Having kept bees for the past six years, Judy now has eight hives, with colonies of up to 100,000 bees. Each colony comprises one Queen Bee and 200 male bees, the rest being female worker bees. A Worker bee develops from a fertilised egg laid by the Queen bee. After 3 days the egg hatches into a grub, which is nurtured with bee milk or royal jelly. The cell is sealed for 3 weeks until the bee, with silvery folded wings nibbles through the cap. The young bee then cleans the cell ready for the queen to lay. Her duty as a nursemaid is to tidy the hive and feed the grubs. Two weeks later, having developed wax glands she is able to repair any faults in the hive. Several bees act as guards at the entrance to the hive to prevent wasps or alien bees from entering. She then becomes a scout bee or forager, collecting nectar samples in her stomach and pollen in her leg sacks. Her waggle dance communicates through vibrations the distance from the hive to the source of pollen. Rape is a favourite as it has a high sugar content. The source of pollen can be easily identified from the colours of the pollen in the hive, which ranges from red, lime green, orange and yellow to Willow Herb blue each giving a distinctive flavour to the honey. The bees gather locally within a three mile radius returning each time to their own colony, all of whom have a shared scent.
Bigger black eyed Drones, exact replicas of their mother, develop from an unfertilised egg laid by the Queen. They develop in larger cells, take longer to mature and solicit food from the worker bees. At two weeks, over 1,000 drones try to mate with a virgin queen, flying in a swarm high above the hive. The successful drone, after mating, will die whilst the rest return to the hive, where they are tolerated by the workers until autumn when they face certain death.
A successful hive has only one Queen Bee, who controls the temperament of the hive. Having mated many times she lays thousands of eggs. Should two queens develop, one flies out, protected by a small swarm, who will eventually establish a new colony.
Smoke is used to pacify the bees, tricked into thinking that the hive is on fire, thus promoting the consumption of as much honey as possible. Sated they become docile, allowing the beekeeper to examine the fruits of their tireless collection of nectar and pollen.
Judy’s fascinating talk ended with a word of caution about the barbed sting of the bee. “Do not squeeze the sting as this will release poison from the venom sack. Use a knife to gently ease it out of the skin.” We can only marvel at the well organised, self -sufficient bee colonies, who not only provide us with natural goodness, but who also in their collection of pollen full of minerals and trace elements, have discovered the antibacterial properties in resin. There is evidence that eventually they will eradicate for themselves the parasite that has decimated their colonies recently.
A Note for your Diary
SUMMER PICNIC – SATURDAY 18TH JULY
Once again, Mrs Heather Craven has kindly allowed us to use the beautiful gardens at Misterton Hall for our annual summer picnic, which will take place on Saturday 18th July from 12.30 until 4 p.m. This year we plan a “Village Fete” theme and hope that as many members as possible will come along and support this event. Together with the Rotary Club we shall be fund-raising for charity and will be charging a small fee for entrance. Further details will be announced at the monthly meeting, or can be obtained from Jane Clark, Nigel Bones
or Christine Brady.
GROUP REPORTS
(in alphabetical order)
ART APPRECIATION
Co-ordinator
Ursula.Kanetis 01455.553563
For our May-Meeting we went to Compton-Verney to see “CANALETTO”. We thoroughly enjoyed his glorious paintings and detailed drawings of Britain, celebrating the achievements of this more stable and confident nation in the middle of the eighteenth century. The artist stayed in Britain for 9 years and all his paintings’ real subject was Britain as the New Venice. We had an excellent Exhibition Guide, introducing us to some key works of Canaletto and of Martin Parr,whose photographs were exhibited next door. His work documented in black and white a community in the Yorkshire Pennines between 1975 and 1980, a time when their traditional way of life was in decline.
We left both exhibitions full of new impressions, ideas and very uplifting feelings. A return visit for the next Exhibitions later in the summer is possible.
