Issue no.61

CRAVEN U3Amagazine

SUMMER 2016

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Contents

Craven U3A Magazine No.61 July 2016Editor: Roger French

Craven U3A Registered Charity No.1038617Printed by: Jason Miller - JAYMILL PRINT

1 The Chairman's Letter

3 Let's all play fair

4 Walk to Lunch group

7 Popular Music 1920-60

9 What does a retired architect do all day?

10 Westnet Quiz

12 Housing Options class

14 The History of Mining class

16 Lady Anne's Way

20 Christine Lynch retires

22 Railway Study group

24 Fascinated Fungus Forayers

26 The Wairarapa Stonehenge

28 Bridge courses

29 Stories of Scientists class

30 First Class

31 Italy uncovered

32 Chicken Goulash recipe

33 Lemon Soufflé recipe

34 Walking back to 2006

36 Men's Health Alert

Editor's note

The Chairman’s Letter

For those of you who weren't at the AGM, I am your new chairman and I thought it appropriate that I tell you something about myself. I've been actively involved with the Yorkshire Dales NPA as a Dales Volunteer for 22 years based at Grassington, being involved in a variety of activities from patrolling to leading walks and events. My employment over some 46 years has seen me sail the world with the Royal Navy as an engineer for 12 years, and then in civvie street at a number of power stations gradually climbing up the greasy pole and ending up as engineering manager. For the past 9 years I've been a magistrate, adjudicating in both adult and family matters at Keighley and, when that court closed, at Bradford. I would have continued, but you have to fall off your perch at 70 (the official retirement age).Although I've only been a member of Craven U3A for two years, I'm fully aware of its activities and objectives. My wife Margie has been a member for many years and has kept me abreast of its comings and goings, and I have been affected by how much she's enjoyed the classes attended. During my time volunteering for the

Mick Richings

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Your Membership Secretary

Let's all play fairEverybody I have spoken to is delighted that course fees have been set at zero this year, which will reduce the overall cost of membership, even for those enrolled in only one class.However, I have heard the same concern voiced several times: "Won’t this encourage people to sign up for courses that they then fail to attend?" I have tried to reassure people that this won’t happen because our members are not selfish individuals – please don’t prove me wrong!For the vast majority of members, signing up for a course means “I will attend every session unless something serious stops me.” There are a few, however, for whom it seems to mean “I will turn up for a session if I’m not doing anything else and if I remember in time.” This latter attitude mightn’t matter so much for a course with plenty of spaces and where each session is a “stand alone.” After all, the walking group would be in serious trouble if all of us turned up for a walk!On courses that are full, however, it means that somebody on the waiting list, who is keener, has been deprived of a place. For courses that progress, it means that the group leader has to spend time going back over what they have already done to allow someone to catch up. Group leaders work extremely hard to produce their courses – they deserve your respect and commitment. If you sign up for an oversubscribed course and then take a casual attitude to attendance, be prepared for the group leader to challenge you about this and possibly replace you with someone from their waiting list. But what if there is a well-subscribed course that you would really like to do, even though you know that your attendance will be patchy? Talk to the group leader about it. They may be happy to make a note of your name and contact you on any occasion when they do have a space.So, please think before you sign up – and let’s all play fair.

Yorkshire Dales I've been a key organiser, managing the activities of other volunteers and, whilst a magistrate, the chairman of the West Yorkshire Magistrates Association. So, between my employment and other activities, hopefully it has prepared me for the responsibilities as your chairman. I have to express my thanks to Vic who has been more than just helpful in advising and helping me to prepare – thank you. I have set myself one or two objectives during my term in office. Firstly, during my brief spell on the committee I was struck by the enormous amount of work that is needed to manage the membership, and to compound matters, in "computer speak" the membership doesn't talk to the finance. The committee attended a number of presentations on the options available and decided that we will change to the U3A bespoke computer system. There will be changes but we'll take the membership with us and for those not computer literate there will be no change. The other objective is to see the development of Westnet which is a collaboration of Bradford, Keighley, Ilkley, Settle and ourselves to offer additional opportunities whilst each will retain their individuality. If anyone has any ideas for events please get in touch.Our finances are too healthy, and again the committee agreed a process whereby they'll be reduced over a seven year period, the consequence of this decision is dealt with elsewhere. Suffice to comment that course fees are set at zero with a slight increase in the annual membership fee. This will be closely monitored.The Charity Commissioners' have finally given approval for the U3A Constitution after some 18 months of deliberations. More later, on what will happen next.The membership continues to grow organically and we hope to continue building on the growth of recent years. If anyone has any suggestions about courses or would consider being a tutor please get in touch.In conclusion, I'm enthused about taking on the mantle and a bit nervous having to follow a very successful chairman in Vic. If anyone has any comments, suggestions on any matter please contact myself or any of the committee.

Mick Richings

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Our weekend walking breaks are an established part of this friendly group and have now become a twice yearly event. The first one this year was a repeat visit to Whitby, where we went last October. As we all enjoyed it so much, it was agreed to return to Larpool Hall as it is such a wonderful place to stay, offering comfy accommodation, great walks, excellent staff, delicious meals plus a sumptuous packed lunch.Fifteen of us arrived on Friday afternoon and soon settled down to afternoon tea and the anticipation of a couple of days good walking. Jenny and Stuart, who had planned and recced the walks before our visit, briefed us all over pre-dinner drinks. Our first walk, on the Saturday, was an 8-mile circular walk from the pretty village of Staithes to Runswick Bay. Although it was cold and blustery, the skies were blue as we set off along the coastal path, admiring the striking views of the beach below. As we walked along the headland heavy black clouds began to follow us and before too long we were enveloped in hail showers. But the contrasts of blue skies, dark clouds, bright green fields, white blackthorn blossom and gorse flowers kept our spirits high. On arriving in Runswick Bay the sun was shining again so we settled down to enjoy our packed lunches by the sea shore. We just managed to finish before the next

