Our July speaker was Nick Martin, who works for the RSPB, but whose all-consuming hobby is wildlife photography. His talk on the secret wild life of the Cairngorms held us enthralled, due not only to his passionate interest in the subject but also to the superlative quality of his photographs. In addition to the scenic beauty of the 4000 sq. km Cairngorms National Park, we were treated to amazing shots of the wide range of wildlife to be found there, in the mountains, moorlands, woodlands and river valleys. We were privileged to view species not normally encountered by tourists, ranging from snow bunting and ptarmigan, to grouse, red deer and osprey. Both the red deer and the wild goat population have to be culled by professional marksmen, as they have no predators and can harm the process of forest regeneration. The woodland areas harbour remnants of an ancient forest belt originally stretching round the world at this latitude, much of which has been cleared for agriculture over the centuries. Here the Scots pine reigns supreme. These areas support not only numerous birds such as crossbills, crested tits and the aggressive capercaille but also mammals such as red squirrels, pine marten and the rarest of British mammals, the Scottish wild cat. Due to interbreeding with wild cats, it is feared that there are very few pure wild cats left in Scotland. In the valleys the rivers and lochs are fed by snow melt and rain from the mountains and the clean, fast-flowing water provides a habitat for a wide range of species, from red-throated divers to otters and osprey.
Nick's amusing and informative talk was rounded off by a brief slideshow of some of the most iconic images, accompanied by atmospheric music, leaving us spellbound and keen for a return visit by this humorous and passionate wild-life photographer.
Reminder The Annual Xmas Lunch will be Tuesday, 8th December 2015, 12.30pm for 1pm at Kilworth Springs Golf Club.
More details to follow. Ann Ashworth"
August meeting extra
Some of you will have known Andy Ward, a local teacher and historian, before he passed away some time ago, and will be interested to know that his long awaited book “Conchies” has finally been published. The book is based on letters kept by the family about the lives of two Lutterworth brothers, Leonard and Roland Payne, who were both conscientious objectors during World War One. The book can now be obtained, price £13.99, from Lutterworth Museum, Roger Simms and “Oh Lovely” in Church Street.
Sharon Ward, Andy’s widow and a WLU3A member, will also be present at the September monthly meeting with copies of the book for anyone interested.
The main talk will be as shown on page 20
GROUP REPORTS
(in alphabetical order)
ART APPRECIATION
Co-ordinator
Ursula.Kanetis 01455.553563
The subject of our July-Meeting was the Exhibition in Birmingham “Love Is Not Enough”. We were eager to view and experience the selection of rarely seen artworks by Andy Warhol and William Morris, who both pioneered a style of Art that defined the centuries in which they lived. Throughout their careers they showed a close interest in the power structures of industry, church and state. Both had a radical vision for the role of art for the mass of people, not just for the elite. We previewed on our own the highlights (i.e. iconic portraits of Marilyn Monroe and Elizabeth Taylor) and the centrepiece of the Exhibition ( The Holy Grail Tapestry ). We then were shown around by the Assistant Curator, who gave us lots of background information, guided us to the key works and helped us to see and experience a lot more. This most enjoyable visit ended with refreshments in the lovely Edwardian Tearoom.
Next Meeting: 14.08.2015 Venue : Compton Verney Exhibition : W.Morris Wild Flower Meadow Arts & Crafts House Then and Now Car-Sharing to be arranged
BOOK CHAT
Co-ordinator
Mick Curtis
01455 554504
A depleted group met this month to discuss " The All-Girl Filling Station's Last Reunion" by Fannie Flagg.
She has proved to be a popular author for our group over the years and this title was no exception. It was full of gentle humour with quirky characters and a way of switching the reader from the past to the present without being confusing which some authors are unable to manage. As a group we are now in the throes of setting out our programme for the next 12 months. It might well be that another Fannie Flagg novel will figure in our list of choices.
ART GROUP
Co-ordinator
Chris Brady
01455 209108
As yet we have been unable to paint outdoors as last week was too hot. Numbers have fluctuated in June and July, inevitably due to holidays. Some of us have tackled glass items which are difficult to portray as they are influenced by colours in the surroundings. Flower subjects are popular which allow each of us to try different media. Pastel and acrylics have been a new venture, being less demanding than water colour and more forgiving of mistakes, which can more easily be rectified.
