September 2012
Report on the August meeting
Again, the Wycliffe U3A was treated to a talk from Trevor Parr, this time dressed ‘normally’ rather than and a 17th century apothecary. He gave us an in depth talk about the National Trust Museum of Childhood that is located at Sudbury Hall in South Derbyshire. As expected, many of those present were National Trust members but few had actually visited the museum. It started in the 1920’s with Betty Cadbury, of chocolate fame, starting to collect toys and the like. By 1983, her house was getting more than a little overcrowded so the collection was donated to the National Trust. These took three large lorries to transport. There are now over 20,000 items in the collection and over 99% work without batteries.
However, the museum building was looking rather dated so a complete multi-million pound make-over was started in 2008 and now the museum is modern, light and airy with many toys that can actually be played with. Every year, over 7000 school children visit the museum. Trevor also told us about the restoration and renovation work in items, some of which are swapped with the Victoria and Albert museum in London.
Yet again another interesting talk that should get some of the members to visit the museum.
Christmas Lunch
Friday 7th December is the date for this years Christmas Lunch at Kilworth Springs Golf Club. Ann Ashworth has negotiated to keep the price the same as last year at a very reasonable £18 per head. What a splendid venue it has been for the last two years! Don’t miss out—contact Ann to reserve a place
THEATRE Co-ordinator
Eddie Hemsley 01455 554564
In September there are trips to ‘The Tempest’ at Stratford, ‘The Sound of Music’ at Kilworth House and ’The Glen Miller Band’ at de Montfort Hall.
TRIPS
Joint Co-ordinators
George Robertson :george9high@hotmail.com
Rose Coltman ; 01455-209830 (ex/d. )
George and Rose have agreed to co-ordinate the Trips Group, with Eddie our Chairman as backup. They have already organised a trip to Sulgrave Manor and are looking into the possibility of a trip to Lincoln in October.
QUIZ GROUP
Co-ordinator
Sylvie Curtis
01455 554504
No Meeting in August as it fell on Bank Holiday Monday. Next meeting September 24th.
CANASTA 1 & 3
Co-ordinator
June Hartopp
01455 553418
Despite holidays these groups continue to be well supported. Pleasant company and some good card playing make for enjoyable sessions for each group.
SCRABBLE
Co-ordinator
June Hartopp
01455 553418
We welcomed a new member at our last meeting and she promptly scored an extra 50 points for a seven-letter-word. Not to be outdone, two other members did the same. Another friendly morning stimulating the old grey matter.
BIRD WATCHING
Co-ordinators
Mary & Peter Rolleston
01455 209156
Our August birdwatching trip was a most enjoyable one, partly because it turned out to be a lovely sunny day. Ten members of the group went to Eggleton Nature Reserve at Rutland Water where we spent the morning walking and visiting the hides. We saw quite a lot of water birds, but the highlight of the day was a sighting of a rare visitor to this country - the red-necked phalarope!
The young bird, who will not develop his red neck until next spring, was spotted through a telescope by a keen birdwatcher in one of the hides and it caused great excitement amongst both visitors and staff. After lunch outside at the Horse and Jockey in Manton, a group of us went on to Lyndon nature reserve where we were lucky enough to observe three ospreys who will shortly be leaving on their long flight to Africa.
Our next trip on Friday, 28th September, will be to Upton Warren near Droitwich, Worcestershire.
New members always welcome.
BOOK CHAT
Co-ordinator
Mick Curtis
01455 554504
Small Island by Andrea Levy tells the story of two couples; Jamaican ex RAF Serviceman Gilbert and his snobbish wife ,Hortense,who emigrate to Britain in 1948 hoping for a better life in the Mother Country; and British couple Bernard and Queenie, already living in London. After Bernard fails to return from fighting in the Second World War, Queenie makes ends meet by letting her shabby attic room to Gilbert and snobbish Hortense, who is horrified to find that England is very different to the genteel land of her dreams. Gilbert is distressed too, as he realises the English treat him with even more contempt now he is out of uniform.But all this is nothing compared to how bigoted Bernard proves when he finally returns home to discover his house full of 'coloureds'. In this well researched tale of prejudice and ignorance, Andrea Levy uses first-person narrative giving all four characters the narration in turn to tell the story. She manages to portray both black and white experiences with wit, compassion and an even hand.
