August 2011
Scrabble
The Scrabble group was 2 years old on the date of our last meeting. Everyone enjoys this friendly group and one of our members who has a Scottish background treated us to some lovely Scottish words, and, believe it or not, some were in the Scrabble dictionary!!
Canasta 1
Just because this group is so successful does not mean that we don’t welcome beginners – the players were all complete newcomers to Canasta at the start of this group. It’s not too late to learn this fascinating game. I look forward to hearing from you – why not join with a friend?
Nature Crossword puzzle answers
Across
1. Yellowhammers 8. Bear 9. Redpolls 10. Rhea 11. Larch 13. Antler 15. Annual 16. Pipit 18. Arab 19. Indian 20. Hoot 21. Long tailed tit
Down
2. Elephant 3. Larva 4. Warbler 5. Adder 6. Moorhen 7. Rill 12. Macaroni 14. Lapwing 15. Anthill 17. Panda 18. Aphid
Advance notice of the Christmas Lunch
Following the great success of last year’s Christmas Lunch at Kilworth Springs, Ann Ashworth has provisionally booked again for this year on Friday December 2nd. Details available on the notice board at the Monthly Meetings. The cost will be £18 each, and can either be paid for in 3 installments of £6, or a one off £18, but either way Ann must receive payment by the November meeting at the latest. Ann would prefer cheques (made payable to Wycliffe Lutterworth U3A) or the exact amounts in cash. Contact Ann at the onthly meetings , or tel 01455 553539.
Lively Discussion
Should the work-shy lose their benefits?
Much publicity is given to those who, it is believed, could work but don’t want to. The TV programme the Fairy Job Mother showed that in families where no-one has worked for several generations people need coaching and confidence building to help them into work. This government is planning to pay companies who find jobs for people, if the employee stays in the job for 6 months or more. Some say that Eastern Europeans and others are taking British jobs. However, these people often work for less than the minimum wage, even though it is illegal for employers to pay such low sums. Some are well qualified plumbers, carpenters etc. as the lack of apprenticeships in this country has led to a shortage of these trades-people.
Most of the group felt incensed that their taxes are keeping some perfectly able people on benefits. However, newspapers exaggerate the extent of this. Many people approach Citizens Advice and other agencies because they want to work, but have been made redundant by unscrupulous people who have not paid them properly and they are so poor that they often cannot afford the bus fare to attend interviews. The Job Centre will pay, but it has to be claimed back and if there is no money to start with they are unable to apply for the job. Benefits are not very high, particularly for single people. Teenagers get about £35 per week and adults about £64. Housing benefit etc can also be claimed in some circumstances.
It was felt that poor education and the lack of a work ethic compounded the situation. The government’s ‘3 strikes and you’re out’ if you don’t accept work would be a good idea if it is properly administered and if potential employees can afford to attend interviews. Most of all there must be many many more jobs to give people a fighting chance.
It was very interesting to hear some of the facts about unemployed people who are desperate to work, in contrast with the hysteria whipped up by some sections of the press.
JOINT GOLF DAY Lutterworth and Wycliffe u3a
The June Joint u3a Golf Day was enjoyed by 11 Golfers at Whetstone Golf Club.
The weather was hot and steamy, as were the greens and the many ponds were
a magnet for stray golf balls.
The golfers were joined by 5 wives and *Wags* and we all had tales of woe to tell,
whilst enjoying an excellent meal together.
Result
Winner :- Peter Moore who was presented with a Bottle of Bubbly and the Hartopp
Trophy (kindly donated by June Hartopp Wycliffe u3a) Many thanks June.
Runners up :- Geoff Gibbs and Chris Scott-Simons.
Nearest the Pin winner :- Alan Kemp.
The Hartopp Trophy will be played for at all future u3a tour matches.
1st WEDNESDAY WALKING GROUP
July Walk
The walkers journeyed out to the Nags Head at Stapleton. Unfortunately, one car lost its way and despite delaying the commencement of the walk we had to depart without them. The weather was a little unsettled with sunny spells and the threat of a shower that forced rainwear to be donned but fortunately stopped almost as soon as it started. The walk was an easy and pleasant stroll across fields and down tracks and lanes. However, there was one footpath that passed through quite a large field of rape that did prove a challenge because the rape overhung the path. We took a break at Earl Shilton before passing through the back of the village and returning to Stapleton. Despite a couple of navigational hiccoughs on route we reached the Nags Head in plenty of time for lunch.
