Monthly Bulletin June 2014 Report on
the May Meeting
Vive l’Entente Cordiale
An interesting presentation was given by Tony Jukes and Chris.
Horsfall about the Twinning of Lutterworth with Chambourcy, in 1999. Chambourcy
is a small town 29 km to the west of Paris with a population of about 6,000.
Facilities are comparable with those in Lutterworth, but the Primary School is
very large. This commuter town is close
to the famous Chateau of Versailles and a trip to the Sunday market in St
Germane en Laye is highly recommended.
The Twinning
Association functions as a subcommittee of the Town Council, which lends
support with a small grant. Fund raising is part of the exciting programme, so
that exchanges can take place. The host
country, as a reciprocal agreement, covers excursions to places of interest,
food and local travel expenses. French visitors to Lutterworth have plenty to
explore when they enjoy the growing friendship of host families. During the
alternate yearly exchange visits, there are opportunities to gain insight into
areas not normally seen by tourists, who like to be thought of as “Global
Travellers”. The Twinning Association has made good inroads into honouring its
pledge to promote friendship, respect and mutual understanding through learning
about the culture of both towns. It is seeking to involve all ages, schools and
businesses in its programme and raise funds through challenges and friendly
competitions with other associations. The inability to speak French should not
deter any interested party.
NOTE FROM
THE CHAIR
Many thanks to all of you for
electing me to be your Chairwoman. With
the help of a dedicated Committee I shall do my best to fulfil your
expectations. We are all very grateful to Eddie Hemsley for his hard work and
commitment over the last three years.
I have lived in Lutterworth for
the past 27 years and find it an incredibly friendly and vibrant place with a
wide range of activities on offer for people of all ages. The U3A can make a
significant contribution to this community and the committee of Wycliffe
Lutterworth U3A is keen to promote and develop our activities wherever we can.
This includes planning more
social events, encouraging and facilitating the setting up of more interest
groups, and investigating the possibility of organising one-day workshops or
short courses on specific topics if sufficient interest is shown by members. We
also seek to further cooperation with Lutterworth U3A, wherever possible, as we
are all part of one national organisation. Above all, we seek to offer
friendship and a warm welcome to anyone wishing to join us.
Jane Clark Chairwoman
INTEREST GROUPS COORDINATOR
Our Vice Chairman, Nigel Bones,
has agreed to take over this important role. It is the interest groups which
constitute the life blood of any U3A and it is vital that anyone who wishes to
start or form part of a new group should have access to someone who can offer
advice and support. As active retirees,
we all have busy schedules, which may deter some people from registering an
interest but there are solutions. A group coordinator does not have to host the
group in his or her own home as there are other options. The responsibility for
running a group can also be shared between several people so that no one person
feels over-burdened. So please come
forward, if you have an interest you would like to share and talk to Nigel!
GROUP REPORTS
(in alphabetical order)
BOOK CHAT
Co-ordinator
Mick Curtis
01455 554504
“The House at Riverton" by Kate Morton.
Grace, ninety-eight,
one-time housemaid of Riverton Manor, is visited by a young director making a
film about a poet's suicide. Ghosts awaken and old memories - long consigned to
the dark reaches of Grace's mind - begin to sneak back through the cracks. A shocking
secret threatens to emerge, something history has forgotten but Grace never
could. A tale told through two era's, today and the early twentieth century.
The movement from one era to the other was handled very well, but there were a
number of anachronisms which did detract from the flow of the story and set
some readers inwardly tut tuttting.There was also a feeling that there were
echoes of such dramatic works as "Atonement ","Downton
Abbey", "Upstairs Downstairs" and probably others, so in a sense
a derivative novel. None the less it proved to be a well received read.
Our next book is
"Nineteen Eighty Four " by George Orwell which has recently been
revived and presented on the stage in London. So should provided an interesting
discussion for our group some 30 years after the titles date and the
predictions offered by the novel.
BUFFET SUPPER CLUB
Co-ordinator
Ann Hetherington
01455 203498
ann@netcomz.com
The Supper Club members met together at Vikky & Nigel’s house &
had a very enjoyable evening.
The 11th June Supper will be at Mary & David Hodgson’s
house—01455 552303
The 9th July evening will be at Ruth & Nigel Bones –
01455 209756
Please let Mary & Ruth know if you are going & what dish you
will be bringing. Also bring your own drink, plates & cutlery.
CYCLING GROUP
Co-ordinator
Nigel Bones
01455 209756
The weather forecast was
for heavy showers, possibly torrential, and mixed in with thunder and
hail. But were we daunted? Certainly not! Eight intrepid
cyclists met at Draughton Crossing on the old Mkt. Harborough to Northampton
railway line (now a cycle track), cycled to Pitsford Reservoir, halfway round
the reservoir and back to our starting point through rolling countryside and
delightful Northamptonshire villages (a total of 19 miles). A drink and
an excellent lunch at The White Horse in the village of Old gave us a welcome
break, and just to confirm "the sun shines on the righteous", there
was no sign of the predicted heavy showers. A few drops of drizzle at one
point, but overall, perfect cycling weather with little wind, bright sunshine
and white fluffy clouds. A very enjoyable day out, even if the last few
miles of hilly countryside presented a bit of a challenge for some.
