No.175 October 2012. - Watford and District U3A

Founded 1997 by Reg Cooke 1919-2008
October 2012 EDITION 175
Study Group Topics
Jo Davidson
Editor: Margaret Thompson Proof Reader: Colin Richards
BUT the sun is shining and I
am happily tidying up my
garden. Not too much
though! I never cut down all
the seeding flowers as they
provide valuable food for my
feathered friends in the depth
of bitter winter and also
protect the roots of perennials
from the frost.
This beautiful picture of Windsor Castle was taken by Pam Lumsden on
Discovering the South East’s Visit in September [see p5]. How sad that this most
successful of groups is to close for want of a leader!
Thank you to all the SGLs who have sent in articles and photographs and superbly
laid out copy for the SGNews this month; made my job so much easier.
HELLO everyone, I hope you have had a
A Message From
good month. Welcome to our New
Our Chairlady
Members. I hope you will have a happy
and rewarding time as members of
Margaret Foster
Watford and District U3A.
The Study Group Leaders Meeting
01923 682260
was held on 14th September. We had a
very good attendance, as usual and were pleased that Jo Davison our Study Group Co
-ordinator was able to join us. It was a good meeting, covering many topics and I am
pleased to say, she has not changed her mind about her new role, with which she is
already making progress.
One of the items raised at the meeting was group members details. I must remind
everyone that it is the responsibility of each individual member to make sure that
your Study Group Leader has your correct up to date details, which must include the
name and a contact number of the person to call in an emergency. If any of your
details change please let your SGL know so that the records can be amended. We are
coming up to the time of year when weather conditions might mean, for safety
reasons, your group may not be able to meet and your SGL will need to contact you
to let you know this. If your details are not correct this will not be possible.
A reminder that the Book Sales have moved. When facing the stage, the books are
in the bottom right corner of the hall and go into the small bar. Marie and Barry are
always pleased to see all members, old and new, browsing the books and finding one
or more that they want to buy. All proceeds go to the Peace Hospice, so every penny
that is spent in the ‘book sales’ goes to a very good cause, in need of all the help it
can get, for which they are very grateful. Don't be shy, go over and have a browse
you will be very welcome.
The announcement for the Christmas lunch is below. This is always an enjoyable
occasion getting together with friends in a
beautifully decorated Ballroom, here at the
Our Christmas Lunch
Police Club, to enjoy an excellent festive
19th December 2012
meal, served by waiters who give service
£23 per Person
with a smile. If you have never attended this
function why not join us this year. You will
Choice of Menu
be sure of a warm welcome from everyone
The booking form and menu
present. I wish you all a happy month; stay
will be attached to the
safe and I look forward to seeing you at
November Study Group News
groups and the Monthly Meeting.
Study Group Coordinator
Studygroups
@watfordu3a.org.uk
IT’S scarcely to be believed that it is now
the best part of two months since I first
tentatively approached Margaret about the
possibility of a relative newcomer like me
taking on the Study Group Co-ordinator
role; the time has just flown – so I must have
been having fun!
I would first of all like to thank you all for
your kind welcome at the September
monthly meeting: it took me back to work
days, when I had a comparable audience of
service personnel or policemen, but you
were much friendlier and better behaved –
long may it last!
Having survived the monthly meeting, the
next major event was the biannual Study
Group Leaders meeting on 14 September,
where I was most impressed by the serried
ranks of SGLs attending and the obvious
enthusiasm and commitment they bring to
their role. Getting to know them all will take
time but once again I would like to thank
them for their welcome and will try to visit
some more of the groups in the coming
months (perhaps the less energetic ones
first!) I was particularly grateful to Margaret
for her masterly chairing of the meeting,
especially as I could only put a name to a
handful of those attending – but the badges
helped!
