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The Deepings Third Age Group Reg. Charity No: 1166782

NEWSLETTER

Visit our U3A Deepings Web site

Deeping St. James

DIDN’T THEY DO WELL?

Members past and present, owe these two people (Rosemary McCulloch and Rod Sloan) a big thank you for the decision they took in June/July 2003, to start The Deepings U3A. Minutes of the August 2003 Steering Committee meeting record we had 31‘paid up members’. This figure had risen to 73 by the time the permanent committee was elected in October 2003. (Membership £12!). As we saw at our last meeting, Rosemary is just as enthusiastic about U3A as she ever was. Unfortunately the years haven’t been so kind to Rod but he enjoyed meeting Rosemary again. We send him our very best wishes. (Thanks to Kay Bunn for photo.) ANN. Committee Members 2015/2016

Liz Noble Chairman Jennie Sharman Secretary Anne Burton Treasurer Garth Perry Membership Secretary Kath Allen New Groups Coordinator Jim Pringle Welcome Coordinator Lyall Seale Speaker Finder Ann Holmes Newsletter Editor Lynn White Newsletter Distribution Susanne Hoadley Co-opted Phil Jones Co-opted David Scott Contact through Website Webmaster

Programme of Speakers 17 October ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING followed by MY DAYS AS A SPY by Stephen Griffiths AT METHODIST CHURCH. (NB: 10.15 start.) 21 November A talk on ROMAN ARCHAEOLOGY OF THE PETERBOROUGH AREA AND THE WELLAND VALLEY AND FENS AROUND THE DEEPINGS. AREA by Dr Stephen Upex AT THE METHODIST CHURCH. 19 December CHRISTMAS MEETING with entertainment by our own Accordion and Singing Groups, supported as usual by Jo and Phil Astall, Terry Noble, and any other Groups or members interested. (Please let us know asap if you wish to participate.) AT THE CORONATION HALL, Halfleet, Market Deeping). Unless otherwise stated, doors open at 9.30 am at all monthly meetings. To enable us to set out chairs, etc., please do not arrive before this time. Coffee served until 10.20 and meetings begin at 10.30 am.

Issue No. 159 OCTOBER 2016

CHAIRMAN’S REFLECTIONS

At last month’s meeting we were delighted to hear of our founder Chairman, Rosemary McCulloch’s activities in Sydney Australia over the last nine years, although I understand her U3A has over 6,000 members and is certainly not a branch I would wish to chair! However we were of course very pleased to see Rosemary again and I know she enjoyed meeting many of her old friends and to see how our U3A has developed. Any time you are in Sydney there is an open invitation to her U3A there of course too

My time too has come to an end as Chairman this month. I have thoroughly enjoyed my term and delighted to see how our U3A has developed. I must express my appreciation for the Committee over the four years – they have been so supportive and dedicated to helping things run smoothly. A big thank you to them all and of course to the Group Leaders for their commitment.

Finally of course without you, the members, we wouldn’t have such a successful U3A….please keep coming!

Our AGM will be held at 10.15am on Monday 17th October before our usual meeting – look forward to seeing you there.

Best wishes.

Liz

Chairman

2017 U3A DIARIES

Delighted to say June Wheatcroft is on the mend and hopes to be with us at the AGM to sort out the diaries – those ordered by members last month will be available at the meeting in October – please ensure you bring the £2. Anyone else requiring diaries please add you name to the list at the meeting or ring June Wheatcroft direct on 01778 344916. LIZ.

Why not start your new Diary with a reservation for the U3A

Harlaxton Summer School 2017? Full details on page 2.

WELCOME TO NEW MEMBERS

Phil James, Deeping St James, Geoff Chambers, Market Deeping, Miriam Carette and Kay Parker Northborough.

AGENDA FOR THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF THE DEEPINGS U3A

At the METHODIST CHURCH, DEEPING ST. JAMES at 10.15 am on Monday, 17 October 2016

1. Welcome and Report by Chairman 2. Minutes of last year’s AGM* 3. Acceptance of Annual Accounts* and appointment of Accountant 4. Nomination and election of Officers and Committee 5. Thanks and closing of meeting.

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U3A HARLAXTON SUMMER SCHOOL 09 JULY TO 16 JULY 201

Some members may not be aware of our U3A Harlaxton Summer School which is now in its 16th year. This week long residential school is an opportunity to live and to learn with other U3A members from around the country in the amazing American University, Harlaxton Manor near Grantham.

