Maghull and Lydiate U3A

www.maghullandlydiateu3a.org.uk

Reg. Charity: No 1116576 Issue 93 September 2016

What a wonderful �rst ten years we have had! We can celebrate this anniversary by knowing that retired people in Maghull and Lydiate need never feel bored, lonely or isolated. We have over 50 activities in our U3A which provide

learning, fun and friends for everyone no longer in full time work.

In 2006 our founding chairman, Bill Howarth, was encouraged by the then chairman of Aughton and Ormskirk U3A, Alex McMinn, to start a group in Maghull and Lydiate. Bill advertised a meeting to discuss the idea, expecting about

30 people to turn up. In fact, 220 arrived and there was no doubt in his mind that a new U3A could be born. An enthusiastic steering group was formed, several activities got underway and now there is a membership of 850 and

growing, with a wide variety of interest groups.

We can be particularly proud that all this successful activity is conducted by members who volunteer and give their time and knowledge generously. Our heartfelt congratulations and thanks to the dedicated, hard working group leaders and committee and to all who make a contribution to our successful U3A in many ways, large and small.

Some groups have been so successful that they are full to capacity. So this is an opportunity to encourage new leaders and form second groups. Please don’t be shy about stepping forward.

We can be very proud of all we have achieved and we can also encourage other people to join us and enhance their lives in retirement. The next ten years promise to be equally as vibrant and exciting as even more ‘baby boomers’

retire, bringing their life experience with them.

HAPPY TENTH ANNIVERSARY AND HERE’S TO THE FUTURE!

2006 - 2016

So happy anniversary! Here’s to much more learning,fun and excellent company. David Allen, Chairman

PROPOSED NEW GROUPS

Maths 4 Fun

A new group to explore all the stu� they never told you at school:How do the bookies always win? Why do some knots unravel? What are the secret numbers of plant life? How do teeth grow? How does music provoke emotions? What is the investor’s Rule of 70? What colour is best in Monopoly? Can you win the lottery? Interested???

Contact Wanda Leach at wleach099@gmail.com

ARCHAEOLOGYA new group is proposed to study this subject possibly in conjunction with another local U3A - if you are interested please contact Frank Wood on 287 5462

If you would like to start a new group or have an idea for a new group come along to our Tuesday Co�ee morning and speak to the Group Support Team who can o�er help and advice on how to go about it.

Tuesday 6th September

PIANO RECITAL

Andrew Wilde, concert pianist, who studied at Chetham’s School of Music in Manchester and the Royal Northern College of Music, will give a piano recital. Andrew is a pianist of national and international acclaim, who has a wide concert repertoire and a particular a�nity with Chopin.

Tuesday 20th September 10:15 for 10:3010TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION LECTURE

Dr Geo� Carter on Yellowstone National Park. An Illustrated talk followed by refreshments. This is an open meeting for members and non-members. Please invite your friends. Tickets £3

Monday 19th September

CYCLING GROUPS’ COMMEMORATIVE CANAL RIDE

To celebrate the 200th anniversary of the Liverpool-Leeds Canal and the tenth anniversary of our U3A, all three cycling groups will take part in a towpath ride to Liverpool. We are expecting approximately 30 cyclists to join in the ride. Full details are available on the website.

OPEN COFFEE MORNINGSTUESDAYS 10:00 - 11:30 am(Refreshments served until 11:15 am)MAGHULL BAPTIST CHURCH HALLHALL LANE, MAGHULL

GROUP LEADERS’ MEETINGS 18th and 25th October

FOR YOUR DIARY Tuesday 4th October Speaker: George Sephton Liverpool Stadium announcer‘The Voice of An�eld’

Friday 9th December Christmas Social Tuesday 13th December Carol ServiceWednesday 14th December Christmas lunch at the Adelphi

SPECIAL EVENTS FOR10TH ANNIVERSARY

LEARNING, MAKING FRIENDS AND HAVING FUN

ARCHITECTURE FOR FUN

Leader: David Scott 07968289297 Asst: George Birchall 287 0308

Wednesday 14th September (afternoon)Bidston Lighthouse A rare opportunity to see a 19th century lighthouse on Bidston Hill.

Thursday 13th OctoberFACT, Wood Street This will be a MORNING visit to look at the architecture, listen to a talk on the history and development of FACT, and a visit to the current exhibition.

Thursday 10th NovemberLiverpool Institute for the Performing Arts An opportunity to visit this famous institute following recent extensive changes to the building.

