KINGSBRIDGE ESTUARY U3ANEWSLETTER JULY 2017

11TH EDITION

MAGNOLIA AT OVERBECKS SALCOMBE

GARDEN GROUP AT SUTTONMEADWALKING ON HARFORD MOOR

WALKING AT WIDEWELL WOOD GEOLOGY GROUP

GARDEN VISIT TO HALDEN GRANGE

COMMITTEECHAIRMANTEL.843638

CAROLYN SCHOFIELD

VICE CHAIRMANTel.856829

VERNON TAYLOR

SECRETARYTEL.857242

JACKIE STACEY

TREASURERTEL.843358

LINDA COTON

MEMBERSHIP SECRETARYTEL. 853242

LIZ PLAYLE

SPEAKER SECRETARYTEL. 854559

SHEILA HARRISON

GROUPS COORDINATORTEL. 852529

PETER BOLT

VISITS CONTACT & liaison with TonyTEL. 531822

AMANDA BENNETT

PUBLICITYTEL.852452

ANITA DUNSTER

BEACONTEL.842217

JUDY TYLER

COMMITTEETEL.856956

SYLVIA GRIFFIN

COMMITTEETEL. 07828136479

GLEN WILKINS

WEBSITETel.852255

RODNEY STRONG

NEWSLETTERTEL. 842217 OR 842258

JUDY TYLER / LINDA COTON

PRINTING AND COLLATING BY JO SALCOMBE PARISH CHURCH

CHAIRMAN’S CHAT

As always I wish to express heartfelt thanks tothe rest of the committee for all their hard work,and most particularly, on your behalf, to SylviaGriffin, who stood down at the recent AGM fromthe position of Secretary, which she has occupiedwith distinction since our branch of the U3Abegan. Happily she has agreed to remain as amember of the committee. I know you will alsowant me to thank Tony Westlake who has given

so many of you so much pleasure by the organisation of monthly outings, and is nowstanding down from the committee, although not entirely from the outings. We also lostour groups coordinator, Anthea McWatt, during the year, and understand that she is nowsettled near Liskeard and her family where we wish her well. Thanks to to Judy Tyler whois relinquishing the onerous post of Membership Secretary, although she will remain onthe committee, responsible for the Beacon system, and continue, with Linda Coton, toproduce the newsletter for us.I am happy to say that volunteers have come forward to fill the gaps. Jackie Stacey alreadyon the committee, agreed to take over from Sylvia as Secretary, and was duly elected tothat office at the AGM. Liz Playle will take on the job of Membership Secretary. Fournew committee members were elected at the AGM – Peter Bolt, Sylvia Griffin, Glen Wilkinsand Amanda Bennett; we are grateful to them all and especially to Peter who has beenpersuaded to take over the role of Groups Coordinator, and to Amanda who has offeredto help Tony with suggesting and arranging outings.I would like to express thanks as well to all our hardworking group leaders as well as tothe often unsung heroes: Rodney Strong, who keeps our website – and all of us – inorder and up-to-date; Vernon Taylor and Dave Barnwell who look so ably after thetechnical side of our monthly meetings, all those too many to mention who help withthe coffee, and those too few for comfort who put out the chairs. (Anita is going toorganise a rota for this so please feel free to volunteer!)Finally thanks must go to Elizabeth Bailey, a barrister and member of the Newton FerrersU3A, who advised on the revision of our constitution to conform with the model producedby the U3A centrally, to satisfy the requirements of the Charity Commission. This revisedconstitution was formally adopted at the AGM and we shall now apply for charitablestatus.Many groups are closing down for the summer, but we look forward to them all startingup again with renewed enthusiasm and vigour in September. Meanwhile have a greatsummer!CAROLYN SCHOFIELD

MONTHLY MEETINGS 10AM AT THEMETHODIST CHURCH KINGSBRIDGE

We have had quite a selection of excellent speakers with something foreveryone I hope. Starting in October 2016 with Tony Porter, a charis-matic man of many spectacular careers but for us always associatedwith the Art Deco Hotel on Burgh Island, the Great White Palace.Then Alan Prince our Master Thatcher in November who explainedso much of the mystery and folk lore and history of these exquisite cot-tages, really hands-on.

Into the New Year with Tessa Spencer and Genealogy, so clever and so generous with heron-going help for those tracking their family histories. Next “Mr Tavistock” Andrew Thomp-son whose detailed talk brought ancient Tavistock so alive and has resulted in a visit toTavistock and walk led by him in September.Ann Widdecombe in March proved so popular that we had to have an 'away day' toThurlestone Parish Hall as we just had too many members for our usual Methodist Hall toaccommodate. A charming, hilarious lady who explained her career without embellishment, asif she would need to.Follow this? Well we did in April with the truly beautiful photography and superb talk by NickTownsend transporting us to his life growing up in the Serengeti which proved so emotionalfor many, we all felt we were there with him and his family.In May we were very fortunate to have as our eminent Speaker Vice Admiral Sir JonathanTod. He had a brilliant career from cadet at Dartmouth to Vice Admiral and thence to DowningStreet. His talk was ‘Cold War Warrior’In June we had the much-in-demand Speaker Val Bugden-Cawsey. Her career has been asa professional caterer, three of those as Cook/Housekeeper to HRH The Princess Royal.Beyond this however Val was a consultant for four years for the Channel Tunnel Project,In July we had Richard Haigh on 'The History of Cosa Nostra', some of us have beenfortunate enough to go to Sicily with that uncomfortable feeling that we were in the Mafia hometown but for all of us they maintain a very wary interest.

STILL TO COME on October 27th we have Chris Robinson, writer and historian who willbe a terrific speaker. His talk is entitled 'Victorian Plymouth', there is no better and I can seeso many visits resulting from his talk.

On November 24th our last speaker this year is Susan Matthew who worked for the UnitedNations for 29 years in London and New York. She was appointed Chief of Personnel at theUN Human Settlements organisation in Nairobi and so much more.Quite a year!SHEILA HARRISON

WEBSITE u3asites.org.uk/

When updating our website in May this year I was told by theU3A web design team that the appearance of our KEU3A sitewould soon change but they did not give me a date! Anyway,it’s happened – so there is a slightly different ‘banner’ heading

at the top of your screen.Along with some colour changes the main effect is to move the ‘button bar’(Home, Welcome, Groups etc) to the very top; it had been just under the title‘Kingsbridge Estuary’. Those of you using Chrome or Firefox browsers will findthat, when you scroll down to see the lower part of any page, the buttonsremain ‘pinned’ and accessible at the very top of your screen. We ‘oldies’ usingInternet Explorer will not see it. Microsoft Edge that came with Windows 10 initiallydid not show it but will after an upgrade and I was told that Safari did work butit doesn’t on our iPad. If you think it would help you, you can always downloadGoogle Chrome for free.By default a U3A logo (as on Chairman’s chat page) appears on the right handside of the banner, replacing our thumbnail image of the war memorial. It actsas a link to the main U3A website. I shall be able to replace it on group pages,so if any group leader has an image characteristic of their group please emailit to me. It must be simple to have an impact at thumbnail size.I am looking into a way of removing email addresses from group pages whileretaining the ability for a web user to contact the group leader. This is to prevent‘spambots’ from finding those email addresses and sending dangerous spam.I expect that only new enquirers would use the alternative system: existing groupmembers will always use their own ‘email client’ program to write to the leader.As always I am grateful to group leaders who help me keep their pagesup-to-date with new information. If I haven’t done yours recently please checkonline and send me something if needed.RODNEY STRONG

GROUPS COORDINATOR

New to the U3A committee, and new to the role of Group Co-ordinator!I'm trying to sort out in mind what's required of me! Having healthy,

active groups enjoyed by everybody has to be an over-arching aim,as is the setting up of new groups. I'm looking forward to meeting the

group leaders in due course and I hope they will invite me to theirsessions so I can get a real feel for what is happening in KEU3A!

TEL.852529

VISITS

As from the AGM on May 26th 2017, I have taken on assisting Tony Westlakewith arranging visits/outings. I would be happy to hear ideas of places to visit

and will discuss the availability with him. Please note that Tony is still in chargeof arrangements even though he has resigned from the committee.

AMANDA BENNETT.

NEW COMMITTEE ROLES

MEMBERSHIP SECRETARY

I have been in this post since the inception of KEU3A and have enjoyed seeing itgrow from small beginnings of just 40 members to the present 450. I am now

handing the role to LIZ PLAYLE. It has been a fascinating and interesting time for me to be involved with KEU3Afrom the beginning and to see the success it has become. I have enjoyed working

with new friends and the challenge of learning new techniqueswhen producing our Newsletter and our new data base system.

I am remaining as a Committee member concentrating on the admin of theBEACON SYSTEM. and producing our popular NEWSLETTER

JUDY TYLER

SECRETARY

I have made the decision to stand down as KEU3A Secretary. As many of youknow, I joined KEU3A as a member of the Steering Committee at theInauguration Meeting in June 2011 & became Secretary in September 2011.Having been in this position for the past six years, I feel the time is right tostep down, although I am looking forward to remaining as a Committee Member.It is my strong feeling that the U3A is a wonderful organisation, and for mepersonally, came to Kingsbridge at a very difficult time in my life, giving me theopportunity to meet and make friends with so many people and discover theenjoyment of companionship & learning. Whoever thought learning about winecould be so interesting? On a more serious note, I would like to thank everyoneon the committee for their support and take this opportunity of wishing JackieStacey Good Luck as she takes over as your Secretary’ SYLVIA GRIFFIN

ANN WIDDECOMBE MARCH 2017

Known for her powerful oration during her 23 years as an MP, she effortlessly proved that since leavingWestminster in 2010, she has lost none of her incisive wit as, speakingfor an hour, without a note, she held her audience spellbound, from firstto last.After congratulating Sheila Harrison, our Speaker Secretary, on the brevityof her introduction, uproarious laughter greeted Ann’s recollections of howvarious’ flustered officials’ had talked about her ‘biological’ details and‘debatable’ qualities and once was amused to find that a gentleman in theaudience, who had ‘dropped off’ early on and noticeably proceeded tosnore to the end of her talk, was then awoken by his neighbours.Whereupon he leapt to his feet, to give the vote of thanks and withadmirable turn of mind, declared that it had been ‘a dream of a speech’!

