October 2013 Month bulletin
Report on the September Meeting
Roger Powell “Royal Mistresses” Our distinguished speaker this month – the author of two books, an Art Historian, researcher and T.V presenter, held us entranced by the liaisons of Kings during the 17th, 18th and19th centuries.
During the reign of Charles 11, mistresses were a feature of Court life. The beautiful Barbara Villiers had 5 children by Charles. She was a strong character and worked for power, money and land rights, for herself and her children, whilst living at Hampton Court. She held sway for over 10 years, until the compliant, docile and intelligent Louise, Duchess of Portsmouth became her rival. Of noble French descent, she had influence at Court for over 15 years, having begun as a Maid of Honour to Charles’ sister. Evidently her French manner, etiquette and sweet voice fascinated Charles. Arabella Churchill, James 11’s mistress was discreet, having retired to France to give birth to her 4 children. Katherine Sedley, , not regarded as a beauty, was, however, vivacious and exuded sex appeal. Her witticisms made James laugh!
Dull William111 had little sense of humour but was seduced by Elizabeth Villiers, whose interest in politics enabled her to debate on equal terms with men. Her alluring figure and intelligence gave her power. During the 18th century George 1 had a long lasting relationship with the Duchess of Kendal with whom he had 3 unacknowledged daughters. His son, by his wife, was unloved, as was his exiled wife, after being found by the King in an uncompromising position with a Polish Count.
George 11, thought to be bipolar had a mistress in name only and for 19 years he maintained this fiction by visiting her every evening between 7 and 9 pm. Poor Henrietta Howard was badly treated by both the King and her husband. In contrast, William 1V chose Mrs. Jordan as his mistress. An actress with a comedic flair and a beautiful voice, she had 10 children by William as well as 4 with her own husband. She had little money and between births returned to the stage to supplement her income. Unloved by his parents, William enjoyed her motherly household and chose mature ladies as his companion.
Ignored by his parents, Edward V11 loved the companionship of ladies and was always kind to his many mistresses, especially Daisy, Countess of Warwick, who loved parties and could not be considered virtuous. She became a Socialist and stood for Parliament, whilst Alice Kepple seduced Edward with her wit and charm. Edward V111 was thought to be infertile after contracting mumps. He too was attracted by women, who had a motherly quality. He eventually abdicated in order to marry Mrs. Simpson.
Wit, charm, beauty, intelligence and motherliness have proved the abiding fascination for many of Royal blood. A really interesting presentation about Royal Mistresses can be further investigated in Roger Powell’s books. Chris Brady
GROUP REPORTS
(now in alphabetical order)
BIRD WATCHING
Co-ordinators
Mary & Peter Rolleston
01455 209156
It was a lovely mellow late summer day when several members arrived at Middleton Lakes RSPB reserve for their September outing and was perfect for walking and bird-watching. An added bonus was the MacMillan stall in the pretty courtyard of Middleton Hall where we able to enjoy coffee and scrumptious cakes before walking around the reserve. We observed several waders on the lakes, including little stints, ringed plovers, lapwings and a black tailed godwit. There were also herons, swans and wildfowl. A highlight of the day was a little wheatear flying back and forth to one of the gateposts so we had a good view of this beautiful little bird. We also watched a hobby sweeping overhead. A very enjoyable day. October meeting will be on Friday, 25th and we will be going to Carsington Water in Derbyshire.
BOOK CHAT
Co-ordinator
Mick Curtis
01455 554504
Our group was a little depleted this month but we had a good response to our read, from reports submitted and feedback from those that attended. We were attempting to see how a play script could be used to tell a story. Unfortunately we were unable to all have access to the same play script so we read a variety of play scripts from farces to serious murder mysteries. From modern playwrights to classic authors. Each author tackled the story with varying degrees of detail obviously leaving interpretation to a director and the actors that would be presenting the play. At our next meeting we will be returning to our more usual format and will be discussing "The Other Side of the Dale" by Gervaise Phinn.
ETHNIC EATING
Co-ordinator
Jill Graham
01455 557117
OCTOBER AND NOVEMBER MEALS
Wednesday 23 October 2013 - The Axe & Compass - now a "Pesto" Pub - This is our "Italian" choice - and is proving very popular since its reopening. I have made a provisional booking for the 12 who have already signed up. If you are interested in coming
Please sign up today AND NOTE THE EARLIER MEETING TIME -
Wednesday 27th November 2013 –
We intend to try out the Gurkha Restaurant in Hinckley. See Board today for details of Menu etc
REPORT ON SEPTEMBER MEAL
Wednesday 18 September 2013 - The Bell Inn, Monks Kirby - While this was meant to be our Spanish choice, Paco had some fresh Sea Bream and six of the ten present opted straight for that (it came beautifully cooked and not a bone left in). Two of the others went for Paella - bubbling hot - and the remaining two opted for Steak served with Spanish sauces. Loads of vegetables were served with our choices and those who had skipped the Starters went for the Desserts. All in all, we left feeling very full and very satisfied
FRENCH CONVERSATION
Co-ordinator
Sue Hicks
01858 880273
26 September 2013
We much enjoyed the film “Mon Meilleur Ami.” Catherine (Julie Gayet) refuses to believe that her business partner, the unlikeable François (Daniel Auteuil), has a best friend, so she challenges him to set up an introduction. Scrambling to find someone willing to pose as his best pal, François enlists the services of a charming taxi driver (Dany Boon) to play the part.
The next meeting will be on Thursday, 24 October.
