June 2013 bulletin
4 More New and Proposed Groups
GADGETS & GIZMOS
GARDENING
ETHNIC DINING
CYCLING
Report on the May Meeting
Gold and Silver Jewellery through the Ages
Graham Cocking, after many years of working in the Jewellery Quarter in Birmingham, had at his fingertips a wealth of information about the history of gold, its discovery, monetary and artistic use, dating as far back as 2000 B.C. The first slide displayed a beautiful necklace of gold leaves and beads of lapis lazuli, through which silk thread was inserted. How did the ancient craftsmen drill through the lapis lazuli without modern tools? By 600B.C. gold was used in dentistry and in 564 B.C gold currency had been introduced by King Croesus of Libya.
Hallmarking was adopted in 1300, the main assay centres today being Birmingham, Sheffield, Edinburgh and London. The hallmark on a gold item does not signify the place of manufacture. A leopard’s head is London’s hallmark, whereas Edinburgh has a castle symbol. Birmingham can be recognised by the anchor and a rose signifies Sheffield. Royal occasions were given individual hallmarks. Indian gold, being very fine and delicate, is not usually hallmarked. 24 carat gold is pure, unmixed with any other alloy, but as such is too soft to be enduring. A carat measures the proportion of gold in an alloy, expressed as the number of parts of gold in 24 parts of an alloy.
Gold can be many colours. White gold is made from an alloy of zinc and nickel silver; Copper gives a reddish hue, while green gold was developed with cadmium. Graham concluded his talk with anecdotes about items which were individually commissioned, no doubt at great cost! The final, most intriguing question was about what happened to gold flakes during the manufacturing process. We could dream about a pot of gold, but in the making of fine jewellery, every speck of gold returns to the melting pot.
URGENTLY REQUIRED - CO - ORDINATORS FOR
TWO PROPOSED NEW GROUPS
Gadgets & Gizmos
A Group coordinator is required to run the group and share knowledge/experience of Tablets, Kindles, iPads etc
Gardening
A Group coordinator is also required to run this Group
There is a list of members (about 24 in total) already having shown interest in these new Groups, so we need to get them up and running as soon as possible.
Volunteers please contact Bernard Poile (Group Liaison) tel 01455 558075
Wycliffe Lutterworth U3A Xmas Lunch
Tuesday 10th December 2013
at the Lutterworth Golf Club
The Xmas Lunch Menu will be on display at the monthly meetings. Payment for the lunch will commence at the August meeting and can be paid either in full i.e.£16.50 or in instalments of £6.50, £5 and £5. at monthly intervals. Full payment must be received by the November meeting. It would help if payment is by cheque, payable to Wycliffe Lutterworth U3A or have the correct amount of cash.
Thank you. Ann Ashworth
FRENCH CONVERSATION
Co-ordinator
Sue Hicks
01858 880273
23 mai 2013
Nous avons commençé avec une discussion au sujets de la nourriture et des boissons. Ensuite nous avons joué aux « 20 Questions » pour deviner un objet animal, végétal ou minéral, ce qui était assez amusant.
La prochaine réunion de ce groupe sera le jeudi, 27 juin.
Chambourcy Trip: 24th –27th May
Four members of our group who are also members of Lutterworth Twinning Association joined their trip to Chambourcy (near Paris). We were hosted by very welcoming French families, who looked after us fantastically.
On Saturday we visited wonderful Versailles with a guided trip around the old town in the morning. Lunch was taken in a restaurant , and In the afternoon, another guided tour but this time around the State Apartments of the Chateau, in all their grandeur. In the evening there was a communal meal in the a local Hall .
The busy schedule continued on Sunday with a trip to the market in nearby Saint Germain (often used we were told by Parisians). After lunch in a restaurant overlooking the market, we were treated to a boat trip on the Seine near ’La Maison Fournaise’to see the banks where ‘The Impressionists’ painted many of their pictures. After the boat trip, we went round the museum where it was interesting to see copies of many paintings, some showing how different painters interpreted the same scenery in diverse ways.
It was a splendid and most enjoyable way to practice our French conversation skills, and we hope to be able to continue these links.
GERMAN CONVERSATION
Co-ordinator
Sue Hicks
01858 880273
14 May 2013
We are now half way through the German CD course. We had a discussion on food and drink which proved interesting.
The next meeting will be at Sue’s house on Tuesday, 18 June, as Alan will be away.
