May 2011
A HOW TO STAY YOUNG
- Throw out nonessential numbers. This includes age, weight and height. Let the doctors worry about them. That is why you pay 'them.'
- Keep only cheerful friends. The grouches pull you down.
- Keep learning. Learn more about the computer, crafts, gardening, whatever. Never let the brain idle. 'An idle mind is the devil's workshop.' And the devil's name is Alzheimer's.
- Enjoy the simple things.
- Laugh often, long and loud. Laugh until you gasp for breath.
- The tears happen. Endure, grieve, and move on. The only person, who is with us our entire life, is ourselves. Be ALIVE while you are alive.
- Surround yourself with what you love? , whether it's family, pets, keepsakes, music, plants, hobbies, whatever. Your home is your refuge.
- Cherish your health: If it is good, preserve it. If it is unstable, improve it. If it is beyond what you can improve, get help.
- Don't take guilt trips. Take a trip to the mall, even to the next county; to a foreign country but NOT to where the guilt is.
Tell the people you love that you love them, at every opportunity.
Quiz Group
The quiz group were much entertained by a version of 'Going for a Song', (and if you can remember that you are older than you look), provided by Angela.
The teams were given five objects to guess what they were. We proved we are no experts on antiques but we enjoyed learning something new. Angela also provided more 'normal' questions, which proved a little easier.
Lively Disscussion
A much depleted group met for April's meeting, due to holidays and other commitments, but we were pleased to welcome a new member.
We discussed, "Is it wise to opt out of the computer age in the 21st century?"
The consensus was that it is indeed very unwise to do so but the level at which an individual wishes to embrace any new technology seems to depend on motivation for our age group. i.e. we do not have the imperative to keep up with all our friends as the younger generation does and if we see that a particular aspect of technology e.g. "Skype" benefits us we will learn if not we do not bother. We were worried about the government and others relying on the Internet to disseminate information as we felt this discriminated against those unable for whatever reason to access the Internet and felt that using the library computers was not always the answer. We therefore felt that provision should be made for this part of society.
The next meeting is back at 1 Manor Farm, Broughton Astley on 9th May when the subject will be "TV - a force for good or bad?"
WEDNESDAY WALKING GROUP April Walk
The warm, sunny weather put a spring in the step of the thirty or so walkers as they set out from Willey across meadows and tracks towards Monks Kirby, skirting the hamlet of Little Walton. We enjoyed the birdsong, blossoming hedgerows and golden daffodils at Newnham Paddocks before crossing the last field of the walk where cute little black lambs and sheep had their photos taken! A delicious roast dinner was then enjoyed at the Sarah Mansfield pub.
Mary and Peter Rolleston
April meeting
This month’s Wycliffe U3A started with people having to queue out the door to pay their annual membership fees. This was not helped by a record turn out but ‘normal service was resumed as soon as possible’.
After the new chairman introduced the meeting, Eddie Hemsley made a presentation to Mick Curtis in thanks for his three past years as chairman. This month’s meeting then had a presentation by Chris Worman from Rugby Borough Council about all the green parks and plantings in and around Rugby. He showed many areas familiar to most but also some not so well known places. He made particular mention of the three donkeys on the way into Rugby that are called, not surprisingly William, Webb and Ellis. Many of the plantings have involved the local schools as well as help from young offenders with some encouraging success stories. Another area that surprised everyone was the big increase in popularity of allotments with long waiting lists from individuals as well as schools.
Again, another interesting talk showing things that were new to many.
If you would like to join one the Wycliffe U3A groups, you should contact the appropriate group leader. Their details and the group schedules are all in the monthly newsletter that can be found in the Lutterworth and Broughton Astley libraries.
If you are interested in joining the U3A, you can join the Wycliffe U3A, that does not have a waiting list, by coming along to one of the monthly meetings. However, if would like some more information about the U3A, please contact Eddie Hemsley, the chairman, on 01455 554564.
