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www.radlettu3a.org.uk Blog 17 – 2.7.20 Hi everyone, Once again, Saturday is here and the thought of what do I start writing for this week’s blog? See how early we start……..Having gone back a bit last week I am continuing with childhood and focusing on school days. My parents were not well off and I was at a little local council school in Hendon, Algernon Road, where the bane of my life was a shnip called Michael who permanently made me cry by pulling my plaits. I took my 11 plus and also the entrance exam to North London Collegiate. I passed but when receiving the results my father said, “not going to that snob school”, so I went to Copthall County in Mill Hill. In retrospect it was probably the fees that made the choice, not sure why I sat in the first place It was a ride on the 113 bus and I suddenly was very grown up doing that journey every day on my own. I was a bit sheltered, being an only child. My friend Barbara and I would stop on the way home and buy ourselves Wagon wheels (choc biscuits) at Hendon Central Liptons Hence the lifelong weight problem – or maybe I can’t blame that. I was not a great fan of my school days, certainly not as the old adage goes “the best days of your life” but I did make some lovely friends who are around to this day. I was not a natural scholar, told off for talking too much, hated hockey in the mud, school dinners were revolting (I still can’t stand the smell of boiling cabbage and the look of tapioca pudding with a dollop of jam in the middle (yuk !!)and when I got to the sixth form, not being made a prefect because I was caught not wearing my beret on the way to the bus stop after school. Almost criminal offence. How sad is that!!! You are not all aware of what a rebel I was!!! My favourite subject was Latin which unfortunately was not a great deal of help to me in later life. Amazing what you can find on Google – I just put in Copthall and managed to get all the old photos of the years that I was at school. Here is a part of the picture in my second year (do you remember those great long school photographs) and see if you can find me. Amazingly I found every year on line, also photos of all the teachers, who by today’s standards look even more scary than they were at the time. I know that I am older than most of you but if you were at Copthall or even Algernon Road, please let me know so that we can compare notes. ([email protected]) Adrienne

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Page 1: Blog 17 2.7 › files › r › radlett › docs › blog172.7... · 1 day ago · Blog 17 – 2.7.20 Hi ... number 2 has decided to teach herself Italian and grandchild number 3

www.radlettu3a.org.uk

Blog 17 – 2.7.20

Hi everyone,

Once again, Saturday is here and the thought of what do I start writing for this week’s blog? See how early we start……..Having gone back a bit last week I am continuing with childhood and

focusing on school days. My parents were not well off and I was at a little local council school in Hendon, Algernon Road, where the bane of my life was a shnip called Michael who permanently

made me cry by pulling my plaits. I took my 11 plus and also the entrance exam to North London Collegiate. I passed but when receiving the results my father said, “not going

to that snob school”, so I went to Copthall County in Mill Hill. In retrospect it was probably the fees that made the choice, not sure why I sat in the first

place

It was a ride on the 113 bus and I suddenly was very grown up doing that journey every day on my own. I was a bit sheltered, being an only child. My

friend Barbara and I would stop on the way home and buy ourselves Wagon wheels (choc biscuits) at Hendon Central Liptons

Hence the lifelong weight problem – or maybe I can’t blame that.

I was not a great fan of my school days, certainly not as the old adage goes “the best days of your life” but I did make some lovely friends who are around to this day. I was not a

natural scholar, told off for talking too much, hated hockey in the mud, school dinners were revolting (I still can’t stand the smell of boiling cabbage and the look of tapioca pudding with a dollop of jam in the middle (yuk !!)and when I got to the sixth form, not being made a prefect because I was caught not wearing my beret on the way

to the bus stop after school. Almost criminal offence. How sad is that!!! You are not all

aware of what a rebel I was!!! My favourite subject was Latin which unfortunately was not

a great deal of help to me in later life.

Amazing what you can find on Google – I just put in Copthall and managed to get all the old

photos of the years that I was at school. Here is a part of the picture in my second year (do you

remember those great long school photographs) and see if you can find me.

Amazingly I found every year on line, also photos of all the teachers, who by today’s standards look even more scary than they were at the time.

