Kingsbridgeestuary u3a

NEWSLETTER

june 2016

COMMITTEE

CHAIRMAN CAROLYN SCHOFIELDTEL: 843638

VICE CHAIRMAN VERNON TAYLORTEL: 856829

SECRETARY SYLVIA GRIFFINTEL: 856956

TREASURER LINDA COTONTEL: 842258

MEMBERSHIP SECRETARY JUDY TYLERTEL: 842217

SPEAKER SECRETARY SHEILA HARRISONTEL: 854559

GROUPS COORDINATOR ANTHEA McWATTTEL: 581399

VISITS ORGANISER TONY WESTLAKETEL: 531562

PUBLICITY ANITA DUNSTERTEL: 842452

WEBSITE RODNEY STRONGTEL:852255

COMMITTEE LIZ PLAYLETEL: 853242

TEL: 857242 JACKIE STACEY

NEWSLETTER EDITORS JUDY TYLER AND LINDA COTON

WEBSITE. www.u3asites.org.uk/kingsbridgeestuaryPRINTED AND COLLATED BY JOAINE SALCOMBE CHURCH OFFICE

CHAIRMAN’SCHAT

First I would like to thank you all for your kindness and confidence in electing me as Chairmanat the recent AGM. As I said at the time, Joyce’s outstanding four years in the post will be avery hard act to follow, but I have had a little practice standing in during her absences in SouthAfrica over the last two winters, and I will do my best to live up to your expectations. I knowthat you will want to join me in thanking Joyce for the enormous contribution she has madeto the U3A during her period in office, and will be glad to know that she will continue as anenthusiastic member, and has offered continuing services and advice to your Committee.

Secondly I wholeheartedly welcome two new Committee members, Sheila Harrison and JackieStacey. Sheila has volunteered to take over Jane Gray’s responsibility for finding speakers forFriday morning meetings. Jane has done a marvellous job, for which we are all so grateful, andhers too will be hard shoes to fill, but Sheila is already growing into the job with loads of newideas and enthusiasm. Jackie too is a volunteer with whom we very much look forward toworking, and you may be sure that we shall find her lots to do.

I have an ambition during my time as Chairman to get a better picture of our pattern ofmembership: what has attracted you all to join the U3A, to what extent is there an overlapbetween those who come to the Friday meetings and those who attend the groups, how manygroups on average do individual members attend, and so on? I have written before – withoutresponse! - in these pages about the possibility of members’ undertaking mini researchprojects, and it occurs to me that thismight be one which somebody might liketo explore. If so do have a word with meand we will see how we can take it further.Many of our groups are breaking up nowfor the summer, so enjoy a well-earnedrest and return refreshed in the autumnfor a renewal of activities and friendships,and don’t forget to keep an eye on theU3A website for all our latest news.

CAROLYN PAST CHAIRMAN - JOYCEPRESENT CHAIRMAN - CAROLYN

VICE CHAIRMAN - VERNON

CHAIRMAN'S AGM REPORT

12 months ago I reported on the success of KEU3A; 24 months ago – the same report;36 months ago – the same report and 48 months ago – yes, you have guessed it, thesame report was posted.  So what does this tell us?  In my view it is the story of progress– progress in the number of members; progress in the number and variety of Groups;progress in the range of Outings; progress in the establishment of residential visits; Icould go on and on but I know that I am speaking to the converted for it is you who havemade all the success possible and your enthusiasm and desire have encouraged yourCommittee to fulfil your expectations.

A brief resume of the activities in the past 12 months is possibly looked for and of courseour point of reference for this are our interesting and highly informative Newsletterswhose Editors Judy and Linda we thank at this time. Last June we travelled to Rosemooron a beautifully sunny day and what a treat that was and our thanks go to Tony and toWendy for their perfect organisation. The visit to Salisbury was an exciting new venturein that it was our first taste of a residential visit - this is the forerunner of many moreI am sure. And who could ever forget the joy of the singing of our Group who performedwith such professionalism at the concert in West Charleton Vilage Hall – there is realtalent in this Group and we can look forward to further forays into the realms ofentertainment. The French Language Group entertained an English Language Groupfrom Bordeaux and we were thrilled to join in the festivities especially the memorabletrip on the Rivermaid – check out the poem recording the event and contained in theAutumn newsletter and composed by our U3A Poet Laureate Anita. Church Visits wereboth educational and social outings; walks were enjoyed in all weathers and over somechallenging terrain; music was appreciated and antiques were studied and marvelledat; bridge was challenged; French, Italian and Spanish were studied, art was a relaxingtime; and so forth throughout the 30 Groups so ably overseen by Anthea our GroupsCo-ordinator.

Our finances are healthy and our thanks go to Linda; our membership is ably controlledby Judy; technical matters are the province of Vernon; speakers have been sourcedwith great success by Jane; publicity has been handled by Anita with style; Sylvia, ourSecretary has been a constant source of expert advice and clear records; Liz has at alltimes been an enthusiastic member of Committee which brings me to Carolyn who hasfilled the role of Vice-chairman so completely. One name has not yet been mentioned– Rodney Strong has kept the web-site up to date at all times and we thank him for theprofessionalism of this – it is without doubt one of the best U3A web-sites and Irecommend you to visit it frequently.

And so I can sum up the past year as one of growth and achievement – you, themembers, have done this – may we continue to flourish!

JOYCE DRUMMOND

MONTHLY MEETINGS 10AM AT THEMETHODIST CHURCH KINGSBRIDGE

23�� SEPTEMBER - OPEN MEETING

28�� OCTOBER - TONY PORTER

"WHATEVER NEXT"

When Tony Porter and his wife B sold Burgh Island in 2001 after 16 years of constantrestoration and the re-establishment of the famous Art Deco hotel, he wrote a bookentitled "the Great White Palace". It tells the story of how they managed to buy theIsland and the seemingly impossible problems they overcame. As sales crept up to nearly24,000, more and more readers began to ask Tony what he did during the rest of his life.Eventually he sat down to answer that question.In his latest book "Whatever Next?" it describes his seven amazing careers, from beingcommissioned into the army to selling dye in Nigeria, from Biba to London Fashion Week,from Burgh Island to Classic Car Shows. A fascinating talk.

25�� NOVEMBER - ALAN PRINCE

“FROM SUB-MARINER TO MASTER THATCHER “

Following a 10 year 'short service' commission in the Royal Navy, Alan was apprenticed toGeorge Dray of Lustleigh for a 2 year apprenticeship in thatching. George continued tomentor him for the next two years until Alan was elected a full member of the Devon andCornwall Master Thatchers Association in 1978. Alan practiced in his own right, teachinga total of four apprentices. His last apprentice, Lars Blackwell, became his son-in-law(after undergoing rigorous training), eventually taking over the business in 2014 whenAlan retired.

9th DECEMBER CHRISTMAS LUNCH AT THE THURLESTONE HOTELSee details at back of newsletter

Among others in 2017, we have Andrew Thompson of Tavistock,Archeologist and Historian with 1000 years of the history of Tavistock

with special interest for our History Group, Church Visit Group andTony Westlake's visit Group. In addition there is Nick Townsend's talkabout his childhood spent in Tanzania. Awaiting to be firmed up we have

an exciting list of potential Guest Speakers.

CHURCH VISITS

TUESDAY 13th SEPTEMBER. 10.30 am St Petrox ChurchDartmouth at the mouth of the river by the castle. Another grade 1listed church pre-dating the Norman Conquest. Coffee should beavailable at the small cafe by the castle. We will then go back to

St Clement's, the mother church of Dartmouth, which is at the top of the hillopposite the Naval College. Grade 1 listed and the site of older churches goingback to Saxon times. Lunch at The Sportman's Arms Inn on the main road.

TUESDAY 11th OCTOBER St Mary the Virgin, Denbury 11am, then onto EastOgwell St Bartholomew's. We will arrange a lunch venue later.

TUESDAY 8th NOVEMBER After numerous requests we have a return visit tothe Synagogue in Plymouth city centre. I will again arrange lunch at Bistro Pierrein the Royal William Yard Stonehouse Plymouth.

Contact: David Chubb Tel: 856386

David has the greatest knack for finding significant Churches, packed with extraordinaryhistory and in villages that some of us had only heard of and certainly never visited. Remote,yes,but in the past have played a powerful part in local life. Many years, hundreds, throughwars, Henry V111, Victorian changes. Right under our noses but unknown until David plansa visit. The visit to Kingston and Ringmore was no exception. Two quite different Churches,small Ringmore - I think you could say charming, and much larger Kingston, so entirelydifferent and imposing. David's knack comes from diligent research and homeworkproviding us with the history and tiny features (e.g. the squint window) that we would surelymiss otherwise, this along with his finding a very good venue for lunch. The Pickwick at StAnne's Chapel, catering for about twenty-five of us, was very good indeed. .