heavy hail-and-snow shower! Two of us even managed to sneak in an ice cream treat. The route back was across fields (some of which closely resembled paddy fields) and woodland, which would have been beautiful had it not been for the necessity to keep our eyes firmly fixed on the terrain beneath our feet, as the mud had to be seen to be believed. Really challenging! Despite our care, one of our members fell (who shall remain nameless for the sake of her dignity). Thankfully, there were no major injuries and she carried on with grit, determination and a smile. There was a break-away group who did a shorter version of the walk, but even they had trouble wi’ t’ mud! Needless to say a hot shower, followed by drinks from the bar and a delicious three course evening meal were most welcome. After dinner, to the amusement(?!) of the few other guests, we played skittles in the lounge, which was noisier than we had anticipated, but great fun.Sunday dawned fair. Our circular walk of 7 miles from Ravenscar, wended its way from the coast, across the open moors before leading back to the car park. The weather stayed dry and it was even (whisper it) slightly warmer, and the route less muddy. The scenery was spectacular, with great views of Robin Hood’s Bay as we climbed

Walk to Lunch group

Whitby Weekend 15th -18th April

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away from Ravenscar. The moorland section had a bleak beauty and, as we left it and walked through gentler terrain, lunch was in a woodland glade near a stream – thankfully, in the sun! Thereafter, it was a stroll across a dramatic expanse of a scree slope prior to joining the old railway track back to Ravenscar. Before returning to Whitby, we enjoyed tea and cake at a nearby café. Our last evening at Larpool Hall saw some of us ‘having a go’ at one of Stuart’s notorious quizzes, always challenging but good fun.After a huge cooked breakfast on Monday morning we headed back to Skipton, invigorated by the exercise and companionship.A huge thanks to Brigida for organising and booking the accommodation, to Jenny and Stuart for their thorough planning and thoughtful leading of walks and to Sally for her beautiful photographs which captured the drama of it all. Thank you. We’re now looking forward to the autumn weekend at Nether Grange, in Alnwick, Northumberland – a new experience for some of our Walk to Lunch members. Fingers crossed for fine weather!Larpool Hall is one of several locations run by the excellent Holiday Fellowship Organisation, which specialises in catering for outdoor pursuits such as walking, orienteering, bird watching etc. All venues have a boot room which offers facilities for drying wet clothing and footwear. Do visit the website, as you may wish to organise a weekend away for your group.

Christine Patrick, Sally Goodman, Brigida Martino

Pictures by Sally Goodman

My grandparents had a record player. Or rather a gramophone? Or in their younger eyes, a phonograph! Over the years, they accumulated a number of records, everyone of them 78’s. A lot of opera, with the likes of John McCormack and Richard Tauber. But also, living in Burnley, many Gracie Fields. As a small child, I played them all!Through talking to Mum and Dad as a youngster, they told me about the pre-war British dance bands – Jack Payne, Jack Hilton, Roy Fox, Jack Jackson, Ambrose and a host of others. Vocally, their favourites were singers like Al Bowlly, Denny Denis, Bing Crosby, Fred Astaire and instrumentalists like Louis Armstrong and Fats Waller.During the wartime, I listened to the radio, hearing Flanagan & Allan,, Anne Shelton, the Ink Spots and the Andrew Sisters. 1948 was a big year in my life. Dad got a radio gram! Our next door neighbour in Barnoldswick, had a collection of 78’s, nearly all of them Al Jolson, and every week she allowed me to borrow a small selection. But that was the year, I heard Mario Lanza. (I was a scruffy little lad, filling my life with comics and kicking a ball, and I had never heard a tenor voice before. I was utterly captivated. (Understatement!)On the radio gram, I started listening to AFN and by the early 1950’s, I was a regular evening listener to Radio Luxembourg. (Weren’t we all?) I discovered a new world,- mainly an American world of Frank Sinatra, Russ Morgan, Dinah Shore, Vaughan Monroe, Perry Como and Billy Eckstine. My parents had a busy shop and a weekly outing was to the cinema in Barlick, either the Majestic or the Palace. New faces came into my life,- Doris Day, Gene Kelly,and Danny Kaye. I loved musicals with Gordon McCrae, Howard Keel, Shirley Jones, Ethel Merman, Ann Miller and Cyd Charisse. And of course, Mario!In those days, everyone listened to the radio,- “Variety Bandbox” on a Saturday night, with singers like Issy Bonn and Donald Peers. And there was “Family Favourites” on Sunday lunchtime with Ella Fitgerald, Rose Murphy, Teresa Brewer, Les Compagnons de la Chanson, Ronnie Ronalde, and Al Martino. Followed of course by Billy Cotton!In 1953, I went to see the “Glenn Miller Story” and the floodgates

Popular Music 1920-60A few old friends of mine (and maybe yours too?)

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David Wiseman

of swing were opened to me – Glenn Miller, Tommy Dorsey, Jimmy Dorsey, Harry James, Artie Shaw, and Count Basie. And a few years later, I saw the “Benny Goodman Story”, with Benny, Lionel Hampton, Teddy Wilson, Gene Krupa & Co. My world was turned upside down!And so I was a teenager in the 50’s. From America, via AFN, there came Guy Mitchell, Frankie Laine, Johnny Ray, Jo Stafford, Rosemary Clooney. Nat King Cole, Mitch Miller, Mel Torme, Hoagy Carmichael, Patti Paige, Peggy Lee, Sammy Davis Jr, Dean Martin and Tony Bennett. Via “208”, I heard Teddy Johnston, David Whitfield, Dickie Valentine, Alma Cogan and Ronnie Hylton. I also began to go to big band concerts with Ted Heath, Ken McIntosh,and Joe Loss, as well as the revived Glenn Miller orchestra. I remember well my lengthy love affairs with Judy Garland and Deanna Durbin!As the 1950’s lengthened, so my musical tastes deepened into light music – Charles Williams, Mantovani, Frank Chacksfield and Cyril Stapleton. I can talk about Evelyn Laye, Peter Dawson and Noel Coward with great affection! I was also, in my late teens, into rock’n roll with singers like Paul Anka and Neil Sedaka,I went to a concert at Blackburn in 1958 given by Paul Robeson, who changed my life in an evening!In the 1960’s, I was keen on Andy Williams, Bobby Darin, and Burt Bacharach. Now at Manchester at University, I went to concerts at the Free Trade Hall with Shirley Bassey, the Four Freshmen, Sarah Vaughan, Count Basie, Matt Monro and the Nelson Riddle Orchestra.I proposed to my girlfriend after the first act of “La Traviata” at Manchester Opera House. Together we saw (and met personally!) Barbra Streisand, as well as hearing John Denver (many times), Neil Sedaka, and Anthony Newley (wow!)I began writing this to explain how I come to lead the lively Tuesday afternoon U3A group on “Popular Music 1920-60." I had to mention the friends I’ve met along the way, but perhaps you’ve known them yourself for some years?