Next meeting: 12.6.2015 at 14.00 at Ann Hearn’s Barn
BOOK CHAT
Co-ordinator
Mick Curtis
01455 554504
Our book for May was How England made the English by Harry Mount. Once again opinion was divided, some members really enjoyed this book, whilst a few thought it consisted of repetitive lists. Many thought the title a misnomer in that the author talks about the landscape and gardens of England which are much admired throughout the world. However as he says these landscapes were brought about by agriculture and landscape gardeners. More a case of the English making England. We did agree however on the fact that our weather being colder than more southern climes and much more changeable, the English look paler than our European cousins and are more cautious in nature in that we are always ready for a sunny day to turn out wet. We came to the conclusion that this book is a good one to have on the shelf for reference.
CANASTA 1
Co-ordinator
June Hartopp
01455 553418
Please note no Canasta 1 meeting on 3rd July due to holidays.
Wednesday 27TH May – Rossini “Ristorante Italiano”, 38 Coventry Road HINCKLEY LE10 0JT Tel 01455 614616
This was our second visit to Rossini’s and it was just as enjoyable as the first. (In the meantime, one of our party who was on the first visit, liked their food so much that she has been back 3 times with other friends.)
Seven of us sat down at 7 pm to view the Menu and we left about 10 pm as we were enjoying the food and chat so much. At 7 the place was almost empty and then gradually filled up with many tables still going strong as we left. We skipped any Starters and went straight for the Main Courses, after which we all opted for Desserts as well! A few brave souls had room for a coffee afterwards.The staff were helpful and attentive and – after we paid our bills and the amounts came out right, offered us a complimentary Limoncello. I have no doubt we will be back there before too long.
Wednesday 24th June – I will enquire about booking at the Thai Restaurant in Ullesthorpe. I think we went there for our second Ethnic Dining Meal and found the food good and the staff helpful.
FRENCH CONVERSATION
Co-ordinator
Sue Hicks
01858 880273
28 May 2015
Various French books were offered for reading during the next month for discussion at the next meeting, which will be on 25 June 2015. It was interesting and impressive to have an insight into the hobbies of members of the group, giving another perspective to how we view each other. We then moved on to napkin folding, which proved quite challenging, with instructions in French, unruly napkins and no prior demonstrations. There were about two designs that defeated most of us.
GARDEN GROUP
Co-ordinator
Sue Creeden
01455 557888
At the end of May the group had a lovely day out at Castle Ashby gardens near Northampton. The gardens were stunning in the warm spring sunshine and immaculately kept. Our guide was extremely knowledgeable and informative, not only on the plants and the changes the gardens had undergone over the years, but also on the history of the house (now privately owned and not open to the public).
On Tuesday 23rd June we will be visiting the gardens at the Old Stables in Bruntingthorpe. This is a plant lovers delightful one acre country garden owned by Hilary and Gordon Roberts and opened to visitors under the NGS scheme.
We will meet at Lutterworth Recreation Ground car park at 1.30 p.m. to share lifts. (Precise directions to follow.) The cost is £6.00 per person (£3.50 to NGS charity and £2.50 for refreshments).
Nemo’s Bar Diner at Stoney Cove. Because we had enjoyed the food and the setting last autumn, we decided to pay a return visit. We all managed to find parking spaces which was quite an achievement as it seemed to be a Training Day for the Police Underwater Search Unit. Not that there was much to see – a small buoy and a stream of bubbles as different groups went under water.
Go down the A5 from Gibbet Island to the Catthorpe Crossroads. Instead of turning left to Manor Farm, turn RIGHT - Saxon Fields Farm Shop is a short distance along on the right.They have a Specials Menu and do things like, Jackets, Soup, Sandwiches, Quiche and Salads - all prepared to order. Pleasant surroundings and views, horses and goats too!
LIVELY DISCUSSION
Co-ordinator
Dot Barnard
01455 208190
11th May 2015Does prison work?
