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The University of the Third age

DARLINGTON U3A NEWSLETTER ISSUE NO. 8 OCTOBER 2019

Our Website Address is: https://u3asites.org.uk/darlington

RENEWAL OF MEMBERSHIP (1ST October 2019 –

31st March 2020)

A slightly new system will be introduced for membership renewal w.e.f. 1st October 2019. Individual membership forms have been typed up. When you renew please check the typed details and amend any mistakes. Please inform me if not re-joining. Even if you do not normally attend, it would be very helpful if you attended just one monthly meeting during October to March to do this. On receipt of your CHEQUE (please) for £20.00 (2020-2021) you will be given a bank sized laminated numbered card. That will be your card and number for the next four years. It is alphabetical. It will fit into your purse or wallet. Please do not lose it.

You will also be given the Programme of Speakers and monthly events for the year.

PLEASE PAY BY CHEQUE made payable to

“DARLINGTON U3A” and SIGNED.

NEITHER MARIAN NOR I WANT TO BE MIUGGED CARRYING HUNDREDS OF POUNDS IN CASH TO THE BANK!

Many thanks Kathy Clulee

(Membership Secretary) 20 Hillside Road

Darlington DL3 8HB (01325 462020)

We Hope All The Members Who Have Recently Joined Us Are Enjoying Their Time With Us. Do Not Hesitate To Contact A Committee Member Or Group Leader If You Have Any Questions.

MEDICATION

All of our members are of an age where the majority will be on some sort of medication and unfortunately instances can and do occur where medical attention is needed. Please consider carrying with you at all times a list of your current medication. The easiest way to do this is to keep your latest prescription/s in your purse or wallet so that you have it on your person.

YOU NEVER KNOW WHEN IT WILL BE

REQUIRED!!!!

Jill Clark, who is a retired nurse, has very kindly volunteered to be of assistance to anyone who might need medical attention during the course of our meetings.

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SPEAKERS – organised by Pat Newton

14th June 2019 – Rachel Barclay –“ Japanese Art” – Article written by Sheila Greener We welcomed Rachel, who is a Curator at the Oriental Museum in Durham, to give us an introduction to Japanese Art and hopefully to get us interested and excited in the subject. She certainly did not fail. Her professional and expert presentation kept us all fascinated.

Japanese art covers a vast range of art styles including pottery, sculpture, paintings, textiles and lacquer. Rachel covered the many periods from 14,000 BCC (Before Common Era) up to the present time explaining how the style of art had changed during history. Over time Japanese art has absorbed many foreign artistic traditions including occasional exchanges with China. When Japan became familiar with the western world in the 16th Century their woodblock prints and paintings had a huge influence on European art. In turn Japanese artists were also influenced by Western techniques and materials. Until modern times the Japanese wrote with a brush rather than a pen but today contemporary Japanese painters work in all genres including traditional ink and water colours, oils and modern media. We mustn’t forget that Japanese ceramics are amongst the finest in the world. When Westerners began to fall in love with Japanese porcelain they

wanted pairs of vases, not one, so the Japanese created art for what the Western world wanted. However, they didn’t want to get away from tradition and today Japanese art is both traditional and contemporary. Rachel explained that Durham University have close ties with the Japanese Embassy in London and source some of their art from them but also they rely very much on the generosity of individuals who make donations to the Museum. Rachel is, without doubt, very passionate about this subject. 12th July 2019 – John Yearnshire – “Forensics” -Article written by Sheila Greener John Yearnshire is a retired crime scene investigator and the talk was about his work as a forensic scientist in Northumberland Constabulary. He described how the science had developed over the years and he illustrated how forensics had been used in some important cases. Forensics is any science used for the purpose of law and therefore provides impartial scientific evidence for use in the courts of law.

We are all familiar with the use of DNA or to give its full name “Deoxyribonucleic acid (try saying that when you’ve had one or two

glasses of wine). DNA can be one of the most important pieces of evidence but fingerprints are also a vital method of forensic science as no two people have the same fingerprint whereas twins can have the same DNA. When attending the scene of a major crime, visual examination, video/photographs, fingerprints and other traces of evidence all have to be collected in a structural and methodical manner and of course the SOCO (Scenes of Crime Officers) have to wear sterile suits to avoid contamination of the evidence.

