April 2012
Report on the March Meeting
This monthly meeting started with the Wycliffe U3A AGM with the chairman’s summary, re-election of the committee and a review of the finances from the treasurer. Once this was done, the more interesting part took place. Tony Noble, Nobby to his fellow sailors, told us about his two postings on the Royal Yacht Britannia. The yacht was commissioned in 1954 and was used until it’s decommissioning in December 1997 after which it has become a visitor attraction in Leith in Scotland. While Nobby was on board as a radio operator, with responsibility for the flags, he went on 169 visits and sailed round the world three times. These visits included the 76 Olympics in Canada, the D Day celebrations and the Queen Mum’s visit to Venice. The yacht was always commanded by an admiral. The ratings, like Nobby, had their own particular uniform that included a black silk bow covering their bottom. We were also shown pictures of various parts of the yacht including the popular veranda deck, the wheelhouse and the engine room with highly polished machinery that amazed a visiting American admiral.
Many different stories were told including how the flags came out of the funnel, that the yacht was the last navy ship to have hammocks and how the garage rather than being used for cars was in fact the beer store.
Altogether an interesting and amusing talk that everyone
appreciated.
‘New News’ for Wycliffe Lutterworth U3A
· The membership has grown from 133 to 177 over the past year.
· We are now moving to a larger meeting room to accommodate the increased numbers.
· We have new groups and groups getting larger than can be accommodated in people’s homes.
· We now have our own web site that is attracting new members at www.wycliffelutterworthu3a.org
Survey on over 55’s attitudes to the environment
The University of York in collaboration with Help Age UK and the Retired Seniors Volunteer
Programme (RSVP) are conducting an on-line
national survey over 55s attitudes to the
environment.
The UK survey will contribute to an international survey conducted by other partner organisations in Australia and Canada.
The results of the survey will be published before the Rio Earth Summit that will take place in June 2012.
If you would like to support this you can complete the survey online before 15 April 2012 at
www.envirosurvey55.com
Dr Gary Haq
Senior Research Associate
Stockholm Environment Institute
University of York, YO10 5DD, UK
Your U3A
needs
YOU!
Can you help with any of these ideas?
June Meeting
¨ In commemoration of the Queen’s Jubilee Year your Committee is planning a different approach to the June meeting.
¨ For starters we would like you to help set the tone by turning up in something red, something white and something blue.
¨ The meeting itself will be Wycliffe Lutterworth U3A’s answer to the Antiques Roadshow!! So please bring along any artefacts/objects you may have so that our “expert” can discuss them and, maybe, offer a
¨ valuation. To make this event successful it needs your
¨ participation so please bring along anything that you feel may be of interest. Only hand held objects though!!
¨ Prior to the meeting we plan Jubilee cakes and tea/coffee in the School Room. This is the interesting bit! We wondered if there were any keen Cooks amongst the membership who would consider making a cake(s) for the event?, the cost of ingredients etc to be
¨ re-imbursed. If this request appeals please let me know.
July
¨ We are exploring the possibility of holding a Summer Garden Party on Sunday the 15th July in the grounds and gardens of Misterton Hall courtesy of the owner, Mrs. Crane. This would be a first for our U3A and
¨ offers the opportunity for us to meet on a social basis away from our normal environment and in very
pleasant surroundings.
¨ I hope to be able to provide more information at the April meeting, at which time a sheet will be available on which members can indicate their
intention to attend.
Outings
¨ The Committee has recently considered the
possibility of arranging outings for members to places of interest. We did have one outing last year to Stoneleigh Abbey, which was well
supported, and members found interesting.
Current thoughts are :-
¨ Shrewsbury Flower Show,
¨ Olympic Stadium,
¨ Slimbridge Wild Fowl Centre,
¨ Rutland Water Osprey Centre and boat trip,
¨ Even, perhaps, to see the Royal Yacht Britannia!!
I am sure that many other possible visits will come to members’ minds.
How do we make this happen?
Well. I am seeking a willing volunteer(s) to work with me to turn these thoughts into action.
Do these possibilities appeal? And would you like to help either by making a cake or helping to organise outings?
If so, please do not hesitate to let me know. Please talk to me about it if you want would be entailed.
