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Mansfield and District U3ANewsletter
Caravans & Motorhomes Rally in France: Page 10_____________________________
Established 1999HMRC Charity Registration No.: XT30525
August 2015Website: www.mansfield-u3a.org.uk
Noticeboard: http://mansfieldu3a.blogspot.com
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Welcome from your chairmanHELLO EVERYONE, this is the first welcome I have written that you'll have to read on our website(in glorious colour!) or download and print for yourself because, as you know, we do not meet inAugust so cannot distribute the newsletter in the usual way.
I announced at our last meeting that David Ling, our newsletter editor, was resigning from the postso our U3A is looking for a volunteer to take up this challenging position. David also managed thewebsite, both jobs he did excellently. So let this be an opportunity for our members to step up andtake on these roles or role as there is nothing to stop two people taking on one role each.
David will be available for assisting in the changeover so any budding Web Gurus or Editors pleasethink about it and make contact with me or any committee member. (David tells me he found bothroles most enjoyable, satisfying and rewarding so don't all rush at once – but please don't just sitback and think you can “leave it to someone else” and risk not having a monthly newsletter or awebsite at all.)
Summer is supposed to be here but as of late it seems to be still coming, a bit like the nextbus. Rain seems to be the order of the day but let us hope it improves. I have just attendeda community archaeological dig at Kings Clipstone. You may know the ruin there known asKing John's Palace or the Plantagenet king's hunting lodge that now seems beyond doubt tobe a Palace.
Thanks to Mickey Bradley, the owner of Castle Field where the ruin is and Mercian Archae-ology approximately 1200 school children attended the dig. They showed enthusiasm andinterest, Robin Hood made an appearance and Sherwood Forest Trust ran the visits. A greattime seeing children take an interest in history. I was grateful to be a part of it.
August 1st 1831 was the day the New London Bridge was opened by King William lV. It wasdesigned by John Rennie and built by his son. An interesting fact about this bridge is that itwas sold to an American in 1968, taken down piece by piece and erected again in ArizonaState in the U.S.A. It now spans the Bridgewater Channel Canal. The present LondonBridge was opened in 1973 by Queen Elizabeth.
I hope to see you all at the August Picnic at Queen Elizabeth’s School on August 18th, it is agreat venue, and if it rains we have shelter, so bring food and drink and have a great time.
Keep thinking “SUN” and hopefully summer will now start and we can enjoy it!Bob Longden (01623 486903; [email protected])_______________________________________________________________________________________
In this issuePage 2 Welcome. Page 3 AGM notice. Holiday Updates. Theatre Visits Updates. Subscriptions.Page 4 Recent Events (Garden Visits Group at Tatton Park). Page 5 - 8 Interest Groups meetings diary. Book Table.
Page 9 Recent Events (Gardening Group at Yorkshire Lavender. Sci-Tech Group at Morgan Motor Company, start).
Page 10 Recent Events (Sci-Tech Group at Morgan Motor Company, end. Caravans and Motorhome Rally in France).
Page 11 Recent Events (Theatre Visits Group at Tolethorpe Hall. Singing for Fun choir at St Alban's, start.)
Page 12 Recent Events (Singing for Fun choir at St Alban's, end.) Groups News (Read a Little Aloud. Art).
Page 13 Groups News (Luncheon Club. Tai-Chi).Page 14 Dates for your diary and Notices.
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ANNUAL GENERAL MEETINGMansfield and District U3A Committee will call the 16th AGM of the association on
Tuesday September 15th after the general meeting and invites all members toattend and vote.
The Committee will propose the adoption of a new Constitution (required by thegaining of charitable status in 2015) which is available on the website and on the
Chairman’s desk at general meetings. In addition, elections to the Committee will beheld. The full Agenda will be published in the September Newsletter.
______________________________________________________________________________
Holiday updates Thoresby – January 18th - 22nd, 2016 Details here ______________________________________________________________________________
Theatre Visits updatesMiss Saigon – Sept 7th/Tue 8th Classical Spectacular – Nov 19th & 20thPlease pay your balance by the end of August.
Cheques payable to Mansfield and District U3A. Shelia Whalley (01623 453908; [email protected]) Details here________________________________________________________________________________________
Annual Subscriptions 2015/2016 – ReminderOUR FINANCIAL YEAR ended on 31st July and annual subscriptions are due on or before theAGM on September 15th.