The week is divided into two separate schools and we have exclusive use of the Manor’s facilities, gardens and grounds. We have a varied and interesting line-up of courses led by professional and knowledgeable tutors. Many of the courses are held in the magnificent State Rooms providing a unique learning environment. Some of the courses have off-site visits. Courses in 2017 include Art, Canals, Shakespeare and Tolethorpe, Music, Medieval Gardens, Royal Rebels, Rutland Water, Geology, Aviation and Singing for Fun.

Our glossy brochure and application forms for Harlaxton 2017 will be on the Notices tables at the October meeting. The cost is inclusive of residential full board, all meals, morning and afternoon tea and coffee, off-site visits, guided house tours and an end of course celebration banquet held in the impressive Long Gallery State Room with evening entertainment in the Great Hall.

It’s a fantastic experience to gain knowledge and to enjoy yourself at the same time. Students can enrol for either one or both schools. Many students come back year after year to meet up with friends and enjoy the unique Harlaxton Manor.

Finally I want to say a sincere thank you to our members Hazel and David MacVitie, Barbi Raggett, John Bloomfield and Pat Leggett who willingly volunteered particularly to help new students find their way around on Registration Days in 2016. Also thank you to all the Deeping members who attended and supported the Schools this year.

Further information is on our website www.HarlaxtonU3A.co.uk or contact me at the U3A meeting or email d.leggett42@btinternet.com

DAVID LEGGETT Steering Committee Treasurer

GROUP NEWS

We have started up the “Whist and Other Games” Group this month and thank you to Chris Mutton and Maureen Whittle for taking on the role of joint leaders. Meetings will be twice a month on first and third Sunday afternoon from 2- 4pm in the Oddfellows Hall, Market Deeping. The first meeting is planned for Sunday 6th November and to make a start both whist and dominoes are planned, but no doubt other ideas will follow.

With AGM this month and change of committee members any ideas for new groups etc should be held over until the committee posts are sorted – many thanks.

LIZ NOBLE Acting Group Co-Ordinator U3A SUNDAY LUNCH GROUP This month’s lunch is on Sunday 30th October at ‘The Toft Country Hotel’, 12.30 for 1.00 pm. Will those wishing to join this event please contact Tony Semple or Michael Griffin or add your name to the list at the meeting on Monday 17 October.

U3A “WANDERERS” WALKING GROUP

On what turned out to be the hottest September day for hundreds of years 15 intrepid members of the Wanderers Walking Group braved the heat and humidity and explored John Clare country. We left the Bluebell in Helpston and wandered the fields, tracks, bridleways and woods for about five miles, returning to the Bluebell for a welcome cold drink or two and an excellent lunch.

As you can see from the photo we also took advantage of the treasure trove available in the hedges and foraged for blackberries, sloes and some really tasty wild plums. What a welcome change from raincoats and mud, but no doubt back to normal next time!

Report: MARJE ARMSTRONG Group Leaders: HILARY & BARRY AKAM

U3A NATURAL HISTORY GROUP

Our meeting in September was arranged on the day of autumn equinox at Fineshade woods.

As we walked through the woods we enjoyed some of the sights of autumn, the berries, the leaves changing colour along with the woodland plants and trees. When we reached the bird hide all was fairly quiet but we managed to see six different species of tit as well as jays, a moorhen on the pond and some of the more common birds such as robins, magpies and wood pigeons. As we returned to the car park we finally saw what we had hoped to see earlier and that was the red kite. A pity that it was the only one we saw all morning. Report: LIZ SPRATLEY

Group Leader: AUDREY DUNKLEY

U3A POETS AND THEIR POETRY GROUP

Angela was our host for this month’s meeting, when we chose poems from Poets with a surname beginning with the letter C. What good choices were made, and we spent a very enjoyable afternoon with Charles Causley, G K Chesterton, Lewis Carroll, Stephen Crane, Wendy Cope, and we even managed to have a discussion on John Clare. Our next meeting is on November 7th when our letter will be 'D'.

IRENE BEEKEN Group Leader U3A QUIZ GROUP We again represented the U3A at the Rotary Quiz in October. Our team knew lots about chocolate, British TV Comedy and spelling using ‘J’, but we went to sleep during the rounds ‘Sport’ and ‘Resignations’. However we won with 159 out of 200. Group Leader: DAVID MACVITE Congratulations to the Group. Good to hear of your success. A.