Eddie
tel 01455 554564
email edwardhemsley@btinternet.com
BOOK CHAT
Co-ordinator
Mick Curtis
01455 554504
As is the way with our group we were split between those that liked the book and those that found it tiresome and very difficult to
follow. " Fugitive Pieces" by Anne Michaels was felt by some to be very rhythmical and possessing a poetic quality, with phrasing
worthy of plagiarising whilst others were confused by who was who and the chronology of the events depicted.
Our current read is "Don't Look Back" by Laura Lippman which is the last of the novels provided by the library service in their take it or leave system of book distribution. Our future choices will of
necessity be a sort of self service, with books obtained through whatever means we are able, to generate multiple copies of a single title or Author.
FAMILY HISTORY
Co-ordinator
Jackie Yeo
01455 552376
27th. March saw the Family History group meeting at the new venue - the Methodist Church Porch. Several new members joined us, and discussions included some of the problems encountered and possible solutions.
4 and 5 times great grandparents will continue next time, along with a new project that Jackie hopes to start.
Next meeting will be 24th. April at 10am in the Porch
CANASTA 2
Co-ordinator
Sylvia Wilson
01455 283575
As you can see from the photo, we are a small but happy group. We meet every Saturday afternoon at 2pm at Sylvia’s place. Good games of Canasta are played, mixed with laughs, tea and cake and friendly chat.
We would like to recruit some new members. Ring Sylvia if you are interested.
LIVELY DISCUSSION
Co-ordinator
Dot Barnard
01455 208190
March Meeting: Should we be able to bid for sports functions such as the 2017 Athletics when the financial situation is precarious?
The group was fairly evenly divided between those who thought we should bid and those who thought we should not.
The pros of bidding and gaining the 2017 Athletics were believed to be that the Olympics will leave behind first class facilities which can be used again, prestige for our great country, another opportunity for patriotism, encouraging more people to be active and the sheer
delight of the atmosphere and excitement of being able to attend or watch these sporting occasions on TV. The cons included the enormous cost, the public never knowing the total costs and previous budgets being vastly under estimated. Also British politicians seem unable to grasp that we are no longer the important country we once were and should not have bid for anything.
Concern was expressed about whether the Olympic facilities have an afterlife. We know that extra transport links have been provided and Woolwich has been connected to the rest of London by Tube, the
surrounding area and canals have been cleaned up and are now a
wildlife sanctuary and the flats in the athletes’ village will have
kitchens added to them and be available as affordable housing.
Although a run-down part of London has been regenerated it was felt that the 2017 Athletics should be held in other parts of the country to bring benefits there too. The group hoped that the extra tourism would pay for
everything and generate a profit for both functions.
No Meeting in April as it would be on Easter Monday
SCRABBLE
Co-ordinator
June Hartopp
01455 553418
This group continues to flourish. At a recent session one player had over 100 points at one go during a game and another had a complete 7 letter word but was unable to use it to gain an extra 50 points. There is always fun and chat to be had plus some peculiar 2 letter words!
CANASTA 3
Co-ordinator
June Hartopp
01455 553418In a 2 hour session there were 3 Sequence
Canastas - earning players 1500 points each. It was odd that all 3 Sequence Canastas were made in the Hearts suit.
In addition 3 Concealed Canastas were made - What a
morning !!
If all the above sounds too much for you I can assure you that Canasta 1 is far less daunting - please ring for details.
POETRY
Co-ordinator
Angela &Stuart Rhodes
01455 554553
The Group now has twelve active members of whom nine
participated in the March meeting when the topic was "Poets of the Twentieth Century" Not surprisingly only a small yet diverse number of poets were covered. It proved to be a very enjoyable afternoon in congenial company.
The topic for the April meeting to be held at the home of Stuart and Angela Rhodes will be "Female Poets".
BIRD WATCHING
Co-ordinators
Mary & Peter Rolleston
01455 209156
This month the birdwatching group enjoyed a visit to Middleton Lakes RSPB reserve near Tamworth, Staffordshire. This is a
comparatively new reserve and comprises lakes, woodland walks, reedbeds and a heronry. A lot of work has already been done to make it a very interesting place to visit not to mention Middleton Hall (part of the reserve) which dates back to the 15th Century.
Our next outing will be on Friday, 27th April to Rutland Water - Lyndon Reserve in the afternoon and Hambleton in the evening where, if we are lucky, we should hear nightingales.