This job has already taken me (and my
trusty Sat.Nav.) to parts of Watford I had
never visited before, in search of meeting
venues etc. I have made the acquaintance of
the room-booking ladies at Asda – and
would welcome the opportunity to expand
our contacts at other potential meeting
venues, so if you have any suggestions:
parish rooms, community centres etc –
anywhere with parking facilities we could
hire at a reasonable rent or preferably free,
please let me know.
I would also be overjoyed to hear from
any potential new Group Leaders, either for
a new study area or for an offshoot of an
existing group which is now full.
Planning is already underway for two such
groups, Beginners Computing and Current
Affairs 2, and Scrabble 3 is scheduled to
open in October. The demand is clearly
there, so if you have a hidden [Cont. P2]
WU3A is a registered charity, number 1079022
1
WU3A COMMITTEE
Obituary
Arthur Driscoll 1937 – 2012
2012
——
2013
Chairlady
Margaret Foster
Vice
Chairman
Phil
Redshaw
Secretary
Margaret
Redding
Treasurer
Dick
Chapman
Study
Group
Coordinator
Jo
Davidson
Membership
Secretary
Alan Prest
Groves
- talent you would like to share, or are just a
capable organiser with a bit of spare time and
general interest in a particular area, let me
know and we will see what we can do (and,
new members, that definitely includes you!)
I had an enquiry from Rickmansworth U3A
the other day, looking for a cake decorating
class; regretfully, I had to say that the nearest
we could get was Wine Appreciation – but
anyone for cup cakes out there?
Margaret Redding
Sue
Saunders
Peter
[Study group Coordinators notes- cont from p1]
Committee Notes
From Our secretary
Peter
Birkett
Minutes
Secretary
Committee
member
IT is with great sadness that we have to tell you that
Arthur died peacefully, at home, on the 2nd of
September.
Arthur was a greatly valued member of our U3A.
He served on the committee from 2003 to 2007, first
shadowing the Study Group Coordinator and then
assuming that role with great skill and judgement in
2004. He was utterly reliable, always with a beaming smile and wise words of
advice. Nothing was too big or too small a job for Arthur, who did everything
with care and precision including turning up every month to the committee
meeting with the ‘Tea Box’ and making the ‘half time’ tea which included the
most gorgeous biscuits.
He was a member of a number of U3A Study Groups, including Exploring
London, Life-Style, Gardening and DIY. He was a brilliant, enthusiastic
gardener with definite ideas of how to grow runner beans and I have a picture
of him, again, staggering through the door, under the weight of a large box, this
time, full of plants for the garden stall.
As well as wielding a mean spanner at the DIY Group he was a keen wielder
of a ‘bucket’, selling raffle tickets for the Peace Hospice at our monthly
meetings. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him, but in particular the
members of the Walking Group who greatly enjoyed his company and the
Wine Group which was his idea in the first place.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Jean and her family at this very sad time.
THE committee is undertaking a review of the
Constitution and Regulations of Watford
& District U3A. At the same time they are
studying our Website and comparing it with
Websites from all the UK U3As, to consider
possible improvements and additions, to make
it more accessible and attractive to members
and prospective new members.
Two members attended the AGM of the
Third Age Trust this month, and took part in
workshops and learned of the work of other
U3As across the UK, which will be useful to
our members.
The Committee welcomed two new committee
members, Jo Davison, Study Group Coordinator, and Peter Groves, committee
member. We are grateful for their willingness
to take part in the management of our U3A.
Extract from:Third Age Trust Business Mailing to
U3As May 2012 re Insurance
“Recently there has been concern expressed on
two matters which I would like to clear up:Using your car to ferry U3A members does
not affect your social, domestic and pleasure
insurance cover and does not require you to
pay an additional excess or upgrade to
business cover.
In addition, accepting a contribution
towards petrol is perfectly acceptable.
Holding U3A meetings in your home should
have no implications whatsoever on your home
insurance, as it is no different from having
regular dinner parties or coffee mornings with
your friends. The problem emanates from
insurance companies not understanding the
nature of U3A and its activities. Any
problems, do contact me, Lyn Jonas, Chief
Executive of TAT.
