BULLETIN issue No. 53
8th March to 11th April 2012
8th March to 11th April 2012
The Apothecary comes to our February meeting
This month, we were taken back to 1642 by the Dutch apothecary, Johannes Berresford( see photo on page 1) whose alter ego is Trevor Parr. Johannes came to England from Holland and joined the Guild of Apothecaries that still exists today. This was the time of the English civil war and, being very wealth, as we shall see later, he raised a regiment of 1000 men, the Blue Regiment of Foot that later became the Coldstream Guards. As today, war helped the advancement of medicine as there was no shortage of bodies to examine and experiment upon. Everything was written in Latin, a good theft deterrent. As food in the 1640’s was often off and of dubious quality, stomach upsets were very common. Johannes then described several different treatments like gunpowder and molasses, to be taken on the privy, charcoal to absorb things, salt for wounds and poultices to ‘draw out the ill humours of the blood’.
In fact, bleeding was very common with the apothecary selling the blood to butchers who could make blood pudding. Many now common herbs were also used then. Cloves helped with toothache, rosemary oils cooled hot fevers, sage treated sore throats and palsy, juniper berries were tied inside a handkerchief to ward off evil spirits when worn round the neck. Johannes brought round many of these to the audience, as shown, to be identified, but fortunately, no treatments were attempted. Nowadays, cinnamon, peppercorns and nutmeg are easily available but back in 1642, these came overland and were hence very valuable. In fact, a single nutmeg would be worth £500,000 in today’s currency. This was where the apothecary’s wealth came from with his travelling stock worth £3-4 million.
One of the more grotesque treatments was called ‘God’s grace’ as this was a powerful poison. A half a teaspoon could kill a man in less than 10 seconds, but why? This was a better way of dying than a long drawn out painful death.
Johannes, as you can see, was very wealthy with several large properties. Because of his military connections, he enjoyed the protection of the Earl of Leicester.
An enlightening talk which everyone fortunately survived!
BOARD/CARD GAMES
Co-ordinator
Cynthia Griffith
01455 554308
Monday Card group. We tried a new card game with a special pack - Skip Bo. We soon got the hang of it although Margaret won both games. After tea we reverted to a game of whist teaming up in pairs.
We meet every Monday afternoon if anybody would like to join us they are always welcome.
Members of the Card Games Group enjoying a game of Skip Bo
This month, we were taken back to 1642 by the Dutch apothecary, Johannes Berresford( see photo on page 1) whose alter ego is Trevor Parr. Johannes came to England from Holland and joined the Guild of Apothecaries that still exists today. This was the time of the English civil war and, being very wealth, as we shall see later, he raised a regiment of 1000 men, the Blue Regiment of Foot that later became the Coldstream Guards. As today, war helped the advancement of medicine as there was no shortage of bodies to examine and experiment upon. Everything was written in Latin, a good theft deterrent. As food in the 1640’s was often off and of dubious quality, stomach upsets were very common. Johannes then described several different treatments like gunpowder and molasses, to be taken on the privy, charcoal to absorb things, salt for wounds and poultices to ‘draw out the ill humours of the blood’.
In fact, bleeding was very common with the apothecary selling the blood to butchers who could make blood pudding. Many now common herbs were also used then. Cloves helped with toothache, rosemary oils cooled hot fevers, sage treated sore throats and palsy, juniper berries were tied inside a handkerchief to ward off evil spirits when worn round the neck. Johannes brought round many of these to the audience, as shown, to be identified, but fortunately, no treatments were attempted. Nowadays, cinnamon, peppercorns and nutmeg are easily available but back in 1642, these came overland and were hence very valuable. In fact, a single nutmeg would be worth £500,000 in today’s currency. This was where the apothecary’s wealth came from with his travelling stock worth £3-4 million.
One of the more grotesque treatments was called ‘God’s grace’ as this was a powerful poison. A half a teaspoon could kill a man in less than 10 seconds, but why? This was a better way of dying than a long drawn out painful death.
Johannes, as you can see, was very wealthy with several large properties. Because of his military connections, he enjoyed the protection of the Earl of Leicester.
An enlightening talk which everyone fortunately survived!
BOARD/CARD GAMES
Co-ordinator
Cynthia Griffith
01455 554308
Monday Card group. We tried a new card game with a special pack - Skip Bo. We soon got the hang of it although Margaret won both games. After tea we reverted to a game of whist teaming up in pairs.
