We were royally entertained by Judy Marshall, a farmer’s wife from Peatling Magna, whose skill in making corn dollies, inspired us all to attempt a simple plait, at the monthly meeting of Wycliffe Lutterworth U3A, on November 13th. The outstanding display of the range and complexity of her work and her lively presentation led to brisk sales at the end of the meeting.
Corn dollies, pagan at inception were an ancient rite, adopted by farmers to celebrate the end of the harvest. It was believed that the spirit of the corn fled to the last sheaf, which was carefully cut by the oldest worker on the farm and carried to the harvest feast. This was dried over the winter months until time to sow afresh, when the seed heads were shaken over the prepared ground, releasing the spirit, always female, to bring fertility to the new crop. Through each generation the plaiting, originally practiced by men, has become more intricate and many make up their own designs.
The “Goose Neck” plait represented the goose which was the traditional harvest roast. Some designs are named after regions, for example the “Suffolk Horseshoe”, “The Norfolk lantern” or “The Welsh Herefordshire Fan”. Leicestershire with its connection to the hunt had no particular design until recently, when “The Heart of England” or the “Belvoir Horn” were suggested.
Corn dollies can be plaited from rye, oats, maize, wheat, corn or any form of hollow grasses which are cut slightly before ripening and dried out in a shed, which ensures that the seed stays in the head. Before use, the dried stalks are soaked for an hour in cold water and sorted into thicknesses. Button thread is used to tie the stalks at the head end, holding them firm with a clove hitch and reef knot.
Our attempts at making a spiral plait, prepared beforehand by Judy, brought the meeting to an enjoyable climax, amid good natured comparisons and much laughter. This was a fascinating presentation, visually stimulating and engaging in every aspect.
DISPLAY BOARD
We have a display board upon which we would like to publicise and promote our many Interest Groups. If you have, or would like to take photos of special events or outings within your Groups, please let Sue Creeden have them. Displays will be updated each month. You can contact Sue on 01455 557888 or send photos via email to sueandpeter.creeden@talktalk.netAre you interested in a University course?
Nottingham Trent University are considering offering a course covering 'Active citizenship in an aging society'
This course could be of interest to U3A members.
Contact Chris Ring directly for more information. chris.ring.@ntu.ac.uk (0115 848 2632)
If you would like to know more, please see the leaflet on our website www. wycliffelutterworthu3a.org which explains it is in the early stages of development and input is needed from those who may be interested before it can progress
GROUP REPORTS
(in alphabetical order)
PLEASE NOTE.
Cheques are preferred for all payments
ART APPRECIATION
Co-ordinator
Ursula Kanetis 01455 553563
We met on Monday,17.11.2014 to see “Mr Turner” and discussed this much acclaimed film over tea/coffee at Lutterworth Golf Club.
Next meeting: Friday,9.1.2015 at 14.00 at my house. Please, bring a picture of a piece of art, that you really like for a short introduction. I can accommodate 8 people. So, please let me know, if you are coming. ( Otherwise a Plan B will be activated!!) Hope to see you all happy and healthy in January 2015 for our meetings every second Friday of the month
BOOK CHAT
Co-ordinator
Mick Curtis
01455 554504
Our book this month was The Help by Kathryn Stockett. Set in Jackson Mississippi in 1962 it concerns a world where black maids raise white children but are not allowed to use the same toilet as their employers and can be accused of stealing the silver with no proof needed. The white lady employers are not as happy as they might seem. The story unfolds told in turns by two maids, Minny and Aibileen and white Miss Skeeter newly returned from college, who wants to know why her beloved maid has disappeared. This book proved to be a page turner, and was that rare thing, a book all the members liked. It provoked a lot of discussion.
CANASTA 1
Co-ordinator
June Hartopp
01455 553418
There will be no meeting of the Canasta One Group on 2nd January2015. Back to normal in February
CRAFTS GROUP
Co– ordinator
Doreen Barrett
01455 550228
It is with regret that I have decided to stop my craft group. I have found it hard to encourage new people and this has been disappointing. I would like to thank the loyal few that have stuck with me since the start of our U3A.