CRAFTS
Co– ordinator
Doreen Barrett
01455 550228
At last a report on the Craft Group! We continue to do well with our chosen crafts and have grown now in numbers to 9.
We enjoy a happy morning and should probably be called "Talkative Crafts" with the emphasis being on " Talk"
Come and join us and have a coffee and a biscuit to see whether you might gain a new interest.
PAINTING
Co-ordinator
Chris Brady
01455 209108
A Real Treat
Last week, by special arrangement, seven U3A members visited Arnesby, not only to admire the pretty village, but also to visit professor Peter Welton in his home studio. We were overwhelmed by his wonderful hospitality and generosity in showing us his
delicate translucent watercolours. Over many years he has
developed his particular technique of layering thin washes of top of the range artists’ colours onto tightly stretched paper. His
subjects were very varied, from portraits of well known people, local scenes, animals to posters. Viewing his work and hearing what had inspired him, encouraged us all to be more adventurous in our own paintings. His work is meticulous and precise with lines and ellipses drawn freehand - No rulers allowed! To add to our enjoyment we were treated to tea coffee and cake, while we listened with rapt attention to Peter’s story of his rise from humble beginnings to the feted artist of today. I’m sure he would be a fascinating speaker for our monthly meetings.
PHOTOGRAPHY
Co-ordinator
Mick Curtis
01455 554504
Spring was our topic this month and this generated many floral and new life images. I am still gathering photographs from our group to include on our U3A's website. So keep a weather eye open for that. Our next topic is "Shape/s".
QUIZ GROUP
Co-ordinator
Sylvie Curtis
01455 554504
Ten members met for questions set by Sylvie.
These included questions testing knowledge of old advertising slogans and a section on lateral thinking. Members concluded that wherever Sylvie had got her questions from, would she mind not going there again!
TUESDAY WALKING GROUP Co-ordinator:
Gordon Jones (Lutterworth U3A)
01455 556192
Date of Walk: Tuesday 17th April 2012
Co-ordinator: Gordon Jones, Tel. 556192
Walk Organiser: Reg Tattersall, 01455 209126
Meeting Point: Meet at the car park by the Leisure Centre
Meeting Time: 09.25 to leave at 09.30.
Route and distance: Starting from The Countryman pub in
Sharnford at 10:00 am the walk (of approx 5.5 miles) is on a
mixture of field paths, metalled roads and bridleways. The latter part of the walk uses the Leicestershire Round. The walk goes from The Countryman across fields and some stiles into Sapcote and then on towards Aston Flamville. Providing there is time we will take a diversion here to pass some fields of alpacas. The walk
returns along the Leicestershire Round to The Countryman for lunch where a wide variety of meals at a range of prices are
available. We will pre-order our food before starting the walk.
Directions to the Starting Point: From Lutterworth out to the A5 then right towards Hinckley. At Smockington Hollow turn right onto the B4114 (towards Leicester) and follow the road into Sharnford. The pub is on the right hand side at the end of the one-way
system. There is a car park on the left hand side of the road
opposite the pub.
1st WEDNESDAY WALKING GROUP Co-ordinators:
Roger Watmore, Lutterworth U3A
01455 552431
Julian Hargreaves, Wycliffe U3A
01455 557704
WEDNESDAY, 2nd May 2012
Walk Organisers John and Sue Hicks – Tel 01858 880273
Meeting Point and Time – Lutterworth Recreation Ground car park at 09.25 to leave at 09.30am
Directions to the Start:- From Lutterworth take the A4304 to
Walcote, then take the second turning on the right after the fuel station. The White Hart (LE17 6DN) is in the centre of South
Kilworth, with the car park entrance on the right. We can then
order meals before setting off.
Route and Distance:- The walk is just over 6 miles, starting with a level stretch of quiet road past Stanford Reservoir and then taking scenic footpaths beside Downtown Hill and up to Hemplow Hill Wood, where we are hoping to catch the height of the bluebell
season. We continue down to the Grand Union Canal, and back along the road. If anyone needs to shorten the walk, there is
limited parking at the end of the road section, just over the canal, but you would still need to order food and let us know.
March Walk
Despite the very inclement weather, 27 hardy walkers set off from Ashby Parva on a walk of just over 6 miles. The walk passed by the Slip Inn Quarry and eventually into Dunton Bassett before taking the footpath to Leire. Just before Leire we stopped for refreshments at Stemborough Mill and then returned to Ashby Parva via Leire Mill.