We have agreed to meet in future every week except the second Tuesday of the month, when Chris is cycling, subject to good weather. I will be away from August 19th to September 2nd, so we will meet again on September 15th. Keep painting folks! Chris Brady
CYCLING GROUP
Co-ordinator
Nigel Bones
01455 209756
TUESDAY 14TH JULY.
Sometimes you get a feeling things won’t go to plan as you embark on a trip. I left home in the pouring rain having read a forecast that said ‘no rain’. I then got stuck in traffic for 20 mins in Rugby and was the last rider to get to the start point at Napton On The Hill. Thankfully the rain had stopped so the six riders set off along the towpath of The Grand Union canal. The rain had made the towpath slippery in places and after about a mile or so, a passing narrowboat sounded his horn loudly. I returned along the towpath to find that one of our number had taken a headlong dive into the canal and was now lying on the towpath with water pouring from his helmet and clothing. He was none the worse for his experience but decided to return to his car since the prospects of another 10 miles on a soggy saddle did not appeal. The rest of the 13 mile trip was uneventful and very pleasant and lunch at The King’s Head was excellent including the 60’s background music which we attempted to sing along to.
If this report has not put you off and you would like to join us for future outings, contact Nigel Bones. We aim to ride on 2nd Tuesday of each month.
Wednesday 24th June – We last went to the “The Dirty Duck” in Ullesthorpe in October 2013 and it was the second Restaurant we chose. As before, the range of choice offered was good - the food excellent and the staff most helpful. On this occasion none of us had Starters but we all managed one of their luscious Desserts!! We won’t leave it too long before we go back there.
Wednesday 22nd July - The Gurkha Restaurant in Nuneaton - Report next month
FAMILY HISTORY
Co-ordinator
Jackie Yeo
01455 552376
Although the F.H. group meeting does not occur until 28th July, there will be a review of the Churchyard project. Bob Howes will be explaining how the data base will work.
New members are welcome to come and join us for their own research, and to participate in the Churchyard Project
FRENCH CONVERSATION
Co-ordinator
Sue Hicks
01858 880273
A small group of us watched the film “Fanny”, with French sub-titles. Fanny discovers she is pregnant after her lover, Marius, has departed for a long voyage. Her mother and Marius’ father, César, persuade her to accept the advances of a much older man. To save face, Fanny agrees to marry Honoré Panisse, a rich merchant of the Vieux Port, 30 years her senior, who will recognise her son and offer the little family a comfortable future. Marius, meanwhile, unable to ignore his feelings any longer, decides to return to Marseille to set up home again, and try to regain Fanny’s love.
The next meeting will be on 27 August
GARDEN GROUP
Co-ordinator
Sue Creeden
01455 557888
On Tuesday, 25th August we shall be visiting the gardens at Melbourne Hall, Derbyshire. We have a minibus for this visit which will leave Lutterworth Recreation Ground car park at 12.30 p.m. The gardens open at 1.30 p.m. so if you wanted to bring a snack there should just about be time to picnic before a tour by the Head Gardener starting at 2.00 p.m. There will then be free time to enjoy the gardens at leisure. The café will be open for refreshments. We will leave for the return journey at about 4.15 p.m.
The cost will be £11.50 (£7 for the bus and £4.50 entrance and tour) based on 15 people on the bus (slightly more if we do not have a full bus). If you would like to come, please contact me as soon as possible on 01455 447888 or email sueandpeter.creeden@talktalk.net. Please could you let me have payment in advance. If more than 15 members would like to come it may be possible for some to travel in cars.
July saw us trying to choose less well known poets who are still alive. We had mixed success and so the afternoon included some poets who are quite well known – Clive James, Jenny Joseph, Fleur Adcock, Owen Sheers, Allan Ahlberg, Roald Dahl, Roger McGough, Wendy Cope and Gillian Clarke.
Both Kate Fox and Murray Lachlan-Young have featured on Saturday Live on Radio 4. We heard a poem by each of them. Previously we had not heard of Ben Smith and Isabel Gallimore whose verse appeared to focus mainly on conservation topics. Others new to us were Wes McGee, Brian Patten and Maeve Larkin. Maeve is a playwright and has recently written a play which celebrates 100 years of the WI. Her poem called ‘And Did Those Feet’ is an amusing gallop through WI history.
