JULY 2015

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TWO OF OUR GROUPS ENTERTAIN ELDERLY RESIDENTS

Members of the Accordian and Singing Groups recently joined forces

to entertain the residents of The Maltings Residential Home, Peterborough, with a selection of ‘sing along’ music. Janice Cosham,

who leads the Accordian Group reported it was a happy occasion for

everyone, with residents calling for more.

Programme of Speakers

20 July SIMPLE WORDS, HIDDEN MEANINGS—The

History of nursery rhymes by Jill Collinge (AT THE

METHODIST CHURCH)

17 August UNDER THE INFLUENCE—songs that have

influenced my repertoire, my style and my life by

Andy Smith (back by popular request). Ticket only Buffet follows. (AT THE DEEPINGS SCHOOL)

21 September THE INCAS AND MACHU PICCHU—an intriguing

talk about the Incas and Spanish Conquistadors, by Ron Abbott (AT THE METHODIST CHURCH)

Unless otherwise stated, doors open at 9.30 am at all monthly

meetings. Coffee served until 10.20 and meetings begin at 10.30 am.

WELCOME TO NEW MEMBERS

Sue and Gordon Young, Janet Herd and Avis Dalton

from Deeping St James and Barbara Piercy from

Northborough.

The Deepings Third Age Group

NEWSLETTER

(Visit our Web site)

Deepings Web site Deeping St. James

Issue No. 144

Committee Members 2014/2015

Liz Noble Chairman

Jennie Sharman Secretary

Anne Burton Treasurer

Olwen Cole Group Coordinator

Janice Cosham Membership Secretary

Kath Allen

Jim Pringle Welcome Coordinator

Lyall Seale ) Speaker

Garth Perry ) Finders

Ann Holmes Newsletter Editor

David Scott Contact through website Webmaster

CHAIRMAN’S REFLECTIIONS!

The excellent and amusing talk in June was very well received by members with many requests for

the return of Martin Beaton when he comes back to

the UK next year from the Falklands The missing

leaflets also turned up safely and Martin thanked us all for making him feel so welcome.

Since then the sun has continued at least through

99% of Wimbledon - now back to the normal routine catching up on all the things I meant to do by now! Of course

it is membership renewal time again, and they are rolling in well.

Membership cards will be available at the July meeting for collection

(assuming you have paid of course!). Tickets for the August buffet are also on sale this month too. If you can’t come to the meeting and wish

to buy a buffet ticket, please advise me by 31 July for catering

purposes and either put the money and details through my door or send

me an email to reserve one.

This month’s meeting is in the Methodist Church, Deeping St James,

and I look forward to seeing many of you from the usual time of 9.30.

Best wishes,

Liz

Chairman

WHAT PRICE A CUP OF COFFEE OR TEA?

Most of us enjoy the coffee/tea and biscuits available before the start of our monthly Monday meetings,

and the Committee will be sad if we have to

discontinue this facility. However this will happen

unless at least two "couples"* (to share the duties) come forward to be "custodians" of the equipment (ie cup holders, plastic cups etc.). This

involves storing and transporting these items to the monthly meeting (or

arranging for someone to do so if they cannot do so for any particular

meeting); being responsible for restocking as necessary, the cost of

which will be reimbursed of course. Additionally managing the

rota, with the occasional necessity to find substitutes at short notice.

During the twelve years just two teams have undertaken this task so it

cannot be too onerous! We understand why Jessie and Lin now wish to

relinquish the job, but unfortunately the Committee Members are unable

to absorb this responsibility in addition to their other tasks. Regretfully therefore, unless members come forward to undertake the organisation

of the refreshments, it will cease after the August

meeting. PLEASE don't let this cease, contact

Liz or a committee member. (See opposite column). ANN

*Couples in this case mean spouse, partner, friend,

we need 2 x 2 persons (ie 2 ’pairs’). Own transport is

needed too of course.

GROUPS WHO WOULD WELCOME A FEW NEW MEMBERS:

Science Group, Book Weevils and Bookworms, The Wanderers

Walking Group, Discussion Group, Nordic Walking, Guitar

for Pleasure, Good Food Group. Please contact the group

leader for more information.

WOT NO DRINKS?