We have had a lot of fun and friendship
CYCLING GROUP
Co-ordinator
Nigel Bones
01455 209756
Cycling Group
The cycling group were planning to disband for the winter season and re-commence in the spring. However, a couple of members thought that as there are often bright, dry days during the winter, we should keep up the monthly ride (weather permitting). After all, if the weather turns out to be too cold or wet, we can still meet up for our customary pub-lunch! It was on this basis that 7 cyclists turned up at the recreation ground on the 11th November (a dry and bright day) for a short ride to Gilmorton, on to Walcote, and back to Lutterworth via Misterton. It was then a pub-lunch at the Hollybush where we were joined by 4 others who had opted not to cycle, but didn't want to miss out on a lunch. If anyone would like to join us for a "winter warmer" cycle ride, please contact Nigel on 01455 209756
No Meals of any sort arranged this month – just the hope that all those who have enjoyed these meals during 2014 will have a Happy Christmas and look forward to a Healthy 2015.
January2015 – Rebecca at Lutterworth Golf Club says that they will be offering a Burns Night Supper again but the date is not yet decided. The actual date is Sunday 25th January so it is likely that it will be around that date.
U3A QUIZ NIGHT – Friday 30th January – Ethnic Diners – sign up for this as well and dine on a traditional British Supper of Fish & Chips! Should be a good night.
Wednesday 25th February – I suggest we try “The Fox” in Lutterworth but I won’t contact them till we get into January and I will put out the February Sheet at the U3A Meeting on the 8th January.
NEW – A Tapas Bar called Camis has opened on the Leicester Road – Coffee Bar, Bar, Light Lunches, Weekend Brunch, Evening Tapas Menu. A Possible Venue in March.
FRENCH CONVERSATION
Co-ordinator
Sue Hicks
01858 880273
27 November 2014
Pearl and Tony kindly invited us to their home to see a Maigret film. 15 of us watched and enjoyed the film: a murder investigation with an abundance of dripping trees and autumn leaves, not to mention kittens, baby rabbits and other animals. It was all wonderfully French. During the interval we were treated to delicious refreshments. This was our Christmas meeting, as the next date coincides with Christmas Day.
The January meeting will be on 22nd January 2015
GARDEN GROUP
Co-ordinator
Sue Creeden
01455 557888
Our meeting in November was a talk by Matt at Palmers Garden Centre, Ullesthorpe. He showed us an array of plants and shrubs having berries and foliage that look attractive in the garden at this time of year. He also gave us lots of advice on caring for flowers and vegetables and answered our many questions. This was followed by a welcome cuppa and (maybe) the first mince pie of the season!
There will be no meeting in December so best wishes to everyone for Christmas and the New Year.
No Meals of any sort arranged this month – just the hope that all those who have enjoyed these meals during 2014 will have a Happy Christmas and look forward to a Healthy 2015.
Tuesday 20th January Palmers
Tuesday 18 November – Malt Kiln Farm Shop, Stretton-under-Fosse
Once again we enjoyed visiting the Malt Kiln, although the first people ordering had finished their meal by the time the last person was served. However since I think they only had one Cook, I think it would have been difficult to serve us all at the same time. The meals served were generous in size and hot as well as tasty.Once again there was an Art Exhibition and the opportunity to shop. The Butchery counter had a variety of fresh meat locally sourced and reasonably priced.
LIVELY DISCUSSION
Co-ordinator
Dot Barnard
01455 208190
10th November 2014
Tomorrow must belong to both the young and the old.
Recently the Japanese celebrated a day of respect for the elderly. In Britain we used to look after older family members ourselves, but this has changed in recent years. In China the change from the old agricultural economy to millions of people living in high rise cities is very evident. Eventually the industries such as coal and steel will die away as they have in Britain. It will be interesting to see if the veneration towards the old in China is maintained now that young adults can only visit their elders a couple of times a year since they have migrated to the cities. Alan Milburn, the ‘social mobility tsar’, published a report saying that older people should be prepared to be means tested for winter fuel allowance and bus passes etc. There are so many retirees now that he saw a need to redirect social spending towards younger people. Our group agreed that respect towards older people and people in general seemed to be missing. Although everyone could cite examples of people showing respect and care towards strangers and disabled people of all ages.
