The speaker at February’s meeting was the multi-talented musician, playwright, film maker and local historian, Brian Langtry. All his talents were on display for this fascinating and entertaining talk when he presented excerpts from his film, “The Song of the Soar”, a pictorial journey following the length of the River Soar from its (disputed) source in Warwickshire right up to the River Trent, but stopping off along the way to explore the villages, the people, the history, the culture and the heritage.
In his own words, the River Soar is one of the best kept secrets of Leicestershire, and with the river running through some of the local villages, many of us were amazed at the peace, tranquillity and history right on our doorstep. Integral to the film was the music: the folk songs and tunes written and performed by Brian. The final clip of the film with the credits and accompanied by Brian singing his own song “The River” was my personal favourite: hugely evocative, and showing the peace and tranquillity of the river with its views of the water edge and the wildlife.
Unfortunately, time would not allow for the showing of the whole film, but the clips, interspersed with anecdotes from his life-experiences, plus the problems encountered in the making of the film, made for a highly entertaining morning. The queue to buy a copy of the film at the end of the talk was proof (if any proof were needed) of the success of Brian’s visit.
Nigel Bones
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GROUP REPORTS
(in alphabetical order)
ART APPRECIATION
Co-ordinator
Ursula Kanetis 01455 553563 On Friday, 13.2.2015 we went to the Herbert Museum in Coventry to see the Exhibition “Recording Britain”. This is an extraordinary collection of paintings and photographs, commissioned under the Scheme for Recording the Changing Faces of Britain, which started towards the end of 1939. It features places and buildings of characteristic national interest and focuses on quiet corners and local scenes ( i.e. A cottage in Cornwall, Landscape with pylons, Manchester Ship Canal in winter….).The V&A Museum in London organised this special exhibition, which includes as well fine works from the Herbert’s own collection. The remarkable, yet highly selective, snapshots of the changes in Britain were so thought provoking, that the discussion during and after the visit needed no prompting.
Our next meeting will be on Friday, 13.3.2015. We are planning to visit Birmingham Museum to see “ART FROM ELSEWHERE”
BOOK CHAT
Co-ordinator
Mick Curtis
01455 554504
Black Butterfly by Mark Gatiss -An unlikely tale of an ageing James Bond type caught up in an incredible series of "adventures" with strangely named characters. A short novel by Mark Gatiss that may well have been better as a graphic novel, but essentially not a book aimed at our demographic. Some thought perhaps Mark Gatiss would be better to stick to his television writing and acting.
Wednesday 25th February – “Toro Latino Tex Mex“, Church Street, Lutterworth. Eight of us sat down to a most enjoyable meal. A rather late start as I had got my times mixed up and didn’t get there till 7.15 pm – I’m not going to live that down in a hurry!!
The dish I chose this time was listed under “Mexican Favourites” and came in a crispy Tortilla Basket filled with Mexican Rice and Chicken in a Chilli Sauce. I ordered the “mild” option and it was perfect.
When we ate there about 3 weeks ago, the Restaurant was fairly quiet but on the 25th it was almost full so word is evidently spreading that it is an interesting place to go.
Wednesday 25th March – I will book for Camis Lounge – 19 -21 Market Street, Lutterworth. Still time to sign up for this evening.
Wednesday 29th April - The Dirty Duck, Ullesthorpe, a Thai Restaurant – we went there for our first Ethnic Meal so it will be good to go back there.
FAMILY HISTORY
Co-ordinator
Jackie Yeo
01455 552376
In January we heard a very interesting talk given by Barbara Wilkinson on 'The life of an Ordinary Man'. This was her father's story and included his service in the second world war in the Sudan Defence Force. Barbara had several letters written by her father during the war, along with other memorabilia.
Everyone enjoyed the talk and found it very interesting.
At the February meeting we discussed the progress people had made on our latest project.
There will not be a meeting in March as the Porch is not available to us, so the next meeting will be April 28th. New members always welcome.
FRENCH CONVERSATION
Co-ordinator
Sue Hicks
01858 880273
26 February 2015
We held a long discussion on astrology, and horoscopes. All agreed they were not to be taken seriously, but could actually be harmful in certain circumstances. We then studied the personality traits associated with each star sign and chose the ones we felt most like ourselves, without knowing which sign went with which traits. On revealing the answers, 11 out of 12 had chosen the wrong personality for their sign. Enough said.
