April 2011
MARCH MEETING
The meeting commenced with our Annual General Meeting at which Edward Hemsley was elected as the new chairman. Mick Curtis was the previous chairman who stood down after serving for the past three years. Everyone warmly congratulated Mick for his contribution and support. Three other members of the committee also stood down and a new committee was elected. The finances of the Wycliffe U3A were also presented by the treasurer.
Mike Leonard, who had spoken at a previous monthly meeting, then gave some interesting background on three well known children’s nursery rhymes.
The first was Humpty Dumpty. According to his research, the verse we all know is in fact the third verse of a poem about a cannon, called Humpty Dumpty, which defended Colchester in the English Civil War. The reference to an egg probably comes from Lewis
Carroll’s stories about Alice.
The second rhyme was Baa Baa Black Sheep. Apparently political correctness was around in the 1700’s when the last line was changed from ‘none for the little boy’ to ‘one for the little boy’. In fact the rhyme is a complaint about excessive taxation, at the time, on wool exports.
The last rhyme was Half a Pound of Tuppeny Rice. The Eagle pub mentioned was built in 1825 by a Mr Rouse and was a really enormous building with the intention of becoming the best entertainment venue in London, catering for all forms of entertainment. The expression ‘pop goes the weasel’ could refer to the pawning of a small tool used in the leather trade to pay for more drink and the like. In 1883, the lease was purchased by General Booth of the
Salvation Army who wanted to ‘transform it into a house of mercy’. However, the deeds stipulated that the Eagle had to continue to sell liquor so General Booth was taken to court by the brewery and lost the Eagle.
All in all, most interesting and amusing.
MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIRMAN
I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your confidence, encouragement and goodwill in electing me as your new Chairman. To be handed the “Baton” was, and still is a little daunting, but I am sure that the new Committee and myself will, with your continuing support, maintain the development and progress made by the WLU3A since its inception.
Although to some of us it may not seem so, it is still a relatively young organisation so the progress made to-date is impressive and commendable. There are many people to thank for the part they have played in achieving the current healthy state of the WLU3A but none more so than that of our recently retired Chairman and Membership Secretary, Mick and Sylvie Curtis. Both have been keenly involved and active from the start and they have put in a tremendous amount of work and personal effort in raising the organisation from infancy to adulthood!! I would like, on your behalf, to offer sincere thanks to Mick and Sylvie for their commitment and dedication and to wish them both a happy “retirement” from office.
For my part, I will endeavour to continue and develop the theme of inclusiveness with every member of the WLU3A being encouraged, if they so wish, to take a part, however small, in the management and organisation. This approach is very much in line with the ethos of the U3A being a self-help organisation for people no longer in full time employment providing educational, creative and leisure opportunities in a relaxed and friendly environment, with my emphasis being on the latter.
I know that there is a huge amount of experience, knowledge and life-time learning amongst our 100 or so members so I will, with your agreement, “tap” into it whenever possible.
Conversely, remember that I am here to learn, listen and help so if you have any queries, thoughts, concerns or good ideas for the well running of the organisation please do make contact.
LIVELY DISCUSSION
March Topic
We're lost if we allow society to be ruled by emotions
and not the law.
Various examples of highly emotive crimes were discussed including Robert Thompson and Jon Venables killing of Jamie Bulger, Myra Hindley and the Yorkshire Ripper - Peter Sutcliffe. From reports last year we knew that Jon Venables had been arrested breaking the terms of his release and new identity. Everyone felt that Denise, Jamie's mother, had no right to expect to see the then Justice Secretary, Jack Straw, since Venables' crime had been fighting, possible drug taking, possible downloading of porn onto his computer, and not with the killing of Jamie Bulger. It was felt that Jack Straw had an eye on the forthcoming election and we expect our representatives to uphold the law. Denise had to come to terms with the horrific loss of her son and she had emotions with which it is easy to empathise and understand.
The mental health of Peter Sutcliffe, who has recently applied for release and that of Jon Venables, who has a low mental age and was clearly unable to keep his identity secret since he reportedly told several people. This meant that the group felt that it was unwise to release people with these difficulties. Most of us were unsure what the answer would be to change the behaviour of these murderers.
However, some years ago there was a similar case to the Bulger case in Scandinavia and the Villagers including the bereaved parents worked with the offenders to help them see the error of their ways and to lead more normal lives. It's sad that we have the lowest age of responsibility in the west -only 10 years old. It was felt that a ten year old would know what (s)he was doing, but wouldn't know how to stop if things got out of hand. Everyone wanted to know why the parents hadn't been castigated for their very poor upbringing of their children.
