Embed Size (px)
Citation preview
m
May
CHAIRPERSON’S REPORT
Happy New Year! As we begin a new decade I look back on the previous 20 years and remember, as many of you will too, people who are sadly no longer with us. I also reflect on the enthusiasm of when we started and hope that we can recapture some of that. Let us all work together to make 2020 a good U3A year.
I should like to extend a warm welcome to our new members and hope that you enjoy your membership. Everyone has the opportunity to make new friends, develop existing interests, or find new pursuits.
Later in the year we hope to mark our 20th anniversary in some way – any ideas? In June we have a joint venture with the other Pennine Link U3As to promote the organization. Details of this will be made available once they are finalised.
We have two vacancies on the Committee. If you feel you may be able to help us, please let us know. Anyone thinking of coming forward is very welcome to come to a Committee meeting to observe our deliberations. Rosemary Shimmin
PAGE 1 NEWSLETTER 43 OCT, NOV, DEC 2019 – JAN 2020
Romiley & District U3A Newsletter
Web site – http://u3asites.org.uk/romiley
Issue 43 – Oct, Nov, Dec 2019- Jan 2020 Registered Charity 1119203Charity 1119203Front Page Chairperson’s Report. Pages 2 to 7 Group Activity reports, further meetings etc.Page 8 + Back Page Speakers for Future Meetings etc
LITERATURE GROUP
Since I last reported we have finished reading ‘Glass Houses’ by Louise Penny. Everyone enjoyed her evocative writing, well-drawn characters and the intriguing plot. She has written a number of books set in Canada, all of which follow the lives of the same community. If you haven’t read her work, you are missing something good.
In October, we read ‘A God in Ruins” by Kate Atkinson. This book follows the wartime exploits of the main character, Teddy. There are many graphic episodes in the book that explain his relationship with his wife and daughter. At the end there is an amazing, yet credible, twist. This caused some hilarity and much discussion as the group tried to come to terms with their pre-conceptions.
As a complete change, in November we read Michelle Obama’s autobiography ‘Becoming’. This is an interesting account of her childhood and life as a mother and as the wife of the President of the United States, and, also of her determination to be her own person and to hold on to her ideals. She is a remarkable person and it was enjoyable to find out more about her. The book is very readable and we would recommend it to you.
In January we had a post Xmas meal.
Our future reads are as follows-Feb. ‘The Old Man and Mr Smith’ by P UstinovMarch ‘Everything I Never Told You’ by C. Ng April ‘The Secret life of Bees’ by S. Monk KiddMay ‘The Time Traveller’s Wife’ by NA Niffeneggar Rosemary Shimmin
GARDEN APPRECIATION GROUP – ONE
In November the gardens prepare themselves for hybernation so therefore we met on the 4th November in the Forum for a photo show and talk by Christine Birchall. Her photography is absolutely superb and she kept us spellbound with all the images of the nature of some local country parks.First she showed us Etherow Country Park in Compstall. About 1820 the Andrews family who lived in Compstall built a mill with a large millpond. The area further incorporated a coal mine in Ernocroft Wood. The coal was transported via a large shute across the river Etherow and a canal built alongside to take the coal to the village.The photographs showed the various ducks and geese and nature in all its wonder.In 1968 the area became a designated Country Park and soon Mr. Whitehead who was a Councillor and later a Mayor of Stockport helped to incorporate Ernocroft Wood across the Etherow into the Park.Then we were shown Reddish Vale Park which started as a Print Works with a mill ponds area. Nowadays flora and fauna thrive and young and old visit and can admire the butterfly meadows and the woods. In 1875 a large viaduct was constructed
PAGE 2 NEWSLETTER 43 OCT, NOV, DEC 2019 – JAN 2020
across this low lying valley and train travellers to Manchester and back enjoy the magnificent views of this nature park.The photographs of Daisy Nook Country Park near Ashton feature a branch line of the Ashton Canal system in the Medlock Valley and a series of staircase locks made it possible for goods to be transported across the Pennines during the Industrial Age. Nowadays nature with scenic and atmospheric woodlands make it a joy to see.Finally Christine’s pictures brought us to Highfield Country Park, the site of former Brickworks. Yet again flora and fauna were further developed and in 2004 this wonderful area too became a designated local nature reserve run by volunteers and greatly appreciated by the local residents.Christine Birchalls’ photographs and her interesting explination were greatly enjoyed by us all. In addition many thanks to Maria Hargreaves for organising this lovleyevent Karin Moore
