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The Deepings Third Age Group Reg. Charity No: 1166782

NEWSLETTER

Visit our U3A Deepings Web site

Deeping St. James

“Arrival of Autumn”

This wonderful picture displaying Autumn colours was taken by our ardent Steam Train enthusiast Eddie Adams, and shows part of the Festiniog line in Wales. Thanks Eddie for sharing it with us. ANN Committee Members 2015/2016

Garth Perry Chairman Ann Parkes Secretary Anne Burton Treasurer Liz Noble Membership Secretary Susanne Hoadley Groups Coordinator Phil Jones Deputy Gps Co-ordinator Lyall Seale Speaker Finder Ann Holmes Newsletter Editor Lynn White Newsletter Distribution and Gift Aid Admin. David Scott Contact through Website Webmaster

Programme of Speakers 18 October* ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING (10.15 am) followed by THE SOCIAL AND POLITICAL SATIRE OF GILBERT AND SULLIVAN by Bernard Lockett who will outline this significant aspect of Gilbert & Sullivan’s work and then show exerts on DVD which demonstrate this to prompt discussion and questions. 20 November BEES AND BEEKEEPING by Sue Jakeman at METHODIST CHURCH. 18 December MASTERS OF MIRTH by Mike Storr . Christmas entertainment to include the usual mince pie and glass of wine or a soft drink. As this meeting will be in the **CORONATION HALL, Market Deeping, entry will be by ticket only and these will be on sale at the October and November meetings £1 each, *This meeting will commence at the earlier time of 10.15 am and will be at the usual venue, THE METHOIDIST CHURCH, Deeping St. James. Doors open at 9.15 am. To enable us to set out chairs, etc. please do not arrive before that time. Coffee served until 10.05 and AGM commences at 10.15 am. ** Please note change of venue. Please remember entry by pre-paid ticket (£1) only.

Issue No. 170 0CTOBER 2017

CHAIRMAN’S REFLECTIONS

Last week, as I was busy around the house, with Radio 4 on in the background as usual, I heard an item which sparked off a severe “Victor Meldrew” moment! The cause of my annoyance and disbelief was a report from yet another group of “experts”, who had spent a lot of time pondering the evidence on the subject, surveying opinions, and analysing the resultant statistics, only to come up with a bold statement of the blithering obvious. The amazing conclusion that they came up with last week, was that the loss of a loved one, loneliness, poor health, and money worries, were major triggers for depression in older people! I couldn’t help but think that the time and money spent on this study would have been far better spent on practical efforts to combat this situation.

Many of us in the “mature generations” suffer to a greater or lesser extent from periods of depression brought on by such circumstances, but I hope and believe that the U3A provides a good “self-help” aid in combating this. I know that the good friendships that I have made, and the quiet support that I have received within the U3A community, have been a very important lifeline for me over the last few years. So I would urge anyone who is feeling low, to take full advantage of what we have to offer, and participate as fully as they are able.

The weather doesn’t help either does it? (I hesitated here, and had to find a dictionary – is “does” really spelt like that? – it looks really odd!). I have admitted defeat, and turned the heating on – it was getting difficult to do jobs dressed like a Michelin Man, under several layers of jumpers! But it did go against the grain to turn it on at the end of September – I felt a real wimp! There’s another good reason for joining more groups – share someone else’s heating!

The groups available are all detailed on the back page of the newsletter. If you think that a group might be of interest to you, then talk to the Group Leader, and find out what goes on. If you are still interested, then go along to a meeting, to see whether the group suits you, before you commit to joining it.

I must stop rambling now. I didn’t mean this to dampen your spirits, but to urge you to take care of yourselves as we enter the winter months, and take full advantage of the companionship and stimulation offered by your U3A.