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DEEPINGS U3A MEMBERSHIP RENEWALS 2015/2016

Just a gentle reminder that renewal is due at the end of July. Thank you to all those people who have

renewed already. The cards will be available at the

meeting. Renewal forms were in the June newsletter, but there will

be a supply at the July meeting if you need one. Full membership is

£10 and Affiliates are £5. Your membership number is written on the

inside of the card.

I would also be grateful to hear of people who are not renewing in order to keep the data base up-to-date. Many thanks.

JANICE COSHAM

Membership Secretary

GROUP NEWS

So far 10 members have shown an interest in

the proposed Theatre group but no one has volunteered to run the

group. I think we need at least 50 members to make the group viable, more would be preferable as not everyone will be able to support all

the outings. If you put your name on the list please be aware of the

costs – locally theatres tickets cost between £10 and £25, London

theatre tickets are about £50 upwards. There is then the cost of transport to be considered. For small numbers an alternative to a

coach may be a 12 seated taxi. Another alternative would be to join in

with Peterborough or Bourne theatre groups. Another possibility

would be to join a coach trip to the theatre, various local coach companies run these. I am happy to receive any thoughts or

suggestions about the theatre group. If you would like to join this

group please add your name to the list at the monthly meeting or

contact me.

Unfortunately only two people have shown an interest in the play

reading group so this will not be viable.

If you are unable to attend your group it is important to let your leader know well in advance of your meeting if possible, this is

especially important when meeting in a member’s home or if a paid

speaker/demonstrator has been invited to the meeting.

Welcome to all our new members, if any of our members have

problems joining a group please let me know.

OLWEN COLE,

Group Coordinator U3A CYCLING GROUP

Six of us set out on this month's

ride. The route from

Deepng took us through Northborough, Elton, Helpston,

(almost to) Ufford, Ashton,

Maxey and returning to Deeping

for lunch - a journey of approx. 13 miles. The weather was good

and red kites were seen in abundance with a heron being pursued by a

seagull. Thanks to Jim for organising this trip.

Next month's ride is on Friday July 17 when anyone with a

roadworthy cycle is welcome to join with us.

FRED SKIPPER Group Leader

U3A SUNDAY LUNCH GROUP

(New venue!)

The next Sunday Lunch will be on Sunday, 26 July, at the “Prince of Wales Feathers”, Castor, at 12.30 pm. If you wish to join this event

please contact Tony Semper or Michael Griffith or add your name to

the list at the meeting on Monday, 20 July. Tony or Michael will be

located near the coffee/tea hatch.

U3A GARDENING 4 PETALS AND PRODUCE GROUP

The Dynamic Duo (Eddie Adams and John

Marsh) did it again by organizing a super

Day Out. The gardens at Waterperry were truly magnificent, the wide borders well

laid out with roses, shrubs and other hardy

annuals. There was so much to see I would

have liked more time.

Then on to the National Trust Buscot Park, a truly immaculate

Park. The Parents’ Walk and the Walled Garden were again full of

colour and beautifully kept, not a weed in sight, and even

vegetables planted alongside the peonies and other plants. The Day Out was well organized and we were all well looked after.

Many thanks to Eddie and John (and don’t forget John the driver)

Our next venue is on 21st July at Barnsdale Gardens meeting in

the Cafe at 10am. Entrance Fee £6.50 pp.

COLIN WARD

Group Leader 01778 380778

U3A ANTIQUES AND COLLECTABLES

For our June meeting a small group of members

met at Grimsthorpe Castle for a tour of the

house and gardens. It is the main front which

gives the castle it's grand and dramatic scale, and was designed by

Sir John Vanbrugh who was commissioned in 1715 by Robert

Bertie the 16th Baron Willoughby de Eresby to celebrate his

ennoblement as the First Duke of Ancaster and Kesteven.

The castle contains a great many interesting items of silver, clocks

and paintings, it is very spacious with large areas and rooms. The

Willoughby de Eresby family have lived there since it was granted to the Baron 500 years ago by Henry V111 on the occasion of his

marriage to Maria de Salinas, lady in waiting to Katherine of

Aragon in 1516. The gardens were lovely with an attractive display of Topiary. It was a very enjoyable afternoon.