I know that I am older than most of you but if you were at Copthall or even Algernon Road, please let me know so that we can compare notes. ([email protected])

Adrienne

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The weather last week was lovely, although too hot for me. Therefore, it seemed OK to one of our groups to decide to dispense with Zoom and have a meeting at home. We are really sorry but we

have to abide both by the rules of Government (6 people) and also by the U3A rules – no gatherings at all at the moment – as you will not be covered by our U3A insurance. Chairman

‘WHEN THEY FINALLY APPEAR TO HAVE HEARD WHAT YOU HAVE SAID’!

“I have been saying to my children for years and years that children who are bored become creative. Today’s grandchildren appear to be organised from the minute they wake up to the moment they go to bed.

This has actually come to fruition this week in that some of my grandchildren have suddenly developed new interests. Grandchild number 1 has taken up sewing - has actually obtained a sewing machine and has already made herself a matching hat and bag and grandchild number 2 has decided to teach herself Italian and grandchild number 3 is looking at ways of playing around with animation on his computer to see what he can do. Grandchild number 4 is practicing his drumming and rushing through the grades. So, four out of five is a good average! Vivien S

Answers on last page of blog Jerry P

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‘GOING TO THE DOGS’ - FURTHER REMINISCENCES

What especially interested me were your recollections about visiting Hendon Stadium – to give the venue its proper name, owned by the Walker brothers. I did not go there as a punter – I was the licenced Veterinary surgeon. I calculate that I was there for a few years around 1965. I remember well the terraces being littered with discarded tote tickets, because every Tuesday there were what are called ‘Official Trials’, when I could look down on the cleaning team ankle-deep in paper. I left when it was decided to change racing times to the afternoons – so that they could be relayed to the betting shops. I I could tell dozens of tales about the many friends I met there. Raymond G

Your item regarding dog tracks did bring back memories for me. I too, just with my father would go to 'the dogs'. Can't remember whether Wembley or Hendon, but it could have been both at various times. I also collected all those lovely coloured tickets, though I am not sure why. My dad did not pay for me to go in, so we would climb over the turnstiles! Marilyn H

MY MEMORIES

Having read and enjoyed 16 weekly Blogs, I decided it was time to rack my brain and think of something that might be of interest to members.

Adrienne’s reminiscence of Hendon Greyhound Stadium reminded me of visits for a com-pletely different reason. In my teens I, together with a group of friends, would accompany my mother to that stadium with collection tins in aid of Cancer Research. Most people at ‘the dogs’ were very generous so it was a great money maker for the charity! Funnily enough, I believe Adrienne was one of the friends who came with me on several occasions. She and I have been close friends for about 70 years!!

Whilst thinking about Hendon Greyhound Stadium, I was reminded of a company which was located in a neighbouring trading estate. In 1971 I opened an office in Edgware, specialising in credit control and debt recovery … with a difference. My idea was to be nice to everyone – ‘treat debtors and slow payers as you, yourself, would like to be treated’. This gentle touch proved to be successful. Very soon I had obtained some high-profile clients and, as a result, had publicity in several newspapers, one of which was The Daily Telegraph.

As in most businesses, there were highs and lows. A serious low came early in my career – a lucrative client decided to do their own collections ‘in house’ rather than continue to out-

source to my office. I was devastated. My PA attempted to reassure me by saying ‘One door closes another one open’s’! These words of wisdom have lifted my spirits on many occasions and have proved to be true in other cir-cumstances. Within a few days of losing that client, a gentleman appeared at

my office with a copy of The Daily Telegraph and an old suitcase full of invoices. He pointed at an article on my company and asked if we did credit control. His company, Johnsons of Hendon, had been instructed to relocate at short notice as the whole area (which included the Hendon Greyhound Stadium) was being redeveloped. The Credit Control department of Johnsons of Hendon was outsourced to my office - Manna from Heaven! The result of the redevelopment is Brent Cross Shopping Centre! It’s funny that Adrienne’s reminiscing triggered mem-ories for me that had been locked away for many years! Barbara F

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ALNWICK MEMORIES

A poem by David Filmer which I think many of us will relate to

Back in the days of tanners and bobs, When Mothers had patience and Fathers had jobs. When football team families wore hand me down shoes, And T.V gave only two channels to choose.

