August 2012
Report on the July meeting
Peter Welton- Artist and Raconteur extraordinaire
What a stimulating experience was shared by the seventy members of Lutterworth Wycliffe U3A, who attended the July meeting, at which Peter Welton was the guest speaker.
Professor Peter Welton, a renowned artist today, began life in a small Lincolnshire village. Having left school at sixteen with no formal qualifications, he tried various jobs, from clerking in a hospital, working on the railway to marketing products in costume on the High Street. His ability to capture dialects greatly enhanced his stories, which from the onset had the audience wiping away tears of laughter and hanging on to his every word.
Who would have thought that after completing his National Service in the Army, he would opt to enrol on a Teacher Training Course to teach Mathematics, only to find that he couldn’t count! What a lucky chance that he was steered towards an Art Degree, by a Dean who had never lost any student. Unable to draw from memory a giraffe, he was inspired by his tutor’s ability to visualise and draw an ostrich. From this moment his path in life changed. He had found a purpose in learning and with it grew a great desire to communicate through Art.
Today as a Professor Emeritus, he has a wealth of paintings and prints in his lovely studio in Arnesby. His style is clearly recognisable in its clean lines and delicate colours- blue in all shades being a favourite. He paints anything and everything, taking time to allow small sections to dry before being inspired to progress. He never draws before painting as he feels this would limit his creativity. His drawings in ink however, serve as preliminary inspiration for paintings. He has travelled all over the world painting commissions, one of which was chosen by the Queen for Her collection.
He speaks modestly of his achievements, is able to laugh at himself and in a few words capture the audience, who laugh with him. His anecdotes were humorous, his paintings, breathtaking. His talk ended all too soon, leaving us wanting to know more about his exciting life. Our thanks go to Peter Welton for an uplifting start to the day.
Chris Brady (who suggested Peter Welton as the speaker)
Display at the July Meeting
At the July meeting, we were also treated to a magnificent display of work produced by the Art Group. It was really good to see the fruits of their labours, and to marvel at their talent.
Chris Brady was inspired to write a poem (see p 4) Maybe she should join the Poetry group too!
If you would like to show your groups expertise at a meeting, we always welcome displays and suggestions for speakers.
Report on the Garden Party
We had a great time on Sunday 15th July in the beautiful grounds of Misterton Hall. We were very lucky to have good weather, even sunshine! We picnicked in a magnificent Marquee, and those who wished were able to dance to the music provided. There was a Tombola run by the Rotary club with proceeds to charity. Outside there were garden games. Croquet, Garden Jenga and a ‘nearest the pin’ boules were all good fun. Just walking around the lake and grounds was most enjoyable. We are very grateful to Mrs Heather Craven for allowing us to have the use of her grounds. A good time was had by all!
Christmas Lunch – advance notice
Please book in your diaries Friday 7th December which is the date for this years Christmas Lunch at Kilworth Springs Golf Club. Ann Ashworth has negotiated to keep the price the same as last year at a very reasonable £18 per head, What a splendid venue it has been for the last two years! Don’t miss out !
More details to follow.
ART GROUP
Co-ordinator
Chris Brady
01455 209108
Art Group Agonies “What did you say?” “Mount a display?”
“You must be joking”
said one girl, choking
over biscuits and tea.
“ I’m not good enough”
“I haven’t the stuff!”
I look with disdain
as their faces remain
wide- eyed in terror.
“We’ve plenty of time.
It isn’t a crime
To exhibit a work unfinished”
Anxiety in no way diminished,
Brushes dip again.
Rallying from the blues
It’s ,“What shall I choose?”
“How many?” How big?”
“ Shall I paint this twig?”
Amiable together.
“I’ve finished my bird
Look here” My word!
That mount is a beautiful blue”
“I bought quite a few,
inspired by family praise”
“In Spain you say?
You’ll miss the day
when all our work’s on show.
Leave it ready and I’ll let you know
How great it looks together”
“ I’ve only just started”
sighs a member, downhearted.
“Don’t worry your poppies are stunning”
Painting wet into wet, colours running
Mixing magically.
Revealed to the class,
My drawings en masse-
Pictured in pencil each lad.
“Oliver “urchins backstage, clad
in dirty costumes, ragged.
Animals, flowers, birds abound
Just the place carefully found.
Blu tack, pins, staples, tacks
Names signed to front or backs-
Two hours of happy discussion!
Eyes alight, we survey with pleasure
creative paintings we all treasure.
Flower arrangements, special choices,
Viewers comments, appreciative voices,
“What shall we show next year?”