Due to the generosity of our members in supporting our social events and the tax we havereclaimed via the Gift Aid Scheme, we are yet again pleased to offer our members a refund of £2 onnext year’s subscriptions.
Existing members will therefore only pay £15 for next year. (Associate members: £11.50.)Subscriptions for new members remain at £17. (New associate members: £13.50.)
Payment can be made any time between now and the September meeting so please let me haveyour cheque when convenient, payable to Mansfield U3A. (Post-date to Sept. 15th if you wish.)
Please remind any friends who wish to renew their membership but are unable to attend themonthly meetings to contact the treasurer or any committee member.
Online PaymentFor those members who use internet banking, why not pay your subscriptions ONLINE this year?Details below:
Sort Code: 60-14-03. Account number: 40396835. Account name: Mansfield and District U3A.Reference: Member’s surname. (For identification – this is most important.)
Thank you.Pauline Boucher, Treasurer (01623 644798; [email protected])
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Recent Events
Garden Visits Group at Tatton ParkTHE MANSFIELD U3A Garden Visits groupvisited Tatton Park Hall and Gardens on 30thJune, a scorching hot day at 36 degrees.
We were most interested in the gardens soasked the guide which was the best way tosee them and following her advice walkedthrough the kitchen garden into the RoseGarden, which was most disappointing. It hadbeen laid out in 1911 and needs a majoroverhaul.
There are several themed areas, 12 in all,and one in particular was the JapaneseGarden, a very peaceful, tranquil place andalthough there were no flowers the colours ofthe foliages were fantastic, giving vistas withlight and shade, all complemented by a vivid blue sky – perfect for an artist to capture.
The Italian Garden was elegantly designed with beds of red flowers showing off the neatly-clippedand shaped box. There were small Cypresses along either side of the garden with a huge Cedrusat the bottom leading your eye to stunning views of the lake in the distance.
In the wide borders there were some interesting shrubs, two particular Cornus in full flower andpretty shades of Lupin and deep blue Delphinium plants, but most of them were looking rather tiredand again were rather disappointing. I think we were early for the main summer flowers and theRhododendrons and Azaleas had finished.
We called in the House to look at the art on the ground floor, two original Canalletos of Venice and aVan Eyck, but our legs couldn't cope with the 40 steps up to the first floor, so I was off to the GardenCafe for Afternoon Tea in the shade of a huge Magnolia grandiflora; a perfect end to our visit.
Thank you to Karen and Janet for organising our day out.Sandra Evans ([email protected]) More photos here More reports on page 9 ..._______________________________________________________________________________________
Key to Meetings details:THE TABLE on the next four pages shows the day of the month, time and frequency using the firsttwo letters of the day, followed by numbers 1 - 5 to represent the week number. The final letter M (orF, W or V) indicates that the group meets monthly, fortnightly, weekly or at variable intervals. So'Tu2, 2.30 - V M' would mean a group meeting on the 2nd Tuesday at 2.30pm Monthly but withVariable finish times.
The main Mansfield and District U3A meetings are on the 3rd Tuesday of each month (exceptAugust and December) at the Oakham Suite, 155 Nottingham Road, Mansfield from 10 am - 12.30pm.
All members are invited to contact the relevant Group Leader if they would like to participate in anyinterest group or attend an event. NB: * indicates a waiting list.