What does a retired architect do all day?

Michael Devenish

Apart from U3A classes, of course!I retired in 2013 after 40 years in practice as an architect, in later years working mostly on historic and listed buildings. This means I can follow paths no client would ever pay for, and spotting a strange detail in a Leeds Civic Trust photo two years ago has now resulted in an article on the history of some unexpected architecture in the Little Temple at Temple Newsam Park at Leeds – an 18th century “eye-catcher”. What at first sight looked merely odd now appears to be a rare, possibly unique, survival built in stone and timber – the combined work of two of the most important English garden designers of that time – Batty Langley and Lancelot “Capability” Brown. I have tried to write up its story in a form accessible to the non-specialist, and including some necessary context on the time and place of its creation. This has now been taken up by the website planning the Capability Brown tercentenary which is due this year, 2016. So, sit down with a coffee, and divert yourself for half an hour on:http://www.parksandgardens.org/news-and-events/current-news/922-the-little-temple-at-temple-newsam-a-new-articleIt is hoped that the restoration of this tiny (and thus also affordable!) jewel will be part of a larger Heritage Lottery bid for much needed conservation works on the Capability Brown landscaped parkland at Temple Newsam, supported by Historic England, Temple Newsam Estate, Leeds City Council, Leeds Civic Trust, this article, and others.

The Little Temple

PHOTO: MICHAEL DEVENISH 2013

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What is Westnet? – not a N.A.T.O. anti-missile defence shield, but the name of a colaborative initiative between five local U3A groups (Bradford, Craven, Ilkley, Keighley, and Settle). The aim of the inititiative is to increase the opportunities open to the membership through closer links between the branches. An excellent example of which, was the recent Westnet Quiz held in Gargrave's village hall on the 24th May.Seventy-three people from across the five U3A branches attended the general knowledge quiz and supper. Some of the thirteen teams turned-up already organised, but many attendees (like me) formed themselves into ad hoc teams on arrival.

The wide-ranging questions had been set by Roger Bainbridge of Ilkley U3A. Bradford's Kate Helm and our own Mick Richings had organised the event. The pair also excelled at keeping good order, in their roles as quiz masters.A half-time break was taken, for the much-acclaimed pie & peas supper which had been prepared by Village Hall manager Sally Roland and her mother, who both deserve top marks.Throughout the evening, some keen competition was evident, with good-natured rivalry surfacing as each team's score was announced at the end of every round.

The eventual winners were "MADPAM" (the team members' initials, I hope). The rest of us then decided that winning was unimportant compared to taking part in a very enjoyable event.The success of the evening was clear from the enthusiastic calls for a repeat, which may be arranged for later in the year – watch out for a notice.

Roger French

Westnet Quiz

Mick Richings and Kate Helm

The teams, in a rare moment of quiet reflection

The winning team: Margaret Goode, Douglas Goode, Marcia Watson, Anne Heald, Ann Busfield, Peter Watson

Quiz Night pictures by John Whiteoak

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Members of the housing options class (January to March 2016) visited seven different housing developments for retired people in the Craven area – some for rent, some for purchase, some providing minimal extra support, some with 24 hour on-site care teams.But we all agreed that one of the most interesting visits was not to a specialist retirement development at all, but to the offices of Yorkshire Housing in Newmarket Street, where staff talked to us about the help they provide for people who want to stay in their existing home (which, of course, is most of us – only 5% of over 65s live in specialist housing).Yorkshire Housing’s Independent Living Team offer a variety of different services to help older people stay at home. Anyone can use the service, including home owners. You don’t have to live in a Yorkshire Housing propertyMargaret Gibson, the team manager, talked to us about the packages of support they can offer. Margaret explained “The simplest package involves the installation of an emergency alarm, which you can use to summon help at any time of the day or night. We have found that people really value the peace of mind of knowing that if an emergency happens (say you have had a fall or been taken ill) the alarm service will contact people you have nominated to respond (friends, family or neighbours) and if need be call an ambulance too. If your family member or friend isn’t available one of our Independent Living Officers will respond and attend, if necessary.”The package also includes a monthly visit from one of the Association’s Independent Living Officers. These visits are to make sure all is well, offer advice and provide information about other services that are available locallyFor people who need more support, daily telephone calls are available as well as weekly visits by an Independent Living Officer.In addition to this, Yorkshire Housing have recently introduced a new service, Help at Hand, which offers a further wide range of support and assistance. This can be anything from help with shopping, accompanying someone to medical appointments, making a meal,

doing household chores, or even walking the dog. The arrangement can be a one-off or provided on a regular basis.Charges for the various services vary from £26.79 a month for a simple emergency alarm installation to £14.00 an hour for Help at Hand. People on low incomes may be eligible for help with the costs of emergency alarm provision.For further information about the services and its charges you can contact Margaret Gibson Mobile: 07810 773805 or Carole Freakes Mobile: 07810 773808. If preferred, someone from Yorkshire Housing can come to your home and demonstrate the equipment without any obligation.So if you think this might benefit you, or someone you know, why not get in touch with Yorkshire Housing? Our group thought it was a service which deserved much wider publicity.