As may be expected this novel led to some lively discussion, and all admitted to learning something new about our not so distant past. However, every member present enjoyed the book and found it well written and thought provoking.
CRAFTS
Co– ordinator
Doreen Barrett
01455 550228
Having had a break for summer holidays we will be back in action again on September 27th. I realise that this clashes with the Sulgrave Manor visit, but if you are free I hope to see you.
New members will be very welcome. Come with your project or let me try to inspire you!
GERMAN CONVERSATION
Co-ordinator
Sue Hicks
01858 880273
21 August 2012
We started the second CD, and had a conversation about the Olympics.
The next meeting will be on 25 September, probably at Alan’s. Please note change of date.
FRENCH CONVERSATION
Co-ordinator
Sue Hicks
01858 880273
23 August 2012
We looked at “Faux Amis” (False Friends) this time, which are words which look like the English but have a different meaning. We then read through a short play, which we hope to “perform” next time.
The next meeting will be on Thursday, 27 September, when we hope to speak lots more French. Suggestions for topics of interest always welcome. On October 25 we plan to see the new version of “The Well-digger’s Daughter” at Pearl and Tony’s house.
PHOTOGRAPHY
Co-ordinator
Mick Curtis
01455 554504
No meeting in August, but normal service will be resumed in September.
LIVELY DISCUSSION
Co-ordinator
Dot Barnard
01455 208190
August Topic:Is positive discrimination in relation to age, gender, ethnic minorities etc. good or bad?
In general the group felt that women were less discriminated against now than 50 years ago. Employers are required by law not to ask about plans for having a family. However, it became apparent that even female bosses can be reluctant to employ women of child bearing age. Professional people make arrangements for child care in the same way that they organize their business lives. Males can be long-term sick and this also leaves the workplace short of the employee for a considerable time. All in the group wanted people to be employed on merit, but felt that females were often discriminated against. Teaching and the law have more female than male employees and this was felt to be just as bad as the other way round. The term ‘manageress’, sounds like a diminutive and often undermines the post, as a good manager can be of either gender. There was concern that some politicians are suggesting all women short lists and this could mean less able people. Achieving a balance is taking too long, even though women form more than 50% of the population. Female role models such as Hilary Devet, Deborah Meaden, Nicola Horlick and Karen Brady were discussed. It was noted that these women ran their own companies and were not employees, and that Karen Brady had a millionaire father.
Age discrimination seems to be practised, since people in their 30s and 40s are perceived to be the best to employ. Experience, ability and tenacity can be overlooked by some younger recruiters. Much advertising is directed towards younger people.
Some group members showed concern that police forces were actively encouraging applications from ethnic minorities, but these applicants still have to make the grade with their qualifications and at interview. It is a way of trying to reflect the make-up of society.
At the end of the discussion everyone agreed that discrimination whether positive or negative is a bad thing. Members felt that legislation against sexual, ethnic and disabled discrimination has improved the situation.
October Topic: Elected police commissioners are a good idea.
TUESDAY WALKING GROUP Co-ordinator:
Gordon Jones (Lutterworth U3A)
01455 556192
*NOTE THE EARLIER TIMING*
Date of walk: Tuesday 18th September 2012.
Walk Organiser: Fred and Dorothy Milsom, 01455 552430
Meeting Point and time: Meet at the Coventry Road recreation ground Car Park.
* Meet by 9.15 to leave at 9.20.*
Route and distance: About 6 miles from Weedon walking the Nene Way to Little Everdon and up to the edge of Newnham then back to Weedon on field paths. A bit of village road in Weedon.
Directions to the Starting Point: Down the A5 to Weedon. At the traffic lights in Weedon turn left then sharp right into the car park of the Cross Roads Hotel. Park away from the building. Sat. Nav: NN7 4PX
Lunch: At the Chef and Brewer in the Crossroads hotel, select before setting out.
Return Journey from Lutterworth Mileage: 38
1st WEDNESDAY WALKING GROUP Joint Co-ordinators:
Roger Watmore 01455 552431 and
Julian Hargreaves 01455 557704
3rd October 2012
Walk Organiser: Reg Tattersall Tel: 01455 209126
Meeting Point:-Lutterworth Recreational Ground, Coventry Road Car Park.