The next meeting, on 26 March, is planned to be another film at Tony and Pearl’s. Details nearer the time.
GARDEN GROUP
Co-ordinator
Sue Creeden
01455 557888
Our February meeting was a very interesting talk by George Marshall, volunteer at the Hammond Arboretum in Market Harborough. This small arboretum was originally established just over a century ago by the then headmaster of Market Harborough Grammar School (now Robert Smyth Academy). George told us of its inception and development and explained that after Francis Hammond’s death in 1937 the area was left more or less neglected for nearly 60 years. In 1993 a small group of volunteers led by George began work clearing and restoring the arboretum which has been ongoing ever since. The Arboretum has four trees which are national champions and is now open to the public on approximately 20 occasions during the year. There is an NGS Open Day on Sunday 22nd March, 10.00 – 12.30 and 14.00 – 17.00 if you would like to visit. The cost is £3.00 (NGS charity).
Our last indoor meeting of the winter season will be on Tuesday 24th March at 2.00 p.m., again in the Sue Foggatt room at the One Stop Shop, Wycliiffe House (which houses the Lutterworth Museum, Gilmorton Road, Lutterworth, LE17 4DY. Tony Curtis, a Master Composter, will tell us how to create good compost. Again, this will be followed by refreshments. The cost will be £5.00 (£2.00 towards room hire and refreshments and £3.00 donation.)
Tuesday 17th February - Palmers Garden Centre, Ullesthorpe
Only a small party of seven we found the place packed. As soon as one table was vacated, more people moved in to sit down. One of our party returned her meal as she found the food cold, while the person next to her had an identical meal served minutes later which was hot. Palmers replaced the cold meal with a fresh, hot meal and she was satisfied.
Tuesday 17th March– 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 last May, enjoyed the meal and were very impressed by the range and quality of the goods on sale in the Shop - particularly the fresh vegetables.
Farndon Fields philosophy is to serve top-quality seasonal food with low food miles, using the large range of quality ingredients sold in The Farm Shop. They aim to source primarily from their own farm, secondly from other local farmers and producers and thirdly from quality suppliers within the UK.
Tuesday 21st April – I will see if “The Stables” at Cotesbach could cope with a party.
LIVELY DISCUSSION
Co-ordinator
Dot Barnard
01455 208190
Childhood Obesity Debate
At the present time, research analysis indicates that around 1 in 5 children are obese; this is more than double the number in the 1980s.
This is a significant figure and is cause for concern, as experts believe that obesity is responsible for a wide range of serious health problems such as diabetes, cancer, heart disease, shorter life span bullying and unhappiness, creating a massive burden for the NHS.
The reasons given for such an increase include more children are eating an unhealthy diet, larger portions and taking less aerobic exercise preferring to play with more sedentary games and use social media. Parents are increasingly concerned about their children playing outside without supervision.
It is perhaps, too simplistic to heap the blame on parents for allowing their children to eat unhealthily because they have the problem of monitoring the child’s food intake whilst surrounded by cheap fast food outlets, supermarkets and TV all marketing high sugar and fat content products specifically aimed at children. They also have to cope with peer pressure. Marketing to children is concentrated on the big five – sugary cereals, soft drinks, sweets, savoury snacks and fast foods. Marketing is carried out in a variety of ways using a variety of media. TV, sports sponsorship, characters (eg Ronald Mcdonald), celebrity endorsement. They use themes of fun and fantasy to promote their products.
The major food manufacturers prefer labelling which is often misleading and difficult to understand, using RDA (recommended daily allowance) which gives a % per serving, but what amount does a serving consist of? In fact the serving referred to is based on an adult size. The traffic light system is very effective and easy to understand and this would highlight the massive content of sugar in products such as Kellogg’s Frosties which contain roughly 40% of sugar according to a recent “Which “report.
In conclusion we considered, on current trends, an increase in obesity is likely to continue, involving a high percentage of children and adults of the next generation. What can be done to address and reverse the situation? A good start would be to insist; possibly through legislation that sugar is decreased in products perhaps gradually to allow consumers to adjust their taste. A similar approach has led to the success of the reduction of the salt content in food.
Implementing the Traffic light system for all goods might encourage large companies to amend their product recipes to keep a Red warning off their labels.