We always knew that OTTERY ST MARY'S wasoutside of our normal travel area but we also knewthat that this was somewhere rather special. It wasthis and more. Twenty of our members were madevery welcome by the Church hospitality team.Coffee and biscuits, followed by an hour and aquarter guided tour. The church, based on thecathedral at Exeter, but half the size. Built by

Bishop Grandisson in 1337. Buildings don't come better than this. Largelyunaltered and still in magnificent condition As two of our folks said to me a real"wow" factor. If anyone is in the area do put it on your list of places to go.DAVID

WALKS WITH PUB LUNCHOur walks start at 10.30am, meeting at a pub or cafewhere we have lunch when we finish. We walk for abouttwo and a half hours and for up to 5 miles.

Leader: Andy Coton Tel:842258

27th SEPTEMBER - Devonport, Plymouth

25th OCTOBER - Bantham

2nd NOVEMBER - Frogmore

December - Christmas walk and a New Year walk in early January2017

VISITSTUESDAY SEP 27th DEVONPORTWe have been asked to organise another walk exploringDevonport. We will do this in conjunction with thewalking group, meeting at 11.00am venue t.b.a. This willbe a gentle walk morning and afternoon with lunch

venue also t.b.a.TUESDAY OCT 4th 3 ELLIOT TERRACE, PLYMOUTH11.00am visit to 3 Elliot Terrace, the home of the late Lady Astor.Please book early as there is an opportunity for a second group as numbersare limited to 15 per visit. £5.25 per person

TUESDAY NOV 8th KENTS CAVERNWe visit Kents Cavern for an evening performance of Romeo and Juliet. Wewill organise transport dependent on numbers. Performance cost is £16,transport extra. TONY WILL UPDATE THE WEBSITE AS THE VISITS DEVELOP

& WOULD LOVE IDEAS AND SUGGESTIONS FOR FUTUREOUTINGS AND VISITS. PLEASE CONTACT HIM

WEBSITE www.u3asites.org.uk/kingsbridgeestuary

I have been quite busy in recent months with regular updates to manygroup pages. Geology and Church Visits are two of the active visiting

groups while Horse Racing sees great activity going on in the background.Do contact Mervyn if you would like a day out learning more about racing. I should soonhave a little less to do for a while as most groups are starting their summer break.It is encouraging to see new groups being organised – we now have 33 in operation andthere are others in prospect. So there is even more for you to consider joining andhelping with in line with the fundamental principles of the U3A. The website is an easyway to keep up-to-date. Please use it. -Rodney Strong

MEMBERSHIP

Kingsbridge Estuary U3A is officially 5 years old! In May 2011,60 people attended a ‘feasibility’ meeting and from amongst

them, a ‘steering committee’ was chosen. From such small beginnings, just like‘Topsy’ our thriving organisation has ‘just growed!’ Of that first committee, weare lucky enough to have 4 members with their hands still on the collectivetiller, such is their dedication. From that initial 60 we now have a membershipof around 400. If ever we all needed to meet together even Malborough VillageHall would struggle to accommodate us!In the not too distant future we are hoping to move the Membership to a newsystem, ‘THE BEACON’ this should help to simplify the work and also allowGroup Leaders to access the information they require; eventually it will alsoaccommodate our accounting system.

IMPORTANTATTACHED TO THIS NEWSLETTER IS YOUR MEMBERSHIP CARD WITHYOUR UNIQUE NUMBER. WHEN THE NEW SYSTEM IS IN PLACE THISNUMBER HELPS TO IDENTIFY YOU AND IS ALSO PROOF OF BEING A

CURRENT MEMBER.KEEP IT SAFE !

GROUP ACTIVITIES

Another AGM has seen the end of a busy year for all our groupactivities and many of the groups now take a break over thesummer for activities of a different kind with family andfriends. September will see the start of another U3A year ofgroup activities some of which will be new.Fun for Flowers will start in September under the leadershipof Helen Curtis, and it is hoped an informal group with aninterest in Natural History will also be able to meet, though at

present this is in its infancy! Many of you expressed interest in a Petanque group, and onyour behalf I have been discussing with the local Council the refurbishment of the playingsurface of the court in the Recreation Ground. Once this has been completed I hope thegroup will be able to start to play together during the summer.The monthly meeting in September is always a chance for U3A members, and non-members to come along and meet the group organisers (leaders) and see what a widerange of activities we have to offer at Kingsbridge U3A. This year is no exception, soplease come and wherever possible bring a friend to see what is on offer and enjoy acoffee or tea with friends. Following the meeting this year the group organisers (leaders)will come together for lunch and a workshop to consider the proposals from the Regionalworkshop.

On November 18��, Kingsbridge U3A will be holding an Evening of Entertainment with aPasty Supper at West Charleton Village Hall. This will be provided by members, formembers and we hope you will all support this fun evening meeting with friends oversupper, and being entertained by a plethora of talented U3A members! Tickets for thesupper will be £5, to include pasty (or vegetarian option) plus coffee and cake.

Kingsbridge U3A is a vibrant and friendly organisation that provides its members with asmuch or as little as they want to enjoy. However this is only possible by the continuedsupport of those who offer to 'lead' our activity groups and work behind the scenes on thecommittee or in arranging tea and coffee at our monthly meetings. If you want tocontribute in whatever small way to the continued success of U3A please get in touch.New ideas are welcome (even if you do not feel you can take on any organisation) butthere is always support for anyone willing to try. Just being involved is satisfying andoften leads to the making of new friends.

Thank you to all of you who continue to help provide this wide range of groupactivities, and for all of you who continue to enjoy them.

Anthea McWatt, Group Co-ordinator

U3A REGIONAL WORKSHOP

As the Group Co-ordinator for our U3A I was asked by the Committeeto attend a Regional workshop in Exeter, run by the National U3A,which focused on the development of group activities and different

ways in which to establish and 'lead' these activities. I often think that the use of the word'leader' often deters members from actually suggesting new activities (as they do not wantto lead them), or in offering to help in co-ordinating the group activities, because of theperceived responsibility. Many activities do not need a 'leader' as such, but simply someonewilling to be the 'conduit' by which information is passed to and fro between those involvedwith that activity. Quite a lot of emphasis at this workshop was placed on providing a 'mixand match' of learning styles, with group members arranging at least one planning meetinga year in order to discuss ways to move forward. This is really important if your group is toflourish. However, probably the most important factor in any group activity is that everyoneis involved, and enjoying their time undertaking their activity within a group of like-mindedpeople. ANTHEA

ANTIQUES

We are now well into our Antiques Road Trip season. Our first trip was toTopsham where we visited the Quay Antiques Centre. With 70 dealers on

three floors there was a lot of browsing and some purchasing. Some of us also visited theTopsham Museum which is housed in late 17th century buildings. As well as wonderfulexhibits of the maritime history there are furnished period rooms containing antiques.Topsham has a lot to offer for a day out. The next trip was to Ashburton's many antiquesshops. I have been told it was a successful trip. Our final trip will be to the Plymouth Museum.As the museum is closing at the end of the summer until 2020 we can view the specialexhibitions that are on at the moment. The good news is that a lot of the Cookworthyporcelain will be exhibited in the Cookworthy Museum next year. RACHEL TEL. 560571

MONDAY BOOK CLUB

Over the past 5 years our section of the book club has read at least 45/50books. We are organised by Jan Cadman and meet once a month to have a

lively discussion about the current book. It's surprising how differing our perceptions andcriticisms can be, occasionally one wonders if we've all read the same book! Very interesting.We have read current fiction, historical fiction, biographies, autobiographies and the classicsSALLY WEBB. If anyone feels inclined to join us we do have a space available , contact JAN. TEL: 559374

FRENCH

The group continues to progress listening, reading and writing, usingthe resource book: Echo A2. By the end of this year, all members willbe able to declare with pride that they are up to the B1 level of the

European Framework for languages, ie: independent user of a foreign language● Can understand the main points of clear standard input on familiar matters regularly

encountered in work, school, leisure, etc● Can deal with most situations likely to arise while travelling in an area where the

language is spoken.● Can produce simple connected text on topics that are familiar or of personal interest.● Can describe experiences and events, dreams, hopes and ambitions and briefly give

reasons and explanations for opinions and plans.● Which is very impressive!

We enjoyed a French-themed New Year's lunch at the Crabshell in January and shallcelebrate Bastille Day on July 14th, comme il se doit.