Time:-9.25am to leave at 9.30 am.
Directions to the start: From Lutterworth go through Kimcote and Walton emerging onto the Bruntingthorpe to Saddington road just beyond the airfield. Turn right and proceed to the crossroads on the A5199. Cross the main road and continue into Saddington. In Saddington turn left just before the Queen's Head pub and continue into Smeeton Westerby. The King's Head is at the far end of the village on the left with a small car park at the rear. Return Mileage from Lutterworth is 23 miles.
Route and Distance: From the The King's Head in Smeeton Westerby at 10:00 am the walk (of approx. 5.25 miles) is on a mixture of field paths, metalled roads and bridleways and also part of the Leicestershire Round. The walk goes across fields towards Saddington. There are some lovely views across Saddington Reservoir (after a short uphill section) and the walk continues on the Leicestershire Round towards Gumley. From there the walk returns across fields to The King's Head for lunch where a variety of meals at a range of prices are available. We will pre-order our food before starting the walk.
August Walk: Stoney Cove diving centre, an unusual starting point for a walk. 22 walkers set off on a circular route going by the side of the cove, over paths and fields to Croft and returning by Stoney Stanton village. The walk finished at the very busy Diving Centre for a good lunch.
Mick Barrows
4th WEDNESDAY WALKING GROUP Co-ordinators:
Sue & Peter Creeden
01455 557888
26 September 2012
Walk Organisers: Julian Hargreaves Tel: 01455 557704
Meeting Point and Time:
Coventry Road recreation ground car park at 9.20am to leave at 9.30am.
Directions to the Start:
Leave Lutterworth towards Magna Park. At A5 roundabout take the second exit towards Pailton. After about 2 miles turn left into Montilo Lane. Pass the Air Traffic control masts, cross over the M6 and keep going to the T junction. Then turn left towards Harborough Magna. The Old Lion pub is on the left after the sharp left hand bend.
The Walk
The walk is across fields to Cosford and onto Churchover and back to Harborough Magna, a total of about 6 miles.
Lunch
The Old Lion pub is being beautifully re-furbished and will re-open in September. Julian has spoken to the landlady and she assures him that she will be doing good food at reasonable prices.
August Walk
The weather was overcast, but dry this time. This walk was cancelled in April because of very heavy rain. A dog and 15 walkers set off from Witherly for a circular which was mostly across fields and passed through parts of Ratcliffe Culey, Atterton and Fenny Drayton. This is always a difficult time of the year for walking because the farmers have harvested and start in earnest to plough their fields. We managed a detour around one early on in the walk but later on, towards the end, we had no alternative but to cross the second and, despite an altercation with a belligerent farmer who wouldn`t allow us to make a detour along a much easier walking route, we were forced to cross a third large field. Some legs were a little tired at the end. Lunch was enjoyed at the Blue Lion.
JOINT GOLF GROUP (with Lutterworth U3A)
Co-ordinator (Lutterworth U3A)
Peter Moore
01455 552594
NEXT JOINT GOLF DAY Lutterworth and Wycliffe U3A
Venue: Whetstone Golf Club
*Please note date change* to Wednesday 10th October
Organiser:- Alan Kemp :-
Tel :- 01455 203009 or
e-mail:- evelynkemp@fsmail.net
Meet: 12.00 hrs in Clubhouse
Bacon Sandwich and Coffee
12.45 hrs: Draw for playing partners
Tee Time: 13.00 hrs 1st Tee
18 Holes Golf: Full handicap Stableford
Prizes: 1st place plus Hartopp Trophy
2nd place
3rd place
Nearest the Pin (17th Hole)
Cost: £25.00p per player :- to include
Bacon Sandwich etc, Green Fee,
Prize Fund and Dinner
(dependent on numbers)
Guests will be very welcome to join us for dinner :- cost £11.00p each.
Dinner:- 18.30 hrs
Roast Beef, vegetables etc.
followed by Apple Pie with Custard
or Cream or Ice Cream
and Coffee to conclude.
Please confirm your attendance, in good time, with Alan Kemp or Peter Moore and include extra dinner places.
Please bring along any Guests for Dinner.