Or to consider implementing the method used in France of banning certain food advertising to children unless they have a health warning. We have significantly changed smoking habits in Britain partly using this idea.
Schools should ensure that the recommended minimum of 2 hours of exercise per week is adhered to.
Finally parents need to be educated and encouraged to adopt the values of a balanced diet and of regular daily exercise for their children.
February's theme was "places". We read and discussed poems featuring a variety of places and a variety of moods: There were several well known classics: - Tom Lovatt Williams' "Oxford" , a colourful, vibrant and funny poem celebrating the modern as well as the historic; Matthew Arnold's "Dover Beach" , a poem of both beauty and melancholy, Owen Shear's "Mametz Wood" with its striking and horrific imagery of WW1; Shelley's majestic "Ozymandias"and Wordsworth's "Composed upon Westminster Bridge" celebrating the sight of London at dawn. We also contrasted Browning's "Oh, to be in England now that April's there" from "Home Thoughts from Abroad" with Eliot's view of April as the "cruellest month" in "The Wasteland". We had some history with Scott's "The Lay of the last Minstrel" and Kipling's "The Reeds of Runnymede" on the Magna Carta, and we explored the theme of loss in Edna St Vincent Millay's "Time does not bring Relief".
On a lighter note, amusement was provided by Roger McGough "The Map", Pam Ayres "Doom in Ilfracombe" and "Tesco", and Spike Milligan "Catford 1933". We also had Bernard Laughton's poem "Rye Hill", childhood memories of a local landmark by a local poet, and "Charnwood Forest", by another local name, Molly Bancroft.
March's meeting will be held at 2pm on 26th March and the theme is "Springtime".
PUB LUNCHES
Co-ordinator
Jill Graham
01455 557117
email grahjill@hotmail.com
Wednesday 4th February 2015 – Wood Farm Brewery. About 20 of us enjoyed sharing a meal and enjoying the space and, of course, the beer!
Wednesday 4th March 2015 – The Greyhound.in Market Street Lutterworth.
Wednesday 1st April 2015 – I am thinking of The Wharf Inn at Welford – about 9 miles away and just over the boundary into Northamptonshire.
SUMMERSAULT JAZZ EVENINGS – These are back but 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.
They managed to squeeze a party of 5 in on Friday 27th February and I am considering putting in a booking for 8 people on the 27th March. I already have several names on my list so – if you can’t get on the list for March, then let me know if you definitely want your name(s) on the list for Friday 29th May, remembering the minimum £14.99 spend plus the £5 for sitting in the front area.
QUIZ GROUP
Co-ordinator
Sylvie Curtis
01455 554504
We have had two meetings this year so far with questions being set by June and Christine.
I have been asked to forward some information about the group which has been put on the website. The following is the text as it appears on the website for those without access to the Internet.
“This is a friendly group that enjoy meeting once a month in the Methodist church porch. Each month one member takes it in turn to set approximately sixty questions ranging from easy to a little more taxing. The rest of the members form two teams and the session lasts for one and a half hours. At the moment no one has to set questions more than once yearly.
If anyone is interested in joining our group you would be most welcome.”
Our walk this month took us to Watermead Park on the outskirts of Leicester. The park was once a sand and gravel pit but is now an area of outstanding beauty, even in winter. We walked through the Reedbed Nature Reserve which is an excellent venue for anyone interested in bird watching. We saw the Sand Martin Nesting Wall and ventured into both the Kingfisher and Plover Hides. We then walked around the perimeter of King Lear’s Lake with its lovely sculpture depicting the death of Cordelia. Watermead is an ideal venue for a walk at this time of year as it is serviced by a network of flat, well surfaced paths. Our thanks to Viv and Sam for this lovely walk.
Next walk Friday 20th March 2015 11.30am
We will be walking round Thornton reservoir near Markfield in Leicestershire.
To get there you can take the M1 up to junction 22 and then take signs for Thornton/ Bagworth/ Desford or take the A 50 up to Field Head in Markfield and then turn left to Thornton. Alternatively you can go from the Foxhunter up to Desford . At the Bosworth College just before Desford turn right towards Newtown Unthank. At the bottom of the hill, after the railway crossing, turn left towards Botcheston and the Forest Hill Golf Club. Just before the village of Botcheston turn right towards Thornton. After the Golf Club on the right, take the first turn left towards Thornton. Go past the reservoir on your right and the Garden centre on your left. At the top of the hill turn right into the village.
