February 11th 2016 A Cycle Odyssey across America – Fran Brady
Fran Brady, a senior Physiotherapist at Southend Hospital and a former student of Lutterworth Grammar School, enthralled the meeting with her tales of an American adventure by bicycle from the East coast of the USA to the west coast. The seed of an idea was planted when she worked as an au pair to the three Lawler boys, then 4,6 and 8 who lived on Bainbridge Island, just across the Puget Sound, a short ferry ride from Seattle. Fran, now 44, followed her dream and after careful planning, set off from Manhattan, after dipping her back wheel into the Atlantic Ocean, as is the custom of many cyclists. As a solo cyclist, without backup she faced each day with equanimity, a map a tent and a large intake of calories to fuel the 90 miles she covered daily on average. Bison, bears, snakes and mosquitoes posed threats but never real danger. Dealing with extremes of weather conditions from daytime temperatures of over 100 degrees to freezing nights, she camped, stayed with “Warmshower Hosts” or found a motel where a hot shower and a proper bed restored her vitality. Strong headwinds were more exhausting than hill climbs. A tornado with winds of 150 mph meant a terrifying evacuation to the motel basement. On seeing the destructive power of the wind she was relieved she had not been camping that night. The Americans she met along her route, gave her shelter, advice about good cycle tracks and shared stories and fables. She was thrilled by the dramatic scenery and the hospitality shown by all. Many have become lifelong friends. On reaching the Pacific Ocean she was met by the Lawlers with a bottle of Champagne. After a short holiday she then cycled down the West coast as far as San Diego, a trip of over 6.000 miles. A collection for Cancer research totalled £183.00. Many thanks to all who were so generous
PHOENIX THEATRE SILVER SCREENING
On Wednesday mornings at 11 am, the Phoenix Theatre, in conjunction with the Leicester U3A shows recent films at a discounted price including tea and biscuits while you watch. The programme of films can be found on the Phoenix Theatre website under “Silver Screening”.
The cost is around £4.60 to include refreshments and there is no need to book in advance, although this is possible via the Phoenix Theatre website. The film show is not restricted to U3A members so people can bring a friend. A small group of people stay behind for a drink and a snack and there is an opportunity to discuss the film.
Leicester Phoenix and U3A Potential Films for Silver Screening in 2016
Date 2016 Film Title Release Date
January “On Golden Pond” 1981
February Polanski’s “Tess" 1979
March “To Kill a Mockingbird” 1962
April “Grapes of Wrath”
May “Atonement” 2007
June “Mrs. Brown” 1997
July “A Beautiful Mind” 2006
August “Shadowlands” 1993
September “Rebecca” 1940
October “How Green Was my Valley”
November “The English Patient” 1996
December “Ladies in Lavender” 2004
This is the initial plan for the year 2016, and the idea is to continue to put on film shows at 10.30 a.m. on the second Wednesday of each month. We may have to be flexible if we cannot get ‘showing rights’ for some films.
Would we have any takers for additional Granny/ Grandad/ Grand-children screening in July or August? I want an excuse to see “Bambi and “Jungle Book” again.
GROUP REPORTS (in alphabetical order) SEE PAGE 29 For full list of Groups
Please contact the co-ordinator to ask for further details if you would like to join a group. If you have an interest /hobby not covered by the existing options, why not think of joining with like-minded people to form a new group of your own. CONTACT INTEREST GROUP COORDINATOR, Nigel Bones (01455 209756) for assistance and advice.
ART APPRECIATION Co-ordinator Ursula.Kanetis 01455 553563
Meeting in February
Sadly the Exhibition: “Everyday Desires: Women in Magazines, 1900-1950” failed to live up to our anticipation. We were extremely disappointed to discover, the exhibits were very sparse and did not initiate any real, meaningful discussion. What a missed chance and a let-down by this exhibition, funded and organised by the DMU. The curator of the Newarke Houses Museum then guided us through the rest of the museum, but there was not very much that connected with the anticipated subject. To avoid future disappointment of this kind, I will always try to preview the exhibitions. Next meeting: 11.3.2016 at Lutterworth One Stop, 14.00 - 16.00 Lecture: IMPRESSIONISM, Speaker: Fran Nott
BOOK CHAT Co-ordinator Mick Curtis 01455 554504
The Future Homemakers of America by Laurie Graham a novel chronicling the lives of five young wives of American airforce pilots stationed in the "wilds" of Norfolk. They meet Kath a tough but warm English woman, bonds are formed uniting this sextet that survives distant postings and the passage of forty years. A depleted group of us met to discuss this book and although some had not finished reading it we all agreed it was an enjoyable read. We will probably visit the discussion again when we next meet to let others catch up and share their views.