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U3A “OVER THE GARDEN WALL” GARDENING GROUP

Our September meeting was a return visit to Anglesey Abbey Cambridge to see the Dalia trials. The Dalia flowers were at their best and well worth a visit. There was a beautiful display in a rainbow of colours arched round a curved bed. Dalias could be seen in other areas of the garden and visitors were invited to place a head of their choice into bushes along the route of on what was in spring the snowdrop walk. This walk looked so different than when we saw it earlier in the year as Cyclamen replaced snowdrops to create a stunning effect.

Our thanks go to David Scott for driving us and to Margaret for joining us for the day.

Our next meeting: Tuesday 23rd Oct 2016. Venue: Waterside Garden Centre. Meet in the restaurant 10am. Topic: Provisional planning for the 2017 programme. Group Leaders: MARGARET GRIFFITHS / GLENYS NICE U3A HISTORY GROUP This month we were treated to a fascinating personal insight into the Suffragette movement by Peter Barratt, the great-grandson of Alice Hawkins (1863-1946), a prominent Leicester Suffragette. He was accompanied by Dorothy, fully resplendent as a Suffragette – quite a dramatic entrance!

Rather poignantly Peter and his daughter have walked in Alice’s footsteps when they had a day as extras in the recent film “The Suffragettes”. The scene was an event in which Alice herself had been involved.

Alice was a working class mother of six employed by Equity Shoes in Leicester and she was allowed time off when she became involved with the Suffragette movement. In London in 1907 she was part of a march to the House of Commons when the mounted police charged; Alice was among the 29 women arrested and charged with disorderly conduct – she was to spend 14 days in Holloway. So began 7 years of Suffragette activity including five imprisonments and the founding of the WSPU branch in Leicester where Sylvia Pankhurst spent a week. Possibly her biggest moment came when she was one of the keynote speakers at a huge rally on June 21st 1908 in Hyde Park. Throughout all of these years she was supported by her husband Alfred, a Socialist, an avid supporter of the cause. He would speak at meetings when Alice was refused entrance and he was arrested too!

For anyone interested in this fascinating story there is an excellent website: www.alicesuffragette.com

Sandra presented flowers to Barbara McNicol for all of her hard work organising our August day out in London and also thanked Ann Parkes (in her absence) for her work as treasurer of the group. She also announced that our Christmas meal had been booked for Wednesday 14th December – more details at our next meeting where Maggie Griffiths will be speaking about “The Best Days of our Life”, a fun look at school life. Report: LIZ PARKINSON Photo: DAVID SCOTT Group Leaders: SANDRA JONES / ELIZABETH PARKINSON

U3A “BOOKWORMS” READING GROUP

‘Cutting for Stone’ by Abraham Verghese

Abraham Verghese was born to Indian parents in Ethiopia in 1954. He is now an eminent Professor of Medicine at Stanford University in America. A wise and compassionate man whose knowledge of the human condition in every situation is evident in this book “Cutting for Stone”.

It starts with the perplexing and most traumatic birth of identical twin boys at the mission hospital in Addis Ababa when their mother a nun dies in childbirth. The boys are very different in character but both become Doctors; twin rivalry has dire consequences, causing Marion the elder twin to leave Ethiopia for America. The characters are completely real, the story gripping and the book is well written, it is a delight. 541 pages of small print - read it twice.

Our next meeting is on the 24th October at Diana’s home at 2pm, to discuss our next book ‘The Night Circus’.

Report: NANCY TITMAN Group Leader: ANN THORNTHWAITE U3A CRAFT GROUP 1 Having been together for over eight years now, during which time we have tried our hands at vast range of joint projects, it was recently agreed, that it would be nice to work on our own individual crafts now. This format is working well and Julie showed the group some of the plaited paper Christmas card designs she has been experimenting with and Ann brought along the beautiful crochet babies shawl she is working on. I tell you, to watch Ann crotchet such an intricate design and chat at the same time is quite an art in itself. This month’s meeting will be at Ann’s home in Manor Way. JULIE MANCEY Group leader

U3A GARDENING FOR PETALS & PRODUCE GROUP

Ten members visited Anglesey Abbey on 20th September ostensibly to see the dahlia display for which this garden is famed at this time of year.