Best wishes

Garth

Chairman

IMPORTANT NOTE Please use new Email address “deepingu3anews@gmail.com” for all reports and photos. Please note it is “deeping” not “deepings”

ANNUAL GENERALMEETING OF THE DEEPINGS U3A

METHODIST CHURCH, DEEPING ST. JAMES

Monday, 17 October 2017 at 10.15 am

1. Welcome and Report by Chairman

2. Minutes of last year’s AGM*

3. Acceptance of Annual Accounts*

4. Nomination and election of Officers and Committee

5. Thanks and closing of meeting.

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THANK YOU DEEPINGS U3A!

The following E-mail as sent by Barbara

Meyer, our Speaker last month about

Wildlife Conservation.

Dear Garth, dear Lyall, Just a brief e-mail to say thank you for having me today to provide a talk about wildlife conservation. From the feedback I have received, it appears people enjoyed the talk. And I hope this is the case for everyone. A big thank you also to your members for their generosity. I found £58.10 in my collection box. This will be of great help for my school project. Thank you to everyone, who made a contribution and especially to you Garth for taking my collection box out to the exit area; much appreciated. Attached is the leaflet about my talks. Would be great to come back one day and provide another talk for the The Deepings U3A. For now, thank you very much once again. BARBARA MEYER

ADVANCE NOTICE The Deepings U3A Photography Group will be putting on a exhibition on Wednesday, 15th November, at the Green School, Market Deeping. (The Green School is opposite St. Guthlac’s Church, in Church Street, Market Deeping. Parking is limited at the school, but plenty of side streets close by. Time of the exhibition is from 1.00 pm to 4.00 pm. Admission is free. So please make a note of the date, and come and see some of the wonderful photographs, our members have taken. DAVE PENDRY—Group Leader and Tutor

ONLY 63 DAYS until our CHRISTMAS

MEETING! Tickets on sale now.

We are meeting in December in the Coronation Hall which means we have to restrict the numbers a little. To avoid handling entry money on the door and to help with catering we ask you to buy

tickets at the same price of £1, in advance. They will be on sale from the OCTOBER meeting or collect them from me at home, 102 Church Street, Deeping St. James, before 9th December.

LIZ NOBLE Membership Secretary

Unfortunately my prophecy that I may have omitted some reports last month was right. Once again I apologise and print them below. ANN

U3A NATURAL HISTORY GROUP July report:

Our group visited Roberts Field, a Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust site, for our July meeting. An ancient grassland site. It was planted with conifers in the 1960’s. In 1994 the Trust embarked on a plan to restore Roberts's Field to limestone grassland.

The conifer trees were felled and the roots dug up and burnt. The ground was levelled and re-seeded with hay seeds from local limestone grassland. The reserve is now managed by a combination of hay cropping and autumn grazing with sheep. Many of the limestone plants found in the old meadow can now be found in the restored grassland areas. The plant species list is well in excess of two hundred.

It was a dull and breezy morning, so not too many butterflies. By 2pm the sun came out and so did the missing butterflies. Dark Green Fritillary, Silver Washed Fritillary, Common Blue, Ringlet, Meadow Brown, Comma plus many grasshoppers and crickets

Report by NORAH LITTLER

… / ...

… / ... August report:

It was a lovely day when we set out for Paxton pits. On arrival we all made our way the Visitors Centre and we had a warden to show us round who took us to parts of the reserve members of the public don't usually get to see. We saw 37 species altogether, including a Kingfisher and a Sparrow Hawk. We walked past lovely wild flowers and sunflowers down to the river then back to the Visitors Centre for those of our group who wanted tea or coffee. It was a fabulous day and everyone enjoyed it. Next month, 28th September, we are going Frampton. Any new members wishing to join us are welcome. Group Leaders: AUDREY DUNKLEY / PETER EDWARDS

NEWS FROM GROUP CO-ORDINATOR

Have you always wanted to try quilting but were afraid to ‘have a go’? Now is your chance — let’s see if we can form a quilting group; look for the sign up sheet on the table at the next meeting. If quilting is not to your taste, how about coming along and joining the Ukulele group? Like all our groups, they have such fun and the more the merrier!