Our session included information about some of the poets, and many humorous poems together with some which were quite profound. As usual there were one or two which left us perplexed.
Our August topic will be sport.
PUB LUNCHES
Co-ordinator
Jill Graham
01455 557117
email grahjill@hotmail.com
Wednesday 1st July – Wood Farm Brewery – This is usually one of our most popular venues. The week we went, the Restaurant was in the process of changing hands with the new Proprietors moving in that week. I happened to go with family the evening before and we enjoyed the meals we were served (Two Chicken Dishes, one Sea Bass and one Vegetarian Salad.)
However, it is the intention of the new Proprietors to go more “upmarket” and produce a limited range of high-quality dishes – more in the “Fine Dining” range. SO . . . Cottage Pie is OUT! On the 1st July – while there was a wide range of lunchtime sandwiches etc, the Mains Menu was much shorter than usual and because the fish had not been delivered, even the Fish & Chips was unavailable, as was the Sweet & Sour. Hopefully, the new people will have settled in and the Menu settled down by the time we go back in 2016!!
Wednesday 5th August – The Shires Inn, Peatling Parva – another popular venue which we haven’t visited for a while. We always have to get there early as the Specials Board takes so long to read!
Wednesday 2nd September – The Old Lion, Coventry Road, Harborough Magna CV23 0HQ Tel 01788 833238 This is now open again and looks (and tastes!) worth trying. Plenty of space and nicely decorated.
ALL THAT JAZZ - SUMMERSAULT JAZZ EVENINGS – These are back on occasional Fridays. There is a “surcharge” of £5 if you want to sit in the premium space at the front.
At the moment there isn’t a date for Summersault’s next Jazz Night but Michael has said he will e-mail me with details when anything is arranged.
The next walk will be on. August 21st starting at 11.30 from The Plough at 7 Station Road, Littlethorpe, Leics LE19 2HS.
Directions
From Lutterworth take the A426 to Blaby and turn left at the second roundabout after The Dog & Gun (on your left). Turn right at the next roundabout (about 200 yards) into Brook Street (towards Whetstone), go over the mini roundabout and take the turning on your left into The Dicken. Follow this road towards Littlethorpe. Continue under the motorway bridge and then you will pass houses on your left and fields on your right. At the end of the houses turn left into Station Road (if you reach the station you have gone too far!!) The Plough is in front of you. This is where we can park and will have lunch
MENU –
Main Course £4.50, 2 Courses £6.50, or 3 Courses £7.50
Starters
Soup of the Day (v)
Garlic Mushrooms (v)
Prawn Cocktail
Mains
Beer battered Fish & Chips
Spaghetti Bolognaise
Home ;Cooked Ham & Eggs
Chicken & Mushroom Pie
Breakfast
2 –egg Omelette(ham, mushroom or cheese)
Desserts.
Sponge Pudding of the day
Lemon Meringue Pie
Apple Pie
If you wish to eat we need to we need your choices by the next Monthly meeting on August 13th at the very latest.
Please email or phone Christine Sidey cmsidey@gmail.com, tel 01455 282907 asap with your choice/s.
Our walk is about 3.5 miles on fields and roads. From the Plough we cross fields towards Whetstone. From there we go up a fairly steep slope and walk along the old railway line embankment (Whetstone Way), then down some steps to the road. We then head towards Narborough via a packhorse bridge, walking through Narborough village and back to The Plough. There are 2 stiles and a bar, at approximately knee height, to step over. There can be animals in the fields.
July Walk
Twelve of us joined Marilyn’s walk around Husbands Bosworth on yet another lovely day for walking. We started our walk on Butt Lane, so named because it was where, since at least Tudor times, men were required to practise their archery each Sunday. On the corner of the lane is one of many examples of interesting historic residences in the village, in this case a building dated 1738 which was once a bakehouse. It is hard to believe as one drives through the main street towards Market Harborough that this was once a thriving commercial centre with bakers, butchers, grocers, a draper, sadler, blacksmith and off license, tailor, three public houses and other craftsmen. Having walked around the village admiring many historic landmarks, including the Church where we had a bird’s eye view of a lovely wedding, we also covered a walk along the Grand Union Canal. We ended the walk with a meal in North Kilworth. Our thanks go to Marilyn for organising this lovely walk.