GARDEN GROUP
Co-ordinator
Sue Creeden
01455 557888
In September the Group had a tour of Garden Organic, Ryton. Our guide explained that the gardens were used as test areas for different soils and conditions, preserving unusual plants and varieties and creating natural habitats for birds and animals. This was a first visit for many and everyone found something of interest.
Our next meeting will be on 22nd October when we will be visiting Leicester Botanical Gardens. The tour starts at 11.00 a.m. and will last approximately 1 ½ hours. The cost is £3.50 per person and light refreshments will be available afterwards at an additional £3.00 per head. We shall be travelling in cars and meet at the public car park in Main Street, Broughton Astley to share lifts. Anyone wishing to come, please contact Dot Barnard on 01455 208190.
Also, Radio 4’s Gardeners’ Question Time will be broadcast from Leicester on Wednesday evening 16th October 2013. Further details and tickets (£2.50) are on Leicester Botanical Gardens website.
GARDEN LUNCHES
Co-ordinator
Jill Graham
01455 557117
email grahjill@hotmail.com
NOVEMBER LUNCH
Tuesday 12 November 2013 - what about The Cove at Stoney Stanton? Not a Garden Centre but certainly a place with a difference. Sign up today if you are interested
REPORT ON SEPTEMBER LUNCH
Tuesday 10 September 2013 - The Malt Kiln Farm Shop - Stretton under Dunsmore - Our small group of regulars enjoyed this different venue. They have changed the entrance to the Farm Shop since I was last there and seem to have a smaller range of plants for sale, but still have a wide range of produce, fresh meat, cheese and frozen products and the opportunity to Pick Your Own. An Art Exhibition provided an extra interest and I am sure we will be returning there next season.
GERMAN CONVERSATION
Co-ordinator
Sue Hicks
01858 880273
17 September 2013
The September meeting was cancelled as several people were unable to attend.
The next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, 15 October, subject to sufficient support. Venue to be announced.
LIVELY DISCUSSION
Co-ordinator
Dot Barnard
01455 208190
9th September 2013
Learning By Rote
This topic was chosen because of some Michael Gove announcements. Sadly recent figures show that 16% of Brits cannot read well enough to perform basic tasks. Unfortunately ‘rote’ is a confrontational word whereas learning by repetition or learning by heart is much easier to accept and value. Oral repetition helps in remembering what you need to know, but other methods are required to enable understanding. Physical repetition is also very important for sports people like Andy Murray, whose mother drilled him. Similarly one becomes competent by repetition when learning to drive etc. We are familiar with learning tables and spellings by heart, e.g. remembering that stationery with an ‘e’ relates to envelopes and stationary with an ‘a’ relates to autos. However learning by rote must be balanced by other methods too.
Your brain is a learning tool, not a sponge, but it must be trained to remember things so that you have them at your fingertips without having to Google everything! Retention is difficult and oral repetition is good for remembering. This was borne out by the member who, attending a civic service, found he could remember every word of the hymns from school assemblies. Also 2 choir members learn words and music in this way often using computer programmes especially for this purpose. Medical students learn the parts of the anatomy by heart, but physiology can only be learnt by understanding.
Some wry smiles were raised when a member shared the following from the ‘Mail’:
‘How cruel to make maths dunces take the GCSE over and over again. Modern education is torture precisely because it isn’t tough. In my prehistoric classrooms, we sat in rows, chanted our tables, our weights and measures and our countries and capitals. Our teachers ranged from the terrifying to the petrifying. They threw small objects at us if we didn’t pay attention. They wrote rude things on bad work. They made us do it again if we got it wrong. And as a result, I, an Olympic-standard maths duffer, got an O-level in the subject, and I am still astonished by (among other things) my French vocabulary. These days the poor things sit listlessly in undisciplined classrooms, don’t chant their tables because it violates their human rights, and after 3 years of alleged French they have learned nothing beyond ‘Bonjour’.
In education it’s kind to be cruel.’
Luckily, this seems not to be true any longer as I’ve had the ‘pleasure’ of listening to my 10 year old granddaughter reciting her tables.
October Topic: Are we human beings or human doings?
PHOTOGRAPHY
Co-ordinator
Mick Curtis
01455 554504
Sorry fellow photographers due to not being well "focused" I will have to postpone the next meeting of our group until October the 31st.The subject is still "Wheels" so looking forward to see what we can make of that.
PUB LUNCHES
Co-ordinator
Jill Graham
01455 557117
email grahjill@hotmail.com
Wednesday 6 November 2013 - The Brewery - hearty lunches, beer brewed on the premises and the opportunity to take "samples" home (of Beer!!). What more could you want? Sign up today!
Wednesday 4 September 2013 - The Elms - Lutterworth. Getting there in good time meant that I could select where we wanted our tables and I chose a location near the Carvery. This was wise as most of the company went straight for the Carvery and we were tucked away in our own corner away from the general "traffic". Everyone seemed to enjoy the meals they had, and I've just received an e-mail saying that they have a new Menu on offer.
QUIZ GROUP
Co-ordinator
Sylvie Curtis
01455 554504
Our questions this month were set by Jackie. She tested our geographical knowledge and then gave us some respite with more general knowledge questions. An enjoyable morning was had by all.
If you would like to spend a pleasant hour and a half once a month, giving the brain a small workout, do please come along to the Methodist church porch at 10am for our next meeting on Tuesday 5th November. We can't promise fireworks but your 'grey cells' may prove to be 'sparklers'!
SCRABBLE
Co-ordinator
June Hartopp
01455 553418
The highest known score for one game is 1049 by Philip Appleby from Lymington in 1989.
One of our players scored 93 in one go – we are getting there!