England & Wales have the highest prisoner numbers per head of population in Europe - 82,319 - which includes 600 in the last 3 weeks. Scotland & N. Ireland are not included here. The cost per prisoner is £37,000 per annum and, according to the National Audit Office, the annual cost of crime is £60 billion. The question is, what do we expect prison to do for us:
1.That people are locked up to deprive them of society?
2.They are locked up to stop the offending?
3.Or - are we trying to break the cycle and take them away from dysfunctional backgrounds?
We concluded that prison isn’t working which is proven by the high reoffending rates. Group members had some experience of prisons through WRVS work, looking after a friend imprisoned in Dubai and being married to a former magistrate. In the UK prisons are over-crowded by up to double, there is little or no education/ training and even books are being denied to prisoners. With cuts in budgets and staff numbers prisons are simply holding pens and people learn more inside. In Dubai a bucket is provided, but food, water and other ‘comforts’ have come from outside.
Lack of money and facilities has resulted in people who suffer from mental disorders being confined to prison, and over-crowding is exacerbated by people on remand .Glen Parva young offenders prison has seen self-harm cases jump from 274 to 316 in a year. Prisoners are bullied with inmates demanding ‘rent’ for their cells from other prisoners. Under John Major and Tony Blair the numbers locked up aged between 10 and 17 trebled. 73% of under 18s reoffend within 12 months of being released. Contrast this with the ‘harsh’ Victorians and Edwardians who put young offenders on a 3 year apprenticeship or into the military on release and reoffending stood at 22%. The Director of Public Prosecutions is talking about locking up benefits cheats for 10years, but financiers didn’t go to prison for helping to plunge the world into economic disaster.
The group felt that tinkering with education has resulted in people being aware of their rights, but not always their responsibilities and how to live in society. Since keeping just one person out of prison can save £37,000 why do successive governments take the unwise decisions to cut facilities such as mental health institutions and schooling when the money saved could be spent on these vital services? Everyone agreed that prison should be used for murder, sex crimes, paedophilia and other violent crimes and that life should mean life and potential offenders should know of the consequences. It seems that other potential savings such as part of the £60 billion annual cost of crime is not a big enough incentive for politicians to take a long term view and change their prison strategy.
June -Topic Discussion on the outcome of the election
Our topic for the month was "politics in poetry". Several of the poems chosen were sharp and satirical, for example those by Betjeman, Waddis and McGough. Benjamin Zephaniah's "What If" was read, a modern, political twist on Kipling's "If". Many of the other poems were really very funny, some employing quite dark humour - Causley's "Jolly Hunter" but also several Pam Ayres who in various poems wrote about John Prescott, Tesco and Global Warming.
Other poems were taken from the press during the recent election so were extremely topical, while others were directed at past politicians (Disraeli, Lloyd George, Reagan, Richard the Third) , events (conservative party conference 1986, Easter Rising 1916 in Ireland) and inequality, including one on discrimination against the Chinese and Maya Angelou's wonderful "Still I Rise" .
The June meeting will be at Dot's house at the slightly later time of 2.30pm., and the theme is "Pick a Poet of your choice".
PUB LUNCHES
Co-ordinator
Jill Graham
01455 557117
email grahjill@hotmail.com
Wednesday 6th May –
The Waterfront at Market Harborough. This turned out like a Monty Python Sketch. As requested, we had sent in our Menu choices the day before but the young man dealing with us couldn’t make the numbers balance. He coped with my order for 2 different Starters as a Main Course but couldn’t get his head round one of our number wanting Soup and nothing but Soupand kept insisting that we were a Main Course Order short! Once this got sorted, we all settled back to enjoy the food and surroundings. The young man concerned couldn’t have been more cheerful and helpful but in future if any one suggests that we pre-order, I am going to change the Venue! It’s not worth the fuss!! However we all thought that the food was worth waiting for and will go back again at some time in the future.