BOOK GROUPNewsletter Winter 2020
We have just read “Coffin Road” by Peter May, an author most of us hadn’t encountered. It was a beautifully written and well crafted thriller set mostly on Harris. A man, half drowned, is washed up on this bleak island and has no memory of his identity. So starts this atmospheric and gripping novel which kept us guessing to very near the end. Most members said they would read another book by Peter May and thought it could make a good film.“Journeys to the Other Side of the World” by David Attenborough” was November’s book. It was very different from our normal books and enjoyed by most members of the group. It was based on the second Zoo Quest expedition in the late fifties and covers David Attenborough’s travels to New Guinea, Madagascar and the Northern Territory of Australia. It is written with his characteristic, charm, humour and warmth. His respect for the animals and the natives comes across very strongly and was a fascinating and entertaining read.In December we met to discuss “ Diary of an Ordinary Schoolgirl” by Margaret Forster. After she died, Hunter Davies, her husband, found her diaries, some written during her teenage years and others, more detailed, during 1973 and beyond. Davies published her daily diaries for the whole of 1954, prefaced by an interesting introduction written by himself. Margaret Forster grew up in the Carlisle area in a fairly well off family. She had an older brother,Gordon, and a younger sister Pauline, unkindly nicknamed “ Pudding” by her brother. She describes regular trips to the cinema and the theatre with brief comments. She was a popular and outspoken pupil and we had great sympathy for her teachers. It isn’t great literature but an enjoyable trip down memory lane and provides interesting background information to her long and successful career.For a change, in January we brought along a book we had enjoyed in the past or were currently enjoying. Some of the classics were popular, for example- “ To Kill a
PAGE 3 NEWSLETTER 43 OCT, NOV, DEC 2019 – JAN 2020
Mocking Bird”, “The Lonely Prince” and “Animal Farm”. These and other titles provoked much discussion and laughter.In February we will be talking about “The Salmon Who Dared to Leap Higher” by Ahn Do-hyun, a Korean poet. Ruth Frost
ART APPRECIATION GROUP
ROMILEY U3A ART APPRECIATION GROUP
REPORT FOR THE MONTHS OCTOBER – DECEMBER 2019 AND JANUARY 2020
In October some members visited Oldham Art Gallery to see an exhibition on ways in which artists use paper. This was an exhibition, assembled by The Arts Council, which we should have gone to in the Spring but it was cancelled because the gallery suffered a flood. Artists use different weights of paper and draw on it, paint it, use pastels on it, make collages with it and even model/sculpt with it. The exhibition was interesting but some of us would have liked the Council to have provided more information about the actual paper.
Our November visit was much more local. We visited Rob Wilson in his studio/gallery in Lockside Mill, St Martin’s Road, Marple. Mr Wilson was very hospitable, greeting us with coffee and mince pies and allowing us time to view his paintings. Then he gave us a fascinating practical demonstration of how he produces his pictures. He starts with his own photographs and first uses pencil paints and then introduces other material to change the final appearance. For instance, in his demonstration he finished by overlaying and then wetting pieces of a dressmaking pattern. It was a really interesting and enjoyable afternoon.
I believe Mr Wilson opens his studio to the public on Fridays from 10.00 am to 4.00 pm. I am sure many members would enjoy a visit though I don’t know whether he gives demonstrations then. Check his website first.
December is always our Christmas party, this year by the kind hospitality of Stella and Frank Walker. There was a very good turn-out and we had a most convivial afternoon.
Our first meeting of 2020 was in January at the home of Bea Burchill. We viewed and discussed a dvd, “Cezanne: Portraits of a Life” based on a recent exhibition at The National Gallery and including conversations with his great-grandson Philippe Cezanne. The artist painted 200 portraits and this dvd illustrates the transitional period of the 1870s and 80s showing how he slowly inched his way out of impressionist-style representation to a more revolutionary method of grappling with tones, colours and planes. Viewers travel to the artist’s home and studio in Provence and hear readings of his correspondence. These provide a rare understanding of his significance and genius and the key to true appreciation of 20th century Art. Joan Taylor
PAGE 4 NEWSLETTER 43 OCT, NOV, DEC 2019 – JAN 2020
“The Customs and Cultures of Malaysia”.