POETRY
Co-ordinator
Angela &Stuart Rhodes
01455 554553
The poetry of Gillian Clarke interspersed with poems relating to travel provided the subjects for an entertaining yet informative May afternoon. Being born in 1937 Gillian Clarke is very much of our generation yet still encouraging and introducing children of today to the realms of poetry. Poems relating to her experiences of life in particular during her childhood were to some degree very familiar within our own lives and therefore easy to appreciate.
It was pleasing to welcome a new member to the successful Group bringing with her a different perspective to the discussion and interpretation of the poetry.
The subject for the June meeting is "Vehicles".
BIRD WATCHING
Co-ordinators
Mary & Peter Rolleston
01455 209156
As Mary & Peter were away for this month's bird watching, Harvey Wood kindly agreed to organise May’s trip. It was to Kelham Bridge Nature Reserve near Ibstock, a pleasant resort with is a lake, 2 bird hides and, of particular interest, a sand martins' bank.
THEATRE Co-ordinator
Eddie Hemsley 01455 554564 (edwardhemsley@btinternet.com )
HAMLET at RSC
Review of performance on 14th May:
Jonathan Slinger and Greg Hicks star in Shakespeare’s most melancholic play at the RSC.
Director, David Farr, presents this tale of revenge in an ambivalent time frame, reminding us that the world of Denmark is one in which we all live, with its themes of corruption, indecision and - as the encircling ribbon of black ashes and broken skulls around the stage set testifies - mortality.
Jon Bausor’s dilapidated stage set, peeling roof, functional strip lighting and grimy rapier-laden walls, suggests a school with its stage and, later, Ophelia’s strewn exercise books. Are we being schooled in the “sea of troubles” that is our life?
Slinger’s initial appearance as the isolated grieving son in the damaged court of Elisinore, where shallow, hedonistic courtiers move in synchronised lines, champagne bowls in hand, is bemusing : a middle-aged, black suited, bespectacled man, but after his confrontation with the Ghost Hamlet is galvanised into action and a dynamic, worthy performance.
The decision to cast Greg Hicks as both Claudius and the Ghost is an inspired one, reinforcing the issue of failure to acknowledge differences : an angular and stony faced Hicks shows the hypocrisy and ruthless nature of the Cain figure, who usurps his brother’s role as king and husband. Proper distinctions are blurred and cultural breakdown ensues, emphasized by Charlotte Cornwell’s accomplished performance as the acquiescent, newly married Gertrude.
The “mousetrap” play with its distinctly eastern backdrop and mix of rustic and rock chic music, introduces a bohemian dimension and confirms the Ghost’s veracity, Slinger’s insistent, provocative commentary effectively taunting the guilt ridden Claudius. An Elizabethan audience would appreciate the blasphemous nature of poisoning the ear – her ear was believed to be the conduit for the Virgin Mary’s immaculate conception.
The violence of Slinger’s debasement of Ophelia (Pippa Nixon) is uncomfortable viewing, stripped as she is physically and of self-respect, but his performance shows the loathing of the self and world triggered by the inactivity he is condemned to because “ conscience makes cowards of us all .”
The skilled fencing scene makes for an exciting climax, whilst Laertes’ (Luke Norris) final pact and the pathos of Horatio’s (Alex Waldmann) parting words to Hamlet are indicative of the redeeming quality of love.
Slinger’s performance shows a melancholic Hamlet racked by indecision, but forcefully concluding that it is “perfect conscience” to remove the “canker” of evil that is Claudius.
Mandy Cutler/Sheila Eggleton
PUB LUNCH
Co-ordinator
Jill Graham
01455 557117
email grahjill@hotmail.com
TUESDAY LUNCHES
There are a few people interested in re-instating the Tuesday Lunches and my suggestion is that we try Garden Centre Cafés.
Please let me know which Tuesday you prefer(1st or 3rd ) on the sheet provided at the Monthly meeting
RECENT & FUTURE LUNCHES
Wednesday 1st May we went to Lutterworth Golf Club and – eventually – had Lunch. For some reason we had to wait ages to be given the menus and didn’t receive any explanation. The meals however were very good, so perhaps we will risk going back there.
Wednesday 5th June we will return to Kilworth Springs Golf Club – always a popular venue.
Wednesday 3rd July – it’s back to The Red Lion at Gilmorton. We went there last November and found the food and service excellent. So good, in fact, that one lady went the whole three courses, (and coffee as well I think) and waxed lyrical about the meal.
Wednesday 7th August – The Pig in Muck, Claybrooke Magna (last visited in January this year.)
*********POSSIBLE NEW GROUP—ETHNIC DINING
Wednesday 26th June – EVENING – 6.30 pm for 7 pm – Start up of an Ethnic Dining Group – proposed Venue is Vojohn, Bank Street, Lutterworth. Sign sheet if you are interested in coming.