We meet every Monday afternoon if anybody would like to join us they are always welcome.
Members of the Card Games Group enjoying a game of Skip Bo
LIVELY DISCUSSION
Co-ordinator
Dot Barnard
01455 208190
February Meeting: Should council tenants with 3 or more bedrooms be forced to move to smaller premises when they reach 65?
There was some confusion over the basic facts about renting council or housing association property. These houses are intended as affordable. Some people are eligible for housing benefit, but many pay the full rent and are not subsidised. Some councils have passed over the management of their housing stock to housing associations as a cost saving device. This is true of Harborough District which uses Seven Locks Housing. However Leicester City tenants voted against this idea and so Leicester still manages its own housing. The points system is used to clarify need and when a few houses become available prospective tenants can ‘bid’ with their points and may be chosen for that tenancy. It is also possible to swap with other tenants and a small amount of downsizing occurs in this way. Tenants are offered an incentive to downsize, but elderly, partially sighted or people with dementia find it very hard to move to unfamiliar surroundings. Although some people are happy to move and the small amount of money offered helps with the costs.
Most of the group felt that people should not be forced to move since, although rented, this is a family’s home, and often much effort has been put into the garden and upkeep of the property, not to mention being part of the neighbourhood and having children and grandchildren at local schools. In the past people were proud of their houses and looked after them very well. Things are often worse now with the rise of sink estates. However, people felt that new tenants could be allocated housing with a different style of tenancy so that they sign up to move later in life. The main problem is shortage of council housing caused by the Thatcher government’s right-to-buy policy. In itself it was a very good idea, but since then all governments have prevented the building of replacements which seems illogical when there is a rising population. Many are forced into the private sector where there is no rent regulation and so the benefit system has to support these high rents. The group felt that rent regulation was essential and that affordable housing must be built to accommodate an enlarging population.
March Topic – Should we be able to bid for sports functions such as 2017 Athletics when the financial situation is so precarious?
BIRD WATCHING
Co-ordinators
Mary & Peter Rolleston
01455 209156
The bird watching group had an interesting day at Carsington Water in Derbyshire in February. There are four bird hides overlooking the reservoir and some of us enjoyed a walk, whilst others looked around the visitors' centre. We all had lunch in the restaurant overlooking the water and saw quite a few birds including, tree sparrows, lapwings, teal and a little grebe. Our next outing will be on Friday, 30th March - location to be arranged. Please telephone us if you are interested in joining the group.
POETRY
Co-ordinator
Angela &Stuart Rhodes
01455 554553
Ted Hughes was our chosen poet this month after his commemoration in Poet’s Corner, Westminster Abbey at the end of last year. It was the largest group yet, with 2 new members bringing the number of participants to 11. More than 20 poems were read covering Ted Hughes’s animal poems, a selection from Birthday Letters, some evoking the Yorkshire landscape and buildings and one about his young daughter Frieda noticing the moon for the first time. The Birthday Letters collection was written for his first wife Sylvia Plath, and there was some discussion about their lives together and her sad death. One poem is entitled Heptonstall Old Church and Sylvia Plath is buried in this church yard.
During the tea break a CD of Michael Tudor Barnes reading Ted Hughes poems was played. It was very helpful hearing a professional reading of some of the poems which we had read earlier.
March Topic - A stroll through the 20th century
PAINTING
Co-ordinator
Chris Brady
01455 209108
Combining with members of Lutterworth U3A, two of the Painting Group visited the exhibition of Lowry paintings at the small gallery on the site of Nottingham University. We were amazed at the range of techniques and subjects he chose to explore. We were expecting the “matchstick figures”, all of whom suggested a story line: for example a day trip to the beach or an argument or going to work He captured movement in simple, direct strokes of the brush. In contrast his drawings were carefully observed and drawn with delicate lines. These were my own favourite exhibits. He was a fine graphic artist and his sketch of a nude young girl was exquisite.
Many of his paintings had a mournful, lonely feel,emphasized by his use of a restricted colour palette, predominantly white, black, green and occasional touches of brick red. Often a single building became the focal point of the picture, somehow echoing his own lonely life. After a full day’s work, he painted at night t in the attic of the family home, transcribing what he could see from the window, trapped by the responsibility of caring for his ailing mother. His city paintings were full of life and we marvelled at his representation of the factories and chimneys of the city receding into the distance, or the bold use of his favourite colours to portray the nearby docklands.
