Wycliffe Lutterworth u3a
  • Home
  • Bulletin
  • Committee
  • Interest Groups
  • Links
  • Monthly Meetings
  • Joining this u3a
  • Galleries and Newsletters

March 2013 Month bulletin

NEW JOINT GROUP ‘TEN PIN BOWLING ‘

 

 

Report on the February meeting

Malcolm Gray gave an illustrated talk about the life and works of D H Lawrence.  He, of course, came to popular fame with the Lady Chatterley’s Lover court case.  Penguin Books brought the case and were sufficiently confident of winning the case that they had 2 million copies printed and ready for distribution.  Interestingly enough, at the time, W H Smiths would not handle sales.  In fact, Lawrence wrote three separate versions with the first two more of a social history of the landed gentry.

He was a prolific writer far outstripping the likes of Hardy and Dickens in published works.  Not only did he write novels, but also he was a painter, poet, travel writer, music author and playwright.  In summary, he was probably the most misunderstood of all British authors.  His upbringing was in a Nottinghamshire mining town.  His mother did not want him to ‘go down the pit’ and encouraged him to pursue academic education.  He was well read and also appreciated Wagner whilst still in his teens.  Eventually, he eloped with a German aristocrat, not a popular move at the time.  He moved about the country and eventually moved abroad.  His travel books did not describe the locations but more his daily experiences.  After he arrived in Mexico, he started painting but this painting were confiscated from  a London gallery.  One reason for his constant moving around was a result of his ill health and he eventually died at the early age of 44.

An interesting talk that gave many a new insight into the life and works of D H Lawrence.

For those who want to learn more

 

There is a Day Course at Phoenix   ‘Lawrence and Film’ on Tuesday 19th March ( 11—4), at a cost of £15.

More details on the notice board, or contact Malcolm Gray on 0116 2714402; email mjgray@talk21.com

QUIZ GROUP

Co-ordinator

Sylvie Curtis

01455 554504

We had a good turn out for our first meeting of the year on our new meeting day.

Sylvie eased us into the New Year with some varied questions all on a theme of England.

If you feel you would like to join us please phone the co-ordinator & come along to a meeting.

TABLE TENNIS

Co-ordinator

Nigel Bones

01455 209756

December and January have been quiet months for the table tennis group with the first of our Monday’s in December being cancelled due to the U3A trip to Chatsworth House, and the second Monday being Christmas eve.  One of our Monday’s in January was cancelled due to the snow, and attendance at the second Monday was down, again due to poor weather.  However, we are expecting attendance to pick up again now that the worst of the weather is (hopefully) behind us, and a few potential new members are expected over the next few weeks.

We meet on the 2nd and  4th Monday of each month at 2:00 pm in Walcote Village Hall. 

When there is a 5th Monday in the month (as in April), we will run a joint table tennis with the Lutterworth U3A table tennis group.  April 8th will also be a joint table tennis with the Lutterworth group as they will not be playing on their designated Monday (1st April) as this is a Bank Holiday.

TRIPS

Joint Co-ordinators

George Robertson

01455 559725 email:george9high@hotmail.com

Rose Coltman

 01455-209830 (ex/d. )

The Trip to see ‘The 39 Steps’ at Belgrade Theatre Coventry

Tuesday 23rd April 7.45pm is booked

 

George will be collecting the £30each to include ticket and coach at the March Meeting. There are 6 places still available. If you want to join the trip, and you must contact George immediately.

Trip to Sandringham 6th June

The Sandringham Trip has a lot of interest and George has provisionally booked a 49 seater.  That would leave a maximum of 9 additional members if all on the’ interested’ list take up a place. The cost will be £24 to include entry to Sandringham. We will pick up in Broughton Astley and Lutterworth. 

Details as in the February bulletin.

PHOTOGRAPHY

Co-ordinator

Mick Curtis

01455 554504

Six enthusiastic amateur snappers met at our new time, including one new member to the group. We shared our images of Fungii obtained by various means (some would probably be regarded as cheating by purists) but it lead to some interesting discussion amongst us and we learnt there were well over 2000 types of fungii in the British Isles. Despite that the most popular image proved to be 'Fly Agaric'  ( Aminita Muscaria) a very photogenic, although deadly mushroom beloved of illustrators of children's books.

Our next topic for Thursday April 25th is any subject of our choosing but presented in monochrome, preferably black and white. 

BIRD WATCHING

Co-ordinators

Mary & Peter Rolleston

01455 209156

A few brave members ventured out on a bitterly cold February day for our outing to Eggleton reserve at Rutland Water.