Often this lack of parenting skills goes back many generations. Robert Thompson had been brought up in a violent home and was also thought to be bright.
The media were responsible for hounding people and whipping up public emotion so that adults were banging on the sides of the prison van containing young children, instead of calling for some action involving the parents. It seems that Thompson is handling his new identity well since the press pack have been unable to smoke him out. The whole group felt sorry for all those bereaved through crime, but agreed that we are lost if we allow society to be ruled by emotions and not the law.
CRAFTS
Another good morning for our March meeting. We were few in
numbers but we achieved a lot. We sit in the conservatory and have almost made a new Birdwatching/Craft Group! Blue tits are nesting in the bird box and it was exciting to see the coming and goings.
BRIDGE
During March, we only managed one afternoon’s play that was nevertheless, enjoyable.
POETRY
A dreary yet most enjoyable and informative March afternoon was spent digesting and discussing the works of Poets Laureates who have held the appointment over the past three hundred years.
The differing styles from John Dryden to Ted Hughes and Carol Ann Duffy illustrated how life has moved on over three centuries yet the same human perceptions and values have barely altered.
On Thursday 28 April the subject will be "Royalty" with the meeting on Thursday 26 May being devoted to "Love and Marriage".
New members are always welcome. “The Co-ordinator is only a phone call away."
BIRD WATCHING
This month nine members of the group went to Sence Valley Country Park in the National Forest. It was a lovely sunny Spring day and we enjoyed meandering along the many paths beside the lakes observing the waterbirds and spotting reed warblers, a tree sparrow and great tits. Afterwards we went to nearby Donnington-le-Heath - an ancient manor house with an interesting museum and pretty gardens. It was good to sit outside in the sunshine at the cafe where we had a delicious lunch.
As the last Friday in the month falls on the "wedding" day, we have decided to have our next trip during the third week of the month - day and location to be advised. If interested please telephone Mary or Peter
CANASTA 1
It is said that Lieuben, a German lunatic, bet that he would succeed in turning up a pack of cards in a certain order stated in a written agreement.
He turned and turned the cards ten hours a day for twenty years; repeated the operation 4,246,028 times, when at last he succeeded.
Always presuming that we have twenty years (??) the canasta 1 group will not be emulating Herr Lieuben!!!
CANASTA 2
There was very little interest shown in this new group, and the meeting on 27th April is cancelled as it will be the Easter Holiday period. The next meeting will therefore be on Weds 25th May, and we hope to welcome new members then.
PHOTOGRAPHY
Our topic of trees proved to be very popular and the variety and styles presented were very diverse.
Our next meeting was due to be on Good Friday but as most members would not be able to attend it was decided to cancel this meeting and to meet again in May and take the opportunity to make the next topic "Easter ".
SCRABBLE
Because of holidays (lucky people!) the group was smaller than usual but not without its usual banter! We welcomed a new member and will be pleased to see more!
PUB LUNCH
May Lunches
Tuesday 3rd May & Wednesday 4th May
The Red Lion in Gilmorton The pub is on Main Street next to the school.
12 for 12.30. Arranger Dot Barnard (01455 208190)
There is a 2 course menu for £6.95 with a selection from 5 mains and 3 desserts or cheese and biscuits; or people can pick from the main menu.
‘June’ Lunches –Tuesday 31st May & Wednesday 1st June at The White Horse Broughton Astley. Arranger Christine Sidey (01455 282907)
Please sign up at the Monthly meeting or ring the arranger to book your place at either of these events
March Pub Lunches were arranged by June Hartopp
30 members signed up for the first pub lunch of 2011. This was
pleasing because it was the first lunch with the new two-day
system. Over the two days, the numbers fell to just short of 30 but, as usual, “The Elms” at Lutterworth lived up to its good reputation.
PAINTING
Our little Group has worked harmoniously since the outset, meeting weekly at Chris or Nancy’s home. We are pleased to welcome Josie , a recent U3A member, who has inspired us all to persevere by demonstrating well practiced techniques and a speedy confident action in wielding a good fat brush. Everyone has developed her own style and natural preferences in media. We have looked at adapting a frozen spider’s web photograph to create designs and have expanded our range of subjects. Josie J has a delicate touch when sketching her dogs. Jane Anne was thrilled to complete her Meercat and Nancy’s beach stones reflect her love of soft tones. Chris is fascinated by folds in fabric and has enjoyed painting her latest grandson. Not all our work will be a treasured legacy, but from each mistake we can learn something. We share successes and failures. We enjoy a cuppa together and generally offload our joys and anxieties, while the magic of creating something individual and at times beautiful, brings rhythm and relaxation for at least one afternoon a week.