Afterwards the majority of the walkers had an enjoyable lunch at the Hollybush Pub.
4th WEDNESDAY WALKING GROUP Co-ordinators:
Sue & Peter Creeden
01455 557888
WEDNESDAY 25th April 2012
Walk Organiser: Sue Beaumont: Tel: 01455 553341
Meeting Point and Time:
Lutterworth Recreation Ground car park at 9:15am to leave at 9:20am. The walk will start from The Blue Lion, Witherley.
Directions to the Start
From Lutterworth drive to the A5 to go northwards towards
Atherstone. Just before Atherstone take a right turn, signposted to Witherley, into Kennel Lane (Bull Inn on the corner). Then take the third left into Post Office Lane. The Blue Lion is at the bottom of this road on the left.
The Walk is approximately 6 miles mostly across fields and passes Radcliffe Culey, Atterton and Fenny Drayton.
Lunch: At the Blue Lion – 2 meals for £9.95
March Walk
A group of 22 walkers and one dog set off from Bruntingthorpe on probably the warmest day of the year so far. To make up the mileage we made a detour around the village of Shearsby, which almost fooled some people, before we climbed the hill to Knaptoft Church and the coffee break where we had the luxury of proper seats for everyone to enjoy a very pleasant stop amongst the ruins and the daffodils. Another little detour took in the wonderful views across to Bradgate Park and beyond before we headed back down and across fields to Bruntingthorpe.
The Plough Inn did 15 of us proud with a ‘Darts Supper’ of chilli and rice, sausages, chips and beans, bread and butter and onion rings to die for – all for £4 per head. Someone had 5 sausages (they did just melt in the mouth) – I wonder who that could have been!
Early Advance Notice
Reserve this date in your diary for a * Very Special Walk * on WEDNESDAY MAY 23rd 2012
Walk to include a visit to a MAGNIFICENT GARDEN with a
* SURPRISE JOURNEY *
GERMAN CONVERSATION
Co-ordinator
Sue Hicks
01858 880273
We covered more sections of the CD, and then had a discussion on Shopping prompted by a few questions.
The next meeting will be at Alan’s house on Tuesday, 17 April, when the topics will be Communications and Hotels.
FRENCH CONVERSATION
Co-ordinator
Sue Hicks
01858 880273
We started by reading and translating an article on Versailles and its fountains, fireworks and music. We also continued to discuss the French citizenship proposals.
The next meeting will be on Thursday, 26 April, when we shall be watching another film at Pearl and Tony’s house. This is a light comedy called “Après Vous” and stars Daniel Auteuil, who played Ugolin Soubeyran in the Marcel Pagnol films we saw earlier.
THEATRE AND TRIPS Co-ordinator
Eddie Hemsley 01455 554564
Eddie has reserved seats for the 8pm performance of the ‘The Sound of Music’ at Kilworth House for Wednesday the 22nd August. He has a few spare seats for any member who would like to go. The ticket price is £25.
LUNCH CLUB
Co-ordinator
Sylvia Wilson
01455 283575
Special message to new members. Why not come to one of our lunches to get to know other members informally.
The next lunches will be at Kilworth House on 1st and 2nd May, and June 5th and 6th at Ullesthorpe Court. Sign up on the sheets at the monthly meeting, or contact Sylvia.
JOINT GOLF GROUP (with Lutterworth U3A)
Co-ordinator (Lutterworth U3A)
Peter Moore
01455 552594
peter79moore@gmail.com
The next Golf Day will be at Lutterworth Golf Club on Thursday 26th April 2012.
Meet :- 12.00 hrs :- Lutterworth Golf Club Club House
Coffee /Tea and Bacon Roll
1st Tee Time :- 13.00 hrs Draw for partners.
18 Holes Golf :- Full Handicap Stableford
Dinner :- 18.30 hrs :- Choice of Grilled Salmon or Grilled Gammon
both with Vegetables, Potatoes or Chips
Sweet :- Apple Pie and Custard followed by Coffee
Prizes :- 1st plus Hartopp Trophy
2nd place
3rd place
Nearest the Pin
Cost :- £28.00 per player (dependent on numbers)
Guests are very welcome to join us for Dinner :- Cost £10.00
New players welcome including Ladies.