During his lifetime he kept his artistic works hidden away, never admitting that he was an artist. Now his work is revered and admired worldwide. We really enjoyed this insight into the life and works of a major artist, but came away with a sense of sadness that emanates from many of his pictures.
The Art Group continues to meet on a weekly basis, when we explore individual work and offer praise and constructive criticism to each other. The atmosphere is relaxed and supportive and full of laughter, prior to settling down to a period of concentration interspersed with cups of tea. Time flies!
BRIDGE
Co-ordinator
Bob Howes
01455 550027
During February, we only managed one session of bridge due to holiday arrangements. Unfortunately, there was not bidding or playing worthy of being ‘mentioned in despatches’ However, the refreshments were unusually, Toblerone and banana muffins.
QUIZ GROUP
Co-ordinator
Sylvie Curtis
01455 554504
Ten members met this month to answer questions from June and Jill, whose questions were of the mastermind variety!
We also entered two small teams into the quiz night organised by Wycliffe Rotary. Both teams tied joint fourth on the night.
CANASTA 1
Co-ordinator
June Hartopp
01455 553418
The constant number of players in the groups means that we can play ‘singles’ and ‘partners’. We welcome new members – no experience needed. We were all beginners at the start of the group and look at us now!!
CANASTA 3
Co-ordinator
June Hartopp
01455 553418
The players are enjoying this different form of Canasta. Recently, one player made a ‘sequence canasta’ and so gained an extra 1500 points – virtually uncatchable from then on! As this group is growing in numbers it becomes a little harder this Brazilian Canasta – just wait until we play with ‘Partners’!
BOOK CHAT
Co-ordinator
Mick Curtis
01455 554504
This month we finished reviewing our favourite books from the previous month's meeting.
We also reviewed the first book we have from the reading group scheme from the library. With the exception of one member who enjoyed the book as a light read, all other members found the book thin on plot, characters, and any interest at all.
Much of the meeting was taken up with a discussion on how we should ensure a better choice of books going forward. It was decided to have a programme of reading so that we could either buy the books or borrow from the library as individuals. Some members will be exploring electronic books.
TUESDAY WALKING GROUP Co-ordinator:
Gordon Jones (Lutterworth U3A)
01455 556192
NOTE THE EARLIER MEETING TIME
Date of walk: Tuesday 20th March 2012.
Walk Organiser: Fred and Dorothy Milsom, 01455 552430
Meeting Point: Meet at the Coventry Road recreation ground Car Park.
Meeting Time: Meet by 9.15 to leave at 9.20.
Route and distance: Starting from the church at Nailstone a 6¼ mile round to Odstone, Shackerstone and back through Barton in the Beans to Nailstone. Field paths with a little bit of country lane.
Directions to the Starting Point: Lutterworth to Hinckley, take the A47 in the direction of Leicester then the A447 for about 7 miles to Nailstone. Park in the village, there are a number of suitable roads, and gather in the Remembrance Garden on the eastern side of the churchyard.
Lunch: When we return to Nailstone we will drive back along the A447 about ¼ miles to the Osbaston Gate Inn. We will pre-order the meals selected from either a 2 for £10 menu or the full menu.
Return Journey from Lutterworth Mileage: 36
1st WEDNESDAY WALKING GROUP Co-ordinators:
Roger Watmore, Lutterworth U3A
01455 552431
Julian Hargreaves, Wycliffe U3A
01455 557704
Date of walk: Wednesday 4th April 2012
Walk Organisers: Peter and Mary Rolleston 01455 209156
Meeting Point: Coventry Road recreation ground Car Park at 9.20am to leave at 9.30am
Directions to start: Take the A426 towards Leicester. Pass through 4 roundabouts (Blaby by-pass) then turn right at the traffic lights (former County Arms) onto the B582. After half a mile, set back on the right, is Glen Parva Manor public house – slow down as it is easy to miss!
Route and distance: Walk is five and a half miles on bridleways, paths and canal towpath.
Lunch: Two for the price of one.
February Walk
19 walkers managed to negotiate the pipe and cross the A5 twice – not the easiest thing to do! The varied scenery was commented on, including the builders yard (‘rubbish’ was mentioned) as well as some nice views. At the break taken at Shawell Church we read up about Tennyson’s regular visits to the village and then climbed what was an overgrown stile before some kind soul had cut back the brambles!