Shakespeare’s play Henry V is being performed this year in the main RSC theatre at Stratford from September 12 till October 25. If you would like tickets to see the play, please let me know by email (ea.smalley@virgin.net) or by telephone (01455 556031). A provisional booking has been made for 12 tickets, for the 7.15 performance on September 16th and needs to be accepted by August 17. Tickets cost £38 each.,
Anne Smalley
TRIPS
Co-ordinator
George Robertson
01455 559725 email:george9high@hotmail.com
BLACK COUNTRY MUSEUM
WEDNESDAY 14th OCTOBER
COST £22.00
A visit or perhaps a revisit to this extensive museum site with costumed guides in attendance at many of the exhibits, it maps many aspects of our industrial heritage. Lots to see and several food and drink venues. The entry pass is valid for 12 months so you can make a return visit. We will leave the Lutterworth Swimming pool car park at 10.00am and leave on the return journey at 4.30pm. The journey time by coach is approx. 1hr 15 mins traffic permitting.
Elgar Museum and Spetchley Gardens Trip.
A group of 42 members set off to visit, firstly, Elgar’s Birthplace Museum near Worcester. We were welcomed with a cup of tea/coffee and a short informative video presentation. We then enjoyed a wander round the cottage, the lovely informal garden, and the modern museum building. At 12.30 we reboarded the coach for the short trip to Spetchley Gardens. On arrival we had time for lunch before joining our guides for an extremely interesting and informative walk through the extensive gardens. The sun shone and at times we were glad of the tree shade. We were all beginning to flag a little when the guide pointed us in the direction of the tea room. We had a much needed cuppa before getting back on our coach for our return trip. I sensed from the group feedback that it was another successful outing.
George.
1st WEDNESDAY WALKING GROUPCo-ordinators
Roger Watmore 01455 552431
Julian Hargreaves 01455 557704
Date of Walk: Wednesday 2nd September 2015
Walk Organiser: Mary & Peter Rolleston Tel 01455 209156
Meeting Point: Recreation Ground Car Park Coventry Rd, 09.25 to leave 09.30.
Directions to the start. Take the Bitteswell Road through Bitteswell to Ullesthorpe, and the Chequers Country Inn is on the right hand side in Ulleshorpe, with a large car park
Walk Starts from: The Chequers Country Inn, Ullesthorpe (LE17 5BT) to leave at 10.00 a.m.
The Walk. Route and distance is approximately 6 miles across fields and tracks, skirting Leire, Claybrook Parva and the site of the proposed extension to Magna Park. We will be among the first to use the re-opened pub so we hope the new landlord will be out to impress!
July Walk
10 walkers braved the hottest day of the year so far to walk through the lovely Langtons. Starting at Tur Langton the walk went over undulating fields to Stonton Wyville and along a field path to Thorpe Langton. Arrangements were made prior to the walk with the Church Warden to open up Thorpe Langton Church for our mid walk break. This was a very welcome rest from the heat and we were provided with drinks (hot & cold) by the Churchwarden (a letter has been sent to the Churchwarden thanking him for his time and providing refreshments and facilities at the Church). The walk then continued over pasture fields to East Langton (where we saw a stunning display of white roses at the Bell Inn) and then a short walk to Church Langton returning to Tur Langton. We then all recovered from the heat enjoying cold drinks
and an excellent lunch at The Crown.
Jean & Pete Williamson
4th WEDNESDAY WALKING GROUPCo-ordinators
Sue & Peter Creeden
01455 557888
Wednesday 26 August 2015
Walk Organisers:- Bob & Vicki Davis Tel: 01455 209518
Meeting Point and Time:- Lutterworth Recreation Ground car park at 9.10am to leave at 9.15am
Start Point and Time:-Blue Bell Inn Main St. Hoby.LE14 3DT. Toilets and menu to pre order will be available. Leave at 10.00am
Directions to the Start:-.I suggest M1 to 21a then A46. Continue pass the roundabout to Melton (A607) and take the small road through Thrussington to Hoby. The pub is at the far end of the village on the right.
Route and Distance:-. The walk will take us through 4 very pretty villages using field paths and quiet lanes that follow the River Wreake. Approx 6 1/4 miles with 3 stiles
Lunch Arrangements: The Blue Bell is locally renowned for good food and has a varied menu with cold platters for 2 and main courses at £6.95(medium) and large(very)at £9.95 plus sandwiches etc.