Ann said she would answer any questions except one, as she had been unable to answer the lady who hadasked her to explain, why anyone would have an affair with John Prescott!!Having grown up in an Admiralty household she had become used to having to leave schools, friends andbrownie packs every 3 years and start again, so the day she ceased to be an MP in 2010, she was able toleave politics behind and pursue a non-political career, wherever her fancy took her.She listed some of these; her recent programme on Benefits Abuse; then spending 6 days and nights livingas a Victorian, where the conditions and clothing of that time, were strictly adhered to. No modern facilitiesor toiletries were allowed. Indeed at a subsequent meeting with fellow participant Colin Jackson, as theygreeted each other with an embrace, they both commented simultaneously ‘Oh you do smell better!!’She turned down such shows as Big Brother, I’m a Celebrity and Jonathon Ross in favour of Graham Nortonand Basil Brush (the latter being a fan, due to her anti-fox hunting views)!From 2004-2010 Ann had systematically turned down invitations to appear on Strictly Come Dancing, butsaw no reason not to give it a go when she was no longer an MP. Then, having been teamed with Antondu Beke she astonishingly proceeded to get the public’s votes for 10 weeks. This, despite after only 2hoursrehearsing with Anton, he had said their best chance, lay in Ann’s feet touching the ground as little aspossible! But the public loves an underdog!Craig Revel Horwood was his usual sarcastically cruel best, but her favourite quote came from LenGoodman, who commented that Ann’s performance reminded him of Haemorrhoids – they keep comingback, each time, slightly more painful than the last!After Strictly ended she joined the Live Tour with CRH as her partner and then went on to join him inPantomime at the end of 2011. She played Widdy-in –Waiting, to Craig’s wicked Queen, in Snow Whiteand the Seven Dwarves at Dartford. Her description of their ‘dance routine’- involving dancing bust to bust- had us all in fits of laughter.All this was so unlike anything she had done before but she did not believe it when her PA reported a genuinerequest from the Royal Opera House to appear in a production of Donizetti’s ‘La Fille du Regiment’. She isdecidedly non-musical!! Nonetheless, they wanted her to play the part of La Duchesse de Krakentorp, arude autocratic old lady! and so she was privileged to spend 7 nights appearing at Covent Garden.Having invited questions, of course she touched on her political career.Her views were sought on the Prison System’, which proved very firm. Prisoners should not be left in profoundidleness for most hours of their incarceration. That way lays worthlessness and re offending. 4 new prisonsare due to be built where this can be addressed. By allowing space, for structuring days which prepareinmates for the concept of working.

Illiterate, innumerate, without qualifications and usually without any male role models in their lives, this sad sectionof our society have no hope of becoming a useful member of it unless they are shown how. They need realContractors and customers to give them real work so they can earn real wages, with deductions taken from them.They must also be taught how to manage the resulting income. Another question revealed her belief in the efficacyof Capital Punishment. 5 years after its abolition, statistics showed that the Murder rate went up 125% and 40%more robberies involved firearms.Asked about the Scottish Referendum, Ann said that there is no sensible future for Scotland, if it cut itself off fromthe UK, its Currency and Aid.She also said that the NHS in its present form is unsustainable and cannot survive. People are healthier and livinglonger, demographics are totally different from when it came into being in 1948 and it is decades since the NI stampprovided enough to cover health. These days it only just about covers pensions and contributory benefits. She saidthat successive governments, of both sides, were guilty of cowardice in failing to address this looming problemwhich now besets our most valued asset.In case you are wondering, Ann neither tweets nor twitters and does not do Face book; she has a websiteWhen asked who she had most admired at Westminster, her immediate reply was John Major. She also mentionedFrank Field and Jack Straw.The last 2 questions were lighter in content. She has an item on her future to do list, as yet not ticked. She wouldlike to sail down the River Nile.!With a Cornish father and a Devonian mother her method of ‘scone-eating’ was revealed as Jam on the bottomand Cream on top. This raised a cheer!Ann Widdecombe was certainly the ‘Cream’ of our speakers to date - after our thanks were expressed vociferouslyhall was abuzz, as around 140 people - shared their enjoyment ANIITA DUNSTER

BURSARY FOR ATTENDANCE TO NATIONAL EVENTS

DUE TO A DONATION FROM ANN WIDDECOMBE A SMALLBURSARY WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR ANYONE TO ATTEND

A U3A NATIONAL EVENT

DATA PROTECTION

THE KEU3A IS TOTALLY COMMITTED TO PROTECTING THE DATAOF MEMBERS. PLEASE WILL ANYONE WHO IS CONTACTING A

MEMBER PROTECT THEIR EMAIL ADDRESSES BYBLIND COPYING THE RECIPIENTS,(BCC ON YOUR IPAD /COMPUTER)

PARKING AT METHODIST HALL

PLEASE NOTE THAT THERE IS STRICTLY NO PARKING HERE FORMEMBERS COMING TO THE MONTHLY MEETINGS, ALTHOUGH SEVERAL

MEMBERS HAVE DISABLED STICKERS THIS DOES NOT CONSTITUTEAN EXCEPTION.

TAVISTOCK TALK by Andrew Thompson

Andrew Thompson MA, described on hisCV as an Archaeologist and historian,proved to be so much more. His subject “Tavistock -1000 Years ofHistory” was presented withaccompanying slides so masterfully, thatwe hardly realised how much ground hecovered.An aerial view showed the town began

as a River (Tavy) Settlement (stock) back in 974 AD amid 2 valleys.Owned by the Benedictine Abbots under King Edgar’s rule, it grew in prosperity.We were shown the remains of mediaeval buildings including the Great CourtGate and monastic ‘guest house’- circa 12th-14th centuries. A fragment of acloister is just visible, as is the high, narrow and long Abbey Church, next towhich the Parish Church was built, under the Diocese of Exeter.In the 17th century the Abbey Chapel had a Tower added, which raised its statusto that of a ‘Mitred’ Abbey and earned the area a seat in Parliament, and thetitle of Borough. A mediaeval Corn Market was planned.Then on 3rd of March 1539 came a total reversal of fortune. The dissolution ofthe monasteries during the reign of Henry VIII meant that a retainer, JohnRussell, was commissioned to take over. Eventually he was given land for his‘feudal’ services in the Reformation.Eventually, in the 1750’s the Dukes of Bedford took over the estate and JohnWynne became their agent.The dwellings allocated to the townsfolk, had long narrow plots of land attached,called ‘Burbage’s such as those which lie behind both sides of Fore Street inKingsbridge.Gardens for the moneyed ‘nouveau riche’.In 1820, The Bedford Hotel was built - also, the Canal and 1.5 mile long tunnelconnecting Tavistock to the River Tamar was completed. This has achievedcherished World Heritage Status for its uniqueness.It was built to allow overseas shipment of metal ores, mined on Dartmoor.ThePlymouth Road was built in the 1820’s and a Pannier Market began duringVictoria’s reign in 1850’s.Copper was a huge industry and Devon Great Consols supplied copper to the worldfor 20years, along with tin and the mineral Arsenic.

Tavistock became a ‘Boom Town’ and the population went from 3000 to 9000. 3iron foundries sprang up, producing heavy plant such as beam engines.When the mining declined, the knowledge gained by the miners, was distributedthrough out the world as they sailed to other lands.Cottages were built for the Miners at the behest of Bedford Estates - 6 rowsof 6 neat white buildings with plots of land.There was 40 years of prosperity from the 1860’s until 1901, but in 1911, thethen Duke of Bedford made the decision to sell up, due to taxation fears.In concluding his talk, Andrew took Q’s and A’s and we learnt that the arsenicwas used in USA as a pesticide to tackle the Colorado Beetle problem. Also thecrates used to transport goods from the canal link 270’ above the river level,down to Morwellham Quay, were probably the earliest form of containerisation!!What a talk and what a splendid Speaker. Non stop information delivered withouta single note. We look forward to a guided tour - see below

TavistockI have been in touch with Andrew Thompson who gave us the excellent talk aboutTavistock in February and he has agreed to take us on a conducted tour on the5th September.As you know the Church Group visit to Tavistock was put on hold so the Septemberdate could allow us to visit St. Eustachius Church but we do have enough optionsto fill the day.Andrew suggested that we lunch at the Bedford Hotel and I will look into itspricing structureI am hoping that the guided walk (one and a half hours) will start by 10.30amwhich would leave time for sightseeing before lunch (retail therapy for some).I originally thought that we would go by coach but it does limit our options so Ipropose that we car-share instead. Lydford (Castle and Church) is an additional option - TONY

WALKS WITH PUB LUNCH

Leader: Andy Coton Tel:842258

There are some 50 members on the ‘register’ with 15 to 20 membersregularly walking each month. The walks start at 10.15am meeting at a pub or cafe wherewe have lunch when we finish. We vary between coastal, country and riverside locations.Details of each walk are sent by email a week before each date. The dates for autumn2017 are:

26th September 24th October 21st November 21st December

CHURCH VISITS

Over the last five years we have had a very successful CHURCH VISITGROUP. i think we now need someone to take it on from me.

Actually I have really enjoyed doing the research and it hasbeen a real pleasure meeting so many new people, some

have become good friends. I do hope a member willconsider taking on the job of coordinating the group. It's not difficult, just takesa little time and preparation. DAVID WOULD STILL BE HAPPY TO DO THE TALKSIN THE CHURCHES, but would like someone to take on the ORGANIZATION.I I did put on the website that I would finish by going to Tavistock and anotherdate finishing with a visit to the two Churches we started with, namely Meavyand Sheepstor. The Tavistock visit is now in the capable hands of Tony Westlakeso I will end with the trip to Meavy and Sheepstor. Hopefully we can do this atthe end of September or October.. DAVID CHUBB

GENTLE GARDEN GROUPBICTON GARDENSSEPTEMBER 26TH

PREFERENCE TO MEMBERS OF THIS GROUPCOACH TRAVEL

CONTACT - JOYCE

‘Are we there yet’ – The experience of a wimpy walker!