ENGINEERING, SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY Co-ordinator Chris Ridley 01455 209920
Visit to Catthorpe M1 Junction 19.
To start with I was a bit dubious about arranging a visit to a construction site in the middle of February and feared the worst 2 days before as snow was forecast..... how wrong can you be, the heavens smiled and the morning turned out with bright sunshine for 14 well wrapped up members..... The £190mProject Junction 19 is designed to ease the traffic flow between 3 major arterial routes and is run by SKANSKA who are a Swedish Co of 60,000 employees worldwide and have circa 150 people currently working on the re-construction, having started work in early Nov 2013, with the completion due late Nov this year. (SKANSKA are currently 3 months ahead of the 147 wks planned duration) Our morning was of two halves, 7 of us on a site tour in a couple of 4x4 SUV's and the other 7 in a presentation in the conference room, with a swap over after about an hour. Both proved to be equally interesting and slightly mind blowing to those of us not normally acquainted with the construction industry. The first thing that strikes you is the sheer complexity of controlling all of the site activities, with the biggest headache of all - keeping the 150,000 vehicles per day moving on the M1,M6,A14 whilst building the new roads, bridges and viaducts. To achieve this, SKANSKA have 22 planned "traffic re-directs" (currently now on number 17) in order to maintain an uninterrupted flow of vehicles. Impressive are the ways the company has dealt with Environmental issues, such as using specially designed kerbing which will allow Great Crested Newts safe passage and not drop into the rain gullies and constructing tall mesh fencing in place of hedgerows to help Bats to navigate the new landscaped area, plus other safeguards for endangered species. The whole morning turned out to be a real experience in how to Project Manage and gratitude must go to our host for the day Oliver Beech - SKANSKA Environmental and Communities Advisor who deftly took us through the trials and successes so far on the project. There is too much detail of the day to document, so below is a list of some facts that you might find interesting:
- Time line -2000-2004 site surveys - 2005 Contract awarded - 2013 start of earth works -End 2016 planned completion. - Drainage Tunneling- at a depth underground of 9 mts - 140kg of explosive used to demolish existing viaducts and supports - A gap of only 10 min in stopped traffic to blow existing bridge columns , clear site and re-establish traffic flow - 5,500 tones of Steel work used - Groundlevels and steel wrk positioning accurate to LESS THAN 10mm (1cm) by GPS
Our thanks to Oliver Beech and SKANSKA for the time given over to taking us round the site and the morning in general. If anybody would like to be added to the SKANSKA project email distribution list used to circulate aerial photographs, road closure schedules, project bulletins and other information relating to the scheme, please email Oliver at; oliver.beech@skanska.co.uk
Thanks also to Julian H for the initial introduction.CMBR ETHNIC DINING Co-ordinator Jill Graham 01455 557117 Email: grahjill@hotmail.com
Wednesday 24th February 2016 - “The Dirty Duck” Thai Restaurant, Ullesthorpe. Five of us turned out this time and managed to avoid choosing food that left us with sticky fingers. As is often the case, we didn’t have Starters and still found that we had no space left for any Desserts. I am not sure we even had the energy to look at the Dessert Menu! We all agreed that we had a most enjoyable evening with plenty of time for chat as well as eating, with our own very helpful waitress.
Thursday 31st March 2016 – PLEASE NOTE CHANGE OF EVENING We are combining our “Dining Out” with Jazz and going to “Jazz in the Attic” at “The Attic Restaurant” at Kilworth Springs Golf Course. Not a cheap option, although you have to take into account that a lot of Groups charge £10 just to enter a much less elegant venue. Early booking is recommended.