We have also maintained our link with the group from Bordeaux and are planning anotherexchange to take place in 2017. Several members have also organised private visits withgreat success this year. The main objective of the group is to have fun while learning - Ihope that we are achieving this! JANE STURDEE TEL. 852735

FRENCH BEGINNERS

This group, new in 2016, meets at 2pm on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of the monthat a private house in Salcombe. The group is already full but we have a waitinglist. BARBARA TEL. 842901

FRENCH CULTURE

Having a break from subjects to discuss, we moved on toread and talk about short stories by famous authors suchas Guy de Maupassant and Alphonse Daudet. We includedJean de la Fontaine who wrote his poems in the vein of

Aesops Fables with delightful illustrations. New members have made a good contributionto the group and the stalwarts continue to support me, to my delight. We did not go to Francefor a short holiday this year, but the Bordelais experience should suffice in the future. DAWN

SPANISH

Spanish Intermediate Classes take place every other Tuesday morning10am–12noon at a private house in Kingsbridge. There are currently 5members, most of whom started in September 2011. All had some

knowledge of Spanish to start with, and they are building well on that.If you have already done some Spanish, please get in touch!The Spanish Intermediate Group are learning conversational Spanish, but you cannotconverse without vocabulary and quite a lot of grammar, especially verbs. We havealways done a lot of oral work. However, the class has now got a pretty good grasp ofthe grammar, and the accent is now firmly on speaking and listening. We tend to do abit of grammar for the first hour, then try and speak Spanish as much as we can in thesecond hour.For the Intermediate classes, please contact MICHAEL on 852735

BEGINNERS SPANISH

This class was set up in January of this year and takes place once a fortnight between10.00am and 12.00 noon in West Charleton. There proved to be a great interest inlearning Spanish in the area for people with little knowledge of the language. Classesstarted with the basics and people have quickly moved on to improve their readingand writing skills.While understanding that most people joined the class wanting to go to Spain and speakthe language it is important for them to learn the grammar and acquire a large vocabularybase. Lessons are built around attempting to cover all these areas while making theminteresting and fun.At the moment the Beginners Spanish class is full but if anyone wants more informationthey can contact JANE on 531885

ITALIAN

The Italian group for absolute beginners meets every Monday 9.30- 11.30 at The Crabshell in Kingsbridge.We are enjoying learning Italian with Lesley in a very fun way.We are working our way through a book called BUONGIORNO ITALIA

Listening to the pronunciation on an accompanying cd.We have all made new friends and learnt a lot in the short time since starting.CONTACT LESLEY FERGUSON TEL: 560578

GREEK MYTHOLOGY

We have been reading plays by Sophocles and Euripides based onalternative versions to the mainstream Homeric Cycle myths of theJudgement of Paris, the abduction of Helen (the face that launched athousand ships), the Trojan War, and the final fall of Troy. Thebackground story is that Paris, a prince of Troy, found himself in theunenviable position of judging a beauty contest between three jealousgoddesses, Hera, Athene and Aphrodite. Olympian politics beingsomewhat venal they all offered him bribes, with the result that he

awarded the prize to Aphrodite (appropriately Goddess of Love), who promised him the hand ofthe most beautiful woman in the world, the said Helen, already the wife of a petty Greek king,Menelaus, whose rival suitors had sworn to defend his marriage. So when Paris whisks Helen offto Troy while Menelaus isn’t looking, the whole Greek nobility is mobilised under the leadershipof M’s brother, Agamemnon, King of Mycenae. When Agamemnon returns home 10 years later,after successfully annihilating Troy and liberating Helen, he is instantly and horribly murdered byhis wife Clytemnestra (sister to Helen) and her lover Aegisthus. Her daughter Electra and sonOrestes later carry out terrible revenge on the two of them.And so to the peripheral versions of the main events. We read Sophocles’ Philoctetes, where oneof the Greek heroes suffering from a particularly stinky wound, has to be enticed from the desertisland on which he has been marooned, because his bow and arrows are the only weapon whichcan prevail against Troy; and Sophocles’ Ajax, which recounts the dramatic suicide of thepowerful hero Ajax, after the dead Achilles’ armour was awarded to Odysseus rather thanhimself. Odysseus is very much the villain of both these dramas. Then we read two versions ofthe revenge of Electra and Orestes, one by Sophocles and one by Euripides, both titled Electra,both dealing with their matricide. And finally we went back again in time, first to anextraordinary version of the abduction of Helen (Euripides) in which the goddess Hera arrangesfor Paris to take a kind of cardboard cut-out of her to Troy, while the real Helen, chaste as drivensnow, sojourns in Egypt until Menelaus comes to claim her; and then to Aulis, where thebecalming of the Greek fleet, on its way to Troy, can only be rectified by the sacrifice ofAgamemnon’s noble daughter Iphigenaia, whom he lures thither with a promise of marriage tothe hero Achilles. It has a (sort of) happy ending but I have to admit to shedding the odd tearon the way there.We have had great fun exploring our shifting sympathies with the various characters andincreasingly making connections between these very slippery myths. From here we plan toaddress the quite separate story of Theseus, an early king of Athens (he of the labyrinth and theMinotaur), and his son Hippolytus, with whom the latter’s stepmother falls fatally in love. Theseappear in Euripides’ Hippolytus, which we shall read next, as well as fleetingly in his SuppliantWomen and Heracles, so we may read those as well, before finding Theseus also in Sophocles’Oedipus at Colonus, which will conveniently lead us into the cycle of plays set in ancient Thebes,with its even more terrible family relationships! We have now broken off for the summer andwill start again on Tuesday 13�� September. If anyone would like to join us then, I wouldrecommend to them, as well as to the existing group, Mary Renault’s excellent novels aboutTheseus: The King Must Die and The Bull From the Sea, as light reading over the summer.CAROLYN

SINGING FOR PLEASURE

The highlight of our year was our November concert, hosted by theU3A and held in West Charleton Village Hall The programme included entertainment frompoetry written and spoken by U3A members to a musical duet played by Nicola New and herfriend and colleague Melanie. The Singing for Pleasure Group sang their hearts out withsome solo, duet and quartet acts to add variety. The concert was a sell out and raisedapproximately £750 for the St Mary’s West Charleton Church Fund. A huge thank you mustgo to Anna Westlake for her slaving over a hot stove for the catering – which was a greatsuccess.In December we sang again at the U3A Christmas party, having put together some moreunusual seasonal songs to entertain the revelers.As soon as the New Year arrived we were back to work to learn new pieces for the 2016November concert, which promises to be bigger’n’better than the last one!The Singing for Pleasure Group is about 20 strong and we always welcome new members.The Group is divided into the traditional four parts and we’re getting quite good atharmonising. However, don’t let that put you off if you are new to singing, we have come tothe conclusion that anyone can sing in a group and the sound, if directed well, will be good.We have several members who hadn’t sung a note until they joined us who now sing outconfidently – and they are still here!Joan Nicholas, our director, has been with us for four years, together with Nicola New ourpiano accompanist. We are indebted to them for their help, expertise and infinite patienceas we all work hard together. Sadly Joan is to leave us this summer; she has worked tirelesslyboth at the meetings and probably more so in her own time so that we give a polishedperformance. As a group we will miss her for her hard work, good humour and friendship,but we must let her go so that she can spend more time with her family.She will leave a huge gap for us, which we are keen to fill as best we can. If anyone out thereknows of someone with the musical acumen to lead a group of amateur to middling songsters,someone who has a strong will but a good sense of humour, then we can guarantee him orher a good time! DEBBIE

Friday mornings and West Charleton Village Hall comes alive with the sounds of music, heavybreathing, advice on tummy tucks, and four part harmony ! Let me explain: For four yearsnow our Singing for Pleasure Group has met to sing and have fun, supported, tutored, andconducted by the lovely Joan Nicholas.No sooner are we in the hall when we hear the cry, ‘Now five big good ones everyone - andno cheating.’ Well let your imagination go wild with this one! We raise our hands in the air,take a deep breath then slowly exhale. Many are coughing and spluttering at the same time(always a good sign we are told by Joan.) Then it’s on to the scales, escorted by the well- usedphrase, ‘Tuck your tummies in.’ By this time some of us are exhausted before any singingstarts.

But we all love it really, and we all appreciate the professionalism that Joan brings to our group.For four years she has brought enthusiasm, encouragement, great patience, fun and oftenfrustration to our Friday mornings. She has taken us to two U3A Extravaganzas, prepared usto perform at the Christmas dinners and last year helped us to a standard where we couldperform to 100 + people to raise funds for St Mary’s Church West Charleton. Joan is nowstanding down from the group after four years and we would all like to say a very big thankyou… we shall miss her so much. Whoever takes over this group, just be aware that we like tostart the mornings with five big good ones! HELEN ____________________________

SONG FOR JOAN (tune Hallelujah by Cohen)

Joan we do appreciate, to teach us well you tell us straight.Four years now our group you’ve been commandingSopranos if you really try,You’ll hit that note it’s not that high.Singing for Pleasure really is demanding!Is demanding, is demanding, is demanding, is demanding

You always make us do our best. Until it’s right you will not rest.How you do it Joan is quite perplexingTenors listen to your CD.That part just doesn’t sound right to me.Singing for Pleasure is always really stretching!Really stretching, Really stretching, Really stretching, Really stretching.

Joan we think you always knew of all the things that we could do.Four part songs you always were intending.Basses you must watch your timing.Alto’s sing or are you miming?Singing for Pleasure really is extending!Is extending, Is extending, Is extending, Is extending.

You want us all to do our best. Until we do you will not rest.How you do it Joan is quite intriguing.You frown and smile, praise and cajole.You make us sing with heart and soul.Singing for Pleasure really is fatiguing!Is fatiguing, Is fatiguing, Is fatiguing, Is fatiguing.