Further details of these events will be available at the AFF desk on Tuesday Co�ee mornings___________________________________

ART APPRECIATION

Leader: Maureen Birchall 287 0308September 7thFrancis Bacon @ Tate LiverpoolCost: entry and tour £13.00 for non-membersMeet at venue for 1.15pm October 19thLady Lever Art GalleryPicasso Lino CutsMeet at venue for 12 noon November 18th Tate Modern, London New annex Visit to Tate and Globe Theatre Contact Maureen for details

BADMINTON GROUP 1

Leader: Marj Grundy 526 7164Venue: United Reformed Church Hall Wednesday 09:30 - 12:00___________________________________

BADMINTON GROUP 2

Leader: June Avery 526 9118Venue: Hudson school Tuesday 18.30 - 20.00 during term time.___________________________________

BEGINNERS’ BRIDGE

Leader: Jane Jones 526 2530Venue: Aintree Village Youth and Community CentreMondaysImprovers 13:00 Beginners 14:00___________________________________

BOOK CLUBS

Leaders: Anne Carr 526 2734 & David Kearney 526 6001 22 Orchard Hey8th September 19:30The End of the Wasp SeasonBy Denise Mina23 Buckingham Road 23 September at 10:30We shall discuss our Summer reading.___________________________________

BOWLS

Leader: Carol Daley 01704 880521Venue: Maghull Town HallMonday 12.00-15.00

BRITISH HISTORY

Leader: Geo� Kean 290 1282 Convenor: Bidni O’Donnell 476 2115Venue: Lydiate Village Centre Geo� is making good progress and hopes to restart this group soon.___________________________________

CARD MAKING

Leaders: Joan Martin 526 9406 & Val Turnbull 526 1557 Venue: St. George’s URC Monday 13:30 - 15:30___________________________________

CYCLING:

DAY RIDERS Leader: Phil Hughes 526 0038Asst: Ian Gent 526 7736New members welcome. Typical ride is between 20 and 30 miles.

EASY RIDERS Mondays at 10.00Leader: John Ramsden 526 5031Asst: Brian Dickenson 520 1857Leisurely rides of 10-15 miles on quiet lanes Waiting list at present

PEDAL PUSHERSLeader: Bill Ashton 285 1817Venue: Litherland Sports Park Wednesday 10:00 - 11:00

COMPUTER GROUP

Leader: Rho Myers 531 0921Assists: Colin Bennett 526 0752, Phil Davidson 526 6805, Tony DoddVenue: Maghull Baptist Church Hall

HELP DESK: Tuesday morning ‘drop in’. Bring your laptop or tablet with you during the co�ee morning.

Tuesday & Friday 14:00 - 16:00 (by appointment)One-to-one help with tablets, smartphones, laptops and computer apps. Visit the Computer Desk for further details. ___________________________________

DAY TRIPS

Leader: Marj Atlay 526 4665Asst: Sylvia Adams 531 9001

Wed. 21st Sept. Lovely Hamlet of Scorton + Blackpool Winter Gardens for the unique Illuminasia light show. £19 Dep. 9.15 Ret. 6pmThurs. 20th Oct. Oswestry, visiting the British Ironworks Centre and the Shropshire Sculpture Park £15 Dep. 9.15am Ret. 6pm11th Nov. - 15th Nov. Lochs & Glens Mountains and Mistletoe. 5 days/ 4 nights Hotel Loch Tummell. £215Wed. 7th Dec. Visiting Newbank Garden Centre, Bury and the Higher Trapp Country House Hotel Burnley inc. 3 course lunch. £26. Dep.9.30am Ret.5pm See website or visit Day Trips desk for full details of all trips.Deposits required on booking with balance due 4 weeks before departure. All trips depart/return Central Square Maghull.___________________________________

DIGITAL CAMERA GROUPLeader: Peter Martin 526 9406 Terry Horrobin 526 1249 Venue: St Andrew’s Room Monday 14.00 - 16.00 fortnightlySubjects this month12th September Trees26th September Light and Shade See website for amazing photos by our members

DISCUSSION GROUP

Leader: Brian Leach 284 8454Chair: Bert DowellVenue: Melling Tithebarn,Tithebarn Lane, L31 1EEThursday 13:30 - 15:00

Thursday 22nd September Topic: Water - a scarce resource?Thursday 27th October Topic: Is our countryside dying?Entrance £1 includes refreshments. Come and have your say over a cup of tea or co�ee in this friendly group.___________________________________