Sue and Peter Creeden
Tuesday Walking Group (Lutterworth U3A)
Christine, the Tuesday group August walk info is attached, just use the next walk part the rest is of no real interest to your members. It is in Word 2003, any problem let me know and I will send an alternate format.
Received your note thank you.
Regards, Gordon
NOTE THE EARLIER START
Date of walk: Tuesday 16th August 2011.
Walk Organiser: Gordon Jones, 01455 556192
Meeting Point: Meet at the Coventry Road car park by the Leisure Centre.
Meeting Time: Meet at 9.15 to leave at 9.20.
Route and distance: About 7 miles of field paths and track. There is a nice millennium window to see in Winwick church, if the church is open.
Directions to the Starting Point: M1 to J18, Crick, and take the A428 toward Northampton. Drive about 2½ miles on the A428 into West Haddon. Where the A428 takes a sharp right turn the Pytchley is on the left and the entrance is just inside the road that is straight on at the bend marked, I think, with ‘John Smiths’ signs. Park at the back of the car park.
Lunch: Lunch will be at the Pytchley in West Haddon, there is a seniors menu all around £5. I will have a full menu on the day, there is also a specials board.
Return Journey from Lutterworth Mileage: 22 miles
Fourth WEDNESDAY WALKING GROUP
Co-ordinators:
Sue and Peter Creeden: Wycliffe U3A 01455 557888
WEDNESDAY, 24th August 2011
Walk Organiser:
Julian Hargreaves – Tel 01455 557704
Meeting Point and Time:
Lutterworth Recreation Ground car park at 09:25 to leave at 09:30.
Directions to the start:
The walk will start from The Blue Bell Inn, Stoney Stanton. Make your way there via Broughton Astley and in the centre of the village turn right at the mini roundabout and on the left you will see the pub. Toilets will be available. Choice of 2 course lunch for £5 – good value but I can’t compete with Peter Moore!
The Walk:
The walk is approx. 6 miles starting with a little road walking, then field paths stopping at Croft Hill for coffee and a view of the quarry.
FIRST WEDNESDAY WALKING GROUP
July Walk
The walkers journeyed out to the Nags Head at Stapleton. Unfortunately, one car lost its way and despite delaying the commencement of the walk we had to depart without them. The weather was a little unsettled with sunny spells and the threat of a shower that forced rainwear to be donned but fortunately stopped almost as soon as it started. The walk was an easy and pleasant stroll across fields and down tracks and lanes. However, there was one footpath that passed through quite a large field of rape that did prove a challenge because the rape overhung the path. We took a break at Earl Shilton before passing through the back of the village and returning to Stapleton. Despite a couple of navigational hiccoughs on route we reached the Nags Head in plenty of time for lunch.
Family History
Four members attended the last meeting. We had a very interesting discussion on great grand parents and found lots of avenues still to explore. We will be moving on to great great grand parents at the next meeting on 23rd August. New members always welcome
Bridge
This month we have only played once. However, there were mixed fortunes. One pair did not score any points at all in the first rubber. Things did not improve as one of them had two Yarborough’s, a hand of 13 cards with no pictures at all. However, two small slams were made but not bid, perhaps we need to be a bit more adventurous in our bidding.
Monthly
For a change, this month’s Wycliffe U3A meeting was transported to the Tower of London courtesy of Joe David who used to be a Yeoman Warder. As Joe was an ex-army sergeant major, everyone heard him easily, particularly those sitting at the front of the hall.
When Joe moved to the Tower of London, he had to use a second hand uniform with, of course, extensive training on the history of the whole area. The first time he was meeting the public by himself, a very tall American tourist asked for the ‘rest room’. Well, this had not been covered in the training course. Although Joe did know all the history, the most popular requests from tourists were related to the executions in the Tower in outside on Tower Hill. We then had several gory detailed descriptions of several of these executions.
After we had recovered our composure, we were told all about the ceremony of the keys that takes place every night, for the past 700 years, to lock up the Tower, with all the Yeoman Warders inside. In fact, Joe and his wife lived inside the Tower for many years.
All told, a most interesting, enjoyable and gory meeting.