Housing Options class

Vera Brearey

And a service you may not have heard about

Some members of the group on a visit to Mallory Court, in Skipton

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The 28th April saw eight members of the History of Mining class visit the National Coal Mining Museum at Overton near Wakefield, for an interesting day putting "meat on the bones" of part of the course content which had been held over the Winter term this year.The Colliery, on which the museum has been developed, commenced as Caphouse Colliery in the late 1700s on a north-facing hillside where coal outcrops were first exploited. It was subsequently developed into a conventional deep mine, remaining as an active pit until its closure in 1985. Following our arrival and a mandatory coffee in the cafeteria, we explored the extensive range of surface exhibits which showed what a miner’s life was like in the past – both the hardships and hazards of a very physical and dangerous occupation, together with the lighter recreational aspects. Social, community, and related political history was also well documented.Following a substantial lunch (for those with an appetite to match that of a working miner) or a modest snack for the more figure conscious among us, we then embarked on an underground tour. Kitted-out with headgear and lamps, we temporarily forfeited any personal possessions containing batteries, to avoid the risk of a microscopic spark which could cause methane combustion. (It is surprising how much we rely on miniaturised electronics in the present day).

We descended in a basic cage (with shaft-lining brickwork clearly visible) to a depth of some 180 metres, before being guided along a labyrinth of tunnels of varying height. We saw, at first hand, the conditions experienced to win the material which fuelled the industrial revolution and which dominated the power requirements of the 19th and 20th centuries until the advent of oil, gas and alternative "green" energy systems. Astonishing underground machinery, developed in the latter part of the 20th century to facilitate the speedy cutting and transport of coal from the coal-face, contrasted starkly with the early days of a family of husband, wife and children as young as 8 working as a team in tunnels little more than one metre in height using simple hand tools some 200 years ago.A highly informative and enjoyable day in good company – the very essence of Craven U3A!

The History of Mining class

Brian Shuttleworth

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A number of Craven U3A Walking Group members are currently tackling the “Lady Anne’s Way” long distance walk. This is a 100 mile long distance walking path stretching from Skipton to Penrith in Cumbria. The group is in fact going to walk in a north to south direction starting in Penrith and finishing in Skipton.The walk has been broken up into eight one day stages, which will be completed between May and October 2016, with a stage being walked every 3 to 4 weeks. This is the third time that Craven U3A have walked the Lady Anne’s Way. The first time was south to north in 1997, and the second time in 2007 in a north to south direction.The walk itself was devised by local author, long distance walker and historian Sheila Gordon. Her first guidebook to the walk was published in 1995. Sheila also operates a website dedicated to the subject.The walk was conceived as a tribute to Lady Anne Clifford. It follows routes between Lady Anne’s historic castles and buildings, along paths that Lady Anne herself may have travelled when visiting her properties.Historical backgroundLady Anne Clifford was the last in the line of the Clifford family who owned vast estates extending from Skipton in Craven to Brougham in Westmorland. Lady Anne was born in Skipton Castle in 1590 to George Clifford, 3rd Earl of Cumberland and his wife Margaret Russell. At this time, the established law in England proclaimed that estates should be inherited by the eldest child, not just to the eldest male offspring. Despite this, when her father died in 1605 Lady Anne failed to inherit the family estate, which passed to her uncle and his male heirs. Lady Anne felt this injustice very deeply, and even though she married twice she spent the next thirty eight years until 1643 trying to regain her inheritance. She did not regain full possession of her estates until the end of the ‘second’ English Civil War in 1649. She then promptly left the south of England to return to her native lands.Unfortunately, Lady Anne found that her estates had been neglected. Her castles were in great need of repair, and the restoration of these

was to be the task that preoccupied her for the rest of her life. She set about restoring and expanding the castles, whilst also restoring nearby churches, and building almshouses for the needy. Lady Anne eventually died in Brougham Castle in 1676.The aim of the walk is to follow in spirit some of the routes that Lady Anne will have taken when she visited her important buildings and supervised their restoration.Lady Anne’s Way informative talkThe walking group were extremely grateful to Sheila Gordon for agreeing to address members at a social evening that took place just before the start of the walk. Sheila gave the audience an excellent insight into the history of Lady Anne Clifford, the walk route itself, and relevant places of interest that we would pass on the route. The talk was accompanied by a fascinating slideshow. At the end of the evening all the attendees were left raring to get started, and also probably wanting to carry out some further historical research themselves into the life of Lady Anne Clifford.The route, and places of interestOur route starts at Brougham Castle, probably Lady Anne’s favourite castle, just outside Penrith. We start by heading east along the Eden valley, passing through Cliburn, Kirkby Thore, and Long Marton before

Lady Anne's Way

Brougham Castle and the walkers at the start of the first stage

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arriving in Appleby. Here we will reach Appleby Castle, restored by Lady Anne after it was partly dismantled by roundheads during the English civil war. In Appleby we also find Almshouses for the needy, that were built by Lady Anne, and St Lawrence’s Church which houses Lady Anne’s tomb and monument, close to that of her mother Margaret.The route carries on eastwards from Appleby, passing through Warcop, and arriving at Church Brough, the site of Brough Castle. Lady Anne restored the castle after it had been destroyed by fire, and left abandoned. From Brough Castle our path turns to head in a southerly direction towards Kirkby Stephen and follows the river Eden along the Mallerstang valley, arriving at the ruins of Pendragon Castle, which Lady Anne restored after it had been attacked earlier by Scottish raiding parties. After leaving Pendragon Castle the route climbs up onto the Dales Highway (also known as Lady Anne Clifford's Highway), a high level path that Lady Anne used when visiting Pendragon Castle. At the end of the Dales Highway the path drops down into Appersett, and continues into Hawes. From Hawes we will visit Askrigg, before reaching Nappa Hall, a fine example of a 15th century fortified manor house. This hall was owned by Thomas Metcalfe, a cousin of Lady Anne, and is a place where she often stayed when travelling between Skipton and Pendragon Castles. From Nappa Hall, the route enters Worton, then skirts round Semerwater, goes over Stake Moss, and drops over the “Cote de Cray” to arrive at Buckden. We will now all feel in familiar territory, as the route first follows the Dales Way to Starbotton, then passes through paradise, to arrive at Kettlewell. The path then climbs up to Capplestone Gate, and passes Bare House before arriving in Grassington.