FRENCH CONVERSATION Co-ordinator Sue Hicks 01858 880273
25 February 2016 After general news and conversation, we looked at some vocabulary. Following this, we started a discussion on the EU Referendum which will be continued next time, as we only partially read an article giving one side of the argument. There was a feeling that we need more unbiased factual information to help us to make a decision. The next meeting will be on Thursday, 24 March. GARDEN GROUP
Co-ordinator Sue Creeden 01455 557888
In February the Group travelled to Dobbies Garden Centre at Atherstone (not Woodlands as advertised – oops!!) Richard Bull, Horticulture Manager there, not only talked about all kind of plants showing interest in early spring but gave us lots of tips and advice on the planting, pruning and the care of clematis, camellias, rhododendrons, etc. He also gave us advice on where to pick up the best bargains and answered our many questions. Did you know Dobbies was owned by Tesco?
Our next meeting will be on Tuesday 22nd March and will be a talk on ‘The World of Roses’ by Ann Bird who is an RHS Rose Judge and until recently was Vice President of the World Federation of Rose Societies for Northern Europe. This will be held in at the One Stop Shop, Wycliffe House, Gilmorton Road, Lutterworth. LE17 4DY starting at 2.00 p.m, and will last about an hour, followed by refreshments. There will be a charge of £4.00 per person to cover Ann’s expenses, room hire and refreshments. I know Ann is an experienced speaker and, I’ve heard, very interesting and enthusiastic, so this should be a good one.
Everyone is welcome. If you would like to come, please could you let me know as soon as possible on 01455 447888 or email sueandpeter.creeden@talktalk.net
Tuesday 16th February 2016 – The Manor Farm, Catthorpe – they usually have a choice of roasts at a special price on Tuesdays. Afterwards there is the opportunity to buy produce in the Farm Shop. I had yet another dental appointment but those who went said that it was up to standard and still serving Roast Lunches on Tuesdays in addition to their “new” Specials Menu.
Tuesday 15th March – Farndon Fields Farm Shop, Market Harborough.
Since they don’t take bookings, I will try to get across there for coffee and acquire a table. I can’t remember if they were fully open this time last year or just finishing off their Restaurant extension. Always a pleasure to go there, plenty of choice both in their Shop and on the Restaurant Menu. What they sell and serve is produced on their Farm or as locally as possible.
HISTORY GROUP Co-ordinator Viv Weller 01455 557136 Email (preferred method of contact) vwellerz@aol.com
February meeting report We looked at two very different topics this month. Mike Bates began the session with an interesting visual presentation on Belgian refugees who flooded into the UK at the outbreak of World War I in 1914. The refugees were found places to live all around the country and many worked in munitions throughout the war. Given the current refugee crisis in Europe, it was a surprisingly topical subject and raised a number of questions about how countries approach humanitarian crises. The remainder of the meeting concerned the skill of palaeography. It involved the group in deciphering an old probate inventory from 1645 made after the death of William Welles, who was a wealthy ‘gentleman’ farmer who lived in Thrussington in the Soar Valley, Leicestershire. Viv gave the group some guidance on how to read the old script and everyone worked together to make sense of it. It is rather like working out a puzzle. Some members of the group proved to be rather good, even though it was their first attempt! The inventory listed William’s possessions including his several beds, his clothing, his farm tools and livestock and even the debts people owed to him so we got a glimpse into everyday life back in the mid-17th century. To conclude the meeting, Viv showed the group a government document from a hundred years earlier in 1545/6. The writing was much more stylised and partially in Latin but Viv provided a transcript. It recorded an investigation into a medieval religious guild in Lutterworth. This guild owned land around the area and the income was used to employ a Guild Priest to sing masses for the souls of the founders. It had a small chapel within St Mary’s church. However, by the time Henry VIII’s commissioners came to the town in 1545 to see whether it had anything of value to take, it had lapsed so they went away empty handed! Our plan is to keep looking at a wide variety of topics and periods. On March 7th we will have examined aspects of Gender and Equality issues in modern History (report in the next Bulletin) This topic will continue in the first part of the meeting on April 4th.