At the Stag and Pheasant there was more stew and dumplings than 16 of us could eat so I think we got it right this time.
LUNCH CLUB
Co-ordinator
Sylvia Wilson
01455 283575
The Lunch Club goes on trying out new restaurants/pubs and also returning to favourite ones. If you know of a venue which you can recommend please let Sylvia know and she will arrange it.
Our April lunches(3rd & 4th) will be at ’The White Horse’ in Broughton Astley, which many of you enjoyed before.
4th WEDNESDAY WALKING GROUP Co-ordinators:
Sue & Peter Creeden
01455 557888
WEDNESDAY 28 March 2012
Walk Organiser: Julian Hargreaves: Tel: 01455 557704
Meeting Point and Time:
Lutterworth Recreation Ground car park at 9:20am to leave at 9:30am. The walk will start from The Plough, Bruntingthorpe.
Directions to the Start
Leave Lutterworth for Gilmorton where at the junction of the Crown pub, turn right and immediately left for Bruntingthorpe. In Bruntingthorpe turn left and The Plough is on the left.
The Walk
The walk is across fields to Shearsby and onto the Knaptoft Church ruins and back to Bruntingthorpe, a total of about 5 miles.
Lunch: Bar food £4 head.
February 2012 Walk
The 4th Wednesday Walking Group’s luck with the weather ran out on this walk and for the first time there was a bit of rain. Fortunately, the 22 walkers and 1 dog did not get very wet. We started at Welford Wharf where currently, due to a water shortage in the Welford reservoir, water is being pumped back up the canal to maintain
water levels in the Welford arm. Walking was relatively easy (only 3 stiles!!). We took our break at the church of St Andrew, North Kilworth, where some took respite from the rain. The return route was mostly along canal towpaths, the hedges providing welcome cover from the rain. Most stayed for a pleasant lunch at the Wharf Inn.
Early Advance Notice
Reserve this date in your diary for a * Very Special Walk * on WEDNESDAY MAY 23rd 2012
Walk to include a visit to a MAGNIFICENT GARDEN with a
* SURPRISE JOURNEY *
GERMAN CONVERSATION
Co-ordinator
Sue Hicks
01858 880273
We continued to follow the course on CD, and then exercised our minds with a German crossword. We then discussed travel and holidays and our individual preferences.
The next meeting will be at Alan’s house again, on Tuesday, 27 March, when Shopping will be the topic. After that we plan to revert to the third Tuesday in the month for the future, starting with 17 April, venue to be confirmed.
FRENCH CONVERSATION
Co-ordinator
Sue Hicks
01858 880273
We had a short French play-reading session this time, followed after the interval by a second cast of actors performing the play. The play was about a first grandchild and struck a few chords. We have some very impressive actors in our group who caused us to laugh out loud! We finished up with a “Find the differences” puzzle.
The next meeting will be on 22 March when we plan to read an article on Versailles as well as continuing with the citizenship proposals in France mentioned in February.
There will be a French film on 26 April.
PHOTOGRAPHY
Co-ordinator
Mick Curtis
01455 554504
Just four intrepid photographers this month. We perused our efforts based on a theme of literature as well as looking back at last month’s theme of food, which had some mouth watering images. So the session was tantamount to feeding the body as well as the soul.
Our next theme will be "spring" so we will have plenty of scope to generate some uplifting photographs. We are also planning a field trip to Shugborough to look at Lord Litchfield’s collection in celebration of the Queens diamond jubilee. The trip will be in place of our May meeting and we will be taking the opportunity to capture some images to share for our June meeting.
JOINT GOLF GROUP (with Lutterworth U3A)
Co-ordinator (Lutterworth U3A)
Peter Moore
01455 552594
peter79moore@gmail.com
The programme for 2012 is as follows :-
April 2012 - Lutterworth Golf Club - Late April - DTBC
June 2012 - Hinckley Golf Club - Mid /End June - DTBC
August 2012 - Ullesthorpe Golf Club - Mid/End August - DTBC
October 2012 - Whetstone Golf Club - Mid October - DTBC
I am already being requested to visit Sandwell Park Golf Club again.
Provisional date :- Friday 2nd November 2012 - DTBC
The next Golf Day will be at Lutterworth Golf Club on Thursday 26th April 2012.
