HADDENHAM U3A Newsletter Mar - Apr 2012

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Jewel Ray
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1 Chairman s Thoughts Carol Mason (292236) We have got our new year off to a very good start with two excellent speakers at our monthly meeting both of which were well attended. We have also had a theatre trip and an espionage guided walk around London. Many of our interest groups are thriving, for instance, Alan Rose s history group now has 55 members (which of course brings its own set of problems) and Hilary Skipsey s new theatre goers group already has 20 members and rising. However, others such as the hand bells and dance groups would welcome some more members. Ed Bullimore held a meeting of those of our members who had expressed an interest in a range of earth sciences and the environment and out of this was born Earth Matters, the details of which appear later in the newsletter. The First Aid course has attracted enough people for two more courses and intermediate French Conversation has enough people to start up a group. Chris Patterson s trip to Spain is going ahead as is our walking trip to Exmoor in May. Unfortunately the Ten Pin Bowling group has had to cease because of the closure of Jardines in Aylesbury. Our thanks go to Spencer and Betty Taylor who led the group. As can be seen in this newsletter there are many other groups run by dedicated volunteers who would love to hear from any of you wishing to try something new. Equally, if you have an area of expertise or interest, please contact Hilary with your ideas and she will help guide you through creating a new group. We also have members who volunteer to arrange trips such as the Da Vinci visit last year and the trip to Lord s Cricket Ground this year. Ann Rickard does a great job organising our outings but we welcome ideas and help from other members to add even more variety to our visits. Our membership continues to grow and we held another coffee morning at Haddenham Garden Centre where 15 of the 27 new members came along. The committee members had an enjoyable couple of hours talking to our new members and telling them about the wide range of activities that are available to them. This brings our membership up to 290 which means the Committee is looking at ways to avoid overcrowding at the monthly meetings. The Third Age Trust has offered to help us as they have a lot of experience of supporting local groups in our situation and they have advised us that there are a number of options we can consider. A number of the Committee members have volunteered to work towards finding the best solution for us and we will keep you informed about our progress. The Third Age Trust has just reported the latest figures on national membership which are 274,261 members in 837 local U3As. They also say that requests for help to set up new U3As are increasing. The Trust is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year and Haddenham U3A has been in existence for 10 years. Both appear to be successful and vibrant organisations which reflect well on those of us who have reached the Third Age. We are fortunate in having members on our Committee who put in a lot of effort on our behalf so I m sure that you will join me in thanking them for all they do for our U3A. Carol Mason General Meetings further details from Carole Fryer ( ) In a minor change to the programme, the 5 th March general meeting will feature Martin Hodson reviewing the current debate about Climate Change. On 2 nd April, our meeting will have Tim Pocock talking about the work of the Magistrates Courts and what Magistrates do! The full programme of General Meetings and the speakers for 2012 is available on the U3A website Events and Outings bookings and further details from Ann Rickard (291613) March 21 st sees Peter and Pam Appleby taking us on another of their fascinating tours, this time to the Lord s Cricket Ground, home of the MCC in St John s Wood. The following month on 11 th April we have a group going to Oxford to see Matthew Bourne s acclaimed dance production Nutcracker!, which is celebrating its 20 th anniversary this year. Looking further ahead, on May 2 nd we will have our ever-popular trip to the evening Hunter Chase meeting at Cheltenham racecourse, and June 21 st will see a visit to the house and gardens of Great Dixter, the home of the late Christopher Lloyd, gardening writer for Country Life and the Daily Telegraph.

