Alan Shean

A great time was had by all at the Wycliffe Rooms to celebrate the end of the 15th year of Lutterworth U3A. The pianist was excellent, as was the food and there was a lovely buzz of chatter in the room. The caterers had provided a cake, which was cut by Glenys Peverley, our founder and a person to whom we are most grateful. She gave a short speech and accepted a Magnolia bush. Well done to Carole Harrington, Barbara Wilkinson, Geraldine Robinson, Roy and Barbara Maiden and Colin and Shirley Tegg who won the table quiz. As part of our EDUCATION we learnt that there are 587,287 words in Tolstoy's novel "War and Peace" !! Many thanks to Theresa Phillips and Lynne Grindlay who organised the event. Ken

NEWSLETTER

Issue No. 195 March 2019

More photographs taken by Alan Shean at Lutterworth U3A 15th Anniversary Lunch

WRITING COMPETITION 2019 I have said that I will organise the regular competition this time (at least I cannot win it and I will draft Graham in as a judge so he will not be eligible to win either!) I missed doing it all in time to read the winning efforts at the Christmas meeting, I guess I was waiting for someone else to organise it!! However, maybe the current chilly weather conditions are very suitable for curling up in the warm with a laptop or pen and paper. CATEGORIES This year there will be three categories, you can put in as many entries as you like to each category (As long as each is in a separate envelope). 1. FICTION a story of not more than 1000 words. 2.NON FICTION narrative prose, could be relating to past experience or thoughts/ a description of somewhere or something / commentary on something about which you feel strongly/ Again Max 1000 words 3. POETRY rhyming or otherwise to make us laugh, cry or just to make us think. CLOSING DATE ENTRIES CAN BE HANDED IN AT THE MARCH OR APRIL GENERAL MEETINGS. There will be a box on the ‘signing in’/ newsletter desk. Please put each entry in a separate envelope labelled with your invented nom de plume/ secret name and the category it is destined for. A different name for each entry please, who knows you may win twice. Also in this envelope, you need to include a small envelope, again labelled with your secret name that contains your real identity. This will only be opened when the winners are announced at the MAY MEETING. There will be actual prizes but the biggest prize will be the honour of winning! Happy writing. Nohline Ruff

Subscriptions. Your subscription for 2019 - 2020 is now due. The amount is confirmed at the AGM. The details will be on our website immediately after the meeting, as will the renewal form that can be downloaded. Copies of the form will also be left in both Lutterworth and Broughton Astley libraries.

Please make better use of our notice board, which will be in the Wycliffe Rooms

foyer during every General Meeting if you think there is anything our members might be interested in looking into further.

INTEREST GROUPS AND EVENT REPORTS

Always check online for possible timing variations. Check with the group leader if you are not sure. A number of groups have room for more members. If you wish to join any of them, please contact the Group Coordinator GARDEN VISITS GROUP Co-ordinator: Linda Patton Tel: 556996

Gordon Jones

More photographs taken by Gordon Jones at Carsington Water and Hopton Hall

Thanks to the lovely weather, we had a most enjoyable day out at Carsington Water and Hopton Hall in February. The snowdrops were plentiful but the reflections in the lake were very beautiful and peaceful. A big thank you to all who came. Our next day out is to Sudbury and the Museum of Childhood on March 28th where many spring-flowering bulbs have been planted. This is a National Trust property so members only have to pay £11 for the coach. There are still places, so book and pay at the AGM. We will leave from outside the Wycliffe Rooms at 10.30 am. There are also places on the coach to RHS Malvern on Friday May 10th as I shall be booking a larger coach for this event. The entry cost is £22 and the coach £14. Please book at the AGM if you want to join us. Linda

3rd TUESDAY WALKING GROUP Co-ordinator Gordon Jones Tel: 556192 Brian and Dianne Thorp organized the final Tuesday walk for the group, a pleasant ramble taking in field paths and canal towpath from the farm shop at Stretton. After the walk, we had a good lunch at the farm shop café. I would like to thank all the people who contributed to the group by organizing and taking part in the walks over the last fifteen years. This group will now cease operation as there is no volunteer to carry on as organizer. Gordon TOPICAL/CURRENT AFFAIRS GROUP Coordinator: Nigel McNeill - Tel: 641634 We had an excellent couple of hours in a general discussion about, in particular the NHS, whilst touching on the Police, local and national Government and levels of competence. Are these services getting progressively worse and would you be prepared to pay more Tax to improve specific areas? The NHS discussion was interesting as we sought to identify the various changes made over the past 30 years, as both the population increased & generally aged, allied to new medicines & treatments which made significant improvements and improved mortality; but cost much more than in the past. Regrettably we agreed that most changes made had not lead to a better quality service and quite a few areas were definitely under resourced & funded. And on that basis we were all prepared to pay more in tax to specifically fund the NHS. We were at a loss to understand what benefits local Crime Commissioner’s and their expensive offices had contributed to the public or the Police. But maybe we just didn’t fully understand their roles. Local and national Governments of all political persuasions we felt needed to improve in most aspects. We also reviewed and agreed that the current format of choosing discussion subject/s very late, hence making it as current as well as topical as possible was still the best way to continue, albeit some do like to do quite a lot of research on the subject and find limited time constraints rather onerous.