Chandra and Richard Law who spoke about “The Customs and Cultures of Malaysia”. Chandra and Richard had brought with them collages of photographs and also a collection oftraditional crafts. Chandra began her talk by explaining Malaysia is made up of two geographicalregions that are divided by the South China sea:- Peninsular Malaysia = West Malaysia andMalaysian Borneo = East Malaysia. She explained it is a multi ethnic and multi religious country ofthirteen states and three federal territories and with a vibrant economy. Their Prime ministeralways gives thanks to the British for releasing Malaya from Japanese occupation. The country wasrenamed as Malaysia in 1963. Kuala Lumpur is the capital.Chandra had a very lively way of describing customs, for example – married women must wear aflower behind their right ear and single women wear a flower behind their left ear. Divorced ladiesmust wear the flower at the back of their head. If men are caught leering at a married lady theelderly women gather together and rebuke him. Only the National flower (Hibiscus) must be wornon official occasions. Her talk had great humour and held us spellbound. Who would have thoughtthat the priest must be consulted before buying a car?She went on to describe growing up in an outlying village, without the luxury of running water, bathor toilet. The nearby river fulfilled these three needs! The houses are made of Bamboo or woodand have five or seven steps. Shoes must be taken off before entering. Elderly relatives are reveredand have first claim on the only bedroom in the two room houses. The rest of the family sleep onthe floor of the only other room in the house, the kitchen being down below at ground level.Chandra did not hold back on giving explicit descriptions of these situations and had us chucklingwith laughter.
LIFE IN A MALAYSIAN ISLAND – TIOMAN IN THE SOUTH CHINA SEA – ON THE VILLAGE OF SALANG
My friend Ian has asked that I provide a brief description of my life here and how I ended up residing thousands of miles from Stockport. The only white man in a village on a tropical island, 20km X 10 km, in the South China sea.I have always liked to travel, getting divorced and retired in the same year gave me scope to set off on something a bit longer than normal, also an opportunity to gather my thoughts and consider the next stage of my life. Prime idea being to start a new business. Touring China, Australia , New Zealand didn't give me the ideas I needed. Last leg of journey was to travel up west coast of Malaysia visiting some of the lesser known places and end the vacation in Thailand.
Tioman Island is central and largest of a group of Islands , North of Singapore and two hours from the mainland by ferry. In an area designated a Marine National Park. Comprising 12 Islands, mostly uninhabited. Waters are warm, varying 25-28 degC, crystal clear, abundance of fish and some good coral fields.
Diving, snorkeling, boat trips and sampling simple island life attracts the tourists. Either from overseas or locals from all over Malaysia. Quite a number of European youngsters stopover a few days en route to Singapore and then to Australia for their working holiday.
PAGE 5 NEWSLETTER 43 OCT, NOV, DEC 2019 – JAN 2020
It's monsoon time now (November to February) no tourists to our village, named Salang. Which means, no work for my wife. She has a souvenir shop, and runs boat trips . As a fisherman's daughter, she loves fishing. Loves eating fish, seafood. (Try Tom Yam seafood one day if you can. There's a Malaysian restaurant in Longsight), if she had her way I would be eating fish three times a day. ( Did you ever eat Barracuda? Excellent fried with potato chips) Best time for fishing is 7-8 pm and 4-6am.
As I have started writing this early morning she is on the jetty with others catching the next meal .It's very peaceful; in our rented accomodation all I hear are the waves lapping on the white sandy beach and occasional bird noise. It's early morning , monkeys not awake until 7.00 when they start their scavenging for food. Mostly Mangoes, Bananas and anything they can get from garbage cans.
Did I mention there is no road here, we have a small motorbike with sidecar to carry all cargo and necessities from the jetty . All goods come by boat from mainland. Currently my days are taken up with building works; or more accurately assisting, guiding the builders ( who hail from Indonesia) to build our new house. It took 3 years to find the land we needed. And two years so far to clear jungle and build. Almost complete now. Last hurdle is getting rather large windows delivered. High seas have prevented cargo boats running . No cargo boat means folk are running low on food, rice, vegetables. Gas, fuel for fishing boats. Year before last Government provided aid via a Naval vessel. Not unusual.If you travel this way and view the beach, palm trees, clear water you will understand why I live here. It was good fortune that I fell in love and married a local woman. She is lovely, good to be with. It's a standing joke, did I fall in love with her or the Island.
And yes, to get married I accepted Islam . It's not a problem for me. I stopped drinking alcohol, didn't gamble or take drugs. So no change there. Cannot eat pork , not an issue as the food here is so varied and tasty. Spicy might be a better word. Garlic, chilli, pepper , onions are the basic ingredients for most concoctions.