To book your place or for further details, please contact Peter Moore (details above)
This monthly meeting started with the Wycliffe U3A AGM with the chairman’s summary, re-election of the committee and a review of the finances from the treasurer. Once this was done, the more interesting part took place. Tony Noble, Nobby to his fellow sailors, told us about his two postings on the Royal Yacht Britannia. The yacht was commissioned in 1954 and was used until it’s decommissioning in December 1997 after which it has become a visitor attraction in Leith in Scotland. While Nobby was on board as a radio operator, with responsibility for the flags, he went on 169 visits and sailed round the world three times. These visits included the 76 Olympics in Canada, the D Day celebrations and the Queen Mum’s visit to Venice. The yacht was always commanded by an admiral. The ratings, like Nobby, had their own particular uniform that included a black silk bow covering their bottom. We were also shown pictures of various parts of the yacht including the popular veranda deck, the wheelhouse and the engine room with highly polished machinery that amazed a visiting American admiral.
Many different stories were told including how the flags came out of the funnel, that the yacht was the last navy ship to have hammocks and how the garage rather than being used for cars was in fact the beer store.
Altogether an interesting and amusing talk that everyone
appreciated.
‘New News’ for Wycliffe Lutterworth U3A
· The membership has grown from 133 to 177 over the past year.
· We are now moving to a larger meeting room to accommodate the increased numbers.
· We have new groups and groups getting larger than can be accommodated in people’s homes.
· We now have our own web site that is attracting new members at www.wycliffelutterworthu3a.org
Survey on over 55’s attitudes to the environment
The University of York in collaboration with Help Age UK and the Retired Seniors Volunteer
Programme (RSVP) are conducting an on-line
national survey over 55s attitudes to the
environment.
The UK survey will contribute to an international survey conducted by other partner organisations in Australia and Canada.
The results of the survey will be published before the Rio Earth Summit that will take place in June 2012.
If you would like to support this you can complete the survey online before 15 April 2012 at
www.envirosurvey55.com
Dr Gary Haq
Senior Research Associate
Stockholm Environment Institute
University of York, YO10 5DD, UK
Your U3A
needs
YOU!
Can you help with any of these ideas?
June Meeting
¨ In commemoration of the Queen’s Jubilee Year your Committee is planning a different approach to the June meeting.
¨ For starters we would like you to help set the tone by turning up in something red, something white and something blue.
¨ The meeting itself will be Wycliffe Lutterworth U3A’s answer to the Antiques Roadshow!! So please bring along any artefacts/objects you may have so that our “expert” can discuss them and, maybe, offer a
¨ valuation. To make this event successful it needs your
¨ participation so please bring along anything that you feel may be of interest. Only hand held objects though!!
¨ Prior to the meeting we plan Jubilee cakes and tea/coffee in the School Room. This is the interesting bit! We wondered if there were any keen Cooks amongst the membership who would consider making a cake(s) for the event?, the cost of ingredients etc to be
¨ re-imbursed. If this request appeals please let me know.
July
¨ We are exploring the possibility of holding a Summer Garden Party on Sunday the 15th July in the grounds and gardens of Misterton Hall courtesy of the owner, Mrs. Crane. This would be a first for our U3A and
¨ offers the opportunity for us to meet on a social basis away from our normal environment and in very
pleasant surroundings.
¨ I hope to be able to provide more information at the April meeting, at which time a sheet will be available on which members can indicate their
intention to attend.
Outings
¨ The Committee has recently considered the
possibility of arranging outings for members to places of interest. We did have one outing last year to Stoneleigh Abbey, which was well
supported, and members found interesting.
Current thoughts are :-
¨ Shrewsbury Flower Show,
¨ Olympic Stadium,
¨ Slimbridge Wild Fowl Centre,
¨ Rutland Water Osprey Centre and boat trip,
¨ Even, perhaps, to see the Royal Yacht Britannia!!
I am sure that many other possible visits will come to members’ minds.
How do we make this happen?
Well. I am seeking a willing volunteer(s) to work with me to turn these thoughts into action.
Do these possibilities appeal? And would you like to help either by making a cake or helping to organise outings?
If so, please do not hesitate to let me know. Please talk to me about it if you want would be entailed.