The visit was considerably enhanced with a guided tour of the house, a former priory and now in the ownership of the National Trust. Attractions also included wandering leisurely around the extensive gardens, lunch in the restaurant and, of course, visiting the shop!

Our thanks go to Glenys Nice for organising such a varied and interesting outing.

Our next three meetings are:- 18th October The meeting planned for this day has been cancelled. 15th November Planning meeting at Kathleen Tanner’s 20th December “The Gardens of New Zealand” An illustrated Talk by Eddie Adams. We have decided unanimously that Christmas will be in January 2017. Report and photograph: JOHN MARSH Group Leaders: PAM PENDRY / JOHN M ARSH

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U3A JAZZ, SWING AND BIG BAND GROUP

Todays programme was arranged by Geoff Whittle and we met at the home of Peter and Barbara Baylis. No particular theme, but Geoff pointed out that he'd included some 'modern' items, artists who are still among us and others where the performers had succumbed to drink and drugs, as in many cases. It made for an interesting morning.

We began with 'So Dance Samba,' with Jim Tomlinson and still with us, followed by Lester Young's 'Jump Lester Jump'. Illinois Jacquet gave us 'Illinois Goes to Chicago' and 'Atomic Boogie' featured Pete Johnson. who died in 1967 and had a very sad life but still managed to make music. Sonny Stitt, The Modern Jazz Quartet, Johnny Hodges and Cannonball Adderly followed and then 'Cool Blues' from Charlie Parker and 'Mint Julep' from Jelly Roll Morton— familiar names on the Jazz scene. A great arrangement of 'Baubles, Bangles and Beads,' from Frank Wess was followed by Sarah Vaughan and 'Lover Man'. Marion McPartland, who died in 2013, was married to trumpeter Jimmy McPartland and was inducted into the National Radio Hall of Fame in 2007. In 2010 she received an OBE. Richie Cole, Howard McGhee, Harold Land and little known Group Cabana followed on and then we heard from Herbie Mann with 'Yardbird Suite', Ike Quebec and 'Girl of my Dreams' Coleman Hawkins with 'I Only Have Eyes For You' finishing the entertainment with 'When Lights Are Low' and Benny Carter.

Lots of good music and discussion, so thank you Geoff. Thanks also to Peter and Barbara for hosting the morning. Next meeting at Peter Gray's home, 12,Wade Park Avenue.

Report: ANNE JONES Group Leaders: PETER BAYLIS / ANNE JONES U3A “PACERS” WALKING GROUP

On a bright , sunny morning, but with a decidedly Autumnal chill in the air, 18 Pacers set off on their October walk from the Bertie Arms in Uffington to repeat one of the group’s favourite walks.

Turning off the A16 into Barnack Road we walked to Uffington Bridge and then turned off along a footpath that runs alongside the old Stamford canal. We followed this path, pausing now and then to eat from the abundant supply of ripe blackberries on the bushes! It was, by now, perfect walking weather bright and sunny but not too warm, although some of the hardier walkers did shed their outer jackets. The Welland valley was at its best and we just had to pause and admire the rolling countryside. We crossed the fields to Hudd’s Mill, all feeling slightly green with envy that we didn’t live in such a beautiful spot, before crossing the Welland Bridge and following the path through the woods back to Barnack Road and The Bertie Arms and an excellent lunch.

The next walk will be on November 2nd around Fineshades – further details to follow.

Report: BARBARA MCNICOL Photo: ANNE BURTON Group Leaders: STEVE AND LYNN WHITE

U3A ART APPRECIATION GROUP

We met at the RC Church in Hereward Way on the 20th for an illustrated talk by Bill Sandles on Pointillism. This method of producing works of art was a development from impressionism, although not nearly as successful in attracting artists in its use. It works on the principle, familiar to the modern technological/pixel age, that any colour is a mixture of the primary colours, red, yellow and blue with an addition of white or black as required. Thus the subject being painted is represented by a collection of dots of the primary colours in proportion. When viewed at a distance the eye blends the dots and sees the subject as it was intended. This, of course, is vastly different to applying blended colour from a palette by brush to areas large or small, or applying previously blended pastel colours (although pastel colours may also be blended on the work itself).