SNAIL’S PACE WALKING GROUP
Co-ordinator
Sheila Eggleton
01455 554387
sheilaeggleton@yahoo.co.uk
OCTOBER WALK
Please note the change of date for this walk, to the 25th October.
The walk, approx 3-3.5 miles will be around Welford Reservoir. We will start the walk from the Marina car park at Welford Wharf. The walk goes across some fields to the canal lock of the Welford arm of the Grand Union canal. We cross over the canal to a wide tow path, before heading back to the Wharf Inn for lunch/coffee etc. If you wish to order food prior to the walk please arrive by 11.15a.m. The walk will commence at 11.30a.m. If using sat nav the postcode you need is NN6 6JQ. From Lutterworth take the Market Harborough road as far as Walcote then follow the sign for South Kilworth. At the cross roads in South Kilworth turn left, then immediately right, sign posted Welford. Go through Welford to the end of the village where the Wharf Inn is on your left. Past the pub turn left into the Marina car park, at the back of the pub.
SEPTEMBER WALK
We are grateful to Anne and Celia who had organised this lovely walk, starting and ending at The Golden Lion in Easenhall. Once again we were very lucky with the weather. We had all expected to find the fields very muddy, given the downpour the previous day and had come suitably shod! In fact the conditions under foot were very good. This walk, although crossing the railway and canal did not involve any contortions climbing stiles it was a very civilised walk with gates!
Sheila
THEATRE
Co-ordinator
Eddie Hemsley 01455 554564 (edwardhemsley@btinternet.com )
All’s Well is a Shakespeare play that is not often performed, so 15 of us decided to take the chance to see the RSC production on September 25 for ourselves. Expecting a Shakespeare comedy, we were to find a play that offered us “a tangled web of emotional tensions and seemingly intractable situations” where “it is hard to see how everyone could possibly end up happy” (WhatsOnStage Reviewer Jul 26 2013 Stratford).Yet the play’s title suggests everyone does.
The production opened with a group of young men energetically dancing their way around the stage. Amongst them is Bertram, the only son of the widowed Countess of Rousillion. The scene then shifts to hearing her prepare herself for her son’s departure for duties at the court of the king of France. With her is Helena, an orphan protected by the Countess after the death of her father, a much respected physician at court and by the Rousillion family. After Bertram’s departure, left alone on the stage, Helena reveals how much she loves him, but she fears her position in society will mean she will not be able to contemplate marriage to him.
What follows next is an intriguing situation for the audience to consider. Bertram is clearly a young ‘lad about town’, immature in his ways, yet because Helena has cured the ailing king of France using her father’s medical records, the king rewards her by granting her wish to be married to Bertram. Horrified at the thought of being tied down in marriage to someone he has no feelings for, he leaves court immediately after the wedding to join the French army stationed along the border with Italy. During off-duty hours he falls in love with Diana, daughter of a poor but respectable widowed mother who is concerned that his intentions are not honourable ones.
Even more intriguing is watching one of Shakespeare’s least known female characters develop in front of our eyes from shy orphan maid into a mature married woman. As we have seen Helena’s choice of husband leaves much to be desired. Has a possible lack of maturity in such matters played its part? Yet as the play moves on, Helena emerges as a strong, loving woman in her own right, prepared to take bold, even risky decisions, where Bertram is concerned. She goes on pilgrimage to Italy, and unexpectedly meets Diana and her mother. On hearing Helena’s story they agree to let her finally consummate her marriage by pretending to be Diana. The deceived Bertram when asked willingly hands over his wedding ring. Helena can now return to France, and if in time she finds she is pregnant, then she will have fulfilled Bertram’s parting words to her: that he will only be her husband if she can show him the ring and that she is with child.
But then a letter arrives from France suggesting that Helena has died in Italy. Bertram, home from his army duties with distinction, unexpectedly finds this news upsetting. He painfully has to admit to himself that in fact he did love her after all. Is this a sign that the ‘young lad about town’ is beginning to mature in thought and deed? Throughout the play the audience has been encouraged not to condemn but to see things from more than one view point, to understand human vulnerability as well as strengths. The slow subdued build-up to the final scene had even subdued the few comedy moments, such as the humiliation of Parolles by some of Bertram’s army mates who feel he has been a bad influence on Bertram’s behaviour.
The final scene, though, is very moving. Helena returns to find a very different Bertram to the one who abandoned her on their wedding day. She is pregnant, she has the ring, and now she finds she has a loving husband after all. So ‘all’s well that ends well’ but to achieve this state of affairs everyone has had to learn that it is better to manage emotional tensions and intractable situations, from the king and the Countess to Parolles, even if it is hard to admit it is so.
Anne Smalley.
1st WEDNESDAY WALKING GROUP
WYCLIFFE U3A Joint Co-ordinators:
Roger Watmore 01455 552431 and
Julian Hargreaves 01455b 557704
Date of walk: Wednesday, 6th November 2013
Walk Organisers: Jill and Peter Betts 01455 554110
Meeting Point and Time - Lutterworth Recreation Ground car park at 9.20 am to leave at 9.30 am.
Starting at the Bell Inn, Husbands Bosworth at 10.00am.
Directions to the Start: - Take the A4304 to Market Harborough. The Bell Inn is on the left as you enter Husbands Bosworth. Toilets and menu will be available at the pub.
Route and Distance: - From the pub we follow bridleway and footpath to the Mowsley Hills, then country road to return via the canal to Husbands Bosworth. Distance 4.8 miles calculated to take 2 hours 20 minutes.