Eddie
tel 01455 554564
email edwardhemsley@btinternet.com
BOOK CHAT
Co-ordinator
Mick Curtis
01455 554504
As is the way with our group we were split between those that liked the book and those that found it tiresome and very difficult to
follow. " Fugitive Pieces" by Anne Michaels was felt by some to be very rhythmical and possessing a poetic quality, with phrasing
worthy of plagiarising whilst others were confused by who was who and the chronology of the events depicted.
Our current read is "Don't Look Back" by Laura Lippman which is the last of the novels provided by the library service in their take it or leave system of book distribution. Our future choices will of
necessity be a sort of self service, with books obtained through whatever means we are able, to generate multiple copies of a single title or Author.
FAMILY HISTORY
Co-ordinator
Jackie Yeo
01455 552376
27th. March saw the Family History group meeting at the new venue - the Methodist Church Porch. Several new members joined us, and discussions included some of the problems encountered and possible solutions.
4 and 5 times great grandparents will continue next time, along with a new project that Jackie hopes to start.
Next meeting will be 24th. April at 10am in the Porch
CANASTA 2
Co-ordinator
Sylvia Wilson
01455 283575
As you can see from the photo, we are a small but happy group. We meet every Saturday afternoon at 2pm at Sylvia’s place. Good games of Canasta are played, mixed with laughs, tea and cake and friendly chat.
We would like to recruit some new members. Ring Sylvia if you are interested.
LIVELY DISCUSSION
Co-ordinator
Dot Barnard
01455 208190
March Meeting: Should we be able to bid for sports functions such as the 2017 Athletics when the financial situation is precarious?
The group was fairly evenly divided between those who thought we should bid and those who thought we should not.
The pros of bidding and gaining the 2017 Athletics were believed to be that the Olympics will leave behind first class facilities which can be used again, prestige for our great country, another opportunity for patriotism, encouraging more people to be active and the sheer
delight of the atmosphere and excitement of being able to attend or watch these sporting occasions on TV. The cons included the enormous cost, the public never knowing the total costs and previous budgets being vastly under estimated. Also British politicians seem unable to grasp that we are no longer the important country we once were and should not have bid for anything.
Concern was expressed about whether the Olympic facilities have an afterlife. We know that extra transport links have been provided and Woolwich has been connected to the rest of London by Tube, the
surrounding area and canals have been cleaned up and are now a
wildlife sanctuary and the flats in the athletes’ village will have
kitchens added to them and be available as affordable housing.
Although a run-down part of London has been regenerated it was felt that the 2017 Athletics should be held in other parts of the country to bring benefits there too. The group hoped that the extra tourism would pay for
everything and generate a profit for both functions.
No Meeting in April as it would be on Easter Monday
SCRABBLE
Co-ordinator
June Hartopp
01455 553418
This group continues to flourish. At a recent session one player had over 100 points at one go during a game and another had a complete 7 letter word but was unable to use it to gain an extra 50 points. There is always fun and chat to be had plus some peculiar 2 letter words!
CANASTA 3
Co-ordinator
June Hartopp
01455 553418In a 2 hour session there were 3 Sequence
Canastas - earning players 1500 points each. It was odd that all 3 Sequence Canastas were made in the Hearts suit.
In addition 3 Concealed Canastas were made - What a
morning !!
If all the above sounds too much for you I can assure you that Canasta 1 is far less daunting - please ring for details.
POETRY
Co-ordinator
Angela &Stuart Rhodes
01455 554553
The Group now has twelve active members of whom nine
participated in the March meeting when the topic was "Poets of the Twentieth Century" Not surprisingly only a small yet diverse number of poets were covered. It proved to be a very enjoyable afternoon in congenial company.
The topic for the April meeting to be held at the home of Stuart and Angela Rhodes will be "Female Poets".
BIRD WATCHING
Co-ordinators
Mary & Peter Rolleston
01455 209156
This month the birdwatching group enjoyed a visit to Middleton Lakes RSPB reserve near Tamworth, Staffordshire. This is a
comparatively new reserve and comprises lakes, woodland walks, reedbeds and a heronry. A lot of work has already been done to make it a very interesting place to visit not to mention Middleton Hall (part of the reserve) which dates back to the 15th Century.
Our next outing will be on Friday, 27th April to Rutland Water - Lyndon Reserve in the afternoon and Hambleton in the evening where, if we are lucky, we should hear nightingales.