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John highlighted three very high profile cases. The first one was the horrendous murder of two young schoolgirls, Holly Wells and Jessica Chapman. This case was known as the Soham murders and Ian Huntley, who was the caretaker at the local secondary school they attended was found guilty of their murder and sentenced to a minimum term of 40 years. John covered the case of the Great Train Robbery in 1963 when the 12 men who carried out this crime were convicted on the evidence of fingerprinting and they were given a total of 307 years imprisonment. James Hanratty was known as the A6 Murderer having been convicted of the murders of Michael Gresten who he shot dead in a car and Valerie Storie who he raped and then shot 5 times. However, she survived her horrendous injuries but was left paralysed. James Hanratty was hanged at Bedford Prison in 1962. In all of these cases forensic science played a vital role in the conviction of these criminals. 13th September 2019 – Keeley Metcalf – “History of Garden Design” – Article written by Sheila Greener Keeley has had an interest in garden design since childhood when she was allowed to help out in the family garden, digging ponds, planting bulbs and growing fruit and vegetables. With her added interest in Art she combined the two subjects and did a degree in Garden Art and Design. One of the most recognised feature of a Tudor garden is the knot garden designed to be viewed from above. The knot gardens were made from box hedging and planted in geometrical patterns. In Elizabethan times gardens displayed wealth and were made more elaborate with topiary and terraces. During the Italian Renaissance period gardens became more showy with parterres. The symmetrical plant beds were separated by gravel

paths. Versailles is a good example of this style of garden. Parterre gardens lost favour in the 18th century when more natural looking gardens became popular with artificial lakes and arboretums. Lancelot “Capability” Brown was one of the most famous gardeners of the 18th century who adopted a completely informal style of garden.

A typical knot garden

In the 19th century technology was advancing and people travelled more, returning home with different ideas and new discoveries of plants from other countries. More formal gardens returned during this time with geometric flowerbeds of bright coloured plants reared in glasshouses. Towards the end of the 19th century the more natural garden was brought back into fashion resulting in woodland gardens and a return to informality. Walled kitchen gardens were introduced producing vast ranges of fruit and vegetables. During the 20th century garden design changed again. Trellises of flowers, neat hedges and old fashioned English flowers became popular. I think we all agree that Darlington Council have done a grand job this summer in our town centre and surrounding areas with the swathes of wild flowers. They have looked stunning.

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NORTHERN HISTORY – organized by Barbara

Gunn 26th June 2019 – Trip to Ormesby Hall – Article written by Sheila Greener We had a pleasant afternoon visiting this Grade I listed 18th Century mansion house which is situated in Ormesby, Middlesbrough. In 1983 the home was taken over from the Pennyman family by the National Trust and extensive restoration has since taken place. We were split into groups and given a guided tour of the house which dates back to c.1600. The 6th Baronet, known as wicked Sir James, was extremely rich. However, he was reckless with money and finally went bankrupt. Sadly all the contents of the Hall had to be auctioned off to pay off his debts. We

One of the guest bedrooms where the likes of Neville Chamberlain and Dame Sybil Thorndike

would have stayed learnt about Jim Pennyman and his wife Ruth who were the last owners of the hall. Ruth lived in the house until her death so the house was more or less left as it was when she lived there. We were told about how they welcomed refugees during the war and helped unemployed miners in the 1930s. The plasterwork on the ceilings in some of the rooms was magnificent and the Victorian kitchen and laundry areas were certainly worth a look.

The adjacent stable block was built by the wicked Sir James to house 16 horses, when in fact he only had 3 (this was typical of how he wasted his money). Until 2013 it was used to house the horses of Cleveland Police Mounted Section.

This implement was in the laundry room at Ormesby Hall. Does anyone know what it is called and what it was used for? Check the answer out on page 8

24th July 2019 – Trip to Beningbrough Hall – Article written by Sheila Greener Beningbrough Hall is owned by the National Trust and located not far from York. The Italian-style baroque house is 18th century and many of its rooms display 18th century portraits of people who have influenced British history.