Chris Brady
QUIZ GROUP
Co-ordinator
Sylvie Curtis
01455 554504
11 of us met on July 23rd and had cryptic questions on flowers and, topically ,factual questions on The Olympics. As usual, the teams finished with similar scores, and we all enjoyed trying to stir up ‘those little grey cells’
There will be no meeting in August as it would be on the Bank Holiday, so we next meet on September 24th.
BOOK CHAT
Co-ordinator
Mick Curtis
01455 554504
The book for our July meeting was ‘Atonement’ by Ian McEwan. A book we all agreed was much more than it’s initial story telling. With our chairman holding our comments together with thought-provoking questions at appropriate moments, the excellent discussion that followed revolved around 3 issues.
Just how far was 13 year old Briony’s fertile imagination responsible for changing for ever the lives of her adult sister Cecilia and Robbie, a long time family friend, through what she said she saw happening between them in the garden of the family home one hot summer day in 1935?
Just how far were the adults in her family responsible for using a 13 year olds imagined evidence as a means to protect their social standing in 1930’s society by putting Robbie, the only son of one of their servants, on trial for alleged abuse of Cecilia, and also of a 15 year old visiting cousin, Lola, which led to his imprisonment for 3 years?
Just how far were the judges of the day responsible for using evidence coloured by the social status of the accused rather than concrete evidence based on fact that would have acquitted, not convicted, Robbie?
Briony was to ask herself these questions for the rest of her life. She survived World War two but Cecilia and Robbie, now lovers, were to die in 1941, the former in the first of the London bombings, the latter on the Dunkirk beaches. Although she did become a successful writer, Briony was still struggling to put pen to paper on what really happened that summer day in 1935 as she celebrated her 77th birthday.
We ended our discussion on a sombre thought; that an either/or judgement is not good enough, especially when a 13 year olds imagination is the only source of evidence to go on, and the adults are more concerned with social status than in getting to the truth, which can lead to potential misjudgements and possible destroyed lives.
Anne Smalley
LUNCH CLUB
Co-ordinator
Sylvia Wilson
01455 283575
Sylvia Wilson is resigning as the Co-ordinator of the Pub/ Lunch Club.
On Tuesday 31st and Weds 1st August a lunch has been arranged at Wood Farm, Willey
On 4th and 5th September lunches have been arranged at The Shires in Peatling Parva.
After that date we are hoping that a volunteer will come forward.
Sylvia will be happy to help anyone who is interested to take over as Co-ordinator
TABLE TENNIS *** NEW GROUP****
Co-ordinator
Nigel Bones
01455 209756
A table tennis group has been started. It meets on the 2nd and 4th Monday of each month at Walcote Village Hall from 2:00pm to 4:00 pm. All Welcome. Ring Nigel for details.
Why not give it a go?
THEATRE AND TRIPS Co-ordinator
Eddie Hemsley 01455 554564
Visits to Stratford to see William Shakespeare
Productions
The Tempest
Our third planned trip to Stratford this year will be to a performance of 'The Tempest' on Tuesday, September 11, at 7.15pm in the main RSC theatre. I have provisionally booked 16 seats either in the stalls or circle at £25 each (thanks to the 60s+ concession). I need to know exactly how many of you would like tickets so I can confirm a firm booking with the Box office asap. I shall be at the August monthly meeting ready to take bookings from 10am on before we all go to attend the talk session. Payment, please, by cash or cheque (payable to Mrs EA Smalley).
Anne Smalley.
Report on ‘A Comedy of Errors’ 21 March 2012
The Comedy of Errors farcical capers with mistaken identity routines is one of Shakespeare’s funniest, but in this production, by Palestinian director Amir Nizar Zuabi, dark forces were at work.
The first insight we had to the tone of the play was the set. It was very “industrial”. There was a large gantry spanning out over the stage with a crane mechanism hanging of it with a large hook. The stage sat on top of a tank of water strongly evoking a dockside feel
As the play evolved Ephesus was depicted as dark, dangerous and violent. A police state. Death was a constant threat. The authorities were happy to indulge in various forms of torture in order to assert their control. A captured merchant was subjected to water torture, bodies were unceremoniously dumped in canals, and the Syracusan Antipholus and Dromio arrived in a crate as illegal immigrants; even domestic relationships were tinged with violence.
But there was also abundant humour as the farcical situations unravelled. We thoroughly enjoyed the two excellent Dromios, the former all quivering apprehension, the latter brimming with goofy charm.
Although one of the Bard's shorter plays it was a shame that delivery of some of the lines was rushed at times and the words were almost impossible to understand. Breathless urgency was sometimes achieved at the expense of clarity.
It was an extremely enjoyable production but we don`t think Shakespeare would have really been comfortable with the interpretation which had such a thought proving element to it rather than pure farce which we are sure he intended.