Wednesday 3 June,
I intended to book at “The Old Lion”, Pailton Road, Harborough Magna, but had to change this as it was in the process of changing hands. It is now open again but I couldn’t have sorted out a booking in time. So booked us in at The Golden Lion at Easenhall. CV23 0HQ, Tel 01788 933238 Report will follow in the July Bulletin.
ALL THAT JAZZ - SUMMERSAULT JAZZ EVENINGS –
These are back but usually only on the Last Friday of each month and a “surcharge” of £5 if you want to sit in the premium space at the front.
Summersault’s next “Jazz Night” is Friday 29th May, when “Al Gurr and Friends” are on the “Menu”. Al Gurr has made a name for himself in a wide variety of different contexts, arranging and producing as well as playing piano and bass. Recently he has worked with Hayley Westonra, Blake, Alfie Boe, Lorna Luft and members of the CBSO.
From Lutterworth take the A4303 to the Magna Park/A5 roundabout and take the second exit signposted Pailton and Brinklow B4027. At Pailton bear right remaining on the B4027 Coventry Road, which takes a sharp left before crossing over the M6 and passes through Stretton under Fosse. Follow the road (now the Fosse Way or B4455) to Brinklow where at the T Junction turn left remaining on the B4455 towards Bretford. At Bretford there is a sharp left hand bend where you immediately turn off right turn to Brandon along the A428. At Brandon there is a one-way system through the village. Look for a left turn as shown by the Brown signs to the Brandon Marsh Nature Reserve and the Golf Club (they are adjacent to each other). The one way system takes you through the village of Brandon, follow the brown signs to a crossroads and turn right to pass the Royal Oak pub on your right with the railway on your left. Follow the lane past the golf club on your left, then over a railway bridge after which the turn to the Nature Reserve is a further 500 yards on the left. Take the right fork down to the visitor centre and car park (there are speed bumps).
June’s walk will be at the Brandon Marsh Nature Reserve.
There is a small charge of £1.50 concessions or £2.50 if you are too young.
There is free entry to members of the Warwickshire Wildlife Trust.There are several pathways through the reserve and although some are easily passable and surfaced, most are tracks that can become muddy; therefore boots or walking shoes are recommended. Bring cameras and binoculars too. A map of the reserve will be provided on request.
There are mixed habitats of woodland, marsh, reedbeds, pools and lakes.In the Visitor Centre there is a small shop, a library and a tea room, which does hot meals, snacks and drinks to suit all pockets. There is a courtyard with picnic tables (some undercover) if you would like to bring your own food, There are toilet facilities by the courtyard.
We suggest that we meet in the car park and arrive earlier if you want to pre-order food at the tearoom before we set off on the walk. We will have the tea room specials menu to send out by email nearer the date.
May Walk
On the 15th May we followed a lovely route devised by Ann Dean around the village of Braunston. Braunston was a rural community until the late 1700s. Nowadays, although the village is no longer a focal point for commercial traffic on its canal, the marina is a centre for the leisure industry. Our walk covered the village where we spent an interesting time viewing the 19th century church, in particular the time line depicting both national and local affairs ,local footpaths including Jetty Fields and the locks/canal towpath and Marina. The latter was originally developed at the turn of the 19th century as a waterways depot at the northern end of the Grand Junction canal. At the entrance to the marina is a cast iron bridge erected by Thomas Telford in 1834.
TRIPS
Co-ordinator
George Robertson
01455 559725 email:george9high@hotmail.com
ELGAR’S BIRTHPLACE MUSEUM
AND
SPETCHLEY PARK GARDENS
At the time of writing this insert, there were still 7 places available for the trip on Thursday July 16th.
The package includes :-
Refreshments on arrival at The Elgar Museum and a video presentation followed by time to explore the museum and the birthplace cottage.
Re-join the coach to go to Spetchley Park (8 miles away).