FAMILY HISTORY

Leader: David Russell 526 6527Assistant: Rosney Leith 526 3623Venue: Lydiate Village Centre, Lambshear Lane, Lydiate.1st Friday of the month 13.30 - 15.30

2nd SeptemberLydiate Estate – An everyday tale of country folk.7th OctoberRecord keeping - paper and electronic___________________________________

FOODIE GROUP

Leader: Margaret Kendall 526 3164Assistant: Pat McGuire 924 5166

Venue: VariousGroup meets on 3rd Thursday of each month at 10:30We are accepting new members. Please contact Margaret Kendall or Pat Mcguire for further information.___________________________________

FRENCH GROUPS Leader: David Ward 526 5071

Monday group 14:00 - 16.00

Venue: St George’s Social Centre, Station

Road, Maghull

Monday group to reassemble on

September 12th. The group will also

meet on the remaining Mondays in

September, same time and same place.

Reinforcement of comprehension,

memorisation and use of downloaded

TV reports can be expected most weeks.

Wednesday group 14:00 - 16.00

Venue: Hudson Primary School,

Moorhey Road, Maghull

The Wednesday group will resume on

September 14th, and on the remaining

Wednesdays in September. One aim will

be to master all important tenses and

to use them naturally, as well as basic

structures found in normal speech. We

will continue to use Perfect Your French

as the main source of dialogues.

MODERN FRANCE

Leader: David Ward 526 5071

Venue: Lydiate Village Centre

Tuesday 14.30 - 16.30

The Modern France course will resume

on Tuesday, September 27th. Focus this

coming term will be on the 4th and 5th

French Republics with the key role of

General de Gaulle.

EARLY STAGE FRENCH GROUP(FORMERLY FRENCH FOR BEGINNERS)Leader: Marie Bramwell 526 6653Venue: St. George’s Social ClubThursday 10:00 - 12:00Following the summer break, the �rst meeting of the group will be on 8th September.___________________________________

GARDENING GROUP

Leaders: Ann Raw 526 6086 Barbara Short 526 1119Wednesday 7th SeptemberVisit to Bodrhyddan Hall, N.Wales, and the Grosvenor Garden Centre.

2nd - 4th Dec: Windsor Castle and Salisbury CathedralFull information at Tuesday Co�ee Morning and on the website___________________________________

GERMAN GROUP

Leader: Peter Du�y 526 2933Venue: St George’s Social ClubThursday 10.00 am.New members welcome ___________________________________

GEOLOGY

Leader: Keith Snell 526 9163Venue: Scout Hut, Long Lane, Aughton3rd Friday monthly at 2:00 pm

A friendly and informal group.Field trips planned in form of local walks. New members are most welcome.___________________________________

GLASS WORKSHOP

Leader: John Jackson 526 2900Venue: Lydiate Village Centre, Lambshear Lane, Lydiate.Friday at 14.00 - 16.00

September 9th, 16th, 23rd, & 30th.October 14th, 21st, & 28th

GOLF

Leader: Ray Martin 520 1016 Venue: Kirkby golf course. Thursday 12.00___________________________________

GRAMMAR GROUP

Leader: Anne Carr 526 2734Venue: 23 Buckingham RoadFridays at 15.00 For more information call Anne___________________________________

LINE DANCING

Leader: Hilary Loughlin 928 8936Venue: Maghull Parish Hall Wednesday 10.00 am - 12.00 noon ___________________________________

LOCAL HISTORY

Leader: Denis Stevens 531 9188Asst. Leader: Wyn Taylor 526 5467Convenor: Bidni O’Donnell 476 2115Venue: St Andrew’s Church annexeFirst Tuesday monthly 2-4pm

6th SeptemberA presentation on Charles Dickens’s time in MerseysideSpeaker: Mrs Diane Cox

4th OctoberA presentation about MerseysideSpeaker: Mr Frank Carlyle

1st NovemberDid the Titanic strike an iceberg and sink? Speaker: Mr Derek Arnold

6th DecemberBrand names and history of Liverpool shopsSpeaker: Mr Charlie Southern

Entrance £1.50 includes refreshments

NORDIC WALKING

Leader: Ian Gent 0151 526 7736Assts: Brenda & John McKenzie 07900 525 222Venue: Lydiate Parish HallEvery Monday at 18:30 Circular walks app. 1 hr 30 minsThe walk will move back to Maghull for the winter at the beginning of October 2016.___________________________________

PAINTING FOR PLEASURE

Leader: Eric Jones 526 2965Venue: United Reformed Church Thursdays at 10:00. Beginners welcome.___________________________________

PHILOSOPHY

Leader: Tony Snape 526 3146 or antsnape@googlemail.comAssistant: Frank Wood Venue: Kensington House, Station Road3rd Wednesday 14.30 - 16.30

21st September We will be looking at the philosophy of David Hulme and Karl Marx.ALL WELCOME___________________________________

PLAY READING & DRAMA

Leader: Doris Cox 526 7944Venue: 34 Moss Lane, Maghull.2nd Tuesday of the month at 2.00 pm New members welcome.