Pointillism was developed in 1886 by George Seurat and Paul Signac (see pic.). It had relatively few adherents, mostly French and Italian artists. Among them were Henri-Edward Cross, Camille Pissaro, Van Gogh, and Marie de Montreuil. Examples of the work of Seurat and Signac can be seen on the internet.

Bill Sandles is an excellent speaker, very knowledgeable and enthusiastic about his topics. He performs his talks to raise money for his chosen charity The Leprosy Trust for which we raised a contribution of £40.

Our next meeting is on October 18th at our usual venue. A talk will be given on Cartoons in Art by Sandra Jones. New members especially welcome.

PETER WITHERINGTON Group Leader U3A FILM GROUP

The Film Club is up and running again and we hope to show some films that will appeal to many of our members, both male and female, as we were pleased to welcome some new gentlemen to our group for last month's showing of the new "Dad's Army" DVD.

The next meeting is on Wednesday 26th October in the Community Centre, at 2 pm when we will be showing a DVD that should appeal to many of our members - "What I did on My Holidays" starring Billy Connelly, David Tennant and Rosamund Pike, an entertaining and heart warming story. Come and share the experience with us! (New members welcome).

Group leaders: MAUREEN WHITTLE / RITA BROWN U3A WRITING FOR PLEASURE GROUP Our Writing Group met in October to hear a completely different story from each member.

Geoff had taken on the challenge of incorporating as many homonyms as possible into his story, and succeeded in using over twenty five. Kay had used the title suggested last month, ‘Childhood memories’ and had written about an old lady’s recollections of growing up during the war. Keith read us the first part of a longer story he is writing, and Maureen had us in stitches with her piece, which used only words of three letters or less. Julie wrote about seeing a friend again after twenty years. It was in the form of a poem which turned out to have a rather poignant ending.

Next month will each member please be ready to suggest a word which we will put with the rest and incorporate into a story at some time.

JUDY ROBINSON Group Leader

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U3A THURSDAY GARDENING GROUP

It was thanks once again to wonderful hosts David and Margaret Scott for hosting our meeting this month. Although it was quite cold, we were treated to a tour of their garden which was looking amazing with lots of interest and colour from begonias, penstemon, fuchsia and godetia. We were all impressed too by the quantity of tomatoes and carrots Margaret was still harvesting.

After a quick parlour game for George and Marjorie Fitzjohn's 65th wedding anniversary we discussed a few garden related items, including the apparent demise of goldfinches, before the important business of deciding the venue for our Christmas lunch.

Our next meeting is at 10.00 am on Thursday 3rd November at Liz Noble's when everyone needs to bring ideas for next year's programme please.

LINDA HILL Group Leader Attention ‘Learing Photography Group’: Pic is INSIDE David Scott’s Fence! (“In joke”). A. U3A “STROLLER’S” WALKING GROUP

Our latest walk started from Tucker’s Nook, Maxey, setting off through a wood to the west of the village, before following tracks to Maxey Mill. This walk was led by myself and was the stroll planned for March, which was cancelled because of inclement weather. There were 19 Strollers taking part on a grey but dry and pleasant day and recent heavy rain hadn’t had an adverse effect on the terrain. Leaving Maxey Mill we walked alongside the River Welland, then across pasture, negotiating two stiles, before arriving in West Deeping, admiring the classic view of the church from the bridge as we enter the village. We had a brief stop at the mill in West Deeping before we returned to Maxey using the same route. The photograph, taken by Anne Burton, shows the group walking over the river as we left the village. After passing Maxey Mill for the second time we walked along Castle End Road before returning along paths through the village to Tucker’s Nook. The group then drive to The Goat at Frognall for lunch.

Our next stroll will take place on Monday 24 October, meeting at Milton Park Golf Club about 10:15 before we drive to the start point of the walk which will take in Landy Green Lane and parts of Ferry Meadows and Castor. The walk leader will be Searle Clark and members of the group wishing to take part should contact him a few days before.

BOB DELLER Group Leader U3A CRAFT GROUP 2

Thank you to Pam Ready for hosting craft in September as I was away on holiday. I understand they had a good exchange of ideas and trials on the “Big Shot” and similar machines – I look forward to seeing the results this month! Meeting will be at t 2pm on 17th October.

LIZ NOBLE Group Leader

U3A GOOD FOOD GROUP

An unusual meeting, this month, as we concentrated on the wine rather than the food. Nine of us had a Mystery Wine Tasting, to which we all brought a bottle, but wrapped in foil so we could not read any labels. We also had notes of the wines names and descriptions, and had to match one with the other, which some of us were not very good at.