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Interest Group Meetings Meeting Places Leader/Contact
Afternoon Teas Sa1, 3 - 5 M Various Sheila Whalley 01623 453908
Next Meetings: Aug. 8th – The Water Mill, Ollerton 2.30pm; Sept.12th – The Maypole at Wellow
Antiques andCollectables *
Tu2, 10 - 12 M Stanhope Centre, Bridge Street
Pat Blackwell01623 481745
Next Meetings: TBA
Art We3, 10 - 1.00 M Big Barn Lane Methodist Church,
Gordon Howlett01623 627423
Next Meetings: August 19th – Favourite face; September 16th – Church or Cathedral part/all
Art Appreciation Mo1, 2.00 - 4.00 M Stanhope Centre, Bridge Street
Pauline Boucher01623 644798
Next meetings: September 14th – Victorians - how they worked (at Pauline's house, 2.00pm)
Beginners' Bridge(With Ashfield U3A)
Mo, Various 6.30 - 9.00
Enviro Centre, Derby Rd College,Mansfield
Maxine Rose/Glenis Carr 01623 459081/627735
Next Meetings: TBA (Also ACOL sessions at the Mechanics Institute – Thurs. 10 - 12.30 W)
Bowls Th 1.30 - 3.30 W Mansfield Bowls Club, Chesterfield Road
Don Wright/Pat Gunter 01623 628946/626250
Next Meetings: Every Thursday. £3.00. All welcome, inc. beginners, but flat / bowls shoes requ'd
Caravan & M'home Rally
Various Various Terry Lammas01623 471963
Next Meetings: TBA – Burton Constable Hall; TBA – Christmas in Yorkshire
Chat and Stitch Mo3, 2.00 - 4.00 M St John's Centre, Mansfield
Doreen Storer01623 407731
Next Meetings: No meeting in August. September 21st
Craft Workshop We4, 2.00 - 4.00 M Ruth Colley's home Ruth Colley 01623 472010
Next meetings: No meeting in August. September 23rd – Ideas for Christmas
Current Affairs Tu2, 2.00 - 4.00 M St John's Centre, Mansfield
Norma Shillinglaw01623 466934
Next Meetings: No meeting in August.
Digital World TBA Foxglove, Forest Town
David Ling01623 822994
Next Meetings: No meeting in July or August
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Interest Group Meetings Meeting Place Leader/Contact
Family History Tu4, 10.00 - 12.00 M St John's Centre,St John Street, Mansfield
Max Clarke01623 621744
Next Meetings: As per calendar
Film Studies * We1, 1.30 - V M Joy's home Joy Crowe01623 645400
Next Meetings: As per calendar
First Aid TBA Stanton Hill Baptist Church, Albert St,Skegby
Linda Leivers01623 471963
Next Meetings: TBA
Garden Visits During the Summer Various Janet Whitlam01623 635607
Next Visits: TBA
Gardening Tu1, 10.00 - 12.00 M St Peter's Centre, Church Side Mansfield
Avril McGee01623 452688
Next Meetings: September 1st – Lilies and Chillies; October 6th – Members' Own Harvest Crops
Golf Various Various Paul Mann01623 615416
Next Meetings: TBA
Holidays (Home & Abroad)
Various TBA Margaret Burlinson01623 632538
Next Holidays: Mon. 18th to Fri. 22nd Jan. 2016 – Thoresby Hall (Terry Whitehead); Sat. Sept. 26th to Sat. Oct. 3rd 2016 – Mallorca
International Dining We2, 6.30 for 7.00 M Various Jacqui Hampshire01623 239210
Next Meetings: August 12th – Antalya, Nott'm (Turkish); September 23rd (note date change) – Caribbean Evening at The Schoolhouse, South Normanton
Local History * Fri1, 10.00 - 12.00 M Bridge Street Methodist ChurchMansfield
Bob & Sue Longden01623 486903
Next Meetings: No meeting in August. Sept. 4th – Visit to Richard III exhibition, Leicester
Luncheon Club Th after 3rd Tu, 12.00 - 2.00 M
Various Eileen & Colin Bell01623 429239
Next Meetings: No meeting in August. Sept. 17th – White Lion at Bingham
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Interest Group Meetings Meeting Place Leader/Contact
Movement to Music W 10.30 - 11.30 W St John's Church Hall
Linda Leivers 01623 471963
Next Meetings: Weekly on Wednesdays. Cost: £4.00 per session
Music Groups
Classical Music 2 Mo4, 2.00 - 4.00 M Members' homes Peter Hart01623 620940
Next Meetings: No meeting in August. Sept. 28th – Russian Composers at Peter Hart's
Music 2 * Mo4, 2.00 - 4.30 M Members' homes Eric Prescott 01623 631160
Next Meeting: As per calendar
Popular Music Appreciation *