They will all be very welcome.
Again, the Wycliffe U3A was treated to a talk from Trevor Parr, this time dressed ‘normally’ rather than and a 17th century apothecary. He gave us an in depth talk about the National Trust Museum of Childhood that is located at Sudbury Hall in South Derbyshire. As expected, many of those present were National Trust members but few had actually visited the museum. It started in the 1920’s with Betty Cadbury, of chocolate fame, starting to collect toys and the like. By 1983, her house was getting more than a little overcrowded so the collection was donated to the National Trust. These took three large lorries to transport. There are now over 20,000 items in the collection and over 99% work without batteries.
However, the museum building was looking rather dated so a complete multi-million pound make-over was started in 2008 and now the museum is modern, light and airy with many toys that can actually be played with. Every year, over 7000 school children visit the museum. Trevor also told us about the restoration and renovation work in items, some of which are swapped with the Victoria and Albert museum in London.
Yet again another interesting talk that should get some of the members to visit the museum.
Christmas Lunch
Friday 7th December is the date for this years Christmas Lunch at Kilworth Springs Golf Club. Ann Ashworth has negotiated to keep the price the same as last year at a very reasonable £18 per head. What a splendid venue it has been for the last two years! Don’t miss out—contact Ann to reserve a place
THEATRE Co-ordinator
Eddie Hemsley 01455 554564
In September there are trips to ‘The Tempest’ at Stratford, ‘The Sound of Music’ at Kilworth House and ’The Glen Miller Band’ at de Montfort Hall.
TRIPS
Joint Co-ordinators
George Robertson :george9high@hotmail.com
Rose Coltman ; 01455-209830 (ex/d. )
George and Rose have agreed to co-ordinate the Trips Group, with Eddie our Chairman as backup. They have already organised a trip to Sulgrave Manor and are looking into the possibility of a trip to Lincoln in October.
QUIZ GROUP
Co-ordinator
Sylvie Curtis
01455 554504
No Meeting in August as it fell on Bank Holiday Monday. Next meeting September 24th.
CANASTA 1 & 3
Co-ordinator
June Hartopp
01455 553418
Despite holidays these groups continue to be well supported. Pleasant company and some good card playing make for enjoyable sessions for each group.
SCRABBLE
Co-ordinator
June Hartopp
01455 553418
We welcomed a new member at our last meeting and she promptly scored an extra 50 points for a seven-letter-word. Not to be outdone, two other members did the same. Another friendly morning stimulating the old grey matter.
BIRD WATCHING
Co-ordinators
Mary & Peter Rolleston
01455 209156
Our August birdwatching trip was a most enjoyable one, partly because it turned out to be a lovely sunny day. Ten members of the group went to Eggleton Nature Reserve at Rutland Water where we spent the morning walking and visiting the hides. We saw quite a lot of water birds, but the highlight of the day was a sighting of a rare visitor to this country - the red-necked phalarope!
The young bird, who will not develop his red neck until next spring, was spotted through a telescope by a keen birdwatcher in one of the hides and it caused great excitement amongst both visitors and staff. After lunch outside at the Horse and Jockey in Manton, a group of us went on to Lyndon nature reserve where we were lucky enough to observe three ospreys who will shortly be leaving on their long flight to Africa.
Our next trip on Friday, 28th September, will be to Upton Warren near Droitwich, Worcestershire.
New members always welcome.
BOOK CHAT
Co-ordinator
Mick Curtis
01455 554504
Small Island by Andrea Levy tells the story of two couples; Jamaican ex RAF Serviceman Gilbert and his snobbish wife ,Hortense,who emigrate to Britain in 1948 hoping for a better life in the Mother Country; and British couple Bernard and Queenie, already living in London. After Bernard fails to return from fighting in the Second World War, Queenie makes ends meet by letting her shabby attic room to Gilbert and snobbish Hortense, who is horrified to find that England is very different to the genteel land of her dreams. Gilbert is distressed too, as he realises the English treat him with even more contempt now he is out of uniform.But all this is nothing compared to how bigoted Bernard proves when he finally returns home to discover his house full of 'coloureds'. In this well researched tale of prejudice and ignorance, Andrea Levy uses first-person narrative giving all four characters the narration in turn to tell the story. She manages to portray both black and white experiences with wit, compassion and an even hand.