We lingered for a while in the warmth of the indoor viewing area at the centre where we saw a few waterbirds, a heron and an egret.  The paths were very wet and muddy so we only made it as far as the first hide where we spotted some shelducks and tufted ducks.  We were, however, rewarded by a close sighting of a waterail - it made our day! We spent the next two hours in a delightful pub at Medbourne where we enjoyed a good lunch in a cosy room with an open fire.

Our next trip will be on the 4th Friday in March (22nd) owing to Good Friday falling at the end of the month.  We will be going to Carsington Water in Derbyshire which has some good hides, including a glass viewing area and pleasant walks around the resvoir.  New members welcome.

 

POETRY

Co-ordinator

Angela &Stuart Rhodes

01455 554553

The last day of February saw brilliant sunshine and flowers growing  in the garden. The choice of a subject devoted to flowers proved to be appropriate especially following the cancellation of the January Meeting due to atrocious weather.

Eight members including one new member enjoyed poetry from the established poets (including Lutterworth's own poet) and thanks to the internet compositions  by unknown poets from both the UK and the USA. Coupled with tea and biscuits and an exchange of views on current affairs in general the session proved to be a very convivial afternoon.

 All members are looking forward to the next meeting on

28 March when the subject will be "Water". 

FRENCH CONVERSATION

Co-ordinator

Sue Hicks

01858 880273

28 February 2013

We discussed varying topics in small groups.  We also had a visit from Tony Jukes of the Twinning Association.  He gave us more details of the proposed visit to Chambourcy on 24-26 May, staying with French families but often eating all together, with various excursions planned.  If you are interested, please contact me (Sue Hicks) as soon as possible.

The next meeting, on Thursday, 28 March, will be a film at Pearl and Tony’s house.  These have proved to be popular events.  I hope to give the name of the film in due course.

GERMAN CONVERSATION

Co-ordinator

Sue Hicks

01858 880273

19 February 2013

 

There were only four of us today, and we continued with the CD. Next time we start at CD2 / 16.  The next meeting will be on Tuesday, 12 March, one week earlier than planned, at Alan’s house.


LIVELY DISCUSSION

Co-ordinator

Dot Barnard

01455 208190

No Meeting in February due to icy conditions

April Topic :Has the BBC and other media ‘dumbed’ down?

BOOK CHAT

Co-ordinator

Mick Curtis

01455 554504

This month's book was Tinker,Tailor,Soldier,Spy by John Le Carre.

Considering the relative fame of this book, it was surprising that many of the members were reading this for the first time. Many of us found the book interesting if a little old fashioned in it's subject matter, being as it was concerned with the 'cold war' in the years after the Second World War. Although amongst the members the author had his fans, many did not think they would bother reading another book by this author. One or two of us actively disliked the book. However most felt the book was well written and good example of its genre.

All in all quite a diverse range of opinions.

PUB LUNCH

Co-ordinator

Jill Graham

01455 557117

email grahjill@hotmail.com

The Shires, Peatling Parva – 6th  March - 22 signed up for this popular venue where there is plenty of choice – Two Course Carvery, a lengthy Specials Board and a Seniors Offer as well.

On the 3rd April we are going to Wood Farm – another popular place with plenty of choice and, of course, the beer.  Sign up on today’s Board or ring/e-mail Jill.

On the 1st May we are staying very local and going to the Café/Restaurant at LUTTERWORTH GOLF COURSE.   Please don’t head out to Kilworth Springs – you would get a meal there but miss out on meeting your U3A friends.

For those who have miss the Tuesday Lunches, what about contacting me, agreeing a date and then visiting a Garden Centre with a Cafe?  Retail therapy + congenial company and lunch!If you have a bright idea for the Lunches, please don’t keep it to yourselves or mutter “Why don’t they . . .!”  Let us know.

If you have a bright idea for the Lunches, please don’t keep it to yourselves or mutter “Why don’t they . . .!”  Let us know.

SNAIL’S PACE WALKING GROUP

Co-ordinator

Sheila Eggleton

01455 554387

sheilaeggleton@yahoo.co.uk

March 15th Walk:

This walk will be around the village of Lubenham (which is situated on the road out of Lutterworth towards Market Harborough).  The walk will all be on hard paving so sturdy footwear should be sufficient.  Unfortunately there is very little parking space within the village itself, so we propose parking in a large lay-by just before you get to the village. Please note the lay-by is on the right hand side of the road as you approach it from Lutterworth.  We will meet there at 11.30a.m. and walk along the road into Lubenham.  Should we miss anyone we will see you on “The Green” at Lubenham just after 11.30a.m.  The only refreshments are provided by a public house in the village, which closes at 2.00p.m. If we are unable to get back there before this time I would suggest we drive back to The Tavern, at Walcote , which is open all day, for refreshments.