Next month’s meeting will again be at Nigel’s house on Wednesday 6th March, when we will also review whether we consider if there may be a space or two available potentially for new members. Nigel POETRY READING Coordinator: Betty Wilson Tel: 209790 Weddings and Marriage was the topic for our February meeting.It was quite difficult to find poems that illustrated the topic exactly. There were plenty of Love poems but between us we did find over twenty that covered pre and post marriage but not so many about the actual weddings.

We read poems by various poets including John Betjeman, George Crabb, Philip Larkin, Liz Berry, Wendy Cope, Edward Lear and Pam Ayers who always gives us something to smile about.

April’s meeting entitled “Characters” is 2pm at Betty’s house on April 3rd - the first Wednesday of the month. Do join us if you like poetry.

Betty MUSIC APPRECIATION GROUP Co-ordinators: John Peverley 553614 Tony MacDonald 553910 Doe gave us a morning of Puccini, his life and works. For a full report, please look on the Lutterworth U3A website. The next meeting is at Ken's in Bitteswell on Thursday, March 21st at 10:00am. If you are interested in joining us, please contact John or Tony. . John Peverley MUSIC AND MEMORIES Group One Co-ordinator Nohline Ruff Tel. 556985 Another most enjoyable afternoon of varied and enjoyable music. (What a wonderful idea of Nohline's this has turned out to be.) We started with The Rolling Stones having their '19th nervous breakdown' followed in contrast by Fred Astaire singing 'The way you look

tonight' and then a lovely instrumental piece by Enya. Then we heard The Hollies, Rod Stewart, Mike Westbrook, Dinah Washington and a lovely operatic piece sung by Il Divo. We finished the first half with Englebert singing 'What a night it was' which apparently was banned by The BBC in the 1950s, not sure why really, but things were less liberal minded in those days

Lovely cake and biscuits followed at the tea break, and then we continued the music with The Kinks as 'Dedicated followers of fashion'. Then we heard 'The Veleta' accompanied by a demonstration from Dilys and a tale from when she was 10 years old! We continued with Olly Murs, and then Ella, Errol Garner playing 'Misty' on a very odd sounding piano, Gregory Porter in 'Real good hands', Manfred Mann singing 'Doowadiddy diddy dum' to which we all sang along, then the BBC Orchestra playing 'Chariots of fire' and finally Neil Diamond singing 'Crackling Rose' in his own inimitable voice. Thanks to Gwenda for a hosting this session. Next month we shall be at Lynn Grindlays home.

Dilys MUSIC AND MEMORIES 2 The second desert island with discs. Co-ordinator Nohline Ruff Tel. 556985 In February our meeting was hosted by Pat Deacon ably assisted by Derek, who made us very welcome and operated all the technical stuff. We were a rather reduced group this time due to the usual medical appointments and grandparenting responsibilities. However, this does give us more time to chat and go off on a tangent in between the music. We heard a version of ‘Nature Boy’ by Kurt Elling, which contrasted well with an excerpt from Swan Lake and memories of a Junior school trip to the Royal Opera House at Covent Garden. We went back in time when we flew down to Rio with Mike Nesbit from the Monkees and heard a full orchestral version of Scott Joplin’s ‘The Entertainer’. Elvis’s rich voice sang ‘In the ghetto’ and the Four pennies sang a gentler ‘Juliette’ in close harmony. We certainly know a lot of the words of items that are brought along and enjoyed the sound of distant drums from Jim Reeves . We recalled learning to play the piano when we listened to Russ Conway’s ‘Side Saddle’. My own favourite music this time was ‘The Jarrow Song’ by Alan Price which referenced the Jarrow March of the 1930s. When the marchers’ route took them

through Leicester they were shown very practical support by the factory workers who mended their boots and shoes for no charge. We meet next time at the Ruffs’ house where we will be joined by two new members who will, we hope, very quickly feel part of this group. Nohline NEW AGE KURLING GROUP Coordinator Roy Maiden Tel: 550058 The first session of the group in February was well attended, including new and old members. we had 18 competitors turn up with some regulars not in attendance (Peter Reeves was the highest scorer on this occasion, well done mate). Unfortunately we had to cancel our second session due to the clash with the Birthday lunch, so our next sessions will be on the 13th and 27th of March. There is absolutely no excuse not to come along and give it a go. You don't have to be fully fit or mobile (no bending down or running or lifting). If you can put your hand in your pocket or purse and lift money out you are good enough to play lol!!! or even pick up a cup of tea or coffee and biscuit. Looking forward to meeting you all at our next session at ULLESTHORPE Village Hall 2.00 - 4.00pm. . Roy READING GROUP Co-ordinator: Linda Patton Tel: 556996 At our February meeting we had two books to discuss: "This is going to hurt" by Adam Kay and "Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet" by Jamie Ford. Jackie asserted that the first should be required reading for everyone, being a brutally honest depiction of the life of a junior doctor working in the NHS. Adam Kay is no longer a doctor but a stand-up comedian playing to sold out audiences at the Edinburgh Festival as well as touring with his show and working on other TV comedy shows. Whilst some members did not really enjoy the book, others found it laugh-out-loud. We all agreed that the life of a junior doctor is not to be envied and that perhaps young people intending to enter the profession would benefit from knowing what faced them in the short term.

The second book was a novel telling of the internment during World War II of Japanese living in the US. The story is told through the eyes of a young Chinese boy who becomes friends with a Japanese girl in Seattle as they are made to work serving lunch to the other students in payment for their scholarships at school. Before leaving for the internment camps, many Japanese stored their belongings in the basement of the hotel but few returned to claim them after the war. It was a very sad story of the life of the Chinese boy but everyone enjoyed reading the book which will be made into a film soon.