Sue and Peter Creeden
POETRY
Co-ordinator
Angela &Stuart Rhodes
01455 554553
A beautiful summer afternoon and love was in the air.
The Group enjoyed an afternoon devoted to "Love Poems" composed by well known poets as well as others not so well known. It was quite surprising to find that works of poets not normally associated with "Love Poems" were introduced. Poems from the works of Pam Ayres who invariably makes an appearance of most sessions brought a humerous side to the whole afternoon. She looks at the subject from a very different perspective from that of the established poets such as Lord Byron and Robert Browning and his devoted Elizabeth.
A rather different subject -"Limericks" - awaits us at our August meeting.
GERMAN CONVERSATION
Co-ordinator
Sue Hicks
01858 880273
24 July 2012
We welcomed one new member this month, and four of us attended. We pressed on with some word order rules to finish the first CD and then had some general chat.
The August meeting will be on Tuesday, 21 August at Lynn’s house in Broughton Astley. We shall start the second CD and then have some discussion. The Olympics was one topic suggested, but please feel free to bring other ideas.
FRENCH CONVERSATION
Co-ordinator
Sue Hicks
01858 880273
26 July 2012
There was a good turnout this time. We played various games: Les Mystères de Pékin is a board game where you have to interview suspects and guess whodunit by a process of elimination, not helped by the fact that the witnesses are allowed to lie. We tried Scrabble and Boggle in French. Boggle is played using a plastic grid of 16 lettered dice, in which players attempt to find words in sequences of adjacent letters in 3 minutes.
The next meeting will be on Thursday, 23 August.
LIVELY DISCUSSION
Co-ordinator
Dot Barnard
01455 208190
July Meeting Topic: What does the Jubilee mean to us?
Everyone respects the Queen, even though some members are not royalists or monarchists. 60 years is an achievement and all felt that HM’s diplomacy and knowledge is to be admired. Britons thrive on adversity and the rain at the pageant gave the members of the chamber choir and many others the opportunity to show this. The group felt that the Diamond Jubilee is well worth celebrating and hope that the Queen will go on to exceed Victoria’s 64 year reign. We all questioned the choice of commentators and their poor performances. The concert elicited mixed feelings and one member said that if this was to be the nation’s gift to HM, why not give her a horse race – The Jubilee Stakes. The service at St Paul’s was much more in keeping with other Royal occasions, and the skill of the police in controlling the slow movement of the crowd down the Mall for the balcony appearance was much admired.
More than a million people lined the Thames and this together with the many street parties demonstrated the feeling that we have for our monarch and this country. The Queen and her visits around the country show a steadying influence in these difficult times. Villages and smaller towns were able to hold celebrations which encompassed their whole communities. In summary some of us were worried about the next generations of Royals and how they will be viewed. William and Kate are treated like soap stars and the view from Canada is that they would succeed. Canadians seem to have forgotten that Charles is next in line. Some of the younger generation here and in Canada do not see the Royal family as anything to do with them. However, this view is belied by the many thousands of all ages who turned out over the Jubilee Weekend.
September Topic: What makes a community?
1st WEDNESDAY WALKING GROUP Joint Co-ordinators:
Roger Watmore 01455 552431 and
Julian Hargreaves 01455 557704
5th September 2012
Walk Organisers: George Robertson and Jane Clark Tel 01455559725.
Meeting Point:-Lutterworth Recreation Ground, Coventry Road Car Park.
Time: 9.25am to leave at 9.30 am.
Directions to the start: Leave Lutterworth and join A5 south. In approx. 5 miles take A5 exit on first two roundabouts. Head for Kilsby and take second exit on roundabout onto A361 signed Daventry. (popular speed camera road, take care). In approx. 3 miles turn right signed Braunston. This junction is easy to miss it comes shortly after the Barby/ Welton crossroad. On entering Braunston go straight on at the Give Way. Take the next left into Dark Lane. Follow lane down and round to the left to emerge at The Admiral Nelson, NN11 7HJ.
Route and Distance: Just under 5 miles, no stiles, initially uphill. Part Jurassic Way and bridleways, some across crop fields which may have been ploughed when we visit. We pass the abandoned medieval village of Wolfhampcote and return to the Admiral Nelson via the canal towpath and Braunston Marina. Travel distance approx. 15 miles.
July Walk:
In the absence of Vicki (due to poorly heel) husband Bob lead 14 Stalwarts along the canals from Welford on Avon to North Kilworth, where we stopped for our Coffee stop at The Bogs nature reserve(it lived up to its name). Following Bob's forecast of a dry morning we continued onwards via open high countryside towards Welford during which we endured two very heavy showers! However all commented that they had enjoyed the walk, and the Wharf Inn made us most welcome with warm food and shelter.