We were fortunate to visit while a new art exhibition for 2019 was on display. One of the abstract paintings caused quite a debate as it was a painting of the Yorkshire Dales but there was no greenery to

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be seen. Another section of the exhibition featured Yorkshire people recognized for their achievements including Arthur Scargill and Geoffrey Boycott. During WWII The Royal Canadian Air Force arrived at Beningbrough and there is a room dedicated to the men and women who stayed there during the war. There are over 8 acres of formal gardens to enjoy (which we did in the scorching heat). The garden designer, Andy Sturgeon who has won gold at Chelsea Flower Show several times, is working with the National Trust to help revitalize the gardens. 25th September 2019 – Talk on the History of Sadberge by Alan Pallister The article for this talk will be published in the next Newsletter

GARDEN VISITS – organised by Sheila Greener

& Pam Young 30th June 2019 – Trip to Breezy Knees Gardens – Article written by Sheila Greener These gardens have been visited more than once by the U3A over recent years but it was a first for myself and Pam. Having heard how beautiful they were we were both very excited about visiting them. The weather was ideal, not too hot with a gentle breeze which helped keep the temperatures down. In the late 1990’s Marylen and Colin Parker bought 90 acres of arable farmland and commenced the development of the gardens which cover approximately 20 acres. The farmland was very exposed having no effective hedges, hence the name “Breezy Knees”. There are many areas in this huge space, a rock garden, a cottage garden and conifer garden, herbaceous borders and a stunning fountain which sparkled in the sunshine. The vibrant colours in the borders were very eye-catching. There is also a very large nursery where they sell most of the plants that are found in the gardens and

needless to say many of us couldn’t resist the temptation of buying one or two to bring home.

Enjoying a bit of shade at Breezy Knees There was a considerable amount of walking involved to see everything and I for one came home with aching legs and feet. But it was worth every step!

SHORT WALKS - led by Ron Williams – Article

written by Sheila Greener One of the walks during the summer months was organized by Hilary Midgley and it was to Rainton Meadows Nature Reserve which is situated between Durham and Sunderland. There are several ponds and lots of grasslands with swathes of wild flowers providing home to a variety of insects. If you can manage to walk to the top of Nicholson’s Hill (which is a manmade hill named after Nicholson’s Pit which operated throughout the 19th century and was part of the Rainton Colliery) there are fantastic views across Sunderland. Durham Cathedral is also visible from the top of the hill. It was a very warm, sunny afternoon for us to enjoy this walk. However, due to the lack of signposts there were times when we weren’t sure if we were on the right track but we all managed to arrive safely back to the Visitors Centre and Café.

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This is known as “Joe’s Pond” at Rainton

Meadows

TEDDY BEARS PICNIC – Article written by

Sheila Greener It certainly wasn’t the weather for a teddy bears’ picnic as it was a very rainy day. Fortunately for us it was held indoors and the soggy weather didn’t put our members off from putting on their wet weather clothes and joining in the fun.

We were told to bring a bear and they came in abundance with a vast selection of bears of all shapes, sizes and colours. Each bear had a name,

given by its owner, and the names went into a bowl with one being picked out to win a prize. There was also a prize for the best bow tie, bonnet and pinny. The event started off with pass the parcel which was followed by a selection of games including a quiz and dingbats. After the break, during which we enjoyed a picnic of marmalade sandwiches, bear biscuits, cheese scones and cakes, we had a game of Teddy Bear Beetle. Marian had her usual cake stall with plenty of home made cakes and biscuits for sale. The proceeds of the event which amounted to over £100 went to the Butterwick Childrens’ Hospice based in Stockton and Bishop Auckland. It provides hospice facilities for children with terminal illnesses and also on-going support for their families for as many years as they need it.

THANK YOU KATHY FOR ORGANISING SUCH A

BRILLIANT EVENT Plus a thank you to those who helped Kathy with

the catering

I think Kathy has already got something in mind

for next year so watch this space!!