September Walk
27 walkers set off from Gilmorton on what was probably the last hot day of the summer. Consequently I decided to do the walk in reverse so at mid-day we were coming along Flat Lane in the shade.
What was amazing about this walk was that the week before Peter Moore’s walk took us near wind turbines as we did on this day and also the pub the previous week was called the Red Lion as was the Gilmorton one --- spooky or what! Of course you could say great minds think alike. On the other hand_ _ _ _
Julian Hargreaves
4th WEDNESDAY WALKING GROUP Co-ordinators:
Sue & Peter Creeden
01455 557888 553341
Wednesday 23 October 2013
Walk Organisers:- Jean & Peter Williamson 01455 209882
Meeting Point and Time:- Lutterworth Recreation Ground car park at 9.20am to leave at 9.30am.
Start Point: Fosse Meadows (near Sharnford) setting off at 10:00am
Directions to the Start:-. Go through Bitteswell, Ashby Parva and Frolesworth following the signs to Sharnford. About ½ mile after Frolesworth take a left turn to Fosse Meadows (signposted) and then after a ¼ mile further you will find Fosse Meadows car park is on the right.
Route and Distance:- - This is a walk of approx. 6 miles along field paths with about 8 stiles. The route on leaving Fosse Meadows follows footpaths to Frolesworth, over Frolesworth Hill to Claybrooke Magna eventually picking up the Leicestershire Round to High Cross and back down the Old Fosse way to Fosse Meadows car park
Lunch arrangements:- Lunch will be at the Hollybush pub in Ashby Parva.
September 2013 Walk Report
The early morning fog did not deter 22 walkers and a dog from meeting at the start at Shilton. Very soon into the walk the sun came out and quickly cleared away the fog to make a beautiful autumnal day. Most of us had started prepared for a cool morning but as the air temperature rose some layers of clothing had to be removed. The walk was varied passing behind Anstey and through the village of Barnacle before returning to Shilton. Afterwards a very pleasant lunch was enjoyed at the Shilton Arms.
JOINT WYCLIFFE LUTTERWORTH
And LUTTERWORTH U3A GROUPS
And groups open to WLU3A members
JOINT GOLF GROUP (with Lutterworth U3A)
Co-ordinator (Lutterworth U3A)
Peter Moore
01455 552594
e-mail :- peter79moore@gmail.com
AWAY DAY - SEASONS FINALE COMPETITION.
Please find listed below the details for our forthcoming tournament, to which you are cordially invited.
Please invite Guests along (Separate Pairs competition – Request an entry form) to enjoy this Superb Day Out. Let’s hope for SUNNY WEATHER
DATE:- Friday 25th October 2013
VENUE:- Wollaton Park Golf Club, Lime Tree Avenue, Wollaton Park, Nottingham. NG8 1BT
DIRECTIONS :- M1 North, exit at junction 25, A52 Nottingham, turn left at A6514 Inner Ring Road (with Queen Medical Centre opposite) turn left on slip road into Lime Tree Avenue. Golf Club at end of Drive.
COMPETITION:- Seasons Finale Away Day. Individual Stableford , Full Handicap Allowance.
TEE TIMES:- From 09.30 am. 1st and 10th Tee’s.
ITINERARY:- From 8.30 am. Coffee / Tea & Bacon Roll upon Arrival. From 9.30 a.m ,18 holes. 2 Tee start.
Singles Stableford. Full Handicap Allowance. Approx. 3.00 p.m
Hot Lunch – Steak Pie withVegetables etc or Vegetarian. Puddings and
Coffee available at extra cost. Jackets & Ties NOT required.
Approx. 4.00 p.m. Presentation of Seasons Finale Trophy and other prizes to 5th Place. Nearest the Pin: 2nd Hole.
Total cost is £34.00p per player (includes Coffee /Tea & Bacon Roll, Green Fee, Prize Fund, & Hot Lunch)
To Reserve your place, send your confirmation with a payment of £34.00p per player to Peter Moore.
(Cheques made payable to :- P. Moore, 79, Orchard Road, Lutterworth, Leicestershire. LE17 4DA.
Top Class Course and facilities. NOT TO BE MISSED Look out for the Deer Herd’s
TUESDAY WALKING GROUP Co-ordinator:
Gordon Jones (Lutterworth U3A)
01455 556192
NOTE THE TIMING
Date of Walk: Tuesday 15th October
Co-ordinator: Gordon Jones. Tel. 01455 556192
Walk Organizers: Mick and Brenda Barrows, 01455 556570
Meeting Point: Meet at the car park by the Leisure Centre.
Meeting Time: 09.15 to leave at 09.25.
Start Point: Coach and Horses Lubenham car park at 9.50. Toilets available
Directions: A4304 toward Market Harborough, LE16 9TF
Lunch: At Coach and Horses ,1 course £4.95, 2 course £6.45
Route and distance: 5½ miles with stiles, Lubenham Green towards Foxton Locks on to canal tow path, across fields to Marston Trussell returning though Thorpe Lubenham Hall Estate.
Return Mileage from Lutterworth: 20 miles.
Christmas Quiz
A Joint Annual u3a Christmas Quiz will be held on Friday 22nd November 2013 at Lutterworth URC, George Street, Lutterworth, commencing 7.15pm.
Teams of 4 maximum @ £12.00p per team to include light supper.
Wine, Tea/Coffee and Soft Drinks available to purchase.
Please book your team by tel: 01455 552594 or email: peter79moore@gmail.com Peter and Irene Moore
This is of course in addition to our own WLU3A Christmas Meal and Quiz on 10th December at Lutterworth Golf Club, organised by Ann Ashworth (ring 01455 553539 for details)
Roger Powell “Royal Mistresses” Our distinguished speaker this month – the author of two books, an Art Historian, researcher and T.V presenter, held us entranced by the liaisons of Kings during the 17th, 18th and19th centuries.