SUSANNE HOADLEY Group Co-ordinator U3A MONDAY READERS GROUP

Our meeting this month was a very special one. We were delighted to welcome the author of our October book choice to our get together. Richard Pike was one of the local authors who took part in the very successful Read Dating event at Deeping Literary Festival in the spring, as a result of which his book Do Not Forget Me Quite went into the Library Readers Group Service collection. U3A Monday Readers were lucky enough to be the first group to choose it.

Richard’s novel is a beautifully written, intensely moving and sharply visualised story of the First World War. It tells of John, a school master with strong religious views who feels called by God to volunteer as a medical orderly in the early days of the war and of his family – especially his young daughter – and the effect of his decision on them. Included in the novel is the story of a real person, Ivor Gurney, poet and composer, whose work is not well known but who came through the war with what we now know to be bi-polar disorder, despite which he left a collection of moving music and poetry. Our entire group found it a remarkable and satisfying book, one describing it as the best book about WW1 she had read.

It was fascinating to discuss our questions and comment with Richard. He gave us an insight into his motivation and methods of writing, his feelings about the characters and how he had felt about the writing process. His interest in Ivor Gurney and how it had been interwoven into the story of John and his experiences was interesting and how Richard had undertaken his research gave us all food for thought.

To complete the morning, Richard brought some music to play us. Firstly, Elgar’s Salut d’Amour, which provides an underlying theme of his novel, played beautifully on the violin by an 11 year

old girl. Secondly, he had brought two recordings of Ivor Gurney’s poems set to music. These are part of the whole experience of the novel and rounded off our meeting most movingly and appropriately. We thank Richard for joining us for a thoroughly enjoyable morning in the library – and look forward to reading his next novel with keen anticipation! LIZ WATERLAND Group Leader

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U3A “WANDERERS” WALKING GROUP

On one of the few dry and sunny days in September 17 members of the group met at the Cuckoo in Alwalton for a very pleasant stroll along the banks and tributaries of the Nene. Our route took us around the lakes in Ferry Meadows and back through the very pretty village of Alwalton. What we didn’t anticipate were the events and hazards we encountered along the way! Our first stop was to watch a narrow boat negotiating a lock on the Nene when we met and chatted to a friendly couple who had been away for six months – along with their canine friend complete with his own lifejacket! Moving on the party became separated by a herd of cows and enthusiastic bullocks! It is fair to say that some of us were a little perturbed by this and moved rather rapidly to safety! All was well for a while, plenty more livestock in the form of horses, swans and birds of prey but nothing to worry about. Until we passed a field being irrigated – made a beautiful rainbow in the sunshine but also watered the footpath we were walking along! Had to time that one carefully. Finally, on leaving Ferry Meadows we found our way blocked and needed to do a quick detour! Then back to The Cuckoo for a very pleasant and uneventful lunch! Phew! Report: MARJE ARMSTRONG Photos: MELANIE EDWARDS AND MARJE ARMSTRONG Group Leaders: HILARY & BARRY AKAM U3A ART APPRECIATION GROUP Title “Watching Paint Dry”:

Our planned talk was postponed as our speaker’s husband was ill in hospital. We wished him a speedy recovery. Sandra, former pupil of Bill Gates was left in charge of the equipment and of the DVD which had worked perfectly on September 18th. David had every confidence in us!

Watching paint dry was exactly right as the DVD was all about Canal Art and the decorating of canal utensils such as watering cans. It is an art in itself and we were progressing quite well with leaves, leaves and flowers and yet more leaves when the DVD stopped playing. We had reached the point when the artist was going to demonstrate his Castle painting and disaster struck.

Our group has some really technical people!. Comments such as ‘Turn it off’, ‘Start again’, ‘Unplug everything,’ were heard!Eventually we played 1950’s television crossed with the silent movies and watched the rest of the film on the laptop screen without sound.

Our Knight in shining armour (David) must stay with us at all times in the future and yes, the DVD worked perfectly once again when back at Gates’ Towers!!