BOOK CHAT
"Moondust" by Andrew Smith, felt like a collection of reports on the current state of the nine men who walked on the Moon. A momentous few years in the history of the twentieth century when, because of political pressure the "space race" enabled man to escape the bounds of The Earth and walk on the Moon. The book had a mixed reception from the group. It invoked personal memories for all of us but opinions were divided about style and presentation. Our next book returns the group to a novel. "The Restraint of Beasts" by Magnus Mills described by one critic as "A heaving cauldron of black humour". We shall see if the group agrees!
As a reminder to the group there will not be a meeting in May.
WEDNESDAY WALKING GROUP March Walk
Two years ago Sue Beaumont said “look at the view” – it was foggy and we couldn’t see more than a few feet!
So we did the same walk again, starting at Maidwell and this time we could see the view from the top of Haselbech Hill. We had fun negotiating a very muddy bit (or the alternative way over a ditch) and we came back along a lovely wooded valley.
We had 28 on the walk but by the time we got back to The Elms in Lutterworth we had lost a few. Good walk, good company and good food – what more does one want on a Wednesday morning. Thank you Dave and Sue for leading again.
FAMILY HISTORY
The Family history group met at Mick and Sylvie's house on the 22nd March and continued their discussions on their parents. The next meeting will be back at Jackie's on the 26th. April, and we will be starting on our Grandparents, and what we have discovered about them. New members are welcome to join us
FRENCH CONVERSATION
17 group members met at Pearl and Tony’s house to watch a film, “Le Château de ma Mère.” Once again we were treated to the delights and idiosyncrasies of Provence as the story of Marcel and his family continued. Marcel and his mother particularly miss their holiday home, and more frequent holiday and weekend visits take place. He meets a strange girl called Isabelle and her eccentric family, who depart shortly afterwards. The family were shown a private shortcut to their holiday home, along the canal, by an ex-pupil of Marcel’s father. Various events occur during their apprehensive walks along the towpath.
The next meeting is on Thursday, 28 April, when Mary Rolleston will give us something to talk about.
QUIZ GROUP
Thirteen members met this month to answer questions set by Pat and Lyn.
We have entered teams into two quiz evenings since January. We are pleased to report that we won both times. The last win was by just half a point!
The meeting commenced with our Annual General Meeting at which Edward Hemsley was elected as the new chairman. Mick Curtis was the previous chairman who stood down after serving for the past three years. Everyone warmly congratulated Mick for his contribution and support. Three other members of the committee also stood down and a new committee was elected. The finances of the Wycliffe U3A were also presented by the treasurer.
Mike Leonard, who had spoken at a previous monthly meeting, then gave some interesting background on three well known children’s nursery rhymes.
The first was Humpty Dumpty. According to his research, the verse we all know is in fact the third verse of a poem about a cannon, called Humpty Dumpty, which defended Colchester in the English Civil War. The reference to an egg probably comes from Lewis
Carroll’s stories about Alice.
The second rhyme was Baa Baa Black Sheep. Apparently political correctness was around in the 1700’s when the last line was changed from ‘none for the little boy’ to ‘one for the little boy’. In fact the rhyme is a complaint about excessive taxation, at the time, on wool exports.
The last rhyme was Half a Pound of Tuppeny Rice. The Eagle pub mentioned was built in 1825 by a Mr Rouse and was a really enormous building with the intention of becoming the best entertainment venue in London, catering for all forms of entertainment. The expression ‘pop goes the weasel’ could refer to the pawning of a small tool used in the leather trade to pay for more drink and the like. In 1883, the lease was purchased by General Booth of the
Salvation Army who wanted to ‘transform it into a house of mercy’. However, the deeds stipulated that the Eagle had to continue to sell liquor so General Booth was taken to court by the brewery and lost the Eagle.
All in all, most interesting and amusing.
MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIRMAN
I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your confidence, encouragement and goodwill in electing me as your new Chairman. To be handed the “Baton” was, and still is a little daunting, but I am sure that the new Committee and myself will, with your continuing support, maintain the development and progress made by the WLU3A since its inception.
Although to some of us it may not seem so, it is still a relatively young organisation so the progress made to-date is impressive and commendable. There are many people to thank for the part they have played in achieving the current healthy state of the WLU3A but none more so than that of our recently retired Chairman and Membership Secretary, Mick and Sylvie Curtis. Both have been keenly involved and active from the start and they have put in a tremendous amount of work and personal effort in raising the organisation from infancy to adulthood!! I would like, on your behalf, to offer sincere thanks to Mick and Sylvie for their commitment and dedication and to wish them both a happy “retirement” from office.