The next ride is now in the planning stage.
ETHNIC EATING
Co-ordinator
Jill Graham
01455 557117
Wednesday 28th May –
La Casa Loco in Rugby
Nine
of us went and had no trouble finding the way to La Casa Loco which is situated
on the First Floor of the Churchside Arcade in Little Church Street in
Rugby. It was surprisingly spacious and busy without being overcrowded.
Seven of the party went for Starters - and then the fun began when it came to
choosing the Mains. One person went for a second Starter, a small serving
of Hickory Ribs with an extra Side Salad - another negotiated a more
modest Mains choice and the rest just went for it! Well - one of of the
ladies had chosen the Hickory Ribs as a Main Course and when it came it looked
as if a Giant Land Crab was crouching on her plate! Fortunately those who
chose Ribs were given a large finger bowl. When it came to Desserts -
only about half the party managed to choose and eat anything while the reminder
went for tea or coffee. The staff were obliging and went round taking
photos of the different tables and parties. There were lots of Mexican
sombreros available and these could be worn by diners! The staff were
cheerful and very obliging and overall we felt that it was a very good
experience and one the group would repeat when we had finished working our way
through a few more "ethnic" cuisines.
TUESDAY 24 JUNE (NOTE CHANGE OF
EVENING) Dot Barnard
and I went into Leicester to investigate a Greek Restaurant near Fenwicks, and
found that it had morphed into a “Wedding Restaurant”?!?! So, we went round the
corner to a French Restaurant, Pierre Le Bistrot and had lunch there (not to be
confused with Pierre Le Bistro – a National Chain). We found that they do some “Special” Dinners
called “Soiree Gastronomique” with a 6-Course
Set Dinner for £22.95. I have made a
provisional booking for that night and we can arrange Car Shares and park in
Newarke Street Car Park which is nearby. (Postcode LE2 7AD - £2 after 6 pm)
Menu is
Cauliflower Soup with Parmesan
Salad of Flageolet & French
Beans, Chorizo and Smoked Bacon
Choice of
Pan-fried Scottish Pasture-fed 21-day-aged Rump Steak with Black Pepper Butter
Or Skate Wing Meuniere with Beurre Noisette
Fondant au
Chocolat
Typical
Rustic French Cheese Board
Coffee and
Chocolate NOTE -
£5 DEPOSIT REQUIRED
Wednesday 23rd July –
I am hoping to book at the Istanbul Turkish Restaurant Nuneaton – good reviews
on Trip Advisor.
ALL THAT
JAZZ – Friday 2 May - a Live Jazz Evening at Summersault Vegetarian Restaurant in Rugby.
What can I say? Eleven of us
turned up and had a thoroughly enjoyable evening both from the point of view of
the food we ate and the jazz we enjoyed.
All agreed that they would like to repeat the experience and so the
following week I made a booking for 12 for Friday 16th May to dine
and hear Thomas “Spats” Langham and Hotfingers (on the recommendation of the
Proprietors – Eileen and Michael Jeffs).
Then I found out
that 9 of those interested were away on holiday that week and the tenth was out
the previous 3 nights and planned to stay in and recharge her batteries. SO - I went on my own and was so glad I did – and no, it was not just
the food – (especially the Pavlova!)
Thomas “Spats” was a virtuoso on the guitar (and the banjo) and could
sing at the same time too! – Hotfingers was equally talented on the Bass and
the Tuba, and the girl singer was fabulous.
I will put out details with
sheets for several Jazz nights and you can take your pick – although,
personally, I find the sound of “Bridget and the Big Girls Blues” intriguing!
If you are interested in the Jazz
Evenings and want to be kept informed of when we might be going to Summersault,
please e-mail me and I will add you to my Jazz List.
FRENCH CONVERSATION
Co-ordinator
Sue Hicks
01858 880273
22 May 2014
12
people watched the 1988 film “Romuald et Juliette”. I think we all thoroughly enjoyed it and
found it funny. The story was
light-hearted and improbable, yet touched on some serious prejudices and
criminal acts encountered in real life.
We enjoyed the way everything had a happy ending (apart from those in
prison!).
The
next meeting will be on 26 June.
GARDEN GROUP
Co-ordinator
Sue Creeden
01455 557888
On a
very wet Tuesday in May, 21 enthusiastic members visited Anna Smith’s garden at
Green Wicket Farm, Bitteswell. Although
a young garden, it was imaginatively laid out with gravel paths leading
visitors round borders full of colour with lots of deep pinks, purples and
blues. There was not a weed to be
seen! Anna answered our questions and
gave us lots of information about the plants.
Welcome refreshments were then served indoors.
On 24th
June the group is going to Barnsdale Gardens, near Oakham. The Broughton Astley Community mini-bus,
which seats 14 people, will leave the car park at the back of the Co-Op in
Broughton Astley at 9.15 a.m. and then the Lutterworth Recreation Ground Car
Park at 9.30 a.m. It will leave
Barnsdale at 4.00 p.m. for the return journey arriving back at approx.