4th WEDNESDAY WALKING GROUP Co-ordinators:
Sue & Peter Creeden
01455 557888
WEDNESDAY 22 August 2012
Walk Organisers: Sue Beaumont: Tel: 01455 553341
Meeting Point and Time:
Lutterworth Recreation Ground car park at 9:15am to leave at 9:20am. Please note the slightly earlier time.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
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
July 2012 Walk
The fine spell of weather brought out 25 walkers which is nearly double the numbers of recent walks when the weather was so unsettled. It was so warm that Liz White left her dog at home. The walking was relatively easy. We started at the Wentworth Arms at Elmsthorpe and took in Burbage Common. It was a real pleasure to walk through a wooded area. We are a little deprived of this delight around Lutterworth. The hot weather did take its toll and more than half the group opted for a shortcut whilst the others completed the full circuit of approximately 6.5 miles. Lunch was taken at the Wentworth Arms in shifts as the “shortcutters” couldn't wait.
TUESDAY WALKING GROUP Co-ordinator:
Gordon Jones (Lutterworth U3A)
01455 556192
Date of walk: Tuesday 21st August 2012.
Walk Organiser: Mick and Brenda Barrows, 01455 556570
Meeting Point: Meet at the Coventry Road recreation ground Car Park.
Meeting Time: Meet by 9.25 to leave at 9.30.
Route and distance: Just over 5 miles from Bulls Head Arthingworth circular route via Harrington to Thorpe Underwood returning to Arthingworth using field paths and tracks .Good views
Directions to the Starting Point: M1 south, A14, leave at A508 turning left for Mkt. Harborough then second right for Arthingworth. Bulls Head pub on the left, please use rear car park. Sat. Nav: LE16 8JZ
Lunch: The Bulls Head, Arthingworth. Order on arrival, Seniors’ menu two courses for £6.95.
Return Journey from Lutterworth Mileage: 35
BIRD WATCHING
Co-ordinators
Mary & Peter Rolleston
01455 209156
As there are not many birds to be seen in July, we decided not to have a bird watching outing this month.
Our next outing will be on Friday, 31st August, and we will be going to one of our favourite reserves within an hour's drive from Lutterworth. We are happy to welcome new members to the group - you don't have to be an expert on birds, most of us aren't - just be interested in nature and a pair of binoculars is helpful! Please contact us if you would like to come along.!
We always enjoy a pub lunch after our trip.
JOINT GOLF GROUP (with Lutterworth U3A)
Co-ordinator (Lutterworth U3A)
Peter Moore
01455 552594
NEXT JOINT GOLF DAY
Lutterworth and Wycliffe U3A
Organiser:- Alan Kemp :-
Tel :- 01455 203009 or
e-mail:- evelynkemp@fsmail.net
Venue: Whetstone Golf Club
On Wednesday 3rd October 2012
Itinerary.
Meet: 12.00 hrs in Clubhouse
Bacon Sandwich and Coffee
12.45 hrs: Draw for playing partners
Tee Time: 13.00 hrs 1st Tee
18 Holes Golf: Full handicap Stableford
Prizes: 1st place plus Hartopp Trophy
2nd place
3rd place
Nearest the Pin (17th Hole)
Cost: £25.00p per player :- to include
Bacon Sandwich etc, Green Fee,
Prize Fund and Dinner
(dependent on numbers)
Guests will be very welcome to join us
for dinner :- cost £11.00p each.
Dinner:- 18.30 hrs
Roast Beef, vegetables etc.
followed by Apple Pie and Custard
or Ice Cream
and Coffee to conclude.
Please confirm your attendance,in good time,
with Alan Kemp or Peter Moore and include
extra dinner places.
MONTHLY MEETINGS
These are held on the second Thursday of each month at the Methodist Church Hall. Between 10am and 10.30 coffee and tea will be served. Members will have a chance to meet friends old and new.
Copies of the current Bulletin are available, but if you are unable to make the meeting copies will be available in Lutterworth and Broughton Astley Libraries, and in Lutterwoth Town Council Offices (opposite the church we meet in).
Alternatively, you can view the Bulletin online via the website www. wycliffelutterworthu3a.org
Group co-ordinators will be available to answer any queries. The speaker will commence at 10.30 for approximately 45 mins.
August Speaker : Trevor Parr "Museum of Childhood"
(Remember his entertaining appearance as “The Apothecary”? )
Visitors to our monthly meetings are always welcome. We charge £1 per visit but space is limited.
Membership of interest groups is limited to full members only, but one trial visit is allowed. If you would like to join one of the groups you should contact the appropriate group leader.
