July 2013 Month bulletin
BULLETIN issue No. 69
11th July– 8th August
DON’T MISS OUR SUMMER GARDEN PARTY AT
MISTERTON HALL ON SATURDAY JULY 27TH
See below
First Meeting of the NEW GARDENING GROUP
see below
Report on the June Meeting
Orson Wright 1853 – 1913 - The People’s Champion Peter Cousins spoke with enthusiasm and clarity about the life of Orson Wright, who, having left school at eight years of age grew to be, through foresight and diligence, a multi millionaire. He was born in Dunton Bassett, one of ten children and the son of a framework knitter. In later years his siblings amassed forty one children, there being several sets of twins,
He progressed from labouring on a farm to carpentry, but always had an eye to the future. Married in 1874 at St Margaret’s Church in Leicester, there followed six children from the union. In 1875, having formed Wright Bros. Builders and Joiners, he increased the workforce to 26 men and 3 children within his first three years.
Orson was ahead of his time in realising the importance of rail links. He bought land in South Wigston and built houses for the rail workers. In 1883 50 people lived in South Wigston, but this grew to 6,000, housed in red brick terraces built by Orson.
His influence was extensive, stretching from a School for Girls in Bassett St., to coffee houses, hotels, affordable housing, even to a reservoir in Derbyshire. A Methodist, Conservative and teetotaller, he didn’t approve of public houses, but yet held the licences of many bars within his hotels- quite an anomaly! He gave land for the building of churches and the “Tin Tabernacle” or church hall next to St. Thomas’, was the flat pack of its time.
He was an excellent speculator, buying land and building houses again around the proposed route of The Great Central Railway. Having dabbled in shoe manufacture and having bought more land in Knighton Fields, he entered politics, winning his first election by a landslide. His own homes grew ever larger. Ashbourne House set in extensive gardens, was his final choice, where, having had 4 more children, he eventually died in 1913.
He was so esteemed in the community that on the day of his funeral, all businesses in South Wigston closed. The entourage consisted of 15 horse drawn carriages. Hundreds of people, whose lives he had touched and enriched, walked behind the bier from St. Thomas’ Church to Wigston Cemetery, where he was buried. From farm labourer to Masonic leadership, his influence was felt in so many diverse walks of life. After his death he willed money to all his employees and family, although his son Albert was excluded- deemed to have married into money rather than earned it by his own endeavour. Each had a share or his £8,000,000 fortune.
In commemoration of this inspiring man, a stained glass window was donated to St. Thomas’ Church, Wigston, by his children and can be seen there today.
Summer Garden Party Members of the Wycliffe Lutterworth U3A are cordially
invited to a
Summer Garden Party
to be held in the grounds of
Misterton Hall
on Saturday the 27th July 2013
from 12.30pm to 4.30pm.
This will be an opportunity to socialise in the relaxed and informal setting of these magnificent gardens.
All you need to do is bring along your picnic, plates and cups, portable garden chairs etc.
It is proposed to have garden games available and to hold a Treasure Hunt during the course of the afternoon but, of course, you are welcome to just sit back and
relax if you prefer.
There will be a raffle of generously donated prizes the proceeds of which will be donated to the Mayor of Lutterworth (our very own Bob Howes)’s Charity Appeal.
A small charge of £2 per head will be levied to cover the costs of setting up this event.
Do join us, for what should be “A Grand Day Out”!!
Gardening Group.
An initial meeting of the Gardening Group is to be held on Tuesday 30th July at 2.30 pm at 25, Holly Drive, Lutterworth, LE17 4RQ.
Please see the notice board at the monthly
meeting or contact Sue Creeden on 01455 557888.
FRENCH CONVERSATION
Co-ordinator
Sue Hicks
01858 880273
27 June 2013
We talked about the visit some of us made to Chambourcy, with photos and a description of our activities. With the assistance of a very helpful visiting French girl we looked at some French question and answer booklets designed for 7-8 year olds, which seemed about right for us!
The next meeting will be on 25 July
QUIZ GROUP
Co-ordinator
Sylvie Curtis
01455 554504
This month we welcomed a new member to our group and welcomed back two members who had temporarily dropped out. The questions were set by Jill and some of us thought we had strayed into University Challenge by mistake. The questions were very hard, and we do hope we have not put off our new member, we promise they will get easier!
If anyone else would like to give it a go come for a trial visit in August, we will be very pleased to see you there.
TRIPS
Co-ordinator
George Robertson
01455 559725 email:george9high@hotmail.com
WEDGEWOOD VISITOR CENTRE TRIP. THURSDAY 17th OCTOBER
I’m proposing a visit to The Wedgewood Factory Visitor Centre near Stoke-On-Trent to include light lunch and a factory tour.
The factory walking tour (sorry no wheelchair access) takes about 45 mins and is all on one level. A mini-bus takes 15 visitors at a time to the start point. There is a museum and workshop to visit where you can see hand made pottery being produced and if you’re brave you can have a go on a potter’s wheel. The factory is set in 240 acres of woodland and there are walks marked out. Shops are on site to purchase pottery and other goods. A restaurant is also available and I can book a light lunch for everyone comprising ‘sandwich soup of the day and tea or coffee’. The cost £24 with lunch, £19 without lunch. All entrance fees and factory visit included. The coach will pick up at Broughton Astley at 9.15am and at Lutterworth at 9.30am. We will start the return journey at 3.30pm.