It was felt that nowadays youngsters expected to be able to have everything from mobile phones to a home fully furnished with new items. Examples were given of people in the past saving to buy each item and not having something if there was no money. Sympathy was expressed for young people who will leave university with a debt in excess of £27,000 and who will be lucky to be able to buy a home before they are in their late 30s, if at all. 65% of state benefits are spent on pensions and 70% of over 60s own their own homes. However, they have no reason to feel guilty since they have gradually built up their wealth by working, saving and paying tax. Many continue to pay tax now. They may have to pay for care later on too. However there are 2m over 60s living on or below the poverty line. The richest 1% of the population owns as much as the poorest 55%. So politicians should be focusing on the gap and making society fairer.
Unfortunately every government has spent tax and NI as it has accumulated, whereas if money had been invested at the start of the Welfare State the state pension would be much more affordable now. It’s a triumph that we’re all living longer, but the rethink about retirement age was inevitable in the light of this success.
Some members felt that for several generations children had not been taught to respect teachers and other adults. Ex-teachers had experienced parents who didn’t support the discipline which the school was trying to instil into its pupils.
The point which Alan Milburn’s report seems to have missed is that there is a large demographic shift from youth to age in the population and the distribution of assets should take this into account. It’s not as simple as taking away from the elderly, who have worked and funded the state, and giving it to the younger generation. We all felt pleased that the government is trying to sort out the benefits system but from personal experience its attitude towards those who really need help should include respect for these individuals. Most benefits claimants who are below retirement age are working but are on low wages. So our conclusion was that respect and fairness is required for all.
There are two spaces in the Lively Discussion Group. Please contact Dot Barnard if you would like to come along.
27th November. As this was our last get together before Christmas we decided to bring our favourite poems to read. Dot treated us to some lovely poems which were close to her heart as written by her family members, but otherwise most of the poetry was familiar to us. There were varied moods, from lightness and fun courtesy of Jenny Joseph, Philip Larkin, John Betjeman and Lewis Carroll to sadness from Vera Britten, Christina Rossetti and Auden. There were older classics from Tennyson and Keats, and beautiful descriptive poems from Thomas, Stevenson, Betjeman, Browning and Frost.
The next meeting is on 22nd January and the theme is "births, marriages and deaths"
PHOTOGRAPHY GROUP
Co-ordinator
Mick Curtis
01455 554504
We had a full complement of " Photographers" this month and we viewed personal choices of subjects from a variety of set topics. We had sunsets, clouds, animals, collections and reflections. Some very quirky others very picturesque but all fulfilling the brief. Sue Creeden has volunteered to display some of our work at a monthly meeting and each member of the group has volunteered to forward their choice to me and I will forward them to Sue who will arrange the display at a monthly meeting. I will also endeavour to ask Bob Howes to display them on the website.
No Meals of any sort arranged this month – just the hope that all those who have enjoyed these meals during 2014 will have a Happy Christmas and look forward to a Healthy 2015.
Wednesday 5th November – The Brewery – what can I say? I wasn’t there! However, reports I received confirmed that everyone enjoyed the experience. This is obvious from the numbers who sign up every time.
Wednesday 7th January 2015 – The Elms, Lutterworth. I will go and have coffee when they open and request a table. Order as you come but remember that the Carvery doesn’t usually become available till 12 Noon. If you order anything other than the Carvery, make it clear that you want to be served straight away. They have on occasion kept somebody’s meal back till all the Carvery people were served. They are now offering a Special Deal – a small plate Carvery and a Dessert for £5.95. The Desserts on offer are – Caramel Cappucino Torte, Apple Pie, Melt in the Middle Chocolate Pudding and Simply Delicious Ice Cream. What an opportunity for Gluttony!!
Wednesday 4th February 2015 – Perhaps Ullesthorpe Court and their Carvery.
QUIZ GROUP
Co-ordinator
Sylvie Curtis
01455 554504
We were happy to welcome a new member in November and hope she enjoyed the varied questions set by Angela.
If your new year's resolution is to have a fresh challenge why not come along on the first Tuesday of January 10am in the Methodist Church porch. We always learn some new fascinating fact, although we may not always remember it beyond a week. You will be made very welcome.