During the reign of Charles 11, mistresses were a feature of Court life. The beautiful Barbara Villiers had 5 children by Charles. She was a strong character and worked for power, money and land rights, for herself and her children, whilst living at Hampton Court. She held sway for over 10 years, until the compliant, docile and intelligent Louise, Duchess of Portsmouth became her rival. Of noble French descent, she had influence at Court for over 15 years, having begun as a Maid of Honour to Charles’ sister. Evidently her French manner, etiquette and sweet voice fascinated Charles. Arabella Churchill, James 11’s mistress was discreet, having retired to France to give birth to her 4 children. Katherine Sedley, , not regarded as a beauty, was, however, vivacious and exuded sex appeal. Her witticisms made James laugh!
Dull William111 had little sense of humour but was seduced by Elizabeth Villiers, whose interest in politics enabled her to debate on equal terms with men. Her alluring figure and intelligence gave her power. During the 18th century George 1 had a long lasting relationship with the Duchess of Kendal with whom he had 3 unacknowledged daughters. His son, by his wife, was unloved, as was his exiled wife, after being found by the King in an uncompromising position with a Polish Count.
George 11, thought to be bipolar had a mistress in name only and for 19 years he maintained this fiction by visiting her every evening between 7 and 9 pm. Poor Henrietta Howard was badly treated by both the King and her husband. In contrast, William 1V chose Mrs. Jordan as his mistress. An actress with a comedic flair and a beautiful voice, she had 10 children by William as well as 4 with her own husband. She had little money and between births returned to the stage to supplement her income. Unloved by his parents, William enjoyed her motherly household and chose mature ladies as his companion.
Ignored by his parents, Edward V11 loved the companionship of ladies and was always kind to his many mistresses, especially Daisy, Countess of Warwick, who loved parties and could not be considered virtuous. She became a Socialist and stood for Parliament, whilst Alice Kepple seduced Edward with her wit and charm. Edward V111 was thought to be infertile after contracting mumps. He too was attracted by women, who had a motherly quality. He eventually abdicated in order to marry Mrs. Simpson.
Wit, charm, beauty, intelligence and motherliness have proved the abiding fascination for many of Royal blood. A really interesting presentation about Royal Mistresses can be further investigated in Roger Powell’s books. Chris Brady
GROUP REPORTS
(now in alphabetical order)
BIRD WATCHING
Co-ordinators
Mary & Peter Rolleston
01455 209156
It was a lovely mellow late summer day when several members arrived at Middleton Lakes RSPB reserve for their September outing and was perfect for walking and bird-watching. An added bonus was the MacMillan stall in the pretty courtyard of Middleton Hall where we able to enjoy coffee and scrumptious cakes before walking around the reserve. We observed several waders on the lakes, including little stints, ringed plovers, lapwings and a black tailed godwit. There were also herons, swans and wildfowl. A highlight of the day was a little wheatear flying back and forth to one of the gateposts so we had a good view of this beautiful little bird. We also watched a hobby sweeping overhead. A very enjoyable day. October meeting will be on Friday, 25th and we will be going to Carsington Water in Derbyshire.
BOOK CHAT
Co-ordinator
Mick Curtis
01455 554504
Our group was a little depleted this month but we had a good response to our read, from reports submitted and feedback from those that attended. We were attempting to see how a play script could be used to tell a story. Unfortunately we were unable to all have access to the same play script so we read a variety of play scripts from farces to serious murder mysteries. From modern playwrights to classic authors. Each author tackled the story with varying degrees of detail obviously leaving interpretation to a director and the actors that would be presenting the play. At our next meeting we will be returning to our more usual format and will be discussing "The Other Side of the Dale" by Gervaise Phinn.
ETHNIC EATING
Co-ordinator
Jill Graham
01455 557117
OCTOBER AND NOVEMBER MEALS
Wednesday 23 October 2013 - The Axe & Compass - now a "Pesto" Pub - This is our "Italian" choice - and is proving very popular since its reopening. I have made a provisional booking for the 12 who have already signed up. If you are interested in coming
Please sign up today AND NOTE THE EARLIER MEETING TIME -
Wednesday 27th November 2013 –
We intend to try out the Gurkha Restaurant in Hinckley. See Board today for details of Menu etc
REPORT ON SEPTEMBER MEAL
Wednesday 18 September 2013 - The Bell Inn, Monks Kirby - While this was meant to be our Spanish choice, Paco had some fresh Sea Bream and six of the ten present opted straight for that (it came beautifully cooked and not a bone left in). Two of the others went for Paella - bubbling hot - and the remaining two opted for Steak served with Spanish sauces. Loads of vegetables were served with our choices and those who had skipped the Starters went for the Desserts. All in all, we left feeling very full and very satisfied
FRENCH CONVERSATION
Co-ordinator
Sue Hicks
01858 880273
26 September 2013
We much enjoyed the film “Mon Meilleur Ami.” Catherine (Julie Gayet) refuses to believe that her business partner, the unlikeable François (Daniel Auteuil), has a best friend, so she challenges him to set up an introduction. Scrambling to find someone willing to pose as his best pal, François enlists the services of a charming taxi driver (Dany Boon) to play the part.
The next meeting will be on Thursday, 24 October.
