the above, please contact Glenys Hall by the 21 March 2014 on 01536 516249. Full payment for tickets will be require and once booked will be non-refundable..

The next meeting of the Theatre Group will be on Monday 24

th March at 10.30 am.

Contact: Helen McAdam on 07513 11920

Scrabble—Meetings are held at the Parish church

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

Contact: Pauline Reed 01536 513850

Watercolour Painting—The Water Colour Painting

Group thoroughly enjoyed the demonstration of "Poppies in a Meadow" by Claire Warner on the 27th. It was so interesting that we hope she will be able to return to us again soon.

Claire is standing ready to comment on each person's painting, and as you will see everyone turned out a very good picture.

The finished pictures of "Poppies in a Meadow" by members.

Our last painting class with Janice Hay, Greta Knibbs and Jo Beaver watching Bob Thorogood painting in water colour. Whether you have painted before or are a complete beginner we will welcome you to our friendly class. Contacts: Barbara Goodall 01536 523 259 Jo Beaver 01933 224 474


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Walking Group - On 5th March 14 members set out

from the Kings Head in Wadenhoe on the first walk of the year. Despite very wet conditions we managed to find a fairly dry route, so set off up to Wadenhoe church. As it was open we had quick look round before starting the Lyveden Way towards Aldwincle Lodge diverting to a minor footpath to avoid the swamps. A hard track led us to Lilford Wood, a scene of severe wind damage to the fir trees. An extremely muddy field was crossed to Lyveden New Bield and after a group

photo we enjoyed a well deserved cuppa. The wet conditions meant we crossed the paddy field and walked back through the wood before picking up the track to Wadenhoe lodge and eventually joining the drift road into the village and an excellent lunch at the pub. All agreed it was a good walk and hopefully a start to uninterrupted summer walking. Next walk will be on the 2nd April details at the next meeting or contact: Jacky Rowson 01536 515 959 or John Sharp on 01536 518 026

Writers Group (continued)

This time last year, after what had been a very long, cold winter we took Browning's view of an English spring for our inspiration. Although this winter has been very different - so far - we look back, as a reminder, at a poem from 2013, that itself looks forward to better days: Oh, Not To Be In England! (Home Thoughts April 2013) Sally Angell

Oh not to be in England now that April’s here for whoever wakes in England finds a shadow of her there, sees shoots stunt, stopped by winter chill as the sky holds ice. Nothing’s right; old words stuck through empty days, and nights a minus dearth in England – now! Her eyes dull and close, April is falling, falling deeper and deeper to rest and meditate and sleep letting goV lettingVgoV into earth’s arms down to the roots of life to a gathering warmth soothing, restoring, connecting, healing – April’s back pale fingers stretch, meet the reachings of the sun – a remembered smile, She’s learning again with the lambs, their limbs stutter at ground shape into moving half letters of a new story. Quick hints on the breath of a scent still to come, there’s that taste in the air and a ring to the ear, paint drops sparkle white gold on the soft green grass of England, now April really is here.

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? Come along, then, 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 April 1st. (There is a small charge towards the hire of the room.) For those who like a suggestion to work to - or ignore - the topic is Blame it on the Stones. Contact: Mary Wildman 01536 741222


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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 01536 510354 home 3rd 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

Poker Ted Bray 01536 521803 home weekly 2.00pm

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 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 3rd 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

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

U3A Kettering Newsletter March 2014

Documents

Transcript of U3A Kettering Newsletter March 2014