For those of you who do not know Great Bowden I would strongly recommend this beautiful village as a place to visit. Great Bowden is a conservation area, which boasts not one but three village greens! There are within the village a number of magnificent buildings some dating back to the seventeenth century. Several buildings in the village, including the village hall, owe their existence to John Henry Stokes, a successful breeder of cattle and fine horses, who even supplied Royalty with their horses. It is with the breeding of horses and the Fernie Hunt that Great Bowden is closely associated. Many of the buildings in the village started life as hunting lodges. The village – or at least the Church – can also boast one of the finest Doom paintings in Leicestershire, this fifteenth century fresco is another reason to visit this charming village. This was our last walk of the season so twenty one of us celebrated with a festive lunch at the Three Swans Hotel in Market Harborough. This was a lovely end to a season of interesting walks. Thanks to everyone who has researched and led one. Best Wishes to all “Snail’s Pace “Walkers for a Very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Next Walk Friday 16th January 2015
This walk will start at 11.30 a.m. from The Crown public house in the village of Gilmorton
PLEA: Can you please let me know if you intend to lead a walk in 2015, a venue and date would be appreciated. Thanks
2 social evenings are planned for early next year. The first evening will be on Friday, 30th January at the Lutterworth Golf Club, and will be in the form of a quiz evening. Don't worry about putting together a team as the teams will be made up at random to encourage mixing and meeting new people. The price will be approximately £10 and will include a fish & chip supper.
The next social event will be a re-run of this year's skittles evening, and will be held at the Wycliffe Bowles club on Friday March 20th. Again, the price should be approximately £10, and will include a hot supper.
If anyone is interested in taking part in either of these events, please put your name down on the list, or contact Nigel on 01455 209756 or e-mail nigel.bones50@btinternet.com .
Shakespeare set his play in a country estate in Spain. Gregory Doran, RSC’s Artistic Director, has set his production in the country estate of Charlecote Park, just outside Stratford. From the moment the audience take their seats they are drawn into the life of such an estate through the stage scenery which recreates on stage the actual gatehouse entrance, the manor house library and the distinctive roof tops with their tall Elizabethan chimneys.
Within such settings the King of Navarre and his three companions, the domestic staff and estate workers, and locals such as the schoolmaster, a curate and a policeman, go about their daily lives in this comfortable enclosed little world, the daily rhythm interrupted only by various visitors such as the Princess of France and her three maids-in-waiting, and a traveller from Spain. But there is an extra twist to such a setting for the audience, for it is the summer of 1914, just one hundred years ago. Many of us could have had relatives at the time employed on such estates as domestic staff or estate workers, or have family connections with the owner. Locally, our relatives could have had school or church connections in nearby villages. With this in mind the play was to hold us all in a far more intimate manner than usual, as would be revealed at the end of the play.
There is a full review of the play scene by scene on the website www.wycliffelutterworthu3a.org ,. Here is the final section.
The whole community moves to the front of the stage to sing their sad farewells to their departing guests. Suddenly, four soldiers dressed in WW1 uniforms, are standing in front of them with their backs to the audience. Silenced in mid-song, the community stands shocked and appalled by what they see, as is the audience. In a single moment the country estate lifestyle the audience has become so intimately involved with has become frozen in time, like a faded old photograph to be found today in a long dead relative’s album. In a single moment the King of Navarre and his three companions have become WW1 officers who will join a war effort in Europe that will last four long years, with devastating effects on both the soldiers’ lives and on their families left behind in Britain. In a moment the play’s title has taken on a meaning that even Berowne could not have contemplated when, before taking his vow in the library, he had expressed his concern that living in the real world was a better way to understand it than isolating yourself from it.
Gregory Doran did not have to end the play in this manner, but in doing so he reminded the audience in particular that in this WW1 centenary year it was the loss of loved ones more than any other loss, however horrific, that was to affect so many lives both during and after the Great War ended in 1918.