Report: IRENE BEEKEN

Group Leaders: IRENE BEEKEN / PAM PENDRY

U3A CRAFT GROUP 1

Thanks go to Kay for hosting another very pleasant afternoon. This month I am featuring a

piece of work done by Ann. Along with her

many other talents, Ann is an accomplished

Needle Tatter, and considering the relatively short time she has been doing it, I think you’ll

agree that this piece, which is approximately 15

inches in diameter, clearly shows off her mastery of the craft.

Next month’s meeting will be on the 20th July at Julie's (unless

you hear otherwise).

JULIE MANCEY Group Leader

U3A “WEEKENDERS” GROUP

The group met on June13th in the Oddfellows

Hall, where Ann welcomed 26 members,

including four new members. We all enjoyed

the scones, jam and cream – thank you Ann for organising it. The collection raised £50 and it was decided by the group that it should

go to Thorpe Hall.

The July meeting of weekenders was attended by 28 people A lunch at the Deeping Stage is going to be following the meeting in

September . Any member of Weekenders not at the meeting can

contact me to put their name down if they wish to go.

Group Leaders: ANN BRADSHAW / BARBARA MCNICOL

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U3A JAZZ, SWING AND BIG BAND GROUP

Our June meeting was held at Anne Jones’ home.

The 'Ghetto Blaster' was provided by Terry Noble

and the programme assistant was Peter Baylis.

Thanks to them for their efforts. The theme was:

THE FOUR SEASONS, with apologies to Vivaldi,

who would not have recognised anything that was

played! So -

SPRING: 'April Fool' got us in the mood, sung by Matt Monroe, followed by

'April in Paris', Stan Kenton's version. 'April Showers' played by Ted Heath

came after this and just in case you thought we were 'stuck in a groove'

George Shearing played 'One Morning in May.' Leaving Spring we heard

songs for -

SUMMER; the first one was 'June Is Bustin' Out All Over' and one of the

best versions of this played by the NCO. 'In The Good Old Summertime',

from The Kirby Stone Four', Harry Stoneham and 'Summer Samba', 'That

Sunday, That Summer' with Nat 'King' Cole followed on and continued with

Stan Getz and 'Summertime'. Back to George Shearing and 'The Things We

Did Last Summer', saw us through to -

AUTUMN, and it was George again and 'Autumn In New York'. Chris

Barber, (yes he's still around and recently at the Key Theatre,) gave us 'Blue

Sunshine' and then Anita O'Day sang 'Early Autumn'. A second version of

this was played by The Don Lusher Big Band, well one can't have too much

of a good thing! 'Indian Summer' was Duke Ellington's contribution and

Dinah Washington sang 'September in the Rain' a hit record for her.

WINTER finally arrived, but as the morning was warming up we didn't

mind. Ted Heath again gave us 'Cloudburst', The lovely Vic Damone sang,

'Here's That Rainy Day....'. Henry Mancini played 'Latin Snowfall' and then it

was Manhattan Transfer all the way to the end with - 'Snowfall', ' Happy

Holiday' and closing with 'Goodnight' . Report: ANNE JONES

July meeting is at Jennie Sharman's and deposits for the August meal that we are having on August 26th at The Goat instead of a musical

event will be required. I will let Peter have details as I am away.

Group Leaders: PETER BAYLIS / ANNE JONES

U3A GARDENING “OVER THE GARDEN WALL” GROUP

We had two meetings in June. The first a return

visit to The Manor House

at West Deeping. The

gardens were at their best with ‘roses to die for’ and

borders of summer

flowering plants that were

envy of all of us. This rounded off with a lovely

afternoon tea and glorious

weather made it delightful afternoon. Our thanks to Pat Dethick for

arranging this for us.

The second visit was Eddie and John’s annual coach trip to

‘Waterperry’ and ‘Buscot Park’ in Oxfordshire. There was the

opportunity at Waterperry for an early lunch, a wander round the gardens, and the opportunity to buy plants before moving on to

Buscot Park which lived up to its reputation as ‘one of Oxfordshire’s

best kept secrets’. It had magnificent gardens and grounds plus an

18th Century House for us to explore. The weather was glorious and a very enjoyable day was had by all. Our thanks go to Eddie and John

for yet again such a lovely well planned day out.