Here is the report for the April birdwatching outing:-
A few members turned out for the April bird watching trip to Brandon Marsh, but it was a very worthwhile trip as we saw and heard lots of birds. The weather was gorgeous and the myriad shades of green spring foliage a wonderful sight. Everywhere around us was the sound of warblers and we saw blackcaps, whitethroats, willow warblers, bullfinches and a greater spotted woodpecker. In addition, we heard the first cuckoo of the year and grasshopper and cetti warblers, not to mention chiff chaffs. A most enjoyable day! Our next outing is on Friday, 27th May. Location to be advised.
French
The beginners continued to learn how to shop for food and drink. The conversation group was competently led by Mary Rolleston with an in-depth study on the use of calvados. They also read, translated and discussed an article in French on butterflies, and a description of some of the mansions of Paris with their histories.
The next meeting is on Thursday, 26 May. John Hicks will provide topics for discussion and the beginners will finish the first Talk French course.
POETRY GROUP
As a prelude to the Royal Wedding the theme for the April meeting was "Royalty". Researching appropriate material proved to be rather more difficult than anticipated. However thanks mainly to the internet all present enjoyed an afternoon of poetry interspersed with thoughts on the forthcoming wedding.
As a sequel to that meeting the subject for May will be "Love and Marriage".
New members are always welcome.
Book Chat
Our latest read "The Restraint of Beasts" by Magnus Mills had the group divided. Some compared it to "Blott on The Landscape" by Tom Sharpe whilst others with experience of contract workers could see echos of reality in the characters portrayed. Again it was a tome that lead to a lively session and made sense of our collective approach and appreciation of this group. Thanks to all who attend. There will not be a meeting in May but we resume again in June
Pub Lunches April
30 members enjoyed the ambience of Kilworth Springs Golf Club in April. This popular venue offers good food, good service and superb views
Canasta
What an enjoyable morning we had in April! We played a mixture of games – ‘partners’ and ‘singles’. Some friendly banter, good company and nearly a full complement of players made for a pleasurable morning.
Scrabble
This group grows and grows! A donation of a card table has certainly helped us to be not so crowded – 4 different sections are possible now. It amazes us how many words we can dredge up from the past and, of course, we are learning new ones as well!
- Throw out nonessential numbers. This includes age, weight and height. Let the doctors worry about them. That is why you pay 'them.'
- Keep only cheerful friends. The grouches pull you down.
- Keep learning. Learn more about the computer, crafts, gardening, whatever. Never let the brain idle. 'An idle mind is the devil's workshop.' And the devil's name is Alzheimer's.
- Enjoy the simple things.
- Laugh often, long and loud. Laugh until you gasp for breath.
- The tears happen. Endure, grieve, and move on. The only person, who is with us our entire life, is ourselves. Be ALIVE while you are alive.
- Surround yourself with what you love? , whether it's family, pets, keepsakes, music, plants, hobbies, whatever. Your home is your refuge.
- Cherish your health: If it is good, preserve it. If it is unstable, improve it. If it is beyond what you can improve, get help.
- Don't take guilt trips. Take a trip to the mall, even to the next county; to a foreign country but NOT to where the guilt is.
Tell the people you love that you love them, at every opportunity.
Quiz Group
The quiz group were much entertained by a version of 'Going for a Song', (and if you can remember that you are older than you look), provided by Angela.
The teams were given five objects to guess what they were. We proved we are no experts on antiques but we enjoyed learning something new. Angela also provided more 'normal' questions, which proved a little easier.
Lively Disscussion
A much depleted group met for April's meeting, due to holidays and other commitments, but we were pleased to welcome a new member.
We discussed, "Is it wise to opt out of the computer age in the 21st century?"
The consensus was that it is indeed very unwise to do so but the level at which an individual wishes to embrace any new technology seems to depend on motivation for our age group. i.e. we do not have the imperative to keep up with all our friends as the younger generation does and if we see that a particular aspect of technology e.g. "Skype" benefits us we will learn if not we do not bother. We were worried about the government and others relying on the Internet to disseminate information as we felt this discriminated against those unable for whatever reason to access the Internet and felt that using the library computers was not always the answer. We therefore felt that provision should be made for this part of society.