We’d really like to thank you Joan.We couldn’t have done it on our own.We appreciate you are a treasure.We’ve made good friends. We’ve had such fun.So heartfelt thanks from everyone.Singing for Pleasure really is a pleasure!

WALK AND PUB LUNCH

Even the dreadful weather at the start of this year couldnot deter Andy and his happy band of walkers. As alwayshe had planned a variety of walks ,taking in the bestfeatures Devon has to offer, ending in a pub for aconvivial lunch. The year started with a coastal walkfrom East Prawle, even though we had to watch our feetit was wonderful to be in the fresh air, with goodcompany and of course the coast was stunning.February saw us stomping through the mud alongsidethe river Avon; even in the summer the start of this walk

is muddy. The beauty of the river flowing through the woods makes up for everythingand there's a chance to see the flash of blue which is the Kingfisher which lives by thebridge. Avoiding fallen trees and branches we walkedto Loddiswell and then across the fields to Avon Mill forlunch.The scheduled walk for March was delayed by 2 days asthe rain did its worst, so Andy led a depleted group fora coastal path walk from Ringmore. It was with theadmonition"Be careful near the cliff edge!!!" they setoff! Happily everybody returned in one piece. With thehedgerows the best they have been for years we went

to Dartmouth to walkfrom the Castle toGallants Bower through the bluebell woods. The settingis incredible, the sea and Dart estuary seen through amist of blue will stay in the minds eye forever.Now the weather is improving Andy planned a slightlylonger walk over the Moor including Doctor BlackwellsDrive. Realising there are some of us for whom the extramile and a half would be too much Andy found a way,led by Linda, to get us back to the pub whilst the restsoldiered on. This was a stunning walk, the carriagewaybuilt for the doctors wife a hundred years ago made a

nice easy walk so we were able to take in the view of the different Tors and the riverrushing below. It was on this walk where a beautiful horse decided to befriend us , hewas sure we had something nice in our knapsacks!! Andy meticulously plans all the walks,knows all the best viewpoints and we always end with a lovely chatty lunch. Our thanksmust go to him and Linda for making the fourth Tuesday in the month an absolute joy.ANNE SEYMOUR

GARDEN APPRECIATION

We visit a different garden or nursery each month (apartfrom August) between February and November. Wherepossible, we have a guided tour or talk from the owner orhead gardener. In December and January we meet in theCrabshell to review the previous year and plan thefollowing year as well as to hear a speaker. So far this yearwe have visited Little Cumbre in Exeter to see theiramazing snowdrop collection, Mount Edgcumbe CountryPark to learn about their huge Camellia collection,Trematon Castle Gardens near Saltash to see their gardenrestoration work in an enchanting setting (see photo

attached) and The Lost Gardens of Heligan for a tour of their Northern Gardens, the latterbeing a combined trip for the wider U3A membership, using a coach organised by TonyWestlake. Normally around 20-25 of us organise ourselves into carloads. Where possiblewe have lunch at the garden or in a local hostelry after our morning visits to reflect on theglories we have seen and the information we have gleaned during our talks and tours. Theday of the visit varies each month depending on the opening times of the garden, availabilityof tour guides and the best time for seeing particular plants of interest. Future visits includeHeathercombe Gardens near Bovey Tracey, Ash Tree Farm near Dartmouth, Knightshayesnear Tiverton, the Forest Garden at Dartington and Stone Lane Gardens near Chagford.

The group is still full with 48 members and a waiting list of 11. Since most group visits arefor a maximum of 15 –25 people depending on the tour guide, regretfully, we are unable to

take any more people on to the group at the moment.”

WENDY Tel:852529 e

HEATHERCOMBE GARDENS - 1000FEET UP ON DARTMOOR

This was the latest garden visitThe Heathercombe estate is run by the Claude and Margaret Pike WoodlandsTrust, a registered charity, whose purpose is to conserve the special environmentof Heathercombe. This includes woodland gardens, an arboretum, SouthHeathercombe and extensive forestry plantations.The High Heathercombe Centre, adjoining the open moor and surroundingwoodlands, is run on a charitable basis by the High Heathercombe Trust, offeringa wide range of people access to experience the beautiful Dartmoor landscape.

TREMATON GARDENS SALTASH

What a gem the garden appreciation group visited this spring. The location is stunningand reflected the social history of the area. The site of Trematon Castle, near Saltash ,has belonged to the Duke of Cornwall since shortly after the Norman conquest and is aperfect miniature Norman castle. John Betjeman wrote " One of the most superb viewsof Cornwall , a Brunel stone viaduct crossing ,a foreground creek , the Lynter and Tamarestuaries beyond and the wooded slopes of Anthony ". In contrast the once rollingcountryside on the left hand side is now dotted with housing developments sprawling outfrom Plymouth. There is so much for a visitor to explore both in horticulture andarchitecture.Although only a small castle it has nine acres and just half an acre of cultivated garden.Much of it is steep slopes and woodland. Isabel and Julian Bannerman , the gardendesigners and builders bought Trematon's lease in January 2012. The site offered atremendous challenge but after 20 years of taking on diverse gardening projects fromhigh-profile clients, including the Prince of Wales , the Bannermans are well equipped.The constraints of archaeology meant that they could hardly dig anywhere .Topsoil ( 200tons ) had to be imported to make the terraces and flower beds around the Regencyhouse.The Bannermans design is simple but strong. The luxurious herbaceous borders areplanted with a mixture of Thirties and Fifties scented big impact planting. The sea facingborder is planted with Cornish and seaside plants, rosemary, myrtle, cistus, pinks, crinumsand agapanthus. I would like to return in July to see this tapestry in bloom.The keep sits on 100ft high banks of meadow plants, primroses, bluebells (English) andwild flowers. All were in flower during our visit. With trepidation we climbed up the stonesteps of the decayed keep to be rewarded with the glorious view . The Motte is a riot ofwild flowers carpeted with cowslips and primroses, bluebells, spangled with campion andpurple orchids. The stone ruins give an air of mystery and faded grandeur.There is a mixed woodland with dogwood and  magnolia, tulip tree, foxglove tree,evergreen oaks and oaks. Many Cornish favourites Camelias, Rhododendron, Euchryphia,Carpenteria, Fuchsia, Mimosa and Cornus thrive in the gardens.There is a modern Indian garden with a swimming pool and an open-sided loggia. WoodenIndian panels hang in the Loggia and with the large pots of canna lilies,palms andcordylines an exotic and tropical feel is given.Finally, there is a double walled garden, some distance from the house - yet anotherchallenge of epic proportions.The garden is very much a work in progress but the fascinating grouping of history,architecture, landscape and plants give the visitor a rewarding experience.LINDSEY FLETCHER

VISIT TO MOUNT EDGCUMBE INMARCH

We left Kingsbridge while there was still a misty haze over theestuary and drove towards Plymouth, with a promise of sunshineto come. We travelled over the Tamar Bridge, which is one of thethree easy ways to reach Mount Edgcumbe. (The other tworoutes are the Torpoint ferry, or the Cremyll foot -ferry.)Continuing through the east Cornwall countryside, we passeddaffodil fields,some of them still in flower and many of the

tributories of the Tamar River which were by then on our left and Whitsands Bay and the sea beyondon our right. The sun came out on our arrival, leaving just a little chill in the air.Our first stop was for coffee and cake in the Stable Cafe, which remains true to its name, with manyof the original features remaining.Mount Edgcumbe has the national collection of camellias. Our guide was Lee, the Head Gardener,who has worked there for the last 24 years. He was an excellent and witty host, keeping usentertained for 2 hours. He started his talk by introducing us to the history of the place.It was first started as a Deer Park in 1515, and the house was completed in 1550. A large wing ofthe house was destroyed in World War 2. The Estate is now jointly owned by Plymouth City Counciland Cornwall County Council. It receives grants at the moment to help towards the costs, but bynext year it will be totally self funding.We left the cosy cobbled courtyard with its shops and cafe to make our way uphill to the start of ourwalk. The camellia collection is well sign posted and though there is an incline it is an easy terrain.Lee was a fountain of information and showed us in detail the many varieties of this beautiful flower.They come in 6 main forms, from double to single, peony to rose. He recommended that we boughtthe Williams II variety to suit our area and climate. On one bush we were shown two differentlycoloured flowers, growing side by side. You could not help yourself falling in love with thesemagnificent and exquisite flowers. Your gardens at home could be full of flowering camellias fromearly October to May the following year.A trip to Mount Edgcumbe is recommended to all. As you go past the camellias the walk opens outto panoramic views of Plymouth Sound and the surrounding area. A clear view of the west side ofDrakes Island can also be seen. At this stage the walk takes a turn down hill to the left towards theamphitheatre, giving you a view of the duck pond and the Tamar River. There was much more forus to see and explore, but our guided tour was nearly at a close, so that remains for another trip.Our final treat with Lee was a peep in the camellia poly tunnel, where we were able to purchaseplants at a bargain price of £5 each.Lunch followed, and many of us found it warm enough to eat outside in the courtyard; a first for2016. It was soon time to return home. Our lasting thoughts were that a return visit would not belong. and we know it would be a memorable and scenic outing for ourselves and our friends.MERYL