2 U3A Spring Holiday Northern Spain Chris Patterson (290342) Our destination is Northern Spain and the Picos Mountains, departing 23rd and returning 28th April. There will be a meeting for all participants in this holiday on Wednesday March 15th at 5a,Dollicott.We shall be - finalising the pick-up times and points for the coach journey to the airport - clarifying the changes which have presented throughout the run-up to the holiday - giving those able to attend, the chance to meet some of their fellow travellers and providing a forum for any suggestions, concerns and/or opinions to be aired; particularly on the subject of; 'for what our group fund could best be used'. 4 day Walking Holiday on Exmoor Angela Wenham (291932) Three night break, Wed 9th - Sat 12th May 2012 at Holnicote House, Selworthy. Three levels of walking each day. Full board in comfortable country house hotel Individual travel arrangements to Selworthy. To check availability of rooms, please contact: Angela Wenham New Interest Groups Hilary Skipsey (290464) Carol Mason has been making progress towards setting up a French Conversation Group. She is currently in discussions with a view to coming up with a format for an intermediate group and an advanced group. Look out for an announcement soon. Hilary Skipsey has successfully launched a Theatre Group which will aim to provide regular trips to the theatre for group members. The first trip is planned for 15th March and is fully booked. See later in this newsletter from further details. The Earth Matters group has had its first planning meeting. It will focus on bi-monthly field trips covering Botany, Geology, Archaeology, Palaeontology and Ecology. It is expected to launch in May. First Aid Training Carol Mason (292236) Following the success of the first course, we are now planning a repeat of the course run by St John Ambulance. We expect it to take place in the Walter Rose Room in the Haddenham Village Hall. The date is not yet fixed. The cost of the training is 26 (for this you get a good first handbook and a certificate). The minimum number we can run the course with is 8. We have 13 on the list at the moment. If you, or others you know, are interested in joining this course, please let Carol Mason know Membership Renewals Angela Wenham (291932) Haddenham U3A memberships for the year expire on 31 March If you would like to renew your membership for the year 1 April March 2013, you need to complete a Membership Renewal Form now and return it to Angela Wenham. Please note that the preferred method of payment is by Standing Order. If you already pay by standing order, you still need to complete and return the renewal form. If you decide NOT to renew, please notify Angela on , because each year we have a waiting list of people asking to join. Wider U3A News further details from John Brandis (292484) Forthcoming Third Age Trust events: 27 March 2012 U3A Explores Science at the Royal institution (London) July 2012 Summer School - various courses (at Newport near Telford) August 2012 Summer School various courses (at Cirencester) Forthcoming Thames Valley Network events: 9 March 2012 TVN Study Day on English Social History (post Roman, Anglo Saxon and Norman) 14 June 2012 Network Conference (at Abingdon) 19 October 2012 Food Science, health and Well Being (at Benson)

3 Notes from the Interest Groups (telephone nos unless stated) Antiques and Collectables Group Leader: Lucy Hamblett (291386) On 8 th March, the group will have an illustrated talk by Robyn Thorogood of his trek through Ethiopia in This will be followed on 12 th April by Gordon Lindars speaking on Family History Books Group Leader: Ann Warris (292273) Ann Warris will lead the discussion on 27 th March on The Pact by Jodi Picoult. The April book will be Somewhere Towards the End by Diana Athill Hester Willmott will present it on 17 th April. Card & Board Games Group Leader: Chris Patterson (290342) The Card and Games group will be meeting on 26th March and 22nd April. Although the first of these will be at 5a Dollicott as usual, Chris will be away on the Northern Spain trip for the April meeting an alternative venue is being sought. The Group plays a variety of both card and board games; currently solo, cribbage and word games are the most popular. Please note that this group does NOT play Bridge. We are always willing to play other games (even if you need to teach the rest of us!). Equally, the group is very happy to introduce players to games with which they may not already be familiar. New U3A Members are very welcome to join the Group. Computers Group Leader: Eileen Monks (216033) The group will meet in Chinnor Village Centre on 2 nd March for Simon (of Soundbyte Response, Thame) to giving another of his popular talks about latest developments. From the perspective of his business he is very aware of the issues affecting the home PC user and covers new hardware and software developments as well as virus and other threats. On April 6 th we will be discussing researching genealogy Cycling Group Leader: Marie Woodrow (292012) Malcolm White (291677) On 27 th March we will be cycling from the Abingdon Leisure Centre. The route of our February ride will be announced in due course. Dance Leader: Theresa Smith ( ) After the final English Country Dancing session with Madeleine Smith on 7th March, we will be switching to Zumba. Please note that these weekly sessions will be on Thursdays in Haddenham Village Hall from hrs. Zumba is an exercise regime based around Latin dance routines but for us Seniors Olivia concentrates on the dance steps and teaches us Salsa, Cumbia and other rhythmic dances. It is great fun and very different to our Scottish and English dancing. Come along and try it for yourself. I promise you it is not too fast paced for us and it is great FUN. Digital Photography Group Leader: John Davis (291664) The group meeting on 16 th March will be Video. On 20 th April Theresa Smith and Carol Mason will be leading the group on a trip to take pictures at the College Lake Nature Reserve near Tring. Discussion Group Leader: Chris Patterson (290342) Our popular Open Forum meetings will be on 12 th March and 9 th April, with all subjects suggested by the members. The meetings are very informal, everyone has an opportunity to speak and give their views. Earth Matters Group Leader: Sue Oswell (290568) The emphasis of this new group is to study Botany, Geology, Archaeology, Palaeontology and Ecology and learn more about our local area. We envisage arranging field trips with expert guides at two-monthly intervals between May and November with the possibility of inviting specialised speakers during the winter. The suggested day would be the second Wednesday of the month. We thought we would start with the bluebells and the Chilterns in May If you are interested in joining the group, or have a relevant area of expertise, please contact Sue Oswell. Gardening Group Leader: Brenda Spencer (291235) The March 19 and April 16 meetings will be at the Lion s Den for a talk by Juliet Buckle entitled Love to Compost and a Plant Swap.