Peter Welton- Artist and Raconteur extraordinaire
What a stimulating experience was shared by the seventy members of Lutterworth Wycliffe U3A, who attended the July meeting, at which Peter Welton was the guest speaker.
Professor Peter Welton, a renowned artist today, began life in a small Lincolnshire village. Having left school at sixteen with no formal qualifications, he tried various jobs, from clerking in a hospital, working on the railway to marketing products in costume on the High Street. His ability to capture dialects greatly enhanced his stories, which from the onset had the audience wiping away tears of laughter and hanging on to his every word.
Who would have thought that after completing his National Service in the Army, he would opt to enrol on a Teacher Training Course to teach Mathematics, only to find that he couldn’t count! What a lucky chance that he was steered towards an Art Degree, by a Dean who had never lost any student. Unable to draw from memory a giraffe, he was inspired by his tutor’s ability to visualise and draw an ostrich. From this moment his path in life changed. He had found a purpose in learning and with it grew a great desire to communicate through Art.
Today as a Professor Emeritus, he has a wealth of paintings and prints in his lovely studio in Arnesby. His style is clearly recognisable in its clean lines and delicate colours- blue in all shades being a favourite. He paints anything and everything, taking time to allow small sections to dry before being inspired to progress. He never draws before painting as he feels this would limit his creativity. His drawings in ink however, serve as preliminary inspiration for paintings. He has travelled all over the world painting commissions, one of which was chosen by the Queen for Her collection.
He speaks modestly of his achievements, is able to laugh at himself and in a few words capture the audience, who laugh with him. His anecdotes were humorous, his paintings, breathtaking. His talk ended all too soon, leaving us wanting to know more about his exciting life. Our thanks go to Peter Welton for an uplifting start to the day.
Chris Brady (who suggested Peter Welton as the speaker)
Display at the July Meeting
At the July meeting, we were also treated to a magnificent display of work produced by the Art Group. It was really good to see the fruits of their labours, and to marvel at their talent.
Chris Brady was inspired to write a poem (see p 4) Maybe she should join the Poetry group too!
If you would like to show your groups expertise at a meeting, we always welcome displays and suggestions for speakers.
Report on the Garden Party
We had a great time on Sunday 15th July in the beautiful grounds of Misterton Hall. We were very lucky to have good weather, even sunshine! We picnicked in a magnificent Marquee, and those who wished were able to dance to the music provided. There was a Tombola run by the Rotary club with proceeds to charity. Outside there were garden games. Croquet, Garden Jenga and a ‘nearest the pin’ boules were all good fun. Just walking around the lake and grounds was most enjoyable. We are very grateful to Mrs Heather Craven for allowing us to have the use of her grounds. A good time was had by all!
Christmas Lunch – advance notice
Please book in your diaries Friday 7th December which is the date for this years Christmas Lunch at Kilworth Springs Golf Club. Ann Ashworth has negotiated to keep the price the same as last year at a very reasonable £18 per head, What a splendid venue it has been for the last two years! Don’t miss out !
More details to follow.
ART GROUP
Co-ordinator
Chris Brady
01455 209108
Art Group Agonies “What did you say?” “Mount a display?”
“You must be joking”
said one girl, choking
over biscuits and tea.
“ I’m not good enough”
“I haven’t the stuff!”
I look with disdain
as their faces remain
wide- eyed in terror.
“We’ve plenty of time.
It isn’t a crime
To exhibit a work unfinished”
Anxiety in no way diminished,
Brushes dip again.
Rallying from the blues
It’s ,“What shall I choose?”
“How many?” How big?”
“ Shall I paint this twig?”
Amiable together.
“I’ve finished my bird
Look here” My word!
That mount is a beautiful blue”
“I bought quite a few,
inspired by family praise”
“In Spain you say?
You’ll miss the day
when all our work’s on show.
Leave it ready and I’ll let you know
How great it looks together”
“ I’ve only just started”
sighs a member, downhearted.
“Don’t worry your poppies are stunning”
Painting wet into wet, colours running
Mixing magically.
Revealed to the class,
My drawings en masse-
Pictured in pencil each lad.
“Oliver “urchins backstage, clad
in dirty costumes, ragged.
Animals, flowers, birds abound
Just the place carefully found.
Blu tack, pins, staples, tacks
Names signed to front or backs-
Two hours of happy discussion!
Eyes alight, we survey with pleasure
creative paintings we all treasure.
Flower arrangements, special choices,
Viewers comments, appreciative voices,
“What shall we show next year?”