Tu4, 2.00 - 4.00 M St John's School, Mansfield
Peter Haynes 01623 610886
Next Meetings: As per calendar
Pudding Club Tu1, 4.00 - 6.00 M Members' homes Sylvia Slack 01623 633981
Next Meetings: October 6th - Sylvia's
Read a Little Aloud Fri2, 2.00 - 4.00 M St Peter's Community Centre, Bellamy Road
Sheila Haslam 01623 627764
Next Meetings: No meeting in August; September 11th
Reading 1 Th3, 2.00 - 4.00 M Peter Dawson's home
Peter Dawson 01623 882191
Next Meetings: As per calendar
Reading 2 Tu3, 2.00 - 4.00 M Ravenshead Library Joan Hufton01623 557488
Next Meetings: As per calendar
S cience & Technical Tu1, 2.00 - 4.00 M Stanton Hill Baptist Church, Skegby
Ian Boucher01623 644798
Next Meetings: Sept. 1st – Designing & Building Concorde
Scrabble * Mo2, 2.00 - 4.00 M Brenda Thurkettle's home
Brenda Thurkettle01623 628136
Next Meetings: As per calendar
S inging for Fun Wed, 5.45 - 7.15 F St Alban's Church, Forest Town
June Fell 01623 623547
Next Meetings: Note change of day – rehearsals begin Wed. Sept. 2nd, then 16th, 30th, etc
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Interest Group Meetings Meeting Place Leader/Contact
Tai Chi Mo, 9.30 - 10.30 W St John's Centre,Mansfield
Jean Kirk 01623 480207
Next Meetings: Our term finished on July 20th and restarts on Sept. 14th to Dec. 14th every week.
Theatre Visits Various Various Sheila Whalley01623 45390
Next Visits: Sept. 7th/8th – London visit to see Miss Saigon *; Sept. 25th – Mac & Mabel *
Walking Groups
Hikers (all-day, 6 - 8 miles)
Th1 & Mo3, 9.30 - V 2/M
Tesco car park, off Oak Tree Lane
Peter Thurkettle 01623 628136
Next Meetings: Mon. Aug. 17th – Eyam; Thurs. Sept. 3rd – Ashford in the Water; Mon. Sept. 21st – Hickling
Shufflers(short & gentle)
Th4, 12.00 - V M Various Sylvia Slack 01623 633981
Next Meetings: Sept. 24th – Saville Restaurant (12noon); Oct. 24th – Social Evening at St John's
Strollers(a leisurely 2 miles)
We2, 10.30 - V M Various Barbara Massey / Marion Thornton 01623 628357/ 651528
Next Meetings: Aug. 12th – Harlow Wood (Cafe car park.); Sept. 9th – Oxclose Wood MW
Walkers(an easy 4 - 5 miles)
We4, 10.30 - V M Various Joy & Nick Crowe01623 645400
Next Meetings: Aug. 26th – Sansom Woods (Burnt Stump Car Park); Sept. 23rd – Teversal to Brierley Forest
Wine Appreciation 2 * We3, 7.30 - V M Members' homes Mike Allen01623 653345
Next Meetings: Aug. 19th – Balkan Wine at John & Margaret's; Sept. 16th – Shiraz at Norma's
Wine Appreciation 3 * Tu4, 7.30 - V M Members' homes Graham Allin01623 473662
Next Meetings: Aug. 25th – Alsace at Ian's; Sept. 22nd – Sth American Reds at Graham & Eileen's
Writing for Pleasure Mo2, 2 - 4 M Stanhope Centre, Bridge Street
Hilary Miller/Sue Ford01623 620067/844286
Next Meetings: August 10th; September 14th; October 12th; November 9th
Book Table Report SALE OF BOOKS in July raised £43.41.
There's no bookstall at the picnic but it'll be back in business in September. Thanks everyone.Lilian Whitehead (01623 626991; [email protected])
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Recent Events (Cont. from p4)
Gardening Group at Yorkshire LavenderTHIRTY LADIES and I (kindly referred to asthe ‘thorn between the roses’) set off onTuesday July 7th for ‘Yorkshire Lavender’.
I spent the journey muttering to myself that Icould be at home cutting the hedges, mowingthe grass, getting the U3A files up to dateinstead of going I know not where. But afterthe long A1 boredom, as we turned off downside roads into beautiful countryside, I beganto perk up.
We passed through the picture-postcardvillage of Terrington and pulled into the carpark.
Yorkshire Lavender is a 60 acre farm set 200feet up in the Howardian Hills overlooking theVale of York. The view was magnificent,stretching across rolling farmland, with fewhouses in sight, to the distant prospect ofYork Minster, partly hidden behind a ruinedcastle. No motorway, no wind farms, no huge warehouses, just English countryside in all its beauty.