4 Handbell Group Leader: Alan Rose (291004) The next regular meetings of the handbell group are on 12th and 26th March. We will possibly invite members of other local U3As to join us to make sure we have enough ringers. So if any Haddenham U3A members fancy a go, please let Alan know as soon as possible Local History Group Leader: Alan Rose (291004) On 28 th March we will be meeting at home at the Methodist Church in Haddenham for three talks by group members on Spicers/Spicer Hallfield, DIY history, and the history of Steve Sharp s house The next visits will be a return to see more of Dinton guided by Andrew Wild. As we have over 55 members of the group now, this will take place on two consecutive days 24 th and 25 th April. Please let Alan know which day you would like to come. Luncheon Club (Friday) Leader: Angela Wenham (291932) The next Friday Luncheon will be at the Swan at Tetsworth on 13 th January. A former coaching inn and Antiques Centre, the restaurant has a reputation for delicious food served in cosy surroundings. Music Appreciation Group Leader: Ed Bullimore (291011) On 12 th March, John Hawkins and Jean Allen will introduce a programme of Music from the Shows. On April 16 th Hugh Stradling will offer music inspired by his forthcoming trip to Norway. Opera Group Leader: Rosalie Sadler (290210) No current events in March or April, but Rosalie is organising a group to see Tristan and Isolde in Birmingham on 16 th June. Painting and Art Liaison: Pam Appleby (292085) U3A members are invited to join the Friday Art Group run by Haddenham & District Age Concern. It meets every Friday from hrs in the Walter Rose Room at Haddenham Village Hall. They cover a range of painting types and styles. Beginners are welcome. You do not have to make a commitment to attend regularly if you can only get there occasionally. There is a charge of 2.50 per session. If you wish to find out more about the group, please contact U3A member Pam Appleby Play Reading & Poetry Group Leader: Heather Forbes Russell (291482) The plays for 26th March and 23rd April have not yet been confirmed, but the poet will be Edward Lear. Pub Quiz Group Leader: Ingrid Holmes (291331) The Pub Quiz group continues to field teams at the Rose and Thistle pub on the first Wednesdays this time 7 th March and 2 nd April. Fresh talent for the U3A teams is always welcome. Sunday Lunch Club Leader: Ray Price (299320) The Clifden Arms and Worminghall will be the venue for Sunday lunch this month on 25 th March. Please note the date. The venue for April will be announced in March. Do let Ray know if you intend to join us. Walking Group 1 Leader: Ingrid Holmes (291331) Mary White (291677) Group 1 s circular walk on March 20th will start and end at the Pheasant pub in Brill. Walking Group 2 Leader: Carol Mason (292236) The route for Group 2 s walk on 23 rd March is not yet known Ridgeway Walkers Leader: Carol Mason (292236) The Ridgeway walk is resuming on March 6th with stage 4 from Watlington to North Stoke. Stage 5 will be on 3rd April to East Isley. A coach from Haddenham takes and collects the walkers at each end. Wine Group Leader: David Tomlin (291877) Edgar Skipsey (290464) The next wine tasting sessions will be on 14 th March and 11 th April at the Lion s Den, Haddenham. New members for this group are welcome.

5 CALENDAR MARCH 2012 Interest Group Event Date Time Venue Computers GENERAL MEETING Computing Issues and Trends Climate Change a review of the current debate Martin Hodson 2 Mar hrs Chinnor Village Centre 5 Mar for 14.30hrs Youth & Community Centre, Woodways, Haddenham Dance English Country Dancing 7 Mar hrs Haddenham Village Hall Pub Quiz Pub Quiz 7 Mar hrs for start Rose and Thistle, Haddenham Antiques and Trekking Ethiopia 8 Mar for 10.30hrs Lion s Den, Red Lion, Haddenham Collectables Luncheon Club (Friday) The Leathern Bottle, Lewknor 9 Mar for 13.00hrs sitting Meet at The Leathern Bottle PH, Lewknor OX49 5TW Discussion Open Forum 12 Mar hrs 5a Dollicott, Haddenham Handbells Handbell Session 12 Mar hrs 14 Stockwell, Haddenham Music Music from the Shows 12 Mar hrs 103 Thame Road, Haddenham Appreciation Dance Zumba 14 Mar hrs Haddenham Village Hall Wine Wine Tasting 14 Mar hrs Lion s Den, Red Lion, Haddenham Theatre A Long Day s Journey into Night 15 Mar 2012 Coach tba. Performance 19.00hrs Coach from Haddenham Village Hall Digital Photography Video 16 Mar hrs Guide Headquarters, Southern Road, Thame Gardening Love to Compost 19 Mar hrs Lion s Den, Red Lion, Haddenham Walking Group 1 Circular route from Brill 20 Mar for 10.30hrs start Meet at The Pheasant, Brill Visit to Lord s Cricket Ground 21 Mar hrs departure, return EVENTS & coach from Village Hall, OUTINGS approx hrs Haddenham Dance Zumba 21 Mar hrs Haddenham Village Hall