Bird Watching
This month the Birdwatching Group concentrated on wild flowers, butterflies and moths as July is a very quiet month for birdwatching. We visited two lovely meadows in the north west Leicester area - Lee Meadow at Copt Oak and Donington le Heath where we also had a tasty lunch. Next month we are meeting on Friday, 19th August instead of the last Friday in the month. We are going to Stanford Reservoir, where we hope to have the opportunity to help experts from Severn Trent Water with the ringing of small birds. Please contact Mary or Peter if you are interesting in joining us on this special outing.
Nature Crossword puzzle answers.
Across
1. Yellowhammers 8. Bear 9. Redpolls 10. Rhea 11. Larch 13. Antler 15. Annual 16. Pipit 18. Arab 19. Indian 20. Hoot
21. Long tailed tit
Down
2. Elephant 3. Larva 4. Warbler 5. Adder 6. Moorhen 7. Rill
12. Macaroni 14. Lapwing 15. Anthill 17. Panda 18. Aphid
Peter Rolleston
Quiz group
This month saw us meeting on our new day and time, bright and, relatively early on a Monday morning. The question masters were Joan and Mick, who once again gave us a varied set of questions, some of which this month were picture questions.
One set of pictures were guess the sweets. We certainly found out which team had the sweetest tooth!
Next meeting is Monday 22nd August.
Book Group
The Life of Pi by Yann Martel, the 2002 Man Booker Prize winner, was our book for June.
This is a strange tale of a shipwreck. The only survivors are a boy named Pi, a hyena,a zebra, an orang-utan and a 450 pound Royal Bengal tiger.
The story was told in roughly two halves, before and after the sinking of the boat with some strange and unexpected twists. Members were divided as to the meaning of this book and whether or not they enjoyed it overall.
If you would like to read this book and decided for yourself, we have a few copies to give away, courtesy of World Book Night. Please contact Mick on the above number.
Photography group
Following our trip to Coombe Abbey our group met to share the fruits of our efforts. Whilst we duplicated some images, there were surprises for all of us, with comments like "Where was that then?" or "I didn't see those". Which illustrates how we can all gain something by seeing things through others' eyes. Some manipulation was attempted but for the most part we were happy with what we first took.
Or next meeting will be in September, when our theme will be flowers.
French
Anne provided a topical subject, for and against wind energy, with related issues of other green energy solutions and global warming. This was informative and challenging.
The next meeting is on 25 August and will be led by Christine.
At the September Meeting we plan to watch a film, ”Jean de Florette” – another film by Marcel Pagnol – at Pearl and Tony’s house.
German Conversation
Sue Hicks is considering starting a German Conversation Group in the autumn. Her German is very rusty but she is hoping it will come back! If anyone who already speaks some German is interested, please sign the list at the monthly meeting or telephone 01858 880273.
4th weds July Walk
There were 18 walkers that started from the Pig in Muck pub at Claybrooke Magna.
The weather was bright and warm and the dry weather meant that it was a “clean boot” walk. We headed up to High Cross and then down the Fosse Way, through Fosse Meadows across to Frolesworth, through Claybrook Mill and
back to Claybrooke Magna.
We all then had a pleasant lunch in the upstairs room in the pub. There was comment made that we were a noisy lot but we blamed it on another group that was also eating upstairs!
Sue and Peter Creeden
Theatre Group
Future Events
42nd Street
33 members have reserved tickets for the trip to Curve in
Leicester at 7 .00 pm on Tuesday 10th January 2012. Seatsare only £13.40 each. Please contact Eddie asap if you would like to come too. The seats can only be held for a short time.
Eddie is also considering booking a coach, and if all 33 people opted for this option, the cost would be just £6 each.
Please let Eddie know if you would like to go by coach.
Opera
Eddie has also booked tickets at De Montfort hall to see the
Ukranian Opera of Kiev peerforming
Madame Butterfly on 13th Oct and
La Traviata on 3rd December.Tickets £22 (Group reduction)
Please let Eddie know if you are interested to go to either of these Opera’s
You may have noticed that we are part of the August Community Matters in the Lutterworth Waitrose supermarket. The way this operates, if you’re not familiar with this, is that every customer is given a green token at the check-out that they can put in one of the three containers by the exit. At the end of August, £1000 is split according to the relative numbers of tokens. Usually, they are fairly evenly split.