The maximum number for the trip is 49, book and pay early to avoid disappointment. Ring George on 01455 559725 or e-mail george9high@hotmail.com
GERMAN CONVERSATION
Co-ordinator
Sue Hicks
01858 880273
18 June 2013
There were only three of us at Sue’s house this time, which is the minimum practical number for the group to meet.
The next meeting will probably be on 16 or 23 July at Alan’s, but please check with Sue first.
THEATRE Co-ordinator
Eddie Hemsley 01455 554564 (edwardhemsley@btinternet.com )
A few members of the theatre group went to see As You Like It at Stratford on 25th April
Report on As You Like It
Director; Maria Aberg
For this new RSC production of As You Like It, the Forest of Arden took on the characteristics of an open air rock festival with folk dressed in mismatched hippy style garments, who became involved in strange meetings, misunderstandings and always much dancing and music. Astonishingly, this concept worked brilliantly and the old story of exiles, unconvincing disguises, mixed up lovers and eventual reconciliation became something new and original. The contrasts between the stylised and oppressive court at the start and the untamed world of the forest were drawn with some flair.
There were some brilliant performances and no discernible weak ones. Pippa Nixon, as Rosalind, was compelling; sometimes light hearted and witty, sometimes anxious or wistful, but always in total control of her role. Pippa is certainly a star for the future. She was complemented by skilled performances from those around her, notably from Alex Walden ( Orlando) and Joanna Horton (Celia). The role of the gloomy Jacques is perhaps the most difficult in the play, not least because of all the tortuous puns but in this production not only was it a comedic strength, it even made sense.At one point, Jacques , Touchstone and Silvius acted out a mute comedy to great effect. At another, Jacques sat down and, going off script, bantered with a member of the audience on the vagaries of marriage. It was a masterly performance from Nicholas Tennant. Laura Marling’s music enhanced the play throughout and rose to a crescendo when the cast joined together in a final exuberant dance, as the rain poured down.
As usual, the new RSC theatre let things down a little as it is often quite difficult to get a full view of the action. The intrusive pillars didn’t bother us this time but a large pole placed on one side of the stage to act as a tree in the forest seemed to get in the way quite often. In fact the entire set design was low key. Despite these niggles, the gloriously high standard of the performance gave us a memorable and enjoyable evening.
RSC tickets for All’s Well That Ends Well.
If you asked for tickets for the above Shakespeare play, I shall be able to hand them over to you at the July U3A meeting before the talk. Each ticket costs £34.
Payment in cash or by cheque, payable to Mrs EA Smalley. Otherwise, collect them at the August meeting. Thank you, Anne Smalley.
Kilworth House Theatre “My Fair Lady”
Fifty-eight members turned out on a beautiful midsummer Sunday afternoon to see a performance of KH Theatre’s summer production of “My Fair Lady”. Although this is a long established multi award winning musical and film and possibly familiar to most of us, nevertheless this production was not, by any means, second best. There was a freshness about the direction and the stagecraft that gave the production a presence and a distinctive life of its own. The individual performances from the principal actors were of such quality that you soon forgot that they were following in the footsteps of such greats as Rex Harrison, Julie Andrews, Wilfred Hyde White and Stanley Holloway.
I particularly liked the performance of the actor who played Alfred Doolittle who brought real character, individuality and “a little bit of luck” to the role.
A super production that sent me home thinking, “my word they did it!!”
Eddie
PUB LUNCH & ETHNIC EATING
Co-ordinator
Jill Graham
01455 557117
email grahjill@hotmail.com
Wednesday Lunches
3rd July – The Red Lion Gilmorton
7th August The Pig in Muck. Please note that as well as signing up, you need to indicate your choice on the sheet provided and fill in that choice on the usual Reminder Slip. I haven't made a note of your choices, so we will be in difficulties on the 7th if you forget your slips!!
4th September -The Elms, Lutterworth. They do a good Carvery as well as the usual range of meals and bar snacks. Members who live in Lutterworth could work off their meal by walking to and from this venue! However, we cannot book ahead on this one so I won't be able to get them to set out a table/tables until I get there. I might find it best to go for a Coffee when they open at 11 am so that the tables will be laid out ready.
Wednesday 5th June saw a smaller number than usual turn out for a meal at Kilworth Springs Golf Club. This is a popular venue where the members always enjoy the view as well as the food.
Tuesday Lunches
16 July - The Glebe Garden Centre, Foston Road, Countesthorpe, LE8 5QP. There are 6 people already interested. REMEMBER, you have to sign up today (Thursday 11 July) or contact me as soon as possible after the meeting.
ETHNIC EATING
Wednesday 26th June, "ETHNIC EATING" got off to a good start when 9 members met at "Vojon", Bank Street, Lutterworth, at 6.30 pm, to enjoy Indian cuisine together. All agreed that it had been a pleasant evening and worth repeating. The group then chose "The Dirty Duck" (Thai cuisine), at Ullesthorpe, for the next dinner on Wednesday 24th July - again 6.30 pm for 7.30 pm.
Interested? Sign up on the Board today.