It took several minutes for the audience to finally vacate their seats and make their way home, including 9 U3A members from Wycliffe Lutterworth. There was little talking, just a very sombre mood of reflection. Anne Smalley
1st WEDNESDAY WALKING GROUP
Co-ordinators
Roger Watmore 01455 552431
Julian Hargreaves 01455 557704
WEDNESDAY 7TH JANUARY 2015
Walk Organiser Roger Watmore 01455 552431
Meeting Point and Time-Lutterworth Recreation Ground car park at 09.25 to leave at 09.30am.
Directions to the start-From Lutterworth to Magna Park and the B4428 to Brinklow. At the ‘T’ junction turn right and the The Bulls Head is immediately on the right. CV23 0NE
Route- The walk includes the Coventry Way, the Centenary Way, Stretton under Fosse and a canal walk, and is 6 miles but no styles. Food orders before the walk with a main course at £4.45
November Walk
We were blessed with a fine day, despite the date and its history of ‘not so nice weather’. The ‘Chequers’ at Ravensthorpe provided the starting place for the 25 members, and two of our canine friends. We left Ravensthorpe via a footpath which lead us across fields, plantings of ‘Elephant Grass’, culminating in a couple of winter wheat fields where we collected a few pounds of Northants muck before stopping for coffee. Leaving our coffee stop we continued to Coton and Ravensthorpe reservoir. An interesting walk around the reservoir now with extended ‘beaches’ and an abundance of birdlife. Our return journey led us from the reservoir along a hedgerow into a country park which gave rise to wonderful views of the reservoir and surrounding countryside and returned to the ‘Chequers’. Around 20 of us decided to sample the local brew and the food.
Jill & Peter Betts.
4th WEDNESDAY WALKING GROUPCo-ordinators
Sue & Peter Creeden
01455 557888
November 2014 Walk Report
There were 14 of us that set out from Yelvertoft undaunted by the damp and misty November weather. Fortunately the rain did abate but we were unable to enjoy the fine countryside views. George Robertson had skilfully planned a walk that avoided very muddy fields but we still managed to find some mud because of the wet weather over the last month or so. The coffee break was a quick affair. So quick in fact that we left Peter Moore behind as he chomped his way through the biggest piece of cake I`ve ever seen. As we entered the tranquil village of Winwick we were intrigued by the curvy wall with turrets that formed part of the boundary of a large mansion. We then peeped inside the church of St Michael and All Angels to see its impressive modern stained glass window. Our return journey picked up the Grand Union Canal towpath before making our way along the road back into Yelvertoft. Most stayed for lunch at the Knightly Arms.
Peter Creeden
December 2014 Walk
The fourth Wednesday of the month will be Christmas Eve so it has been decided that we will not arrange a walk for December.
We hope you all enjoy the festive season and look forward to walking with you next year.
Sue and Peter Creeden
JOINT WYCLIFFE LUTTERWORTH
And LUTTERWORTH U3A GROUPS
TUESDAY WALKING GROUPCo-ordinator
Gordon Jones (Lutterworth U3A)
01455 556192
Date of Walk: Tuesday 16th December Coordinator: Gordon Jones. Tel. 01455 556192 Walk Organizers: Gordon Jones Tel. 01455 556192 Meeting Point: Coventry Road Recreation Ground car park Meeting Time: 09.25, leave at 9.30.
Start Point: The Square at Market Bosworth. Leave at 10.00.
Route and distance:4 to 4½ miles, Leicestershire Round to Sutton Cheney, back via Sutton Lane. I will provide a town and a country park map if some would like a shorter walk.
Lunch: See note below. Directions to the Starting Point:Lutterworth to Magna Park, A5 north about 8 miles to Dodwells Roundabout, A47(A447) right to traffic lights, A447 left through Stapleton and Cadeby then left on B585 to Mkt. Bosworth.
Return Mileage from Lutterworth: 32 Miles.
DECEMBER 16th LUNCH, Starts at 1.00 p.m.
The lunch, at Bosworth Hall, for the December 16th walk is pre-booked. If on reading this you would like to join us then give me a ring and I will contact the hotel to see if we can have more places. If they can add places it will be necessary to make a selection and get your payment to me. I cannot try to get extra places after Friday December 12th.
If you are going for the lunch only please be in the bar for 12.30.