Our next meeting is to Sandringham Flower Show on Wednesday 29th July. If you been issued with a ticket and are unable to go

please contact me ASAP as we have a waiting list of people wishing

to join us. Those of you who are travelling on the mini bus please

meet at Rainbow Long stay Carpark at 8am.

Group leaders: MARGARET GRIFFITHS / GLENYS NICE

U3A HISTORY GROUP

Today’s speaker was Tony Plunkett who

gave an excellent presentation entitled,

‘Hot History of the Cold War’. Tony made his talk come to life with very

interesting slides which accompanied a

lively talk. For most of us, it was yet again proof that we are part of a

living history that still has repercussions today.

He took us through the years from The Potsdam Agreement in 1945 to

the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989, explaining the devious and often

dangerous paths on the journey to the reunification of Berlin. Tony had put a great deal of hard work and time researching this topic and

the audience were very appreciative.

Ann and Pam were thanked for the teas and coffees as was John for

his technical help.

The balance for the August visit was paid and at the time of writing,

there were two spare places. Thank you, visit organisers. It will soon

be time to think of the Christmas lunch!!

Report: SANDRA JONES Groups Leaders: SANDRA JONES / LIZ PARKINSON

U3A ART APPRECIATION GROUP

The meeting was held as usual at the R C Church in

Hereward Way, Deeping St. James on 16th June. We

viewed a DVD on British Painting 1700-1850 from U3A Resources. The DVD was a presentation by The

National Gallery, showing and commenting on

paintings from a number of artists including those less

known. Different subject type was also in evidence.

Hans Holbein’s Tudor portraiture. Hogarth’s social commentary-

alcohol consumption,”Marriage a la Mode”. Portraiture by Sir Joshua

Reynolds, Gainsborough, Linnell and others. Landscapes by Turner, John Constable and others. Animal studies by George Stubbs –

“Whistlejacket”. Also shown were works by Reinagle, Zoffany,

Tintoretto, Sir John Thornhill, Andrew Edmunds and George

Beaumont.

On the 24th members also paid a visit, organised by Anne Jones, to

John McGowan, a printmaker in Northborough taking part in the

Peterborough Artists Open Studio event. This was scheduled for July

but was brought forward as the July date became unavailable. The visit started with a discussion about art critics. This led to a discussion

about original art work, limited editions, reproductions and the like

and a look at a number of John’s acquisions. We were shown the

process by which he created the prints of the Deeping Signal Box, which is one of a number of prints of signal boxes that are no longer

required by the railway. The Deeping St. James print was used in the

fund raising to save it.

The group decided to forgo further meetings in July or August and therefore the next meeting is on the 15th September at the RC Church

in Hereward Way at 10.00 for 10.30 am, programme to be arranged.

All welcome.

PETER WITHERINGTON

Group Leader

U3A FILM GROUP

Please note there will be no Film Club during

July and August. We look forward to seeing you all when we resume on Wednesday 23rd

September at the Community Centre.

MAUREEN WHITTLE / RITA BROWN

Group Leaders

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U3A SCIENCE GROUP

Thanks to Alistair Smith for a very interesting talk “About Time” at our last

meeting in June.

At the next meeting, on Tuesday 21st July, between 2pm and 4pm, at

The Institute in Church Street, Fred Skipper will give us the benefit of his long experience in the field, in a “Practical Overview of

Electricity”. This will include the types and dangers of electricity,

supply arrangements and alternative means of generation, and what

the law allows in terms of DIY!

Come along and be enlightened !

GARTH PERRY / DAVID SCOTT

Group Leaders

U3A THURSDAY WALKING GROUP

For our July walk Eddie and Chris

Adams led 29 members on a very

pleasant walk in good weather

through once again a relatively unknown area to many of the group.

The walk this time commenced from

The Cholmeley Arms at Burton

Coggles through the rolling countryside of the surrounding area

before descending down to Bitchfield

and Lower Bitchfield on the B1176

just past Corby Glen before returning to the Cholmeley Arms for a very

good lunch. Many thanks to Eddie and Chris for leading the walk and

organising the lunch.