The Piano Room – just up the road from Lutterworth - £10 for the Jazz and then buy your drinks at the Bar and – if you wish to eat – it costs £5 for a generous “Grazing Board”. Keep your eyes out for their adverts in “The Swift Flash” or google the site. Ben Holder at Dunchurch Village Hall If you google “Ben Holder and Jazz” – you should get his Website and what is on and also links to other Jazz Groups, There is also a regular in the Village Hall at Newbold Verdun. First Friday Jazz Night Friday Lunchtime Jazz at Foxton Locks over the winter Cafe Espanol, The Atkins Building, Hinckley. Five of us went on Friday night (26th) and found the Venue interesting. The Proprietors have been open just a year and they are obviously doing all they can to extend what they have to offer (as well as Tapas).
They host Museum Talks (The Atkins Building is opposite the Museum and a “Pay and Display” Car Park which is free after late afternoon).
What we went to was originally billed as a “Jazz Evening” but I think the Group changed at the last minute and the Vocalist was more into Frank Sinatra songs than Jazz. His mike was amplified to such an extent that when he sang, he tended to drown out the 4‑man group. When he stopped for a break, the group leaned much more to traditional jazz although what they played could still be called “easy listening”.
I think they are intending to book a couple of Flamenco Guitarists for April.
Are there any U3A Members out there interested in forming a Jazz Group where people meet with their CD’s to explore/listen to particular performers?
Despite our expectations that there would be little to discuss, this session proved very lively indeed! From the beginning the press, the Tories and some labour MPs and supporters set out to try and destroy Jeremy Corbyn. Media and press attacks have been vicious prompting one member to feel ashamed of the British press. Everyone felt that Corbyn is genuine, but seems to lack leadership qualities and would be disastrous as prime minister as he sees both sides of an argument and appears unable to decide which direction to take. Some felt that he wasn’t consistent because he voted against his own party over 500 times. However he has been MP for North Islington for 33 years, being re-elected 6 or 7 times thus showing he must be a good constituency MP. When the expenses scandal broke he was the MP who had claimed the least, only that which he needed to operate and pay his staff. Even his constituency office is rented from the Ethical Letting Agency. We expressed concern over his views on disarmament and other left wing policies which he has held for several decades. Most of us are idealistic when young, but change our ideas as we mature and world events call for different answers.
Younger people today have to deal with the housing crisis, paying for further education, poor employment prospects and in some cases extreme poverty so it is not surprising that they support someone who seems to be trying to solve these problems. Corbyn achieved 60+% of the leadership votes, probably far more than David Cameron when he became Tory leader. He has helped to temper some right wing excesses such as cuts to the police budget, George Osborne’s U-turn on benefits and working with Saudi prisons. Tories have also introduced the living wage, gay marriage and seem to be hesitating over pension tax relief. Would any of this have happened if a more centrist labour figure had been elected? Nevertheless one of our number would feel afraid if Jeremy Corbyn ever became prime minister.
Considerable concern was shown regarding the number of refugees Corbyn seems willing to accept. Nevertheless 8,000 queued to hear him speak in Manchester. Also many regard his adult approach at Prime Minister’s Question time as a breath of fresh air, and admire him for steadfastly refusing to rise to the bait when he is so viciously attacked from many sides. Neil Kinnock doesn’t support him, but his son, Stephen Kinnock, reminds us that Corbyn was chosen by a large majority and should be supported. The point was made that Jeremy Corbyn seems to be a trustworthy politician; and Tories, Blairites and commentators are unsure how to deal with him. As a socialist he is unelectable, it might be a different story if he was a social democrat.
Finally we mentioned that after the EU referendum there may be a snap election and he needs to be prepared for that. Peoples’ opinion of him depends on whether they themselves are left or right leaning no matter what he says or does.
Future Topics March: Is the NHS sustainable? At what point should patients be asked to pay? April: Is the BBC Trust operating with licence payers interests at heart?
Wednesday 2nd March – Lutterworth Golf Club –A very popular venue with a lot of local groups -pleasant location, friendly welcome and good value for money!