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LUNCH CLUB – written by Kathy Clulee (May

2019)

Rather than cook, treat yourself to a lunch Join us at Lunch Club …. and have a good munch!! With friends a-plenty and a jolly good price The first Thursday each month is just really nice. Maybe some baked hake in a rich creamy sauce That makes a delicious choice of main course. Or try Chicken Parmo of Middlesbrough fame You’ll not find anything else quite the same!! Roast beef, pulled pork, chicken & leek pie, Fish in vodka batter, so thin crisp and dry, Pasta, curry OOH, ham, egg and chips A vegetarian choice … yes, you’ll soon lick your lips Half will have starters … perhaps they can’t wait Anxious to have some food on their plate “We don’t do desserts” they always say Not greedy: no: they just go “seize the day” As they chomp on their paté or mushrooms or brie My favourite is prawn cocktail; that’ll do me But those with desserts smirk when they’re served They waited … and got all the joy they deserved Eton Mess, so yummy, piled neck-high in a glass Cheesecake so deep; diet control is a farce Cream sundae, and sticky toffee pud The day we give up trying to be good Tea or coffee and a jolly good natter A relaxed time with friends who enjoy a good banter We don’t sit in cliques and we don’t discuss Brexit But don’t forget to pay as you make for the exit There’s only one rule .. be social and have fun That’s what its about when all’s said and done

WHAT’S COMING UP

SPEAKERS –

8th November “From Barrow to Baghdad and Back” – talk by by Philip Caine

NORTHERN HISTORY -

23rd October “Cragside upstairs/downstairs” talk given by Geoff Hughes

27th November – 16th Century Darlington – talk given by Kathy LeRoy

GARDEN VISITS 13th October – Half day Garden Visit to Thorp Perrow Arboratum (UNFORTUNATELY THIS TRIP IS NOW CANCELLED DUE TO LACK OF NUMBERS)

GARDEN VISITS AND NORTHERN HISTORY

TRIPS FOR 2020 ARE CURRENTLY BEING PLANNED AND ORGANISED.

THERE WILL BE FURTHER INFORMATION IN THE NEXT NEWSLETTER IN JANUARY 2020

SOCIAL EVENTS 20th November – Trip to York (St Nicholas Christmas Fair) 5th December – U3A Christmas Lunch 13th December – Celebration of Christmas in Bondgate Methodist Church. Apart from the usual hymns and readings, there will be a soloist singing a Christmas medley along with (hopefully) our own choir.

NEW CLASSES We are hoping to introduce some new classes in the near future. The suggestions put forward to date are Gentle Yoga, Gentle Exercise, and the History of Art.

WINE APPRECIATION The Wine Appreciation classes have been suspended until further notice.

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A BIT OF FUN

SEENAGER

I just discovered my age group! I am a SEENAGER (senior teenager). I have everything that I wanted as a teenager, only 55-65 years later. I don’t have to go to school or work. I get an allowance every month. I have my own pad. I don’t have a curfew. I have a driver’s license and my own car. I have ID that gets me into bars and the wine store. I like the wine store best. The people I hang around with are not scared of getting pregnant, they aren’t scared of anything, they have been blessed to live this long, why be scared? And I don’t have acne. Life is Good! Also, you will feel much more intelligent after reading this, if you are a SEENAGER. Brains of older people are slow because they know so much. People do not decline mentally with age; it just takes them longer to recall facts because they have more information in their brains. Scientists believe this also makes you hard of hearing as it puts pressure on your inner ear. Also, older people often go to another room to get something and when they get there, they stand there wondering what they came for. It is NOT a memory problem, it is nature’ s way of making older people do more exercise.

SO THERE!

YOU COME FROM DUST, YOU WILL RETURN TO DUST.

THAT’S WHY I DON’T DUST, IT COULD BE SOMEONE I KNOW.

THROUGH ATTENDING OUR U3A MONTHLY MEETINGS OR CLASSES AND GROUPS WE HOPE TO EASE THE ISOLATION AND LONELINESS THAT MANY PEOPLE MAY EXPERIENCE. PLEASE LOOK OUT FOR PEOPLE IN THE COMMUNITY WHO MAY BE SUFFERING FROM LONELINESS, TRY AND SPEAK TO THEM AND INVITE THEM ALONG TO ONE OF OUR MEETINGS OR CLASSES SO THEY CAN SEE FOR THEMSELVES HOW LEARNING AND LAUGHING CAN IMPROVE QUALITY OF LIFE.

LEARN, LAUGH AND LIVE

Answer to the Northern History question: The implement in the photograph is called a “Goffer” and it was used for crimping lace. When being used it was known as “Goffering”.

HAPPY CHRISTMAS TO ALL

OUR U3A MEMBERS