POETRY GROUP

Leader: John Lea 526 3235Venue: 3 Avondale Avenue2nd Wednesday at 10.30 am

September 14thPoetry of WB Yeats ___________________________________

PRACTICAL GARDENING GROUP

St Andrews Parish HallMonday 12th September 10.00.-12.00The group, meeting monthly, will look at practical gardening issues. Members are hoping to cultivate a plot at Hudson School. If you are interested visit the Group Support Table at the Tuesday Co�ee morning or call 531 0207 for further details. ___________________________________

REAL ALE APPRECIATION

Leader: Sue Daniels 526 1198The group usually meets on the last Friday of the month. Please look on website for details or ring Sue on above number or mobile 07801 656570.___________________________________

THE SHAKESPEARE GROUP

Group Leader: Sandra Parker 0151 520 1974Venue: Kensington HouseThursday 9.30 -11.30am22 September 2016 Topic: Macbeth (we are using the ‘Macbeth: Oxford School Shakespeare’ edition, published by Oxford University Press)___________________________________

SPANISH CONVERSATION

Leader: Ron Higham 526 3562Venue Lydiate Village CentreFriday 09.30-11.30 Group OneFriday 11.30-13.00 Group Two___________________________________

SPANISH CONVERSATION FOR BEGINNERS

Leader: Blair Allwood 0151 924 0340Venue: Lydiate Village Centre, Lambshear LaneThursdays, 11.00 - 1.00 p.m.

For complete beginners. The main approach will be the practice in pairs of dialogues related to common Spanish situations. A few places are still available. ___________________________________

SUNDAY LUNCH GROUP

Coordinator: Sylvia Adams 53l 9001This group has proved to be popular and we have visited some nice venues so far. Please make a note in your diary for the following dates - full details will be announced so watch the website/our notice board.Sunday 4th September - 2nd October - 6th November - 4th December ___________________________________

SUNDAY STROLLERS

Leader: John McKenzie 531 020725th September – Ainsdale to Formby23rd October – West Kirkby to Caldy20th November – Sefton Stroll (meeting at Punch Bowl)More details on website

We will meet at Maghull Station at 10.50. If you have a pass please bring it with you. ___________________________________

TABLE TENNIS

Leaders: Tuesday 14:00 Carolyn Comaish 526 4478Friday 14:00 George Dobie 285 0119 Venue: Maghull Baptist Church Hall

TABLE GAMES

Leader: Phil Davidson 526 6805Asst: Cath Pearson 526 1872Venue: Youth Co�ee Bar, Town HallMonday 10:00 - 12:00 Bridge, Scrabble and games on demand___________________________________

TA JI

Leader: Sheila Merry 526 3220Assistant: Mike Woodward 476 4782Venue: Maghull Parish Hall Friday 11.00 - 12.00Tai ji improves balance and coordination. New members welcome. ___________________________________

TEXTILE GROUP

Leader: Maureen Collier 526 0837Venue: United Reformed Church Monday 13:30 Group starting again on September 12th.New Members welcome.___________________________________

TECHNOLOGY & SCIENCE

Leader: Phil Davidson 526 6805Asst. Leaders: Colin Bennett 526 0752 Frank Wood 287 5462Venue Kensington House, Station Road.Wednesday at 2.30 pm

14th September Move it, Shift it, Move it.28th September IoT (Internet of Things)

WALKING GROUP

Leader: Bill Langham 526 4873 September 8th Walk from Hightown railway station to Waterloo, following the Sefton footpath route with lunch at the Royal Hotel. It is a short walk to Waterloo station to return home. Stout shoes will be adequate on this occasion. The start time is 10:30 Leader - Judith Jones