In Lutterworth we also have Italian, Indian and Chinese Restaurants with an excellent Thai Restaurant in Ullesthorpe. I will put out a sheet for suggested venues and would be grateful if you would add your recommendations.
SNAIL’S PACE WALKING GROUP
Co-ordinator
Sheila Eggleton
01455 554387
sheilaeggleton@yahoo.co.uk
JUNE 21ST WALK
The Story of Leicester Walk
Start time - 11.30am
Start point - Outside Jewry Wall Museum (LE1 4BL)
This walk takes you through almost 2000 years of unbroken history in Leicester.
Starting with the Romans, we go on to consider the influence of the Danes, the Normans and the mediaeval Earls of Leicester, who include Simon De Montfort.
Through the Civil War and on to Georgian and Victorian Leicester until finally we come right up to date and include a little on last year’s exciting discovery of the remains of Richard III, the last Plantagenet king of England. Parking is available at the Holiday Inn or the Highcross Shopping centre (both multi storey).
However this can be expensive, so the Park and Ride facility is recommended, from Enderby. Go to the following link for more information on the Park and Ride into Leicester http://www.leicester.gov.uk/your-council-services/transport-traffic
*Please note this walk is only open to those people who have already signed up and paid to go on it.
MAY WALK-
Thirteen of us started off at the Bosworth Battlefield Heritage centre and walked to the viewpoint and memorial sundial at the top of Ambion Hill, where we read about the history of the battle. We then followed part of the battlefield trail to Shenton Station - terminus of the preserved steam railway, the Battlefield Line. Having crossed over the railway line we joined the canal towpath along the Ashby Canal and walked as far as Sutton Wharf. There we followed the footpath , which took us through Ambion Wood, where we re-joined the battlefield trail back to the Heritage centre. All in all our walk was about three and a half miles. Our thanks must go to Anne Dean who organised this walk through the stunning Leicestershire countryside. We started off in hats, scarves and gloves but once the sun came out it turned out to be very pleasant. We ended with refreshments at the Bosworth Field restaurant.
****** NEW ******CYCLING GROUP
Co-ordinator
Nigel Bones
01455 209756
There were 4 intrepid cyclists for the inaugural ride of the cycling group: Bob resplendent in his lycra, the other 3 in slightly more modest attire. Conditions were perfect - warm but not hot, bright sunshine and a slight breeze. We started at the recreation ground, cycled down St. Mary's to Woodmarket, and on the cycle path past The Elms and over the motorway to Misterton and on to Walcote. From Walcote, we cycled along the gated road through beautiful countyside to Stamford and then on to Swinford for lunch at the local hostelry where we probably spent more time than actually cycling. We then cycled the short route back to Lutterworth and the Recreation Ground, arriving back around 2:00 pm. Altogether, a very enjoyable way of spending a spring morning. The next ride is now in the planning stage. If anyone would like to join us, please contact Nigel on nigel.bones50@btinternet.com or tel: 01455 209756
BOOK CHAT
Co-ordinator
Mick Curtis
01455 554504
There were fewer gathered this month to discuss “Notes from a Small Island" by Bill Bryson. But we still managed a wide ranging discussion.
It was interesting to read about places familiar to most of us through the eyes of an American, even one who is a self confessed Anglophile .It proved to be an easy read and even prompted one group member to plot on a map places that impressed and those that disappointed . Bill Bryson’s journalistic background was all too obvious and it made a change from some of the tomes we have tackled in the past.
Our next book will prove to be a complete contrast and we look forward to being at full strength next month to discuss "Wolf Hall" by Hilary Mantel.
LIVELY DISCUSSION
Co-ordinator
Dot Barnard
01455 208190
13th May 2013
Should Scotland Leave the Union?
Group members felt it would be wrong for Scotland to leave the Union. In an increasingly globalised world Scotland would have no clout - either in Europe, with the US or the G8. There are many on-line sites including ‘Your Scotland, Your Voice’ and The Guardian devolution information site. They cover what the SNP wants to happen, but not how it will work. Questions include currency, defence, oil revenues, borders, and national pride. Giving 16 and 17 year olds the vote and choosing the 700th anniversary of the Battle of Bannockburn for the referendum seems to have been decided to try and ensure a ‘yes’ vote. Most members felt it will be defeated this time, as about a third of Scots are in favour according to opinion polls, but eventually they may succeed.