Chris Brady
QUIZ GROUP
Co-ordinator
Sylvie Curtis
01455 554504
11 of us met on July 23rd and had cryptic questions on flowers and, topically ,factual questions on The Olympics. As usual, the teams finished with similar scores, and we all enjoyed trying to stir up ‘those little grey cells’
There will be no meeting in August as it would be on the Bank Holiday, so we next meet on September 24th.
BOOK CHAT
Co-ordinator
Mick Curtis
01455 554504
The book for our July meeting was ‘Atonement’ by Ian McEwan. A book we all agreed was much more than it’s initial story telling. With our chairman holding our comments together with thought-provoking questions at appropriate moments, the excellent discussion that followed revolved around 3 issues.
Just how far was 13 year old Briony’s fertile imagination responsible for changing for ever the lives of her adult sister Cecilia and Robbie, a long time family friend, through what she said she saw happening between them in the garden of the family home one hot summer day in 1935?
Just how far were the adults in her family responsible for using a 13 year olds imagined evidence as a means to protect their social standing in 1930’s society by putting Robbie, the only son of one of their servants, on trial for alleged abuse of Cecilia, and also of a 15 year old visiting cousin, Lola, which led to his imprisonment for 3 years?
Just how far were the judges of the day responsible for using evidence coloured by the social status of the accused rather than concrete evidence based on fact that would have acquitted, not convicted, Robbie?
Briony was to ask herself these questions for the rest of her life. She survived World War two but Cecilia and Robbie, now lovers, were to die in 1941, the former in the first of the London bombings, the latter on the Dunkirk beaches. Although she did become a successful writer, Briony was still struggling to put pen to paper on what really happened that summer day in 1935 as she celebrated her 77th birthday.
We ended our discussion on a sombre thought; that an either/or judgement is not good enough, especially when a 13 year olds imagination is the only source of evidence to go on, and the adults are more concerned with social status than in getting to the truth, which can lead to potential misjudgements and possible destroyed lives.
Anne Smalley
LUNCH CLUB
Co-ordinator
Sylvia Wilson
01455 283575
Sylvia Wilson is resigning as the Co-ordinator of the Pub/ Lunch Club.
On Tuesday 31st and Weds 1st August a lunch has been arranged at Wood Farm, Willey
On 4th and 5th September lunches have been arranged at The Shires in Peatling Parva.
After that date we are hoping that a volunteer will come forward.
Sylvia will be happy to help anyone who is interested to take over as Co-ordinator
TABLE TENNIS *** NEW GROUP****
Co-ordinator
Nigel Bones
01455 209756
A table tennis group has been started. It meets on the 2nd and 4th Monday of each month at Walcote Village Hall from 2:00pm to 4:00 pm. All Welcome. Ring Nigel for details.
Why not give it a go?
THEATRE AND TRIPS Co-ordinator
Eddie Hemsley 01455 554564
Visits to Stratford to see William Shakespeare
Productions
The Tempest
Our third planned trip to Stratford this year will be to a performance of 'The Tempest' on Tuesday, September 11, at 7.15pm in the main RSC theatre. I have provisionally booked 16 seats either in the stalls or circle at £25 each (thanks to the 60s+ concession). I need to know exactly how many of you would like tickets so I can confirm a firm booking with the Box office asap. I shall be at the August monthly meeting ready to take bookings from 10am on before we all go to attend the talk session. Payment, please, by cash or cheque (payable to Mrs EA Smalley).
Anne Smalley.
Report on ‘A Comedy of Errors’ 21 March 2012
The Comedy of Errors farcical capers with mistaken identity routines is one of Shakespeare’s funniest, but in this production, by Palestinian director Amir Nizar Zuabi, dark forces were at work.
The first insight we had to the tone of the play was the set. It was very “industrial”. There was a large gantry spanning out over the stage with a crane mechanism hanging of it with a large hook. The stage sat on top of a tank of water strongly evoking a dockside feel
As the play evolved Ephesus was depicted as dark, dangerous and violent. A police state. Death was a constant threat. The authorities were happy to indulge in various forms of torture in order to assert their control. A captured merchant was subjected to water torture, bodies were unceremoniously dumped in canals, and the Syracusan Antipholus and Dromio arrived in a crate as illegal immigrants; even domestic relationships were tinged with violence.
But there was also abundant humour as the farcical situations unravelled. We thoroughly enjoyed the two excellent Dromios, the former all quivering apprehension, the latter brimming with goofy charm.
Although one of the Bard's shorter plays it was a shame that delivery of some of the lines was rushed at times and the words were almost impossible to understand. Breathless urgency was sometimes achieved at the expense of clarity.
It was an extremely enjoyable production but we don`t think Shakespeare would have really been comfortable with the interpretation which had such a thought proving element to it rather than pure farce which we are sure he intended.