GROUP MEETING DAY LEADER/CONTACT

ANTIQUES 3rd THURSDAY PMMONTHLY

RACHEL 560571

ASTRONOMY

BOOK CLUB 1 3rd THURSDAY PMMONTHLY

CHRIS 852160

BOOK CLUB 2 1st MONDAY PMMONTHLY

JAN 559374

BRIDGE FRIDAY PM WEEKLY STEVE 531252

CLASSICAL MUSIC 4th MONDAY PMMONTHLY

ODETTE 560265

CHURCH VISITS 2nd TUESDAY MONTHLY DAVID 856386slipway1@hotmail.co.uk

CRYPTICCROSSWORDS

1st&3rd THURSDAY AM ANDY 581164andy.glenn2701@gmail.com

FRENCH LANGUAGE THURSDAY AMFORTNIGHTLY

JANE 852735jhes@talktalk.net

FRENCH BEGINNERS SEE WEBSITE BARBARA 842901barbara_mclarty@yahoo.com

FRENCH CULTURE 1st & 3rd THURSDAY DAWN 844046dawnstpier39@icloud.com

FUN WITH FLOWERS 1st TUESDAY PM HELEN 531191curtishelen40@gmail.com

GARDENAPPRECIATION VARIABLE DATES

WENDY 852529wendy.allison.t21@btinternet.com

GEOLOGY 2nd THURSDAY AMMONTHLY

CHRIS 531460chris.adams@btinternet.com

GERMAN WEDNESDAY AMFORTNIGHTLY

JANE 852784jane@bowcombe.myzen.net

GROUP MEETING DAY LEADER/CONTACT

GREEK MYTHOLOGY 2nd & 4th TUESDAY CAROLYN 843638carolyn@hastyfish.co.uk

ITALIAN FOR BEGINNERS MONDAYSWEEKLY 9.30-11.30

LESLEY 560578esleyferguson@btinternet.com

LOCAL HISTORY 3rd WEDNESDAY CELIA (temp) 852255celia.strong@outlook.com

LUNCH BUNCH FRIDAY PMMONTHLY

EVE 856849evage@tiscali.co.uk

MAH JONG 1st & 3rd MONDAY ELIZABETH 580826elizabeth.jennings182@btinternet.com

PAINTING WEDNESDAY PMFORTNIGHTLY

ANNE 856667anne_matt@hotmail.com

PHILOSOPHY TUESDAY PMFORTNIGHTLY

ANNE 531252anne@annedooley.net

PLAY READING THURSDAY AM EMMA 853900 OR CAROL 562342

RASPBERRY PI SEE WEBSITEgrenville@gandat.co.uk

POETRY APPRECIATION WEDNESDAY AMMONTHLY

NANCY 852087rstan76994@aol.com

SHORT MAT BOWLS SATURDAY AM TONY 531562anthony.westlake297@btinternet.com

SINGING FOR PLEASURE FRIDAY AM TONY 531562anthony.westlake297@btinternt.com

SPANISH TUESDAY AMWEEKLY

MICHEAL 852735sturdeejm@talktalk.net

SPANISH FOR BEGINNERS SEE WEBSITE JANEjane@paynes.org.uk

STRETCH AND TONE THURSDAY PMWEEKLY

ANTHEA 581399antheamcwatt@live.co.uk

WALK / PUB LUNCH 4th TUESDAYMONTHLY

ANDY 842258andrewcoton@btinternet.com

WINE APPRECIATION 4th THURSDAY PM TONY 531562anthony.westlake297@btinternet.com

KINGSBRIDGE IN BLOOM

‘What You Don’t Know About Kingsbridge InBloom!’

Gill is yet another of our members, and it was apt that, during the week of ChelseaFlower Show, she was able to tell us more about our own award-winning ‘Kingsbridge in Bloom’group of volunteers, and how they have transformed our town’s environment.The evidence of their presence in the town is everywhere and their displays lift the spirits!The group was formed in 2007, by 3 ‘garden-minded’ people who had an idea and built on it. Everyjourney starts with the first step!The Group motto is ‘Growing Pride in our Town’ and by so doing, they have given us pride in ittoo!All volunteers are welcome - no experience, green-fingers or expertise is necessary. Just ask any ofthe team who are usually to be found on the Quay on Wednesday mornings, digging, weeding orplanting, in their distinctive blue shirts.Under the auspices of the Royal Horticultural Society’s ‘Its Your Town’ initiative, The Best Street;Pub; School; Church and Shop can all have a hand in improving their surroundings. There areprojects for local people to get involved with like the annual Garden Competition with categories forPatios, Hanging Baskets, Window Boxes, as well as Gardens.We were encouraged to take an entry form as the closing date for this year was not until June 6th!From their 1st tentative entry in 2008, they have achieved prestigious awards and have won ‘Gold’every year since 2010.The Judges are around during much of July so Gill and her fellow team members will be extra busy.They are very keen on ecology and are now building their own compost bins and ‘Bee’ homes. TheBeavers, Brownies and Cubs (celebrating their centenary as an organisation this year) are allencouraged to take some part. The next generation of gardeners are needed to keep this initiativegoing. The Hanging Baskets in Fore Street, which herald the summer, have to be kept watered somore help is welcomed. They have their own water bowser but it has to be manned!Fund raising is obviously important and a £2 monthly draw is in operation. Quizzes, plant sales andSponsorships from various business’s and societies, all help with the cost of funding this project,where not a penny is wasted nor a plant thrown away.Gill’s talk was accompanied throughout, by ‘before and after’ photographs, glimpses of colourfuldisplay’s and art projects within the planting.This just went to prove that Gill’s remit within KIB, of ‘Publicity and Promotion’ could hardly be in saferor more competent hands. ANITA DUNSTER

So far this year, we have had talks from the Make-up Artist for ‘The Coroner’ (now filming the2nd series locally); the resident Beekeeper of Buckfast Abbey; the assistant Curator of KewGardens and in April, one of our own members Barbara Butcher spoke to us on the life and workof Charles Rennie Mackintosh. Such was her enthusiasm for her subject that around 30 members

of her audience voted to try to arrange a trip to Glasgow to visit additional workof this eminent architect and designer of stained glass and furniture.

If a trip to Glasgow appeals to you contact Tony for more details,

VISIT TO LITTLE CUMBRE FEBRUARY

This visit was quite special as it would be the last yearthat Margaret Lloyd, a retired doctor would be openingher garden to the public as part of the National GardensScheme. She and her husband, John, have collectedand cultivated a wide range of snowdrops which havedelighted the many hundreds of people who havevisited this garden in Exeter, tucked away on a hilltopoverlooking the Exe valley. Margaret and her husbandmoved from their home in Stoke Canon to Exeter overtwenty years ago, bringing with them a collection of

plants in which was a pot of wild snowdrops. Over the years her husband added differentvarieties and they multiplied resulting in the wonderful collection that can be seen today.Margaret and her husband developed the garden, dealing with the rough clay soil, andlandscaping paths down through the gently sloping lawns in front of the house. Later theywere able to buy a further piece of land with mature trees, at the back of the house, whichMargaret cultivated into a more natural area, dotted with swathes of crocus, hyacinth,cyclamen and wild daffodils and snowdrops. Fifteen of our garden appreciation groupwandered happily through this garden, and marvelled at the many varieties of Galanthus– the correct group name for snowdrops. This year has been so mild that the snowdropshave been even earlier than usual, with 'Atkinsii' being the first to bloom, and 'Straffan'usually being the last. In between, many of us thought that 'Magnet' took pride of place,mainly because of its size as well as its beauty, while Barbara was taken with her namesake,'Barbara double'. Margaret guided us around her garden, pointing out the differentvarieties and what made them special – though they were all special to us! She instructedus on how to lift the clumps and divide them every four or five years, and not to cut backthe leaves until at least six weeks after flowering as the plants need to store as much sunlightas possible. The sun came out briefly as we left this enchanting garden and headed for theCity tour of Exeter. Thank you Wendy for organising another lovely garden visit. AMANDA

KINGSBRIDGE IN BLOOM

LOST GARDENS OF HELIGAN

We departed from Kingsbridge early on a lovelysummer’s morning. Our journey took about 2 hoursand was a delight. The Cornish banks were ablazewith primroses and bluebells. As we approachedHeligan, we caught a glimpse of Pentewan Bay anda sparkling sea. Most of the Heligan estate lies inthe parish if St. Ewe with the southern part in the

parish of Mevagissey. The name Heligan means “Willow Tree Garden” from the old Cornish.On arrival, we divided into two groups and our group walked straight to Flora’s Green. Thiswas a large grassed area aflame with magnificent Rhododendrons, many of them hybridsof plants brought from N. India and Nepal by the renowned planter gatherer Joseph Hooker.We were fortunate to see the Rhododendrons in all their glory. A magnificent Magnoliastood in the corner but had flowered earlier and only one bloom remained. It must havebeen a glorious sight.Our very informative guide gave us a brief history of the Gardens before restoration. Thehouse and gardens have been in the Tremayne family for over 400years. John Tremayne(possibly of Huguenot descent) acquired Heligan in the mid 1600s and used it mainly forquarrying and agriculture. By about 1770 it had become a thriving community and waslargely self sufficient . In 1820, the then squire Henry and his son John, mapped out ridesand gardens. John also sponsored Joseph Hooker on his excursions and introduced semi–tropical plants to the gardens The hub of the gardens was the melon yard, lying betweenthe flower and vegetable gardens. It had a tool shed, a potting shed and a Pineapple Pit.This was quite a status symbol and required tending around the clock to maintain thetemperature. A mixture of straw and manure gave heat and was replaced 3 times a yearwith sacking being used for cover if the temperature dropped .There was a small hut tohouse the gardeners and its own “Thunder Box” (toilet)-more of this later.