An optional guided tour of the gardens is available and there are a couple of tea rooms. You will have free time to explore the 30 acres of gardens and deer park. You might like to take a picnic lunch.
We would arrive at The Museum at 11.00am and leave from Spetchley Park at 4.30pm. About 1hr 30mins journey time.
The cost would be £26.00
DEPART FROM LUTTERWORTH SWIMMING POOL/SPORTS CENTRE AT 9.30AM. Contact George on 01455 559725 for more information
1st WEDNESDAY WALKING GROUPCo-ordinators
Roger Watmore 01455 552431
Julian Hargreaves 01455 557704
Note The Meeting Time. Date of Walk: 1st July 2015 Walk Organizers: Pete & Jean Williamson -Tel: 01455-209882 Meeting Point: Coventry Road Recreation Ground Car Park. Meeting Time:09.05, leave at 09.15.
Start Point: The Crown – Tur Langton, LE8 0PJ. Park at top of large pub car park. Toilets available – order meal prior to walk - leave 10.00am
Route and distance:A lovely walk through the Langtons - 6¼ miles with approx. 16 stiles. Starting at Tur Langton the walk goes over undulating fields to Stonton Wyville, along a field path to Thorpe Langton and then over pasture fields to East Langton and Church Langton returning to Tur Langton.
Lunch: At The Crown Tur Langton, 1 course £4.50, 2 courses £7.95. Directions to the Starting Point: Kimcote, Walton, by Shearsby Bath, cross A5199 towards Saddington, left then right for Kibworth, left on the bend to Kibworth Harcourt to the A6, head towards Mk Harborough turning first left signposted to Tur Langton. The Crown is on the left as you drive through the village.
Return Mileage from Lutterworth: 30 Miles.
May Bluebell Walk
Despite the gloom of the Met office weather forecast, 20 Walkers and 2 Dogs set off from Ratby towards Holywell Farm, in dull but fine weather. We passed by various local history including Holy Well, Bury Camp (a large Iron and Bronze age Hill Fort) Old Hays (a 12th/13th Century Moated Farm Dwelling) Bondman Hays (a 13th century Enclosure) all part of Old Whittington Settlement where Dwellings were protected from Invaders and Animals. These days we use Fences and Burglar Alarms. We encountered our first small clump of our target species, Bluebells, after about ¼ mile. As we progressed, Bluebells became more prevalent until the woods were carpeted in Blue. So objective achieved. There was a little very light rain just before our return to the Pub. The quality and quantity of our 2 4 1 Food was excellent. Thanks to Brenda and Mick for joining us, as they had enjoyed their own walk at Fosse Park. What a pity the Weather Man got it wrong, as the believers of the forecast really missed out on a varied, interesting and very enjoyable Walk through Southern Charnwood. Nice to see you all
Peter and Irene Moore
4th WEDNESDAY WALKING GROUPCo-ordinators
Sue & Peter Creeden
01455 557888
June 24th Walk
Walk Organisers:- Julian Hargreaves 01455 557704
Having been inspired by the 'Song of the Soar' talk I thought where could we go for a walk to appreciate some of the delights of this Leicestershire river. The stretch north of Loughborough has some interesting bits of the river where there are footpaths along the banks, a spectacular weir and also a ferry.
Meeting Point and Time:- Lutterworth Recreation Ground car park at 09:10am to leave at 9.15am. Note the slightly earlier time.
Start Point and Time:- The Plough Inn, Main Street, Normanton on Soar (post code for satnav LE12 5HB) to leave at 10:00am
Directions to the Start:-. Go north on the M1 to J23. Turn west on the A512 towards Shepshed turning right at the first traffic lights. Follow this road all the way through the town picking up the Hathern Road. At Hathern turn left onto the A6 and then right onto the A6006. Through Zouch turn right into Normanton on Soar to The Plough Inn (post code for satnav LE12 5HB)
Route and Distance:-. We will start the walk crossing the river by the old Chain Ferry (one of only three left in the country) to follow the bank of the river and over the Weir at Zouch. Continuing along a bit of the canal and then the river again past the Devils Elbow, onto Sutton Bonnington and back to Normanton across some fields. Distance about 6 miles.