CRAFTS
Co– ordinator
Doreen Barrett
01455 550228
At last a report on the Craft Group! We continue to do well with our chosen crafts and have grown now in numbers to 9.
We enjoy a happy morning and should probably be called "Talkative Crafts" with the emphasis being on " Talk"
Come and join us and have a coffee and a biscuit to see whether you might gain a new interest.
PAINTING
Co-ordinator
Chris Brady
01455 209108
A Real Treat
Last week, by special arrangement, seven U3A members visited Arnesby, not only to admire the pretty village, but also to visit professor Peter Welton in his home studio. We were overwhelmed by his wonderful hospitality and generosity in showing us his
delicate translucent watercolours. Over many years he has
developed his particular technique of layering thin washes of top of the range artists’ colours onto tightly stretched paper. His
subjects were very varied, from portraits of well known people, local scenes, animals to posters. Viewing his work and hearing what had inspired him, encouraged us all to be more adventurous in our own paintings. His work is meticulous and precise with lines and ellipses drawn freehand - No rulers allowed! To add to our enjoyment we were treated to tea coffee and cake, while we listened with rapt attention to Peter’s story of his rise from humble beginnings to the feted artist of today. I’m sure he would be a fascinating speaker for our monthly meetings.
PHOTOGRAPHY
Co-ordinator
Mick Curtis
01455 554504
Spring was our topic this month and this generated many floral and new life images. I am still gathering photographs from our group to include on our U3A's website. So keep a weather eye open for that. Our next topic is "Shape/s".
QUIZ GROUP
Co-ordinator
Sylvie Curtis
01455 554504
Ten members met for questions set by Sylvie.
These included questions testing knowledge of old advertising slogans and a section on lateral thinking. Members concluded that wherever Sylvie had got her questions from, would she mind not going there again!
TUESDAY WALKING GROUP Co-ordinator:
Gordon Jones (Lutterworth U3A)
01455 556192
Date of Walk: Tuesday 17th April 2012
Co-ordinator: Gordon Jones, Tel. 556192
Walk Organiser: Reg Tattersall, 01455 209126
Meeting Point: Meet at the car park by the Leisure Centre
Meeting Time: 09.25 to leave at 09.30.
Route and distance: Starting from The Countryman pub in
Sharnford at 10:00 am the walk (of approx 5.5 miles) is on a
mixture of field paths, metalled roads and bridleways. The latter part of the walk uses the Leicestershire Round. The walk goes from The Countryman across fields and some stiles into Sapcote and then on towards Aston Flamville. Providing there is time we will take a diversion here to pass some fields of alpacas. The walk
returns along the Leicestershire Round to The Countryman for lunch where a wide variety of meals at a range of prices are
available. We will pre-order our food before starting the walk.
Directions to the Starting Point: From Lutterworth out to the A5 then right towards Hinckley. At Smockington Hollow turn right onto the B4114 (towards Leicester) and follow the road into Sharnford. The pub is on the right hand side at the end of the one-way
system. There is a car park on the left hand side of the road
opposite the pub.
1st WEDNESDAY WALKING GROUP Co-ordinators:
Roger Watmore, Lutterworth U3A
01455 552431
Julian Hargreaves, Wycliffe U3A
01455 557704
WEDNESDAY, 2nd May 2012
Walk Organisers John and Sue Hicks – Tel 01858 880273
Meeting Point and Time – Lutterworth Recreation Ground car park at 09.25 to leave at 09.30am
Directions to the Start:- From Lutterworth take the A4304 to
Walcote, then take the second turning on the right after the fuel station. The White Hart (LE17 6DN) is in the centre of South
Kilworth, with the car park entrance on the right. We can then
order meals before setting off.
Route and Distance:- The walk is just over 6 miles, starting with a level stretch of quiet road past Stanford Reservoir and then taking scenic footpaths beside Downtown Hill and up to Hemplow Hill Wood, where we are hoping to catch the height of the bluebell
season. We continue down to the Grand Union Canal, and back along the road. If anyone needs to shorten the walk, there is
limited parking at the end of the road section, just over the canal, but you would still need to order food and let us know.
March Walk
Despite the very inclement weather, 27 hardy walkers set off from Ashby Parva on a walk of just over 6 miles. The walk passed by the Slip Inn Quarry and eventually into Dunton Bassett before taking the footpath to Leire. Just before Leire we stopped for refreshments at Stemborough Mill and then returned to Ashby Parva via Leire Mill.