GARDEN GROUP
Co-ordinator
Sue Creeden
01455 557888
In September the Group had a tour of Garden Organic, Ryton. Our guide explained that the gardens were used as test areas for different soils and conditions, preserving unusual plants and varieties and creating natural habitats for birds and animals. This was a first visit for many and everyone found something of interest.
Our next meeting will be on 22nd October when we will be visiting Leicester Botanical Gardens. The tour starts at 11.00 a.m. and will last approximately 1 ½ hours. The cost is £3.50 per person and light refreshments will be available afterwards at an additional £3.00 per head. We shall be travelling in cars and meet at the public car park in Main Street, Broughton Astley to share lifts. Anyone wishing to come, please contact Dot Barnard on 01455 208190.
Also, Radio 4’s Gardeners’ Question Time will be broadcast from Leicester on Wednesday evening 16th October 2013. Further details and tickets (£2.50) are on Leicester Botanical Gardens website.
GARDEN LUNCHES
Co-ordinator
Jill Graham
01455 557117
email grahjill@hotmail.com
NOVEMBER LUNCH
Tuesday 12 November 2013 - what about The Cove at Stoney Stanton? Not a Garden Centre but certainly a place with a difference. Sign up today if you are interested
REPORT ON SEPTEMBER LUNCH
Tuesday 10 September 2013 - The Malt Kiln Farm Shop - Stretton under Dunsmore - Our small group of regulars enjoyed this different venue. They have changed the entrance to the Farm Shop since I was last there and seem to have a smaller range of plants for sale, but still have a wide range of produce, fresh meat, cheese and frozen products and the opportunity to Pick Your Own. An Art Exhibition provided an extra interest and I am sure we will be returning there next season.
GERMAN CONVERSATION
Co-ordinator
Sue Hicks
01858 880273
17 September 2013
The September meeting was cancelled as several people were unable to attend.
The next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, 15 October, subject to sufficient support. Venue to be announced.
LIVELY DISCUSSION
Co-ordinator
Dot Barnard
01455 208190
9th September 2013
Learning By Rote
This topic was chosen because of some Michael Gove announcements. Sadly recent figures show that 16% of Brits cannot read well enough to perform basic tasks. Unfortunately ‘rote’ is a confrontational word whereas learning by repetition or learning by heart is much easier to accept and value. Oral repetition helps in remembering what you need to know, but other methods are required to enable understanding. Physical repetition is also very important for sports people like Andy Murray, whose mother drilled him. Similarly one becomes competent by repetition when learning to drive etc. We are familiar with learning tables and spellings by heart, e.g. remembering that stationery with an ‘e’ relates to envelopes and stationary with an ‘a’ relates to autos. However learning by rote must be balanced by other methods too.
Your brain is a learning tool, not a sponge, but it must be trained to remember things so that you have them at your fingertips without having to Google everything! Retention is difficult and oral repetition is good for remembering. This was borne out by the member who, attending a civic service, found he could remember every word of the hymns from school assemblies. Also 2 choir members learn words and music in this way often using computer programmes especially for this purpose. Medical students learn the parts of the anatomy by heart, but physiology can only be learnt by understanding.
Some wry smiles were raised when a member shared the following from the ‘Mail’:
‘How cruel to make maths dunces take the GCSE over and over again. Modern education is torture precisely because it isn’t tough. In my prehistoric classrooms, we sat in rows, chanted our tables, our weights and measures and our countries and capitals. Our teachers ranged from the terrifying to the petrifying. They threw small objects at us if we didn’t pay attention. They wrote rude things on bad work. They made us do it again if we got it wrong. And as a result, I, an Olympic-standard maths duffer, got an O-level in the subject, and I am still astonished by (among other things) my French vocabulary. These days the poor things sit listlessly in undisciplined classrooms, don’t chant their tables because it violates their human rights, and after 3 years of alleged French they have learned nothing beyond ‘Bonjour’.
In education it’s kind to be cruel.’
Luckily, this seems not to be true any longer as I’ve had the ‘pleasure’ of listening to my 10 year old granddaughter reciting her tables.
October Topic: Are we human beings or human doings?
PHOTOGRAPHY
Co-ordinator
Mick Curtis
01455 554504
Sorry fellow photographers due to not being well "focused" I will have to postpone the next meeting of our group until October the 31st.The subject is still "Wheels" so looking forward to see what we can make of that.
PUB LUNCHES
Co-ordinator
Jill Graham
01455 557117
email grahjill@hotmail.com
Wednesday 6 November 2013 - The Brewery - hearty lunches, beer brewed on the premises and the opportunity to take "samples" home (of Beer!!). What more could you want? Sign up today!
Wednesday 4 September 2013 - The Elms - Lutterworth. Getting there in good time meant that I could select where we wanted our tables and I chose a location near the Carvery. This was wise as most of the company went straight for the Carvery and we were tucked away in our own corner away from the general "traffic". Everyone seemed to enjoy the meals they had, and I've just received an e-mail saying that they have a new Menu on offer.
QUIZ GROUP
Co-ordinator
Sylvie Curtis
01455 554504
Our questions this month were set by Jackie. She tested our geographical knowledge and then gave us some respite with more general knowledge questions. An enjoyable morning was had by all.
If you would like to spend a pleasant hour and a half once a month, giving the brain a small workout, do please come along to the Methodist church porch at 10am for our next meeting on Tuesday 5th November. We can't promise fireworks but your 'grey cells' may prove to be 'sparklers'!
SCRABBLE
Co-ordinator
June Hartopp
01455 553418
The highest known score for one game is 1049 by Philip Appleby from Lymington in 1989.
One of our players scored 93 in one go – we are getting there!