The Scrabble group was 2 years old on the date of our last meeting. Everyone enjoys this friendly group and one of our members who has a Scottish background treated us to some lovely Scottish words, and, believe it or not, some were in the Scrabble dictionary!!
Canasta 1
Just because this group is so successful does not mean that we don’t welcome beginners – the players were all complete newcomers to Canasta at the start of this group. It’s not too late to learn this fascinating game. I look forward to hearing from you – why not join with a friend?
Nature Crossword puzzle answers
Across
1. Yellowhammers 8. Bear 9. Redpolls 10. Rhea 11. Larch 13. Antler 15. Annual 16. Pipit 18. Arab 19. Indian 20. Hoot 21. Long tailed tit
Down
2. Elephant 3. Larva 4. Warbler 5. Adder 6. Moorhen 7. Rill 12. Macaroni 14. Lapwing 15. Anthill 17. Panda 18. Aphid
Advance notice of the Christmas Lunch
Following the great success of last year’s Christmas Lunch at Kilworth Springs, Ann Ashworth has provisionally booked again for this year on Friday December 2nd. Details available on the notice board at the Monthly Meetings. The cost will be £18 each, and can either be paid for in 3 installments of £6, or a one off £18, but either way Ann must receive payment by the November meeting at the latest. Ann would prefer cheques (made payable to Wycliffe Lutterworth U3A) or the exact amounts in cash. Contact Ann at the onthly meetings , or tel 01455 553539.
Lively Discussion
Should the work-shy lose their benefits?
Much publicity is given to those who, it is believed, could work but don’t want to. The TV programme the Fairy Job Mother showed that in families where no-one has worked for several generations people need coaching and confidence building to help them into work. This government is planning to pay companies who find jobs for people, if the employee stays in the job for 6 months or more. Some say that Eastern Europeans and others are taking British jobs. However, these people often work for less than the minimum wage, even though it is illegal for employers to pay such low sums. Some are well qualified plumbers, carpenters etc. as the lack of apprenticeships in this country has led to a shortage of these trades-people.
Most of the group felt incensed that their taxes are keeping some perfectly able people on benefits. However, newspapers exaggerate the extent of this. Many people approach Citizens Advice and other agencies because they want to work, but have been made redundant by unscrupulous people who have not paid them properly and they are so poor that they often cannot afford the bus fare to attend interviews. The Job Centre will pay, but it has to be claimed back and if there is no money to start with they are unable to apply for the job. Benefits are not very high, particularly for single people. Teenagers get about £35 per week and adults about £64. Housing benefit etc can also be claimed in some circumstances.
It was felt that poor education and the lack of a work ethic compounded the situation. The government’s ‘3 strikes and you’re out’ if you don’t accept work would be a good idea if it is properly administered and if potential employees can afford to attend interviews. Most of all there must be many many more jobs to give people a fighting chance.
It was very interesting to hear some of the facts about unemployed people who are desperate to work, in contrast with the hysteria whipped up by some sections of the press.
JOINT GOLF DAY Lutterworth and Wycliffe u3a
The June Joint u3a Golf Day was enjoyed by 11 Golfers at Whetstone Golf Club.
The weather was hot and steamy, as were the greens and the many ponds were
a magnet for stray golf balls.
The golfers were joined by 5 wives and *Wags* and we all had tales of woe to tell,
whilst enjoying an excellent meal together.
Result
Winner :- Peter Moore who was presented with a Bottle of Bubbly and the Hartopp
Trophy (kindly donated by June Hartopp Wycliffe u3a) Many thanks June.
Runners up :- Geoff Gibbs and Chris Scott-Simons.
Nearest the Pin winner :- Alan Kemp.
The Hartopp Trophy will be played for at all future u3a tour matches.
1st WEDNESDAY WALKING GROUP
July Walk
The walkers journeyed out to the Nags Head at Stapleton. Unfortunately, one car lost its way and despite delaying the commencement of the walk we had to depart without them. The weather was a little unsettled with sunny spells and the threat of a shower that forced rainwear to be donned but fortunately stopped almost as soon as it started. The walk was an easy and pleasant stroll across fields and down tracks and lanes. However, there was one footpath that passed through quite a large field of rape that did prove a challenge because the rape overhung the path. We took a break at Earl Shilton before passing through the back of the village and returning to Stapleton. Despite a couple of navigational hiccoughs on route we reached the Nags Head in plenty of time for lunch.