We welcomed two new members.

We hope everyone will return next month when the talk is about the Pit Men Painters. Report: SANDRA JONES

Group Contacts: SANDRA JONES / YVONNE MCCULLOCH

U3A CLASSIC AND KIT CAR GROUP

The September Rally was a great success. It was a day out (Fun Run) following a 50 mile route planned by one our Peterborough U3A members. The next planned meeting is Wednesday 25th October from 11.30am at the Elton Walled Garden Centre, Elton Hall, PE8 6SH

It can be for coffee and/or lunch depending on when you arrive and it goes without saying either solo or with spouse/partner/navigator. The idea behind this new Group is to enable like-minded U3A members to get together on a regular basis at various venues and events to socialise and have an informal chat about everything and anything to do with classic vehicles.

If you are interested in joining the group or have any questions please contact

JOHN BURTON Group Leader U3A THURSDAY GARDENING GROUP

This month we gathered at Linda Hill's in a lively meeting to decide our programme of events for 2018 and make the all important choices for our Christmas lunch this year. We have a varied and exciting provisional programme decided. We also all went away with gorgeous prize winning pears from

Roy Pettitt, having tasted a red love apple (no, not a tomato, but an apple with a red interior). A brief look around Linda's garden showed there was still a little colour to be had in October. Next month we meet at Alistair and Ray Smith's for general gardening gossip at 10AM on Thursday 2nd November. Group Leader: LINDA HILL U3A GOOD FOOD GROUP At our meeting on Monday, 2nd October, we had a total of 11 present, including one prospective member, and were trying dishes with only three ingredients, as a contrast to the daunting list in the recipes of some chefs. The results were most encouraging, with delicious chili flavoured prawns, pears with blue cheese on toast, two chicken dishes, pork with cheese and cream, a lamb casserole, accompanied by a potato dish and a salad. We finished two puddings with home grown apples and pears.

Next meeting we intend to try food for Bonfire Night and Hallowe’en, and to plan the December celebration.

KATHLEEN TANNER Group Leader

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U3A CYCLING GROUP

For our September ride we welcomed new member Murdoch McCulloch. It was a very overcast and rain threatening sort of day, but being made of pretty stern stuff, we carried on regardless! Fortunately it didn’t rain – much, but the ride took us through Maxey, Helpston, Marholm and Woodcroft. At the latter level crossing we had to wait for half an hour and for 14 trains to pass!! Is this a record? We think it is. Lunch was eventually taken at the Golden Pheasant at Etton and was pleasant. We were entertained here by Ian Tanner showing one of his rope tricks. Which certainly kept us amused while waiting for our food. On our return to Deeping we did manage to dodge the showers. All in all a very enjoyable ride, a few hills to climb, but there is always the satisfaction of the down hills to look forward to afterwards. Thanks to Fred Skipper for organising the route and the lunch. Photo taken during our long wait at the crossing by a passing snail! Our next ride will be on 20th October, please get in touch with Fred if you are interested in joining us. You will be welcome.

Report EDDIE ADAMS

Group Leader: FRED SKIPPER

U3A “BOOKWORMS” READING GROUP ‘I do not sleep’ by Judy Finnigan

Devastated and haunted by the loss of her youngest son Joe in a mysterious sailing accident five years before, Molly Gabriel, with her family, return to Cornwall on holiday. Molly is determined to find out why Joe’s boat was washed up on the rocks but his body was never found. Several local people help Molly in her emotional quest but it is Joe’s friend who leads to solving the mystery.

After a somewhat pedestrian start the story picks up momentum until the last chapters are surprising with pleasing twists and a satisfactory conclusion. Bookworms next meeting is at 2pm on Oct 23rd at Hazel's home.

ANN THORNTHWAITE Group Leader U3A CRAFT GROUP 1

Like most crafters, if we haven't already started our Christmas projects, it won't be long before we do. It may be tree decorations, cards or personal gifts, but I'm sure we will all be be beavering away like Santa's elves over the coming weeks.