5.30-6.00 p.m. The cost will be approx. £6.50 per person. If more than 14 people would like to go, we
will lift-share in cars (Arrangements to follow). Entry to the gardens is £7.00
for adults or £6.00 per person (concessions). Free entry for RHS members. No picnics are allowed but there is a café
which serves snacks and light meals.
If you
would like to go, and you have not already done so, please email on sueandpeter.creeden@talktalk.net or phone on the above number by Tuesday,
17th June. (Should more
than 20 members wish to go, we may be able to take advantage of a group booking
discount).
Just
to let you know, Willoughby Waterleys village have an open gardens weekend on
12th and 13th July.
However, our group member,
Eileen Spencer, who will be opening her garden under the NGS scheme the following
weekend, has invited us to visit her garden for our monthly meeting on Tuesday
22nd July. It’s definitely
one not to miss.
GARDEN LUNCHES
Co-ordinator
Jill Graham
01455 557117
email grahjill@hotmail.com
Tuesday 20th
May – Farndon Fields Farm Shop Farndon
Road, Market Harborough, LE16 9NP Tel 01858 464838 (Fork right on to Welland Park Road at the
bottom of Lubenham Hill and then take next right on to Farndon Road and the
Farm Shop is on the right after about half a mile.)
Nine of us went there and 8 of
the party (all local to our area) had never been before. They enjoyed the meal and were very impressed
by the range and quality of the goods on sale in the shop, which is stocked
with their own produce whenever possible.
The vegetables and fruit are really fresh: there is a butcher’s counter
sourced with top quality, local meats.
The Cafe serves a range of home made meals and there is a Plant
Centre. Artisan bread is stocked from
the Hambleton Bakery and if you fancy a refreshing drink, they stock Harrington
Gin which is locally made as well as Langton Brewery Ale and local wines.
Those who went were most
impressed and said they would go again under their own steam.
Tuesday 10th
June – Foxton Locks Inn - Bottom Lock, Gumley Road, Foxton, Market Harborough LE16 7RA
Tel 0116 279 2525 www.restaurantfoxtonlocks.co.uk Varied Menu – Report next month
LIVELY DISCUSSION
Co-ordinator
Dot Barnard
01455 208190
dot.barnard@uwclub.net
12th May 2014
What should we do about the lack of burial space?
The group felt that everyone in the UK should be cremated, although this
would be difficult for Jewish and Muslim people who bury their dead. Hindus
always use cremation and so do the Japanese - where the number is almost 100%.
Muslims in India can be buried standing up which is cheaper as well as taking
less space. In France burial plots are purchased for fewer years than here, the
bones are then moved to an ossuary and the plot re-used. The usual time period
for Rights of Burial in the UK is 99 or 100 years. In Denmark the Rights of
Burial last 25 years.
We arrived at our
conclusion because 80% of burial space has already been used, some churchyards
are full and closed to further burials and forecasts about burial space running
out vary between 2020 and 30 to 40 years’ time. Also the ageing population
means a rise in the death rate in the next few years. The Church of England is
planning to change its laws to enable unused burial plots, after 75 years, to
be reallocated without having to petition the Secretary of State. The Church is
also encouraging cremations by making them much cheaper than burials. They are
empathetic towards the bereaved who wish their family members to be nearby, so
even churchyards and cemeteries closed to burials are accepting cremations.
Surprisingly lack of burial space is not regarded as a national problem
so the only part of government ‘responsible’ for burials is the Ministry of
Justice which simply states the rules and regulations regarding registering
deaths, and burials and cremations. Locally there is no information from the
county council except the rules and regs, whilst Harborough District lists the
cemeteries and churchyards for which it is responsible together with Register
Office details. The M o J is now consulting with the Institute of Cemetery and
Cremation Management and the Society of Local Parish Clerks as there are more
than 700 local organisations dealing with burials. This consultation closed on
3rd March 2014. Prior to this the government hadn’t looked at the
problem since 2001!
Leicester City Council sent out a consultation document to everyone who
lives in the city, which had to be returned by 5th January 2014.
Options given where to use unused space between rows of graves, build another
cemetery before Gilroes and Saffron Hill run out, make available more natural
burial sites, introduce shorter/flexible burial rights, bury multiple people in
one grave and LCC also asked for ideas on new sites.
Tony Morris, chief executive of ICCM says the average cost of a funeral
is £3,500. Leicester City say it costs £1,415 to maintain an adult lawn grave
for 99 years, but they only charge £1,050 so will have to make changes whatever
the outcome of their survey. Cremations cost half or less than a burial. Most
funeral directors offer an insurance scheme whereby you can pay for your
funeral now and that part won’t change, although the disbursements will be paid
at the actual time of your funeral.
The press and the BBC feature the burial space problem regularly and the
BBC conducted a recent survey which took more than a year because there is no
national scheme to re-use cemetery spaces. It appears that the government is
prevaricating.