Looking at the separation of the Czech Republic and Slovakia it took 2 – 3 years to renegotiate all the treaties and agreements. Apart from any battles between our two nations, we had James I of England who was also James VI of Scotland and so we have been getting along with each other for hundreds of years. If it’s all about oil, it seems that Scotland will only get about 14% of oil revenues. Currently she receives £40 billion from Westminster, and pays in £27 billion. What will she do to make up the shortfall to enable her to continue with free university places, free elderly care, medicines not rationed by post code lottery etc.? Scots have lost their fishing and ship-building industries – and what about Trident?
As with many things politicians don’t seem to have thought things through. Carving up this small island seems wrong. People seemed to feel very patriotic during the Jubilee and the Olympics. A split would be detrimental to both nations.
The biggest injustice from an English point of view is the West Lothian question where Scottish MPs vote on things which only affect the English and Welsh. This should be reformed whether or not the Scots become independent.
July Topic - Use of English Today.
1st WEDNESDAY WALKING GROUP WYCLIFFE U3A Joint Co-ordinators:
Roger Watmore 01455 552431 and
Julian Hargreaves 01455 557704
WEDNESDAY 3rd July 2013
Walk Organiser: Mary & Peter Rolleston 01455 209156
Meeting Point: Lutterworth Recreation Ground car park at 9.25 to leave at 9.30am.
Directions to the start
From Lutterworth take A5 south, and then follow signs for A361. Keep on A361 until Ashby St Ledgers, left turn to The Olde Coach House which is 100yds on the right.
Route and Distance
The walk is approx. 6 miles skirting Barby and through Braunston. Don’t leave Ashby St Ledgers without seeing one of the most beautiful specimens of an early Tudor manorial house with major historic connections with the battle of Bosworth Field (1485) and The Gunpowder Plot (1605)
May Walk
28 walkers met at Swithland woods south car park on a beautiful sunny morning. Starting with a gradual uphill approach near to Old John, we had superb views of Leicestershire. We continued through Bradgate Park onto an overview of Cropston Reservoir.
Sorry no Bluebells but a good lunch at the Bradgate Alms.
Mick and Brenda Barrows
4th WEDNESDAY WALKING GROUP Co-ordinators:
Sue & Peter Creeden
01455 557888
May 2013 Walk
June and Keith Whiting lead 24 of us on a very easy circular walk starting from the Wood Farm Brewery. The weather was a little chilly to start, but dry, and by the end we were a bit overdressed. We headed off into fields to pass through Willey Fields Farm, Willey,then passed Newham Fields Farm and returned back through Newnham Paddox Park. Lunch was at the Wood Farm Brewery.
June Walk
WEDNESDAY, 26th JUNE 2013
Walk Organisers: Vicki & Bob Davis: Tel 01455 209518
Meeting Point and Time: Lutterworth Recreation Ground car park 9.25am to leave at 9.30am. The start is at 10.00am from The Barley Mow. Newbold (Rugby).
Directions to the Start: - Take the A426 to Rugby. Cross the M6 and join the dual carriageway. Pass Tesco, go under the old railway bridge, and reach the roundabout at the end of the dual section. Take 2nd Exit and follow the road, going straight across the next roundabout, into Newbold village. The entrance to the pub car park is on the right halfway up the hill going out of the village, just before reaching the church on the right.
The pub will be available to order meals etc.
The Walk: This is a circular walk of approx 5.5 miles.
Lunch at The Barley Mow. Newbold
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 18th June
Co-ordinator: Gordon Jones Tel. 01455 556192
Walk Organiser: Graham Morgan, 01455 553998
Meeting Point: Meet at the car park by the Leisure Centre
Meeting Time: 09.20 to leave at 09.30.
Route and distance: From the Bewicke Inn at Hallaton, 5 - 6 miles mainly on field paths.
Lunch: At the Bewicke Inn.
Directions to the Starting Point: From Lutterworth through Market Harborough and take the B664 signed for Medbourne, Hallaton and Uppingham. The pub is on East Gate, left as you enter the village.
Return Mileage from Lutterworth: About 40 miles
JOINT GOLF GROUP (with Lutterworth U3A)
Co-ordinator (Lutterworth U3A)
Peter Moore
01455 552594
The next Joint Golf Day will be at Ullesthorpe Golf Club on Thursday 15th August 2013, run by Peter Reeves
competing for the Hartopp Trophy and Prizes.
Meet at 12.15 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, please contact Peter Reeves Telephone 01455 209933
or e-mail.p.reeves77@btinternet.com
Cost approx. £28.00 To include Coffee and Bacon Roll, Green Fee, Prizes and Dinner. (Dependent upon numbers)
Don't forget to invite your Partner and Guests for 3 course Dinner at 6.30pm in the Clubhouse Restaurant . Cost £10.00.per person.