It seemed a wonderful idea, go on a country stroll and talk to acouple of fellow walkers. Well we were surrounded by bullocks,the hills were steep and I really could not understand why theywere all uphill? So I am a wimp and proud of it – are we there YET!On the bright side, the group of walkers, led by Andy (I keep callinghim Tony for some reason), were fantastic and we were all levelsof health and age. The mix of people was just right. None of uswent too quickly, and no one was too slow or left behind. We were

just right. I cannot really explain the wonderful sights (well it was a bit foggy), but Andy kepttelling us that ‘’the views out over Burgh Island and Bantham are marvellous, I saw themyesterday’’ and we believed him. Actually he was proved right a little later, as, when the mistlifted; the views were really worth the walk. We were treated to some spectacular countryside views and the chats were great. The mix of experiences and backgrounds of the ramblersmade the walk just fly past. No one suffered – too much, even me as a wimpy kid had noproblem. We saw some barn conversions that were fantastic and made my mouth water. Imade a mental check to rush home to check to see if my numbers had come up on theChillington Village Lottery. For info, no luck.We walked some of the ‘green lanes’ I had heard so much of in the Kingsbridge U3A HistoryGroup, and pictured bandits and pirates wandering up the self-same lanes with their booty (Icould have done with a tot of rum half way around but they have all gone, moved on by theCustoms and Excise men years ago – worst luck). The lanes were spectacular, but it is one ofthe things you really have to experience to believe it, do not take my say so, come along fora walk and chat next time. The best bit is always at the end when ‘We are there now wimpyboy, join us for an unwind in the pub and have a chat about the walk’. NEIL MARTIN

The itinerary was:Meet at 10.00am in the car park opposite Ringmore Church (Grid Ref: 65346) and start at10.15am along the lane to Aymer Cove before picking up the footpath to Bigbury on Sea.

(Immediately stop and wait for this wimpy boy who has turned up late – oops, sorry)

After a few challenging ascents and descents we approach Mount Folly Farm and enjoypanoramic views of Burgh Island and Bantham below. Crossing the road we pick up the AvonEstuary Walk and go along the edge of Bigbury GolfCourse  (watching out for the golfers) beforedropping down to the River Avon via Hexdown andVilla Crusoe. Continuing on the bridle path via GreenWell there are glimpses of the river between thewoods below until  reaching Lincombe. A short roadsection takes us to Bigbury then down Stoggy Lane(part of which is very wet), along the valleybottom, uphill back to Ringmore and return to thecar park.Lunch at The Journeys End pub which is 200yards down from the church NEIL MARTIN

INTERMEDIATE SPANISH

We in our small group continue to enjoy our fortnightly Tertulias – this means“party” - and that is what the classes have evolved into. We start with avocabulary test, then some point of grammar – yes, I do set some homework -and then we go on for the rest of the Tertulia chatting in Spanish. Of course,this from time to time collapses into English. We are helped enormously by

having a native-Spanish speaker in the group, and she is of course the best kind of teacher wecould wish for. Occasionally she has to be asked to slow down, but we are learning tounderstand her! And we are helping her with her English.I should stress that the group members’ knowledge and fluency is very varied, and we adjustthe pace to include everybody. We also have access to a website “Yabla” showing short videosof varying difficulty. This works very well as a learning tool. I recently saw a film about the Chilean poet Pablo Neruda, with lots of his poems being quotedfrom, and I was very taken by the man and his work. So, we are going to have a look at someof his work. Of course, it is a very specialised skill to translate poetry, so I have used a bookwith the original Spanish and an English translation.Have a look at opening stanza of one of his works!“Unidad” (Oneness) by Pablo Neruda

Hay algo denso, unido, sentado en el fondo, There is something dense, united, lying in the background,Repitiendo su numero, su señal idéntica. repeating its number, its identical signalCómo se nota que las piedras han tocado el tiempo How clear it is how stones

have dealt with time,en su fina materia hay olor a edad, among their finest properties there is a whiff of agey el agua que trae el mar, se sal y sueño. and water from the sea, salty and sleepy

We are a small group, and we need new members. If you are interested in trying us out, doget in touch with me. You do not need a high entry level, but a level a little higher thanBeginner is needed. MICHAEL STURDEE

BEGINNERS SPANISH

The Class continues to be very successful.  Everyone seems very keen and are progressing wellusing the main text book as well as other material which brings variety into the lessons.  Weconcentrate mainly on grammar, verbs and vocabulary but are trying to encourage conversationin a small way, even though the Beginners Class is not a conversation arena.  However it isimportant for people to think and to speak without recourse to text books and dictionaries.  Weall work hard during the two hour sessions and cover a lot of material but it is also enjoyableand a lot of fun.  Regular homework is set and everyone studies hard which is vital to the successof learning a new language. At the moment there are no places available for anyone wishing tojoin our group, but I am always happy to put names on to a waiting list. JANE

SCRABBLE

The scrabble group has been going great guns this term. There isusually a group of ten or so players each week at the Crabshell Innready to pit their wits against each other and the fall of the tiles. Agreat deal of chat and laughter punctuates our sessions and we areall making progress extending our knowledge of English vocabularyand in particular, two-letter words which are invaluable to anyseriously-competitive player. We always welcome new members andthere are opportunities to play competitively or in a leisurely mannerjust enjoying the company and the wonderful views across the

Kingsbridge estuary. We meet on the second and fourth Thursday of the month at 9.30until 11.30 though we will be having a summer break in July and August and starting againin September. Anyone interested in joining the group, please email me ondwsayed@gmail.com Debbie

CRYPTIC CROSSWORDS

The Cryptic Crossword group meets twice a month on the 1st &3rd Thursday at the Crabshell Inn in Kingsbridge. There are 32members which usually means 20-25 people at each meeting.There is a spread of ability within the group and to accommodatethis, different tables are set different crosswords. We use the Daily

Telegraph Cryptic, Times Quick Cryptic and the Guardian Cryptic crosswords.Members are encouraged to initially work independently, then to work in groups to tryand defeat the crossword compiler! This process has proven to be very popular and makesfor a friendly and lively environment.Many of the current members attended the “Cryptic Crossword Solvers Beginners course”which has been offered each year for the last four years. This course is only offered oncea year - the next may start in October 2017, dependent on demand and the strength ofthe teacher!The course lasts 10 sessions and is both challenging and enjoyable. It is aimed at thecomplete beginner as well as the person who enjoys trying to complete the occasionalclue in one of the daily newspapers.The more advanced groups always welcome new members – if you are interested in joiningthis enthusiastic & friendly group or would just like to try it out please contactANDY on 581164Please do not come along without first contacting Andy so that sufficient crosswords canbe printed off.

FRENCH EXCHANGE WITH THE BORDELAIS

May 2017 – the Bordelais came to Kingsbridge Sept 2017 – Kingsbridge goes to Bordeaux

After a terrible start in the pouring rain waiting for a bus at Marley Head, the weather even perkedup for us and the sun shone. I am delighted that our exchange with the Bordeaux Université duTemps Libre lives on! It proves that an exchange of this sort, when the participants have a commonpurpose (in this case learning a foreign language) can be a truly enriching experience. Old friendsmeet up and new friends are made – sharing culture, language and fun – a good recipe forinternational harmony! Thank you to all of those who hosted our French guests and gave themall such a good time. JANE STURDEE

In May, 20 French people who are learning English, flew to Bristol and settled happily in the homesof members of Kingsbridge U3A who are learning French. Some of us already knew our Frenchcounterparts as we had already been to Bordeaux to stay with them 2 years ago. Jane Sturdeewas a champion at organising the gentle programme of their visit, so our first event was to meetfor a cream tea at the Cottage Hotel at Hope Cove. My couple were dropped off at Bolberry infine rain to walk down to Hope, and wrote later telling me that their walk along the “cote sauvage”was one of the most enjoyable events for them! The following day the ferry took us up the riverDart to Greenway and the weather was kind. Many of us had arranged to host dinner for otherFrench couples as well as our own, so there was a genuine “entente” between us all. The last daywas a free day so I was able to take my couple to Delamore to admire the garden, sculptures andpaintings despite the fine rain, then we all met to have dinner at the Oyster Shack. There CarolGosling had prepared a quiz about Agatha Christie and one group managed to answer all 20questions correctly which was amazing. The following day we said goodbye at Plymouth to theFrench group who had been charming guests and so friendly, and we look forward to Septemberwhen us hosts will be flying to Bordeaux for a return “match”. DAWN ST PIER

(PHOTOS OF THIS VISIT ON BACK PAGE)

FRENCH CULTURE

Our meetings between October and April have provoked much interest in the followingsubjects:

Our summer holidays, the French elections about which Jane Sturdee so capably explainedto us, especially the Presidential one which we have been following avidly. Short stories,fables and poetry by French authors, Art Nouveau, favourite writers, artists and singers andeven singing French carols to iPad music! We have welcomed couples from Bordeauxhere. They are all learning English with a native tutor who is part of the "université dutemps libre", not called U3A because we don't have any free time! We will be hosted in re-turn there in September, and are hoping to keep our spoken French up adequately. DAWN

BRIDGE

The Kingsbridge Estuary U3A Bridge Group

The Bridge Group continues to meet in West Charleton Village Hall onFriday afternoons. Over recent months we have averaged around 10tables of players, or 40 people. The group has recently decided to runthroughout the summer, rather than stopping from June to August, aswe expect sufficient support to make it worthwhile. Also the sessiontime has been extended until 5:00pm to allow up to 24 hands to beplayed. In conjunction with Kingsbridge Regal Bridge Club, and with thegenerous support of the Devon Bridge Association, the group haspurchased a dealing machine. This machine means that boards can be

quickly produced from computer generated deals, encourages players to learn by reviewinghands after the event, and allows special deals to be produced for teaching purposes.Since January this year Elaine Bishop has been running a beginner's section of the Bridge Group,and she reports below.STEVE DOOLEY, U3A Bridge Group coordinator