Please join us if you enjoy reading a variety of books and discussing them with some very friendly people over coffee and cake.

Linda WHIST GROUP Co-ordinator: Glenys Peverley Tel: 553614 We next meet on Thursday,April 4th at 7:00pm at Bitteswell village hall. We would welcome new members, so as to have a more interesting session, playing a greater number of people. We award prizes and have a chatty tea break half way through. Please contact me if you are interested. Glenys Peverley QUIZ GROUP Co-ordinator Sue Jones Tel: 556192 If a single woman sees a robin on Valentine’s Day she will marry a sailor. This was one of the facts we learned at our Valentine’s Day quiz afternoon. June had prepared questions and refreshments to suit the day and we all had a very enjoyable time. Many thanks to June. Quiz Group Diary March 14th Quiz afternoon hosted by Frances, 16 Maple Drive, tel.643171 April 11th Quiz afternoon hosted by Fay at Kim’s house, 48 Macaulay Road, tel.207822 Members of this group take turns to host the quiz afternoon in their homes and at the moment we have reached capacity. I will keep your name on a list should any vacancies occur. However, we welcome you to join us when attending pub or charity quiz evenings and if you would like me to keep you informed of these events let me know.

Paraprosdokians. Two more to think about. 1 To steal ideas from one person is plagiarism. To steal ideas from many is research. 2 A clear conscience is the sign of a fuzzy memory. Sue PHOTOGRAPHY GROUP Co-ordinator: Alan Shean Tel 283512 At our February meeting we discussed the pros and cons of shooting in RAW. It centred on the convenience of leaving the camera to automatically produce a smaller JPEG picture or retaining all the captured data and using software to manipulate the information to produce a customised image. We also considered the implications of changing the white balance settings on the camera and how that was influenced by using RAW data. We took a number of pictures to demonstrate this. Our next meeting will be held on Friday 5th of April. Details will be circulated nearer the time. Alan Shean

HANDICRAFTS GROUP Co-ordinator Glenys Peverley Tel: 553614 We shall not meet again until APRIL 15th as both Pat and I are not available to host a session in March. We will then be at my house. Please contact me if you would like to join us, as we would welcome new members. Glenys Peverley

SCRABBLE Co-ordinator: Glenys Peverley Tel: 553614 We had an almost full house in February when Jill was once again the overall winner, winning both her games, but mention must be made of Jenni's win of her first game and the first win ever since she started playing. Well done both of them. We next meet on Wednesday, March 20th at 2:30pm. at Liz and David's home in Workhouse Lane, Burbage. Glenys

PLAY READING Co-ordinator: Glenys Peverley Tel: 553614 We started “Lost in Yonkers” by Neil Simon, set in 1944 New York. We had some excellent American accents, which enhanced the reading. We laughed a lot and a good morning was had by all, even those who didn't actually get to speak. We next meet on Wednesday, March 13th at Gwenda's home in Goscote Drive, Lutterworth at 10:00am to complete the story. We would welcome new members. Glenys Peverley HISTORY GROUP Co-ordinator: Linda Patton Tel:- 556996 We spent an interesting afternoon learning about Henry V, Henry VI and their wives!! also Joan of Arc and the One Hundred Years War. Next month we are looking Elizabeth Woodville, Anne Neville, Margaret Beaufort and Edward IV so if you would like to join us you are most welcome, whether you wish to listen and learn or contribute. As the April meeting falls on Easter Monday, we are planning to go to the Richard III exhibition in Leicester on April 29th rather than meeting in Bitteswell Village Hall on the 22nd. Please let me know if you would like to join us.

Linda THEATRE GROUP Co-ordinator: June Clayton Tel: 209545 Monday 3rd June - “On Your Feet” (Gloria Estafan music) 7.30pm performance at the Curve. Fully booked

Thursday June 20th - “Hobson’s Choice, the Ballet” 2pm matinee performance at The Hippodrome Birmingham, leaving The Wycliffe Rooms at 10.15am. £44 (ticket & transport). 6 places available on the bus if anyone would like a shopping day in Birmingham (£8 return). Ballet tickets may still be available if needed

. Wednesday August 14th - “Cats” 8.00pm at Kilworth House. £39 to be paid by the March meeting. Thursday September 26th - “War Horse” 7.30pm performance at The Curve. £47 to be paid by the June meeting. 2 tickets available.

June Clayton

JOINT GOLF SECTION Lutterworth and Wycliffe u3a Co-ordinators:- Peter Moore Tel:-552594 peter79moore@gmail.com Ken Patton Tel:-556996 ken.patton@btinternet.com Joint Golf Day Lutterworth and Wycliffe u3a

I have the Assistance of Ken Patton who will co-ordinate your commitment to fully support this event that has lacked solid support in the recent past. Your u3a Golf section needs you. The next Golf Day will be at Lutterworth Golf Club on Thursday 9th May 2019 competing for the Hartopp Trophy and Prizes, including Ladies Prize.

Meet at 12.10 in the Golf Clubhouse Bar for 1.00 pm Tee Time. Coffee and Bacon Roll, included, on arrival.