SNAIL’S PACE WALKING GROUP
Co-ordinator
Sheila Eggleton
01455 554387
sheilaeggleton@yahoo.co.uk
OCTOBER WALK
Please note the change of date for this walk, to the 25th October.
The walk, approx 3-3.5 miles will be around Welford Reservoir. We will start the walk from the Marina car park at Welford Wharf. The walk goes across some fields to the canal lock of the Welford arm of the Grand Union canal. We cross over the canal to a wide tow path, before heading back to the Wharf Inn for lunch/coffee etc. If you wish to order food prior to the walk please arrive by 11.15a.m. The walk will commence at 11.30a.m. If using sat nav the postcode you need is NN6 6JQ. From Lutterworth take the Market Harborough road as far as Walcote then follow the sign for South Kilworth. At the cross roads in South Kilworth turn left, then immediately right, sign posted Welford. Go through Welford to the end of the village where the Wharf Inn is on your left. Past the pub turn left into the Marina car park, at the back of the pub.
SEPTEMBER WALK
We are grateful to Anne and Celia who had organised this lovely walk, starting and ending at The Golden Lion in Easenhall. Once again we were very lucky with the weather. We had all expected to find the fields very muddy, given the downpour the previous day and had come suitably shod! In fact the conditions under foot were very good. This walk, although crossing the railway and canal did not involve any contortions climbing stiles it was a very civilised walk with gates!
Sheila
THEATRE
Co-ordinator
Eddie Hemsley 01455 554564 (edwardhemsley@btinternet.com )
All’s Well is a Shakespeare play that is not often performed, so 15 of us decided to take the chance to see the RSC production on September 25 for ourselves. Expecting a Shakespeare comedy, we were to find a play that offered us “a tangled web of emotional tensions and seemingly intractable situations” where “it is hard to see how everyone could possibly end up happy” (WhatsOnStage Reviewer Jul 26 2013 Stratford).Yet the play’s title suggests everyone does.
The production opened with a group of young men energetically dancing their way around the stage. Amongst them is Bertram, the only son of the widowed Countess of Rousillion. The scene then shifts to hearing her prepare herself for her son’s departure for duties at the court of the king of France. With her is Helena, an orphan protected by the Countess after the death of her father, a much respected physician at court and by the Rousillion family. After Bertram’s departure, left alone on the stage, Helena reveals how much she loves him, but she fears her position in society will mean she will not be able to contemplate marriage to him.
What follows next is an intriguing situation for the audience to consider. Bertram is clearly a young ‘lad about town’, immature in his ways, yet because Helena has cured the ailing king of France using her father’s medical records, the king rewards her by granting her wish to be married to Bertram. Horrified at the thought of being tied down in marriage to someone he has no feelings for, he leaves court immediately after the wedding to join the French army stationed along the border with Italy. During off-duty hours he falls in love with Diana, daughter of a poor but respectable widowed mother who is concerned that his intentions are not honourable ones.
Even more intriguing is watching one of Shakespeare’s least known female characters develop in front of our eyes from shy orphan maid into a mature married woman. As we have seen Helena’s choice of husband leaves much to be desired. Has a possible lack of maturity in such matters played its part? Yet as the play moves on, Helena emerges as a strong, loving woman in her own right, prepared to take bold, even risky decisions, where Bertram is concerned. She goes on pilgrimage to Italy, and unexpectedly meets Diana and her mother. On hearing Helena’s story they agree to let her finally consummate her marriage by pretending to be Diana. The deceived Bertram when asked willingly hands over his wedding ring. Helena can now return to France, and if in time she finds she is pregnant, then she will have fulfilled Bertram’s parting words to her: that he will only be her husband if she can show him the ring and that she is with child.
But then a letter arrives from France suggesting that Helena has died in Italy. Bertram, home from his army duties with distinction, unexpectedly finds this news upsetting. He painfully has to admit to himself that in fact he did love her after all. Is this a sign that the ‘young lad about town’ is beginning to mature in thought and deed? Throughout the play the audience has been encouraged not to condemn but to see things from more than one view point, to understand human vulnerability as well as strengths. The slow subdued build-up to the final scene had even subdued the few comedy moments, such as the humiliation of Parolles by some of Bertram’s army mates who feel he has been a bad influence on Bertram’s behaviour.
The final scene, though, is very moving. Helena returns to find a very different Bertram to the one who abandoned her on their wedding day. She is pregnant, she has the ring, and now she finds she has a loving husband after all. So ‘all’s well that ends well’ but to achieve this state of affairs everyone has had to learn that it is better to manage emotional tensions and intractable situations, from the king and the Countess to Parolles, even if it is hard to admit it is so.
Anne Smalley.
1st WEDNESDAY WALKING GROUP
WYCLIFFE U3A Joint Co-ordinators:
Roger Watmore 01455 552431 and
Julian Hargreaves 01455b 557704
Date of walk: Wednesday, 6th November 2013
Walk Organisers: Jill and Peter Betts 01455 554110
Meeting Point and Time - Lutterworth Recreation Ground car park at 9.20 am to leave at 9.30 am.
Starting at the Bell Inn, Husbands Bosworth at 10.00am.
Directions to the Start: - Take the A4304 to Market Harborough. The Bell Inn is on the left as you enter Husbands Bosworth. Toilets and menu will be available at the pub.
Route and Distance: - From the pub we follow bridleway and footpath to the Mowsley Hills, then country road to return via the canal to Husbands Bosworth. Distance 4.8 miles calculated to take 2 hours 20 minutes.