Next month I am away topping up the tan, so the meeting will be held at Sheila's.

JULIE MANCEY Group Leader U3A SUNDAY LUNCH GROUP This month’s lunch is at the Horseshoe, Thurlby, on Sunday, 29th October, 12,30 for 1.00 pm. As usual, please let Tony Semper or Michael Griffiths know if you will be attending, or add your name to the board on Monday, (18th).

U3A HISTORY GROUP

Our September talk was entitled ‘British Nationality and Passports From Empire to Brexit’, given by Tony Plunkett It was a talk that required careful explanation and Tony had certainly done his research. It was made up of a complicated set of rules, changing from time to time according to events. What is Nationality? Is it where you were born, who your parents were? It matters most when you are travelling. Passports originated as Safe Conducts in the reign of Henry V. Examples were shown. The Privy Council granted them from at least 1540 and one of the earliest was issued on June 18th 1641, signed by Charles 1. It is still in existence. The intricacies of the actual passports were explained and the Old Blue (1920-1988) was shown in pictorial form. Mr Bean was pictured in a fairly recent passport sample, looking as silly as ever. Remember, you must not smile! Where we go from here remains to be seen. No doubts there will be more legislation and Tony will be back with his sequel. From Brexit and Beyond! Thank you Tony for a very interesting talk.

Barbara McNicol informed members about the Christmas Menu which was on display. Barbara was thanked for organising the London visit. Next month’s talk is Lloyd George…..Part 2 with Ian Jones as out visiting speaker.

Our thoughts were with John Bloomfield and his family. John, of course was leader of this Group for some years and started the annual visits to London. Report: SANDRA JONES

Group Leaders: SANDRA JONES / ELIZABETH PARKINSON

U3A “OVER THE GARDEN WALL” GARDENING GROUP

Our September meeting was a joint visit with The Antiques Group to Holkham Hall, Norfolk. Our thanks go to Pam Pendry for organising it for us. The group had a lovely day exploring a very beautiful well kept property, some lovely gardens and grounds. It is a very nice venue and well worth a visit.

Our October meeting on Tuesday the 24th October is our 2018 provisional planning meeting. We will meet at Waterside Garden Centre at 10am in the restaurant.

Our November meeting is an addition to our 2017 programme and is a visit to Gates Garden Centre, Cold Overton. Oakham LE15 7QB. I have organised the Mini bus for this visit. Meet at 10am in the long stay carpark.

MARGARET GRIFFITHS Group Leader U3A CRAFT GROUP 2

Heather Bumfrey started us off on Christmas cards this month - thanks to her for providing the ingredients. We are planning a trip out to see what other Christmas bits and pieces there are around in the Craft places in Spalding next month. Look forward seeing you on 16 October 2017.

LIZ NOBLE Group Leader

WELCOME TO NEW MEMBERS

John and Jenny Buck, Langtoft; Margaret Ogden, Market Deeping and Sandy Rider, Deeping St. James.

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U3A JAZZ, SWING AND BIG BAND GROUP This month’s meeting was at 67 Granville Avenue and Anne's programme title was 'THE BEST OF BRITISH...' which this month focused on the British element of Jazz, Big Bands and vocalists, as so often it is the Jazz from the USA that seems to dominate. So we began with Acker Bilk playing