Report on February Walk:

Nineteen people met on the Green at Bitteswell on February 15th for our first snail walk of 2013. After a week of freezing weather, we were lucky to have a lovely mild day for our stroll. Viv Weller led the group on an historical trail past the impressive late 18th century farmhouses in Bitteswell, along the old turnpike road into Lutterworth and followed the 16th century street plan to notice some of the many historic remnants of the past around the town, including the medieval wall paintings in the church. An unexpected highlight was being invited to glimpse inside one of the 17th century houses on Woodmarket by the owner. We ended our walk with coffee and biscuits at the Greyhound.  Our thanks go to Viv for the hard work she put into organising the walk and the very interesting facts she gave us, it really was a very enjoyable walk. (See Quiz extract on next page and full quiz on the website)

April Walk: Wistow.

Lutterworth Local History Mini Quiz.

 Do you know where to find these landmarks in Lutterworth?

 

This is an extract from the local history quiz from our recent snail walk around Bitteswell and Lutterworth.

 Quiz compiled by Viv Weller (answers further down thus web page)

The full Quiz can be seen on our website www.wycliffelutterworthu3a.org

1)

2)

         

 

3)

 


 4)

Also from Viv Weller here is an interesting article

 

LUTTERWORTH in 1509

 

A survey or ’terrier’ of Lutterworth made in the first year of Henry VIII’s reign shows us that the town’s  basic street plan has hardly changed in 500 years and it’s probably even older than that. However streets had different names.

· Baker Street was called Bakehouse Lane

· Bank St was Small Lane.

· George St was Hartshall Lane

· From Bell St ( where the Shambles pub is) into the main road leading north was called  Neatsmarket  (opposite Ford’s) and just outside the where Lloyds—TSB Bank is today was the Fleshamills. This area was the site of one of Lutterworth’s markets , as it is today. However, these names tell us it was where animals and meat were sold. (A neat was an old word for a calf.)

· The track out of town to the north was Lester Lane.

· There was a High Cross at the north end of High Street, probably at the point of the road junction of Bell St (opposite Sound and Vision) .

· Gilmorton Rd was called Shotts Lane.

· Station Rd was Ely Lane.

· Misterton Way was Snellsgate.

· The lane and area at the bottom of the steep hill now known as Stoney Hollow was called the Wellegriffe. (This probably has something to do with the many springs and wells in that part of town).

· Woodmarket  is so named because  they really did have a market for wood there in the medieval  period.

· The bridge over the Swift is called Spital bridge . It is named after the medieval hospital, which was still in use in the 16th century. It was situated just out of town (close to the Travelodge today.)  We can still glimpse the remains of the ford that was used before a bridge was built. There was also once a water mill next to the river at this point.

1st WEDNESDAY WALKING GROUP WYCLIFFE U3A Joint Co-ordinators:

Roger Watmore 01455 552431 and

Julian Hargreaves 01455 557704

 

WEDNESDAY 3rd April 2013

 

Walk Organiser:  Sue & John Hicks 01858 880273

 Meeting Point: Lutterworth Recreation Ground car park at 9.25 to leave at 9.30am.

Directions to the start

Take A4304 towards Market Harborough.  Turn left at Husbands Bosworth (A5199) then turn right at the bottom of John Ball Hill to Saddington.  Meet at the car park of the Queen’s Head Saddington, via a narrow drive at the side of the pub.  Toilets should be open.  Choose meals before setting out.  The Queen’s Head is under new management and has just been refurbished. 

The walk is a circular one of approximately 5 miles along undulating footpaths and tracks, with excellent views.

 

FEBRUARY WALK( see photo overleaf)

 

28 walkers met at Blaby on a bright but cold morning to start our walk along the old railway line and part of the canal into Leicester, where we first admired Leicester’s very own Liberty Statue.  Upon reaching the Castle Gardens we grouped round the statue of King Richard lll to have our photograph taken.  We then proceeded to Greyfriars, to have a look where they had found Richard’s grave.  Finally we made our way to the Local Hero on the Welford Road for lunch, before returning to Blaby by bus.

Of course we have to mention the clever people who finished their lunch first and got to the bus stop just as an 84 bus pulled up. The only problem was it broke down half way back to the County Arms (suspension went) so they started walking and two stops further on managed to catch another bus and who was on it – all the others who’d left the pub later – oh well you can’t win’em all!



The 1st Wednesday walking group on their recent walk in

February

( photo taken by

Peter Moore)

 


THEATRE Co-ordinator

Eddie Hemsley         01455 554564 (edwardhemsley@btinternet.com )

RSC THEATRE VISITS 2013

The following Shakespeare plays are being performed throughout 2013.

a) From March on:        Hamlet ;    As You Like It

b) From May on:            Titus Andronicus; All's Well That Ends Well

c) From October on:     Richard II(with David Tennant)

d) From November on:  Antony and Cleopatra

Please could you let us know which plays you would like tickets for by contacting Eddie Hemsley (see contact details above) or myself

(e mail: easmalley@virgin.net/01455 556031). The RSC booking office is now open for the whole season. Lifts can be arranged for those of you who would like one nearer the time.