Usual format
Playing for the *Hartopp Trophy* and Prizes
New players always welcome including Ladies.
Co-ordinator
Dot Barnard
01455 208190
February Meeting: Should council tenants with 3 or more bedrooms be forced to move to smaller premises when they reach 65?
There was some confusion over the basic facts about renting council or housing association property. These houses are intended as affordable. Some people are eligible for housing benefit, but many pay the full rent and are not subsidised. Some councils have passed over the management of their housing stock to housing associations as a cost saving device. This is true of Harborough District which uses Seven Locks Housing. However Leicester City tenants voted against this idea and so Leicester still manages its own housing. The points system is used to clarify need and when a few houses become available prospective tenants can ‘bid’ with their points and may be chosen for that tenancy. It is also possible to swap with other tenants and a small amount of downsizing occurs in this way. Tenants are offered an incentive to downsize, but elderly, partially sighted or people with dementia find it very hard to move to unfamiliar surroundings. Although some people are happy to move and the small amount of money offered helps with the costs.
Most of the group felt that people should not be forced to move since, although rented, this is a family’s home, and often much effort has been put into the garden and upkeep of the property, not to mention being part of the neighbourhood and having children and grandchildren at local schools. In the past people were proud of their houses and looked after them very well. Things are often worse now with the rise of sink estates. However, people felt that new tenants could be allocated housing with a different style of tenancy so that they sign up to move later in life. The main problem is shortage of council housing caused by the Thatcher government’s right-to-buy policy. In itself it was a very good idea, but since then all governments have prevented the building of replacements which seems illogical when there is a rising population. Many are forced into the private sector where there is no rent regulation and so the benefit system has to support these high rents. The group felt that rent regulation was essential and that affordable housing must be built to accommodate an enlarging population.
March Topic – Should we be able to bid for sports functions such as 2017 Athletics when the financial situation is so precarious?
BIRD WATCHING
Co-ordinators
Mary & Peter Rolleston
01455 209156
The bird watching group had an interesting day at Carsington Water in Derbyshire in February. There are four bird hides overlooking the reservoir and some of us enjoyed a walk, whilst others looked around the visitors' centre. We all had lunch in the restaurant overlooking the water and saw quite a few birds including, tree sparrows, lapwings, teal and a little grebe. Our next outing will be on Friday, 30th March - location to be arranged. Please telephone us if you are interested in joining the group.
POETRY
Co-ordinator
Angela &Stuart Rhodes
01455 554553
Ted Hughes was our chosen poet this month after his commemoration in Poet’s Corner, Westminster Abbey at the end of last year. It was the largest group yet, with 2 new members bringing the number of participants to 11. More than 20 poems were read covering Ted Hughes’s animal poems, a selection from Birthday Letters, some evoking the Yorkshire landscape and buildings and one about his young daughter Frieda noticing the moon for the first time. The Birthday Letters collection was written for his first wife Sylvia Plath, and there was some discussion about their lives together and her sad death. One poem is entitled Heptonstall Old Church and Sylvia Plath is buried in this church yard.
During the tea break a CD of Michael Tudor Barnes reading Ted Hughes poems was played. It was very helpful hearing a professional reading of some of the poems which we had read earlier.
March Topic - A stroll through the 20th century
PAINTING
Co-ordinator
Chris Brady
01455 209108
Combining with members of Lutterworth U3A, two of the Painting Group visited the exhibition of Lowry paintings at the small gallery on the site of Nottingham University. We were amazed at the range of techniques and subjects he chose to explore. We were expecting the “matchstick figures”, all of whom suggested a story line: for example a day trip to the beach or an argument or going to work He captured movement in simple, direct strokes of the brush. In contrast his drawings were carefully observed and drawn with delicate lines. These were my own favourite exhibits. He was a fine graphic artist and his sketch of a nude young girl was exquisite.
Many of his paintings had a mournful, lonely feel,emphasized by his use of a restricted colour palette, predominantly white, black, green and occasional touches of brick red. Often a single building became the focal point of the picture, somehow echoing his own lonely life. After a full day’s work, he painted at night t in the attic of the family home, transcribing what he could see from the window, trapped by the responsibility of caring for his ailing mother. His city paintings were full of life and we marvelled at his representation of the factories and chimneys of the city receding into the distance, or the bold use of his favourite colours to portray the nearby docklands.