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.
GADGETS & GIZMOS
GARDENING
ETHNIC DINING
CYCLING
Report on the May Meeting
Gold and Silver Jewellery through the Ages
Graham Cocking, after many years of working in the Jewellery Quarter in Birmingham, had at his fingertips a wealth of information about the history of gold, its discovery, monetary and artistic use, dating as far back as 2000 B.C. The first slide displayed a beautiful necklace of gold leaves and beads of lapis lazuli, through which silk thread was inserted. How did the ancient craftsmen drill through the lapis lazuli without modern tools? By 600B.C. gold was used in dentistry and in 564 B.C gold currency had been introduced by King Croesus of Libya.
Hallmarking was adopted in 1300, the main assay centres today being Birmingham, Sheffield, Edinburgh and London. The hallmark on a gold item does not signify the place of manufacture. A leopard’s head is London’s hallmark, whereas Edinburgh has a castle symbol. Birmingham can be recognised by the anchor and a rose signifies Sheffield. Royal occasions were given individual hallmarks. Indian gold, being very fine and delicate, is not usually hallmarked. 24 carat gold is pure, unmixed with any other alloy, but as such is too soft to be enduring. A carat measures the proportion of gold in an alloy, expressed as the number of parts of gold in 24 parts of an alloy.
Gold can be many colours. White gold is made from an alloy of zinc and nickel silver; Copper gives a reddish hue, while green gold was developed with cadmium. Graham concluded his talk with anecdotes about items which were individually commissioned, no doubt at great cost! The final, most intriguing question was about what happened to gold flakes during the manufacturing process. We could dream about a pot of gold, but in the making of fine jewellery, every speck of gold returns to the melting pot.
URGENTLY REQUIRED - CO - ORDINATORS FOR
TWO PROPOSED NEW GROUPS
Gadgets & Gizmos
A Group coordinator is required to run the group and share knowledge/experience of Tablets, Kindles, iPads etc
Gardening
A Group coordinator is also required to run this Group
There is a list of members (about 24 in total) already having shown interest in these new Groups, so we need to get them up and running as soon as possible.
Volunteers please contact Bernard Poile (Group Liaison) tel 01455 558075
Wycliffe Lutterworth U3A Xmas Lunch
Tuesday 10th December 2013
at the Lutterworth Golf Club
The Xmas Lunch Menu will be on display at the monthly meetings. Payment for the lunch will commence at the August meeting and can be paid either in full i.e.£16.50 or in instalments of £6.50, £5 and £5. at monthly intervals. Full payment must be received by the November meeting. It would help if payment is by cheque, payable to Wycliffe Lutterworth U3A or have the correct amount of cash.
Thank you. Ann Ashworth
FRENCH CONVERSATION
Co-ordinator
Sue Hicks
01858 880273
23 mai 2013
Nous avons commençé avec une discussion au sujets de la nourriture et des boissons. Ensuite nous avons joué aux « 20 Questions » pour deviner un objet animal, végétal ou minéral, ce qui était assez amusant.
La prochaine réunion de ce groupe sera le jeudi, 27 juin.
Chambourcy Trip: 24th –27th May
Four members of our group who are also members of Lutterworth Twinning Association joined their trip to Chambourcy (near Paris). We were hosted by very welcoming French families, who looked after us fantastically.
On Saturday we visited wonderful Versailles with a guided trip around the old town in the morning. Lunch was taken in a restaurant , and In the afternoon, another guided tour but this time around the State Apartments of the Chateau, in all their grandeur. In the evening there was a communal meal in the a local Hall .
The busy schedule continued on Sunday with a trip to the market in nearby Saint Germain (often used we were told by Parisians). After lunch in a restaurant overlooking the market, we were treated to a boat trip on the Seine near ’La Maison Fournaise’to see the banks where ‘The Impressionists’ painted many of their pictures. After the boat trip, we went round the museum where it was interesting to see copies of many paintings, some showing how different painters interpreted the same scenery in diverse ways.
It was a splendid and most enjoyable way to practice our French conversation skills, and we hope to be able to continue these links.
GERMAN CONVERSATION
Co-ordinator
Sue Hicks
01858 880273
14 May 2013
We are now half way through the German CD course. We had a discussion on food and drink which proved interesting.
The next meeting will be at Sue’s house on Tuesday, 18 June, as Alan will be away.
POETRY
Co-ordinator
Angela &Stuart Rhodes
01455 554553
The poetry of Gillian Clarke interspersed with poems relating to travel provided the subjects for an entertaining yet informative May afternoon. Being born in 1937 Gillian Clarke is very much of our generation yet still encouraging and introducing children of today to the realms of poetry. Poems relating to her experiences of life in particular during her childhood were to some degree very familiar within our own lives and therefore easy to appreciate.