SNAIL’S PACE WALKING GROUP
Co-ordinator
Sheila Eggleton
01455 554387
sheilaeggleton@yahoo.co.uk
JULY 19th WALK
This walk is being led by Dot (Barnard), we will meet outside Dunton Bassett Primary School, The Mount, Dunton Bassett LE17 5JL at 11.30a.m. Dot has kindly invited us back to her home at 3 Mount View, for refreshments at the end of the walk, we will be invited to make a donation to Leicestershire Air Ambulance.
June 21st Walk
This “Blue Badge” historic walk proved very popular attracting our biggest turn out since we started the group. The starting point for our walk was Jewry Wall Museum where our guide talked to us about both the Iron Age and Roman settlements in this vicinity. From here we walked through Castle Gardens, stopping en-route to admire the statue of King Richard III which is shortly to be re-sited close to Leicester Cathedral, en-route to the Church of St Mary de Castro built by the first Earl of Leicester, Robert de Beaumont. On the opposite side of the street we found the site of Leicester Castle built in 1068. This building bears no resemblance to any Castle you will have seen as so little of the original remains. We learnt a lot during our walk about the importance of Leicester with its connections to Royalty, John of Gaunt was once Earl of Leicester. During the Civil War Leicester supported the Parliamentarians and its citizens suffered greatly at the hands of the Royalists, who laid siege to and eventually took over the city. The City went on to suffer further fighting when it was retaken by supporters of Cromwell This walk gave interesting insights into the religious, commercial and philanthropic life of the City and I would recommend it to anyone who wants to know more about Leicester.
Thanks must go to Mandy for organising it.
PHOTOGRAPHY
Co-ordinator
Mick Curtis
01455 554504
This months theme was "People at Work" Our depleted ranks managed to display, people on roofs, digging trenches, tending garden activities, delivering goods, moving house, cooking ,and many more. One even managed to sneak in a novel shot of how to deal with a branch of a tree that was in the way of installing a fence ( not much to do with people at work but amusing never the less) .
This last image inspired us to choose as our next topic : "Humour" and we meet again on Aug.22nd.
BOOK CHAT
Co-ordinator
Mick Curtis
01455 554504
Our book for June was Wolf Hall by Hilary Mantel. Not all of our members finished reading this in time for the meeting, it is a very long book!
Those who did finish, enjoyed the book and learned a lot about Tudor England. The author gave an interesting and different perspective on Thomas Cromwell. Many however found it difficult at times to understand which character was speaking and whilst some thought it was like "wading through treacle", most felt it would benefit from a little editing. It was very obvious that a lot of research had gone into the book and although it is fiction, we felt it probably was a very accurate portrayal of events. For a work of fiction it had a very scholarly feel.
LIVELY DISCUSSION
Co-ordinator
Dot Barnard
01455 208190
10th June 2013
Does coalition government work?
Everyone agreed that they had had high hopes for the coalition immediately after the election in 2010. However, it seems to have descended into public spats between the coalition partners. The question was posed ‘Would we perceive it to be working better if the disagreements were private?’ On balance it was felt that it does not work. The country is in a mess and although all the right things were said about putting party differences aside there has been very little action to improve the situation. According to your political leanings you may decide that it is working – or not. There certainly hasn’t been much, if any, setting aside of party differences for the good of the country. It is clear that the super-rich leaders of this country have no idea of how the populace lives. They are untouched by the policies which they implement. Of the countries in the continent of Europe, 36 are governed by coalitions and world-wide around 80 are run by coalition governments.
The wartime coalition did work and it appears to have been successful because Churchill set aside his hatred of the Labour party and selected ministers who had the skills and abilities for each office. It was the time in 1940 when he announced to Parliament ‘I have nothing to offer but blood, toil, tears and sweat.’ We heartily wish that this government would set aside its own interests and rescue the country as it should!
August – Are we obsessive about holidays?
1st WEDNESDAY WALKING GROUP WYCLIFFE U3A Joint Co-ordinators:
Roger Watmore 01455 552431 and
Julian Hargreaves 01455 557704
WEDNESDAY 7TH AUGUST 2013
Walk Organisers: Jane Clark & George Robertson 07986827270
SOMETHING DIFFERENT!
This walk is in two parts, they form a figure of 8. The first part is 6 miles and ends at the start point at lunch time. The second part is a 3 mile ring to be tackled after lunch. You can decide to do the first part only if you wish. The start point is East Carlton Country Park which has picnic benches, toilets and a café. I’m suggesting a picnic lunch in the park. The pub close to the walk is being refurbished, if it reopens in time I’ll obtain details of food for those interested. The start point is about 18 miles from Lutterworth so car sharing makes sense.
Meeting Point: Lutterworth Recreation Ground Car Park at 9.25am to leave at 9.30am. Staring from East Carlton Park at 10.15am LE16 8YF
Directions to the start: Take A4304 to Market Harborough. To avoid town centre take second exit on the mini roundabout at the bottom of the hill when entering Harboro’. Continue along Welland Park Rd until traffic lighted T junction. Turn left then immediately right, pass Sainsbury’s on the left and at the roundabout take the second road exit passing Lidl on your left. Continue under the railway bridge then take the next left. At the end turn right at the T junction and follow the A427 towards Corby. In about 5 miles look out for the brown Country Park sign and turn left on the by-road leading to the park entrance on the right across a cattle grid.
Route and Distance: First part is 6 miles along a section of the Jurassic Way and field paths. Second part 3 miles through the villages of Middleton and Cottingham and returning via field paths. The walk is hilly in places.