During his lifetime he kept his artistic works hidden away, never admitting that he was an artist. Now his work is revered and admired worldwide. We really enjoyed this insight into the life and works of a major artist, but came away with a sense of sadness that emanates from many of his pictures.
The Art Group continues to meet on a weekly basis, when we explore individual work and offer praise and constructive criticism to each other. The atmosphere is relaxed and supportive and full of laughter, prior to settling down to a period of concentration interspersed with cups of tea. Time flies!
BRIDGE
Co-ordinator
Bob Howes
01455 550027
During February, we only managed one session of bridge due to holiday arrangements. Unfortunately, there was not bidding or playing worthy of being ‘mentioned in despatches’ However, the refreshments were unusually, Toblerone and banana muffins.
QUIZ GROUP
Co-ordinator
Sylvie Curtis
01455 554504
Ten members met this month to answer questions from June and Jill, whose questions were of the mastermind variety!
We also entered two small teams into the quiz night organised by Wycliffe Rotary. Both teams tied joint fourth on the night.
CANASTA 1
Co-ordinator
June Hartopp
01455 553418
The constant number of players in the groups means that we can play ‘singles’ and ‘partners’. We welcome new members – no experience needed. We were all beginners at the start of the group and look at us now!!
CANASTA 3
Co-ordinator
June Hartopp
01455 553418
The players are enjoying this different form of Canasta. Recently, one player made a ‘sequence canasta’ and so gained an extra 1500 points – virtually uncatchable from then on! As this group is growing in numbers it becomes a little harder this Brazilian Canasta – just wait until we play with ‘Partners’!
BOOK CHAT
Co-ordinator
Mick Curtis
01455 554504
This month we finished reviewing our favourite books from the previous month's meeting.
We also reviewed the first book we have from the reading group scheme from the library. With the exception of one member who enjoyed the book as a light read, all other members found the book thin on plot, characters, and any interest at all.
Much of the meeting was taken up with a discussion on how we should ensure a better choice of books going forward. It was decided to have a programme of reading so that we could either buy the books or borrow from the library as individuals. Some members will be exploring electronic books.
TUESDAY WALKING GROUP Co-ordinator:
Gordon Jones (Lutterworth U3A)
01455 556192
NOTE THE EARLIER MEETING TIME
Date of walk: Tuesday 20th March 2012.
Walk Organiser: Fred and Dorothy Milsom, 01455 552430
Meeting Point: Meet at the Coventry Road recreation ground Car Park.
Meeting Time: Meet by 9.15 to leave at 9.20.
Route and distance: Starting from the church at Nailstone a 6¼ mile round to Odstone, Shackerstone and back through Barton in the Beans to Nailstone. Field paths with a little bit of country lane.
Directions to the Starting Point: Lutterworth to Hinckley, take the A47 in the direction of Leicester then the A447 for about 7 miles to Nailstone. Park in the village, there are a number of suitable roads, and gather in the Remembrance Garden on the eastern side of the churchyard.
Lunch: When we return to Nailstone we will drive back along the A447 about ¼ miles to the Osbaston Gate Inn. We will pre-order the meals selected from either a 2 for £10 menu or the full menu.
Return Journey from Lutterworth Mileage: 36
1st WEDNESDAY WALKING GROUP Co-ordinators:
Roger Watmore, Lutterworth U3A
01455 552431
Julian Hargreaves, Wycliffe U3A
01455 557704
Date of walk: Wednesday 4th April 2012
Walk Organisers: Peter and Mary Rolleston 01455 209156
Meeting Point: Coventry Road recreation ground Car Park at 9.20am to leave at 9.30am
Directions to start: Take the A426 towards Leicester. Pass through 4 roundabouts (Blaby by-pass) then turn right at the traffic lights (former County Arms) onto the B582. After half a mile, set back on the right, is Glen Parva Manor public house – slow down as it is easy to miss!
Route and distance: Walk is five and a half miles on bridleways, paths and canal towpath.
Lunch: Two for the price of one.
February Walk
19 walkers managed to negotiate the pipe and cross the A5 twice – not the easiest thing to do! The varied scenery was commented on, including the builders yard (‘rubbish’ was mentioned) as well as some nice views. At the break taken at Shawell Church we read up about Tennyson’s regular visits to the village and then climbed what was an overgrown stile before some kind soul had cut back the brambles!