Lunch Arrangements:The Plough is a lovely riverside pub with a menu offering two courses for £8.95.
May 2015 Walk Report
May has not had the best of weather but for this walk we were treated to a lovely sunny spring morning. There were 28 walkers who set off from Brinklow to head for the canal. Walking along it through All Oaks Wood was idyllic with the trees almost in full leaf hanging over the canal and the birds tweeting (not with their phones!). We walked to Kings Newnham where we stopped for a break in a tranquil haven overlooking some fish ponds. We returned to Brinklow mostly through fields. The pace was a little slower than usual so I left out the planned final stretch of the walk along the side of the motte and bailey castle so that we could get back on time for lunch. Most stayed for lunch which was served extremely efficiently, considering the numbers, and was very acceptable at a good price.
Peter Creeden
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JOINT WYCLIFFE LUTTERWORTH
And LUTTERWORTH U3A GROUPS
TUESDAY WALKING GROUPCo-ordinator
Gordon Jones (Lutterworth U3A)
01455 556192
This is a Special Walk with a very acceptable SURPRISE, en route, that all walkers will enjoy
. Date of Walk: Tuesday 16th June 2015. Walk Organizers:Peter and Irene Moore: Tel. 552594 Meeting Point: Coventry Road Recreation Ground Car Park. Meeting Time:9.20am to leave at 9.30am.
Start Point: The Barley Mow, Newbold on Avon at 10.00 am.
Route and distance:6.35 miles. This Avon Valley walk heads towards Long Lawford, into Little Lawford and onto Harborough Magna and returning to The Barley Mow via field paths and the Canal towpath. Only 1 stile and 1 bridge.
Lunch: At The Barley Mow. Special u3a Lunch menu from £5.00p Order before walk.
Directions to the Starting Point:At the A5/Magna Park Island, take 2nd exit towards Pailton after approx. 1 mile take 1st turn left to Harborough Magna, turn left at T junction, through Harborough Magna into Newbold on Avon. The Barley Mow Pub ,CV21 1HW, is on the left just after the sharp LH bend.
Return Mileage from Lutterworth: 16 Miles.
JOINT GOLF GROUP (with Lutterworth U3A)
Co-ordinator (Lutterworth U3A)
Peter Moore
01455 552594
PLEASE NOTE TIMINGS
Next Joint Golf Day - Organiser : Peter Reeves:- Tel: 01455 209933 e-mail: p.reeves@btinternet.com The next Golf Day will be at Ullesthorpe Golf Club on Thursday 30th July 2015. competing for the Hartopp Trophy and Prizes, inc. Ladies Prize. Meet at 10.30 Hrs for 11.28 Hrs Tee off, in Clubhouse for Bacon Roll and Coffee / Tea included in cost.
To confirm your attendance or for full itinerary, including Meal choices, please contact Peter Reeves, by Friday 17th July 2015 please.
Cost each approx. £28.00 To include Coffee and Bacon Roll, Green Fee, Prizes and Dinner. (Dependant upon numbers) Don't forget to invite your Wives/Partners/Husbands for 2 course Dinner at 17.30 Hrs in the Golf Clubhouse. Cost £10.00p. per person.
Coffee available at extra cost.
Seasons Forthcoming Golf Days
. Whetstone- Thursday September 17th 2015, Away Day- Leamington and County G.C. Friday 9th October 2015 – Cost £33.00p each. Including:- Coffee and Bacon Roll, Steak Pie Dinner and Prizes. Guests welcome to playin a separate Pairs competition at the same time. These are now all confirmed dates.Full details of all above events in future Newsletters.