6 Interest Group Event Date Time Venue Card and Board Games Card and Board Games Group Meeting 22 Mar hrs 5a Dollicott, Haddenham Group Meeting 22 Mar hrs 5a Dollicott, Haddenham Walking Group 2 Route tba 23 Mar 2012 tba tba Sunday Lunch Clifden Arms, Worminghall 25 Mar for sitting Meet at the Clifden Arms, Worminghall Handbells Handbell Session 26 Mar hrs 14 Stockwell, Haddenham Play tba + poems of Edward 26 Mar hrs 68 Willis Road, Haddenham Play and Poetry Reading Lear Cycling Route from Abingdon 27 Mar for 10.30hrs start Meet at Abingdon Leisure Centre Books The Pack Jodi Picoult 27 Mar hrs The Old Stables, Dadbrook, Cuddington Local History Talks by group members 28 Mar hrs Methodist Church, Haddenham Dance Zumba 28 Mar hrs Haddenham Village Hall

7 APRIL 2012 Interest Group Event Date Time Venue GENERAL MEETING Magistrates the work of the courts and what magistrates do Tim Pocock 2 Apr for 14.30hrs Youth & Community Centre, Woodways, Haddenham Pub Quiz Pub Quiz 2 Apr hrs for start Rose and Thistle, Haddenham Dance Zumba 5 Apr hrs Haddenham Village Hall Computers Genealogy 6 Apr hrs Chinnor Village Centre Discussion Open Forum 9 Apr hrs 5a Dollicott, Haddenham Handbells Handbells Session 9 Apr hrs 14 Stockwell, Haddenham EVENTS & Matthew Bourne s 11 Apr departure, return coach from Village Hall, OUTINGS Nutcracker! approx hrs Haddenham Wine Wine Tasting 11 Apr hrs Lion s Den, Red Lion, Haddenham Antiques and Collectables Music Appreciation Family History 12 Apr for 10.30hrs Lion s Den, Red Lion, Haddenham Music inspired by Norway 16 Apr hrs 27B The Gables, Haddenham Gardening Plant Swap 16 Apr hrs Lion s Den, Red Lion, Haddenham Digital Trip to College Lake Nature 17 Feb 2012 College Lake make your own travel arrangements Photography Reserve Walking Group 1 Route tba 17 Apr 2012 tba tba Dance Zumba 19 Apr hrs Haddenham Village Hall

8 Interest Group Event Date Time Venue Sunday Lunch venue tba 22 Apr 2012 tba tba Handbells Handbells Session 23 Apr hrs 14 Stockwell, Haddenham Play and Poetry Reading EVENTS & OUTINGS Play and Poet tba 23 Apr hrs 68 Willis Road, Haddenham U3A Spring Holiday to Apr tba travel arrangements tba Northern Spain 2012 Cycling route tba 24 Apr 2012 tba tba Local History Guided walk around Dinton 24 Apr hrs Meet at Dinton Church (1 st ) Local History Guided walk around Dinton 25 Apr hrs Meet at Dinton Church (2 nd ) Dance Zumba 26 Apr hrs Haddenham Village Hall Theatre The Lady in the Van by Alan Bennett 26 Apr for 14.30hrs performance Make your own travel arrangement to the Waterside Theatre, Aylesbury Group meeting 26 Apr hrs venue tba Card and Board Games Walking Group 2 Route tba 27 Apr 2012 tba tba

HADDENHAM U3A Newsletter May - June 2013

HADDENHAM U3A Newsletter May - June 2013 Chairman s Thoughts Carol Mason (292236) AGM Report It has been a year of mixed fortunes for me personally but as far as Haddenham U3A is concerned it has been a great year. Our membership continues to