After coffee and lavender shortbread (delicious), we listened to the owner who recounted the historyof the farm over the last 23 years since he set it up, a fascinating story of triumph over the sadnessof his wife’s early death and his determination to care for his two children. Then we walked thepaths set with many varieties of lavender and other plants and herbs, taking in the views down thehill to the deer park.
The buffet lunch was excellent, especially as we were sheltered from the rainstorm that crashedaround us. After lunch came the serious part, the buying of plants and other lavender products.Lavender oil is reputed to be a cure-all for many things such as sleeplessness, depression, head-aches and perhaps even scurvy, while the lavender ice cream is a certain cure for taste deprivation!
I spent the journey home muttering that I must visit the place again and thankful that Janet Whitlamand Karen Troop had organised such a rewarding trip.Mike Allen (01623 653345; [email protected]) More photoshere
Sci-Tech Group visits Morgan Motor CoAFTER A fairly long journey, 15 members arrived on time at the Morgan factory near Malvern on 7thJuly and were welcomed with a hot drink in the factory’s restaurant before an introductory talk by thetour manager, accompanied by slides explaining the history of Morgan, the present day factory andoperations, and the future plans. This was very interesting, and he welcomed questions andattempted to fully answer them all.
We then commenced the tour and were allowed into all the workshops with the exception of thePaint Shop (for obvious reasons). The tour lasted about an hour on top of the introductory talk, andwas fascinating.
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All Morgan cars are bespoke and hand-made on site to the customers’ specifications in the choicesof materials, colours and design. We saw some amazing cars during the tour, such as a Gothichorror type car with hands for wing-mirrors and skulls for headlights, together with racy three- andfour-wheel models. We were able to watch the workers hand-making the bodies and frames of thevehicles, and installing the (BMW) engines which arrive as ‘BMW’ but once in the car they become‘Morgan’ engines.
There is a waiting time for a car of around 18months as they are only produced on a ‘madeto order’ basis, and many of us were temptedto order one, including me. I think my childrenwould have been aghast at the thoughts of theirmother careering around the countryside in aMorgan sports car, but one can dream …
The tour ended with a visit to the on-sitemuseum, and lunch in the nearby pub.
Thank-you to Ian and Graham for organisingthis enjoyable visit.Jill Pullan ([email protected])
Caravans and Motorhomes Rally in FranceAFTER a long day's driving, we met up at a campsite near La Rochelle on 21st May. Regrettably Peter and Avril had a problem with the starter motor which took a few days to rectify. However the sun still shone and it didn't stop us having a good few days on bicycles.
Our next destination was Montalivet, on theMedoc. To get there we took the ferry fromRoyan to Point de Grave.
This small town has superb beaches, whichstretch for miles, many good cafes and aterrific market with lots of fresh fish. Wemoved further down the Medoc to Andernosles Bains situated on the bay of Arcachonwhere we spent many an evening with aglass of wine watching the sunset.
Four of us went further south to Biarritz for acouple of days and we met up again at StEmillion; can hardly be a better place for winedevotees. We visited the caves, had free wine tasting and visited probably the most expensive wineshop ever.
Moving north we stayed on the banks of the Loire at Chenonceau in sight of the fairy-tale château.The river Sienne was our nest stopping place. Les Anderleys is situated on the stretch below Parisin the Boucle de Sienne. This site had a swimming pool about ten yards from the river, so we sat inthe water to keep cool with a glass of liquid refreshment and watched the river cruisers pass by.
Regrettably we had to come home on 2nd July and our last week was spent near Boulogne, agreat place to stock up on last minute essentials and yes, more wine!Linda Leivers (01623 471963; [email protected]) More photos here
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Theatre Visits Group at Tolethope HallMANSFIELD U3A's annual cultural jaunt to the Stamford Shakespeare Theatre at Tolethorpe Hallon 14th July was less ‘cultural’ this year as the production was ‘Tom Jones’, a play version of thenovel by Henry Fielding, the 18th century author.
The novel is a satire on English society at the time though the play version treats the story as moreof a Brian Rix farce than the original biting attack on contemporary social morals and laws.