Alternatively, you can sign up for tickets + choice of play at the next U3A meeting                                                                       Anne Smalley

4th  WEDNESDAY WALKING GROUP Co-ordinators:             

Sue & Peter Creeden

01455 557888

 

WEDNESDAY 27 March 2013

Walk Organisers

Sue and Peter Creeden: Tel: 01455 557888

Meeting Point and Time:

Lutterworth Recreation Ground Car Park at 9:20am to leave at 9:30am. The walk will start from the Tavern Inn, Walcote at 10:00am.

Directions to the Start

Take the road towards Market Harborough (A4304) to The Tavern Inn at Walcote. Parking in the car park is limited so some of us will have to use Brook Street around the corner.

The Walk

The walk is approximately 6 miles along paths, lanes and across fields. We will set off from Walcote, pass through Misterton, go around  Misterton Marshes and then on to Kimcote .The return to Walcote will be via Poultney Lane.
February 2013 Walk

We knew before we started the walk that we were going to encounter mud. The leaders, Mary and Peter Rolleston had even rerouted the walk to avoid the worst ....but we still found some!  There were 21 walkers and the weather during the morning improved to the point that eventually we saw bits of blue in the sky. We started from the pretty village of Shearsby, passing the church, and  then headed across fields to Arnesby. From Arnesby we headed towards Peatling Magna where we took our coffee break in the churchyard. We then returned to Shearsby missing out Bruntingthorpe, as planned, to avoid an extremely muddy field. We can only guess how muddy it was because even on the alternative route we encountered a very muddy section where we all picked our own route. Peter Moore yellow carded the leader for this shortcoming. There were some tired legs when we headed up the last hill and down the lane back into Shearsby. Saying all that it was still a very enjoyable walk. Lunch was taken at the Chandlers Arms.

NEW SECTION

Joint Wycliffe Lutterworth

and Lutterworth U3A Groups

And LU3A Groups open to WLU3A members

 

JOINT GOLF GROUP (with Lutterworth U3A)

Co-ordinator (Lutterworth U3A)

Peter Moore

01455 552594

JOINT GOLF DAY
Lutterworth and Wycliffe u3a


The next Golf Day will be at Lutterworth Golf Club
on Thursday 18th April 2013.
Competing for the Hartopp Trophy and Prizes.


All New Players, Male or Female, always welcome.
Meet at 12.10pm for 1.00pm tee.inc Coffee and Roll.
To book your attendance, Meal choices or for full
itinerary, please Contact me by telephone or e-mail
peter79moore@gmail.com (Cost approx £29.00p each)


Don't forget to invite your *partner* for 3 course Dinner
@ £10.00 per head at 6.30pm.


The programme for the remainder of the year is :-


Mid June Hinckley Golf Club DTBC
Mid August Ullesthorpe Golf Club DTBC
Early October Whetstone Golf Club DTBC
Early November Away Day DTBC.Venue to be confirmed
which will be of similar quality as Sandwell Park.


Details will be posted in subsequent Bulletins.

New Joint Group

 

TENPIN BOWLING (with Lutterworth U3A)

Joint Co-ordinators:

Bob Howes(WLU3A): 01455 550027

Dave Beaumont (LU3A) :01455 553341.

This will meet on  second and fourth Friday at 10:00. 

Details from Bob or Dave

TUESDAY  WALKING GROUP Co-ordinator:              

Gordon Jones (Lutterworth U3A)

01455 556192

Date of walk: Tuesday 19th March

Walk Organiser:  Fred and Dorothy Milsom, 01455 552430

Meeting Point: Coventry Road Recreation Ground car park.

Meeting Time: 09.25 to leave at 09.30

Start Point: The Holly Bush Inn, Ashby Parva.

Directions to the Starting Point: From Lutterworth go to Bitteswell and turn right into Ashby Lane, just past the church.  Take the third turn right, this road goes into Ashby Parva and the pub is on the left in the village.  Please park at the back of the car park.

Route and distance: About 6 miles

Lunch: At the Holly Bush Inn.

Return distance to start: 6 miles

Mini Lutterworth Quiz answers

 

1) On the corner of Churchgate and George St. It’s now Costa Coffee but was formerly Cheney’s chemists. The tiled mural is dated 1961.

2) 19th century inscription set in the brick wall of the building just outside the main gates into the church yard. This building was once the town’s Mechanics’ Institute.

3) Ionic style columns on the façade of the town hall.

4) Turnpike milestone. This can be seen on the house situated at the junction of Stoney Hollow and High Street.

Proudly powered by Weebly