Full details in April Newsletter

Peter and Ken SHORTER WALKS GROUP Co-ordinators: Lyn Foxwell Tel: 01455 553492 Fay Goodwin Tel: 01455 207822 There was no walk in February The walk in March will be led by Lynda Shean. We will walk by the Canal at Aylestone into Leicester and lunch at Wetherspoons. If you feel you cannot manage the walk back you can catch a bus back so don't forget your bus pass! Meet at Coventry Rd recreation ground car park at 10.304tha.m. on Tues March 26. Fay 2nd WEDNESDAY MEDIUM DISTANCE WALKING GROUP Co-Ordinator Mike Chapman 01455 209972 Last minute update (until 8:45am on the day) see www.wycliffelutterworthu3a.org/walking or follow the link in “Stop Press”.

Walk Organiser: Vicki Davis 01455 209518. Date of Walk: Wednesday 10th April 2019 Meeting Point: Coventry Road Recreation Ground at 9.20 to leave at 9.30.

Start Point and Time: Bouskell Park. Welford Road. Blaby. 10.00am Directions to Start: Leaving Lutterworth on A426 towards Leicester, take the 3rd exit off the first roundabout into Blaby. Take the 3rd turning on right into Western Drive(just before petrol station) take 1st exit off roundabout and the Park is about 500 yards on right. Parking is free for 3 hours. Return trip 16 miles. Route and Distance: A level walk on good surfaces with no styles, including quiet lanes, areas of archeology, canal towpath, nature reserve, wood and parkland. Approx. 4½miles. February walk Once more Him upstairs smiled and gave us an untypical February morning which was calm, sunny and mild (10C), and promised ideal conditions underfoot. No-one trusts forecasts of course so our hosts assumed it was their caring reputations which drew in the large crowd on the day. How big? Well 30 walkers and 3 dogs were counted out from the Bulls Head Wolvey and 30 walkers and 3 dogs were counted back in ………………... Walking downhill on roadside pavements our band of happy walkers detoured without incident through the Wetland Boardwalk, past Galliford Try, and then up Mill Road in Wolvey Heath to join a field footpath looping back to a kissing gate by Wolvey’s second cemetery. Unfortunately at this point the otherwise enjoyable walk went a little pear-shaped when 3 members and dog failed to reappear from their walking stick hunt; but after a long delay and with 90% of our group still intact there seemed little reason to get alarmed and abandon ship. Turning into the first meadow and passing several friendly horses (which fortunately partly compensated for our loss) we then enthusiastically crossed several fields and field edges to arrive at our planned turning point at the top of Coal Pit Lane. There in the mild weather we took our luxury break on some luxury rough concrete blocks and stumps and enjoyed the extra peace and quiet provided by our reduced numbers. That is until 3 OAPs, a gold-plated walking stick and a dog were sighted ambling up the lane towards us. Fair do’s though, it must have taken considerable pensioner brainpower to choose this as the optimum route for a rendezvous, so congrats all round. Once more at full strength we returned to Wolvey via the same lane and crossed the churchyard to the Bulls Head where 19 of us settled into 2 for £10’s and occasional £2 bargain desserts. All enjoyed the food and

friendly service except for Tony and Trevor, who got served last because kitchen staff were waiting for the Stilton cheesey-mash to mature. All in all a very enjoyable day, with the added bonus of no stiles to slow us down. Of course the latter proved to be most providential in the event. Tony and Paul BUFFET SUPPER GROUPS Co-ordinator: Gwenda Jones Tel: 556923 Nine of us fitted neatly around Glenys’ dining table as we enjoyed another Buffet Supper night. The conversation was extremely interesting if somewhat academic, particularly when we got into the complicated maths area when I really felt the men left the ladies standing at that point. We had a fun quiz and played ‘who am I’ where the ladies had the edge on that one. Delicious food, good wine and excellent hosts made for yet another great evening. Gwenda At Ken and Linda's this month a great time was had by all as we ate a lovely selection of food and chatted about a wide range of subjects from holidays to local issues sandwiched between gin and tonics and coffee and liqueurs. Bring on the next one. Linda JAZZ GROUP Coordinator Graham Ruff -Tel: 556985

The February meeting was at Bob’s home in Ashby Parva. Five of us listened to a wide variety of jazz music .We heard the voices of Sarah Vaughan, Ella Fitzgerald, Billy Holliday, Fats Waller, Pearl Bailey, Lianne Carroll and Louis Armstrong. Instrumentalists included Stan Getz, Acker Bilk ,Kenny Ball, Dave Newton and Benny Goodman. We also listened to local band Tierra Buena plus the oddly named Going Home Band and a group called Pigfoot. In all we enjoyed a wide variety over the 18 tracks we played. The obligatory half time tea and cake was accompanied by an exchange of views on local issues, including plans for yet more warehouses and homes.

Next month we shall meet at 2.00pm on the 26th March at Graham’s home, please call to let me know if you will be attending. As always if

any new or old members would like to give us a try just let me know, you will be very welcome Graham BRIDGE GROUP Co-ordinator: Kathy Scott-Simons Tel: 559945

We meet at June's home (Tel: 553418) every Friday at 2.00. If you enjoy a social game of bridge, please contact me for further information. Kathy Scott-Simons