Last January 16 people joined the beginners section of the U3A Bridge Group. They followeda structured course covering the basics of bridge. Handouts were provided for each sessionand sometimes there were quizzes but the majority of the time was spent playing handsprepared to illustrate the topic of the week, with tutors on hand to help. One of the joys ofbridge is that it can be played at different levels. Some people want to be able to enjoy apleasant social evening playing rubber bridge, others may prefer playing duplicate bridge anddecide to join the U3A playing group, or they may join one of the bridge clubs in the SouthHams. The aim of the course was to equip participants to enjoy whichever of these optionsthey preferred in a friendly fun environment. It is planned to run further beginners coursesand anyone interested in joining should contact ELAINE BISHOP on 01548 531175

FUN WITH FLOWERS

We completed our first course of ‘Fun With Flowers’ in the West Charleton Village Hall, endingour 6 sessions by creating beautiful hand held bouquets, and button holes.Each and every one of the ladies attending the Flower classes has producedwonderful creative flower arrangements throughout the course, including

the Japanese Ikebana which in the past times was perfected by youngJap anese girls as part of their dowry before marrying and setting up home.We

learned from each other and had lots of fun along the way. As a teacher I haveb e e n amazed at the professionalism of arrangements produced by the ladies.The 6session, Fun with Flowers- 2 starts in June and will continue after the summer break ending inDecember 2017. This class is now full and we are all looking forward to lots more enjoyablehours of creative fun HELEN CURTIS

GREEK MYTHOLOGY“What goes on four legs in the morning, on two legs at noon, and on threelegs in the evening?” That is the Riddle of the Sphinx, famously solved byOedipus, who got into all manner of trouble as a result. So don’t even thinkabout it!While the Sphinx was an integral part of Oedipus’s road to ruin, the root cause,as so often in Greek tragedy, was a Delphic oracle. Such oracles were usuallycouched in mysterious language, and often subject to misinterpretation, butthe thing about oracles was that, even if you didn’t understand them, you couldnot avoid them. In the case of Oedipus there was little room formisinterpretation; when he was born an oracle clearly foretold that he wouldgrow up to kill his father.The said father, who was the king of Thebes, being a prudent man, sent thebaby away with a shepherd to be left out to die on the slopes of MountKithairon. Unfortunately – spoiler alert – the shepherd couldn’t bring himselfto do the deed, and instead gave the baby to another shepherd from the distant

city of Corinth. The child grew up there entirely convinced that the king and queen of Corinth were hisparents. Imagine his horror when he learned of the oracle that he was destined to kill his father, andgreater horror still when he went to Delphi to check for himself, and heard that he would also marry hismother!He at once fled his home and put as much distance as he could between himself and Corinth. By chancehe took the road to Thebes and by chance encountered a rude old man in a carriage at a crossroads. Ina bout of ancient Greek road rage they came to blows and the old man was killed. Thinking little of itOedipus continued his journey until he encountered the Sphinx, who guarded the western approach toThebes, and devoured all travellers who failed to solve her riddle. Oedipus promptly solved it – no, I amnot going to tell you; google it! - causing the death of the Sphinx and earning the undying gratitude of thecity, who invited him to marry their queen, the king of Thebes having recently been killed “by strangers,at a place where three roads meet”.Thus Oedipus became king of Thebes and fathered two sons and two daughters with the queen, and theywould probably have all lived happily ever after had this not been a Greek tragedy. But no: a plague struckthe city, the oracle at Delphi was consulted, and told them that the murderer of the previous king must befound. After much drama and hubris and the messenger speeches essential to such plays, it emergesthat the old man killed at the crossroads by Oedipus was indeed his own father, the previous king ofThebes, that his married life has been one of the most horrendous incest, and that he is the brother aswell as the father of his own children.Whereupon Oedipus blinds himself, the queen hangs herself, their two sons later fall out over theirinheritance and slay each other in battle, one of their sisters is walled up in a cave where she hangsherself, her fiancé stabs himself over her dead body, his mother in turn stabs herself - - - - - - all in a day’swork really for an average Greek tragedy. This is a potted version of what we have been reading overthe last term. Oh we do have fun in the Greek Mythology class!We have now broken for the summer, and will start again on Tuesday September 12th, when we shallread the ‘Bacchae’ of Euripides, another play set in the ill-fated city of Thebes, but starring the god ofwine, Dionysus, and full of further horrors. Do come along; bring a bottle of wine and a thyrsis.CAROLYN SCHOFIELD

GREEK CULTURE

Are you interested in Classical Art?Why not join our group studying Greek Sculpture with John Davie,classics lecturer Trinity College Oxford. He uses his wonderfulcollection of photos of artefacts from various classical sites andmuseums to illustrate the theme of the development of sculpturalstyles through the ages.We started with the simple Cycladic figures of the Bronze Age, whereit was difficult to decide whether a piece was from 3,000BC or 20thcentury AD! (Picasso was greatly influenced by Cycladic art). Fromthat period we have journeyed through the Cretan-Minoan and theMycenaean civilizations to the amazing Egyptian sculptures and

frescoes. Now we are seeing how, after the Egyptian influence spread to Greece, the Greeksculptors gradually softened the stiff Egyptian poses to the more flowing and naturalistic stylesthat we appreciate in the Greek Classical period.Looking at the pictures and talking about them is fascinating stuff, and there is so much moreto see and learn. So why not give it a try? The tea and biscuits are pretty good too.The group meets at John Davie’s home in Thurlestone and will start again after the summeron Monday 25th September. GILL ROGERS

ITALIAN ODYSSEY

We were invited to Michele’s atelier for lunch and having neverbeen there I was very excited to go I had seen examples of her workand knew she was a very clever artist It was a lovely day and seeingher animals enjoying the spring sunshine, the cows (mucche) withtheir calves the geese (oche) strutting cockerel crowing and sheep(pecore) grazing was to step back in time to a calmer more peacefulEngland of my childhood We did try very hard to discuss the animali

and piante in Italian but I fear my attempts were feeble however Michele and Lesley kept ushard at it and we were rewarded by a super lunch (pranzo vivace) with much chatter and wine(vino) to finish a superb morning.We also saw many of Michele’s sculptures which are lovelySo thank you to Michele for her hospitality and to Lesley for the suggestion. ANNA

DO BE AWARE OF OUR ‘THIRD AGE MATTERS’ MAGAZINE

WHO ALWAYS WELCOME ARTICLES FROM U3A’S

WELL DONE ‘LOCAL HISTORY’ WHO SUBMITTED AN EXCELLENTPIECE RECENTLY.

SINGING FOR PLEASURE

Amongst the U3A community in Kingsbridge is a very goodsinging group. Meeting every Friday morning at 10am we singa variety of songs old and new, traditional and some from theshows, and have a lot of fun doing so! You will have anopportunity to come and listen to us at an an 'open rehearsal 'when we will be giving a performance on Friday, 21st July at10.00 am - do come along - it’s free with refreshments! Ourplans for the new U3A year include entertaining you and otherU3A members in the Autumn should we have a lightentertainments evening and rehearsing ‘new' Christmas songsfor the U3A Christmas Dinner. I’m already planning the songprogramme for 2018 which the group will, hopefully, agree andit includes ‘Moon River’, Mozart’s 'Ave Verum Corpus’, MorningHas Broken [Cats Stevens version], I’m gonna wash that Manright out of my hair’, Rutter’s ‘The Lord Bless you and Keep you’

- plus others. Interested? Come along and try us out!Our ethos is to enjoy what we sing, but at the same time to sing properly; and interspersedwith the light songs we also like to stretch ourselves a little singing something morechallenging - this last season, for example, we have tackled Caccini's 'Ave Maria', ‘Bring HimHome’, 'Get me to the Church on Time’ (new arrangement) and ’Some Enchanted Evening’(new arrangement) amongst others. .As the music leader I thoroughly enjoy our sessions. The group is so enthusiastic and keento learn and, as I said earlier, they have a great sense of fun. We're conscious that we alsohave a very patient and skilled accompanist in Nicky New to help us.Our few men are under a lot of strain singing amongst twenty plus ladies - they need to bereinforced by men from the U3A - so, please men come forward and have fun singing - WENEED YOU! No previous singing skills required, you don't have to be able to read music. Ifyou would like to know more just give me a call on 01548 852529 of just call in at WestCharleton Village Hall at 10 am every Friday. PETER BOLT

ANTIQUES

Our splendid little group met to dwell over small collectibles, ancient maps,posters and Royalty items. The latter accompanied by a very deliciouscream tea at the Cottage Hotel.2017 began with Kitchenalia followed by Foreign objects and Candlesticks.

We meet in our own homes and enjoy showing off our personal items. It is even moreenjoyable examining others small treasures.April found us in Ashburton drinking coffee and seeing antiques.This is always followed by more tea and lots of chatter. RACHEL

EVE & ANDY singingI Remember It Well

PHILOSOPHY

HISTORY OF WESTERN PHILOSOPHY

The new group started meeting in January to look at the history of WesternPhilosophical ideas from the ancient Greeks to the twentieth century. Whilst lookingat the Philosophers in a chronological order we have at the same time been tryingto compare and contrast theories and get to grips with all the different branches ofphilosophy. Starting with Socrates and Plato, through the sceptics and the Stoics wemoved forward to the Christian philosophers of the medieval period and are currentlylooking at the British empiricists and continental rationalists of the seventeenthcentury.In the autumn term we will be starting with Rousseau and Kant and moving forwardto the modern philosophers of the twentieth century. Whilst necessarily it is verymuch a broad overview of the Western philosophical tradition, we have all come torealise that our approaches to morality, ways of interpreting the world and our placewithin it have a very long and interesting history.At the moment we probably have enough to sit around a table to discuss the topicsbut if anyone is interested in more information they can contact MARY on 581398

PÉTANQUE - new for 2017

We have two groups for pétanque, meeting on alternatingWednesdays and Fridays on the newly-resurfaced court inKingsbridge Recreation Ground. It has proved to be a greatsuccess, and is enjoyed by beginners and more experiencedplayers alike.