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JOINT WYCLIFFE LUTTERWORTH
And LUTTERWORTH U3A GROUPS
TUESDAY WALKING GROUPCo-ordinator
Gordon Jones (Lutterworth U3A)
01455 556192
Date of Walk: Tuesday 18th August 2015. Coordinator: Gordon Jones. Tel. 01455 556192 Walk Organizers: Brian Thorp, Tel 01455 209584 Meeting Point: Coventry Road Recreation Ground Car Park. Meeting Time:9.20am to leave at 9.30am.
Start Point: The Wentworth Arms at Elmsthorpe, 10.00 am.
Route and distance: Field paths and tracks and a bit of road. About 6 miles.
Lunch: At the Wentworth Arms, order on return. Directions to the Starting Point:From Lutterworth go up the A426 and left onto B581 traffic lights at Dunton Basset. Follow the B581 past Broughton Astley, left then right at the traffic lights, through Stoney Stanton and over the M69. The Wentworth is on the left just before the bridge over the railway.
Return Mileage from Lutterworth: 24 Miles.
JOINT GOLF GROUP (with Lutterworth U3A)
Co-ordinator (Lutterworth U3A)
Peter Moore
01455 552594
AWAY DAY - SEASONS FINALE COMPETITION.
Please find listed below the details for our forthcoming tournament, to which you are cordially invited.
Please invite Guests along, playing in separate Pairs competition, to enjoy this Superb Day Out .I’ll arrange to include them in your 4 balls. Let’s hope for continued GOOD WEATHER ! !
DATE:- Friday 9th October 2015.
VENUE:- Leamington & County G.C. Golf Lane, Whitnash, Royal Leamington Spa. Wark’s. CV21 2QA
DIRECTIONS :- B4455 Fosse Way towards Stow on the Wold, cross over A425 (Southam Road) under large Rail Bridge, pass Garage on right, TR signed Whitnash,at Traffic Lights TR,take 2nd right Heathcote Road, BL at The Plough & Harrow Pub and TR into Golf Lane,GC on right
COMPETITION:- Seasons Finale Away Day. Individual Stableford , Full Handicap Allowance.
TEE TIMES:- From 09.30 am.
ITINERARY:- From 8.30 am. Coffee / Tea & Bacon Roll upon Arrival. From 9.30 a.m, 18 holes Golf
Singles Stableford. Full Handicap Allowance. Approx. 3.15 p.m Hot Lunch – Steak and Ale
Pie with Vegetables etc or Vegetarian. Puddings and Coffee available at extra cost. Jackets & Ties NOT required.
Approx. 3.45 p.m. Presentation of Seasons Finale Trophy and other prizes to 5th Place. Nearest the Pin: 8th Hole.
Total cost is £33.000p per player (includes Coffee /Tea & Bacon Roll, Green Fee, Prize Fund, & Hot Lunch) Free Drink included :- Beer, Wine or Soft Drink.
To Reserve your place, send your confirmation ( latest 1st October 2015) with a payment of £33.00p per player to. P. Moore, 79, Orchard Road, Lutterworth, Leicestershire. LE17 4DA.( Cheques Payable to Peter Moore.)
Top Class Course and facilities. NOT TO BE MISSED, Don’t miss this TREAT. Real quality.
The next Golf Day will be at Whetstone Golf Club on Thursday 17th September 2015. competing for the Hartopp Trophy and Prizes, inc. Ladies Prize. Meet at 12.00 Hrs, for 13.00 Hrs Tee off, in Clubhouse for Bacon Roll and Coffee / Tea included in cost.
To confirm your attendance or for full itinerary, including Meal choices, please contact Alan Kemp or Peter Moore by Friday 11th September 2015.
Cost each approx. £28.00 To include Coffee and Bacon Roll, Green Fee, Prizes and Dinner. (Dependant upon numbers) Don't forget to invite your Wives/Partners/Husbands for 3 course Dinner at 18.30 Hrs in the Golf Clubhouse. Cost £12.00p. per person.
Coffee and Mints included.
Away Day- Leamington and County G.C. Friday 9th October 2015 – Cost £33.00p each.including:- Coffee and Bacon Roll, Steak Pie Dinner and Prizes. Guests welcome to play