From Grassington we pass through Hebden and Burnsall where we take the Dales Way as far as Barden Tower, the 15th century tower house built by Sir Henry Clifford, restored and added to by Lady Anne. Our path then climbs away from the River Wharfe over Hare Head Side to reach Halton East, before passing through Eastby, then Embsay to finally reach Skipton Castle, the principal seat of the Clifford family.

We have broken our Lady Anne’s Way walk into eight stages: 1. Brougham Castle to Long Marton – 13 miles 2. Long Marton to Brough – 14 miles 3. Brough to Pendragon Castle – 11 miles 4. Pendragon Castle to Appersett – 11 miles 5. Appersett to Worton – 10 miles 6. Worton to Buckden – 12 miles 7. Buckden to Grassington – 12 miles 8. Grassington to Skipton – 15 milesEach of these stages will be a linear walk, and in order to accomplish this, the walking group is going to drive to the end point of each stage, and then be taken by coach to the start. The intrepid walkers will then complete the walk, arriving back at their cars, from where they can then make their way home.In all, thirty-seven U3A Walking Group members have booked to take part in this enterprise. Some of them will be completing the entire 100 miles, whilst others will be doing selected stages.As an end of walk treat we plan to gather at Skipton Castle Tea Rooms where we will be able to congratulate ourselves on having completed a memorable journey.

Tom Baines

Walking Group programme secretary

MAP COURTESY OF SHEILA GORDON

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The end of an era. After eighteen years of tireless work, Christine Lynch is retiring.Having been a U3A student for two years, Christine was persuaded to try the other side of the desk. Thinking about her collection of slides, gathered over many years, she realized that running a class would be a wonderful way to relive her journeys and share the pleasure with others. Indeed these photos, and subsequent ones taken on later holidays, became one of the highlights of her classes, adding a warm and personal touch. Word soon got out about the class and it is a mark of Christine's love of the subject and the esteem in which she was held by her loyal followers that "Geography" prospered and was soon oversubscribed. Many people were long-time students, but Pam Clemenson attended for an astonishing 15 years – surely a record. Christine's first course was North America. It was based on two trips she made in the 1970's with a group of geographers, travelling first across Canada from Montreal to Vancouver. Next year she went back to Vancouver for a journey through 14 National Parks to San Francisco. By coincidence her last course also focused on North America from the icebergs around Greenland to Florida, (a State, we were told, that is in imminent danger of disappearing under flood water). In the intervening years Christine's talks have ranged from local interests like Holderness, and Yorkshire place names, to the whole globe. Who would previously have given any thought to "Effects of Urbanization on Hydrological Processes"? A recent course was an ambitious A-Level standard course on Geomorphology. All talks were accompanied by meticulous notes and references for further study. In addition Christine encouraged members to bring in any relevant articles and share first hand knowledge. In a friendly atmosphere members were helped and supported in giving talks based on their own experiences. Despite her immense knowledge, classes took hours of preparation. Finding and presenting material became increasingly more time consuming. The advance of technology, digital projectors and Windows 10, added an extra burden! Tutoring from Pat Tankard helped, but it

is to her credit that Christine found the energy and enthusiasm to persevere for so long – always remaining cheerful despite technical hitches. Geography was not the only appeal of Christine's classes. There was always a warm and friendly atmosphere, a reflection of her own charm and quiet sense of amusement. Queuing in that dark narrow corridor helped us all become friends, not to mention the refreshments supplied by Ann and Bill Pratt and their band of helpers. Some members even cut down on breakfast in anticipation of cake. Moira West opened and closed up, others helped set up and pack away in the happy family atmosphere that Christine encouraged. Initially Christine expected Geography to run 9 or 10 years. Skipton is lucky that we have had double that pleasure. Much as everyone will miss her we must all wish Christine the best, hope that she continues to enjoy travelling, and thank her for being such a superb teacher, imbuing so many of us with a love of Geography.

Christine Lynch retires

Christine receives a retirement gift from class members

Christine Walton

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Ian Appleyard kicked off the session with a talk THE BRUNELS Part Two. This time about Isambard Kingdom Brunel, son of Marc. The rest of the term as usual had a mix of guest and group speakers.The guest speakers were John Bowdery who started as a signalman at Esholt Junction (which had no facilities!) and progressed his career through to becoming Derby Control Manager. Peter Huff who talked about THE GRASSINGTON BRANCH. Theo Steel, retired MD, Regional Railways Wales & West. David Ward who reminisced about a lifetime railway career and David Quarmby talked about RAILWAYS OF SOUTH EAST LONDON.The group speakers kicked off with Michael Savage speaking of THE LIFE AND WORK OF WENMAN BASSETT-LOWKE the founder of the esteemed model making company. Robin Corbett stepped forward with his HOW TRAINS STEER – alternatively referred to as "going round the bend." As a result, some members suffered a few degrees of cant deficiency! Ian Appleyard introduced THE LNER & THE MEN BEHIND THE RENAMED A4s. Officers of the LNER who brought the company through tough times were honoured by A4s being renamed after them. Finally ten in total including Dwight D Eisenhower. Sir Ralph Wedgwood had two, the first destroyed by bombing at York in 1942. Glen Rae spoke about FRANCIS WILLIAM WEBB. He was a man ln the right place at the right time, a brilliant organiser and superb engineer. His doings for the LNWR put him in the top echelon of UK railway engineers and he should be better known than he is. Finally Bob Smith talked about HAMPSHIRE STEAM IN THE EARLY 60s. This being followed by Jim Drake, deputising for Dudley Cockroft and introducing a railway quiz. A time to merge into the background and leave the brains to it.On the 27th April a group coached to the Crewe Heritage Centre. Not having been to Crewe before (it not being on the route to anywhere when you live at Crosshills), the trip was particularly interesting. It was a typical late April day, rain, sun and snow! The heritage site is in the northern throat of the station looking in to a mass of platform ends