Players are able to use their own boules or hire these from Café Decks. We meetat 1:30pm on either day and play for approximately 1 - 1 1/2 hours.A variety of delicious drinks and snacks are available from the café after sessions.There are still a small number of spaces for new players on the Friday list. Pleasecontact JENNIE HAYDEN: Tel: 852204

HORSE RACING

MERVYN is keen for anyone interested in finding out moreabout this fascinating sport to get in touch with him.

Contact: MERVYN BROOM TEL. 531465

GROUP MEETING DAY LEADER/CONTACTANTIQUES 3rd THURSDAY PM

MONTHLYRACHEL 560571

ASTRONOMY

BOOK CLUB 1 3rd THURSDAY PMMONTHLY

CHRIS 852160

BOOK CLUB 2 1st MONDAY PMMONTHLY

JAN 559374

BOOK CLUB 3 THURSAY P.MMONTHLY

TRICIA 842507 t

BRIDGE FRIDAY PM WEEKLY STEVE 531252

CLASSICAL MUSIC 4th MONDAY PMMONTHLY

ODETTE 560265 /ANTHONY

CHURCH VISITS 2nd TUESDAY MONTHLY DAVID 856386

CRYPTICCROSSWORDS

1st&3rd THURSDAY AM ANDY 581164

FRENCH LANGUAGEINTERMEDIATE

THURSDAY AMFORTNIGHTLY

JANE 852735

FRENCH BEGINNERS SEE WEBSITE BARBARA 842901

FRENCH CULTURE 1st & 3rd THURSDAY DAWN 844046

FRENCHCONVERSATION

MONDAY PM ANNA 531562

FUN WITH FLOWERS 1st TUESDAY PM HELEN 531191

GARDEN VISITS VARIABLE DATES WENDY 852529

GENTLE GARDENS VARIABLE DATES JOYCE 560630

GEOLOGY 2nd THURSDAY AMMONTHLY

CHRIS 531460

GERMAN WEDNESDAY AMFORTNIGHTLY

JANE 852784

GREEK MYTHOLOGY 2nd & 4th TUESDAY CAROLYN 843638

GREEK SCULPTURE MONDAY JOHN

HORSE RACING ANY MERVYN BROOMTEL.531465.

ITALIAN FOR BEGINNERS MONDAYSWEEKLY 9.30-11.30

LESLEY 560578

LOCAL HISTORY 3rd WEDNESDAY MARY 857905 c

LUNCH BUNCH FRIDAY PMMONTHLY

EVE 856849

MAH JONG 2ND & 3RDMONDAY

ELIZABETH 580826

PAINTING WEDNESDAY PMFORTNIGHTLY

ANNE 856667

PETANQUE WEDNESDAYFRIDAY

JENNIE

PHILOSOPHY TUESDAY PMFORTNIGHTLY

ANNE 531252

PHILOSOPHY 2 TUESDAY PM MARY 581398

POETRY APPRECIATION WEDNESDAY AMMONTHLY

NANCY 852087

SCRABBLE 2nd & 4th

THURSDAYDEBBIE 844305

SHORT MAT BOWLS SATURDAY AM TONY 531562

SINGING FOR PLEASURE FRIDAY AM TONY 531562

SPANISH TUESDAY AMWEEKLY

MICHAEL 852735

SPANISH FOR BEGINNERS SEE WEBSITE JANE

WALK / PUB LUNCH 4th TUESDAYMONTHLY

ANDY 842258

WINE APPRECIATION 4th THURSDAY PM TONY 531562

LOCAL HISTORY

HISTORY ALL AROUND

Kingsbridge Local History Group is blessed with evidence of thepast all around the town. Built on the Medieval Burgage system,the main (Fore) street was lined with merchant houses, each witha burgage plot behind. The plots, divided by hedges and thenwalls, reached down to the mill leats, which ran each side of thetown. Passageways within and between each house, provided

access to the plots behind and many of these still remain as tucked away treasures.In the Group’s early days, each member researched Street names - drawn from a hat. Thisencouraged the use of the magnificent Resource Centre attached to the town’s CookworthyMuseum and revealed some fascinating stories. Members progressed to researching a towntrail and then a Passageways trail, which are still offered to new members and groups.The wealth of information compiled for these trails and other Group projects, was theinspiration for reviving the “Walking for Health’ 1 mile walk - the entry level walk, designedfor referrals from health professionals to encourage people to be more active. Even if theground covered is familiar, visiting and discussing a point of interest makes each week’s walkfeel unique. VIVIENNE MUGFORD

HISTORY, A LIVING PAST

I joined the Kingsbridge Local History Group in a talk on the local museum, named after oneof the town heroes, William Cookworthy, Pioneer of Porcelain in the UK.I I was immediately struck by the friendliness of the ‘locals’ to an outsider (I was not even fromDevon). I made friends on the first day and am now in a group of people who are fun and greatminds. The History group rapidly opened me up to the wealth of history in the area; somethingthat, to be honest, I was totally blind to before. Like most of us, I would go through life lookingbut not seeing. I found out the town of Kingsbridge started with hunter gathers, grew underthe Saxons then the Normans, became a ‘metropolis’ of 100 houses under the guidance of theAbbots of Buckfast. It was given over to secular hands with the dissolution of the Abbeys underHenry the Eighth, and over the years grew into a bustling ship building and maritimeimport/export centre and farm market town. We had pirates walking the paths of Kingsbridge(some are still around I fear).Kingsbridge was dragged into the modern age 50 years after the rest of the country due to thestrength of the shipping influence – who needed roads? We finally got good roads throughthe Turnpike Trusts (well after everyone else), and the trains arrived down the ‘Primrose Line’to the Kingsbridge station, where they were met by horse and carriages to take the passengersonwards to Dartmouth and elsewhere. Cars arrived in the 1900’s and, unlike the trains, arestill here. The station and the branch line has now long been consigned to the history bookand the memories of a few of the older generation. What I found is that the town is old, it is growing and a living thing. Its roots are all aroundus if we only look and see.

Houses reflect the history, the blue tiles are still on the house walls, no longer shipped to Holland(thanks to the wars with the Dutch), the breweries have gone, but a few pubs remain as dosome of the old names, the old cinema is now a bingo hall and the town hall is now the cinema.Old Leats (streams built to drive the Abbot’s water mill) are still running although the mills theyserved have gone now. Houses and gardens still reflect their historical organic growth startingwith the earliest inhabitants but especially influenced by the Normans. Some of the oldboundary paths remain branching off Fore Street giving views over back fences into the oldNorman garden layout. Our Shambles no longer stands in the middle of our high street, butwas moved stone by stone by the industrious Victorians to make way for larger vehicles andultimately the automobile. History is all around us, but I need to thank the U3A for opening myeyes to see it. Why not check out the Local History page on the website, then come along andjoin us? NEIL MARTIN

KINGSBRIDGE AS IT WAS !

ABBREVIATIONS

NHS and MOT WI and WC,Adding on, with no delay ,The almighty USA.Topping all, that is to say ,The fantastic U3A !

Like the gym trains limb by limb,Giving just the extra care to the stuff beneath your hair.

It’s not at all what I expected, Scary, boring and unrestricted.No, it’s mostly fun and laughter Around the table, we are after!

Knowledge shared with diligence Spices the experience.

Well done to us, and let us say: Thank you to the U3A…..hip,hip hurrayMICHELE MEYER

WINE APPRECIATION

We continue to meet at members’ homes on the 4thWednesday evening on most months of the year.We started this year with a visit to the wines of Tasmania.A little nearer the South Pole than mainland Australia, ithas a cooler climate more suited to grape varieties fromthe Loire, Burgundy and Germany e.g. Sauvignon Blanc,Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Riesling.Although from the North Coast of an island on the otherside of the world it felt quite close to home as two camefrom a winery at Launceston and others from the TamarRidge estate at Devils Corner on the Tamar River. It was apity we could not obtain one from nearby Devonport. They quite grabbed our attention sowe called them Eve’s Tasmanian Devils.Then we commemorated David, a long-standing member who died recently, informallybequeathing some of his favourite sweeter wines to the group. They came from Romania,Hungary and mainly Germany, concluding with an Eiswein and a great Trockenbeerenauslese.

We proceeded to very tasty and modestly-priced Australian wines from local supermarketsand M&S. Having made a splash when they first came on the UK market some 40 years ago,Aussies lost favour through concentrating on quantity rather than quality. Now they reallyhave come back! Well done Carol and Ken.Occasionally, one or two of our members have travelled the world and brought back someinteresting wine for us to try. Most recently they went with the Dart Valley U3A on a coachtrip to the Loire valley (we should do more of such joint activities). The wines came from asingle vineyard near Nantes where there a number of different types of soil and they areexperimenting with different grape varieties. It is the first time we have had six differentwines (a sparkling, 3 whites and 2 reds) from the same vineyard — all pleasant if notoutstanding. Thanks Tony and Anna.RODNEY STRONG May 2017

Avery successful tour to the LOIREVALLEY in conjunction with DART

U3A was enjoyed by someMembers of this Group

KEU3A GEOLOGY GROUP REPORT

The Geology Group has continued to meet each month. Some members have dropped outbut others have joined so we average about 10 per trip.In March we went to Great Mattiscombe Sand, just west of Start Point. The recent rains hadmade the footpath very muddy but 6 of us made it down to the beach. From the picturebelow you can see there was some interesting geology – the top of the rock is evidence ofan ancient sea level and at the base it is being undercut by the sea.

In April we went to Goodrington Sands, near Paignton. We had a pleasant walk along thepromenade which is backed by cliffs of Permian breccia. These sands and pebbles weredeposited as flash floods in coastal deserts some 275 Ma ago when our part of the crust wasabout 20⁰ N of  the equator.  It  looks very  friable but  is actually very hard and  is used asbuilding stone all around Paignton. The picture below shows cross bedding in the riverdeposit.