The next walk on 13 August will be led by Brian and Linda Watkins and will be in the Folkingham area commencing from The New Inn,

10 West Street, Folkingham NG34 0SW, up the A15 north of Bourne

and Morton. If you would like to attend this walk, could you please phone Brian and Linda by the Tuesday evening preceding the walk,

if possible.

GODFREY PARKES/DAVID SCOTT Photo: DAVID SCOTT

Group Leaders

U3A WEDNESDAY GARDENING GROUP

The meeting this month was a trip to Gill and John Mepham’s garden in

Spalding.

This garden is certainly packed with a large variety of plants and shrubs and

the impact when you turn the corner of

the property is amazing. A lot of work

goes into this garden but the results make you want to know about the plants and many questions were asked with plenty of advice and

details coming from Gill and John. They also have a hidden gem

behind a hedge at the bottom of the garden, a lovely Japanese garden,

again a lot of work has gone into this but the results are worth it.

After our tour round the gardens, coffee and a lovely lunch was

served by our hosts and their friends. We thank them for their

hospitality and also keeping the rain off long enough for this to all take place, the rain started just as we left.

The meeting next month is a garden visit to Acre End, at North

Luffenham. Details to follow later. Report: AVRIL WILLIS

Group Leaders: JEAN FOSTER / ANGELA DORWARD

U3A NATURAL HISTORY GROUP

Our June trip was to Bedford Purlieus

Woods to search for butterflies within the

wood's sheltered rides. A good turnout of nine members was led by our knowledgeable

and proficient lepidopterists Roger Flavell and his sister Christine.

The weather was overcast but despite this the group saw eight butter-

fly species including Meadow Brown, Painted Lady, some particularly beautiful and freshly hatched Marbled Whites as well as tantalisingly

fleeting glimpses of the orange coloured Silver Washed Fritillary - a

very attractive butterfly at the North-Eastern edge of its range.

The Painted Lady is a migrant species and many are expected this year

- we were very lucky to see a single early example. Roger explained

that butterfly food flowers such as Marjoram are late this year,

otherwise many more rarities may have been on the wing for us.

A big thank you to Roger and Christine for sharing their knowledge

with us so freely. Thank you, too, Joy and Andrew, looks like you had

a really good experience. Our next trip out is planned for July 23rd. Nene Park is the venue and the subject is Wildflowers with Chris

Park.

NORAH LITTLER Group Leader

U3A "BOOKWORMS" READING GROUP

‘Flight Behaviour' by Barbara Kingsolver

Dellarobia is a smart girl trapped in marriage to a kind but dull man who works with his parents on a dirt poor

farm in Tennessee. She is about to embark on an affair

when she sees a host of golden Monarch butterflies

clinging to a tree. The phenomenon brings TV crews and sightseers to the area. Climate change has caused the butterflies to migrate north

and it soon brought scientists to study the effect on them. There are

many twists and turns in the story as Dellarobia gets involved with

work in the Lab.

This book is a really good read and raises lots of interesting topics for

discussion and is highly recommended by the Group. Our next

meeting is on Monday, July 27 and will be at Diana Rae's home.

Report: NANCY TITMAN

Group Leader: ANN THORNTHWAITE

U3A NORDIK WALKING GROUP

In this glorious summer

weather, our weekly Friday

walks have been planned so

that the routes offering the most shadow are favourite.

Sun hats, sunglasses, flasks of

water and our walking poles

are the order of the day and make us look as if we mean

business! Actually, the lush

vegetation along the Nene,

the Welland and around Maxey Lakes never fails to

excite our comments, even though we fail to accurately identify the

beautiful plants and trees that we pass, because the reference books

that we all seem to possess, are of course, at home!

Now, it would not be doing justice to the technique of Nordic

Walking to call our excursions “a nature ramble”, but it is the sight,

the smell and the feel of leafy nature that we remember more than the

distance covered or the pace of our walk. Come join us!

Group Leaders: MADELEINE DONLEY / JANET MOORE

Photo taken at Maxey Lakes

Illustration from Google

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U3A LISTENING TO MUSIC GROUP

Our July meeting was at the home of Terry

Noble and the title of his program was:

“Familiar Tunes in Unfamiliar Settings”.