LIVELY DISCUSSION GROUP Co-ordinators: Dianne and Brian Thorp Tel: 01455 209584 It was ‘thinking caps on’ for the topic in February when John Lee invited the group to look at Future Predictions published by World Experts in Business, Politics, Health and Sport. The aim – by the end of our two hour study and discussion was to summarise how we felt about such predictions and how they would impact on the remaining time allotted to each of us but more particularly on the generations that will follow us. Inevitably, comparisons were made with past ages and it was agreed that the world today would be unrecognisable to our Great grandparents but mankind has always been inventive and the wonderful industrial heritage of our nation proves just that. Many were somewhat pessimistic that we have now reached the stage in development when robots are doing much of the skilled work in manufacture and robotic aids have advanced abilities of surgeons to carry out incredibly delicate operations. Driverless cars and commercial vehicles are close to being reality. With each robotic advance the skills and input from humans becomes less important. The potential impact on business is already evident as High Street Banks are closing and more and more we are steered towards cashless,

electronic ways of paying bills and financing our lives. This was a most engrossing and thought provoking afternoon, much enjoyed by all. The group will gather again on March 21st at the home of John and Gwenda when Brian will pose the question? Is the U.K. Justice system still fit for purpose? Brian Fowler GROUPS ONE AND TWO STROLLING Co-ordinator Group One: Gwenda Jones Tel: 556923 Mobile: 07986905319 Coordinator Group Two: John Lee Tel: 556923 GROUP ONE We visited Ashby Parva for our February stroll. The venue was chosen to be close to Lutterworth in case the weather was inclement. However the sun turned out for us and we had a reasonably mild day and a really warm Church thanks to June. The Church of St Peter is a beautiful village Church with a very friendly feel about it and we learned of the connection with Mr & Mrs Goodacre who lived at Ullesthorpe Court and were benefactors of the Church and the village of Ashby Parva. We saw the exquisite tapestry of The Last Supper, the beautiful east window dedicated to John Ley, who died aged nine and was the son of a former Rector and the marble reredos in memory of John Wray a child of another Rector. After a stroll up the village we all went for a very substantial and excellent lunch at The Hollybush. On Tuesday, March 19th we will be revisiting Cosby Village and will meet at the recreation ground at 10.45am. Gwenda GROUP TWO The cold winter months have somewhat curtailed village strolls but on the delightful February morning of Tuesday 19th our learned leader John Lee despatched 22 members of The Strollers around the village which is bisected by a gentle stream. The village retains heritage of its past when frame weaving and the several local farms employed many in the area. The notes on the village include reference to the local crafts of

baking, butchery and blacksmiths. All of this local work also required refreshment at end of day and that was provided by 5 village pubs one of which would suffer cellar flooding when the stream overflowed. It is said that the landlord blamed the stream for watering down the beer! A notable house facing the brook, aptly named ‘Brooks Edge once housed the Pro-Royalist Armston family. On taking flight from Naseby pursuit of one of the family members led to an inquisition of a young boy who refused to divulge the whereabouts of his father. This moment is forever captured in a picture by William Frederick Yeams titled ‘When did you last see your father?’ After an enjoyable part 1 of the stroll the group gathered in the church to learn more of the history of the village which is referenced in the Domesday Book and has origins back to Saxon and even Roman times. On leaving the church, the strollers continued towards the lunch stop passing along the way a Tithe barn now a splendid restaurant and the renowned Fish and Chip shop in The Nook. Shortly before returning to the Golf Club the group paused by the 15th century barn that would have served as a granary for the Leicester Abbey Parish. Back in the comfort of the Golf Club restaurant all tucked into the splendid food. In March, the group will descend upon the unsuspecting folk in Ashby Parva after meeting in the Rec. Ground Car Park in Lutterworth at 10-30 a.m. Brian Fowler TEN PIN BOWLING Co-ordinator: Richard Whittington 209021 If you are right handed, left handed or ambidextrous and you enjoy exercising with a friendly group of people, join us for ten-pin bowling. We meet on the 2nd Friday of the month at 9.30am on the car park at the recreation ground to arrive at the Nuneaton MFA Bowling, CV10 7SD, at 10.00am. Contact Richard Whittington for more information. Richard Whittington

TABLE TENNIS Co-ordinator: Carole Harrington Tel: 553438 We meet every Monday (except for Bank Holidays) together with Wycliffe U3A from 2pm to approx.4pm at Walcote Village Hall. New members are always welcome. Carole Harrington UKULELE GROUP Co-ordinators: Peter Sneath and Barbara Wilkinson Tel: 553254 The ukulele group meets on the 2nd and 4th Monday of the month at Bitteswell Village Hall from 9.30 until 11.30. New members are always welcome. No previous musical ability required and no need to read music. We have several spare ukuleles available so you can try before you buy. If you are interested, please contact either Peter or Barbara. Barbara Wilkinson and Peter Sneath CANASTA GROUPS June Hartopp Tel: 553418

June Hartopp runs the Canasta groups for Wycliffe U3A on the first Friday of the month 10:00 – 12:00 and third Wednesday 10.00-12.00. She has offered to extend participation to our members. Please contact June if you are interested in joining. WINE APPRECIATION GROUP Co-ordinator: Sue Sharp Tel 556255 28 members of the wine appreciation group enjoyed a Valentine's Day skittles event at the Hollybush pub at Ashby Parva. Chairman Ken was the overall winner with Gordon Jones just 1 point behind and in the teams, the Hearts team were the winners. Our next get together will be at the Lanes Deli in the High St. Please contact me if you would like to come. Tickets will be £9 each Sue

DAYS OUT GROUP Co-ordinators Gordon and Sue Jones Tel: 01455 556192 Future Days Out will be announced in newsletters LINE DANCING FOR BEGINNERS Co-ordinator: Carole Harrington Tel: 553438 The February meeting was attended by 15 people with 6 dances revised and 2 new more complicated dances done. If you would like to join us please give me a ring Carole