Sue and Peter Creeden
Tuesday Walking Group (Lutterworth U3A)
Christine, the Tuesday group August walk info is attached, just use the next walk part the rest is of no real interest to your members. It is in Word 2003, any problem let me know and I will send an alternate format.
Received your note thank you.
Regards, Gordon
NOTE THE EARLIER START
Date of walk: Tuesday 16th August 2011.
Walk Organiser: Gordon Jones, 01455 556192
Meeting Point: Meet at the Coventry Road car park by the Leisure Centre.
Meeting Time: Meet at 9.15 to leave at 9.20.
Route and distance: About 7 miles of field paths and track. There is a nice millennium window to see in Winwick church, if the church is open.
Directions to the Starting Point: M1 to J18, Crick, and take the A428 toward Northampton. Drive about 2½ miles on the A428 into West Haddon. Where the A428 takes a sharp right turn the Pytchley is on the left and the entrance is just inside the road that is straight on at the bend marked, I think, with ‘John Smiths’ signs. Park at the back of the car park.
Lunch: Lunch will be at the Pytchley in West Haddon, there is a seniors menu all around £5. I will have a full menu on the day, there is also a specials board.
Return Journey from Lutterworth Mileage: 22 miles
Fourth WEDNESDAY WALKING GROUP
Co-ordinators:
Sue and Peter Creeden: Wycliffe U3A 01455 557888
WEDNESDAY, 24th August 2011
Walk Organiser:
Julian Hargreaves – Tel 01455 557704
Meeting Point and Time:
Lutterworth Recreation Ground car park at 09:25 to leave at 09:30.
Directions to the start:
The walk will start from The Blue Bell Inn, Stoney Stanton. Make your way there via Broughton Astley and in the centre of the village turn right at the mini roundabout and on the left you will see the pub. Toilets will be available. Choice of 2 course lunch for £5 – good value but I can’t compete with Peter Moore!
The Walk:
The walk is approx. 6 miles starting with a little road walking, then field paths stopping at Croft Hill for coffee and a view of the quarry.
FIRST WEDNESDAY WALKING GROUP
July Walk
The walkers journeyed out to the Nags Head at Stapleton. Unfortunately, one car lost its way and despite delaying the commencement of the walk we had to depart without them. The weather was a little unsettled with sunny spells and the threat of a shower that forced rainwear to be donned but fortunately stopped almost as soon as it started. The walk was an easy and pleasant stroll across fields and down tracks and lanes. However, there was one footpath that passed through quite a large field of rape that did prove a challenge because the rape overhung the path. We took a break at Earl Shilton before passing through the back of the village and returning to Stapleton. Despite a couple of navigational hiccoughs on route we reached the Nags Head in plenty of time for lunch.
Family History
Four members attended the last meeting. We had a very interesting discussion on great grand parents and found lots of avenues still to explore. We will be moving on to great great grand parents at the next meeting on 23rd August. New members always welcome
Bridge
This month we have only played once. However, there were mixed fortunes. One pair did not score any points at all in the first rubber. Things did not improve as one of them had two Yarborough’s, a hand of 13 cards with no pictures at all. However, two small slams were made but not bid, perhaps we need to be a bit more adventurous in our bidding.
Monthly
For a change, this month’s Wycliffe U3A meeting was transported to the Tower of London courtesy of Joe David who used to be a Yeoman Warder. As Joe was an ex-army sergeant major, everyone heard him easily, particularly those sitting at the front of the hall.
When Joe moved to the Tower of London, he had to use a second hand uniform with, of course, extensive training on the history of the whole area. The first time he was meeting the public by himself, a very tall American tourist asked for the ‘rest room’. Well, this had not been covered in the training course. Although Joe did know all the history, the most popular requests from tourists were related to the executions in the Tower in outside on Tower Hill. We then had several gory detailed descriptions of several of these executions.
After we had recovered our composure, we were told all about the ceremony of the keys that takes place every night, for the past 700 years, to lock up the Tower, with all the Yeoman Warders inside. In fact, Joe and his wife lived inside the Tower for many years.
All told, a most interesting, enjoyable and gory meeting.