The production was fast-moving, the set simple though cunningly designed and the acting good.Tom Jones was well acted by Tom Westall who was able to bear the weight of being on-stage mostof the time, often with a monologue setting out the scene or the action. Apart from him, SquireAllworthy and Sophia, the other characters were largely one dimensional.But this enabled the play to be fast moving, for scenes to flow into each other at a hectic and comicpace which the actors and directors controlled well. Certainly the audience appreciated it, forapplause and laughter was heard throughout the perhaps slightly over-long performance.
We enjoyed the play and the picnic beforehand, although the actors certainly could not haveenjoyed the deluge that fell during the second part in spite of coping with it most professionally! Ifonly all life was as simple and pleasurable as this!Mike Allen (01623 653345; [email protected]) Photo here
Singing for Fun Concert at St Alban's
THE MANSFIELD U3A Singing for Fun Choir joined with Bellissima Ladies' Choir at St Alban'sChurch at Forest Town to perform a music concert on 26th July, the proceeds of which are going toSt Alban's, a lovely church with a beautiful stained glass window.
The choirs, over the course of two hours, entertained the audience with a variety of music. Thisranged from religious to country and folk music, film scores, songs from West End shows, and evena little bit of jazz. One of the accompanying pianists, Isaac Savage, played two pieces of Gershwin.
John Sellers, who is our regular pianist, played the accompaniment to two songs and also addedhis voice in the male section of the choir at other times.
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We also had a rendition of the Messiah, given by one, yes I did say one, of our choir members,Sylvia Atkinson. A “Yorkshire lass” herself, it was a tale about a Yorkshire man going to hear theMessiah, not realising what it was about. It involved a lot of farmers' lost lambs or sheep, much tothe amusement of all present.
As usual we performed under the direction of Suzy Fell. I'm sure I speak on behalf of all the choirmembers, when I thank Suzy for teaching us so much, and giving us the joy that singing brings.
Judging by the smiles and remarks made by so many people in the audience, we know theyenjoyed it too. For a couple of hours they forgot all about the rain and gloomy skies outside.
Our thanks go to the parish of St Alban's for their hospitality, and of course to the ladies who provideand organise the refreshments.Doreen Storer (01623 407773; [email protected])______________________________________________________________________________
Groups News
Read at Little AloudIT SEEMS that each meeting of the 'Reading Aloud' group extends our confidence in sharing ourcommon experiences connected with the subject of the topics.
Our last meeting featured an excerpt from Pickwick Papers by Charles Dickens, and told of MrPickwick's embarrassment on finding himself in the wrong bedroom and his fears of what mighthave been the consequences, had not his faithful servant Sam Weller resolved his problem. We allwere able to empathise and speak about times when things went somewhat awry for us and yet wefound a way to overcome our difficulties.
A poem by Jonathan Swift listed resolutions he asked to be reminded of but finished by recognisingthat he was unlikely to keep any of them. A good one to be looked at again in the New Year,perhaps?
We decided that as a number of the members were likely to be away in August, we would not meetthis month, but look forward to being joined by a few more in September. By then the premises weuse will have been redecorated and recarpeted, making it a very comfortable venue. Sheila Haslam (01623 627764; [email protected])
ArtOUR Our July meeting was a split venue event. Some stayed in our base venue and worked ontheir own choice of subject, the others did some outdoor work. At base, members chose to work onshoes, an imaginary landscape, shoes, some roses, an old cart in a deserted village in NewZealand.
The other group spent their time, enjoying the sunshine, painting from a bench near the lake atRufford. It must have been good because one member said “We must do this again when theweather permits.” We look forward to seeing the finished results at future meetings.
Our display at the Mansfield U3A’s site at Rufford Picnic in the Park was well received and provedinteresting to both members of other local U3A groups but also members of the general public.
Next meetingNext month, 19th August, we have a suggested subject 'non-celebrity face'. We can relax, it is not aself portrait and the paint goes on the canvas not on the face.
We can now accept two more members. Why not give it a try? Gordon Howlett (01623 627423; [email protected])
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Luncheon ClubOUR JULY lunch at The Waggon at Halam, organised by Eileen and Colin Bell, was sold-out inMay as they warned us that 30 really was the most they had room for in one room. Nonetheless itwas much enjoyed be everyone who could squeeze-in.
But their dining area was pushed to its limits so the pub is perhaps better-suited to smaller parties!