We had also made canapes to go with the wine tasting, including a variety of bruschetta, sausages, salmon mousse on cucumber, savoury tarts etc.

Next month (7th November) we are making and tasting Vegetarian Recipes, and guests are welcome.

KATHLEEN TANNER Group Leader U3A “WEEKENDERS” GROUP Ann welcomed 21 members to the October meeting at the Oddfellow’s Hall. Barbara Buckley brought a beautiful cake so that we could celebrate in style not only her special birthday but also the 8th anniversary of the first Weekenders’ meeting. She was kept busy all morning collecting deposits and menu choices for our Christmas lunch at St. Nicholas House on Saturday. December 3rd. Final payment, in cash please, at the November meeting (£11 for two courses, £16 for three outstanding). Contact Barbara to arrange payment if you won’t be at the November meeting (tel: 01778 342028)

Anne Jones is organising a trip to Downtown on November 25th – contact Anne (342766) if you wish to go. Further activities involved Valerie selling Christmas cards for charity and a quiz organised by Ann which really tasked the old grey cells but we finally managed to complete it after much discussion and hilarity.

Next meeting will be on November 12th at the Oddfellow’s Hall

Report : BARBARA MCNICOL Group Leaders: ANN BRADSHAW / BARBARA MCNICOL U3A ANTIQUES AND COLLECTABLES GROUP For our September meeting a party of 20 members made their way to Jeyes of Old Barton in Northampton. This has always been a family business with the profession of Pharmacy started in 1635 by John Jeyes and passed down the generations to be carried on now by David Jeyes and other family members.

The partnership of Philadelphus and John Jeyes, two brothers, had many inventions, none more than the renowned Jeyes Fluid which achieved worldfame and still holds Royal patronage to-day. In visiting the

village museum of life we saw a large collection of pharmacy memorabilia dating back to the 19th Century — all the old pill bottles and potions that people took for their aches and pains. Another room had a small working fun fair and a large collection of Rupert and Poo Bears. There were also Dolls Houses and furniture, one small

porcelain bath I looked at had a price tag of £810. We all enjoyed the 'Apothocoffee' shop where we had drinks and food. Thank-you to John our driver. (See also pic bottom page 6.)

Our next meeting is on Monday October 24th when Pat will be doing a Quiz for us at the Catholic Church Hall. Report: IRENE BEEKEN Photos: JANICE WILSON Group Leaders: IRENE BEEKEN/ PAM PENDRY

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U3A SCIENCE GROUP The subject of the September meeting was Isambard Kingdom Brunel, which was based around a DVD from the U3A library, with additional material, and discussion. Jim Winstone will present a talk on “The Geography of Industrial Locations” at our next meeting, at the usual venue, on Tuesday 18th October. If you have a general interest in things “scientific”, please come along. GARTH PERRY / DAVID SCOTT Group Leaders U3A MONDAY READERS GROUP Our meeting this month was to discuss Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury. Written in the 1950s, this book, like Orwell’s 1984 and Huxley’s Brave New World, imagines a future world where books are burnt, mass entertainment is provided by the authorities to keep the population happy and all independent thought is discouraged and punished. The title refers to the temperature at which paper burns and is a reference to the job of the main character, Montag, who is a Fireman, charged not with putting out fires but with setting books alight. The story is of Montag’s gradual realisation of the appalling world he is helping to create and his eventual escape from it.

Like 1984 and Brave New World, our main impression of this book was its increasing relevance to the present day. The author imagines technology which in 1950 was fantasy but which is around us today; mobile phones, Bluetooth devices, virtually reality and interactive TV are all predicted. We felt, too, that the non-reading, non-learning and non-thinking population was worryingly recognisable as is the attitude that libraries are irrelevant, books are no longer needed and authors are dangerous subversives.

Montag himself, with a handful of ‘book people’ escapes the holocaust of the ending and he and his companions offer hope for a better future.

Our discussion ranged far and wide; only one of our group disliked this book and couldn’t finish it, while two or three felt it thought provoking but not engaging. The rest found it a remarkable and brilliant book with a message that we ignore at our peril. Highly recommended to all who value books and reading!