I

in May we went back to Prawle Point and looked at the Horneblende Schist. This rock wasdeposited some 400 Ma ago but has subsequently undergone significant changes during thecontinental collision which followed. The Schist can be seen in the background of the picturebelow.More information and pictures can be found on the KEU3A website. CHRIS ADAMS

KINGSBRIDGE SHOW SEPTEMBER 2ND

ONCE AGAIN KEU3A WILL HAVE A STAND HERE TO SHOWCASE

THE PROFILE OF OUR ACTIVITIES

SEE YOU THERE ?

THURSDAY BOOK GROUP

The first U3A book groups started in October 2011. At the initial meeting it was clear that onegroup would not be able to manage with the large number of members showing an interest,so we split into two groups one run by Jan Cadman in Loddiswell and the other by myself inKingsbridge.After the first year our group decided to join the Devon Library Book Service. Each year theysend us a list of over 600 books from which we can choose up to 24 books. They then senda set of 10 books and an Audio book (we have a partially sighted member) each month toKingsbridge library for me to collect. We have 8 weeks to read the books and they charge us£5 a set. Unfortunately due to the large number of book groups using the service we do notalways get one of our current year’s choices, sometimes it is a book from a previous year ora “wild card” book. However, whatever the book there is always plenty to talk about – onemember may think it the best book this year and another hate it, so it leads to some livelydiscussions after which we all have tea and a general chat.Books we have read recently include House on the Strand by Daphne du Maurier and ATestament of Youth by Vera Brittain and we are currently reading The Road Home by RoseTremainOur waiting list grew over the years as we were unable to take all those wanting to join us andso a third book group has now been started run by Tricia Blazeby. If interest continues togrow, who knows a fourth group may be formed!CHRIS BARNWELL

MONDAY BOOK GROUP

We never seem to be at a loss for suggestions for books which have been very varied andinteresting. We read Thrillers, Detectives, biographies, classics etc. It is proving verysuccessful and enjoyable. Our recent books have included The Blackhouse, part 1 of a trilogyby Peter May, The Children Act by Ian McKewan and May and June will see us reading Lolitain Tehran by A Nafasi and Bess of Hardwick, a biography of the second most powerful womanin England in Elizabethan times after Elizabeth 1st. We keep a list of books which we haveread since autumn 2011 which proves very interesting together with a mark out of 10, just outof interest. JAN

There is now a third book club - contact Tricia Tel. 842507

GARDEN VISIT TO LANHYDROCK HOUSE

Although the sun was not in full bloom, theMagnolias certainly were! The visit toLanhydrock was well timed by Wendy tocoincide with the flowering of themagnificent Magnolias, in wonderful shadesof pink, scarlet and white, one of which isso perfect it has been named the'Lanhydrock Magnolia' after the garden.Also in abundance were the HimalayanCamellias and the Rhododendrons thatwere introduced by Gerald, the 7�� ViscountClifden during the 20th Century.

Lanhydrock was the family home of Thomas Charles, 2ⁿ� Lord Robartes, his wife Mary andtheir ten children! In 1881 a fire devastated the house and Thomas Charles had it rebuiltfor his family. The garden which surrounds the house, was planned by George Truefitt in1954, and was, and still is, designed to provide colour all year round. (Our knowledgeableguide showed us photos of the results of planting in different seasons). Juliana Agar-Robartes and her head gardener Joseph Bray planned the original garden, and photosfrom the 1860's show the garden very much as it is today, except for gravel rather thangrass paths. The estate covers 900 acres, with miles of footpaths and cycle tracks thatlead through the parkland to the River Fowey, and even the railway station at BodminParkway (that is on estate land).

Our visit took in the formal gardens between the house and the gate house (the originalhunting lodge) with twenty nine carefully groomed and shaped yew trees interspersedwith lovely bronze urns which had just been spring planted. We then walked up to thehigher garden to see the beautiful magnolias and the old thatched cottage, which wasoriginally the head gardener's domain, and very picturesque, as was the pretty church.Most of us then visited the house which is a delight but needs a few hours at least to doit justice!

Later, walking through the great wood was delightful with spring flowersbeneath the trees, and just the sound of birdsong and woodpeckers.This was a most enjoyable visit, made even better for me as I wasable to chat with friends I have not seen since leaving Kingsbridgeat the end of January. Thank you Wendy for a well organised andlovely visit.ANTHEA MCWATT

GARDEN APPRECIATION GROUP VISIT TO HIGHERCHERUBEER

I’ve just moved down to Kingsbridge from Surrey, and have joined the Garden Appreciation Group.My first outing was on February 14�� to Higher Cherubeer, a National Garden Scheme property,where the grounds are opened occasionally for special groups of ten or more. All the proceedsgo to the National Garden Scheme , an amazing charity for some worthwhile causes, which lastyear donated £2.7m to charities.Higher Cherubeer, based some 60 miles from Kingsbridge, in north Devon, is owned by Jo andTom Hynes, the property being 17th century cob build with an oak frame, with beautifully laidout informal gardens of 1.25 acres, created from a field over the past 25 years.We were greeted by Jo Hynes, who took us to the courtyard and sun room at the back of thebuilding, where we had a quick stop for delicious coffee and cakes before she showed us aroundthe early spring garden. Hard landscaped by her husband on several levels with paths in and outof a lightly wooded area, the garden is beautifully arranged to show off the winter display of over300 unusual snowdrop varieties including the large Galanthus ‘Atkinsii’ and ‘S. Arnott’ and smallergreen marked Galanthus ‘Trymposter’ (see photos), drifts of Cyclamen coum, Crocustommasinianus, many varieties of dwarf Iris histrioides and hybrids of Hellebore orientalis (selfseeding).With Jo answering our questions en route, we continued around the more open areas of thegarden and then down to the unusual willow walkway, lined with pollarded willows, whose newshoots trimmed in April, can be used for basket-making.And then at the end of the walk Jo called us in to the delightful kitchen for home-made leek andpotato soup, filled rolls, followed by coffee and walnut or lemon drizzle cake and hot drinks. Shewent on to explain about the irises, miniature Narcissus bulbocodium and other treasures wehad seen close-up in the two ‘alpine’ glass houses.All this – the whole visit – for £10 each – wonderful value, and to think that all this goes to sucha good cause. We arrived home at the end of the afternoon, thinking what a great day out!The Garden Appreciation Group has a membership of 48, and is full at the moment, but you maybe able to join the waiting list. Wendy Bolt on 01548 852529 offers such a relaxed and wellorganised group. JENNY LAKE

VISIT TO HALDON GRANGE

On a cold, wet and windy morning the U3A gardeningGroup went to visit Haldon Grange. As we arrived itbegan to hail but what we were to see would havebrought happiness to the most dismal day. The gardenis drenched in colour, round every corner a kaleidoscopemeets you. I don't think we noticed that the weatherimproved and the sun came out.The garden is 20 acres overall with 12 acres developed.Originally it was part of the pleasure gardens of HaldonHouse which was built in 1735 in the style of BuckinghamPalace. The grounds were designed by CapabilityBrown. The house and grounds fell into disrepair and in1925 most of the house was demolished and the rubblescattered over what is now Haldon Grange garden.In 1980 Edward and Andrew Phythian bought the Grange

to develop as a nursery which ran for twenty years, it has now been transformed into the garden we seetoday. Originally, it had been planned to grow roses, 200 were planted but they attracted deer so they hadto think again. Now they have 350 varieties of Rhododendrons, 240 Azaleas (of which 130 are deciduous),130 camellias, 80 magnolias and ONE gardener!We started the walk through an arch of white Rosa banksiae which led to a riot of coloured azaleas, whichwith the perfume from a weeping Myrtle tree covered in tiny white fluffy flowers and Rhododendron‘Fragrantissimum’ assaulted all the senses. We were to see and smell another of these beautiful plants atthe end of our walk.The garden is designed with paths so everything is accessible although there are some slopes in the mostrecently planted area. Small areas, where plants are being propagated, are surrounded by hedgerows with60-70 year old trees - these are dwarfed by the 300-400 year old Haldon oak which has been chained in thepast to stop branches dropping off. All paths are lined with Magnolias, Rhododendrons and Azaleas.In one area the ‘Bird’ series of deciduous Azalea hybrids are being propagated to use in a new part of thegarden where Andrew is designing a ‘Bird’ series circle. When he has finally got all 42 of the ‘Bird’ Azaleasand they are of a suitable size he will make a spiral in alphabetical order e.g. Goldcrest, Goldfinch azalea.Apart from the bird circle a Maze is being developed using 5 different varieties of Lilac and a shelter beltboundary is being made up of Hazel, Apple, Hawthorn and Wild Rose, all plants which provide a haven andfood for dormice.In 2012 a new area of 5 acres has been turned from a hay meadow into an arboretum. This area leads toa wonderful view of Exeter, from where Andrew bought some redundant very mature trees for his arboretumfor 20p each (!), planting 40 of them in one day. The path back to the house passes a lake and waterwaywhich was surrounded by glowing Acers and towering Rhododendrons. The bright pink flowers of aRhododendron cinnabarinum and the hanging white flowers of Magnolia globosa side by side making awonderful contrast and with a white Exochorda x macrantha ‘The Bride’, living up to its name - it was beautiful.Again towering Rhododendrons making huge splashes of colour alongside a monkey puzzle tree, a Magnolia‘Susan’, a Handkerchief tree and the overwhelming perfume of the myrtle bring you back to the house -a glorious garden to visit. ANNE SEYMOUR

VISIT TO SUTTON MEAD MORTONHAMPSTEAD ‘

Our group of 22 were welcomed by Edward and Miranda Allhusen, who had transformed anovergrown late 19�� century garden to a multi-levelgarden with numerous unusual and quirky features.The situation in the rolling, green spectacularscenery was a wonderful backdrop to their verynatural style of planting. As Miranda told us, we likeplants that want to live with us. So self-seeding wasencouraged and developed, particularly in thewooded area at the top of the steeply slopinggarden. Numerous varieties of Aquilegia werescattered over all areas of the garden.Interest in the winter was another feature ofMiranda’s planting philosophy, including a copperbarked Prunus serrula and multi stemmed ‘Pink