June Walk
The walk from Braunston which left from the Boat House Inn on an ideal day for walking attracted 28. We commenced along the canal towpath and then followed a bridle track to the few farms in the hamlet of Sawbridge. We then went past Willoughby House and came out on to the main Dunchurch-Daventry Road where we joined the canal again for a few hundred yards leaving to make our way to the church. There was an option here to lengthen the walk by half an hour to go towards the marina and those that didn’t want to took the short walk back to The Boat House where lunch was enjoyed by over 20 walkers.
Jean & Peter Child
4th WEDNESDAY WALKING GROUP Co-ordinators:
Sue & Peter Creeden
01455 557888
July Walk : Wednesday 24th July 2013
Walk Organiser: Julian Hargreaves 01455 557704
Meeting Point: Coventry Road recreation ground car park at 9.20am to leave at 9.30am
Start: The Bull at Clifton upon Dunsmore
Directions to start: Leave Lutterworth on A426 towards Rugby. At Gibbet roundabout take A5 south for 2 miles and at end of dual carriageway go right (dodgy junction) and follow the road to Clifton upon Dunsmore. In village after right hand bend The Bull pub is on your right.
Route and distance: The walk is across fields to Lilbourne and returning on lanes to Hillmorton locks and back to Clifton, a total of just under 7 miles.
Lunch: A choice of pub grub for £5 per head which we will order before the start of the walk. The toilets will be available.
June 2013 Walk
Bob Davis had to lead 23 of us without Vicki as he had left her at home recovering from something she caught in Turkey! It was a fine sunny morning. We set off from Newbold on a circular route that took us across fields and down lanes and then back along the canal towpath. Highlights were a sighting of herons nesting in the trees by a small lake and walking through the Newbold canal tunnel. Lunch was enjoyed at the Barley Mow .
BIRD WATCHING
Co-ordinators
Mary & Peter Rolleston
01455 209156
Ten members of the group visited Barnack Hills and Holes Nature Reserve near Stamford where, in between the showers, we discovered many uncommon wildflowers including two species of orchid, namely, the Pyramidal and Fragrant .These were flowering in abundance on the slopes of the chalk hills. Prior to this we visited the cottage and museum of the poet, John Clare.in the village of Helpston, and this was very interesting and informative. There was a lovely garden and café where we enjoyed coffee and scones. Lunch at the local 'pub - The Millstone - completed a very enjoyable day in spite of the rain. Next month, as several members are on holiday, we will visit our local nature reserve - Brandon Marsh. All welcome.
We also hope to see more orchids and butterflies at some of the local Warwickshire nature reserves at a date to be fixed during July.
Please telephone the organisers if you would be interested in joining us.
Joint Wycliffe Lutterworth
and Lutterworth U3A Groups
And LU3A Groups open to WLU3A members
TUESDAY WALKING GROUP Co-ordinator:
Gordon Jones (Lutterworth U3A)
01455 556192
Date of Walk: Tuesday 16th July
Co-ordinator: Gordon Jones. Tel. 01455 556192
Walk Organiser: Peter Moore and Irene Moore . Tel. 01455 552594
Meeting Point: Meet at the car park by the Leisure Centre
Meeting Time: 09.05 to leave at 09.15.
This is a Special Walk with 2 stops. 1st stop coffee break, 2nd stop *Pick your Own* soft fruit. Strawberries, Raspberries ,Red and Black currents, Gooseberries etc.
The *PYO* Farm will store your Fruit to be collected, as you pass, on your way home.
Route and distance: Leave from Bulls Head, Wolvey at 9.45 am. approx. 6 miles.
JOINT GOLF GROUP (with Lutterworth U3A)
Co-ordinator (Lutterworth U3A)
Peter Moore
01455 552594
Result of latest Joint Golf Day at Hinckley Golf Club on Thursday 6th June 2013
Winner:- Mike Harrison ( 41 Points)– Lutterworth u3a - who takes the Hartopp Trophy
Second :- Brian Asbury (27 Points) – Wycliffe u3a. 3rd – Peter Moore (27 Points) – Lutterworth u3a
Next Joint Golf Day - Lutterworth and Wycliffe u3a.Organiser :- Peter Reeves Tel:- 01455 209933 e-mail: p.reeves77@btinternet.com
The next Golf Day will be at Ullesthorpe Golf Club on Thursday 15th August 2013. competing for the Hartopp Trophy and Prizes.
Meet at 12.00 Hrs for 1.04 pm Tee Time in the Golf Club House Bar.
Coffee and Bacon Roll included on arrival.
To confirm your attendance or for full itinerary, including Meal choices, please contact Peter Reeves by Telephone
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 Partner/wife for 2 course Dinner at 6.30pm in the Golf Clubhouse Cost £10.00.per person. Coffee available at extra cost.
Jackets and Ties *not required*
Forthcoming Golf Days
Whetstone Golf Club. Thursday October 3rd 2013. Full details in August and September Newsletters.
Away Day. Friday 25th October 2013. Wollaton Park Golf Club, Nottingham.
Another top class venue not to be missed..You must attend this event or you will really miss out on a treat. Full details in future Newsletters.
Cost approx. £34.00. Incl. Bacon Roll & Coffee, Green Fee, Prizes and Steak Pie Dinner.