It was pleasing to welcome a new member to the successful Group bringing with her a different perspective to the discussion and interpretation of the poetry.
The subject for the June meeting is "Vehicles".
BIRD WATCHING
Co-ordinators
Mary & Peter Rolleston
01455 209156
As Mary & Peter were away for this month's bird watching, Harvey Wood kindly agreed to organise May’s trip. It was to Kelham Bridge Nature Reserve near Ibstock, a pleasant resort with is a lake, 2 bird hides and, of particular interest, a sand martins' bank.
THEATRE Co-ordinator
Eddie Hemsley 01455 554564 (edwardhemsley@btinternet.com )
HAMLET at RSC
Review of performance on 14th May:
Jonathan Slinger and Greg Hicks star in Shakespeare’s most melancholic play at the RSC.
Director, David Farr, presents this tale of revenge in an ambivalent time frame, reminding us that the world of Denmark is one in which we all live, with its themes of corruption, indecision and - as the encircling ribbon of black ashes and broken skulls around the stage set testifies - mortality.
Jon Bausor’s dilapidated stage set, peeling roof, functional strip lighting and grimy rapier-laden walls, suggests a school with its stage and, later, Ophelia’s strewn exercise books. Are we being schooled in the “sea of troubles” that is our life?
Slinger’s initial appearance as the isolated grieving son in the damaged court of Elisinore, where shallow, hedonistic courtiers move in synchronised lines, champagne bowls in hand, is bemusing : a middle-aged, black suited, bespectacled man, but after his confrontation with the Ghost Hamlet is galvanised into action and a dynamic, worthy performance.
The decision to cast Greg Hicks as both Claudius and the Ghost is an inspired one, reinforcing the issue of failure to acknowledge differences : an angular and stony faced Hicks shows the hypocrisy and ruthless nature of the Cain figure, who usurps his brother’s role as king and husband. Proper distinctions are blurred and cultural breakdown ensues, emphasized by Charlotte Cornwell’s accomplished performance as the acquiescent, newly married Gertrude.
The “mousetrap” play with its distinctly eastern backdrop and mix of rustic and rock chic music, introduces a bohemian dimension and confirms the Ghost’s veracity, Slinger’s insistent, provocative commentary effectively taunting the guilt ridden Claudius. An Elizabethan audience would appreciate the blasphemous nature of poisoning the ear – her ear was believed to be the conduit for the Virgin Mary’s immaculate conception.
The violence of Slinger’s debasement of Ophelia (Pippa Nixon) is uncomfortable viewing, stripped as she is physically and of self-respect, but his performance shows the loathing of the self and world triggered by the inactivity he is condemned to because “ conscience makes cowards of us all .”
The skilled fencing scene makes for an exciting climax, whilst Laertes’ (Luke Norris) final pact and the pathos of Horatio’s (Alex Waldmann) parting words to Hamlet are indicative of the redeeming quality of love.
Slinger’s performance shows a melancholic Hamlet racked by indecision, but forcefully concluding that it is “perfect conscience” to remove the “canker” of evil that is Claudius.
Mandy Cutler/Sheila Eggleton
PUB LUNCH
Co-ordinator
Jill Graham
01455 557117
email grahjill@hotmail.com
TUESDAY LUNCHES
There are a few people interested in re-instating the Tuesday Lunches and my suggestion is that we try Garden Centre Cafés.
Please let me know which Tuesday you prefer(1st or 3rd ) on the sheet provided at the Monthly meeting
RECENT & FUTURE LUNCHES
Wednesday 1st May we went to Lutterworth Golf Club and – eventually – had Lunch. For some reason we had to wait ages to be given the menus and didn’t receive any explanation. The meals however were very good, so perhaps we will risk going back there.
Wednesday 5th June we will return to Kilworth Springs Golf Club – always a popular venue.
Wednesday 3rd July – it’s back to The Red Lion at Gilmorton. We went there last November and found the food and service excellent. So good, in fact, that one lady went the whole three courses, (and coffee as well I think) and waxed lyrical about the meal.
Wednesday 7th August – The Pig in Muck, Claybrooke Magna (last visited in January this year.)
*********POSSIBLE NEW GROUP—ETHNIC DINING
Wednesday 26th June – EVENING – 6.30 pm for 7 pm – Start up of an Ethnic Dining Group – proposed Venue is Vojohn, Bank Street, Lutterworth. Sign sheet if you are interested in coming.