Champagne’ birch as well as the more common white varieties. The twisting stems andbranches of contorted Hazel was another winter attraction.Several sets of old Victorian steps had been rediscovered as they had cleared the laurel andbramble to create the natural wooded area. A stone rill with a pond in front of a stone seatingarea made the most of the stunning view.The lowest part of the garden comprised a bog garden with linked ponds, home to two SilverAppleyard ducks with their luxurious duck house. In the bog garden, into which the waterfrom the rill had been channeled, were splashes of contrasting vivid purple iris against orangeand yellow primulas and geums. From the ponds we caught a glimpse of the pink, white,red, yellow and purple Rhododendrons and Azaleas in full bloom; a stunning sight.A vegetable garden was watched over by a giant stuffed Peter Rabbit. Willow sculptures ofanimals including a giraffe and an owl as well as a family of deer were scattered through thegarden, on loan from a local artist. Edward’s two large and comfortable summerhouses werea delight, one housing baby Blackbirds and the other, complete with Persian carpet, providinga quiet reading corner.The house of moorland stone supported a conservatory, refuge for the more tender plantsfrom the moorland winter weather. A wisteria and climbing rose ‘Lady Hillingdon’ withdelicate peach flowers and contrasting dark brown/green foliage were growing up thesouth-facing wall. GILL MARKHAM

CHRISTMAS LUNCH AT THURLESTONE HOTEL

DON’T FORGET TO ORDER YOURS - FORM ATTACHED AT BACK OF NEWSLETTER

DELAMORE GARDENS WITH THE GENTLEGARDENS GROUP

Delamore Gardens is open for the whole of May. Thisyear is the 15�� annual exhibition of painting andsculpture featuring work mainly from artists from theSouth West.The estate lies on the southern edge of DartmoorNational Park, overlooking a valley below Penn Beaconand is an agricultural estate, comprising 7 farms, mixedforestry and several cottages. There has been asettlement here since the 13�� century an d has beenowned by the Parker family since 1688.The present house was built in 1859 and the gardens laidout at the same time. It is believed that some of theoldest Rhododendrons were planted by Sir William

Parker who was Nelson’s Captain.May is the best month to appreciate the gardens in all their glory and we were fortunate thatour visit was on a lovely sunny day.We were also fortunate to have as our guides around the garden Gavin and Nicky, the presentowners.Gavin was most informative about the sculptures and the artists and Nicky is the expert gardener.The sculptures are many and varied with something to suite everyone and shown to greatadvantage in the superb setting.Gavin also showed us around the main gallery situated in the ballroom of the house with manypaintings and sculptures.At the back of the house is the Millennium Walk, which is in the process of being renovated. Forthe month of May it is lined by 20 large sculptured otters which have been painted by some ofthe exhibiting artists. Later they will be displayed around Dartmoor to raise money for theNational Park.At the end of the walk is a huge Cromlech, emphasising the close connections with Dartmoor.There was such a lot to see and absorb. I am determined to revisit next year.Thank you Joyce for arranging such a special visit. BRENDA HOPE

Visit to Wells, Bristol and Tyntesfield

WELLS Is a small city which is a blessing making it so easy to walk around. The cathedral of St Andrew the Apostleis astonishingly beautiful, in so many styles of English architecture. The west façade is the masterpiece, constrictedin mostly in Early English Gothic style, with flanking towers on either side in the later Perpendicular style. Thefaçade has hundreds of statues with the theme of Christ in Judgement based on the Book of Revelations. TheNave of the cathedral is beautifully light and airy, constructed with ivory coloured stone from the Mendip hills.Thecathedral has the oldest working clock in the world constructed around 1390, which has fascinating elaboratemechanisms operating on the hour. On a gloriously sunny day we were privileged to view the Chapter House, a

wonderfully light and airy circular room where the clergy met to conduct theirbusiness.BRISTOLThe Victoria Square Hotel in Bristol was a good choice, very comfortable,Edwardian, well-appointed and with a good restaurant. Thanks to Joyce for herinvestigation to establish this as an ideal selection for us. Clifton Village is nearby;short walk to the suspension bridge; many restaurants and excellent buscommunications into the city centre.

The highlight of the visit was to the SS Great Britain, Brunel’s first iron clad ocean liner which was launched in1843. It had six masts and novel steam powered propeller propulsion. Our party went under water (only 2 inchesof water, supported by a glass roof) to inspect the hull, propeller and rudder. The size of the Great Britain mainmastand yardarm are incredible! The hull now looks fragile in parts, but it had to be made watertight for its return tothe graving dock in 1973 .Bristol is a wealthy city with shops from Harvey Nicks and Selfridges downwards. Ourcity visits gave us much information of earlier Bristolians of great influence in the developments in the UK and theworld. John Cabot left Bristol with his son, Sebastian, to discover Newfoundland. Bristol was only indirectly involvedin the slave trade, but activities involved the tobacco industry, sugar, spices, wines, cloth exports, etc. PresentBristol activities include financial services and Ardman Animations of Wallace and Grommit fame.Our visit included a modern performance of Julius Caesar which was very interesting. There were curious paradoxesin that the assassins and opponents in the second act were brandishing AK47 rifles while speaking Shakespeareanlanguage; Mark Anthony had an incongruous Irish accent! All in all it was a powerful performance.Our final dinner at Côte restaurant was most excellent so plaudits go to Judy for identifying it and booking.TYNTESFIELDThe name is from the Tynte family who had owned the estate since the 1500s was sold in 1813The House occupies a magnificent estate on a hillside down towards the River Avon. The smaller original housewas constructed by Rev. George Turner Seymour. In 1843 it was bought by William Gibbs whose family wereenriched by importing guano fertiliser from South America. His son, Anthony enlarged the property and built thesplendid chapel. On a beautiful sunny day such as we had, the beauty of the estate is also enhanced by thevariety and splendour of the enormous trees and vistas of the valley below.Having already thanked Joyce and Judy, all that remains is to extend sincere thanks to Tony and Anna for organisingan absolutely wonderful experience. .ERIC BROOKS

ONE DRIVER, THREE PASSENGERS ONE MOBILEPHONE TRAVEL APP, ONE MAP, ONE PRINT-OUT FROM

AA AND YET ANOTHER MOBILE PHONE IN FINEVOICE - WHAT CAN THIS MEAN ?

ANSWER - DIRECTIONS FROM WELLS TO BRISTOL - RESULT - CHAOS (15 MILE DETOUR)

AN APPRAISAL OF KEU3A

It was a lovely spring morning and I was sitting enjoying the tranquillityof the estuary and watching the ducks happily swimming, looking veryrelaxed. I looked beneath the surface of the water and watched asthey put so much effort into paddling and yet looking very serene onthe surface. I suddenly thought that perhaps this was an analogy forlife in general- in order to be successful there needs to be a lot ofwork and effort – which actually made me think of the success of ourU3A and all the work that goes into it “below the surface” What did

we do in Kingsbridge before the U3A? It is thanks to all the membersof the committee both past and present that it has become so successfula n d popular, and all the leaders of the ever increasing groups who give so muchtime in preparing, with such dedication, for their group. It is very much appreciated.The outings and away visits have also been successful due to all the hard work andthey are yet another way of making new friends’ as well as learning new and interestingthingsI am a member of several groups ranging from Philosophy to French Culture, fromMusic Appreciation to Poetry and each one is so interesting and so informative. OurPoetry Group is very successful thanks to our very enthusiastic and welcoming host,Nancy. We meet once a month at her home and usually about 6 or 7 arrive bearingtheir chosen poems which they read to the rest of the group. It is a very good way tolearn about poets we have never read before, and introduce others to our favouritepoems- some serious and some very funny! And for me it is much better to listen topoems read aloud rather than reading to one’s self. It is not necessary to be able towrite poetry, although we do have a couple of members who are talented in that wayand it is always amazing to listen to their work. We also have a visually impaired memberwho comes to listen as she is unable to read her own poetry. The poems we chooseoften lead us to discussions as to why we like them and often take us off on a tangentwhere we end up laughing about past events and memories that the poems have conjuredup. It is a good way of meeting like-minded people and we always leave smiling with afeeling of well- being, looking forward to the next time. New members are alwayswelcome.The Music Appreciation group meets once a month in the Rest Centre in Kingsbridgeand is usually attended by 10-12 members. Its success is down to the hard work of theleader Odette who has a wide knowledge of classical music and spends a lot of timepreparing her presentations. At the moment we are listening to French composers andfor someone like me who had very little knowledge of classical music it has been veryuseful to learn about, and to listen more intently to a variety of composers. I am alwayssurprised if I recognise a piece which perhaps has been used as an advert or a filmand I had not realised it was a classical piece. Sometimes Anthony Barlow helps out,and he too has a wide knowledge of music and is an asset to the group. We sometimessuggest music ourselves which introduces others to our favourite composers. It couldbe argued that we could listen to our own music at home, but for me personally I caneasily be distracted at home. In our group we spend two very relaxing hours and Ireturn home very refreshed – often having visited all the charity shops en route tobuy some of the music I have just heard.As I mentioned I belong to a number of other groups which are equally as informativeand enjoyable and once again it is thanks to the leaders as well as all the members ofthe groups who make the topics so interesting. So if you are deliberating about joininga group – I would suggest just go ahead – you won’t regret it. SANDRA WEST

POETRY GROUP

Being a member of U3A Poetry Group has helped me re-discover verses whichare meaningful, comforting and enriching. Reciting a chosen poem before othersis an all-absorbing experience and there is satisfaction in one's effort to expressevery emotion in the words.A recently discovered verse written by Emily Dickinson has captured my heart. Itis a reminder of Summer's most beautiful and courageous little bird - theSwallow.  Through every unimaginable hazard it flies to us bringing joy, new lifeand hope in this uncertain world of ours. AUDREY AYTON

     HOPE IS THE THING WITH FEATHERS.

             Hope is the thing with feathers             That perches in the soul,             And sings the tune without the words,             And never stops at all.