Back in the days of three penny bits, when schools employed nurses to search for your nits. When snowballs were harmless; ice slides were permitted and all of your jumpers were warm and hand knitted.

Back in the days of hot ginger beers, when children remained so for more than six years. When children respected what older folks said, and pot was a thing you kept under your bed.

Back in the days of Listen with Mother, when neighbours were friendly and talked to each other. When cars were so rare you could play in the street. When Doctors made house calls and Police walked the beat. Back in the days of Milligan's Goons, when butter was butter and songs all had tunes. It was dumplings for dinner and trifle for tea, and your annual break was a day by the sea. Back in the days of Dixon's Dock Green, Crackerjack pens and Lyons ice cream. When children could freely wear National Health glasses, and teachers all stood at the FRONT of their classes.

Back in the days of rocking and reeling, when mobiles were things that you hung from the ceiling. When woodwork and pottery got taught in schools, and everyone dreamed of a win on the pools.

Back in the days when I was a lad, I can't help but smile for the fun that I had. Hopscotch and roller skates; snowballs to lob. Back in the days of tanners and bobs.

Joan M

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IF ONLY WE HAD AN EXTRA DAY!!!

My husband, Malcolm, and our two friends went on a lovely tour of Canada.

My friend and I always said at the end of a holiday that we wished we had an ex-

tra day or could go on somewhere else and this time our wish came true! We had

started our tour in Toronto and then went on to Ottawa, Quebec, Montreal and

finished up getting the train to Halifax in Nova Scotia.

We were due to fly home overnight and arrived at the airport in good time to

check-in. Our flight time drew nearer and no announcement as to boarding was

made and the appointed time came and went and we were still sitting and waiting.

About 45 minutes after the departure time the crew walked by with suitcases and

we thought this rather odd. After nearly an hour an announcement was made that

there was trouble with the plane and we would not be flying to Heathrow until the following

evening and could we therefore collect our baggage from the terminal.

We duly did this and had assumed that as we were stuck in Canada (part of the

Commonwealth) we would be offered accommodation. No such luck, if it had

been a European flight then that would have been the case, but not International as

they did not have to provide anything for us, other than meal vouchers.

We were therefore left with the option of sleeping on a wooden bench (you have got to be

joking!!!) or finding a hotel at 1.00 a.m. in the morning, bearing in mind the following day

was a National Holiday in Canada and we were 30 miles from the city centre.

Luckily, Malcolm spotted a brand-new hotel adjacent to the airport and they were able to

put us up and we had a comfy bed to sleep in and all mod cons and I was one happy bunny

I can tell you! We were able to keep the room until we had to check-in again, but the day

spent at the airport was very long and the only good thing about it was that they had one

tiny gift shop with some very unusual pieces of jewellery, so that was the only good thing

about our “extra day” away, but one that I won’t forget in a hurry!!! Jackie S

Brian Lipman’s ‘Stars of the Silver Screen’

Al Jolson was a Russian born Jewish American Singer and I believe the world’s greatest entertainer. He was aged 64 when he died in 1950. He was a Blackface comedian of the musical stage up to 1940and his unique singing style and personal magnetism estab-lished an immediate rapport with audience’s. He came to United States when he was seven years old, was reared in Washington D.C

where he made his first stage appearance in 1899. He performed with his brother and others in Vaudeville before joining the Lew Dock-staders Minstrels in 1909. Jolson unsuccessfully sang a George Gershwin song ‘Swanee’ but it later became his trademark. ‘Bombo’ a Broadway production it opened in 1921 at the Jolson 59th Street Theatre and ran for 219 performances with the cast of Al Jolson and Janet Adair. The songs, ‘Mammy’, ‘Toot, Toot Tootsie!’ ‘Califor-nia here I come’ and ‘April Showers’ were some of his biggest successes.

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In 1927 Jolson starred in the Jazz Singer the very first feature film with synchronised speech as well as music and sound effects. The picture revolutionised the motion picture industry and it marked the end of the silent film era. Jolson married 4 times and his father was Rabbi Moshe Reuben Yoelson. Larry Parks made The Jolson Story in 1946 and then a follow up in 1949. At the end of that movie Larry Parks meets Al Jolson and both movies in my eyes were great.