Bird Watching
This month the Birdwatching Group concentrated on wild flowers, butterflies and moths as July is a very quiet month for birdwatching. We visited two lovely meadows in the north west Leicester area - Lee Meadow at Copt Oak and Donington le Heath where we also had a tasty lunch. Next month we are meeting on Friday, 19th August instead of the last Friday in the month. We are going to Stanford Reservoir, where we hope to have the opportunity to help experts from Severn Trent Water with the ringing of small birds. Please contact Mary or Peter if you are interesting in joining us on this special outing.
Nature Crossword puzzle answers.
Across
1. Yellowhammers 8. Bear 9. Redpolls 10. Rhea 11. Larch 13. Antler 15. Annual 16. Pipit 18. Arab 19. Indian 20. Hoot
21. Long tailed tit
Down
2. Elephant 3. Larva 4. Warbler 5. Adder 6. Moorhen 7. Rill
12. Macaroni 14. Lapwing 15. Anthill 17. Panda 18. Aphid
Peter Rolleston
Quiz group
This month saw us meeting on our new day and time, bright and, relatively early on a Monday morning. The question masters were Joan and Mick, who once again gave us a varied set of questions, some of which this month were picture questions.
One set of pictures were guess the sweets. We certainly found out which team had the sweetest tooth!
Next meeting is Monday 22nd August.
Book Group
The Life of Pi by Yann Martel, the 2002 Man Booker Prize winner, was our book for June.
This is a strange tale of a shipwreck. The only survivors are a boy named Pi, a hyena,a zebra, an orang-utan and a 450 pound Royal Bengal tiger.
The story was told in roughly two halves, before and after the sinking of the boat with some strange and unexpected twists. Members were divided as to the meaning of this book and whether or not they enjoyed it overall.
If you would like to read this book and decided for yourself, we have a few copies to give away, courtesy of World Book Night. Please contact Mick on the above number.
Photography group
Following our trip to Coombe Abbey our group met to share the fruits of our efforts. Whilst we duplicated some images, there were surprises for all of us, with comments like "Where was that then?" or "I didn't see those". Which illustrates how we can all gain something by seeing things through others' eyes. Some manipulation was attempted but for the most part we were happy with what we first took.
Or next meeting will be in September, when our theme will be flowers.
French
Anne provided a topical subject, for and against wind energy, with related issues of other green energy solutions and global warming. This was informative and challenging.
The next meeting is on 25 August and will be led by Christine.
At the September Meeting we plan to watch a film, ”Jean de Florette” – another film by Marcel Pagnol – at Pearl and Tony’s house.
German Conversation
Sue Hicks is considering starting a German Conversation Group in the autumn. Her German is very rusty but she is hoping it will come back! If anyone who already speaks some German is interested, please sign the list at the monthly meeting or telephone 01858 880273.
4th weds July Walk
There were 18 walkers that started from the Pig in Muck pub at Claybrooke Magna.
The weather was bright and warm and the dry weather meant that it was a “clean boot” walk. We headed up to High Cross and then down the Fosse Way, through Fosse Meadows across to Frolesworth, through Claybrook Mill and
back to Claybrooke Magna.
We all then had a pleasant lunch in the upstairs room in the pub. There was comment made that we were a noisy lot but we blamed it on another group that was also eating upstairs!
Sue and Peter Creeden
Theatre Group
Future Events
42nd Street
33 members have reserved tickets for the trip to Curve in
Leicester at 7 .00 pm on Tuesday 10th January 2012. Seatsare only £13.40 each. Please contact Eddie asap if you would like to come too. The seats can only be held for a short time.
Eddie is also considering booking a coach, and if all 33 people opted for this option, the cost would be just £6 each.
Please let Eddie know if you would like to go by coach.
Opera
Eddie has also booked tickets at De Montfort hall to see the
Ukranian Opera of Kiev peerforming
Madame Butterfly on 13th Oct and
La Traviata on 3rd December.Tickets £22 (Group reduction)
Please let Eddie know if you are interested to go to either of these Opera’s
You may have noticed that we are part of the August Community Matters in the Lutterworth Waitrose supermarket. The way this operates, if you’re not familiar with this, is that every customer is given a green token at the check-out that they can put in one of the three containers by the exit. At the end of August, £1000 is split according to the relative numbers of tokens. Usually, they are fairly evenly split.