The group was also concerned that Queen Victoria’s attitude to Albert’s
death had meant a complete attitude change to death which is still evident
today. Many people will not discuss their demise and in some cases they even
refuse to make a will which not only means that the government could take their
remaining assets, but will mean much more difficulty for their grieving
relatives.
July Topic: Should
there be restrictions on welfare migration?
PHOTOGRAPHY GROUP
Co-ordinator
Mick Curtis
01455 554504
A reinstated photography
group met and shared our images on the subject of "Wheels". Once
again the group showed great initiative in their efforts to fulfil the brief.
We talked about the future of the group and the projects we will tackle. We all
agreed that we would meet every other month on the last Friday of that month
and have drawn up a programme of topics for the next twelve months. You will
also see in the bulletin a photo by one of the group that we have chosen from
all those presented.
This month’s photo is by
Trudy Haddon on the subject "Wheels". (see page 14).
Obviously there are
limitations due to printing that will not do full justice to the image. If you
wish to see it in its full glory I suggest a visit to our web site www.wycliffelutterworth3a.org where it and subsequent
photos will be displayed.
POETRY GROUP
Co-ordinator
Sylvia Hitchen
0116 247 8353
Sylvia.hitchen@btinternet.com.
22nd May
The suggested theme for the afternoon was "Food and Drink" and the poems read did not disappoint with their mouth watering imagery of cherries, chocolates, blackberries, Cornish pasties, oysters, puddings, plums and lots of alcohol. A large proportion of the poems were amusing with Spike Milligan, Pam Ayres and Roger McGough featuring, along with Byron's poem about drinking wine from a human skull (which apparently he actually did). Two of the poems read aloud were penned by Rudyard Kipling's cat and John Keats' cat. Other poems included old favourites Seamus Heaney, Carol Ann Duffy and Gillian Clarke. We also discussed a couple of darker themes, alcoholism and anorexia.
For the next session we are going to choose poems we know from our own childhoods, or poems which mean a lot to us. That will be June 26th at 2.00pm.
PUB LUNCHES
Co-ordinator
Jill Graham
01455 557117
email grahjill@hotmail.com
Wednesday 7 May 2014 - KILWORTH SPRINGS GOLF COURSE
The 20 who went enjoyed their meals, although the 2 who chose salad felt they were on the meagre side. Apparently the reason they want menu choices in advance is because the fish has to be ordered in specially. It would make more sense when ordering simply to let them know who was having fish. The Club has just opened The Attic Restaurant which offers modern British Cuisine, set in stylish and contemporary surroundings and provides guests with spectacular views of the golf course
Wednesday 4 June – The Grey Goose, Gilmorton – report next month
Wednesday 2 July – Badgers Mount Hotel & Restaurant, 6 Station Road, Elmesthorpe
LE9 7SG They have a Specials Menu – 2 Courses, £6.95 and 3 Courses, £9.50 Still time to sign up for this one. Their Menu changes frequently and I have asked for a copy of the Menu for 2 July well in advance. They seem to offer 4 choices of Starters and Desserts and 6 choice of Main Courses.
SCRABBLE
Co-ordinator
Pat Hunter
01455 699935
11 Greenacres Drive
Eight Scrabble players met at our new venue on May 13th, and as this first time I thought it was worth trying to introduce an electronic version of the game. This idea was mainly due to lack of space for a further table but was not altogether met with enthusiasm. Two players played on my I-Pad whilst the others used the traditional boards and tiles. Perhaps now the idea of using computer technology has been planted, more of our members will enter into the spirit of the 21st Century. From my own point of view the electronic version has the merits of keeping the score which enables one to concentrate on creating the words. Conversely, it’s not quite the same as hands on, picking up the tiles and moving them around or giving that bag of letter tiles a good shaking when you have a rack full of vowels and would rather get a point scoring letter such as K, H or even an X or a Z.
For the second month running there was a 50 plus score for using all seven tiles in one go. This time it was Christine’s turn to score 70 points. There is a rumour regarding the use of a special biscuit (namely a Jammie Dodger) which once consumed enables the player to play a seven letter word. We are considering renaming this said teatime treat to “Jammy Beggar”. However since nearly all the players on that table had eaten one of these biscuits one wonders at its efficacy.
I hope to see you all here again next time on Weds June 11th, and I would like to thank June for the use of her spare Scrabble sets.
SNAIL’S PACE WALKING GROUP
Co-ordinator
Sheila Eggleton
01455 554387
sheilaeggleton@yahoo.co.uk
June 20th 2014
Our walk will be led by Marilyn and will be around North Kilworth, it will take approx. 90 minutes. We can park at Kilworth Springs Golf Club where we can have refreshments at the end of the walk. However because they are hosting a large tournament that day we will need to be at Kilworth Springs to order food by 11.15a.m. The walk will leave at 11.30 a.m.
16th May 2014
We were a very small group who set out on our walk within Bradgate Park, as many of our regular walkers were on holiday. Two new members, Chris and Mary joined us for what was an extremely lovely walk. We have been very fortunate with the weather on all of our walks and this was no exception, it was ideal weather for walking, the trees were in full leaf and the deer roaming freely. In so many ways the landscape is idyllic and yet walking through the Park, past the ruins of Lady Jane Grey’s home one cannot fail to think of the young woman, pious and highly intelligent, bullied by her ambitious parents resulting in her death at such a young age. Jane had a miserable, unhappy life when at Bradgate which for me always tinges any walk through Bradgate Park with a little sadness.