An Italian Garden was completed in 1905 by JackTremayne. He was the last remaining member ofthe Tremayne family and had no children. Hemoved to Italy at the onset of WW1 andbequeathed the estate to his sister, who hadmarried into the Barrington family and lived inCornwall. The house was converted into flats andthe gardens started to decline. Many of thegardeners had fought in the trenches and sadlydidin’t return and there was a general shortage of

man power after the war finished. Several decades of neglect followed further exacerbatedby the devastating hurricane of 1990.By then, the grounds surrounding the house had been inherited by John Willis and thehouse recently sold. John took local archaeologist Tim Smit to visit the devastation and he

was fascinated by what they discovered. A few days later, he returned with a builder friendJohn Nelson who was equally captivated and a partnership formed to try and restore thegardens. As the days and months of clearance and restoration passed, they hacked throughto a small two storied hovel with a collapsed roof. This was the gardeners’ hut from theMelon Yard and on the plaster walls of the “Thunder Box” were uncovered faint pencilgraffiti-lines from Victorian songs, doodles and most importantly a faint column ofsignatures and the date 1914. This was quickly determined to be a list of workers who haddeparted to the trenches, many never to return. On the outside wall as a tribute andmemorial to the fallen men, hang a helmet from the trenches and a Cornish shovel. The“Thunder Box Room” has now been identified as their living memorial by the Imperial WarMuseum and the restoration programme was undertaken in their names.Three decades later, much of the gardens have been restored to their 19�� century heyday.The most spectacular restoration is probably the series of lakes, fed by a ram pump 100years old, which drop steeply and are the named “The Jungle”. Ferns and sub-tropical plantsproliferate there.The trust formed to manage the gardens on lease from the Temayne family has nowextended the lease to well over 200 acres leaving the project far from complete. The focusnow is to work closely with nature, respecting and protecting it.This report touches on only a small part of what is to be seen at Heligan. A visit is stronglyrecommended and I for one will certainly return . My thanks to Wendy and Tony forarranging this memorable visit. BRENDA HOPE

TORRE ABBEY

Through thunder, lightning and drifts of hail we arrived at TorreAbbey and what an excellent and surprising venue this was. Builtin 1196 by this astonishing man, William Brewer for Richard 1stand his father Henry 2nd, with 800 years of well exhibitedhistory, documented electronically and beautifully arranged,there was just so much. William Brewer in his armour with his'animatronic' head was so life-like as he talked away, spooky wascertainly a good adjective to use and made a lasting impression.With three floors, one dedicated to a wonderful collection of

paintings and of course the Abbey surrounding you to explore, there was just so much. Avisit to the gardens, the Palm House, the Arid house, the 'poison' garden (Agatha Christie),all of this when the sun came out, gave us such a very good day and we ran out of energyrather than interest. The gardens alone would merit another visit in the summer when allthe glorious plants are in bloom. Although William Brewer is credited with firstbuilding the abbey I believe that the other handsome chap in your picture wasThomas Ridgeway who bought Torre Abbey in 1598 and is sporting an Elizabethanruff and armour. SHEILA HARRISON

OXFORD Four night residential visit

Tony Westlake, who organised last year’s verysuccessful visit to Salisbury, had the brilliantidea of suggesting a visit to Oxford for U3Amembers. I personally was very keen to go, asI had never before had the chance to get toknow the city, and so, apparently were quite afew others. In the end 14 of us set out on June6��. Most took the opportunity to stop and havea look at the village of Lacock on the way,others drove directly to Oxford and had sometime to get their bearings straight away byenjoying a leisurely walk along the banks of theThames opposite the boathouses and admiring

the athleticism of rowers in impossibly long, narrow craft managing not only to keepthem upright but also achieve a good turn of speed. Our hotel was very well chosen asit was on an easy bus route into the centre and we were extremely well looked after.On our first full day we found a lovely guide who gave us awalking tour round the old centre of Oxford, which we couldnot have seen from a vehicle as the area is pedestrianised.She showed us Wren’s Sheldonian Theatre, took us into themediaeval School of Divinity, which is part of the BodleianLibrary, and led us round the Radcliffe Camera to see StMary’s Church, all the while informing us of the history ofthese places and pointing out the many colleges in this area.The highlight, perhaps, was a visit inside New College, foundedin 1379, and a chance to appreciate the ancient peacefulquadrangle, the dining room, which we recognised from theMorse programmes and the beautiful gardens and chapel. TheWeston Museum had two free exhibitions, received withvarying degrees of enthusiasm by our group. Our guide thenshowed us an incredibly quirky pub for lunch. It was down alittle alleyway and we never would have found it by ourselves.That evening some of us went to hear an amazing organ concert given by the renownedStephen Cleobury in Christ Church Cathedral in the grounds of Christ Church College,another very special treat. On Wednesday we all had different plans for the morning.Some of us, for instance, decided to climb the 129 steps to the top of St. Mary’s Churchtower in order to admire the wonderful view of the city. It was well worth the effort.

OXFORD TRIP GROUP

Some visited Trinity College, again very impressive.We were all amused to see now and then studentsentering the examination “Schools” wearing theirvariously coloured carnations with their sub-fusc,depending on whether they were starting or finishingtheir round of exams. On leaving they were drenchedwith sticky confetti if they were not quick enough toescape. In the afternoon most of the group had a verypleasant boat ride up the Thames to Abingdon. Itlasted a couple of hours and I think most of us weregrateful to take the weight off our long-suffering feetby this time. For we still had the evening ahead of us.For some there was the absolute delight of an

orchestral concert given by the OU orchestra in the Sheldonian. Others preferred tolisten to some jazz while having a relaxing dinner in the town. There is a Hop On HopOff bus option in Oxford. This takes visitors on a much wider sweep round the town,and allows them to see the colleges and museums which are further from the centre aswell as conveniently going near our hotel. On Thursday we had a complete contrast, amuch anticipated visit to Blenheim Palace. This involved a twenty minute car ride, and whenwe arrived the view of the park with the palace and the lake with Vanbrugh’s bridge was simplystunning. In small groups we toured the garden either on foot or in an electric buggy walkedround the Formal Gardens with a guide, or visited the house. Here there is much to see ofinterest, including a special Churchill exhibition, and lots of information from the guide aboutthe first Duke of Marlborough and his military exploits. These are commemorated in a stunningcollection of Belgian tapestries. There is also a good collection of Chinese porcelain and a hugelibrary. This was a fine climax to our Oxfordshire experience. Our thanks go to Tony and alsoto Wendy Bolt who, with her usual verve, did a lot of the organising, especially researchingthe entertainment possibilities for the evenings. I know we all enjoyed the experience

tremendously not only thanks to our leaders but also dueto the fabulous weather we enjoyed all week long. Howlucky can you get? Here’s to the next time!. BARBARAMCLARTY

Another highlight of our visit was the trip down the river toAbingdon, the sun shone , we started from Head of the Riverand Folly Bridge and travelled through the city past famouslandmarks including Christchurch College and Meadows,the University boathouses and regatta course, . From theriver we took in a side of Oxford's heritage rarely seen by

visitors to the city. Quaint Osney Island, well-loved allotments and gardens and majestic andancient Port Meadow are off the tourist trail but represent some of Oxford's most beautifuland intriguing scenery. Port Meadow, a vast area of common land, has remained little changedsince prehistoric times and supports plants and bird-life in abundance. At the top of PortMeadow is Godstow. Godstow was the ultimate destination of Alice Liddell and Lewis Carrollwhen they followed an identical route to our trip while composing 'Alice's Adventures inWonderland'. It is also the site of Trout Island, an inspiration for another of Oxfords literaryicons, C S Lewis, and his stories of the land of Narnia. Just a few miles downstream from Oxfordyou come to Iffley Lock, the village has a fabulous Norman church. Continuing downstreamwe passed through Sandford Lock which boasts the largest fall of water from its weir and is apretty impressive sight. On reaching Abingdon lock before - Abingdon Bridge - the originalbridge was built in 1422 with 14 arches, and the current structure still retains a medieval feel.Here we disembarked and after enjoying ice creams on the quayside caught the bus back toOxford, a most enjoyable two hours spent on the river. JUDY TYLER

BLENHEIM PALACE

ANDY & LINDA

DEVON SOCIAL HISTORY STUDY DAYInitially we were disappointed – it was full, however because of it’s popularity they had managedto expand the capacity. We were not sorry, the day proved to be fantastic after a very early start,a picturesque drive across Dartmoor in glorious sunshine the day began well. On arrival ANN MARYDRAY the organiser welcomed us, there was coffee, the lecture theatre was great everyone havingan excellent view of the screens and speaker from the tiered seating.