Where there's a will, I want to be in it No one ever says it's only a game when their team is winning

The most important item in an order will no longer be available

He who laughs last thinks slowest If all is not lost, where is it?

It is easier to get older than it is to get wiser

No one is listening until you make a mistake Marion C

U3A NEWS

Little to report- but all seems to be running smoothly. It

would be nice if all leaders would welcome non-members (of

their group) into their Zoom meetings as there is no space restriction, unlike in

halls or houses. It may give people the initiative to start a new group themselves

when we are back to normal, as they can then be aware of how it is run. If you

wish to join, it would be polite to send the leader a message (found on website).

On Tuesday we had a fascinating talk by Pepe Martinez on Theatreland. He had

such entertaining stories to tell us about the London theatres, on their

background, who performed there, changes in name etc - fascinating. He will be

back with another talk in a few weeks – look out for it.

Please continue to send in your titbits for the blog. Elaine puts it together

wonderfully but we want your stories. Adrienne

Lockdown is eased but stay aware and safe

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From your Country Correspondent

Since lock-up or is it lock-down? Probably self-quarantine is the right word- I have been very lucky in that I live in a large old house on the edge of Shenley, with a large garden and a paddock where my daughter Sam keeps two retired ponies. We also have access to some very pretty foot paths and some nice neighbours close by and further away in the village. I am a retired Veterinary Surgeon, although I work on 2 days a month, but more in holiday time, at a Bedfordshire greyhound track. I am in my eighties and pretty mobile. Walking regularly sometimes for a couple of hours. My daughter – Sam - who lives a few minutes from me comes in every day, and has her office here – she does the shopping and often prepares my lunch which is a nice change from my efforts or the freezer. Initially when I was confined socially, I stopped to consider what things made me feel happy and content. I decided that being able to relate to the wildlife in the immediate locality was a

plus - this includes both wild animals, birds and also having house pets. I have not mentioned the garden, although I have made the most of the recent glorious weather and hope we will soon enjoy the fruits of our labour. So - I am going to write about T….. the cat.

There are always a few cats who wander across the field and one that caught my eye some years ago was dark tortoiseshell and white. Saggy milk glands and abdomen suggested that she was either preg-nant or may have had kittens. One winter morning I was having a telephone conversation while scanning the garden from a room at the

front of the house when I saw the tortoiseshell cat trotting across the front garden carrying a mouse. I ended my call and hurried to our sitting room at the back where I could see her from a window, making her way to an old tumbledown shed in the corner of the garden where assorted rubbish and kindling wood was stored. (I recalled hearing recently, when I went in there for fire-wood, rustlings which I attributed to mice or rats.) Sam soon joined me to investigate, while the cat stood by watching. We found 5 kittens in her nest – a big ginger and four black and white. The two Labrador dogs that we had stood by and watched from a respectful distance but the cat was quite unconcerned while we found a suitable box, bed-ding and food. As there was no nearby electricity, we decided to bed the family down and visited to feed her a couple more times. On the next day we had started a serious tidy up of the maternity suite and found two more kittens who were hiding under the floor, which made a total of seven. The big ginger tom was taken by a local farmers wife, and two more kittens were reserved to go to a local family. Chantal - a lovely veterinary nurse from the practice - offered to take the cat and kittens home with her, find homes for the kittens, have the mother neutered and bring her back after Christmas - as well as looking after young children, a husband and her own menagerie.

So - after the Christmas break the cat was returned to us. She did not think much of the comfortable quarters that I had provided for her in the summer house, so took up residence indoors – we already had a cat flap, and has now been with us for nearly 8 years. We believe that she had been dumped near us, and we are often reminded that she was an ‘un-married’ mother. She was obviously was used to dogs and could not understand why ours would not play with her. She is quite greedy, and we need to be hard hearted and monitor her rations, as well as putting foodstuffs away.