October 6thWalk from the Stocks Tavern in Parbold, through Newburgh and Dalton returning to the Stocks Tavern. Pre-book your meal on arrival at the pub (free tea/co�ee laid on). Car parking available. Public transport:- 2A bus from Ormskirk to Burscough Tesco @ 9.48 arrives 10:06. 3A bus from Tesco interchange @10:15 arrives Stocks Tavern 10.31Walk to start at 10:45 am. Boots advisable for this walkLeader - Ian Gent

November 10thThree Liverpool Parks - start from St Michael’s station on the Hunts Cross Line. Walk up Lark Lane, Linnet Lane into Princes Park then Sefton Park and �nally through Otterspool Park. We then stop for a meal at the Otterspool Pub. From there we have a choice:- 1. Walk back to Aigburth Station, 2. Bus back to town or 3. Walk down to the prom and up through the Festival Gardens and return to St Michael’s Station. Walk starts at 10:30. Stout shoes will be adequate for this walk.Leader - Margaret Schumacher

Full details on website and at Tuesday Co�ee Morning

WELSH Leader: Jane Jones 526 2530For times and venue please contact Jane.___________________________________

WINE TASTING

Leader: George Birchall 287 0308Venue: Lydiate Village CentreOccasional meetings - contact George

THEATRE GROUP

Leaders: Ann Unsworth, Pat Kelly: 476 1726 Ena Winchester: 526 4357

Fri 16th Sept Empire Chicago £44.00 TT Fri 14th Oct Empire Sister Act £44.00 TT

Fri 28th Oct Philharmonic Carl Davies at 80 £42.50 TT

Sun 20th Nov Philharmonic Benedetti’s Brahms £31.00 T

Thurs 22nd Dec Philharmonic Spirit of Christmas £40.00 TT

Sat 31st Dec PhilharmonicNew Year – Joe Stilgoe £39.00 TT

TT - Ticket & Transport T -Ticket only

HOLIDAYS

Wine tasting holiday to CroatiaA 7 day 6 night tour 30th Sep 2016 to 6th Oct 2016, Direct �ights Mcr/Venice. Cost - £799.00 includes 3 wine tastings, a tru�e hunt and several trips to interesting local towns/islands. Early booking essential.

Full details from George 287 0308

COMING SOONKeep an eye open next month for a six day break to Rudesheim in Germany next June 2017. Details will be available from the Holiday desk.

U3A OFFICIALS

Chair David Allen 520 2690Vice Chair Frank Mercer Secretary Clare Baxter 924 7708Treasurer Clive Walker Welfare Lill Boyle 526 4303(If you know of any member who is ill or in need please inform Lill)

NEXT NEWSLETTER - OCTOBER / NOVEMBER ISSUE

Please email copy to u3anewsletter@gmail.comas soon as possible before the deadline, 6th September

Thank you to all who shared their feelings. We do not have enough space to include you all but it has been obvious that U3A not only provides

learning, friendship and fun but that it is central to our retired lives.

Here’s to the next ten years!

What U3A Means to meTo help celebrate our tenth anniversary, we asked members the question, “What does U3A mean to you?”

The replies were heartwarming and demonstrated that Maghull and Lydiate U3A is providing a ful�lling, stimulating and fun retirement for many people. Retirement need never be lonely or boring. So please spread

the word to others.

There was an overwhelming chorus of: “learning, friendship and fun”, so congratulations to all our hard working volunteer leaders who organise the activities which we all appreciate. A lot of people also said: “It gets you out of the house”. This was particularly important for people who live alone and those who have

been widowed. U3A provides a focus to the week and there is something to do every day.

Eric Purvis was recently widowed and re-joined U3A after several years of looking after his wife.

He says: “I came back as soon as I could and I am glad to have things to do and meet people. I

can’t praise it enough, I think it is wonderful.”

Anne Carr, who leads a book group says: “There is a group for nearly all my

interests. How lucky am I ?”

Phil Davison notes: “Every day o�ers a search for

new ideas and subjects to learn. What fun, I can’t

wait for tomorrow!”

Frank Wood is passionate about U3A and involved in lots of activities: “I love U3A. I loved it from the outset and I love it more all the time. There is so much to do.”

David Ward, who leads popular French courses remembers how important U3A was

to him when he retired from lecturing at John Moores University: “It was wonderful to still be able to do that with U3A members who

are always keen to learn and young in spirit. It is a splendid forum for making new friends

and having fun.”

Pat Snape thinks: “U3A is playing out for grown ups and

your mum would probably think your companions were

a good in�uence on you because they have multiple

interests to share.”