U3A members giving talks to other U3As
There have been situations recently where
U3A members giving talks at other USAs have
asked for and received a fee. Remember from
the original principles 'no salary, fee or
financial reward shall be paid to any member
of the university' and 'all members of the
university shall be expected to offer voluntary
service to it' so only legitimate expenses are
appropriate.”
Based on ‘Information for Treasurers' sent
by the National Office to all U3As in
November 2010, the decision at the recent
SGLs’ Meeting was that if you speak to raise
money for charity this is acceptable, as you
are not personally making a financial gain.
Ed.
WU3A is a registered charity, number 1079022
2
THE STUDY GROUP LEADERS MEETING
CHAIRED by our chairlady Margaret Foster and attended by about 40
lively and enthusiastic Study Group Leaders and 6 Committee Members,
we had an interesting and informative meeting. It was lovely for the SGLs
to meet our new SGCo-ordinator, Jo Davidson and to hear the latest
developments from the management team. We are almost up to our
maximum membership of five hundred and we have 68 Study Groups.
All smiles
Jo Davidson and Margaret Foster
It was also a great opportunity to catch up
with new ideas gleaned from one another or just
have a good natter over the tea and biscuits,
served up, a big thank you Margaret, by our
Secretary, Margaret Redding.
MCT
Some of us are pictured in the photographs
by Jo Davidson and Margaret Foster.
Gardening Group News by Pam Grant
OUR LAST two trips to report, those in July and August, were to destinations not
too far afield and well-known to many of our members. Both should be
recommended also to non-gardeners who would enjoy the lovely surroundings
and additional interest of Polesden Lacey near Dorking and Waterperry Gardens
near Oxford.
For Polesden Lacey [L] there was quite a select group as some regulars were
off to the Floriade in the Netherlands but as a reward they rode in a very swish
brand new coach! The day went well with good journeys both ways and very
pleasant weather (they did have the sunflower with them after all!) apart from one
brief shower. Polesden Lacey now managed by the National Trust is an elegant
‘Regency’ villa which was luxuriously furnished in Edwardian times by The Hon. Mrs Greville. The house itself is lovely to visit as
it is small enough to visualise as a beautiful home which was once visited by King Edward VII and also chosen by King George VI
and Queen Elizabeth as part of their honeymoon. However members were there to visit the lovely gardens on the North Downs,
especially the beautiful Rose garden and the spectacular 450ft herbaceous border. Some people had a tour, others simply wandered or
eventually sat in deckchairs admiring the views over the lovely North Surrey countryside.
Our return trip to Waterperry [below] was in more manageable temperatures than the tropical heat of the last one several years
ago. Waterperry was home to the renowned horticultural college between 1932 and 1971 when the emphasis was on food production
rather than on ornamental gardens. Over the past twenty years the gardens have been developed and new projects have been
completed. We were fortunate to have another lovely day (sunflower again.) and the gardens were looking beautiful with the mixed
borders in particular at their best. The river walk was cool and shady and there was a newly planted small arboretum in the meadow
area beyond the canal. We commented on the addition of a very modern and striking obelisk in the centre of one of the lawns,
wondered at the absence of the lovely statue that had graced the end of the long pond and recalled how Molly had lost her hat in the
river on our last visit.
Many also investigated the Museum of Rural Life situated in the
18th Century granary and visited the fascinating church with quite a
plain exterior and wooden tower but with highlights inside of the
original Saxon arch, rare tiles and 15th century brasses. What with a
beautiful gallery displaying works by local crafts people and a
delightful shop and tearoom Waterperry gave us a lovely outing.
By the time you read this we will have made a journey to a new
destination at Castle Ashby in Northamptonshire but in October we
will be returning to Wisley. Word has it from RHS experts that the
combination of wet, wet, wet this summer and the recent chilly nights
could give us some of the loveliest Autumn colour for quite a few
years. So we are hopeful that our last trip of the year will be a really
glorious one!