Wednesday 6th April – The Shires, Peatling Parva – I think it is a few months since we last visited them and they always have a Carvery and a long Menu Board. I seem to remember someone being upset because they usually just have a Main Course and the Special Offer is on Main + either a Starter or a Dessert. Perhaps we should all take along our own Doggy Boxes!
I always seem to lose out on the “Two for the Price of One” and over the last 3 years can only remember being able to pair off with someone else a couple of times recently.
January’s topic was “Celebrations and Special Days” and we read a range of poems covering wedding anniversaries, Christmas, birthdays, Easter, bonfire night and St George’s day as well as some less mainstream celebrations such as Kipling’s “The Glory of the Garden”, West Indian poet Derek Walcott’s “The Lost Empire” (freedom) and Gillian Clarke’s “Haymaking”. Some of the poems were more anti celebrations such as Spike Milligan’s “The Day of the Kennedy Assassination” and Tennyson’s “Charge of the Light Brigade”, and some were general, such as Carol Ann Duffy’s “Chocs” and Roger McGough’s “The Failed Reveller”.
Celebrations were depicted in many comic poems, especially Jack Prelutsky’s “The Turkey shot out of the Oven”, several Pam Ayres and Wendy Cope and Robyn Scott’s “Ho Ho Ho Jingle Bells”. Other poems were thoughtful and even dark. Overall then a very enjoyable session with a good variety of poems on topic and also occasionally off topic, which is also welcome.
The topic for February was "Family members and relationships" and this proved to be a rich source of comedy. Roger McGough was possibly the star poet - he has written numerous poems about dotty aunts, grandparents and other family members, but all are affectionate portraits. Other amusing poems were by Pam Ayres, Carol Ann Duffy, Wendy Cope and Jackie Kay.
A different mood was created by other poems: Michael Baldwin's dark "Social Study", the sadness of Andrew MacFarlane's "Sunset Vigil" on the death of a fallen soldier, Robert Haydon's "Those Winter Sundays" on taking a father's love for granted. There were thoroughly modern twists with poems about facebook friends, and different types of relationships - knitted dolls, teddy bears( featured in a previous U3A bulletin, a poem by Anne Hearn) and cats, with Thomas Hardy's "Last Words to a Dumb Friend"
Of course, a session on family relationships couldn't be complete without a reading of Philip Larkin's "This be the Verse", you will know the one, it begins "Thy f*** you up, your mum and dad..."
For March's session there will be no specific topic, just favourite poets and poems. April's topics will be "Sex and Religion" (not necessarily in the same poems).
QUIZ GROUP Co-ordinator Joan Coiley 01455 558658
The February quiz group meeting was conducted amongst much laughter and high spirits which were not dampened by Trevor’s, sometimes, taxing questions. These ranged from the simple “the alternative name for the jaw bone” (mandible) to the more challenging “the number of fake pound coins estimated to be in circulation” (a jaw dropping number of almost 50 million). Nobody managed to guess a number anywhere near that.
We look forward to our next meeting on Tuesday, March 1st.
I currently have 30 members on my “Snail’s Pace” data base. Some members attend more frequently than others. Our historic walks are proving very popular but some people only join us for these. At our last historic walk 27 people signed up to come. There are health and safety issues with such a large number taking up pavement space and crossing busy roads. For this reason I have decided that for the moment I cannot accommodate any new members. On historic walks, where we may need to limit numbers, I think it is only fair to give priority to those who have belonged to the group from the outset and who come on the majority of our walks. I apologise if this offends anyone. Obviously if someone wishes to start a second group that might be the answer.
Snail’s Pace Walk Friday 18 March Meeting point The Manor at Glen Parva , Little Glen Road , LE29TL at 11.15 to order food for lunch for an 11.30 start. Directions - Leave Lutterworth and travel along A426, following the Blaby Bypass. Go under the railway bridge and turn right at the site of the old County Arms pub/now the McCarthy and Stone building towards Wigston. Travel along Little Glen Road under the railway bridge and through the chicane. Just after two car scrapyards on the right and just before the mini roundabout turn right to The Manor and into the car park. The pub isn't open until 12noon but they will open for us to take lunch orders and for toilet facilities at 11.15. The walk will take us over the Ford to Blaby and around Bouskell park. (About two and a half miles) We should be back for lunch about 1pm. We will be walking on paths but it might be a bit muddy if it rains a lot before the walk. If anyone on the data base was not on the Atherstone Walk but wishes to come on the 18th March please let me know as soon as possible.