For my part, I will endeavour to continue and develop the theme of inclusiveness with every member of the WLU3A being encouraged, if they so wish, to take a part, however small, in the management and organisation. This approach is very much in line with the ethos of the U3A being a self-help organisation for people no longer in full time employment providing educational, creative and leisure opportunities in a relaxed and friendly environment, with my emphasis being on the latter.
I know that there is a huge amount of experience, knowledge and life-time learning amongst our 100 or so members so I will, with your agreement, “tap” into it whenever possible.
Conversely, remember that I am here to learn, listen and help so if you have any queries, thoughts, concerns or good ideas for the well running of the organisation please do make contact.
LIVELY DISCUSSION
March Topic
We're lost if we allow society to be ruled by emotions
and not the law.
Various examples of highly emotive crimes were discussed including Robert Thompson and Jon Venables killing of Jamie Bulger, Myra Hindley and the Yorkshire Ripper - Peter Sutcliffe. From reports last year we knew that Jon Venables had been arrested breaking the terms of his release and new identity. Everyone felt that Denise, Jamie's mother, had no right to expect to see the then Justice Secretary, Jack Straw, since Venables' crime had been fighting, possible drug taking, possible downloading of porn onto his computer, and not with the killing of Jamie Bulger. It was felt that Jack Straw had an eye on the forthcoming election and we expect our representatives to uphold the law. Denise had to come to terms with the horrific loss of her son and she had emotions with which it is easy to empathise and understand.
The mental health of Peter Sutcliffe, who has recently applied for release and that of Jon Venables, who has a low mental age and was clearly unable to keep his identity secret since he reportedly told several people. This meant that the group felt that it was unwise to release people with these difficulties. Most of us were unsure what the answer would be to change the behaviour of these murderers.
However, some years ago there was a similar case to the Bulger case in Scandinavia and the Villagers including the bereaved parents worked with the offenders to help them see the error of their ways and to lead more normal lives. It's sad that we have the lowest age of responsibility in the west -only 10 years old. It was felt that a ten year old would know what (s)he was doing, but wouldn't know how to stop if things got out of hand. Everyone wanted to know why the parents hadn't been castigated for their very poor upbringing of their children.
Often this lack of parenting skills goes back many generations. Robert Thompson had been brought up in a violent home and was also thought to be bright.
The media were responsible for hounding people and whipping up public emotion so that adults were banging on the sides of the prison van containing young children, instead of calling for some action involving the parents. It seems that Thompson is handling his new identity well since the press pack have been unable to smoke him out. The whole group felt sorry for all those bereaved through crime, but agreed that we are lost if we allow society to be ruled by emotions and not the law.
CRAFTS
Another good morning for our March meeting. We were few in
numbers but we achieved a lot. We sit in the conservatory and have almost made a new Birdwatching/Craft Group! Blue tits are nesting in the bird box and it was exciting to see the coming and goings.
BRIDGE
During March, we only managed one afternoon’s play that was nevertheless, enjoyable.
POETRY
A dreary yet most enjoyable and informative March afternoon was spent digesting and discussing the works of Poets Laureates who have held the appointment over the past three hundred years.
The differing styles from John Dryden to Ted Hughes and Carol Ann Duffy illustrated how life has moved on over three centuries yet the same human perceptions and values have barely altered.
On Thursday 28 April the subject will be "Royalty" with the meeting on Thursday 26 May being devoted to "Love and Marriage".
New members are always welcome. “The Co-ordinator is only a phone call away."
BIRD WATCHING
This month nine members of the group went to Sence Valley Country Park in the National Forest. It was a lovely sunny Spring day and we enjoyed meandering along the many paths beside the lakes observing the waterbirds and spotting reed warblers, a tree sparrow and great tits. Afterwards we went to nearby Donnington-le-Heath - an ancient manor house with an interesting museum and pretty gardens. It was good to sit outside in the sunshine at the cafe where we had a delicious lunch.
As the last Friday in the month falls on the "wedding" day, we have decided to have our next trip during the third week of the month - day and location to be advised. If interested please telephone Mary or Peter
CANASTA 1
It is said that Lieuben, a German lunatic, bet that he would succeed in turning up a pack of cards in a certain order stated in a written agreement.
He turned and turned the cards ten hours a day for twenty years; repeated the operation 4,246,028 times, when at last he succeeded.
Always presuming that we have twenty years (??) the canasta 1 group will not be emulating Herr Lieuben!!!