             And sweetest in the gale is heard;             And sore must be the storm             That could abash the little bird             That kept so many warm

             I've heard it in the chillest land             And on the strangest sea;             Yet, never, in extremity             It asked a crumb of me. By Emily Dickenson

KENTS CAVERN

‘MACBETH; 7pm on Tuesday 7th November.

'The Scottish Play' in the caves of Kents CavernWe will provide transport from Kingsbridge Quay

COST APPROX £24 Tf you are interested please CONTACT - TONY

AS WE APPROACH THE SUMMER HOLSHERE’S AN END OF YEAR REPORTA QUICK TRIP THROUGH THE LAST FEWMONTHSI’LL TRY TO KEEP IT SHORT!!

AT KINGSBRIDGE SHOW WE FLEW OUR FLAGTELLING FOLK OF U3AINVITING THEM TO OUR NEXT MEETINGTHE SEPTEMBER ANNUAL ‘OPEN DAY’,

IN OCTOBER, TONY PORTER CAME -WITH HIS BOOKS AND SO MUCH LAUGHTER.HIS PASSION FOR MUCH-LOVED BURGHISLAND,WHAT HAD GONE BEFORE – AND AFTER.

NOVEMBER, ANTHEA TOOK CONTROLPRODUCED A HOME-GROWN TALENT SHOWWITH WINE AND PASTIES, SONGS ANDSKETCHESALL OF US ENJOYED IT SO.

OUR SPEAKER NEXT WAS ALAN PRINCEWHO, HAVING SHUNNED THE SEABECAME A DEVON MASTER THATCHERA NOBLE CRAFT WE’D ALL AGREE.

DECEMBER’S ANNUAL CHRISTMAS LUNCH,THIS TIME WITH CHANGE OF VENUEGOOD COMPANY, CAROLS, FOOD AND WINEALL MADE FOR FESTIVE MENU.

IN JANUARY, CAME MEMBER, TESSHER THEME WAS GENEALOGYA FASCINATING LOOK AT ‘NAMES’AND HOW TO START YOUR ‘FAMILY TREE’

THEN FEBRUARY, ANDREW THOMPSON SPOKE-ONE THOUSAND YEARS OF TAVISTOCK’IMPRESSED A LOT OF US SO MUCHWE’RE GOING TO VISIT HIM ‘EN BLOC’.

FOR MARCH, WE ENJOYED A REAL COUPWHEN, WITTY, CANDID, FREE FROM GUILE,ANN WIDDECOMBE – WAS A MEMORABLE GUEST- COMMANDING PRESENCE AND CONSUMMATESTYLE!

NICK TOWNSEND TOOK US ON APRIL SAFARI,HIS SERENGETTI BOYHOOD, SHARED WITH LOVEAND PRIDE- EMOTIONAL SIGHTS AND SOUNDSREMEMBERED -WHAT FORTUNE TO HAVE HAD HIM AS OURGUIDE!

IN MAY, WE REACHED OUR A.G.M.SIX YEARS OLD, AND COUNTING‘KINGSBRIDGE ESTUARY’ IS HERE TO STAYTHERE CAN’T BE ANY DOUBTING – WE WELCOMED BACK SIR JONATHAN TODALL OF US EAGER TO HEAR,WHAT HAPPENED TO THE DARTMOUTH CADETAFTER HIS ‘ILLUSTRIOUS’ CAREER!!

VAL BUDGEN-CAWSEY WILL SPEAK IN JUNEJULY, RICHARD HAIGH, WILL DO HIS STINT -BUT SADLY I CAN’T REPORT ON THEM-AS THE EDITORS NEED TO GO TO PRINT!!

SO, WHAT A BUSY YEAR IT’S BEEN –IT’S REALLY TIME TO TAKEA FEW WEEKS OFF NOW - SO, PLEASE ENJOYA RELAXED AND HAPPY SUMMER BREAK !

END OF TERM REPORT by ANITA DUNSTER

THE NOTE

I don't know what awoke meSo early in the morn

The bed beside me emptyAnd in the first faint light of dawn

I saw the note he'd left mePropped up on the bed,

With trembling hands I picked it upAnd this is what I read:

"My dear, I hate to leave youBut I have to go away.

You see I saw my first loveIn the town today

The years have not been kind to herShe looked so old and sad

And I remembered allThe good times that we had.

The trips we had to LondonTo the country, to the sea

When I was oh so very proudThat she belonged to me.

But I'll be back for dinnerAfter I've seen Dinah

I must be at the auctionOf my little Morris Minor"

BY BARBARA BUTCHER

I'VE FORGOTTEN MY MEMORY!I'm growing ever more concernedabout my ageing bod,and need a medical breakthroughor a miracle from God.Activities that brought me joyI can no longer do,I need cures for mind and bodyto make them work like new.When your hair is grey and thinningand the sight's not all there,and your knees are fit for binningdue to all the wear and tear.As for signing up for Strictlyyou know you'll have to pass,when your teeth smile back at youfrom your bedside in a glass.Your once outstanding eyesightis now worse than second rate,and you can't tell eggs from baconas they blur upon your plate.Turning to my memorythe little that I've got,is trying to recall whetherI've fed the cat or not.I struggle when I have morethan just one thing on my mind,I spend hours writing shopping liststhen leave the thing behind.I'm worrying that I could losecontrol of my affairs,and I'm trying to rememberwhy the devil I'm upstairs.We are just as bad as you, friends saywhile trying to be kind,but that doesn't ease the worriesfor the "Me" that's on my mind.That's why I am going to the U3Ato kick start my old brain,and do crosswords and scrabblealthough it goes against the grain.This game of wills against old ageis one I vow to win,I"ll have my cuppa first thoughDid I put the teabag in?

(A poem found in an  ex-pat's maga-zine in Spain, and adapted by CaroleRoberts).

MEMBERSHIP

MEMBERSHIP SECRETARY

LIZ PLAYLE 17 HURRELL RD. KINGSBRIDGE. TQ71ER TEL. 853242 MOB. 07859391791

Membership forms can be downloaded from the Website or AREAVAILABLE at the Monthly Meeting

MEMBERSHIP CARDS FOR THOSE WHO HAVE NOT ALREADYRECEIVED THEM ARE ATTACHED TO THIS NEWSLETTER

—-------------------------------------------------------The new computer system ‘BEACON’ has now been in place for several months and has simplified the storage of data and administration. DATA is completely

protected, it is not backed up on a personal computer but to BEACON.Please be aware that an email which may say

‘BEACON’IS NOT TRASH OR JUNK !!

JUDY TYLER

NEWSLETTER

THIS IS NOW THE 11TH KEU3A NEWSLETTER

THE NEXT EDITION WILL BE DECEMBERTHANK YOU TO ALL CONTRIBUTORS.

PLEASE KEEP SENDING IN YOUR ARTICLES, REPORTS AND ANYTHING YOU WOULD LIKE TO SHARE WITH FELLOW MEMBERS TO

JUDYLINDA

BY NOVEMBER 7TH 2017

HALL ARRANGEMENT AT MONTHLY MEETINGS

CONTINUED HELP FROM MEMBERS IS APPRECIATED BYHELPING TO PUT OUT AND PUT AWAY CHAIRS AT THE

MONTHLY MEETING

CAN YOU MAKE A CUP OF COFFEE?

I have recently taken on the task of providing thecoffee, biscuits etc. for the Monthly meetings.Thank you Anna and Tony Westlake for your yearsof refreshment supplying, hope I can do as good ajob and I promise to keep getting chocolate

biscuits!! I am also going to compile the rota of helpers for makingthe coffee as from September. At the moment it falls to a smallband of people who regularly help out. However, we have nearly 100members at each of our meetings and we only require 3 people tomake and serve the drinks and wash up afterwards. So if 30 peoplewould volunteer to help it would only mean helping once a year. Canyou give us about 40 minutes of your time once a year? Please give itsome thought and sign up next time the rota list is passed to you.Chris Barnwell TEL.852160Many thanks also to Tricia and Bunny for their organization over the lastfew years

POLICY ON ADVERTISING

IT IS THE POLICY OF THE KEU3A NOT TO ADVERTISE,PROMOTE OR PUBLICISE ANY OUTSIDE EVENT OR OTHER

CHARITIES, EXCEPT BY SPECIAL PERMISSION

CHRISTMAS LUNCH

FRIDAY 8TH DEC. 2017

12 NOON

AT THURLESTONE HOTEL - YARMER SUITE

COST £25 FOR 3 COURSE LUNCH INCLUDING COFFEE

ON THE REVERSE YOU WILL FIND THE MENU - PLEASE MAKE YOURSELECTION AND RETURN TOGETHER WITH CHEQUE MADE OUT TOKINGSBRIDGE ESTUARY U3A (AND A STAMPED ADDRESS ENVELOPE

FOR YOUR TICKET) NO LATER THAN 17TH NOVEMBER.

TO: ANITA DUNSTER - FLAT 2, THE RETREAT, EBRINGTON STREETKINGSBRIDGE TQ7 1DE TEL 852452

NAME —–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

ADDRESS —–––––––––––––––––––––-–––––––––––-

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

------------------------------------------------POST CODE —––––––––––-

MENU

STARTERS

Beetroot Cured SalmonFennel, Wassabi ORLeek and Potato VeloutéWelsh Rarebit Crouton ORHeritage Tomato SaladFeta Cheese, Basil Oil

MAINS

Fillet of Sea TroutCrushed Jersey Royals, River Exe Mussels,White Wine Velouté ORRoast TurkeyTraditional Trimmings ORWhite Truffle LinguineForest Mushrooms

DESSERTS

Lemon Pannacotta & Raspberry coulis

OR

Passion Fruit Bavarois Mango Sorbet

OR

Christmas Pudding

Annual Accounts from the Treasurer

At the AGM the KEU3A Income and Expenditure for 2016/17 waspresented in the form of Pie Charts. They are reproduced here for

members information.

THIS IS WHERE THE MONEY GOES

TY

WELLS CATHEDRAL

TYNTESFIELD

LES BORDELAIS ON THEIR VISIT TO KINGSBRIDGE