Sue and Peter Creeden
POETRY
Co-ordinator
Angela &Stuart Rhodes
01455 554553
A beautiful summer afternoon and love was in the air.
The Group enjoyed an afternoon devoted to "Love Poems" composed by well known poets as well as others not so well known. It was quite surprising to find that works of poets not normally associated with "Love Poems" were introduced. Poems from the works of Pam Ayres who invariably makes an appearance of most sessions brought a humerous side to the whole afternoon. She looks at the subject from a very different perspective from that of the established poets such as Lord Byron and Robert Browning and his devoted Elizabeth.
A rather different subject -"Limericks" - awaits us at our August meeting.
GERMAN CONVERSATION
Co-ordinator
Sue Hicks
01858 880273
24 July 2012
We welcomed one new member this month, and four of us attended. We pressed on with some word order rules to finish the first CD and then had some general chat.
The August meeting will be on Tuesday, 21 August at Lynn’s house in Broughton Astley. We shall start the second CD and then have some discussion. The Olympics was one topic suggested, but please feel free to bring other ideas.
FRENCH CONVERSATION
Co-ordinator
Sue Hicks
01858 880273
26 July 2012
There was a good turnout this time. We played various games: Les Mystères de Pékin is a board game where you have to interview suspects and guess whodunit by a process of elimination, not helped by the fact that the witnesses are allowed to lie. We tried Scrabble and Boggle in French. Boggle is played using a plastic grid of 16 lettered dice, in which players attempt to find words in sequences of adjacent letters in 3 minutes.
The next meeting will be on Thursday, 23 August.
LIVELY DISCUSSION
Co-ordinator
Dot Barnard
01455 208190
July Meeting Topic: What does the Jubilee mean to us?
Everyone respects the Queen, even though some members are not royalists or monarchists. 60 years is an achievement and all felt that HM’s diplomacy and knowledge is to be admired. Britons thrive on adversity and the rain at the pageant gave the members of the chamber choir and many others the opportunity to show this. The group felt that the Diamond Jubilee is well worth celebrating and hope that the Queen will go on to exceed Victoria’s 64 year reign. We all questioned the choice of commentators and their poor performances. The concert elicited mixed feelings and one member said that if this was to be the nation’s gift to HM, why not give her a horse race – The Jubilee Stakes. The service at St Paul’s was much more in keeping with other Royal occasions, and the skill of the police in controlling the slow movement of the crowd down the Mall for the balcony appearance was much admired.
More than a million people lined the Thames and this together with the many street parties demonstrated the feeling that we have for our monarch and this country. The Queen and her visits around the country show a steadying influence in these difficult times. Villages and smaller towns were able to hold celebrations which encompassed their whole communities. In summary some of us were worried about the next generations of Royals and how they will be viewed. William and Kate are treated like soap stars and the view from Canada is that they would succeed. Canadians seem to have forgotten that Charles is next in line. Some of the younger generation here and in Canada do not see the Royal family as anything to do with them. However, this view is belied by the many thousands of all ages who turned out over the Jubilee Weekend.
September Topic: What makes a community?
1st WEDNESDAY WALKING GROUP Joint Co-ordinators:
Roger Watmore 01455 552431 and
Julian Hargreaves 01455 557704
5th September 2012
Walk Organisers: George Robertson and Jane Clark Tel 01455559725.
Meeting Point:-Lutterworth Recreation Ground, Coventry Road Car Park.
Time: 9.25am to leave at 9.30 am.
Directions to the start: Leave Lutterworth and join A5 south. In approx. 5 miles take A5 exit on first two roundabouts. Head for Kilsby and take second exit on roundabout onto A361 signed Daventry. (popular speed camera road, take care). In approx. 3 miles turn right signed Braunston. This junction is easy to miss it comes shortly after the Barby/ Welton crossroad. On entering Braunston go straight on at the Give Way. Take the next left into Dark Lane. Follow lane down and round to the left to emerge at The Admiral Nelson, NN11 7HJ.
Route and Distance: Just under 5 miles, no stiles, initially uphill. Part Jurassic Way and bridleways, some across crop fields which may have been ploughed when we visit. We pass the abandoned medieval village of Wolfhampcote and return to the Admiral Nelson via the canal towpath and Braunston Marina. Travel distance approx. 15 miles.
July Walk:
In the absence of Vicki (due to poorly heel) husband Bob lead 14 Stalwarts along the canals from Welford on Avon to North Kilworth, where we stopped for our Coffee stop at The Bogs nature reserve(it lived up to its name). Following Bob's forecast of a dry morning we continued onwards via open high countryside towards Welford during which we endured two very heavy showers! However all commented that they had enjoyed the walk, and the Wharf Inn made us most welcome with warm food and shelter.