We take a holiday break in August but will start the new season on September 17th at The WhiteLion at Bingham, where Sheila Whalley has arranged for us to sample their exceptional foodvalue. (Sheila says their mixed grill is unmissable!) Cost: £6.75 for 2 courses and £8.75 for 3,including tea or coffee.
Eileen and Colin Bell have agreed to pick-up the reins from next month so I know the LuncheonClub will continue in good hands. They'll introduce themselves next month and will be manning theLuncheon Club table from September onwards but please let them know by 11th September ifyou'd like to add your name to the White Lion List (01623 429239 or [email protected]).
Details are here and there were only four places left at the time of writing.
Thanks and farewellThis is the last report I'll be doing as Jackie and I are planning to move closer to our family inCoventry so thanks most sincerely to everyone for your friendship, encouragement and supportover the years.
Good-bye everyone and thanks for the memories.David Ling (01623 822994) Photos here
Tai ChiTEN YEARS ago, some Mansfield U3A members became involved with an organisation called'SPORTS ACTIVE'. This was at the time when ‘Lifelong Learning‘ provided funding with the idea ofpromoting a healthy lifestyle and to assist in avoiding drugs, smoking, alcohol, obesity and toimprove diet. We were also introduced to Tai Chi with Ken Mead as our tutor.
A few years later, when funding was with-drawn, it was agreed that Mansfield U3Awould form our own group which has gonefrom strength to strength to the present time.Our incredible Ken has continued to teach usand a number of founder members, whowere hooked, are still trying to improve theirskills.
I have recently become leader of this groupand would like to give anyone interested theopportunity to give it a try. We are glad towelcome members from Sherwood and Rain-worth U3As. However, whilst Ken is happy tofill the room and improve our health, I must stress that we have no further parking spaces. (Parkinghas become difficult at St. John's but if you are able to walk from Tesco's to the venue we would bevery happy to welcome you.
Our term finished on July 20th and we will be meeting again on September 14th to December 14thevery week. Meetings are on Mondays 9.30 to 10.30 am.Jean Kirk (01623 480207; [email protected])
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______________________________________________________________________________
John Swanwick. It is with deep regret that we have learnt that John passed-away on Thurs. 16thJuly after a short illness. His funeral was on Wed. 5th Aug. Bunty Kirk. Also, that Bunty passed away on Sat. 8th Aug. Bunty was a past committee and hard-working MU3A member for some years. Details on the website when we have them. Our thoughts are with their families and friends at this sad time.
______________________________________________________________________________Dates for your diary (Check the website for more information and updates.Tues. Aug 18th: ANNUAL SUMMER PICNIC at Q. Elizabeth's Academy. Details in due coursefrom Linda Leivers. (01623 471963; [email protected]). Indoors if it's wet!Thurs. Sept 3rd: LAUNCH OF FOREST TOWN & DISTRICT U3A at St Albans Church, ClipstoneRd West. 2.00; free refreshments. Details from Rita Foulkes. (01623 480207; [email protected])Tues. Sept 15th: AGM at Oakham Suite; 11.00 (after the general meeting)Fri. 25 Sept 25th: THEATRE ROYAL, Nottingham celebrates its 150th anniversary. Details fromSheila Whalley. (01623 453908; [email protected])Mon. Jan. 18th to Fri. 22nd, 2016: WARNER'S THORESBY HALL. See page 3.______________________________________________________________________________Event and Visit PaymentsMEMBERS are reminded that deposits and payments for events and visits organised by MansfieldU3A and its interest groups are non-refundable, but places so reserved may be offered to others.______________________________________________________________________________Changes of address, etc.PLEASE contact the membership secretary, Avril McGee (01623 452688), if you've changed youraddress, phone number or email since joining Mansfield U3A so that she can update our records.______________________________________________________________________________DisclaimerTHE VIEWS expressed here are those of the contributors, only, and do not necessarily reflect thoseof the editor, the committee of Mansfield U3A or the Third Age Trust. Nor can any responsibility beaccepted for members' announcements or any errors that may occur.______________________________________________________________________________Next IssuePLEASE SEND contributions for the September AGM issue to [email protected], or intypescript, to the editor as soon as you can and by September 1st at the latest. Thanks!______________________________________________________________________________Editor: David Ling (01623 822994)
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