With the plethora of freely available information on the internet there is no need for me to cover, geography, history, politics, religion, weather
As you can imagine in a Muslim country, there's little effort made to celebrate. In the cities, some of the big stores have decorations and trees. But it's rare and subdued.Yes, electricity came to this Island about 22 years ago. There's a oil fired generation plant in the main town, distribution via thick cables to substations. Blackouts common during peak tourist times because of overloading. All the Air conditioners
PAGE 6 NEWSLETTER 43 OCT, NOV, DEC 2019 – JAN 2020
running. To date we are wired at the house but not connected. Using solar for lighting and generator for higher powered items, I/e water pumping
Thanks to Peter Wild for his contribution
…………………………………………………………………………………………….
SAINT’ANTONIO THE GENOSE CITIDAL - CALVI
Travellers tales on Corsica.The first week of September 2019 we flew to the French island of Corsica for a combined walking and cultural holiday and we stayed in a hotel in Calvi, a town at the Northwestern coast.We all know that Napoleon was born on Corsica but during the Middle Ages Corsica was occupied and governed by Italians from Genoa as a maritime republic. Practicably all the place names are Italian but at a later place the island was taken over by the French and because of that we enjoyed the chance of speaking French with the inhabitants.The Genoese Citadel in Calvi dominates the town and we were intrigued visiting this historical fortress which at some time housed the French Foreign Legion troops. Its cathedral displayed beautiful late Medieval paintings, sculptures and frescos.Corsica is extremely rocky and mountainous and we found the walking - or to put it more correctly climbing - quite a challenge especially as the temperature was 30C and higher! Phew!Most small towns and villages are built on high defensive places. The hamlet Saint’Antonio was like an eagle’s nest and we climbed 390 yards to reach it. Impossible for cars so there was a carpark at the bottom. We were amused to notice that one section was a No No for cars because it was reserved as a Donkey Tethering spot. We enjoyed this local atmosphere.The local restaurants all served delicious Italian/French food and give us a chance to replenish our calories which we lost during the rather exhausting climbs every day. Corsica is a wonderful island and we loved the combination of walking and the interesting culture and art. Karin Moore
PAGE 7 NEWSLETTER 43 OCT, NOV, DEC 2019 – JAN 2020
YOUR COMMITTEE
Chairperson RoseBusiness Secretary RuthAssistant Secretary ChristineTreasurer AllanMinutes Secretary AnneSocial Secretary ShirleyAssistant Social Secretary SandraMembership Secretary MauriceGroups Co-ordinator & Courses ChrisWeb-site Manager IanNewsletter Editor IanCommittee Member Gordon
GROUP ACTIVITIES
ACTIVITY CONTACT TEL NO INFORMATIONArt Appreciation Joan Taylor 430-
3344Ring Joan for dates and venues
Book Group Ruth Frost 430-4174
Ring Ruth for details
Discussion Group Shirley McConnell 430-3973
Ring Shirley for details
Drawing & Painting Shirley McConnell 430-3973
Every Tues. 9.30am In the Studio
First Aid Eileen Bush 494-9092
Ring Eileen for details
French Inter Conversation Barbara Owen 430-2419
Ring Barbara for details
Garden Appreciation(1) Kath Bradley jointlyWithRosemary Turner
430-4259430 7808
First Wednesday in Month
G-App(3) & Social GP Group Disbanded Lack of interest/commitmentGerman – Advanced* Chris Walters 430-
6714Ring Chris for details (Fluent Speakers)
German – Learners* Chris Walters 430-6714
Ring Chris for details
Literature Group Rose Shimmin 427- Ring Rose for details
PAGE 8 NEWSLETTER 43 OCT, NOV, DEC 2019 – JAN 2020
6455Spanish Group Ruth Frost 430-
4174Weekly – Tuesday @ 2.00 pm
SPEAKERS FOR FUTURE MEETINGS28th November (AGM) David Morris “The Potential of the Human
Whistle”DECEMBER ARRANGEMENTS TO FOLLOW23rd January Neil Sheldon Alan Turing27th February Peter K Webb “Earthquakes”
Our meetings are held on the 4th Thursday of each month in the Community Centre. Members please arrive before 2.00pm for a prompt start, thus enabling the speaker to have a full quota of time. The Entrance fee is £1.00.Contributions for the next newsletter before the end of February to Ian Worsley 8, Lowside Avenue Woodley Stockport. SK6 1JU – TEL: 0161-430-6789. Preferable by e-mail to I [email protected]
Thanks to all contributors.
PAGE 9 NEWSLETTER 43 OCT, NOV, DEC 2019 – JAN 2020