ART APPRECIATION GROUP Co-ordinators: Rae Flowerday Tel. 556942 & Sue Woodhead Tel. 01455 558037 For the group’s most recent meeting we looked at the second of three programmes on the art of China, this one considering the period from C10 up to the arrival of the European powers in C19. The group noted the strong influence of the Taoist belief that it is in nature that the ‘true way’ is to be found and that man is simply part of nature and needs to find his place in it. Much Chinese art of this period is, therefore, of nature and its portrayal all has deep symbolic meaning. The quality of the draughtsmanship [mainly in pen & ink] and the importance of calligraphy as an accompaniment to the art were both powerfully expressed. The group decided that, from the next meeting, as the focus for the second half of our session, members will be invited on, a voluntary basis, to introduce a favourite piece of art to the rest of the group. The next meeting will be on Thursday 4th April [10am-12 noon] when we will be looking at the first in the series on the art of America. Rae will be introducing a favourite piece of artwork to the group. Venue: 12 Dempsey Close. Apologies to Sue W [Tel 558037]. John BIRD WATCHING GROUP Coordinator: Rita Nicholls Tel 557412 What a glorious day we had for our visit to Draycote Reservoir. So we just strolled and

enjoyed the sun, a bench for our coffee stop, another for our lunch and one on the way back for no reason at all, just to enjoy the warmest February day for years. We did see birds! The highlight, a couple of ravens calling and flying over our heads. We did see a total of 33 species but that was just part of the lovely day. We will go out on Friday March 22nd at 9.30. Meet at Rec. Either Coombe Abbey or Burbage Woods. If wet, may be Brandon Marsh. Rita

HOLIDAYS GROUP Co-ordinator: Caren Simpson: mob 07708304858 or landline 01455203554 A big thank you to all the members who have supported the group. Sadly, there will not be any meetings in the near future. Should there be any holidays that could be interesting and manageable for members, I will give out details at the monthly meeting. Caren Simpson SINGLES TAKEAWAY SUPPER GROUP Co-ordinator June Clayton Tel:209545 The supper group is looking forward to Brian’s quiz and supper at Claybrooke Village Hall on Friday March 15th, when a chilli/curry supper is on offer. June 4th WEDNESDAY WALKING GROUP Co-ordinators: - Sue and Peter Creeden Tel: 01455 557888 February 2019 Walk Report Last year this month`s walk was cancelled because of snow. What a contrast this year. It was bright sun with temperatures up in the high teens. It attracted 27 walkers out to enjoy the company and the countryside. It was eventful. The walk started from the Dog and Gun, Kilby Roger and Gill Watmore were scheduled to lead the walk but Roger had injured himself whilst “reckying” it on his own the previous

week. In all my years of coordinating this was a first. However, Gill gallantly agreed to lead it on her own with Roger popping up at various points along the route in his car as support. But, as I will relate, this situation turned out to be a bit of godsend. Before we started, the car park already full with our cars, a large caravan arrived. The owners were moving it from outside their house which they were planning to put on the market. They knew the landlord who had agreed to let them leave it in the car park. They had made a special effort to get there early whilst the car park was empty and were surprised to see us. Because of the manoeuvre they wanted to do to park it they had to wait patiently until the 27 bodies (and Roger and his car) were out the way. We set off across open fields to reach the Wistow Rural Centre (where some took advantage of the facilities) and then on to St Wistans Church for the refreshment break. Then another first for me occurred, one of our group had a fall which left them lying on the ground with a large graze on their head. I was not in on the medical advice but although conscious they were advised to stay there until an ambulance arrived. Have you ever tried to phone for an ambulance when you know where you are but the call centre operator doesn`t? She was apparently controlling 6 counties! St Wistans Church or Wistow did not mean much to her. Fortunately, someone had a GPS and was able to give her the grid coordinates. Once we were assured that an ambulance was on its way, a small group including Roger stayed behind with the casualty whilst the rest of us carried on with the walk. We headed across fields to the Grand Union Canal where, because of the time we had lost, we made an executive decision to simplify the return missing out St Luke`s Church at Newton Bridge (and possibly miss the spring flowers) and a loop around Newton Harcourt. We followed the canal towpath for a while before returning across fields to Kilby. In the final field we disturbed some ewes with lambs that were so fragile they must have only been hours old. With regard to the casualty the paramedics checked them over before moving them to the ambulance for more checks. They were then well enough to be released. This is where Roger`s car came in to play. He was able to transport the casualty and those who stayed with them to the pub. When we returned the patient, and the group that so kindly stayed with them, were all having lunch outside. So, very eventful, but all`s well that ends well. It was a lovely walk Peter Creeden