11th July– 8th August
DON’T MISS OUR SUMMER GARDEN PARTY AT
MISTERTON HALL ON SATURDAY JULY 27TH
See below
First Meeting of the NEW GARDENING GROUP
see below
Report on the June Meeting
Orson Wright 1853 – 1913 - The People’s Champion Peter Cousins spoke with enthusiasm and clarity about the life of Orson Wright, who, having left school at eight years of age grew to be, through foresight and diligence, a multi millionaire. He was born in Dunton Bassett, one of ten children and the son of a framework knitter. In later years his siblings amassed forty one children, there being several sets of twins,
He progressed from labouring on a farm to carpentry, but always had an eye to the future. Married in 1874 at St Margaret’s Church in Leicester, there followed six children from the union. In 1875, having formed Wright Bros. Builders and Joiners, he increased the workforce to 26 men and 3 children within his first three years.
Orson was ahead of his time in realising the importance of rail links. He bought land in South Wigston and built houses for the rail workers. In 1883 50 people lived in South Wigston, but this grew to 6,000, housed in red brick terraces built by Orson.
His influence was extensive, stretching from a School for Girls in Bassett St., to coffee houses, hotels, affordable housing, even to a reservoir in Derbyshire. A Methodist, Conservative and teetotaller, he didn’t approve of public houses, but yet held the licences of many bars within his hotels- quite an anomaly! He gave land for the building of churches and the “Tin Tabernacle” or church hall next to St. Thomas’, was the flat pack of its time.
He was an excellent speculator, buying land and building houses again around the proposed route of The Great Central Railway. Having dabbled in shoe manufacture and having bought more land in Knighton Fields, he entered politics, winning his first election by a landslide. His own homes grew ever larger. Ashbourne House set in extensive gardens, was his final choice, where, having had 4 more children, he eventually died in 1913.
He was so esteemed in the community that on the day of his funeral, all businesses in South Wigston closed. The entourage consisted of 15 horse drawn carriages. Hundreds of people, whose lives he had touched and enriched, walked behind the bier from St. Thomas’ Church to Wigston Cemetery, where he was buried. From farm labourer to Masonic leadership, his influence was felt in so many diverse walks of life. After his death he willed money to all his employees and family, although his son Albert was excluded- deemed to have married into money rather than earned it by his own endeavour. Each had a share or his £8,000,000 fortune.
In commemoration of this inspiring man, a stained glass window was donated to St. Thomas’ Church, Wigston, by his children and can be seen there today.
Summer Garden Party Members of the Wycliffe Lutterworth U3A are cordially
invited to a
Summer Garden Party
to be held in the grounds of
Misterton Hall
on Saturday the 27th July 2013
from 12.30pm to 4.30pm.
This will be an opportunity to socialise in the relaxed and informal setting of these magnificent gardens.
All you need to do is bring along your picnic, plates and cups, portable garden chairs etc.
It is proposed to have garden games available and to hold a Treasure Hunt during the course of the afternoon but, of course, you are welcome to just sit back and
relax if you prefer.
There will be a raffle of generously donated prizes the proceeds of which will be donated to the Mayor of Lutterworth (our very own Bob Howes)’s Charity Appeal.
A small charge of £2 per head will be levied to cover the costs of setting up this event.
Do join us, for what should be “A Grand Day Out”!!
Gardening Group.
An initial meeting of the Gardening Group is to be held on Tuesday 30th July at 2.30 pm at 25, Holly Drive, Lutterworth, LE17 4RQ.
Please see the notice board at the monthly
meeting or contact Sue Creeden on 01455 557888.
FRENCH CONVERSATION
Co-ordinator
Sue Hicks
01858 880273
27 June 2013
We talked about the visit some of us made to Chambourcy, with photos and a description of our activities. With the assistance of a very helpful visiting French girl we looked at some French question and answer booklets designed for 7-8 year olds, which seemed about right for us!
The next meeting will be on 25 July
QUIZ GROUP
Co-ordinator
Sylvie Curtis
01455 554504
This month we welcomed a new member to our group and welcomed back two members who had temporarily dropped out. The questions were set by Jill and some of us thought we had strayed into University Challenge by mistake. The questions were very hard, and we do hope we have not put off our new member, we promise they will get easier!
If anyone else would like to give it a go come for a trial visit in August, we will be very pleased to see you there.
TRIPS
Co-ordinator
George Robertson
01455 559725 email:george9high@hotmail.com
WEDGEWOOD VISITOR CENTRE TRIP. THURSDAY 17th OCTOBER
I’m proposing a visit to The Wedgewood Factory Visitor Centre near Stoke-On-Trent to include light lunch and a factory tour.
The factory walking tour (sorry no wheelchair access) takes about 45 mins and is all on one level. A mini-bus takes 15 visitors at a time to the start point. There is a museum and workshop to visit where you can see hand made pottery being produced and if you’re brave you can have a go on a potter’s wheel. The factory is set in 240 acres of woodland and there are walks marked out. Shops are on site to purchase pottery and other goods. A restaurant is also available and I can book a light lunch for everyone comprising ‘sandwich soup of the day and tea or coffee’. The cost £24 with lunch, £19 without lunch. All entrance fees and factory visit included. The coach will pick up at Broughton Astley at 9.15am and at Lutterworth at 9.30am. We will start the return journey at 3.30pm.