February Walk- Atherstone Atherstone, a small market town in North Warwickshire, has a fascinating history dating back to Roman times. It has, in its long history, been a centre for weaving, cloth making, leatherworking, metalworking, brewing and more recently and perhaps most well-known for its hatting industry. With the decline of all of these industries the town is trying to reinvent itself as a tourist venue, it is certainly worth a visit to view its historic heart, around the market place. Where the parish church of St Mary’s stands there was as early as 1155 a chapel. By 1385 Augustine Friars had built another chapel, the chancel of the present church on the same site. In 1573 the chancel was used as a school room for the students of Queen Elizabeth Grammar School. Atherstone is famous for its “yards” or entries to the back to back houses built in the shadows of the hat factories for the employees of these companies. The yard were often overcrowded, insanitary and had few amenities. Although signs of the entries remain the yards do not, the last having been demolished in 1965.
As you may well know it is 400 years since Shakespeare died and Stratford is determined to remember him in style. For the RSC the booking office from the opening day of ticket sales on February 1 has had an unprecedented demand for tickets, so much so that telephone contact was impossible and their computers couldn’t cope with payments. As for group priority bookings, these cannot be made until February 15th when the booking office opens up to Associate Members as well as Full Members.
The following three Shakespeare plays are being performed at the main RSC theatre between February 17 and August 13 2016: A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Hamlet and Cymbeline. The intention is to try to reserve tickets as follows:
A Midsummer Night’s Dream/ March 1 Tuesday 7.15 or June 28 Tuesday 7.15. Hamlet/ April 12 Tuesday 7.15. Cymbeline/ May 18 Wednesday 7.15.
If you would like a ticket/tickets for one or more plays, please could you let myself or Anne know by asap. Anne's email address is:ea.smalley@virgin.net, and her telephone number is: 01455 556031. The cost of a ticket ranges from £42.50 to £37.50 to £32.50.
TRIPS Co-ordinator George Robertson 01455 559725 email:george9high@hotmail.com
SHUGBOROUGH ESTATE VISIT MONDAY 16th MAY. 2016 The next trip I have planned is to Shugborough Estate in Staffordshire. This is a National Trust property but operated by Staffordshire County Council as a working estate. The normal admission price is £12.50 for adults and £7.50 for NT members. Our admission charge will be £6.00 and you will have an additional discount of 20% on all food purchased so no additional concessions are available. The programme I have in mind is as follows:- Leave Lutterworth Leisure Centre at 9.30am to arrive at 11.00 am approx. We would then have free time to wander through the grounds and have a picnic or buy lunch at one of several outlets. There will be two guided tours on offer. A tour of the Mansion House or a tour of the gardens each one lasting approx one hour. These tours would start at 2.00pm. At 3.15pm we will have a cream tea in The Orchard tearoom before returning to the coach at 4.15pm. The cost of the trip will be £24.00 and this will include the entrance fee, guided tour and the cream tea. This trip replaces the intended Lord Leycester Hospital visit as I have had no response from that venue. GLOBE THEATRE TRIP. On a cold February morning at 8.00 am 40 U3A members boarded a coach to head to London. We were all grateful that we no longer needed to get up early on a regular basis! The coach made reasonable progress towards the capital considering the time of day and on entering London we were treated to a panoramic view of many well-known landmarks seated comfortably above most of the traffic. We parked up near Southwark Bridge and took the short walk to the South Embankment of the Thames. Many of us headed straight for the café at The Tate Modern as the cold wind made walking uncomfortable. More adventurous souls walked across the Millennium Bridge. At 1.00 pm we all met at the Globe Theatre for the main event. We were treated to walk round the museum followed by a demonstration of Elizabethan dress where Mandy Cutler bravely stepped up to be the model and donned layer upon layer of period costumes. We then set off in groups to be guided through the archaeological remains of the Old Rose Theatre and then the reconstructed Globe Theatre. The guides were enthusiastic and knowledgeable and they considerably enhanced the experience. We ended the tour with a lovely cup of tea in The Swan restaurant overlooking the Thames and the spire of St Paul’s beyond. A return trip through London rush hour gave us another spectacle to wonder at.