As may be expected this novel led to some lively discussion, and all admitted to learning something new about our not so distant past. However, every member present enjoyed the book and found it well written and thought provoking.
CRAFTS
Co– ordinator
Doreen Barrett
01455 550228
Having had a break for summer holidays we will be back in action again on September 27th. I realise that this clashes with the Sulgrave Manor visit, but if you are free I hope to see you.
New members will be very welcome. Come with your project or let me try to inspire you!
GERMAN CONVERSATION
Co-ordinator
Sue Hicks
01858 880273
21 August 2012
We started the second CD, and had a conversation about the Olympics.
The next meeting will be on 25 September, probably at Alan’s. Please note change of date.
FRENCH CONVERSATION
Co-ordinator
Sue Hicks
01858 880273
23 August 2012
We looked at “Faux Amis” (False Friends) this time, which are words which look like the English but have a different meaning. We then read through a short play, which we hope to “perform” next time.
The next meeting will be on Thursday, 27 September, when we hope to speak lots more French. Suggestions for topics of interest always welcome. On October 25 we plan to see the new version of “The Well-digger’s Daughter” at Pearl and Tony’s house.
PHOTOGRAPHY
Co-ordinator
Mick Curtis
01455 554504
No meeting in August, but normal service will be resumed in September.
LIVELY DISCUSSION
Co-ordinator
Dot Barnard
01455 208190
August Topic:Is positive discrimination in relation to age, gender, ethnic minorities etc. good or bad?
In general the group felt that women were less discriminated against now than 50 years ago. Employers are required by law not to ask about plans for having a family. However, it became apparent that even female bosses can be reluctant to employ women of child bearing age. Professional people make arrangements for child care in the same way that they organize their business lives. Males can be long-term sick and this also leaves the workplace short of the employee for a considerable time. All in the group wanted people to be employed on merit, but felt that females were often discriminated against. Teaching and the law have more female than male employees and this was felt to be just as bad as the other way round. The term ‘manageress’, sounds like a diminutive and often undermines the post, as a good manager can be of either gender. There was concern that some politicians are suggesting all women short lists and this could mean less able people. Achieving a balance is taking too long, even though women form more than 50% of the population. Female role models such as Hilary Devet, Deborah Meaden, Nicola Horlick and Karen Brady were discussed. It was noted that these women ran their own companies and were not employees, and that Karen Brady had a millionaire father.
Age discrimination seems to be practised, since people in their 30s and 40s are perceived to be the best to employ. Experience, ability and tenacity can be overlooked by some younger recruiters. Much advertising is directed towards younger people.
Some group members showed concern that police forces were actively encouraging applications from ethnic minorities, but these applicants still have to make the grade with their qualifications and at interview. It is a way of trying to reflect the make-up of society.
At the end of the discussion everyone agreed that discrimination whether positive or negative is a bad thing. Members felt that legislation against sexual, ethnic and disabled discrimination has improved the situation.
October Topic: Elected police commissioners are a good idea.
TUESDAY WALKING GROUP Co-ordinator:
Gordon Jones (Lutterworth U3A)
01455 556192
*NOTE THE EARLIER TIMING*
Date of walk: Tuesday 18th September 2012.
Walk Organiser: Fred and Dorothy Milsom, 01455 552430
Meeting Point and time: Meet at the Coventry Road recreation ground Car Park.
* Meet by 9.15 to leave at 9.20.*
Route and distance: About 6 miles from Weedon walking the Nene Way to Little Everdon and up to the edge of Newnham then back to Weedon on field paths. A bit of village road in Weedon.
Directions to the Starting Point: Down the A5 to Weedon. At the traffic lights in Weedon turn left then sharp right into the car park of the Cross Roads Hotel. Park away from the building. Sat. Nav: NN7 4PX
Lunch: At the Chef and Brewer in the Crossroads hotel, select before setting out.
Return Journey from Lutterworth Mileage: 38
1st WEDNESDAY WALKING GROUP Joint Co-ordinators:
Roger Watmore 01455 552431 and
Julian Hargreaves 01455 557704
3rd October 2012
Walk Organiser: Reg Tattersall Tel: 01455 209126
Meeting Point:-Lutterworth Recreational Ground, Coventry Road Car Park.