September Walk
27 walkers set off from Gilmorton on what was probably the last hot day of the summer. Consequently I decided to do the walk in reverse so at mid-day we were coming along Flat Lane in the shade.
What was amazing about this walk was that the week before Peter Moore’s walk took us near wind turbines as we did on this day and also the pub the previous week was called the Red Lion as was the Gilmorton one --- spooky or what! Of course you could say great minds think alike. On the other hand_ _ _ _
Julian Hargreaves
4th WEDNESDAY WALKING GROUP Co-ordinators:
Sue & Peter Creeden
01455 557888 553341
Wednesday 23 October 2013
Walk Organisers:- Jean & Peter Williamson 01455 209882
Meeting Point and Time:- Lutterworth Recreation Ground car park at 9.20am to leave at 9.30am.
Start Point: Fosse Meadows (near Sharnford) setting off at 10:00am
Directions to the Start:-. Go through Bitteswell, Ashby Parva and Frolesworth following the signs to Sharnford. About ½ mile after Frolesworth take a left turn to Fosse Meadows (signposted) and then after a ¼ mile further you will find Fosse Meadows car park is on the right.
Route and Distance:- - This is a walk of approx. 6 miles along field paths with about 8 stiles. The route on leaving Fosse Meadows follows footpaths to Frolesworth, over Frolesworth Hill to Claybrooke Magna eventually picking up the Leicestershire Round to High Cross and back down the Old Fosse way to Fosse Meadows car park
Lunch arrangements:- Lunch will be at the Hollybush pub in Ashby Parva.
September 2013 Walk Report
The early morning fog did not deter 22 walkers and a dog from meeting at the start at Shilton. Very soon into the walk the sun came out and quickly cleared away the fog to make a beautiful autumnal day. Most of us had started prepared for a cool morning but as the air temperature rose some layers of clothing had to be removed. The walk was varied passing behind Anstey and through the village of Barnacle before returning to Shilton. Afterwards a very pleasant lunch was enjoyed at the Shilton Arms.
JOINT WYCLIFFE LUTTERWORTH
And LUTTERWORTH U3A GROUPS
And groups open to WLU3A members
JOINT GOLF GROUP (with Lutterworth U3A)
Co-ordinator (Lutterworth U3A)
Peter Moore
01455 552594
e-mail :- peter79moore@gmail.com
AWAY DAY - SEASONS FINALE COMPETITION.
Please find listed below the details for our forthcoming tournament, to which you are cordially invited.
Please invite Guests along (Separate Pairs competition – Request an entry form) to enjoy this Superb Day Out. Let’s hope for SUNNY WEATHER
DATE:- Friday 25th October 2013
VENUE:- Wollaton Park Golf Club, Lime Tree Avenue, Wollaton Park, Nottingham. NG8 1BT
DIRECTIONS :- M1 North, exit at junction 25, A52 Nottingham, turn left at A6514 Inner Ring Road (with Queen Medical Centre opposite) turn left on slip road into Lime Tree Avenue. Golf Club at end of Drive.
COMPETITION:- Seasons Finale Away Day. Individual Stableford , Full Handicap Allowance.
TEE TIMES:- From 09.30 am. 1st and 10th Tee’s.
ITINERARY:- From 8.30 am. Coffee / Tea & Bacon Roll upon Arrival. From 9.30 a.m ,18 holes. 2 Tee start.
Singles Stableford. Full Handicap Allowance. Approx. 3.00 p.m
Hot Lunch – Steak Pie withVegetables etc or Vegetarian. Puddings and
Coffee available at extra cost. Jackets & Ties NOT required.
Approx. 4.00 p.m. Presentation of Seasons Finale Trophy and other prizes to 5th Place. Nearest the Pin: 2nd Hole.
Total cost is £34.00p per player (includes Coffee /Tea & Bacon Roll, Green Fee, Prize Fund, & Hot Lunch)
To Reserve your place, send your confirmation with a payment of £34.00p per player to Peter Moore.
(Cheques made payable to :- P. Moore, 79, Orchard Road, Lutterworth, Leicestershire. LE17 4DA.
Top Class Course and facilities. NOT TO BE MISSED Look out for the Deer Herd’s
TUESDAY WALKING GROUP Co-ordinator:
Gordon Jones (Lutterworth U3A)
01455 556192
NOTE THE TIMING
Date of Walk: Tuesday 15th October
Co-ordinator: Gordon Jones. Tel. 01455 556192
Walk Organizers: Mick and Brenda Barrows, 01455 556570
Meeting Point: Meet at the car park by the Leisure Centre.
Meeting Time: 09.15 to leave at 09.25.
Start Point: Coach and Horses Lubenham car park at 9.50. Toilets available
Directions: A4304 toward Market Harborough, LE16 9TF
Lunch: At Coach and Horses ,1 course £4.95, 2 course £6.45
Route and distance: 5½ miles with stiles, Lubenham Green towards Foxton Locks on to canal tow path, across fields to Marston Trussell returning though Thorpe Lubenham Hall Estate.
Return Mileage from Lutterworth: 20 miles.
Christmas Quiz
A Joint Annual u3a Christmas Quiz will be held on Friday 22nd November 2013 at Lutterworth URC, George Street, Lutterworth, commencing 7.15pm.
Teams of 4 maximum @ £12.00p per team to include light supper.
Wine, Tea/Coffee and Soft Drinks available to purchase.
Please book your team by tel: 01455 552594 or email: peter79moore@gmail.com Peter and Irene Moore
This is of course in addition to our own WLU3A Christmas Meal and Quiz on 10th December at Lutterworth Golf Club, organised by Ann Ashworth (ring 01455 553539 for details)