First speaker : FELICITY GOODALL – on ‘LOST DEVON’Who knew that to have a rabbit warren in your garden in the 12��century was not only fashionable but also lucrative; so much sothat a rabbit tax was introduced which made it no longer viable,these raised mounds of the old Warrens can still be seen onDartmoor. Felicity then went on to speak of the famous peoplewith Devon associations including CHARLES KINGSLEY, ‘WESTWARDHO’, RUDYARD KIPLING, JOHN BETJEMAN, ISAMBARD KINGDOMBRUNEL, amongst others.. Some of our LOST INDUSTRIES includedthe copper mines at Morewellham, paper mills at Tuckenhay,and

shipbuilding. This is just touching on a fascinating topic.ROBERT HESKETH -SMUGGLERS OF DEVONWe learnt that even in the 16�� & 17�� centuries tax evasion was an issue; beer, spirits ,tea, silk,salt were some of the popular items that were smuggled in to secluded coves, JACK RATTENBURYwas famous for having made this his career, this smuggling supplemented the incomes of thepoorer folk up and down the coast of Devon. Around 1850 taxes were reduced and tax evasionbecame less profitable.

I think this poem by Rudyard Kipling tells it all.IF you wake at midnight, and hear a horse's feet,

Don't go drawing back the blind, or looking in the street,Them that ask no questions isn't told a lie.

Watch the wall my darling while the Gentlemen go by.Five and twenty ponies,

Trotting through the dark -Brandy for the Parson, 'Baccy for the Clerk.

Laces for a lady; letters for a spy,Watch the wall my darling while the Gentlemen go by!

Running round the woodlump if you chance to findLittle barrels, roped and tarred, all full of brandy-wine,

Don't you shout to come and look, nor use 'em for your play.Put the brushwood back again - and they'll be gone next day!

If you see the stable-door setting open wide;If you see a tired horse lying down inside;

If your mother mends a coat cut about and tore;If the lining's wet and warm - don't you ask no more!

If you meet King George's men, dressed in blue and red,You be careful what you say, and mindful what is said.

If they call you " pretty maid," and chuck you 'neath the chin,Don't you tell where no one is, nor yet where no one's been!Knocks and footsteps round the house - whistles after dark -

You've no call for running out till the house-dogs bark.Trusty's here, and Pincher's here, and see how dumb they lie

They don't fret to follow when the Gentlemen go by !'If You do as you've been told, 'likely there's a chance,

You'll be give a dainty doll, all the way from France,With a cap of Valenciennes, and a velvet hood -

A present from the Gentlemen, along 'o being good!Five and twenty ponies,

Trotting through the dark -Brandy for the Parson, 'Baccy for the Clerk.Them that asks no questions isn't told a lie -

Watch the wall my darling while the Gentlemen go by!

After lunch we returned to hear FELICITY talk on ‘CONSCIENTIOUS OBJECTORS’ This was a veryemotive subject. The people who announced ‘WE WILLNOT GO TO WAR’ were brought to life as we were toldfactual tales of the moral dilemma faced by ConscientiousObjectors in Devon during both World Wars. The stigmacontinued well afterwards into civilian life and in somecases haunted them forever. Final Speaker was Todd Gray‘REMARKABLE WOMEN OF DEVON’ Who knew that in 1824a certain MRS PARTINGTON from SIDMOUTH tried tosweep away the incoming tide with a mop.! Her name anddeed became an international catch phrase lauded bypoliticians and caricaturists of the day!

Three excellent speakers made it clear that Social Historyis not just about stories from the past, but the telling and

remembering of recorded events from which we can learn so much, and which often putcurrent events into perspective. The Devon Social History Study day at Okehampton College aresounding success. The 170 U3A Members who attended loved the venue with tiered seatsin a lecture theatre having top quality IT facilities, excellent speakers and scrumptious food.Participants chatted vivaciously with each other and listened spell bound to presentations .JUDY TYLER

When the alarm rang out at 6.30am on April 23rd my first thoughts were what am I doinggetting out of bed this early!! However, the whole day proved well worth the early start.As Judy has said “what an enjoyable time we experienced” .The drive across Dartmoorin sunshine, the friendliness of strangers, and of course all the interesting talks.A very well organised day, thank you Okehampton. TRICIA BLAZEBY

KEU3A GEOLOGY GROUP REPORT SUMMER 2016

The Geology Group have visited two of the local areasand one a bit further afield in the last three months.In April we made a return visit to North Sands,Salcombe. We had a look at the structures in theDevonian rock around the beach and how they areeroding. Although it was low tide we couldn't get up tothe iron deposits that had formed in the fault betweenthe cliffs and the castle but could easily see the redstaining from the beach . We then went up toOverbecks for a look at the view back up the Estuary.We could clearly see the difference in landscape whichis underlain by the older and more resistant schistsnear the coast and the Devonian rocks up the Estuary.

In May we had a complete change and went acrossthe border into Cornwall to look at the volcanicsat Kit Hill near Callington. If you haven't been thereit's well worth a visit – the views are fantastic andthere are lots of industrial archaeology, wildflowers and birds as well as the geology. We werepleased to find a dyke swarm in the walls of thequarry showing that there was more than oneinjection of molten rock.

In June we paid a short visit to Blackdown Rings justnorth of Loddiswell. The underlying rock here isStaddon Grit. This, it is thought, was originallydeposited as sand and gravels off shore of the OldRed Sandstone continent about 390 million yearsago, in a similar manner to how the Bar at Salcombeif forming now. Over the next 100 million years it wasburied and deformed during the Variscan continentalcollision making it into the micaceous sandstone wesee today. The best example is the rock at the exit tothe car park although examples can be found in theditches of the Hill Fort.

KIT HILL

NORTH SANDS SALCOMBE

BLACKDOWN RINGS

Welcome toBRIDGE CLUB

Kingsbridge Estuary U3A Bridge Group is a part of the University of theThird Age and is affiliated to the English Bridge Union.The group meetson a Friday from September to May and welcomes both experienced

players and beginners.The emphasis is on learning and playing the ACOL system.The group endeavours to prepare members for playing in duplicate bridge clubs by givingexperience of playing in a reasonably formal environment.Tuition and coaching are provided and this includes proper bidding practice and play, bestbehaviour, etiquette and scoring.Sessions are normally played as duplicate with occasional multiple teams.Wherever possible pre-dealt hands are used and hand records provided.Individuals are welcome to attend and will be partnered with someone of similar ability.

Thanks to everyone who played in the Devon Air Ambulance simultaneous pairs event.We raised a total of £152.80.

Congratulations to two of our pairs in the top 10 (out of 89 pairs):

5th - Helen and Ella 10th - Chris and Janet

CONTACT: STEVE 531252

CRYPTIC CROSSWORDS GROUP

This very popular and friendly group meets twice a month at theCrabshell Inn, Kingsbridge. There are 30 members and weaverage over 20 at each session. We use the Times Quick Cryptic,

the Daily Telegraph Cryptic or the Guardian Cryptic crosswords. Naturally thereis a range of abilities and this is allowed for by using different difficulty ofcrossword.Once a year a Beginners course is offered to newcomers. Provided there issufficient interest, the next one will start in October 2016. The course introducesthe “language of cryptic crosswords” over a series of 10 sessions and is suitableto anyone who is interested in learning how to solve the cryptic crosswordsfound in the daily newspapers. As well as the absolute beginner it would suitpeople who fill in the odd clue or when looking at the answers can’t work outwhy that was the solution.The more advanced groups always welcome new members – if you areinterested in joining this enthusiastic & friendly group or just want moreinformation please contactANDY on 581164 or email andy.glenn2701@gmail.com.The group meets on the 1st & 3rd Thursdays at the Crabshell Inn, 10am – noon.(no meetings in July or August),

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TWO MEN WENT TO …….!!