The Bricklayers’ Arms is the third pub. It is on the right 213 Main Street,Thornton. LE67 1AH There is a large carpark where we can meet and we can order food before our walk. The walk is about 3miles around the reservoir on a reasonable path with a slope down to the reservoir and back up by the church. If you wish to telephone the pub in advance the number is 01530 230808
Don't forget the Skittles Evening on the Friday 20th March at the Wycliffe Bowls Club on the corner of Hall lane and the Leicester Road (same area as the football club). Just as a reminder, the cost is £10 a head. Could those who have put down their names please pay their money to myself as soon as possible as I need to confirm numbers to the caterers. Starting time is from 7:00pm for a 7:30 start.
Quiz Evening
I hope everyone who attended the social quiz evening enjoyed themselves. The quiz masters (David and Pauline from Burbage) were excellent, and pitched the questions at just the right level, and injected an element of humour (and luck!). The fish and chip supper was also excellent, and the general atmosphere in the room was one of conviviality and friendship. By mixing up the team members, it's not possible to quote the winning team (or the team who came last), but by the end of the evening, this didn't really matter anyway. Now we have our next social evening to look forward to: the skittles evening. I hope this will be just as successful.
SUPPER CLUB
Co-ordinator
Ann Hetherington
01455 203498
After one year in existence the Supper club has been a scrumptious success! We have a maximum number to comfortably meet in member’s homes so a second group will be established & anyone interested please get in touch with Nigel Bones: tel no. 01455 209756 Nigel hopes to begin the second supper group in April.
TRIPS
Co-ordinator
George Robertson
01455 559725 email:george9high@hotmail.com
ELGAR’S BIRTHPLACE MUSEUM
AND
SPETCHLEY PARK GARDENS
PLEASE NOTE: Due to a lack of availability of guides/video presentation on our proposed day of visiting I have rescheduled this for Thursday 16th July.
1st WEDNESDAY WALKING GROUPCo-ordinators
Roger Watmore 01455 552431
Julian Hargreaves 01455 557704
Date of Walk: Wednesday 1st April 2015 Walk Organiser: Reg Tattersall, 01455 209126 Meeting Point: Meet at the car park by the Leisure Centre Meeting Time: 09.15 to leave at 09.20. Route and distance: Starting from the The Elephant and Castle in Thurlaston at 10:00 am the walk (of approx 5.25 miles) is on a mixture of paths across meadows and a few arable fields. The walk goes from The King's Head across fields towards Desford Cross Roads. It then continues towards Kirby Muxloe before returning through Leicester Forest West and then back to The Elephant and Castle for lunch. There is a 'Two meals for £10' offer available from the Specials Board (including at least one vegetarian option) or you will be able to choose (more expensive) alternatives from their normal meal menu. We will pre-order our food before starting the walk. Directions to the Starting Point: From Lutterworth go to the A5 and head towards Hinckley. Turn right at Smockington Hollow. Follow the road through Sharnford, past the traffic lights at the turning for Broughton Astley and then after approx 1/2 mile turn left into Croft. Turn left again by the Heathcote Arms and then follow the signs to Thurlaston. The Elephant and Castle is on the right with a car park (narrow entrance) at the rear. The postcode for the pub is LE9 7TP Return Mileage: from Lutterworth: 30 miles
FEBRUARY WALK
Writing this today the day after yesterday, I cannot believe how lucky we were on our walk with the weather. It is foul today but yesterday was a beautiful sunny and crisp winters morning. After sorting out our food choices for The Shambles (a last minute change of venue as The Elms was closed for refurbishment) we set off across the Golf Course to Cotesbach and due to the frost the crop fields were still fairly firm. After crossing the A5 and being advised the rest of the walk was across meadows it was a bit of a shock when we came across a very muddy and wet gateway.
Anyway the walk leader was I think let off and no yellow or red cards were shown. We ended up coming back down Moorbarns Lane and retiring to The Shambles for well earned refreshment. Congratulations to all the staff there for coping with 24 of us at very short notice and enabling us to all sit together.
Julian Hargreaves
4th WEDNESDAY WALKING GROUPCo-ordinators
Sue & Peter Creeden
01455 557888
Wednesday 25 March 2015
Walk Organisers:- Peter & Irene Moore. Tel: 01455 552594
Meeting Point and Time:- Lutterworth Recreation Ground car park at 9.20am to leave at 9.30am.