and in the centre of the junction of three major routes to Chester, Manchester and the west coast main line to Scotland. The start of the tour is in the old control centre, built to be bomb proof in 1938, and still kitted out with redundant equipment. As befits a heritage centre lots of interesting exhibits littered the site. Examples were a complete prototype APT (Advanced Passenger Train) and the Exeter West mechanical signal box, replaced in 1985, in full working order and programmed to replicate a 1960 summer timetable. The main exhibition hall had many old photographs, maps, and exhibits of past times. Thankfully the snow hadn’t settled and we had a good run home.

Railway Study group

Michael Laycock

Winter/Spring term 2016

"Temporarily out of service"

24 25

During last year, our foraying group in the Dales, named after Pat O’Reilly's excellent book Fascinated by Fungi, successfully completed the five forays we attempted. We did, however, experience “the wettest foray in the world” one Saturday. Despite the conditions, on that day we discovered a grassland site which, because there were so many grassland species growing there, of which 12 were Waxcaps, it is a place that should be considered for designation as a Site of Special Scientific Interest.

For 2016, your leaders planned five more forays, this time on Wednesdays. The format is the same as previously, consisting of a morning foray of two hours followed by about the same time indoors somewhere. Our indoor sessions last year were times of good fellowship and enthusiastic exchange of ideas on the fungi we found. So what did we find? On most of our forays we found examples of the commonest fruit-body shapes and types – cap & stem, bracket, club, jelly, crust, slime mould and coral. We found a total of 223 different species. We found all the 123 fungi classed as commonest of all, with the exception of only three. Of the next 405, which occur occasionally, we spotted 62. And of the really rare fungi, which amount to approximately

Fascinated Fungus Forayers

The Ballerina, an attractive delicate pink Waxcap. The species is classed as endangered in eleven European countries but found quite often in the Dales. Picture © by Peter Duffy

Archie McAdam

3,000 species, we found 35. One or two rarities still remain to be identified. All records will appear on the two national databases before too long. In this coming season we shall go to some of the same sites as last year and we shall also search out new ones. Every ecosystem has different fungi inhabiting it. Our aim will be to choose foray sites that are near a carpark and will be made up of flat spaces in which to search out fungi, as well as the usual interesting hollows and hillocks.We aim to enjoy another season of excitement and solid achievement.

Leaders: Archie McAdam, Jane Rushworth, Peter Duffy

on behalf of the fungus group leaders

Fascinated Forayers on the lookout for fungi

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Wairarapa is a region of New Zealand in the SE corner of the North Island. It has been largely known for its dairy farming, but more recently for an increasing number of vineyards in the Martinborough and Gladstone areas. I recently bought a bottle of wine from the Gladstone vineyard at the Keelham farm shop in Skipton.A local group in the Wairarapa called The Phoenix Astronomical Society decided to build a Stonehenge replica. This was to be an educational project and a source of income after completion. This modern henge was designed to show the people of today how ancient peoples used such constructions for astronomy and rituals.They were keen to point out that use of the phrase “Stonehenge replica” was merely for ease of description. Being in the Southern hemisphere and at a different latitude to the Salisbury Plain original, sunrise and sunset angles would be different and the sun’s bearing at noon would be in the opposite direction.A professional surveyor checked out the design & supervised the project management, using accurate astronomic data and a theodolite. Polynesian aspects of Maori custom and navigation were also included.Up to150 volunteers from the Phoenix Astronomical Society spent their free weekends for two years assembling the henge, supervised

when necessary, by a stone mason and sculptor. Professor Alan Macdiarmid, a local Nobel Laureate conducted the opening ceremony in February 2005.The dimensions are broadly similar to the ancient Stonehenge. It is 30m in diameter and about 4m high. The pillars are capped by lintels completing a circle. A 5m obelisk marks the centre of the henge.Sadly, the pillars, lintels and obelisk are not of hewn stone. They are hollow, framed structures, with the exteriors covered with concrete moulding.The interior of the circle is said to have excellent acoustic qualities. This quality is also claimed in the first written Stonehenge descriptions. There is a village in the Preseli mountain area of Pembrokeshire called “Maenclochog”. The name literally translated into English, is “Bell Stone” or more practically “ringing stone”. The Blue Stone used at Stonehenge is reputed to have come from there.The Wairarapa Stonehenge is now part of the local tourist scene, school field trips, wedding venue, etc. and is still being worked upon in various aspects. As Max Boyce said of a Welsh rugby ground “It will be all right when it’s finished”.Salisbury Plain Stonehenge: 51.18 degrees N. and 01.82 degrees W. Noon is 7 minutes 20 seconds later than at Greenwich.Wairarapa Stonehenge: 41.1 degrees S and 175.6 degrees E.Noon is 11hours 42 minutes and 17 seconds earlier than at Greenwich.

Gareth Davies

The Wairarapa Stonehenge

PHOTO: GARETH DAVIES 2015

The Wairarapa Stonehenge (PHOTO: WIKIPEDIA)

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We have had good attendances at both Bridge courses this year. Twelve ‘Beginners’ are still very keen and have been coming to Mallory Court to continue playing during the summer.