Time:-9.25am to leave at 9.30 am.
Directions to the start: From Lutterworth go through Kimcote and Walton emerging onto the Bruntingthorpe to Saddington road just beyond the airfield. Turn right and proceed to the crossroads on the A5199. Cross the main road and continue into Saddington. In Saddington turn left just before the Queen's Head pub and continue into Smeeton Westerby. The King's Head is at the far end of the village on the left with a small car park at the rear. Return Mileage from Lutterworth is 23 miles.
Route and Distance: From the The King's Head in Smeeton Westerby at 10:00 am the walk (of approx. 5.25 miles) is on a mixture of field paths, metalled roads and bridleways and also part of the Leicestershire Round. The walk goes across fields towards Saddington. There are some lovely views across Saddington Reservoir (after a short uphill section) and the walk continues on the Leicestershire Round towards Gumley. From there the walk returns across fields to The King's Head for lunch where a variety of meals at a range of prices are available. We will pre-order our food before starting the walk.
August Walk: Stoney Cove diving centre, an unusual starting point for a walk. 22 walkers set off on a circular route going by the side of the cove, over paths and fields to Croft and returning by Stoney Stanton village. The walk finished at the very busy Diving Centre for a good lunch.
Mick Barrows
4th WEDNESDAY WALKING GROUP Co-ordinators:
Sue & Peter Creeden
01455 557888
26 September 2012
Walk Organisers: Julian Hargreaves Tel: 01455 557704
Meeting Point and Time:
Coventry Road recreation ground car park at 9.20am to leave at 9.30am.
Directions to the Start:
Leave Lutterworth towards Magna Park. At A5 roundabout take the second exit towards Pailton. After about 2 miles turn left into Montilo Lane. Pass the Air Traffic control masts, cross over the M6 and keep going to the T junction. Then turn left towards Harborough Magna. The Old Lion pub is on the left after the sharp left hand bend.
The Walk
The walk is across fields to Cosford and onto Churchover and back to Harborough Magna, a total of about 6 miles.
Lunch
The Old Lion pub is being beautifully re-furbished and will re-open in September. Julian has spoken to the landlady and she assures him that she will be doing good food at reasonable prices.
August Walk
The weather was overcast, but dry this time. This walk was cancelled in April because of very heavy rain. A dog and 15 walkers set off from Witherly for a circular which was mostly across fields and passed through parts of Ratcliffe Culey, Atterton and Fenny Drayton. This is always a difficult time of the year for walking because the farmers have harvested and start in earnest to plough their fields. We managed a detour around one early on in the walk but later on, towards the end, we had no alternative but to cross the second and, despite an altercation with a belligerent farmer who wouldn`t allow us to make a detour along a much easier walking route, we were forced to cross a third large field. Some legs were a little tired at the end. Lunch was enjoyed at the Blue Lion.
JOINT GOLF GROUP (with Lutterworth U3A)
Co-ordinator (Lutterworth U3A)
Peter Moore
01455 552594
NEXT JOINT GOLF DAY Lutterworth and Wycliffe U3A
Venue: Whetstone Golf Club
*Please note date change* to Wednesday 10th October
Organiser:- Alan Kemp :-
Tel :- 01455 203009 or
e-mail:- evelynkemp@fsmail.net
Meet: 12.00 hrs in Clubhouse
Bacon Sandwich and Coffee
12.45 hrs: Draw for playing partners
Tee Time: 13.00 hrs 1st Tee
18 Holes Golf: Full handicap Stableford
Prizes: 1st place plus Hartopp Trophy
2nd place
3rd place
Nearest the Pin (17th Hole)
Cost: £25.00p per player :- to include
Bacon Sandwich etc, Green Fee,
Prize Fund and Dinner
(dependent on numbers)
Guests will be very welcome to join us for dinner :- cost £11.00p each.
Dinner:- 18.30 hrs
Roast Beef, vegetables etc.
followed by Apple Pie with Custard
or Cream or Ice Cream
and Coffee to conclude.
Please confirm your attendance, in good time, with Alan Kemp or Peter Moore and include extra dinner places.
Please bring along any Guests for Dinner.
They will all be very welcome.