Next Walk 27 March 2019 Walk Organiser: George Robertson 07986827270 Meeting Point and Time:- Lutterworth Recreation Ground car park at 9.20 am to leave at 9.30am. Start Point and Time:- The Cherry Tree Ashby Parva LE17 5HS. Hopefully toilets will be accessible. Walk starts at 10.00 am. Directions to the Starting Point:- Leave car park left onto Coventry Road then left at lights onto Bitteswell Road. Continue along the road and take the left turn to Bitteswell. In Bitteswell take first right after church into Ashby Lane follow the road and take the right fork to Ashby Parva. Cherry Tree is on the left. Car Park is just after pub (7 miles round trip). Route and Distance:- Walk follows field paths to the outskirts of Leire and then via Stemborough Mill to Dunton Bassett. Return is across fields back to Ashby Parva. Distance 6.5 miles with approximately 12 or 13 stiles. Lunch Arrangements:-Pre-book meal before setting off, lunchtime mains are £8.50. Peter Creeden SINGLES DINING GROUP Co-ordinator: Val Howson. Tel: 552130 Email:- mailto:vhowson4@gmail.com Monthly lunch organisers vary Lunchtime on Thursday 21st February was very enjoyably spent by the members of the group in the comfortable setting of The Lincoln Room at Ullesthorpe Court Hotel. Almost everyone partook of the splendid roasts from the carvery whilst happily chatting to friends alongside. These gatherings are never short on conversation and we delight in learning, in line with the U3A ethos, of times spent in wonderful places by those who have been on explorations and holidays. Tips are offered on building matters and ways of learning new skills and everyone leaves with a keen appetite for the next such opportunity to eat, enjoy and fulfil. That next opportunity will be on Thursday 21st March at the delightful Queens Head Pub Restaurant in Saddington. The booking list will be available, as always, at the General Meeting or names can be added by phone to Brian on 209336 or e-mail fowlerclaybrooke@aol.com Brian

1st WEDNESDAY WALKING GROUP Joint Co-ordinators :-Peter and Irene Moore. Tel:- 01455 552594.email:- peter79moore@gmail.com Date of Walk :- Wednesday 3rd April 2019. The Daffodil Walk. Walk Organisers:- Peter & Irene Moore. Driving distance:- 4 Miles each way. Meeting Point and Time:- Lutterworth Recreation Ground car park at 9.25am to leave at 9.35am. Start Point : The Sarah Mansfield Inn, Willey. CV23 0SH. Leave 10.00am. Toilets available. Directions to Start :- At Magna Park A5 island, take 3rd exit to Wolvey, after 1 mile, turn right into Willey. Car Park at rear. Please park at the far end. Order lunch before starting walk. Route and Distance :- Starting from Car Park, leave from the rear of Willey, take pasture land and cross Coal Pit Lane towards Newnham Paddocks, coffee break overlooking Daffodils. Return via Newnham Fields Farm into Willey. Mostly on footpaths and farm tracks. There is a short stretch of quiet road walking to join it all together. 5.30 miles in total. No Stiles. Good choice of Food , from the extensive Lunch menu. Gluten Free Food available. Nice pub and excellent food. What could be better. Enjoy! Summary:- Mostly on firm ground Interesting walk, Great Pub & Excellent food, only needs your support. Hoping for Masses of Daffodils. NB. The pub at Willey is offering to cook for us *Proper Pies* but will need to be pre-ordered Choice of Steak and Ale or Steak and Stilton. Please let me know if you wish to order one. Next Walk: Wednesday 1st May 2019. The Bluebell Walk. Fillongley, Near Nuneaton. Trevor’s favourite pub and landlady. Excellent Country Pub with Good Food. Gluten Free food available. Peter and Irene Moore

MUSIC FOR FUN - SONGSTERS GROUP Bill Tomkins Tel: 01455 552864/07913 386476 bill_karen26@hotmail.com Songsters are a merry bunch and are currently working on some of the songs learnt previously. There’s no limit to the number of people we can accommodate, so if you and a gang of mates all want to come along you’ll be very welcome and there will be somewhere for you to sit/stand. Increased numbers might mean that it takes longer to get served a drink at the mid-point of the morning but we will not grumble at all! First and third Monday morning, starting promptly at 10.15 in St Mary’s Church, Bitteswell. We finish sometime between noon and 12.15. If you want more information, please feel free to give me a call or send an email. Bill

CHARITY CORNER

Postcards for MAF:- Please remember to save your postcards and let Brian Fowler have them, either by post to him at 16 Roman Close, Claybrooke Magna LE17 5DU, or at any General Meeting Stamps for the ‘Medical Alert’ Charity Please remember to save your used postage stamps for Liz White, who is collecting these for the charity. Knit and Stitch needs volunteers like you to join us at Lutterworth Methodist Church on the first Thursday of each month between 2 and 4pm to help make Linus quilts (for children in need of a hug) or to knit items for charities and good causes. All equipment and help is provided. Knit and Stitch is also looking for donations of cotton fabric, threads, wadding and knitting wool. Just turn up to a meeting or for more information ring Sue Turner on 01455 554455

NOTICES AND MEMBERSHIP MATTERS

WE WELCOME OUR NEW MEMBERS HOPING TO JOIN LUTTERWORTH U3A? If any members have friends who are interested in joining us, please give details of their address, telephone number and email address to our membership secretary, Alan Shean Tel: 01455 283512

Current Committee Members

Post Name Number

Chair Ken Patton 01455 556996

Vice-chair Hamish Paterson 07584 993350

Secretary Sue Woodhead 01455 558037

Treasurer/ Membership Secretary

Alan Shean 01455 283512

Social Account Treasurer/ Online Co-ordinator

Kate Ayres 01455 209074

Newsletter Editor Carmel Kerslake 01455 553790

Programme Secretary Margaret Foster 01455 553258

Minutes Secretary Gwen Edwards 01455 209649

Groups Coordinator Linda Patton 01455 556996

Committee Member Theresa Phillips 07788 130339

Co-opted member Mick Barrows (Equipment Organiser) 01455 556570

Co-opted member Peter Sneath 01455 553254

Co-opted member June Clayton 01455 209545

MONTHLY MEETINGS These are held on the second Tuesday of each month at 9.45am, in the Wycliffe Rooms, George Street, Lutterworth. Between 9.45am and 10.15am, coffee and tea will be served. The speaker will commence at 10.30am and the speech will last for 45 minutes. FORTHCOMING SPEAKERS March – AGM April - Ian Maber – Laughing my way round the world NEWSLETTER BY POST; E-MAIL or ONLINE If you change your e-mail address, please let me know so that you do not miss out on your newsletter. The newsletter is available on our website: https://u3asites.org.uk/lutterworth/newsletters

Please contact the editor if you need one posted or e-mailed.