with the Stan Tracy Brass - 'Festival Junction'. Don Lusher playing a tribute to there Big Bands with 'D.L.Blues' and Ken Colyer's Jazzmen playing 'Mabel's Dream'. Something different and not quite in the plan was John Dankworth with the LSO giving us ' Further Experiments with Mice' from 'Crossing The Bridge' . 'Ain't We Got Fun' was fun, sung by Alma Cogan, who left us much too soon, then Humphrey Lyttelton played 'Someone Stole Gabriels's Horn'. Ted Heath played 'The Swinging Shepherd Blues,' and Jim Tomlinson entertained with two items—'Manha De Carnaval' and 'Cockeyed Optomist' with vocal by his wife - Stacy Kent. 'Moonglow' came from Alan Haven and Alex Welsh and his Jazz Band played ‘Dardanella'. Billy Cotton and his Band gave us 'That Rhythm Man and His Boy'; a lesser known Beatles song came from Bob Leaper. 'You Go To My Head' was sung by Carol Kidd. 'Coffee Time' followed from Frank Cornshank and his orchestra, then Freddy Gardner [;ayed and sang 'Is It True What They Say About Dixie'. Jessie remarked that the vocal did not suit his voice. A second helping from Acker Bilk and Stan Tracy playing 'Baby Blue', then Chris Barber gave out with 'Sweet Georgia Brow.'. British Jazz and Johnny Keating played 'Lazy.' Peterborough Big Band played 'Shiny Stockings' (saved for us to enjoy by Peter). The morning closed with 'Below The Azores' from Richard Exhall Exhall and Amy Roberts, who can certainly play the flute! A huge 'Thank You' to Peter for all his help putting the programme together and enriching the morning with his musical knowledge. Next meeting is on October 25 at the home of Barbara and Peter Baylis. Report: ANNE JONES

Group Leaders: PETER BAYLIS / ANNE JONES U3A “STROLLERS” WALKING GROUP As mentioned in the last month’s newsletter, the stroll in September was cancelled. The stroll was intended to be a change from the usual format, inasmuch that it was intended to be a day out, with Sandringham the favoured location. Unfortunately, this day clashed with events organised by two other groups and numbers expressing an interest in the trip to Norfolk, were not considered enough to make the day a success. Hopefully, we will try again next year. This month we will be having a stroll on Monday 23 October when Searle Clark will lead a walk starting from The Cuckoo at Alwalton, meeting at 10:15. Members of the group wishing to take part, should contact Searle on 01778 345389. I would add that on the following Monday, 30 October we will be holding our annual planning meeting to review this year’s strolls and hopefully, devise a programme for 2018. The venue is the Roman Catholic Church on Hereward Way, Deeping St. James commencing at 10:00. It would be appreciated if you could let me know if you will be coming along to this and if you aren’t able to come along, let me know if you are willing to lead a stroll in 2018. By having more walk leaders we will have a greater variety of walks.

BOB DELLER Group Leader U3A FILM GROUP

We had a very enjoyable afternoon at our last viewing, and hope to welcome even more people to our next film show - at the Community centre, 2 - 4 pm on Wednesday 25th October. This month's DVD is "As Good as it Gets" starring Jack Nicholson and Helen Hunt, another comedy/drama from an award-winning actor. See you there in the newly furbished Lionel Beck Room.

Group Leaders: MAUREEN WHITTLE / RITA BROWN

U3A ANTIQUES AND COLLECTABLES GROUP

We visited Holkam Hall for our September meeting and were joined by members of the 'Over the garden wall' Garden Group and other U3A members. Holkham Hall is the home of the Earl of Leicester and the family live there. Their family name is Coke.

In the 17th century, at the early age of 21years, Thomas Coke 1st. Earl of Leicester, was planning the building of a vast Palladian House on the Norfolk Coast. The Marble Hall (right) is described as the most magnificent entrance Hall in England and was designed around plans from about 1726 based on a scheme by the palladian architect Colen Campbell.

The use of pink alabaster from Staffordshire for the columns and the facing walls certainly gives it the WOW! factor. The rest of the many rooms were really lovely with the beautiful pictures and furniture, there were also the kitchens and staff quarters to see.

A visit to the well laid out walled gardens was very interesting. Although situated a mile from the house, there was a buggy service provided to take the less able of us. There was so much to see and do, all the staff were kind and most informative. The weather was very good, and I'm sure we all enjoyed the day. A BIG thankyou to Pam for making all the arrangements.