U3A VISIT TO NEWTON ABBOT

Tucker’s Maltings is one of only four traditional malthouses in the country supplying thirty breweries. I thought that this important part of ourDevonian heritage required closer inspection and the twenty fourth malting’s festival wasan ideal time. On Saturday the 16�� April Andy Coton and myself, representing our U3Acaught the 11.30 bus to Totnes and then train to Newton Abbot. Upon arrival we found ourway to the food area and started discussing horology with a chap whose firm will beundertaking restoration of the Salcombe church clock and he was proud of the fact that hehad restored the 13th century clock in Salisbury cathedral. Having lined our stomachs wepaid the five pounds entrance for our souvenir half pint glass, and purchased some beertokens. There were about 280 different beers from 87 brewers, bringing their beers fromas far as Dorset, Wiltshire, Cornwall and Jersey. There were stouts, porters, browns, milds,bitters ales, IPA’s and even barley wines. Some had wonderful names such as HeatherBeeHiving Badly (a honey beer from Hop Kettle in Wiltshire) or Beheaded (from Keltek inCornwall).The beer was helped down by a couple of musical acts, and we resisted the temptation tojoin in! Our thanks go to Andy’s wife whose expertise sorted our travel arrangements out.We thank the membership for the privilege of representing the U3A at this important eventand we look forward to carrying out our duties again next year! TONY

We, the remaining two of the original five man party of U3A men, went to The Maltings atNewton Abbot Beer Festival to proudly represent Kingsbridge U3A, to stand shoulder toshoulder with the massed ranks of dedicated beer drinkers. On arrival we purchased ourstrip of beer tokens that gave us access to 285 different barrels of beer stacked temptinglyon racks behind a very long bar. We expertly sampled the golden blonde, the malty bitters,the dark stout ales and even graduated to the mighty 10% brew. The afternoon passed in ahaze of beery delights together with earnest debates on the merits of each beer; comparinghop/malt flavours, cloudy to clear and after tastes. Having valiantly worked our way throughthe beer vouchers we decided to call it a day and by some miracle managed to find our wayhome to Kingsbridge via train and bus without getting lost!We look forward to representing KEU3A again next year and would welcome other membersto join our ‘Band of Brothers’. ANDY

NEWSLETTER●

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POLICY REGARDING ADVERTISING

IT IS THE POLICY OF THE KEU3A NOT TO ADVERTISE ORPUBLICISE ANY OTHER ORGANISATIONS, EVENTS,

BUSINESSES OR CHARITIES.

The Committee agreed that if an approach were made in advanceto the Chairman asking if publicity could be given to a future event

and such event was relevant to a Group activityAUTHORISATION COULD BE GIVEN IF THOUGHT APPROPRIATE.

TEAS ANDCOFFEES

If you could helpwith refreshments at

the monthly meetings,please sign the rota or

contactTRICIA - 842507 OR

BUNNY 843332

HALL ARRANGEMENTBEFORE MONTHLY

MEETINGS

At the moment the Committeearrive early to put out the chairs. It is

proposed to send round a sheet for youto sign if you are able to assist

occasionally before and after theMonthly Meeting

KINGSBRIDGE SHOW

Once again we will have a table in the Craftmarquee

DATE - SEPTEMBER 3RD

Please can any of the Art group lend their work fordisplay. Photos etc from other Groups would also be

welcome - Contact -Anita

SOUTH WEST U3A

This encompasses a large area of the south west, there is anexcellent website which advertises forthcoming study days and

eventswww.u3asites.org.uk/southwest

DID YOU KNOW ?

FREE 24 HOUR LEGAL ADVICE FOR U3A MEMBERS

TEL. First Assist 01455251 500 - Quote Third Age Trust Number 70494

First Assist can advise on any legal issues not just U3A related ones

INF0RMATION

AT THE NEXTMONTHLY MEETINGANTHEA WILL HAVEAN ‘INFORMATIONCORNER’ FOR NEW

MEMBERS

WELFARE OFFICER

SINCE JANET ROSE HAS LEFT WE HAVE HAD NO-ONE IN THIS ROLE, ISTHERE ANY MEMBER WHO COULD TAKE THIS ON IT, ENTAILS SENDINGCARDS TO THE SICK AND ANYONE IN HOSPITAL.? IF YOU KNOW OF A

SICK MEMBER PLEASE INFORM ONE OF THE COMMITTEE. .

VISUAL AND AUDIO FOR MONTHLY MEETINGS

THE NEW PROJECTOR AND VISUAL SYSTEMS ARE UPAND RUNNING AS ARE THE MICROPHONES.

WE HOPE THIS TOGETHER WITH THE BLACKOUTCURTAINS ARE HELPING OUR MEMBERS TO GET EVENMORE ENJOYMENT OUT OF THE MONTHLY MEETINGS.

THANKS TO VERNON FOR ORGANIZING ANDPURCHASING THE EQUIPMENT.

THE PHANTOM POSTEROF KINGSBRIDGE TOWN!

I often wonder what he’s like,Does he walk, or ride a bike? He must be tall and very thin

to make it easy to get in?He must arrive in dead of night

He would be noticed in daylight.But however does he get the keysto get inside with such great ease?

Just look around and you will seeJust what it is that puzzles me!

How do those gaily coloured posters,Adverts for Fairs and Roller Coasters,

The Circus, Concerts, local Hops,Appear inside windows of empty shops?

I’ve given it much considerationAnd think I have an explanation.

There must be, a little spriteWho keeps himself well out of sight!

Wearing black from hat to socksHe squeezes through the letter box.

I’m sure the doors are firmly shutAnd it really wouldn’t matter – but

Long after the Event – it makes me frown,He never comes to take them down!!

KINGSBRIDGE NEEDS A HALL

A Hall A hall! How Kingsbridge needs a hall,It’s the same old pleading lament.

We had one once and trod its boardsSuch merry times we spent.

“All the world’s a stage” we’re toldAnd in “hamlet’s” all around

Within a goodly radius,There are many to be found!

Yet, our men and women, children tooAlthough we’re “merely Players”

Still have no stage to call our ownIt continues to dismay us!

It needn’t be a Theatre grand –Just a Hall with seating

A stage with wings, to perform and rehearseAnd space to hold a meeting.

We’ve had many “winters of discontent”Is it ever “to be or not to be? -

That is the question?” so often posed.Yet still we wait and to see.

“If‘t were done, when ‘tis done,Then ‘t were well it were done quickly”‘Cos “I know a Bank” but it’s in the red

And costs are looking sickly!!

But – Oh it would be so wonderfulTo conjure a magic scheme!

To turn yearning to realityInstead of a Midsummer’s Dream!

BY ANITA DUNSTER

CHRISTMAS LUNCHFRIDAY DECEMBER 9TH 2016

12 NOON

AT THURLESTONE HOTEL - YARMER SUITE

COST £25 - FOR 3 COURSE LUNCH INCLUDING GLASS OF FRUIT(non refundable) PUNCH AND COFFEE

ON THE REVERSE YOU WILL FIND THE MENU - PLEASE MAKEYOUR SELECTION AND RETURN, TOGETHER WITH CHEQUE

MADE OUT TO KINGSBRIDGE ESTUARY U3A (AND A STAMPEDADDRESS ENVELOPE FOR YOUR TICKET) NO LATER THAN 18th

NOVEMBER TO:

ANITA DUNSTER - FLAT 2, THE RETREAT, EBRINGTON STREET,KINGSBRIDGE, TQ7 1DE TEL: 852452

NAME ______________________________________________

ADDRESS ___________________________________________

______________________ POSTCODE_______________

TELEPHONE____________EMAIL ________________________

TICKETS WILL BE ISSUED ON AFIRST COME FIRST SERVED BASIS

STARTERS

1. Roasted sweet potato & carrot veloute, withwhipped walnut cream

OR2. Potted duck liver parfait smoked breast, apple jelly,

chutney brioche

OR3. Steamed lemon sole, smoked salmon, caper butter sauce

MAIN COURSE

4. Confit of Loch Duart Salmon, leaf spinach, crushedpotato, brown shrimps saffron whipped cream.

OR5. Roast Turkey, roast potatoes, seasonal vegetables

OR6. Garden Herb Rissotto, char grilled vegetables,

black olives, parmesan crisps

–---------------------------------------------DESSERTS

7. Chocolate Marquise, Salted Caramel Ice creamOR

8. Lemon Pannacotta, Raspberry Sorbet, Melba SauceOR

9. Christmas Pudding

CHOICE: Starter No.____________________

Main No: _____________________

Dessert No: ___________________

FIVE YEARS OF KEU3A

Thank you to our Chairman past, the present, and the future

Thank you to Committees all, who have steered us to this juncture

Thank you to Group Leaders who have battled on regardless

To ensure that we in our third age avoid elderly ga-ga-ness.

Thank you to our speakers who have informed, inspired and taught

Thank you to our tea ladies who were never over wrought

Thank you for the gatherings, the lunches and the dinners

Thank you for the fun we've had with Groups – we are all winners!

Thank you to all behind the scenes, sometimes we know not who,

Set up the room, the sound, the boards, for a meeting to come to

Thank you for all the lifetime friendships formed along the way,

and our splendid and successful group which is KEU3A

KEU3A EVENING OF ENTERTAINMENT

FRIDAY 18TH NOVEMBER 2016

WEST CHARLETON VILLAGE HALL

£5 BUFFET SUPPERto include Pasty & salad garnish (or vegetarian option)

Coffee and Cake.

ENTERTAINMENT PROVIDED BY U3A MEMBERS FOR U3AMEMBERS

ENJOY AN EVENING OUT WITH FRIENDS

TUCKENHAY - WALK WITH PUB LUNCH GROUPPHOTO BY ANTHONY GREENWOOD