Well they certainly were; beginning with 'O God, Thou Art My God,'

sung by the Choir of Trinity College, Cambridge and moving on to

The English Chamber Orchestra with the Brandenburg Concerto No.3, (1st Movt). We were entertained by several versions of our

own National Anthem, many of them new to us but played in

spectacular style by the various Orchestras, Organs and Choirs. One

surprise was Mozart's 'Horn Concerto, no.4'. Michael Swan, of Flanders and Swan fame, sang his version. Mozart would have been

very surprised! We ended the morning with 'Jubel Overture’, yes,

the National Anthem again, played by the London Symphony

Orchestra, conducted by Pierre Monteux, a very good way to close an interesting and thought provoking choice from Terry. Thanks to

Liz for the lovely cakes and biscuits.

The venue for the August meeting may be changed but members will be notified by e-mail. Report: ANNE JONES

Group Leaders: TERRY NOBLE / JIM PRINGLE

U3A MONDAY WALKING GROUP

Thirty members of the group assembled on July 6th at the Blue Bell

at Easton on the Hill. It was a warm and sunny morning as we set off

down the long slope to Stamford, crossing the railway and following

the river before turning back towards Tinwell village. After a short stroll through the village we then had to follow the tradition set by

the Grand Old Duke of York and march right back up the hill to the

pub at Easton. The walk was organised by David and Linda Perkins

who managed to ensure that the rain showers promised for later in the morning did not arrive until we were enjoying our lunch in the

shelter of the pub!

The group’s next walk will be led by Geoff and Penny Hurst. It will

be on Monday 3rd August and the start point will be the Shuckburgh Arms at Southwick. As usual I will forward further details in due

course. Photo: DAVID SCOTT

CHAS FERGUSON

Group Leader

U3A CRAFT GROUP 2

The craft group tackled Iris folding this

month, which was new to some

members. It took a little more

preparation than anticipated, but results were good, although not quite

complete so we are continuing next month.

The meeting is as usual at 2pm at 102 Church Street, Deeping St.

James, on 20 July.

LIZ NOBLE

Group Leader

U3A THURSDAY GARDENING GROUP

We were so lucky this month to be able to pay a visit to Jean and Don

Foster's garden at Hop Pole, Deeping St Nicholas. Whilst we ate some

tasty fruit loaf, Jean explained the history of the garden and we were amazed at just how much had been achieved in such a relatively short

space of time. Many of us remembered decaying cottages on what is

now a bowling-green level lawn and we couldn't imagine how Don

had created it by dragging a pallet over it until it was totally flat. The garden was a delight with so many 'rooms' and areas to explore,

including an idyllic pond. When one of our group afterwards said they

were in awe at what Jean and Don have achieved, we all agreed. We

would like to thank Jean and Don for their hospitality in providing a

perfect morning.

Our next meeting is at Gill Ronaldson's on Thursday 6th August at 10

am. We will be discussing our plans for Christmas and conducting a

review of our year so far!

LINDA HILL

Group Leader

U3A “STROLLER’S” WALKING GROUP

The June stroll was led jointly between Rita Brown and Pat Rigby and

started from the Boathouse at Thorpe Meadows in Peterborough. The

route took us along the side of the rowing course which was a leisure facility developed as part of the expansion of Peterborough by the

Development Corporation in the 1980s.

The weather wasn’t too kind as rain threatened as 20 strollers passed under Nene Parkway and then the River Nene at Orton Staunch where

numerous houseboats are moored along both banks of the river. After

crossing the Nene Valley Railway we returned along the other bank of

the rowing course to the Boathouse, where most strollers managed to make cover before the heavens opened. Here we enjoyed an excellent

lunch, when the photograph of the group was taken.

Our next walk is on Monday 27 July when we will be returning to Oundle for a stroll alongside the river. This stroll is being led by

Norman and Margaret Street, with the meeting point the Ship Inn on

West Street. Drivers should note that access to the car park will be

from the rear of the pub. Any members of the group wishing to take part should contact them a few days before on 01778 348972.

BOB DELLER

Group Leader

Butterfly by Barbara

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U3A “PACERS” WALKING GROUP

Yes it was the HOTTEST DAY so we really appreciated the cooling

breeze and the Old Oak Trees (no yellow ribbons) along the way

providing a welcome canopy of shade. It was less of a Pace and more of a Stroll as John led the walk starting from the Black Horse in

Nassington after checking all of us were equipped with sun cream,

hat and water. It was just like being on holiday!