She has done little wrong in the 8 years she has been with us. She used to play catch with my hand through the banisters going down to our hall, but after complaining to her about her sharp claws she now keeps them in. Her worst habits are shredding the carpets with her claws and bringing mice into the house either dead or alive. This gets a strange reaction from some visitors. We are all very fond of her and glad that we found her. Raymond G

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THE NEXT TUESDAY ZOOM MEETING

Tuesday 14th July at 11.00m Ian Keable will be talking about ‘History of Cartoons:

from William Hogarth to Private Eye’

The first time the word cartoon was used in the sense that we know it today was in 1843 in Punch magazine. But the employment of satire, caricature, speech bubbles and the writing of captions had been around long before then. In this talk Ian tracks the early stages of cartoons (in the form of satirical prints) and how, through the works of Hogarth and James Gillray, they gradually evolved into the familiar format of today’s newspapers and magazines. Copious illustrations abound from the masters of their craft such as John Tenniel,

John Leech, David Low, Vicky, Ronald Searle, Heath Robinson, Giles and, bringing it right up to date, with Gerald Scarfe, Steven Bell and Peter Brookes.

The links for accessing this zoom meetings are as follows:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/9238501234?pwd=KzdVSno2VkZXM2Q4SGUzaVI3cVl5Zz09 Meeting ID: 923 850 1234 Password: 9238501234

ZOOMING IN ON LIFE

My Zoom techniques have improved somewhat since

the first virtual meeting which I tried to host, which

resulted in a picture of myself, and the information:

number of participants one!

I have now managed to successfully host several

meetings and what is especially rewarding is when

people who are on their own with no IT ‘nous’ suddenly manage to pop up in a

Zoom meeting having finally cracked it.

Un-muting always creates problems with everyone helpfully yelling, ‘Wave if you

can you hear me?’ to the person, followed by ‘Click on the red microphone icon

which has a line through it…on the bottom left…just click on it...’

Inevitably one or more participants appear to be upside down, while others are

out of sight or almost inaudible. There is always a discussion over whether or not

to 'turn off original sound'.

Then there is the problem of unobtrusively leaving a tedious Zoom session.

Should one gradually dim the light and surreptitiously leave

an empty chair, while still displaying one’s name, or possible

replace oneself with a virtual background, or even a

photograph? Some claim that their battery is running out or

their WiFi signal has suddenly become weak! Then there are

the inevitable Zoom clashes. I have managed

to simultaneously attend a choir rehearsal on my iPad using

an earpiece, while live streaming a lecture about something

completely different on the PC. It's tricky and probably results in not being able

to properly concentrate on either! An interesting fact is that you still appear to be

at a Zoom meeting, even if you are actually reading on screen emails! Kay B

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Next 9 days of U3A Zoom meetings

Please contact the group leader via the web-site Day

Date Start Time

Full List under Blogs/Zoom tab on the website

Film and TV Appreciation Thu 02/07/2020 10:00

Russian Thu 02/07/2020 16:00

French Mon 06/07/2020 10:00

Current Affairs (Kay Bagon) Mon 06/07/2020 15:00

History Tue 07/07/2020 10:00

Discovering Shakespeare 2 Tue 07/07/2020 14:00

Singing Group Tue 07/07/2020 16:00

Tai Chi lesson with Elliot Wed 08/07/2020 11:00

Discovering Shakespeare 1 Wed 08/07/2020 12:30

Heart of Herts - Local History Thu 09/07/2020 14:00

Russian Thu 09/07/2020 16:00

To those of you that listened to our talk by Pepe Martinez on Theatreland this week - He would be very grateful if you could give him a review on Trip advisor. I said, hopefully on you behalf, that I would get our members to do this so please help him out by clicking on this link ……… https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Attraction_Review-g186338-d4221246-Reviews-Pepe_Martinez_London_Tour_Guide_Private_Tours-London_England.html If you can’t do that – just go into Trip advisor web site – put in Pepe Martinez – Blue Badge guide and do so there. Thank you

THIS WEEK IN HISTORY

28th June 1491: Henry VIII was born. He ruled England from 1509-47

29th June 1613: Shakespeare's Globe Theatre in London, England, burns down during a performance of "Henry VIII"

1st July 1916: First day of the Battle of the Somme

3rd July 1928: John Logie Baird demonstrates the first colour television transmission in London

1st July 1961: Princess Diana (Diana Spencer) was born

3rd July 1976: Wimbledon Men's Tennis: Sweden's Björn Borg beats Ilie Năstase of Romania 6-4, 6-2, 9-7 for the first of 5 straight Wimbledon titles

2nd July 1990: 1,426 pilgrims trampled to death after a panic in a tunnel in Mecca, Saudi Arabia Marion C

Did you know that the swimming pools are now open to be used?