Sheila Eggleton.
SOCIAL EVENTS GROUP
Co-ordinator
Nigel Bones 01455 209756; email, nigel.bones50@btinternet.com
TREASURE HUNT WEDNESDAY 18TH JUNE
As announced last month there will be another Treasure Hunt walking around Lutterworth. The start will be from 6pm outside the Town Hall but don't all come then please as we need to stagger the starts between 6pm and about 630pm. Teams of 4 are ideal but can be any number up to 5.. There will be hot food available at an unknown venue (you could say that is the treasure) costing £5. There will be a list available at June's Monthly Meeting and I would like paying Cash or Cheque (made out to Julian Hargreaves) on the same day. Please note maximum number is 40 due to the size of the food venue.
Julian Hargreaves tel 01455 557704
TRIPS
Co-ordinator
George Robertson
01455 559725 email:george9high@hotmail.com
Gloucester Trip Report.
A party of 45 U3A members left Lutterworth to enjoy a day in Gloucester visiting the docks, the Cathedral and a bit of shopping and dining slotted in. The weather was fairly kind to us with some sun, no rain and only a stiff breeze to contend with on occasions. The guides taking us round the cathedral were excellent and enhanced the visit. The feedback from the group was overwhelmingly positive with the comment “We need more time” being the only mild criticism heard. A new coach operator was used for this trip and the good quality of the coach was commented upon. I shall probably use them again. Next visit? I’m having a look at Ely in Cambridgeshire with its Cathedral
1st WEDNESDAY WALKING GROUP
WYCLIFFE U3A Joint Co-ordinators:
Roger Watmore 01455 552431 and
Julian Hargreaves 01455b 557704
Date of Walk – 2nd July 2014
Walk organisers Peter & Irene Moore 01455 552594
Meeting point - Coventry Road Recreation Park at 9.20 a.m. to leave at 9.30 a.m.
Directions to the Start - Towards Blaby on A426; after crossing the M1, turn right at road signed Countesthorpe. In Countesthorpe village proceed along the one way system, at T junction you will see the Axe and Square Pub on the left, LE8 5RQ. This is the long awaited *Pub Lunch* Parking and Toilets available
Route and Distance: Starting from the Axe & Square Pub at 10.00 am. The walk of 5.7 miles is on a mixture of field paths and bridle ways. Starting towards Foston then heading South via Peatling Magna and return to the Axe & Square Pub for lunch.
A very special Lunch has been arranged. 2 Courses £3.50.This is the correct price. Choice of Hot Lunch, choice of Sweet/Pudding. Good Food & Exceptional Value. The Puddings *are to die for*. Vegetarian option available. Order before Walk. Irene and I have tried it and enjoyed it. Round road travel trip is 15 Miles.
May Walk – 25 walkers and 2 dogs started out from The Coach and Horses in Lubenham under amazing clouds, with a few welcome sunny breaks. We made it home before the rain - no doubt because some of our walkers had just donned their waterproofs! The 5½ mile walk started with an uphill track, soon branching off into fields of wheat and rape, past some tethered ponies, over an old WW2 airfield and to the high razor-wired perimeter fences of Gartree High Security Prison. We crossed Gallow Field Road (no gallows in view) and proceeded towards the Grand Union Canal, along the towpath for a bit and then down through Foxton village. We had our break at the swing bridge, but disappointingly no canal boats came past to demonstrate the bridge in action. We returned to Lubenham round the other side of Gartree, via more farmland and over Mill Hill. Lunch was both welcome and tasty.
John and Sue Hicks
4th WEDNESDAY WALKING GROUP Co-ordinators:
Sue & Peter Creeden
01455 557888 553341
May 2014 Walk Report
After two days of almost continuous rain and still raining that morning it was a surprise to see anybody at the start of the walk. But today we saw who the “real” walkers were. Keith and June Whiting lead nine of us in total from the The New Inn near Long Buckby to “enjoy” a varied walk along canal towpaths, roads and countryside and passing through the village of Long Buckby. We stopped for coffee sheltering under the trees in Pocket Park (Mill Park Reserve) which is owned and maintained by Long Buckby Parish Council. Needless to say there was a little bit of mud to encounter but the grass was so wet it soon cleaned the boots so we withheld the red card on this occasion. We think everybody felt better for the walk having been cooped up indoors for two days but we did end up a little damp. Afterwards lunch was enjoyed at the pub.
Sue and Peter Creeden
Wednesday 25 June 2014
George`s Longer All Day Walk
Walk Organiser:- George Robertson Tel: 01455 559725
Meeting Point and Time:- Lutterworth Recreation Ground car park at 9.20am to arrange car sharing. We will leave at 9.30am.
Start Point: Lyddington - outside the Old White Hart at 10:30am.