Start Point and Time:- Sarah Mansfield Pub, Main Street, Willey. Leave 10.00am. Toilets *NOT*available.
Directions to the Start:-. At A5 Magna Park island, take 3rd left towards Wolvey. After 1 mile take RH turn into Willey.
Route and Distance:-. This is the Snowdrop, Daffodil and Lambs Spring Walk. Starting from the Sarah Mansfield Pub the walk of 5.65 miles (with no stiles) leaves the far end of Willey and heads towards Monks Kirby via Newnham Paddox and returns via Little Walton for Lunch at the Sarah Mansfield.
At the Coffee break, we have arranged to visit the Grounds of Newnham Paddox Park to view the Snowdrops and Daffodils.At the start ofthe Walk expect to see fields of new born Lambs, so please bring your Camera or ‘phone.
Lunch arrangements:- Good varied Menu starting at £4.50p. Order before walk. If you intend to stay for Lunch and would like to have Pie to eat, I have arranged with the Chef to bake *Proper Pie Cases* but they need 4 days prior notice. Please contact me for details.
Peter and Irene Moore.
February 2015 Walk Report
It was great to see that the longish drive to Hellidon did not deter as many as 32 of us from booting up for this walk. We were not disappointed. Mary and Peter had selected a superb walk which first wound its way through the pretty village before making out along the Jurassic Way into the countryside along quiet lanes with magnificent views across the undulating Northamptonshire countryside. Even the weather was kind with some warm sunshine, none of the winds of the previous day and a reasonable temperature for winter walking. We passed through Lower and Upper Catsby and then looped around Arbury Hill to go through fields to return back to Hellidon. There were no stiles and very limited mud. The walk was concluded with a pleasant lunch in the Red Lion. All in all Mary and Peter must get bonus points for their walk which is a change from the recent yellow and red cards that have been bandied about.
Peter Creeden
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JOINT WYCLIFFE LUTTERWORTH
And LUTTERWORTH U3A GROUPS
TUESDAY WALKING GROUPCo-ordinator
Gordon Jones (Lutterworth U3A)
01455 556192
Date of Walk: Tuesday 17th March Coordinator: Gordon Jones. Tel. 01455 556192 Walk Organizers: Fred and Dorothy Milsom. Tel 01455 552430 Meeting Point: Coventry Road Recreation Ground Car Park. Meeting Time: 09.20, leave at 09.30.
Start Point: New Inn, Long Buckby Wharf
Route and distance: About 7 miles of field paths and tracks and a bit of lane. Can be reduced if need be.
Lunch: At the New Inn, select before setting out from Specials sheet or Menu. Directions to the Starting Point: Take the A5 South, DO NOT turn for Long Buckby when you cross the B 5385. The New Inn is on the right about 1 ½ miles after the B 5385. Park either in the lay by up the road or in the pub car park
Return Mileage from Lutterworth: 28 Miles
JOINT GOLF GROUP (with Lutterworth U3A)
Co-ordinator (Lutterworth U3A)
Peter Moore
01455 552594
Next Joint Golf Day -
PLEASE NOTE DATE CHANGE. Due to a clash of dates with the *Walking Group Week-end away*
The next Golf Day will be at Lutterworth Golf Club on Thursday 23rd April 2015. competing for the Hartopp Trophy and Prizes, inc Ladies Prize. Meet at 12.00 Hrs, for 1.00pm Tee off, in the Golf Club Bar. Coffee and Bacon Roll included on arrival.
To confirm your attendance or for full itinerary, including Meal choices, please contact Peter Moore, by Sunday 11thApril 2015
Cost each approx. £30.00 To include Coffee and Bacon Roll, Green Fee, Prizes and Dinner. (Dependent upon numbers) Don't forget to invite your Wives/Partners/Husbands for 2 course Dinner at 6.30pm in the Golf Club Restaurant. Cost £11.00p. per person. Coffee and Mints included. Jackets and Ties *not required*
Seasons Forthcoming Golf Days. Hinckley- Thursday June 11th 2015. Ullesthorpe- Thursday July 30th 2015 Whetstone- Thursday September 17th 2015, Away Day- Leamington and County G.C. Friday 9th October 2015. These are all confirmed dates.
Full details of all above events in future Newsletters.