Our next meeting is on November 14th at 10.30 in the Library and we will be discussing The Cuckoo’s Calling by Robert Galbraith (aka J .K. Rowling)

LIZ WATERLAND Group Leader U3A MONDAY WALKING GROUP Members of the Group are well aware that when a walk is advertised as “led by Steve Hanson” it will carry with it an air of uncertainty and adventure! Thus it was that, on a beautiful sunny October morning, seventeen of our members decided to take the risk and arrived at the Woodhouse Arms at Corby Glen ready to take up the challenge. They were not to be disappointed. Steps were traced and then untraced, stiles that were expected were not found and at one point they even managed to get bogged down in mud in the middle of a ploughed field. To find such a field in the middle of Lincolnshire after the driest September on record must rate as something of an achievement!

It must be said however that an enjoyable morning was had by all, the sense of mystery experienced by the walkers only being exceeded by that of their leader! The morning (and a bit of the afternoon!) was finished off by the excellent food served at the Woodhouse.

The next walk of the group will be on November 7th and will be led by Ann Sutherland from the Granary at Orton. I will confirm the details later. I would also like to remind members that we will that evening hold our annual planning meeting which will also mark the swansong of the current group leader. Suggestions for walks for the coming year will be more than welcome.

Photo entitled “Fearsome piece of wood nature carved” by DAVID SCOTT

CHAS. FERGUSON Group Leader

U3A FAMILY HISTORY GROUP

We welcomed Geoff Chambers to our group and wish him luck in his new found hobby.

Today we took a fresh look at two of the major web sites. These sites grow by the day, but people have been of the understanding that all the data bases that they have are searchable by just using the dropdown menu and entering a name. Whilst this is possible, what happens is that there is an ‘overkill’ of data and loads of it is not of any help – or appears not to be.

I have tried to get the group to understand that quite a lot of the information has not been added into the links and that there are loads of data that is in small quantities and in some cases the only way to access it is to do it the old fashioned way – one page at a time. A concentrated search for a specific event is better than a blanket search. If an ancestor’s baptism is what is needed, then go to those records by filtering out the others.

We also took a quick look at the ‘Everyman Remembered’ web site. We are adding some commemorations to this site and it was nice to see the progress that has been made. STILL A LONG WAY TO GO!!! If anyone would like to help with this project please get in contact with me by email and I will guide you through (or do it for you if you wish).

The next month’s meeting will be 2.00 – 4.00PM on 14th October at the Community Centre. We would be more than pleased to welcome any new members who would like to either start or enhance their family history. Please contact me. I will always try to help and if I do not know the answer I will point you in a direction that may help.

PEG TORRANCE Group Leader U3A LISTENING TO MUSIC GROUP Our October meeting was hosted and organised by Peter Baylis, who as always made us very welcome. Peter had entitled his programme “Odds and Ends” ¸but this did justice neither to Peter nor to the very interesting programme which he had clearly gone to considerable pains to organise for us. What we heard, in the congenial surroundings of Peter’s music room, consisted of almost 20 pieces of music of very varied lengths and types, but very much with something for everyone, and reflecting Peter’s own wide-ranging tastes and knowledge.

So we started with a Maori song, followed by “the” Bach Tccata, played on the piano. Other “classical” pieces included those by Beethoven (“Egmont” Overture), Mendelssohn (Piano Concerto No. 1), Haydn( “Clock “Symphony) and Grieg (“Morning” from “Peer Gynt”). Otherwise, we heard excerpts from musicals, Bernsteins “Candide” Overture (conducted by the composer), and George Harrison’s “While My Guitar Gently Weeps”, played by Nigel Kennedy on the violin.

Peter’s programme ended with “A Finale for the Time of Year”, which proved to be a very appropriate reading by Martin Shaw of John Betjeman’s poem, “The Church Mouse”, highlighting Harvest Festival, and set to a background of more music by Bach. Readers who have been counting will have realised that considerations of space, and Ann’s editorial blue pencil, have precluded the specific mention of several of the pieces of music we heard, but thanks are due to Peter for a most enjoyable couple of hours.

Our November meeting will be hosted and organised by John Bloomfield. Report: JIM PRINGLE

Group Leaders: TERRY NOBLE / JIM PRINGLE

This picture was taken by Pam Ready during the Antiques outing this month. NO COMMENT!! A.