Directions to the Start:-. Head out on A427 to Market Harborough. Approaching the town at the first mini-roundabout turn right onto Welland Park Road (to avoid the town centre). At the traffic lights turn left and immediately right. Pass Sainsburys and at the next roundabout go right and under the bridge and then left. At the traffic lights turn right and follow the A427 until Corby. At the roundabout turn left onto the A6003 (signed Oakham). Continue down through Rockingham and Caldicott. In Caldicott turn right (straight on at the bend) onto the B672 (signed Morcott). After about a mile the road takes a sharp left bend, go round and then straight on joining the minor road to Lyddington. In Lyddington park on the road near The Old White Hart (LE5 9LR). Please leave gaps so that cars can pull in when passing. The journey will take approximately 45 minutes.
Route and Distance:- From Lyddington we head towards Stoke Dry and then onto Uppingham (there will be a coffee stop on the way overlooking the reservoir). After lunch in Uppingham we will walk through the town and then pass through Bisbrook and Seaton. In Seaton we can take a slight detour to view the Harringworth viaduct. It`s then back to Lyddington. The walk is approximately 9.5 miles with one fairly steep incline near the start but after that fairly level and there are quite a number of stiles.
Lunch arrangements:- Lunch will be at Uppingham. We will stop for approximately 45 minutes to an hour. There are seats in the town centre to picnic or you can go off and try one of the local pubs and cafes.
JOINT WYCLIFFE LUTTERWORTH
And LUTTERWORTH U3A GROUPS
And groups open to WLU3A members
TUESDAY WALKING GROUP Co-ordinator:
Gordon Jones (Lutterworth U3A)
01455 556192
Date of Walk: Tuesday 17th June
Co-ordinator: Gordon Jones. Tel. 01455 556192
Walk Organizers: Brian Thorp, 01455 209584
Meeting Point: Coventry Road Recreation Ground car park
Meeting Time: 09.20, leave at 9.30.
Route and distance: Just over 6 miles of good field paths and tracks.
Start Point: The Rose and Crown at Bushby/Thurnby. LE7 9PJ
Directions to the Starting Point: If you know the route through the villages to the A47 east of Leicester go that way. The AA route suggests M1 to J21 (Fosse Park), Ring Road anticlockwise to A47 then east to Thurnby. Travelling in this direction turn right into Main Street (signed Bushby, Thurnby). Follow Main Street round to the right, the pub is on the left on a service road. Park at the rear of the car park.
Lunch: At the Rose and Crown, select before setting off.
Return Mileage from Lutterworth: 35 miles.
MONTHLY MEETINGS
These are held on the second Thursday of each month at the Methodist Church Hall. Between 10am and 10.30 coffee and tea will be served. Members will have a chance to meet friends old and new.
Group co-ordinators will be available to answer any queries.
Copies of the current Bulletin are available, but if you are unable to make the meeting copies will be available in Lutterworth and Broughton Astley Libraries, and in Lutterworth Town Council Offices (opposite the church we meet in).
Alternatively, you can view the Bulletin online via the website www.wycliffelutterworthu3a.org
The speaker will commence at 10.30 for approximately 45 mins
Co-ordinator
Sylvia Hitchen
0116 247 8353
Sylvia.hitchen@btinternet.com.
22nd May
The suggested theme for the afternoon was "Food and Drink" and the poems read did not disappoint with their mouth watering imagery of cherries, chocolates, blackberries, Cornish pasties, oysters, puddings, plums and lots of alcohol. A large proportion of the poems were amusing with Spike Milligan, Pam Ayres and Roger McGough featuring, along with Byron's poem about drinking wine from a human skull (which apparently he actually did). Two of the poems read aloud were penned by Rudyard Kipling's cat and John Keats' cat. Other poems included old favourites Seamus Heaney, Carol Ann Duffy and Gillian Clarke. We also discussed a couple of darker themes, alcoholism and anorexia.
For the next session we are going to choose poems we know from our own childhoods, or poems which mean a lot to us. That will be June 26th at 2.00pm.
PUB LUNCHES
Co-ordinator
Jill Graham
01455 557117
email grahjill@hotmail.com
Wednesday 7 May 2014 - KILWORTH SPRINGS GOLF COURSE
The 20 who went enjoyed their meals, although the 2 who chose salad felt they were on the meagre side. Apparently the reason they want menu choices in advance is because the fish has to be ordered in specially. It would make more sense when ordering simply to let them know who was having fish. The Club has just opened The Attic Restaurant which offers modern British Cuisine, set in stylish and contemporary surroundings and provides guests with spectacular views of the golf course
Wednesday 4 June – The Grey Goose, Gilmorton – report next month
Wednesday 2 July – Badgers Mount Hotel & Restaurant, 6 Station Road, Elmesthorpe
LE9 7SG They have a Specials Menu – 2 Courses, £6.95 and 3 Courses, £9.50 Still time to sign up for this one. Their Menu changes frequently and I have asked for a copy of the Menu for 2 July well in advance. They seem to offer 4 choices of Starters and Desserts and 6 choice of Main Courses.