Our next meeting is on October 23, when we have a return visit of Mr. Bill Sandles, and I will be taking names for the Christmas Lunch at The Red Lion at Warmington. Report: IRENE BEEKEN

Group Leaders: IRENE BEEKEN / PAM PENDRY U3A “PACERS” WALKING GROUP

This month the pacers did a local walk starting from the Packhorse at Northborough, we walked along the old Lincoln road and turned down Bridgegate Lane that leads to Deeping Gate. We had a short break at the gate leading onto the riverside walk and then proceeded along the river bank, past Low Locks and then turned right at the styles which took us up to the Peakirk road. It was then an easy walk up Church Street back to the Packhorse. Although the weather was dull it did not rain on us.

The next walk is at Fineshades Woods led by Jo Astel and Margret Beardshaw, details will be sent by email.

LYNN & STEVE WHITE Group Leaders U3A FAMILY HISTORY GROUP

We presented Peg Torrance with a gift and card as a small thank you for all her support to us all over the years. Thankfully she is staying with the group but we are pleased to say Josie Smith and Jean Brennand will be taking over as joint leaders.

We discussed the format for future meetings and have outline plans for the first six months at least!

LIZ NOBLE On behalf of Group Leaders.

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U3A POETS AND THEIR POETRY GROUP

We had reached the letter ‘M’ for our Poet for the October meeting. This gave us a lot of choice and we all found different poetry, with some very interesting Poets, namely Albert Midlane, Edward Muir, Leo Marks, John Gillespie Magee, Charlotte Mitchell, Glyn Maxwell. Marianne Moore, and John Masefield's 'Sea Fever' with a 'take on' by Spike Milligan here with: "I must go down to the sea again To the lowly sea and the sky, I left my shoes and socks there I wonder if the're dry?” Thank-you Kathleen for that, and also for hosting the meeting. We had a very enjoyable afternoon. Our next meeting is on November 6th with the letter 'N'.

IRENE BEKEN Group Leader U3A MONDAY WALKING GROUP We all met at the Bluebell, Helpston for our walk. This was to be led by Ann and Ian Sutherland, but unfortunately Ann damaged her foot so was unable to walk. We were assured at lunch by Ann that she had recee'd with Ian.

Seventeen of us set off being led by Ian (thanks for standing in) on an overcast but humid day. The walk was varied with footpath, tracks and field walking. It was a bit worrying when Ian was wearing gaiters and stated that it could be muddy across beet fields. Fortunately this was not the case and so much mud was avoided.

On the walk we encountered a "Stickman" like tree with large yellow baubles (looked more like ball floats from cisterns) The nose was made with a plastic flowerpot and had eyes. As usual there was debate re the length of the walk due to the use of various apps and pedometers. A good lunch was had by all and the ale was fine.

The next walk will be from Nassington details to follow.

STEVE HANSON Group Leader U3A “CHURCH MICE” GROUP Twenty four members in October visited All Saints Church in Oakham. The well-proportioned steeple can be seen approaching Oakham from all directions. The church is a large town church built in the 13th century, with the roof raised in the late 1300s. The Victorians, and particularly George Gilbert Scott, made a number of restorations, particularly to the ceilings which were brightly repainted. We had an interesting talk, followed by a chance to look round and ask questions. The church visit was followed by a good tea in a nearby cafe. Report: HENRY ROBERTS Group Leader: JIM PRINGLE U3A C RAFT GROUP 3 As Christmas card time approaches small cross stitch cards were started, some members for the first time. Not much progress made but we all had an enjoyable time. Which year the cards will be finished is a good question!!! Next month we are making baubles for Christmas tree decorations.

Group Leader: ANITA SETCHFIELD

U3A WRITING FOR PLEASURE GROUP Our Writing group had a very interesting meeting in October, with each member choosing a different subject.

Kay wrote a letter from Queen Victoria to her eldest daughter Victoria, and also wrote Victoria’s reply. Julie replied to a letter Dot had written earlier about a lady of ninety who was contacted by the Post Office, offering her a job delivering Christmas mail on a bike! It was even funnier, as Dot assured us it was a true story and the lady concerned could neither see nor hear!