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U3A “BOOK WEEVILS” GROUP Last month we read ‘All the Light we Cannot See’ by Anthony Doerr. This is up there as one of the best books we have read. It is about a blind French girl and a German boy whose paths collide in occupied France during WW2. Marie-Laure has been blind since the age of six and lives in Paris with her father. When the Nazis invade they flee to St Malo with a dangerous secret. Werner is a German orphan with a knack for engineering which wins him a place at a brutal military academy. Marie-Laure and Werner meet briefly towards the end of the novel but only one of them survives. We look at WW2 from a totally different point of view in this book. CATHRYN SEALE Group Leader U3A “CHURCH MICE” GROUP Our October visit took 26 of us to Folkingham, where St Andrew’s church is just off the village square, at the top of what passes for a hill in these parts, on the A15 to Sleaford and Lincoln. The very impressive church tower dominates the attractive village and the surrounding countryside. We received a warm welcome, and after an introduction by the church-warden, listened to an interesting talk by a local historian. He had done (and is still doing) a great deal of research on the internet, and what we heard comprised rather a series of anecdotes – all interesting, some amusing – than a detailed history of the church. As one approaches the entrance in the South Porch, it is evident that some new stonework has been added to the embattled parapet of the tower. In January 2007, severe gales blew down several pinnacles on the west side, several of which crashed through the roof, causing considerable damage; fortunately, there was no-one in the church at the time. During the previous year, the gates to the South Porch were stolen by men purporting to be workmen, removing them for repair. The replacement gates were expensive. On a more peaceable note, the priest’s room above the porch once served as a priest’s room. St. Andrew’s appears to have been accident-prone over the years: in 1858, the nave roof, pews and pulpit had to be replaced, again at considerable cost, when a severe gale brought down the north wall and twisted one of the nave pillars. Most of the 14th-century Rood Screen has survived, but the original carvings have disappeared. Still to be seen, however, are the village stocks and whipping post, also the Church Registers back to 1583: “1746 no marriages this year – the ladies were very unfortunate, and it was feared some might leave this world without tasting the sweets of matrimony”. The list on the nave wall of Rectors of the parish does not include the name of Revd. Richard Brocklesby, who was instituted in 1674, but deprived of his living for refusing to sign the oath of allegiance to William III following the deposition of James II. Despite this, he continued in the parish until 1702, and left a considerable bequest for work with young people; this is still of considerable benefit to the parish. A very interesting visit ended with very welcome tea/coffee and biscuits before we set off for home. Report: JIM PRINGLE Photo provided by: TERRY NOBLE Group Leaders: LYALL SEAL / JIM PRINGLE

U3A WEDNESDAY GARDENING GROUP

The October meeting was held at Angie’s home so we could have a pre-planning meeting and arrange our Christmas lunch. We also had a competition for a small posy of autumn flowers and foliage(pic.). Its amazing what can be found in the garden at this time of year for colour and beauty. Angie's husband judged the competition and Val was the winner receiving a small gift for her effort.

Lunch menu's were passed around and a place decided on and the booking made for Christmas. Items for possible visit's next year were discussed and gardens to be checked out before next month’s full planning meeting at Pauline's, start time 10 o'clock.

We would like to thank Angie for her generous hospitality and lovely cakes. The October meeting was held at Angie's home so we could have a pre-planning meeting and arrange our Christmas lunch.

Report: AVRIL WILLIS Photo: ANGELA DORWARD Group Leaders: JEAN FOSTER / ANGELA DORWARD U3A THURSDAY WALKING GROUP

After a summer of walks away from the local area, for our October walk 33 members were led by Dave and Pam Pendry on a more local walk around the Northborough area. Commencing from the Packhorse at Northborough the route took us through the village and down Paradise Lane before emerging onto the Maxey Cut. Continuing along the Cut and the new paths opened in previous years we then walked along the side of the River Welland back up to Deeping Gate before finding our way back along the old Lincoln Road to the Packhorse for a very good lunch. Many thanks to Dave and Pam for leading the walk and organising the lunch.

The next walk on 10 November will be led by myself and David Scott and will be around the Belmesthorpe area commencing from The Bluebell Inn, Belmesthorpe, Near Uffington PE9 4JG. If you would like to attend this walk, could you please phone myself by the Tuesday evening preceding the walk, if possible, also indicating whether you will be staying for lunch. Photo: ANNE BURTON GODFREY PARKES Group Leader