SCRABBLE
Co-ordinator
Pat Hunter
01455 699935
11 Greenacres Drive
Eight Scrabble players met at our new venue on May 13th, and as this first time I thought it was worth trying to introduce an electronic version of the game. This idea was mainly due to lack of space for a further table but was not altogether met with enthusiasm. Two players played on my I-Pad whilst the others used the traditional boards and tiles. Perhaps now the idea of using computer technology has been planted, more of our members will enter into the spirit of the 21st Century. From my own point of view the electronic version has the merits of keeping the score which enables one to concentrate on creating the words. Conversely, it’s not quite the same as hands on, picking up the tiles and moving them around or giving that bag of letter tiles a good shaking when you have a rack full of vowels and would rather get a point scoring letter such as K, H or even an X or a Z.
For the second month running there was a 50 plus score for using all seven tiles in one go. This time it was Christine’s turn to score 70 points. There is a rumour regarding the use of a special biscuit (namely a Jammie Dodger) which once consumed enables the player to play a seven letter word. We are considering renaming this said teatime treat to “Jammy Beggar”. However since nearly all the players on that table had eaten one of these biscuits one wonders at its efficacy.
I hope to see you all here again next time on Weds June 11th, and I would like to thank June for the use of her spare Scrabble sets.
SNAIL’S PACE WALKING GROUP
Co-ordinator
Sheila Eggleton
01455 554387
sheilaeggleton@yahoo.co.uk
June 20th 2014
Our walk will be led by Marilyn and will be around North Kilworth, it will take approx. 90 minutes. We can park at Kilworth Springs Golf Club where we can have refreshments at the end of the walk. However because they are hosting a large tournament that day we will need to be at Kilworth Springs to order food by 11.15a.m. The walk will leave at 11.30 a.m.
16th May 2014
We were a very small group who set out on our walk within Bradgate Park, as many of our regular walkers were on holiday. Two new members, Chris and Mary joined us for what was an extremely lovely walk. We have been very fortunate with the weather on all of our walks and this was no exception, it was ideal weather for walking, the trees were in full leaf and the deer roaming freely. In so many ways the landscape is idyllic and yet walking through the Park, past the ruins of Lady Jane Grey’s home one cannot fail to think of the young woman, pious and highly intelligent, bullied by her ambitious parents resulting in her death at such a young age. Jane had a miserable, unhappy life when at Bradgate which for me always tinges any walk through Bradgate Park with a little sadness.
Sheila Eggleton.
SOCIAL EVENTS GROUP
Co-ordinator
Nigel Bones 01455 209756; email, nigel.bones50@btinternet.com
TREASURE HUNT WEDNESDAY 18TH JUNE
As announced last month there will be another Treasure Hunt walking around Lutterworth. The start will be from 6pm outside the Town Hall but don't all come then please as we need to stagger the starts between 6pm and about 630pm. Teams of 4 are ideal but can be any number up to 5.. There will be hot food available at an unknown venue (you could say that is the treasure) costing £5. There will be a list available at June's Monthly Meeting and I would like paying Cash or Cheque (made out to Julian Hargreaves) on the same day. Please note maximum number is 40 due to the size of the food venue.
Julian Hargreaves tel 01455 557704
TRIPS
Co-ordinator
George Robertson
01455 559725 email:george9high@hotmail.com
Gloucester Trip Report.
A party of 45 U3A members left Lutterworth to enjoy a day in Gloucester visiting the docks, the Cathedral and a bit of shopping and dining slotted in. The weather was fairly kind to us with some sun, no rain and only a stiff breeze to contend with on occasions. The guides taking us round the cathedral were excellent and enhanced the visit. The feedback from the group was overwhelmingly positive with the comment “We need more time” being the only mild criticism heard. A new coach operator was used for this trip and the good quality of the coach was commented upon. I shall probably use them again. Next visit? I’m having a look at Ely in Cambridgeshire with its Cathedral
1st WEDNESDAY WALKING GROUP
WYCLIFFE U3A Joint Co-ordinators:
Roger Watmore 01455 552431 and
Julian Hargreaves 01455b 557704
Date of Walk – 2nd July 2014
Walk organisers Peter & Irene Moore 01455 552594
Meeting point - Coventry Road Recreation Park at 9.20 a.m. to leave at 9.30 a.m.
Directions to the Start - Towards Blaby on A426; after crossing the M1, turn right at road signed Countesthorpe. In Countesthorpe village proceed along the one way system, at T junction you will see the Axe and Square Pub on the left, LE8 5RQ. This is the long awaited *Pub Lunch* Parking and Toilets available
Route and Distance: Starting from the Axe & Square Pub at 10.00 am. The walk of 5.7 miles is on a mixture of field paths and bridle ways. Starting towards Foston then heading South via Peatling Magna and return to the Axe & Square Pub for lunch.
A very special Lunch has been arranged. 2 Courses £3.50.This is the correct price. Choice of Hot Lunch, choice of Sweet/Pudding. Good Food & Exceptional Value. The Puddings *are to die for*. Vegetarian option available. Order before Walk. Irene and I have tried it and enjoyed it. Round road travel trip is 15 Miles.