To allow for social distancing only lanes 1, 3 and 5 will be filled with water. John T

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UNDERGROUND STATION QUIZ If you're all a little rusty like me not having travelled by tube for months, the following is an Underground Quiz for you. Can you name the Underground Station where the following tube lines meet - (no peeping at the map - you will be disqualified!) Ros J 1. Circle and Metropolitan 2. Bakerloo, Victoria, Central 3. Central, Northern, Waterloo & City, District and Circle 4. Piccadilly and Metropolitan 5. Jubilee, Victoria, Piccadilly 6. Victoria and Piccadilly 7. Central, Hammersmith & City and District 8. Bakerloo, Northern, District and Circle 9. Bakerloo, Circle, District and Hammersmith & City 10. Central, DLR and Jubilee 11. Central and Piccadilly

RECIPE CORNER

BAKED POTATOES (oriental style) 6 medium size roasting potatoes 1 red pepper 1 large onion 2 or 3 cloves of garlic 2 tbs olive oil

1 tbs lemon juice 1 vegetable or chicken stock cube Few drops of tabasco (optional) 1 can chopped tomatoes

Method……………… Slice potatoes thickly and lay in baking dish Slice pepper and onion and garlic Add can of tomatoes and mix all together with lemon and olive oil and bouillon Season as you wish. Mixture should cover potatoes Can add some chicken legs if required Bake oven 170 degrees for 1 hour

Bon Appetit. Becky A

Thank you to Phil Joiner – Chairman/Webmaster of Wanstead & Woodford U3A

LIMERICK 1 When they said I must insulate I got wrapped up in bubble wrap – great But when I went shopping, The bubbles kept popping So, I’ll stay home till some future date

Limerick by IG Fenner of New Milton Hants

LIMERICK 2 An MP who thought that he’d drop Into line for a vote, had to stop When he saw with some qualms. Not The Serjeant of Arms But his queue leading into a shop

Limerick by Jenny Grove of Kew, Surrey Poems and limericks first published in the Daily Mail.

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TV, NETFLIX, AMAZON PRIME & SKY TV SUGGESTIONS BY STEPHEN GOLD

Preparing for this page and for inspiration, I was looking through the TV suggestions and reviews in Sunday Times and Mail on Sundays and I must say, the selections they came up with was in my opinion very poor. One even gave the film of the week to be Frozen II although for me The Sting which was on last Sunday has always been one of my favourites. In last week’s Blog, I asked you to email me if you’ve been watching 365 Days and although I received some lovely emails, it seems not one of you owned up to watching it. We are still loving This is Us just about to start series 3. Also in last week’s Blog I said we were looking forward to watching our recording of The Luminaries, but since the critics have really slated it, I think we’ll give it a miss. A reason why I’m happy to suggest to you but never to recommend!!! As I’ve said before, do please let me know your own thoughts [email protected]

Please watch out for the following:- WASHINGTON – Historical Docu-Drama – SKY & NOW TV – From Saturday 4th This is a no holds barred look at George Washington, America’s 1st President in three feature length episodes offer-ing an insight into his rarely explored but troubling life. Nicholas Rowe plays Washington while Bill Clinton, Colin Powell and others offer their views on an increasingly controversial figure. DAUGHTERS OF DESTINY – Powerful Four-Part Documentary – Netflix – Available now Moving portrait of caste change in India. India may be one of the fastest growing economies in the world but there is still severe poverty there. Powerful and moving four-part documentary, the series follows five schoolgirls from the so called “untouchable” caste over a 7-year period. OPERA ITALIA – All About Opera – 3 in the series - BBC4 For those who love opera, Antonio Pappano, conductor and music director at The Royal Opera House, traces this history of Italian Opera. His explanation, with examples, of the journey of opera from it’s 17th Century beginnings to the present day. This has been on BBC4 over the last two weeks and available On Demand. Thank you again Carole Y.