Contact details: Carmel Kerslake - 3 King’s Way, Lutterworth, LE17 4QA Tel: 01455 553790 or 07815410167 (mob)

email: kerslakec@hotmail.com APRIL NEWSLETTER ENTRIES Please ensure group reports, notices and news are submitted before Friday 29th March 2019 pm

LUTTERWORTH U3A GROUP MEETNGS – TIMING GUIDE

GROUP LEADER TELEPHONE FREQUENCY TIME

MONDAY

Buffet Supper Club Gwenda Jones 01455 556923 1st

From 7.00 pm

Table Tennis Carole Harrington

01455 553438 Weekly 2.00-4.00

Music for Fun - Songsters Bill Tomkins 01455 552864 1st

& 3rd

10.15

Music for Fun - Ukulele Barbara Wilkinson Peter Sneath

01455 553254 2nd

& 4th

10-12noon

Handicrafts Glenys Peverley 01455 553614 3rd

2.00-4.00

History Group Linda Patton 01455 556996 4th 2.15-4.15

TUESDAY

Reading Group Linda Patton 01455 556996 1st

10.00-12.00

Music & Memories 1 Nohline Ruff 01455 556985 1st 2.00-4.00

Strolling Group 1 Gwenda Jones 01455 556923 3rd

am - varies

Strolling Group 2 John Lee 01455 556923 3rd

am - varies

3rd

Tuesday Walking Gordon Jones 01455 556192 3rd

9.30 onward

Short Walks Group Fay Goodwin Lyn Foxwell

01455 207822 01455 553492

4th

10.00 onwards

Jazz Group Graham Ruff 01455 556985 4th

2.00-4.00

Line dancing for Beginners Carole Harrington

01455 553438

4th

2.30-4.00

WEDNESDAY

Poetry Betty Wilson 01455 209790 1st

2.00-4.00

Topical/Current Affairs Group Nigel McNeill 01455 641634 1st

10.00 onward

1st

Wednesday Walking Peter and Irene Moore

01455 552594

1st As arranged

2nd

Wed Medium Distance Walking Group

Mike Chapman 01455 209972 2nd 9.30 onward

Whist Glenys Peverley 01455 553614 2nd

10.00-12.00

New Age Kurling Group Roy Maiden 01455 550058 2nd

& 4th 2.00-4.00

Scrabble Glenys Peverley 01455 553614 3rd

2.30-5.00

Joint Canasta Group 2 June Hartopp 01455 553418 3rd

10.00-12.00

4th

Wed Walking Sue & Peter Creeden

01455 557888 4th

9.30 onward

THURSDAY

Whist Group Glenys Peverley 01455 553614 1st

7pm

Music and Memories 2 Nohline Ruff 01455 556985 1st 2.00-4.00

Art Appreciation

Rae Flowerday Sue Woodhead

01455 556942 01455 558037

1st 10.00-12.00

Quiz Group Sue Jones 01455 556192 2nd

2.00-4.00

Wine Appreciation Group Sue Sharp 01455 556255 2nd

Evening

Music Appreciation John Peverley Tony MacDonald

01455 553614 01455 553910

3rd

10.00-1200

Lively Discussion Dianne and Brian Thorp

01455 209584 3rd

2.15-4.00

FRIDAY

Photography Group Alan Shean 01455 283512 1st 10.00-12.00

Bridge Kathy Scott Simons

01455 559945 Weekly 2.00-5.00

Joint Canasta Group 1 June Hartopp 01455 553418 1st 10.00-12.00

Ten Pin Bowling Richard Whittington

01455 209021 2nd

10.00-1.00

Holidays Group Caren Simpson 01455203554 3rd

10.00

Bird Watching Group Rita Nicholls 01455 557412 4th

9.30 onward

VARIOUS

Garden Visits Linda Patton 01455 556996 Varies Daytime

Theatre Group June Clayton 01455 209545 Varies Varies

Jean Williamson 01455 209882

Pauline Harrison 01455 209064

Days Out Group Gordon & Sue Jones

01455 556192 As Arranged Varies

Singles Takeaway Group June Clayton 01455 209545 Varies Evening

Singles Dining Val Howson 01455 552130 Varies Varies

Joint Golf Section Peter Moore Ken Patton

01455 552594 01455 556996

As arranged Varies

Always check online for possible timing variations.

Please remember to update your online Group page in order to keep your group members and potential new members informed.

Lutterworth U3A AGM 2019 15th Annual General Meeting

To be held in the Wycliffe Rooms, George Street, Lutterworth On March 12th 2019 at 10.15am

Agenda

1. Welcome by Chairman 2. Notices 3. Apologies for absence 4. Minutes of 2018 AGM 5. Chairman’s report 6. Annual subscription 7. Treasurer’s report and presentation of accounts 8. Election of Honorary officers 9. Election of other members of the committee1 10. Appointment of examiner of accounts 11.Other business 12.Date of AGM 2020