At the Stag and Pheasant there was more stew and dumplings than 16 of us could eat so I think we got it right this time.
LUNCH CLUB
Co-ordinator
Sylvia Wilson
01455 283575
The Lunch Club goes on trying out new restaurants/pubs and also returning to favourite ones. If you know of a venue which you can recommend please let Sylvia know and she will arrange it.
Our April lunches(3rd & 4th) will be at ’The White Horse’ in Broughton Astley, which many of you enjoyed before.
4th WEDNESDAY WALKING GROUP Co-ordinators:
Sue & Peter Creeden
01455 557888
WEDNESDAY 28 March 2012
Walk Organiser: Julian Hargreaves: Tel: 01455 557704
Meeting Point and Time:
Lutterworth Recreation Ground car park at 9:20am to leave at 9:30am. The walk will start from The Plough, Bruntingthorpe.
Directions to the Start
Leave Lutterworth for Gilmorton where at the junction of the Crown pub, turn right and immediately left for Bruntingthorpe. In Bruntingthorpe turn left and The Plough is on the left.
The Walk
The walk is across fields to Shearsby and onto the Knaptoft Church ruins and back to Bruntingthorpe, a total of about 5 miles.
Lunch: Bar food £4 head.
February 2012 Walk
The 4th Wednesday Walking Group’s luck with the weather ran out on this walk and for the first time there was a bit of rain. Fortunately, the 22 walkers and 1 dog did not get very wet. We started at Welford Wharf where currently, due to a water shortage in the Welford reservoir, water is being pumped back up the canal to maintain
water levels in the Welford arm. Walking was relatively easy (only 3 stiles!!). We took our break at the church of St Andrew, North Kilworth, where some took respite from the rain. The return route was mostly along canal towpaths, the hedges providing welcome cover from the rain. Most stayed for a pleasant lunch at the Wharf Inn.
Early Advance Notice
Reserve this date in your diary for a * Very Special Walk * on WEDNESDAY MAY 23rd 2012
Walk to include a visit to a MAGNIFICENT GARDEN with a
* SURPRISE JOURNEY *
GERMAN CONVERSATION
Co-ordinator
Sue Hicks
01858 880273
We continued to follow the course on CD, and then exercised our minds with a German crossword. We then discussed travel and holidays and our individual preferences.
The next meeting will be at Alan’s house again, on Tuesday, 27 March, when Shopping will be the topic. After that we plan to revert to the third Tuesday in the month for the future, starting with 17 April, venue to be confirmed.
FRENCH CONVERSATION
Co-ordinator
Sue Hicks
01858 880273
We had a short French play-reading session this time, followed after the interval by a second cast of actors performing the play. The play was about a first grandchild and struck a few chords. We have some very impressive actors in our group who caused us to laugh out loud! We finished up with a “Find the differences” puzzle.
The next meeting will be on 22 March when we plan to read an article on Versailles as well as continuing with the citizenship proposals in France mentioned in February.
There will be a French film on 26 April.
PHOTOGRAPHY
Co-ordinator
Mick Curtis
01455 554504
Just four intrepid photographers this month. We perused our efforts based on a theme of literature as well as looking back at last month’s theme of food, which had some mouth watering images. So the session was tantamount to feeding the body as well as the soul.
Our next theme will be "spring" so we will have plenty of scope to generate some uplifting photographs. We are also planning a field trip to Shugborough to look at Lord Litchfield’s collection in celebration of the Queens diamond jubilee. The trip will be in place of our May meeting and we will be taking the opportunity to capture some images to share for our June meeting.
JOINT GOLF GROUP (with Lutterworth U3A)
Co-ordinator (Lutterworth U3A)
Peter Moore
01455 552594
peter79moore@gmail.com
The programme for 2012 is as follows :-
April 2012 - Lutterworth Golf Club - Late April - DTBC
June 2012 - Hinckley Golf Club - Mid /End June - DTBC
August 2012 - Ullesthorpe Golf Club - Mid/End August - DTBC
October 2012 - Whetstone Golf Club - Mid October - DTBC
I am already being requested to visit Sandwell Park Golf Club again.
Provisional date :- Friday 2nd November 2012 - DTBC
The next Golf Day will be at Lutterworth Golf Club on Thursday 26th April 2012.
Usual format
Playing for the *Hartopp Trophy* and Prizes
New players always welcome including Ladies.