Maureen based her piece around sayings concerning cats. Geoff also used sayings, and read out several short pieces, each giving a clue to a particular saying. The final, and most gruesome one was about a lady who had a lot of pain after her operation. The pain wouldn’t go away, and in the end they found she had ‘a spanner in the works’! Betty wrote a beautiful description of autumn, Anne wrote a poem which included the five senses, and Dot and I both tackled the difficult task of describing something in exactly fifty words.

We still have space for one or two more in our group. Please contact me if you are interested.

JUDY ROBINSON Group Leader U3A “WANDERERS WALKING GROUP The Wanderers were out and about in the Greatford area this month. As is the tradition of our group we enjoyed perfect October weather, an above average temperature and beautiful sunny spells.

Our stroll took us across the fields and through Braceborough, back across the rural landscape, into the woods and a final explore of the River Glenn, Greatford Church and lingering stares at some magnificent houses. The Highlight for the intrepid explorers was a walk through a Field of “Tryfids” that were very tall and at times blocked the daylight….., A first for most of us.

Our final port of call was the Wagon and Horses in Langtoft for a Pie and Pint, which lead to long discussions on what was a proper Pie…. Definitely without argument a pie requires Pastry above and below. Perhaps, its time for a U3A Pie Group.

Report: GORDON AND SUE YOUNG Group Leaders: HILARY & BARRY AKAM U3A LISTENING TO MUSIC GROUP Our October meeting was at the home of Barbara and Peter Baylisand began with a minute’s silence to mark the sad loss of John Bloomfield, a founder member of our music group , who died earlier this week. When Peter chooses our music we can always expect a few surprises. Today we had an eclectic choice which was so popular Peter has been asked to repeat it at a later date! We began with an English Waltz from the music of Gershwin and Grai played by Richard and John Contiguglia. Percy Grainger's music was among John's favourites and included today in memory of him. A very varied programme chosen by Peter followed which included three pieces in varying styles by Andre Previn; Claire Jones playing a lovely piece on the Harp, “Shenandoah sung by Bryn Terfel; Finlandia, a Tchaikovsky Waltz, and many other enjoyable compositions before ending with The Londonderry Air.

Thank you Peter for a great morning of music and thanks to Barbara for the refreshments. Next meeting at Joy Elliman's home.

Report: ANNE JONES Group Leaders: TERRY NOBLE / JIM PRINGLE Apologies Anne, had to ‘prune’ your report a little this month. A

Photograph provided by Terry Noble

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U3A THURSDAY WALKING GROUP

Steve Hanson led a group of 18 walkers though the very rolling hills surrounding Corby Glen on a fine and warm October day for this month’s walk. Commencing from the Woodhouse Arms we proceeded out from the rear of the pub using good paths and tracks through the countryside before arriving at an instance which we’ve never encountered before in the form of a shooting party. Thankfully the shooters were targetting the partridges and not the walking group!!. After a twenty minute delay the walk continued to the village of Swinstead before crossing the A151 and heading in the direction of Irnham and then turning left to finish in the centre of Corby Glen and back to the Woodhouse Arms for an excellent lunch. Many thanks to Steve for organising the walk and arranging the lunch.

The next walk on 9 November will be led by Garth Perry and myself and will around the Langham, near Oakham area. Full details are still to be decided but will be sent out via the usual e-mail some ten days before the walk. If you would like to attend this walk, could you please phone Garth by the Tuesday evening preceding the walk, if possible.

GODFREY PARKES Photo: DAVID SCOTT Group Leader U3A WEDNESDAY GARDENING GROUP This month we have had an in depth discussion regarding our programme for next year. This took place, after coffee and a chat, at Waterside Garden Centre with all members of the group present. Various suggestions were made and we now have a framework to hopefully compile an interesting programme for 2018. This will be finalised at our November meeting to be held at Fen Fields." JEAN FOSTER Group Leader (Picture from Google)