In Lutterworth we also have Italian, Indian and Chinese Restaurants with an excellent Thai Restaurant in Ullesthorpe. I will put out a sheet for suggested venues and would be grateful if you would add your recommendations.
SNAIL’S PACE WALKING GROUP
Co-ordinator
Sheila Eggleton
01455 554387
sheilaeggleton@yahoo.co.uk
JUNE 21ST WALK
The Story of Leicester Walk
Start time - 11.30am
Start point - Outside Jewry Wall Museum (LE1 4BL)
This walk takes you through almost 2000 years of unbroken history in Leicester.
Starting with the Romans, we go on to consider the influence of the Danes, the Normans and the mediaeval Earls of Leicester, who include Simon De Montfort.
Through the Civil War and on to Georgian and Victorian Leicester until finally we come right up to date and include a little on last year’s exciting discovery of the remains of Richard III, the last Plantagenet king of England. Parking is available at the Holiday Inn or the Highcross Shopping centre (both multi storey).
However this can be expensive, so the Park and Ride facility is recommended, from Enderby. Go to the following link for more information on the Park and Ride into Leicester http://www.leicester.gov.uk/your-council-services/transport-traffic
*Please note this walk is only open to those people who have already signed up and paid to go on it.
MAY WALK-
Thirteen of us started off at the Bosworth Battlefield Heritage centre and walked to the viewpoint and memorial sundial at the top of Ambion Hill, where we read about the history of the battle. We then followed part of the battlefield trail to Shenton Station - terminus of the preserved steam railway, the Battlefield Line. Having crossed over the railway line we joined the canal towpath along the Ashby Canal and walked as far as Sutton Wharf. There we followed the footpath , which took us through Ambion Wood, where we re-joined the battlefield trail back to the Heritage centre. All in all our walk was about three and a half miles. Our thanks must go to Anne Dean who organised this walk through the stunning Leicestershire countryside. We started off in hats, scarves and gloves but once the sun came out it turned out to be very pleasant. We ended with refreshments at the Bosworth Field restaurant.
****** NEW ******CYCLING GROUP
Co-ordinator
Nigel Bones
01455 209756
There were 4 intrepid cyclists for the inaugural ride of the cycling group: Bob resplendent in his lycra, the other 3 in slightly more modest attire. Conditions were perfect - warm but not hot, bright sunshine and a slight breeze. We started at the recreation ground, cycled down St. Mary's to Woodmarket, and on the cycle path past The Elms and over the motorway to Misterton and on to Walcote. From Walcote, we cycled along the gated road through beautiful countyside to Stamford and then on to Swinford for lunch at the local hostelry where we probably spent more time than actually cycling. We then cycled the short route back to Lutterworth and the Recreation Ground, arriving back around 2:00 pm. Altogether, a very enjoyable way of spending a spring morning. The next ride is now in the planning stage. If anyone would like to join us, please contact Nigel on nigel.bones50@btinternet.com or tel: 01455 209756
BOOK CHAT
Co-ordinator
Mick Curtis
01455 554504
There were fewer gathered this month to discuss “Notes from a Small Island" by Bill Bryson. But we still managed a wide ranging discussion.
It was interesting to read about places familiar to most of us through the eyes of an American, even one who is a self confessed Anglophile .It proved to be an easy read and even prompted one group member to plot on a map places that impressed and those that disappointed . Bill Bryson’s journalistic background was all too obvious and it made a change from some of the tomes we have tackled in the past.
Our next book will prove to be a complete contrast and we look forward to being at full strength next month to discuss "Wolf Hall" by Hilary Mantel.
LIVELY DISCUSSION
Co-ordinator
Dot Barnard
01455 208190
13th May 2013
Should Scotland Leave the Union?
Group members felt it would be wrong for Scotland to leave the Union. In an increasingly globalised world Scotland would have no clout - either in Europe, with the US or the G8. There are many on-line sites including ‘Your Scotland, Your Voice’ and The Guardian devolution information site. They cover what the SNP wants to happen, but not how it will work. Questions include currency, defence, oil revenues, borders, and national pride. Giving 16 and 17 year olds the vote and choosing the 700th anniversary of the Battle of Bannockburn for the referendum seems to have been decided to try and ensure a ‘yes’ vote. Most members felt it will be defeated this time, as about a third of Scots are in favour according to opinion polls, but eventually they may succeed.