Afterwards the majority of the walkers had an enjoyable lunch at the Hollybush Pub.
4th WEDNESDAY WALKING GROUP Co-ordinators:
Sue & Peter Creeden
01455 557888
WEDNESDAY 25th April 2012
Walk Organiser: Sue Beaumont: Tel: 01455 553341
Meeting Point and Time:
Lutterworth Recreation Ground car park at 9:15am to leave at 9:20am. The walk will start from The Blue Lion, Witherley.
Directions to the Start
From Lutterworth drive to the A5 to go northwards towards
Atherstone. Just before Atherstone take a right turn, signposted to Witherley, into Kennel Lane (Bull Inn on the corner). Then take the third left into Post Office Lane. The Blue Lion is at the bottom of this road on the left.
The Walk is approximately 6 miles mostly across fields and passes Radcliffe Culey, Atterton and Fenny Drayton.
Lunch: At the Blue Lion – 2 meals for £9.95
March Walk
A group of 22 walkers and one dog set off from Bruntingthorpe on probably the warmest day of the year so far. To make up the mileage we made a detour around the village of Shearsby, which almost fooled some people, before we climbed the hill to Knaptoft Church and the coffee break where we had the luxury of proper seats for everyone to enjoy a very pleasant stop amongst the ruins and the daffodils. Another little detour took in the wonderful views across to Bradgate Park and beyond before we headed back down and across fields to Bruntingthorpe.
The Plough Inn did 15 of us proud with a ‘Darts Supper’ of chilli and rice, sausages, chips and beans, bread and butter and onion rings to die for – all for £4 per head. Someone had 5 sausages (they did just melt in the mouth) – I wonder who that could have been!
Early Advance Notice
Reserve this date in your diary for a * Very Special Walk * on WEDNESDAY MAY 23rd 2012
Walk to include a visit to a MAGNIFICENT GARDEN with a
* SURPRISE JOURNEY *
GERMAN CONVERSATION
Co-ordinator
Sue Hicks
01858 880273
We covered more sections of the CD, and then had a discussion on Shopping prompted by a few questions.
The next meeting will be at Alan’s house on Tuesday, 17 April, when the topics will be Communications and Hotels.
FRENCH CONVERSATION
Co-ordinator
Sue Hicks
01858 880273
We started by reading and translating an article on Versailles and its fountains, fireworks and music. We also continued to discuss the French citizenship proposals.
The next meeting will be on Thursday, 26 April, when we shall be watching another film at Pearl and Tony’s house. This is a light comedy called “Après Vous” and stars Daniel Auteuil, who played Ugolin Soubeyran in the Marcel Pagnol films we saw earlier.
THEATRE AND TRIPS Co-ordinator
Eddie Hemsley 01455 554564
Eddie has reserved seats for the 8pm performance of the ‘The Sound of Music’ at Kilworth House for Wednesday the 22nd August. He has a few spare seats for any member who would like to go. The ticket price is £25.
LUNCH CLUB
Co-ordinator
Sylvia Wilson
01455 283575
Special message to new members. Why not come to one of our lunches to get to know other members informally.
The next lunches will be at Kilworth House on 1st and 2nd May, and June 5th and 6th at Ullesthorpe Court. Sign up on the sheets at the monthly meeting, or contact Sylvia.
JOINT GOLF GROUP (with Lutterworth U3A)
Co-ordinator (Lutterworth U3A)
Peter Moore
01455 552594
peter79moore@gmail.com
The next Golf Day will be at Lutterworth Golf Club on Thursday 26th April 2012.
Meet :- 12.00 hrs :- Lutterworth Golf Club Club House
Coffee /Tea and Bacon Roll
1st Tee Time :- 13.00 hrs Draw for partners.
18 Holes Golf :- Full Handicap Stableford
Dinner :- 18.30 hrs :- Choice of Grilled Salmon or Grilled Gammon
both with Vegetables, Potatoes or Chips
Sweet :- Apple Pie and Custard followed by Coffee
Prizes :- 1st plus Hartopp Trophy
2nd place
3rd place
Nearest the Pin
Cost :- £28.00 per player (dependent on numbers)
Guests are very welcome to join us for Dinner :- Cost £10.00
New players welcome including Ladies.
To book your place or for further details, please contact Peter Moore (details above)