1st WEDNESDAY WALK GROUP Joint Co-ordinators: Roger Watmore 01455 552431 Julian Hargreaves 01455 557704
Date of walk: WEDNESDAY 6TH APRIL 2016
Walk Organiser: George Robertson 07986827270. Meeting Point : Lutterworth Recreational Ground car park at 9.25 to leave 9.30am. Walk Start Point: The Old Lion in Harborough Magna CV23 0HQ (walk starts 10.00am) Directions to start: Leave Lutterworth on A4303 to A5 Magna Park roundabout. Take second exit towards Pailton. Turn left down Montilo Lane (just past electrical transformer station). Continue to T junction and turn left into Harborough Magna. Old Lion is on the left with car park just beyond. 13 miles round trip. The Old Lion has a quality restaurant priding itself in locally sourced produce and having prices to match. I have negotiated the following options for our group but you are still free to choose from their main menu which you can view on line at theoldlion.co.uk. • 2-4-1 on any pizza on our main menu (=£6.00 each approx.)
• Main courses for £9 Sausage, mash, veg & gravy Chicken Caesar salad Pan-fried salmon, new potatoes & seasonal veg Mushroom linguine
Route and Distance: We turn right out of the pub car park and then right through fields to the M6. We the turn right again crossing several fields to emerge on the road towards Newbold on Avon. We join the canal tow path and go through the Newbold tunnel and then leave the towpath and head for Tuckey’s Farm and back through Harborough Magna to the pub. 5.2 miles.
FEBRUARY WALK 22 walkers set off from the Bulls Head around Clipston village enjoying the variety of architecture particularly the 17c Free Grammar School building in Northamptonshire stone which is now part of the village primary school. Into the fields we encountered a few problems with an over friendly ram and an electric fence that when the farmer appeared we had crossed in the wrong place but he was OK about it. The rest of the walk was pretty uneventful apart from one or two muddy gateways; the views were good particularly looking down on Clipston towards the end of the walk. The two course meals went down well in the pub and can be recommended for anyone wanting quality and value. My wife following a man into the Gents caused a bit of amusement; can't take her anywhere! JulianHargreaves
2nd WEDNESDAY WALK GROUP Joint Co-ordinators: Julian Hargreaves 01455 557704 Mike Chapman 01455 209972
April Walk Date of Walk – Wednesday 13th April 2016 Walk Organisers – Jean & Pete Williamson 01455 209882 Meeting Point - Lutterworth Recreation Ground Car Park 9:20 to leave at 9:30 Start Point and Time - The Cock Inn car park at Peatling Magna (opposite Pub) to leave at 10.00am. Directions to Start – take road from Gilmorton to Peatling Parva. At Peatling Parva turn left and then immediately right to Peatling Magna (signpost 2 miles). Enter Peatling Magna, the Cock Inn is on the left (car park opposite). LE8 5UQ. Route and Distance – Field paths and tracks around Peatling Magna. The route may vary according to ground conditions at the time. Whichever route is taken there will be muddy stretches at times and at least 6 stiles. Distance 4.50 to 4.75 miles
February Walk Report 20 walkers and dogs set off on a 4 mile 2 hour circular walk between the Domesday villages of Saddington and Gumley. Quite soggy as we descended meadows but only one really muddy path and gateway. Surface water was not a big problem for most except for one card-carrying walker fording a stream "to test his waterproof boots". We skirted the reservoir on a quiet lane and then climbed up to Gumley, exiting through a spinney where sharp eyes could discern snowdrops. A coffee break was taken at Gumley's 14th C. St Helens Church and we then returned to Saddington via the Leicestershire Round, which offered splendid elevated views of rolling countryside. We were soon intrigued by an unusual post and chain hinged stile but mercifully proper stiles were absent. The weather was sunny, and the panoramic view as we paused for breath on top of Smeeton Hill was particularly spectacular and well worth the steep climb. Everyone stayed upright throughout! At Gumley, our leaders became determined to teach their captive audience some local history to prevent boredom setting in; such as - The name Gumley derives from Godsmundesleah meaning the lea (woodland clearing) of Godmund. Although there are hill-fort remains, the claim by a local historian that it was Camelot seems a little far-fetched. Nevertheless in the 8th C. Saxon kings Offa and Aethelbad of Mercia did separately meet in Gumley albeit to talk church organisational matters.