May Walk – 25 walkers and 2 dogs started out from The Coach and Horses in Lubenham under amazing clouds, with a few welcome sunny breaks. We made it home before the rain - no doubt because some of our walkers had just donned their waterproofs! The 5½ mile walk started with an uphill track, soon branching off into fields of wheat and rape, past some tethered ponies, over an old WW2 airfield and to the high razor-wired perimeter fences of Gartree High Security Prison. We crossed Gallow Field Road (no gallows in view) and proceeded towards the Grand Union Canal, along the towpath for a bit and then down through Foxton village. We had our break at the swing bridge, but disappointingly no canal boats came past to demonstrate the bridge in action. We returned to Lubenham round the other side of Gartree, via more farmland and over Mill Hill. Lunch was both welcome and tasty.
John and Sue Hicks
4th WEDNESDAY WALKING GROUP Co-ordinators:
Sue & Peter Creeden
01455 557888 553341
May 2014 Walk Report
After two days of almost continuous rain and still raining that morning it was a surprise to see anybody at the start of the walk. But today we saw who the “real” walkers were. Keith and June Whiting lead nine of us in total from the The New Inn near Long Buckby to “enjoy” a varied walk along canal towpaths, roads and countryside and passing through the village of Long Buckby. We stopped for coffee sheltering under the trees in Pocket Park (Mill Park Reserve) which is owned and maintained by Long Buckby Parish Council. Needless to say there was a little bit of mud to encounter but the grass was so wet it soon cleaned the boots so we withheld the red card on this occasion. We think everybody felt better for the walk having been cooped up indoors for two days but we did end up a little damp. Afterwards lunch was enjoyed at the pub.
Sue and Peter Creeden
Wednesday 25 June 2014
George`s Longer All Day Walk
Walk Organiser:- George Robertson Tel: 01455 559725
Meeting Point and Time:- Lutterworth Recreation Ground car park at 9.20am to arrange car sharing. We will leave at 9.30am.
Start Point: Lyddington - outside the Old White Hart at 10:30am.
Directions to the Start:-. Head out on A427 to Market Harborough. Approaching the town at the first mini-roundabout turn right onto Welland Park Road (to avoid the town centre). At the traffic lights turn left and immediately right. Pass Sainsburys and at the next roundabout go right and under the bridge and then left. At the traffic lights turn right and follow the A427 until Corby. At the roundabout turn left onto the A6003 (signed Oakham). Continue down through Rockingham and Caldicott. In Caldicott turn right (straight on at the bend) onto the B672 (signed Morcott). After about a mile the road takes a sharp left bend, go round and then straight on joining the minor road to Lyddington. In Lyddington park on the road near The Old White Hart (LE5 9LR). Please leave gaps so that cars can pull in when passing. The journey will take approximately 45 minutes.
Route and Distance:- From Lyddington we head towards Stoke Dry and then onto Uppingham (there will be a coffee stop on the way overlooking the reservoir). After lunch in Uppingham we will walk through the town and then pass through Bisbrook and Seaton. In Seaton we can take a slight detour to view the Harringworth viaduct. It`s then back to Lyddington. The walk is approximately 9.5 miles with one fairly steep incline near the start but after that fairly level and there are quite a number of stiles.
Lunch arrangements:- Lunch will be at Uppingham. We will stop for approximately 45 minutes to an hour. There are seats in the town centre to picnic or you can go off and try one of the local pubs and cafes.
JOINT WYCLIFFE LUTTERWORTH
And LUTTERWORTH U3A GROUPS
And groups open to WLU3A members
TUESDAY WALKING GROUP Co-ordinator:
Gordon Jones (Lutterworth U3A)
01455 556192
Date of Walk: Tuesday 17th June
Co-ordinator: Gordon Jones. Tel. 01455 556192
Walk Organizers: Brian Thorp, 01455 209584
Meeting Point: Coventry Road Recreation Ground car park
Meeting Time: 09.20, leave at 9.30.
Route and distance: Just over 6 miles of good field paths and tracks.
Start Point: The Rose and Crown at Bushby/Thurnby. LE7 9PJ
Directions to the Starting Point: If you know the route through the villages to the A47 east of Leicester go that way. The AA route suggests M1 to J21 (Fosse Park), Ring Road anticlockwise to A47 then east to Thurnby. Travelling in this direction turn right into Main Street (signed Bushby, Thurnby). Follow Main Street round to the right, the pub is on the left on a service road. Park at the rear of the car park.
Lunch: At the Rose and Crown, select before setting off.
Return Mileage from Lutterworth: 35 miles.
MONTHLY MEETINGS
These are held on the second Thursday of each month at the Methodist Church Hall. Between 10am and 10.30 coffee and tea will be served. Members will have a chance to meet friends old and new.
Group co-ordinators will be available to answer any queries.
Copies of the current Bulletin are available, but if you are unable to make the meeting copies will be available in Lutterworth and Broughton Astley Libraries, and in Lutterworth Town Council Offices (opposite the church we meet in).
Alternatively, you can view the Bulletin online via the website www.wycliffelutterworthu3a.org
The speaker will commence at 10.30 for approximately 45 mins