The maximum number for the trip is 49, book and pay early to avoid disappointment. Ring George on 01455 559725 or e-mail george9high@hotmail.com
GERMAN CONVERSATION
Co-ordinator
Sue Hicks
01858 880273
18 June 2013
There were only three of us at Sue’s house this time, which is the minimum practical number for the group to meet.
The next meeting will probably be on 16 or 23 July at Alan’s, but please check with Sue first.
THEATRE Co-ordinator
Eddie Hemsley 01455 554564 (edwardhemsley@btinternet.com )
A few members of the theatre group went to see As You Like It at Stratford on 25th April
Report on As You Like It
Director; Maria Aberg
For this new RSC production of As You Like It, the Forest of Arden took on the characteristics of an open air rock festival with folk dressed in mismatched hippy style garments, who became involved in strange meetings, misunderstandings and always much dancing and music. Astonishingly, this concept worked brilliantly and the old story of exiles, unconvincing disguises, mixed up lovers and eventual reconciliation became something new and original. The contrasts between the stylised and oppressive court at the start and the untamed world of the forest were drawn with some flair.
There were some brilliant performances and no discernible weak ones. Pippa Nixon, as Rosalind, was compelling; sometimes light hearted and witty, sometimes anxious or wistful, but always in total control of her role. Pippa is certainly a star for the future. She was complemented by skilled performances from those around her, notably from Alex Walden ( Orlando) and Joanna Horton (Celia). The role of the gloomy Jacques is perhaps the most difficult in the play, not least because of all the tortuous puns but in this production not only was it a comedic strength, it even made sense.At one point, Jacques , Touchstone and Silvius acted out a mute comedy to great effect. At another, Jacques sat down and, going off script, bantered with a member of the audience on the vagaries of marriage. It was a masterly performance from Nicholas Tennant. Laura Marling’s music enhanced the play throughout and rose to a crescendo when the cast joined together in a final exuberant dance, as the rain poured down.
As usual, the new RSC theatre let things down a little as it is often quite difficult to get a full view of the action. The intrusive pillars didn’t bother us this time but a large pole placed on one side of the stage to act as a tree in the forest seemed to get in the way quite often. In fact the entire set design was low key. Despite these niggles, the gloriously high standard of the performance gave us a memorable and enjoyable evening.
RSC tickets for All’s Well That Ends Well.
If you asked for tickets for the above Shakespeare play, I shall be able to hand them over to you at the July U3A meeting before the talk. Each ticket costs £34.
Payment in cash or by cheque, payable to Mrs EA Smalley. Otherwise, collect them at the August meeting. Thank you, Anne Smalley.
Kilworth House Theatre “My Fair Lady”
Fifty-eight members turned out on a beautiful midsummer Sunday afternoon to see a performance of KH Theatre’s summer production of “My Fair Lady”. Although this is a long established multi award winning musical and film and possibly familiar to most of us, nevertheless this production was not, by any means, second best. There was a freshness about the direction and the stagecraft that gave the production a presence and a distinctive life of its own. The individual performances from the principal actors were of such quality that you soon forgot that they were following in the footsteps of such greats as Rex Harrison, Julie Andrews, Wilfred Hyde White and Stanley Holloway.
I particularly liked the performance of the actor who played Alfred Doolittle who brought real character, individuality and “a little bit of luck” to the role.
A super production that sent me home thinking, “my word they did it!!”
Eddie
PUB LUNCH & ETHNIC EATING
Co-ordinator
Jill Graham
01455 557117
email grahjill@hotmail.com
Wednesday Lunches
3rd July – The Red Lion Gilmorton
7th August The Pig in Muck. Please note that as well as signing up, you need to indicate your choice on the sheet provided and fill in that choice on the usual Reminder Slip. I haven't made a note of your choices, so we will be in difficulties on the 7th if you forget your slips!!
4th September -The Elms, Lutterworth. They do a good Carvery as well as the usual range of meals and bar snacks. Members who live in Lutterworth could work off their meal by walking to and from this venue! However, we cannot book ahead on this one so I won't be able to get them to set out a table/tables until I get there. I might find it best to go for a Coffee when they open at 11 am so that the tables will be laid out ready.
Wednesday 5th June saw a smaller number than usual turn out for a meal at Kilworth Springs Golf Club. This is a popular venue where the members always enjoy the view as well as the food.
Tuesday Lunches
16 July - The Glebe Garden Centre, Foston Road, Countesthorpe, LE8 5QP. There are 6 people already interested. REMEMBER, you have to sign up today (Thursday 11 July) or contact me as soon as possible after the meeting.
ETHNIC EATING
Wednesday 26th June, "ETHNIC EATING" got off to a good start when 9 members met at "Vojon", Bank Street, Lutterworth, at 6.30 pm, to enjoy Indian cuisine together. All agreed that it had been a pleasant evening and worth repeating. The group then chose "The Dirty Duck" (Thai cuisine), at Ullesthorpe, for the next dinner on Wednesday 24th July - again 6.30 pm for 7.30 pm.
Interested? Sign up on the Board today.