Our route meandered along the Nene Back Water to Yarwell Water Mill and Caravan Park, skirting Yarwell village, then onwards over

open countryside towards Old Sulehay, through an area of old open

quarry (now established as a Nature Reserve) towards New Sulehay,

and then turning to follow the path alongside the disused railway

line. We completed the circular walk heading back into Nassington

for a well earned lunch. Report and photo: Anne and John Burton

Next month’s walk will be led by Maggie and Ann meeting at ‘The Kitchen’ Springfields, Spalding on 5th August. More details to

follow from:

Group Leaders: STEVE AND LYNN WHITE

U3A DISCUSSION GROUP

Discussion based on press cuttings brought by members ranged widely over topical issues and

“Investigative Journalism” occupied the June meetings.

The one meeting in July explored the current housing problem and

given our cultural expectation of home ownership it was agreed something needs to be done, What ?, however, brought no consensus

of opinion. Future meetings will deal with gambling, the internet and

the revelation of members’ most admired historical figure.

JIM WINSTONE Group Leader

U3A GOOD FOOD GROUP

The Good Food group met on 6th July, and six of

us celebrated American Food. This meant there were lots of puddings! However, we started with

an artichoke dip, and followed it with a main course of an easy

version of Chicken Maryland. The desserts were Blueberry Cake,

Coconut Cream Pie, Pumpkin Pie (actually Butternut Squash), and

two versions of American Brownies.

Next month we are hoping for good weather in Deeping St James

and are focusing on 'Outdoor Food'. If you would like to come,

with your favourite picnic delicacy, please call me (Kathleen)

KATHLEEN TANNER

Group Leader

U3A FAMILY HISTORY GROUP

This month we looked at names and what

influenced the Christian names given to our

ancestors. We learned that priests and clergy-men would often baptise the child in a saint’s name rather than give

the name that the parents wished. An example I used was from my

tree when a child was baptised in Dublin as Mary Josephine Lettice

but registered at the register office as Kate. Her death a few weeks later was registered as Katherine.

We discussed how surnames originated and how they have changed

over time. Knowing some of these facts may help to locate missing ancestors, by thinking of a diminutive or variant of a name can reap

rewards.

Our next month’s meeting will be 2.00 pm on 10th August at the Community Centre. We would be more than pleased to welcome any

new members who would like to either start or enhance their family

history. Anyone interested in joining our group or just having a chat

about what we do, please give me a call. Anyone who would like any help, can contact me on my e-mail address (below). I may not have the

answer but I will probably be able to point to the person who does.

PEG TORRANCE Group Leader

U3A WRITING FOR PLEASURE GROUP

Our Writing Group met in July, a select little group due to Harlaxton and holidays. However, we had plenty of enjoyment as usual with

people’s stories which started and finished with a sentence provided

by someone else. This proved a real challenge! One of us (me!) was a month behind with my writing and so had written something using

the letters of ‘The

Deepings University of the Third Age’ to start each word. These

pieces are only short, but very amusing, so I am going to include one each month for the rest of the year. They are more difficult to write

than they look, especially if you don’t use proper names.

Mine goes like this: ‘The hallucinations escalated despite everyone’s efforts. Personally I never gave serious undertakings nor involved

visionary experts regarding several incidents this year. Often, fanciful

transient hallucinations encourage thoughtful harmony, in reducing

desire and giving enlightenment’.

JUDY ROBINSON

Group Leader

WE

(ALMOST)

FINISH AS

WE BE-

GAN ......

with a photo of

our Accordian

Group entertain-

ing visitors to

the Garden Fete

at St. Guthlac’s

Church, Market

Deeping, earlier

U3A FLOWER ARRANGING GROUP

We were very pleased to welcome three new members to the meeting on 2nd July and we all enjoyed

creating an "L" shaped arrangement after Doreen had shown us the principles.

We meet on the first Thursday in the month and will be doing a basket arrangement on 6th August. If

you would like to join us, please get in contact.

PAT LUDLOW Group Leader Pic: PAT LUDLOW