Looking at the separation of the Czech Republic and Slovakia it took 2 – 3 years to renegotiate all the treaties and agreements. Apart from any battles between our two nations, we had James I of England who was also James VI of Scotland and so we have been getting along with each other for hundreds of years. If it’s all about oil, it seems that Scotland will only get about 14% of oil revenues. Currently she receives £40 billion from Westminster, and pays in £27 billion. What will she do to make up the shortfall to enable her to continue with free university places, free elderly care, medicines not rationed by post code lottery etc.? Scots have lost their fishing and ship-building industries – and what about Trident?
As with many things politicians don’t seem to have thought things through. Carving up this small island seems wrong. People seemed to feel very patriotic during the Jubilee and the Olympics. A split would be detrimental to both nations.
The biggest injustice from an English point of view is the West Lothian question where Scottish MPs vote on things which only affect the English and Welsh. This should be reformed whether or not the Scots become independent.
July Topic - Use of English Today.
1st WEDNESDAY WALKING GROUP WYCLIFFE U3A Joint Co-ordinators:
Roger Watmore 01455 552431 and
Julian Hargreaves 01455 557704
WEDNESDAY 3rd July 2013
Walk Organiser: Mary & Peter Rolleston 01455 209156
Meeting Point: Lutterworth Recreation Ground car park at 9.25 to leave at 9.30am.
Directions to the start
From Lutterworth take A5 south, and then follow signs for A361. Keep on A361 until Ashby St Ledgers, left turn to The Olde Coach House which is 100yds on the right.
Route and Distance
The walk is approx. 6 miles skirting Barby and through Braunston. Don’t leave Ashby St Ledgers without seeing one of the most beautiful specimens of an early Tudor manorial house with major historic connections with the battle of Bosworth Field (1485) and The Gunpowder Plot (1605)
May Walk
28 walkers met at Swithland woods south car park on a beautiful sunny morning. Starting with a gradual uphill approach near to Old John, we had superb views of Leicestershire. We continued through Bradgate Park onto an overview of Cropston Reservoir.
Sorry no Bluebells but a good lunch at the Bradgate Alms.
Mick and Brenda Barrows
4th WEDNESDAY WALKING GROUP Co-ordinators:
Sue & Peter Creeden
01455 557888
May 2013 Walk
June and Keith Whiting lead 24 of us on a very easy circular walk starting from the Wood Farm Brewery. The weather was a little chilly to start, but dry, and by the end we were a bit overdressed. We headed off into fields to pass through Willey Fields Farm, Willey,then passed Newham Fields Farm and returned back through Newnham Paddox Park. Lunch was at the Wood Farm Brewery.
June Walk
WEDNESDAY, 26th JUNE 2013
Walk Organisers: Vicki & Bob Davis: Tel 01455 209518
Meeting Point and Time: Lutterworth Recreation Ground car park 9.25am to leave at 9.30am. The start is at 10.00am from The Barley Mow. Newbold (Rugby).
Directions to the Start: - Take the A426 to Rugby. Cross the M6 and join the dual carriageway. Pass Tesco, go under the old railway bridge, and reach the roundabout at the end of the dual section. Take 2nd Exit and follow the road, going straight across the next roundabout, into Newbold village. The entrance to the pub car park is on the right halfway up the hill going out of the village, just before reaching the church on the right.
The pub will be available to order meals etc.
The Walk: This is a circular walk of approx 5.5 miles.
Lunch at The Barley Mow. Newbold
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 18th June
Co-ordinator: Gordon Jones Tel. 01455 556192
Walk Organiser: Graham Morgan, 01455 553998
Meeting Point: Meet at the car park by the Leisure Centre
Meeting Time: 09.20 to leave at 09.30.
Route and distance: From the Bewicke Inn at Hallaton, 5 - 6 miles mainly on field paths.
Lunch: At the Bewicke Inn.
Directions to the Starting Point: From Lutterworth through Market Harborough and take the B664 signed for Medbourne, Hallaton and Uppingham. The pub is on East Gate, left as you enter the village.
Return Mileage from Lutterworth: About 40 miles
JOINT GOLF GROUP (with Lutterworth U3A)
Co-ordinator (Lutterworth U3A)
Peter Moore
01455 552594
The next Joint Golf Day will be at Ullesthorpe Golf Club on Thursday 15th August 2013, run by Peter Reeves
competing for the Hartopp Trophy and Prizes.
Meet at 12.15 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, please contact Peter Reeves Telephone 01455 209933
or e-mail.p.reeves77@btinternet.com
Cost approx. £28.00 To include Coffee and Bacon Roll, Green Fee, Prizes and Dinner. (Dependent upon numbers)
Don't forget to invite your Partner and Guests for 3 course Dinner at 6.30pm in the Clubhouse Restaurant . Cost £10.00.per person.
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.