SNAIL’S PACE WALKING GROUP
Co-ordinator
Sheila Eggleton
01455 554387
sheilaeggleton@yahoo.co.uk
JULY 19th WALK
This walk is being led by Dot (Barnard), we will meet outside Dunton Bassett Primary School, The Mount, Dunton Bassett LE17 5JL at 11.30a.m. Dot has kindly invited us back to her home at 3 Mount View, for refreshments at the end of the walk, we will be invited to make a donation to Leicestershire Air Ambulance.
June 21st Walk
This “Blue Badge” historic walk proved very popular attracting our biggest turn out since we started the group. The starting point for our walk was Jewry Wall Museum where our guide talked to us about both the Iron Age and Roman settlements in this vicinity. From here we walked through Castle Gardens, stopping en-route to admire the statue of King Richard III which is shortly to be re-sited close to Leicester Cathedral, en-route to the Church of St Mary de Castro built by the first Earl of Leicester, Robert de Beaumont. On the opposite side of the street we found the site of Leicester Castle built in 1068. This building bears no resemblance to any Castle you will have seen as so little of the original remains. We learnt a lot during our walk about the importance of Leicester with its connections to Royalty, John of Gaunt was once Earl of Leicester. During the Civil War Leicester supported the Parliamentarians and its citizens suffered greatly at the hands of the Royalists, who laid siege to and eventually took over the city. The City went on to suffer further fighting when it was retaken by supporters of Cromwell This walk gave interesting insights into the religious, commercial and philanthropic life of the City and I would recommend it to anyone who wants to know more about Leicester.
Thanks must go to Mandy for organising it.
PHOTOGRAPHY
Co-ordinator
Mick Curtis
01455 554504
This months theme was "People at Work" Our depleted ranks managed to display, people on roofs, digging trenches, tending garden activities, delivering goods, moving house, cooking ,and many more. One even managed to sneak in a novel shot of how to deal with a branch of a tree that was in the way of installing a fence ( not much to do with people at work but amusing never the less) .
This last image inspired us to choose as our next topic : "Humour" and we meet again on Aug.22nd.
BOOK CHAT
Co-ordinator
Mick Curtis
01455 554504
Our book for June was Wolf Hall by Hilary Mantel. Not all of our members finished reading this in time for the meeting, it is a very long book!
Those who did finish, enjoyed the book and learned a lot about Tudor England. The author gave an interesting and different perspective on Thomas Cromwell. Many however found it difficult at times to understand which character was speaking and whilst some thought it was like "wading through treacle", most felt it would benefit from a little editing. It was very obvious that a lot of research had gone into the book and although it is fiction, we felt it probably was a very accurate portrayal of events. For a work of fiction it had a very scholarly feel.
LIVELY DISCUSSION
Co-ordinator
Dot Barnard
01455 208190
10th June 2013
Does coalition government work?
Everyone agreed that they had had high hopes for the coalition immediately after the election in 2010. However, it seems to have descended into public spats between the coalition partners. The question was posed ‘Would we perceive it to be working better if the disagreements were private?’ On balance it was felt that it does not work. The country is in a mess and although all the right things were said about putting party differences aside there has been very little action to improve the situation. According to your political leanings you may decide that it is working – or not. There certainly hasn’t been much, if any, setting aside of party differences for the good of the country. It is clear that the super-rich leaders of this country have no idea of how the populace lives. They are untouched by the policies which they implement. Of the countries in the continent of Europe, 36 are governed by coalitions and world-wide around 80 are run by coalition governments.
The wartime coalition did work and it appears to have been successful because Churchill set aside his hatred of the Labour party and selected ministers who had the skills and abilities for each office. It was the time in 1940 when he announced to Parliament ‘I have nothing to offer but blood, toil, tears and sweat.’ We heartily wish that this government would set aside its own interests and rescue the country as it should!
August – Are we obsessive about holidays?
1st WEDNESDAY WALKING GROUP WYCLIFFE U3A Joint Co-ordinators:
Roger Watmore 01455 552431 and
Julian Hargreaves 01455 557704
WEDNESDAY 7TH AUGUST 2013
Walk Organisers: Jane Clark & George Robertson 07986827270
SOMETHING DIFFERENT!
This walk is in two parts, they form a figure of 8. The first part is 6 miles and ends at the start point at lunch time. The second part is a 3 mile ring to be tackled after lunch. You can decide to do the first part only if you wish. The start point is East Carlton Country Park which has picnic benches, toilets and a café. I’m suggesting a picnic lunch in the park. The pub close to the walk is being refurbished, if it reopens in time I’ll obtain details of food for those interested. The start point is about 18 miles from Lutterworth so car sharing makes sense.
Meeting Point: Lutterworth Recreation Ground Car Park at 9.25am to leave at 9.30am. Staring from East Carlton Park at 10.15am LE16 8YF
Directions to the start: Take A4304 to Market Harborough. To avoid town centre take second exit on the mini roundabout at the bottom of the hill when entering Harboro’. Continue along Welland Park Rd until traffic lighted T junction. Turn left then immediately right, pass Sainsbury’s on the left and at the roundabout take the second road exit passing Lidl on your left. Continue under the railway bridge then take the next left. At the end turn right at the T junction and follow the A427 towards Corby. In about 5 miles look out for the brown Country Park sign and turn left on the by-road leading to the park entrance on the right across a cattle grid.
Route and Distance: First part is 6 miles along a section of the Jurassic Way and field paths. Second part 3 miles through the villages of Middleton and Cottingham and returning via field paths. The walk is hilly in places.