There have usually been eight tables playing ‘Duplicate Bridge’ on a Thursday after-noon; the competition is keen with Les Randall coming top of the Spring Term ‘ladder’ with 58.7%, but Claire Fletcher and Geoff Pipkin were not far behind with 57.5% and 57.1% respectively. We finished the year with an excellent lunch organised by Jean Bryon and Joan Fisk, followed by some fun bridge.Next year’s Bridge courses will still be held on Thursdays at Draughton Village Hall but with a slightly different format. In the mornings (10-12am) there will be instruction, and then play of set hands, covering further aspects of Acol bidding and play (loosing

trick count, signals, ‘doubling’, defence to ‘1NT doubled’, ‘weak-twos’, ‘big hands’). This is particularly aimed at those people who did the ‘Beginners’ course this year. The afternoons (2–4 pm) will be just playing Duplicate Bridge organised by Douglas who will be there to play if there is an odd number, so a partner is not needed.

Bridge courses

Douglas Goode

Stories of Scientists class

Here’s a little science quiz to whet your appetites – answers below.1. Would a penny falling from the top of Blackpool Tower kill you?2. Could we live on a diet of insects?3. How many hearts does an octopus have?4. Which law states 'for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction'? (give a name and number)5. The faster you run, the heavier you get. True or false?6. What semiconductor device is used to amplify and switch electronic signals and electrical power?7. Which country accounts for 70% of the world's platinum production?8. What substance are human nails made of?9. An adult human body has over 250 bones. True or false?10. When was the first transatlantic telegraph cable laid?

Andre Botherway

[1] No, its terminal velocity of 65mph might not even penetrate the skin. [2] Yes, insects are a source of highly nutritious and sustainable food. With over 1000 edible varieties there’s no problem. [3] Three. [4] Newton’s third law. [5] True, relativity says as your speed increases, so does your mass. [6] Transistor. [7] South Africa. [8] Keratin. [9] False, there are about 206. [10] 1858 but it failed very soon. First permanent cable was 1866.

The story so far . . .Last year we included some well-known names such as Faraday and Feynman. But others deserving recognition include Rosalind Franklin, the crystallography pioneer whose photographs gave Watson and Crick the clue to the structure of DNA, perhaps the most momentous discovery of the 20th century.Anyone heard of Willard Libby? If you recognise the phrase ‘carbon-dating’ then you should know that name!There are more presentations to be enjoyed, so if you’re free on Wednesday mornings, join us!

Answers: view upside-down in front of a mirror (the page, not yourself )

30 31

Italy uncovered - Skipton Italian Circle

Maureen Woolf

Once a month a lively and enthusiastic bunch of people meet to learn about and discuss a wide range of topics connected with Italy - its art, history, festivals, holidays and culinary delights to name but a few. All this, washed down with a glass of vino (Italian of course) or other refreshments - this is the Skipton Italian Circle.You do not need to speak Italian to come to our meetings, although you may well pick up the odd buona sera or benvenuto without really trying. Whilst the Craven U3A Italian classes aim to teach and improve language skills, the Italian Circle aims to provide a meeting place for anyone who loves any aspect of Italy. Some people do go to a U3A class as well, but the Italian Circle also attracts people who do not necessarily want to learn the language or who would not qualify for the U3A on age grounds! All talks are given in English (although they may have the occasional Italian word thrown in for good measure).We usually meet in Skipton on the fourth Thursday evening of the month from March to November. We are fortunate to attract some well-known local presenters as well as the occasional native speaker. Recent events have included talks on art and architecture in Florence and Venice, Shakespeare’s Italy, the towns of Ferrara and Genoa, and Italy in World War One. We have also had great fun taking part in a Tuscan focaccia bread demonstration and tasting, and celebrating Christmas Italian-style! And we’ve now linked up with Craven U3A to show one or two Italian films a year. We welcome new members and visitors at any meeting. For further information, or to be included on our email mailing list, please visit our website at www.skiptonitaliancircle.org or contact Maureen.woolf@talk21.com

First Class

Linda Lee

“Look, this is how it's done.”The brush flicks into the paint,quick as a snake's tongue,expertly blending pigment and water, and three mouth-watering shades

materialise in a flash,like coloured silk handkerchiefs

from the conjurer's sleeve.

Deft flow from brush to paper,with the first delicious tint,

followed swiftlyby the harmonising shades.And, hey-presto! – a perfect peachhas swelled on the flat page.

We can see clearlywhere it blushes in ripeness, where the light shines,

and where the shadow lies.

It was so quick,it looks so easy.“Now”, she says – “You try!”

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Glenys Swallow

Chicken Goulash

Calories per serving: 185Low in fat and cholesterol

High in protein from chickenHigh in vitamin C from tomatoes

8 boneless chicken thighs2 medium onions1 tbsp paprika 4 oz (115g) button mushrooms

14 oz (400g) tin tomatoes½ pint (285ml) chicken stockFreshly chopped parsley for garnish

Method:

1. Remove the skins from the chicken thighs. Heat about 4 of the skins in a nonstick frying pan until the fat runs out, and add the chicken. Cook over a medium heat for about 15 minutes, until well browned on all sides.

2. Meanwhile, peel and roughly chop the onions. Remove the chicken from the frying pan, discard the skins, and pour away all but one tablespoon of the fat. Cook the onions in the pan, with the paprika, for about 3 minutes, then add the mushrooms and cook for a further 2 minutes.

3. Add the tomatoes and the stock and bring to the boil. Reduce the heat to a simmer, then add the chicken. Cover the pan and simmer for about 30-35 minutes, until the chicken is tender.

4. Remove the lid and reduce the liquid to a sauce consistency by fast boiling for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently.

5. Then sprinkle with the freshly chopped parsley and serve immediately.

(serves four)

Glenys Swallow

Lemon Soufflé

Calories per serving: 155High in protein from eggs

2 large lemons5 large eggs

4 oz (115g) caster sugar4 tsp powdered gelatine or agar agar

Method:

1. Prepare a 6 x 2½ inch (150 x 65mm) deep soufflé dish. Cut a 5 inch (130mm) wide, double band of greaseproof paper to wrap around the dish snugly, but not too tightly, with an overlap. Secure with sticky tape. Stand the dish on a flat plate.