The next meeting is back at 1 Manor Farm, Broughton Astley on 9th May when the subject will be "TV - a force for good or bad?"
WEDNESDAY WALKING GROUP April Walk
The warm, sunny weather put a spring in the step of the thirty or so walkers as they set out from Willey across meadows and tracks towards Monks Kirby, skirting the hamlet of Little Walton. We enjoyed the birdsong, blossoming hedgerows and golden daffodils at Newnham Paddocks before crossing the last field of the walk where cute little black lambs and sheep had their photos taken! A delicious roast dinner was then enjoyed at the Sarah Mansfield pub.
Mary and Peter Rolleston
April meeting
This month’s Wycliffe U3A started with people having to queue out the door to pay their annual membership fees. This was not helped by a record turn out but ‘normal service was resumed as soon as possible’.
After the new chairman introduced the meeting, Eddie Hemsley made a presentation to Mick Curtis in thanks for his three past years as chairman. This month’s meeting then had a presentation by Chris Worman from Rugby Borough Council about all the green parks and plantings in and around Rugby. He showed many areas familiar to most but also some not so well known places. He made particular mention of the three donkeys on the way into Rugby that are called, not surprisingly William, Webb and Ellis. Many of the plantings have involved the local schools as well as help from young offenders with some encouraging success stories. Another area that surprised everyone was the big increase in popularity of allotments with long waiting lists from individuals as well as schools.
Again, another interesting talk showing things that were new to many.
If you would like to join one the Wycliffe U3A groups, you should contact the appropriate group leader. Their details and the group schedules are all in the monthly newsletter that can be found in the Lutterworth and Broughton Astley libraries.
If you are interested in joining the U3A, you can join the Wycliffe U3A, that does not have a waiting list, by coming along to one of the monthly meetings. However, if would like some more information about the U3A, please contact Eddie Hemsley, the chairman, on 01455 554564.
Here is the report for the April birdwatching outing:-
A few members turned out for the April bird watching trip to Brandon Marsh, but it was a very worthwhile trip as we saw and heard lots of birds. The weather was gorgeous and the myriad shades of green spring foliage a wonderful sight. Everywhere around us was the sound of warblers and we saw blackcaps, whitethroats, willow warblers, bullfinches and a greater spotted woodpecker. In addition, we heard the first cuckoo of the year and grasshopper and cetti warblers, not to mention chiff chaffs. A most enjoyable day! Our next outing is on Friday, 27th May. Location to be advised.
French
The beginners continued to learn how to shop for food and drink. The conversation group was competently led by Mary Rolleston with an in-depth study on the use of calvados. They also read, translated and discussed an article in French on butterflies, and a description of some of the mansions of Paris with their histories.
The next meeting is on Thursday, 26 May. John Hicks will provide topics for discussion and the beginners will finish the first Talk French course.
POETRY GROUP
As a prelude to the Royal Wedding the theme for the April meeting was "Royalty". Researching appropriate material proved to be rather more difficult than anticipated. However thanks mainly to the internet all present enjoyed an afternoon of poetry interspersed with thoughts on the forthcoming wedding.
As a sequel to that meeting the subject for May will be "Love and Marriage".
New members are always welcome.
Book Chat
Our latest read "The Restraint of Beasts" by Magnus Mills had the group divided. Some compared it to "Blott on The Landscape" by Tom Sharpe whilst others with experience of contract workers could see echos of reality in the characters portrayed. Again it was a tome that lead to a lively session and made sense of our collective approach and appreciation of this group. Thanks to all who attend. There will not be a meeting in May but we resume again in June
Pub Lunches April
30 members enjoyed the ambience of Kilworth Springs Golf Club in April. This popular venue offers good food, good service and superb views
Canasta
What an enjoyable morning we had in April! We played a mixture of games – ‘partners’ and ‘singles’. Some friendly banter, good company and nearly a full complement of players made for a pleasurable morning.
Scrabble
This group grows and grows! A donation of a card table has certainly helped us to be not so crowded – 4 different sections are possible now. It amazes us how many words we can dredge up from the past and, of course, we are learning new ones as well!