CANASTA 2
There was very little interest shown in this new group, and the meeting on 27th April is cancelled as it will be the Easter Holiday period. The next meeting will therefore be on Weds 25th May, and we hope to welcome new members then.
PHOTOGRAPHY
Our topic of trees proved to be very popular and the variety and styles presented were very diverse.
Our next meeting was due to be on Good Friday but as most members would not be able to attend it was decided to cancel this meeting and to meet again in May and take the opportunity to make the next topic "Easter ".
SCRABBLE
Because of holidays (lucky people!) the group was smaller than usual but not without its usual banter! We welcomed a new member and will be pleased to see more!
PUB LUNCH
May Lunches
Tuesday 3rd May & Wednesday 4th May
The Red Lion in Gilmorton The pub is on Main Street next to the school.
12 for 12.30. Arranger Dot Barnard (01455 208190)
There is a 2 course menu for £6.95 with a selection from 5 mains and 3 desserts or cheese and biscuits; or people can pick from the main menu.
‘June’ Lunches –Tuesday 31st May & Wednesday 1st June at The White Horse Broughton Astley. Arranger Christine Sidey (01455 282907)
Please sign up at the Monthly meeting or ring the arranger to book your place at either of these events
March Pub Lunches were arranged by June Hartopp
30 members signed up for the first pub lunch of 2011. This was
pleasing because it was the first lunch with the new two-day
system. Over the two days, the numbers fell to just short of 30 but, as usual, “The Elms” at Lutterworth lived up to its good reputation.
PAINTING
Our little Group has worked harmoniously since the outset, meeting weekly at Chris or Nancy’s home. We are pleased to welcome Josie , a recent U3A member, who has inspired us all to persevere by demonstrating well practiced techniques and a speedy confident action in wielding a good fat brush. Everyone has developed her own style and natural preferences in media. We have looked at adapting a frozen spider’s web photograph to create designs and have expanded our range of subjects. Josie J has a delicate touch when sketching her dogs. Jane Anne was thrilled to complete her Meercat and Nancy’s beach stones reflect her love of soft tones. Chris is fascinated by folds in fabric and has enjoyed painting her latest grandson. Not all our work will be a treasured legacy, but from each mistake we can learn something. We share successes and failures. We enjoy a cuppa together and generally offload our joys and anxieties, while the magic of creating something individual and at times beautiful, brings rhythm and relaxation for at least one afternoon a week.
BOOK CHAT
"Moondust" by Andrew Smith, felt like a collection of reports on the current state of the nine men who walked on the Moon. A momentous few years in the history of the twentieth century when, because of political pressure the "space race" enabled man to escape the bounds of The Earth and walk on the Moon. The book had a mixed reception from the group. It invoked personal memories for all of us but opinions were divided about style and presentation. Our next book returns the group to a novel. "The Restraint of Beasts" by Magnus Mills described by one critic as "A heaving cauldron of black humour". We shall see if the group agrees!
As a reminder to the group there will not be a meeting in May.
WEDNESDAY WALKING GROUP March Walk
Two years ago Sue Beaumont said “look at the view” – it was foggy and we couldn’t see more than a few feet!
So we did the same walk again, starting at Maidwell and this time we could see the view from the top of Haselbech Hill. We had fun negotiating a very muddy bit (or the alternative way over a ditch) and we came back along a lovely wooded valley.
We had 28 on the walk but by the time we got back to The Elms in Lutterworth we had lost a few. Good walk, good company and good food – what more does one want on a Wednesday morning. Thank you Dave and Sue for leading again.
FAMILY HISTORY
The Family history group met at Mick and Sylvie's house on the 22nd March and continued their discussions on their parents. The next meeting will be back at Jackie's on the 26th. April, and we will be starting on our Grandparents, and what we have discovered about them. New members are welcome to join us
FRENCH CONVERSATION
17 group members met at Pearl and Tony’s house to watch a film, “Le Château de ma Mère.” Once again we were treated to the delights and idiosyncrasies of Provence as the story of Marcel and his family continued. Marcel and his mother particularly miss their holiday home, and more frequent holiday and weekend visits take place. He meets a strange girl called Isabelle and her eccentric family, who depart shortly afterwards. The family were shown a private shortcut to their holiday home, along the canal, by an ex-pupil of Marcel’s father. Various events occur during their apprehensive walks along the towpath.
The next meeting is on Thursday, 28 April, when Mary Rolleston will give us something to talk about.
QUIZ GROUP
Thirteen members met this month to answer questions set by Pat and Lyn.
We have entered teams into two quiz evenings since January. We are pleased to report that we won both times. The last win was by just half a point!