4th WEDNESDAY WALKING GROUP Co-ordinators: Sue & Peter Creeden 01455 557888
Wednesday 23 March 2016
Walk Organisers:- Peter Rolleston -01455 209156 Meeting Point and Time:- Lutterworth Recreation Ground car park at 9.20am to leave at 9.25am Start Point and Time:- Glen Parva Manor Public House (LE2 9TL) to leave at 10.00am. Best to plan on there being no toilets available at the start. Directions to the Start:-. Keep on the A426 towards Leicester. Pass through 4 roundabouts then turn right at traffic lights (former County Arms) onto Little Glen Road (B582). After half a mile set back on the right is the Glen Parva Manor. Slow down as it is easy to miss! Route and Distance:- A 5.5 mile walk on bridleways paths and towpaths. Lunch Arrangements:- Two for one menu. Orders to be placed on the return to the pub. February 2016 Walk Report
The bright sunny morning attracted 41 of us to meet at the Bulls Head in Brinklow for Peter and Irene Moore`s “stile less” walk. We left the pub and headed off north towards the M6 mostly on field tracks. We had a stop just before Stretton under Fosse, where we were treated to a buzzard soaring in the sky above us. We then made our way passed Newbold Revel and then under Brinklow Arches before passing through a surprisingly long tunnel under the Oxford Canal. We then walked along the canal towpath leaving it to pass by the Motte and Bailey castle and then returning to the pub. The walk lived up to its billing. There were no stiles! Most stayed for a pleasant lunch at the Bulls Head.
Peter Creeden
JOINT WYCLIFFE LUTTERWORTH And LUTTERWORTH U3A GROUPS And groups open to WLU3A members
TUESDAY WALKING GROUP Co-ordinator: Gordon Jones (Lutterworth U3A) 01455 556192
Date of Walk: Tuesday 15th March 2016. Coordinator: Gordon Jones. Tel. 01455 556192 Walk Organizer: Fred and Dorothy Milsom Meeting Point: Coventry Road Recreation Ground Meeting Time: 9.25 to leave at 9.30 Start Point: The George Hotel, Kilsby. Route and distance: Using village roads from the George on to field paths to the edge of Barby, field paths to Ashby St Leger. From Ashby field paths up to the M45 and bridle track back into Kilsby. 6 to 6½ miles. Lunch: Lunch will be at the George selected before setting out from a £6.50 menu or from the main menu if you wish. Route to Start: Lutterworth to the A5 south, Kilsby is the first village on the A5. To get to the George go onto the A361 at the island then immediately right into Watling Street, no through road. The pub is on the left, we may park there. Return Mileage: 20
JOINT GOLF GROUP (with Lutterworth U3A) Co-ordinator (Lutterworth U3A) Peter Moore 01455 552594 e-mail :- peter79moore@gmail.com
Organiser : Peter Moore The next Golf Day will be at Lutterworth Golf Club on Thursday 28th April 2016. competing for the Hartopp Trophy and Prizes, inc. Ladies Prize. Meet at 12.10 Hrs in Clubhouse for Bacon Roll and Coffee / Tea.
Draw for partners at 12.30 Hrs for 13.00 Hrs 1st Tee
To confirm your attendance or for full itinerary, including Meal choices, please contact Peter Moore by Friday 11th April 2016.
Cost each approx. £32.00 To include Coffee and Bacon Roll, Green Fee, Prizes and Dinner. (Dependant upon numbers)
Don't forget to invite your Wives/Partners/Husbands for 3 course Dinner at 18.30 Hrs in the Golf Clubhouse Restaurant. Cost £12.00p. per person. Coffee and Mints included.