4th WEDNESDAY WALKING GROUP Co-ordinators:
Sue & Peter Creeden
01455 557888
WEDNESDAY 22 August 2012
Walk Organisers: Sue Beaumont: Tel: 01455 553341
Meeting Point and Time:
Lutterworth Recreation Ground car park at 9:15am to leave at 9:20am. Please note the slightly earlier time.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
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
July 2012 Walk
The fine spell of weather brought out 25 walkers which is nearly double the numbers of recent walks when the weather was so unsettled. It was so warm that Liz White left her dog at home. The walking was relatively easy. We started at the Wentworth Arms at Elmsthorpe and took in Burbage Common. It was a real pleasure to walk through a wooded area. We are a little deprived of this delight around Lutterworth. The hot weather did take its toll and more than half the group opted for a shortcut whilst the others completed the full circuit of approximately 6.5 miles. Lunch was taken at the Wentworth Arms in shifts as the “shortcutters” couldn't wait.
TUESDAY WALKING GROUP Co-ordinator:
Gordon Jones (Lutterworth U3A)
01455 556192
Date of walk: Tuesday 21st August 2012.
Walk Organiser: Mick and Brenda Barrows, 01455 556570
Meeting Point: Meet at the Coventry Road recreation ground Car Park.
Meeting Time: Meet by 9.25 to leave at 9.30.
Route and distance: Just over 5 miles from Bulls Head Arthingworth circular route via Harrington to Thorpe Underwood returning to Arthingworth using field paths and tracks .Good views
Directions to the Starting Point: M1 south, A14, leave at A508 turning left for Mkt. Harborough then second right for Arthingworth. Bulls Head pub on the left, please use rear car park. Sat. Nav: LE16 8JZ
Lunch: The Bulls Head, Arthingworth. Order on arrival, Seniors’ menu two courses for £6.95.
Return Journey from Lutterworth Mileage: 35
BIRD WATCHING
Co-ordinators
Mary & Peter Rolleston
01455 209156
As there are not many birds to be seen in July, we decided not to have a bird watching outing this month.
Our next outing will be on Friday, 31st August, and we will be going to one of our favourite reserves within an hour's drive from Lutterworth. We are happy to welcome new members to the group - you don't have to be an expert on birds, most of us aren't - just be interested in nature and a pair of binoculars is helpful! Please contact us if you would like to come along.!
We always enjoy a pub lunch after our trip.
JOINT GOLF GROUP (with Lutterworth U3A)
Co-ordinator (Lutterworth U3A)
Peter Moore
01455 552594
NEXT JOINT GOLF DAY
Lutterworth and Wycliffe U3A
Organiser:- Alan Kemp :-
Tel :- 01455 203009 or
e-mail:- evelynkemp@fsmail.net
Venue: Whetstone Golf Club
On Wednesday 3rd October 2012
Itinerary.
Meet: 12.00 hrs in Clubhouse
Bacon Sandwich and Coffee
12.45 hrs: Draw for playing partners
Tee Time: 13.00 hrs 1st Tee
18 Holes Golf: Full handicap Stableford
Prizes: 1st place plus Hartopp Trophy
2nd place
3rd place
Nearest the Pin (17th Hole)
Cost: £25.00p per player :- to include
Bacon Sandwich etc, Green Fee,
Prize Fund and Dinner
(dependent on numbers)
Guests will be very welcome to join us
for dinner :- cost £11.00p each.
Dinner:- 18.30 hrs
Roast Beef, vegetables etc.
followed by Apple Pie and Custard
or Ice Cream
and Coffee to conclude.
Please confirm your attendance,in good time,
with Alan Kemp or Peter Moore and include
extra dinner places.
MONTHLY MEETINGS
These are held on the second Thursday of each month at the Methodist Church Hall. Between 10am and 10.30 coffee and tea will be served. Members will have a chance to meet friends old and new.
Copies of the current Bulletin are available, but if you are unable to make the meeting copies will be available in Lutterworth and Broughton Astley Libraries, and in Lutterwoth Town Council Offices (opposite the church we meet in).
Alternatively, you can view the Bulletin online via the website www. wycliffelutterworthu3a.org
Group co-ordinators will be available to answer any queries. The speaker will commence at 10.30 for approximately 45 mins.
August Speaker : Trevor Parr "Museum of Childhood"
(Remember his entertaining appearance as “The Apothecary”? )
Visitors to our monthly meetings are always welcome. We charge £1 per visit but space is limited.
Membership of interest groups is limited to full members only, but one trial visit is allowed. If you would like to join one of the groups you should contact the appropriate group leader.