June Walk
The walk from Braunston which left from the Boat House Inn on an ideal day for walking attracted 28. We commenced along the canal towpath and then followed a bridle track to the few farms in the hamlet of Sawbridge. We then went past Willoughby House and came out on to the main Dunchurch-Daventry Road where we joined the canal again for a few hundred yards leaving to make our way to the church. There was an option here to lengthen the walk by half an hour to go towards the marina and those that didn’t want to took the short walk back to The Boat House where lunch was enjoyed by over 20 walkers.
Jean & Peter Child
4th WEDNESDAY WALKING GROUP Co-ordinators:
Sue & Peter Creeden
01455 557888
July Walk : Wednesday 24th July 2013
Walk Organiser: Julian Hargreaves 01455 557704
Meeting Point: Coventry Road recreation ground car park at 9.20am to leave at 9.30am
Start: The Bull at Clifton upon Dunsmore
Directions to start: Leave Lutterworth on A426 towards Rugby. At Gibbet roundabout take A5 south for 2 miles and at end of dual carriageway go right (dodgy junction) and follow the road to Clifton upon Dunsmore. In village after right hand bend The Bull pub is on your right.
Route and distance: The walk is across fields to Lilbourne and returning on lanes to Hillmorton locks and back to Clifton, a total of just under 7 miles.
Lunch: A choice of pub grub for £5 per head which we will order before the start of the walk. The toilets will be available.
June 2013 Walk
Bob Davis had to lead 23 of us without Vicki as he had left her at home recovering from something she caught in Turkey! It was a fine sunny morning. We set off from Newbold on a circular route that took us across fields and down lanes and then back along the canal towpath. Highlights were a sighting of herons nesting in the trees by a small lake and walking through the Newbold canal tunnel. Lunch was enjoyed at the Barley Mow .
BIRD WATCHING
Co-ordinators
Mary & Peter Rolleston
01455 209156
Ten members of the group visited Barnack Hills and Holes Nature Reserve near Stamford where, in between the showers, we discovered many uncommon wildflowers including two species of orchid, namely, the Pyramidal and Fragrant .These were flowering in abundance on the slopes of the chalk hills. Prior to this we visited the cottage and museum of the poet, John Clare.in the village of Helpston, and this was very interesting and informative. There was a lovely garden and café where we enjoyed coffee and scones. Lunch at the local 'pub - The Millstone - completed a very enjoyable day in spite of the rain. Next month, as several members are on holiday, we will visit our local nature reserve - Brandon Marsh. All welcome.
We also hope to see more orchids and butterflies at some of the local Warwickshire nature reserves at a date to be fixed during July.
Please telephone the organisers if you would be interested in joining us.
Joint Wycliffe Lutterworth
and Lutterworth U3A Groups
And LU3A Groups open to WLU3A members
TUESDAY WALKING GROUP Co-ordinator:
Gordon Jones (Lutterworth U3A)
01455 556192
Date of Walk: Tuesday 16th July
Co-ordinator: Gordon Jones. Tel. 01455 556192
Walk Organiser: Peter Moore and Irene Moore . Tel. 01455 552594
Meeting Point: Meet at the car park by the Leisure Centre
Meeting Time: 09.05 to leave at 09.15.
This is a Special Walk with 2 stops. 1st stop coffee break, 2nd stop *Pick your Own* soft fruit. Strawberries, Raspberries ,Red and Black currents, Gooseberries etc.
The *PYO* Farm will store your Fruit to be collected, as you pass, on your way home.
Route and distance: Leave from Bulls Head, Wolvey at 9.45 am. approx. 6 miles.
JOINT GOLF GROUP (with Lutterworth U3A)
Co-ordinator (Lutterworth U3A)
Peter Moore
01455 552594
Result of latest Joint Golf Day at Hinckley Golf Club on Thursday 6th June 2013
Winner:- Mike Harrison ( 41 Points)– Lutterworth u3a - who takes the Hartopp Trophy
Second :- Brian Asbury (27 Points) – Wycliffe u3a. 3rd – Peter Moore (27 Points) – Lutterworth u3a
Next Joint Golf Day - Lutterworth and Wycliffe u3a.Organiser :- Peter Reeves Tel:- 01455 209933 e-mail: p.reeves77@btinternet.com
The next Golf Day will be at Ullesthorpe Golf Club on Thursday 15th August 2013. competing for the Hartopp Trophy and Prizes.
Meet at 12.00 Hrs for 1.04 pm Tee Time in the Golf Club House Bar.
Coffee and Bacon Roll included on arrival.
To confirm your attendance or for full itinerary, including Meal choices, please contact Peter Reeves by Telephone
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 Partner/wife for 2 course Dinner at 6.30pm in the Golf Clubhouse Cost £10.00.per person. Coffee available at extra cost.
Jackets and Ties *not required*
Forthcoming Golf Days
Whetstone Golf Club. Thursday October 3rd 2013. Full details in August and September Newsletters.
Away Day. Friday 25th October 2013. Wollaton Park Golf Club, Nottingham.
Another top class venue not to be missed..You must attend this event or you will really miss out on a treat. Full details in future Newsletters.
Cost approx. £34.00. Incl. Bacon Roll & Coffee, Green Fee, Prizes and Steak Pie Dinner.