WATCH OUT FOR THE FOLLOWING ON SKY ARTS

Sunday 5th July – 6 am (1 hr) – I Am La Scala – 200 year history of Milan Opera House Sunday 5th July – 11.30 am (1 ½ hrs) – Hamilton: One Shot to Broadway Documentary Monday 6th July – 2 pm (1 hr) – Comedy Legends: Tommy Cooper Tuesday 7th July – 7 am (2 hrs) – Callas, Kennedy, Onassis: Two Queens For a King.

EMAIL MESSAGES OF TV SUGGESTIONS FROM SOME OF OUR MEMBERS

Hi, we are still hooked on This is Us. A suggestion for those who love and miss Opera, we have been watching Opera Italia on BBC4 with Antonio Papappano. His explanation of the journey of opera from its 17thC beginnings to the present day bring it to life. Well worth watching…….Carole Y I've been following you on the U3A blog so I suppose you could call me a fan. I've been watching quite a bit of TV and I recommend BOSCH on Prime TV six series based on the detective stories by Michael Connelly. Also, GOLIATH the first is brilliant about lawyers with great cast…. Marlene G. Hi Steve, just watched 7500 on All 4. A unique film in that it takes place entirely in the cockpit. Having spent many hours in a flight simulator it really felt so realistic (other than the hijackers !). Watched Philharmonia - a very different plot line - you find out who dunnit in the last 10 minutes!....... Jerry P Hi, just watch on YouTube biographies of Connie Francis-Dean Martin-Rock Hudson-James Garner-Grace Allen-Cary Grant-Doris Day-and my favourite Roy Rogers and loads more Hollywood stars. Also watched the War/Thriller Black Book which is very good and worth watching.. …..Brian L We have enjoyed Stephen’s suggestions for watching series both on TV and cable and also reminding us of upcoming theatre performances. We have enjoyed Madam Secretary. It takes place in Washington in the White House. It covers many topical points and has an excellent cast. It can be found on Amazon Prime. Linda D. PLEASE DO LET ME KNOW IF YOU AGREE OR EVEN DISAGREE WITH MY SELECTIONS ON THIS PAGE. STEPHEN GOLD [email protected]

Page 12: Blog 17 2.7 › files › r › radlett › docs › blog172.7... · 1 day ago · Blog 17 – 2.7.20 Hi ... number 2 has decided to teach herself Italian and grandchild number 3

DINGBATS ANSWERS 1. Bulldozer 2. Condescending 3. Defeat 4. Making Ends Meet

5. Sailing on The Seven Seas

6. I before E Except After C

7. Singing in The Rain 8. Captain Hook

9. Paradox 10. Feeling under the weather

11. Side Salad 12. Paradise

ANSWERS TO THE UNDERGROUND QUIZ

1. King's Cross 2. Oxford Circus 3. Bank/Monument (just Bank is ok)

4. Rayners Lane 5. Green Park 6. Finsbury Park

7. Mile End 8. Embankment 9. Paddington

10. Stratford 11. Holborn

ANSWERS FOR ADRIENNES QUIZ 1. C. 2. D. 3. D. 4. B. 5. A. 6. C. 7. C. 8 C. 9. A. 10. C. 11. D. 12. D. 13. C. 14. A. 15. A

ANSWERS FOR MARION C’S THEATRELAND QUIZ

1. Sweet Charity 2. Taming of the Shrew

3. Sunset Boulevard 4. Hello Dolly

5. Nancy 6. Les Miserables 7. Stratford upon Avon

89. Ad Libs

9. Dark 10. Aspects of Love 11. Chitty Chitty Bang Bang

12. David Garrick

13. Thrust Stage 14. Wings

I may be left-handed but I am always RIGHT! If older is better, I am approaching MAGNIFICENT! Diana R

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