2. Finely grate the rind of the lemons and strain the juice. Separate the eggs, reserving 5 egg whites and 3 of the yolks. In a large bowl whisk the 3 egg yolks with the caster sugar and lemon rind until very thick and pale. Gradually whisk in the lemon juice.

3. Put 3 tablespoons of cold water in a small saucepan, sprinkle the gelling agent evenly over the surface, leave to stand until it swells and turns opaque. Heat gently until the gelling agent has dissolved completely and becomes quite hot, remove from the heat and leave to cool a little.

4. Whisk the 5 egg whites until stiff, but not dry. Whisk the gelling agent into the lemon mixture, then carefully fold in the egg whites.Pour into the prepared soufflé dish and level the top. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours until firmly set.

5. Before serving, remove the sticky tape from the paper, then carefully peel the paper from the side of the soufflé.

(serves six)

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Walking back to 2006The 2006 Summer Walking Group Programme was filled with walks in the Dales and local area but also included other exciting ventures.For several years there were monthly programmed walks to the Lake District with the aim of climbing all 170 of the 2,000 foot summits. These had been planned over 5 years by Tom Morgan and in 2006 they were nearing completion. Sadly, Tom died only months before the group finished them all.Other outings to the Lake District were also part of the summer programme: The Old Coach Road from Thelkeld Railway Station in June with the two Mike’s: Laycock & Peat; in July, Red Screes from Kirkstone Pass with Douglas & Margaret Goode; and in September an outing for ‘veterans’ from Ambleside over Loughrigg Fell with those great stalwarts Stan Hall and Eric Dessent.In June the group ventured to the highs and lows of the Dales with an early morning descent of Gaping Gill. Fourteen walkers queued to submit themselves to the exhilarating one-minute drop of 340 feet in the bosun’s chair installed by Bradford Pothole Club. This was followed by a somewhat slower walk up to the summit of Ingleborough. On the previous programme the two Mike’s had also led several legs of the Nidderdale Way, the last of which was on 14th May. The next Long Distance Walk was the Calderdale Way using cars and local

David Turner

buses, with 5 walks spaced 10 days apart over the summer. The walks began on 4th July at Heptonstall Old Church and ended there on 24th August, averaging 15 miles a day.Separate from all these events were individual walks up Inglebrough with Peter and Pat Chiles, Penyghent with the two Mike’s, and Great Whernside with the late Gwyn Morgan. As well as those there was an extra-curricular ‘Three Peaks walk’ by some of the group, here seen on the summit of Ingleborough on 7th August before the long descent back to Horton in Ribblesdale.Looking at walk leaders, I'm surprised to see how few are still regularly leading walks in 2016: Douglas Goode, Doreen House, Ann Horner. But for sheer dedication the crown has to go to Glenys Swallow and Allison Clarke who in the summer of 2006 led 5 different short walks, without them there would have been far fewer outings for the short-walkers over the years.In the last 10 years several former regulars have fallen by the wayside and some are sadly not with us anymore, but the Walking Group continues and new blood and new ideas are a vital part of that process.

Three Peakers on Ingleborough, August 2006

Early morning descent of Gaping Gill, June 2006

End of the Calderdale Way at Heptonstall Old Church, 24th August 2006

36

The editor welcomes contributions of articles about groups, activities, visits, recollections, poems, or anything that you think may be of interest to other members.Colour photographs will be printed as black & white, but will be in colour when the edition appears on the website.The editor reserves the right to edit, use, or not use any submitted material. The preferred form of submitted material is an email containing plain text or attached documents.All received emails will be acknowledged.The editor cannot be held responsible for any submissions that are lost in transit.The magazine appears twice yearly and articles may be held over to appear in a later edition.

Material for the Spring Edition should be

sent to the editor

before Monday 16th January 2017

by email:magazine@cravenu3a.org.uk

or by post:R. French, 6 Cross Lane Mill, Bradley BD20 9QB

AAA is a dangerous swelling of the aorta which may be without symptoms. If it should burst, it is extremely dangerous and in many cases fatal.The condition mainly affects men over 65.On reaching their 65th birthday men are now offered a free AAA screening, on the NHS, involving an ultrasound scan that takes about 10 minutes. The scan offers immediate detection of the problem, which can then be monitored or treated.You can find further Information by contacting your doctor, or from the internet (aaa.screening.nhs.uk). Alternatively, you can telephone the West Yorkshire Screening Programme team on 01422 224204.They will tell you the location of your nearest screening centre and they can make an appointment for you.If you are over 65 and have missed-out on the scan (as I had) make an appointment now – it could save your life.

Men's Health AlertAbdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA)

Editor’s noteI am grateful to all the contributors whose articles appear on these pages – and also to a couple of writers whose submissions are in my pending tray, awaiting later publication.I must apologise for inadvertently publishing two conflicting dates for the copy deadline of this issue. Unfortunately, the oversight did not produce twice the amount of copy. If it had, I might be tempted to make the same mistake again!As I finish putting together the magazine, I am looking forward to next week's Craven U3A Summer School. It will be over by the time you read this. I hope you will have attended, and enjoyed it.

Roger French

Dates for your Diary

Open DayTuesday 9th August 20162pm at Skipton Town Hall

Postal Enrolment CommencesMonday 15th August 2016

Craven U3A WebsiteFor details of events (and more) go to:

www.cravenu3a.org.ukItems for inclusion on the website should be sent to:

website@cravenu3a.org.uk

Craven U3A NoticesItems for the monthly email notices should be sent to:

notices@cravenu3a.org.uk

Carol ServiceTuesday 13th December 2016

2pm at Christ Church, Keighley Rd, Skipton

Craven College Lunch(provisional date)

Thursday 24th November 201612pm at the College Restaurant

Saturday Coffee Mornings10 .00 – 11·45am at Soroptomist Rooms, Otley St.

1st October 2016

5th November 2016

3rd December 2016

7th January 20174th February 20174th March 20171st April 2017