WU3A is a registered charity, number 1079022
3
Joint U3A Art Exhibition
THE upper gallery of the Harlequin Centre
was, for the third year running, adorned by
the most impressive Art Exhibition. This
was choreographed by members of WPark
U3A: Alan Rose, SGCo-ordinator, Francis
Smith, who also runs the Fine Art Group at
the Pump House and Barbara Woolner, who
leads the
Needlecraft
group, bringing
together the
John Britten chair
talent from
of SWHerts U3A
eight local
and Francis Smith
U3As. There
share their
were 845
enthusiasm for
visitors with
the exhibits with
over £700
Councillor
worth of
Steve Rackett, Photos Don Lanstone LRPS
‘works’ sold.
Vice Chairman
of Watford Borough Council, who
opened the Exhibition, praising the
diversity and wealth of talent on display.
A wide range of media and genre were
represented:- Landscape, portraiture and
abstract, in oils, water-colours, acrylic,
pen & ink, photography, embroidery,
tapestry and sculpture.
Congratulations to all the exhibitors. MCT
Wine-and- ‘literary’
Appreciation by John Britten
BEFORE leaving for one of his regular
trips to taste wine in Australia, Tony gave
us a brief virtual tour of two major wine
producing countries of South America.
Chile and Argentina have a long history
of viniculture, dating back to the days of
the conquistadores. In recent years the
quality of their wines has improved to
such an extent that they are both now
major exporters of wine to the UK.
Argentina has developed a range of
irrigation techniques to make the best use
of its plentiful supplies of water from
Andean snow melt, and it is famous for
having some of the highest altitude
vineyards in the world in Mendoza
province.
Two grape varieties have become its
“signature” wines, and we tasted an
excellent Torrontes from the small Crios
winery and a classic Malbec from the
huge Argento company. We thought they
were both good value (around £7 or £8
with current deals at Majestic Wine.)
Chile’s special grape is the Carmenere
(once grown in Bordeaux until destroyed
by Phylloxera, but thriving in Chile
thanks to strict quarantine rules and the
barrier of the Andes). The one from
Current Affairs by John Crowder and Yvonne Fitton
Anakena Indo was also favoured by most
WE’VE had plenty to talk about in the past couple of months. Initially we looked at
of the group.
whether our earlier fears about the Olympics were unfounded and agreed they were! It
In contrast, two Chilean wines made
was better than people had expected, the organisation was excellent and the production of
from
notoriously difficult grapes gave far
the opening ceremony was technically brilliant. There was general feeling about the
less
satisfaction.
A Viognier from the
reality of the ‘legacy’ and if it will happen. Athens made a loss from hosting the games
large
Santa
Rita
winery
was reasonably
but LA did not, so wait and see for GB. Apparently each gold medal cost the nation, (us,)
about £5 million. There was unanimous agreement that all schools need a range of sports acceptable, but a Pinot Noir from Luis
Felipe Edwards demonstrated just how
on offer for all pupils and not just potential Olympians. Some of us wondered why races
are always run anti-clockwise but had no definitive answers. The strongest leg? The heart difficult it is to make a good low priced
wine from this fickle grape. It also led
side of the body? Can anybody tell us?
Tony to quote Karen Blixen, who
Extradition was next in our discussion and whether Julian Assaunge going to face
remarked on man’s ability to reverse the
charges in Sweden would raise general questions about political asylum.
biblical miracle of turning “water into
The current insecurity of the financial situation in Greece informed us all, if visiting
wine”.
the country, take your cash with you as you may not get any money from ATMs!
The literary tone then degenerated
Then we considered whether NHS-funded hospitals should provide services to
hospitals abroad. Health care is international and this practice, usually supported only by further when one member seized on a
phrase from Jill and turned it into a
the best known hospitals, will help pay for training NHS doctors and surgeons.
limerick. As I remember it (and making it
Proposed increases in train fares led to concern about transferring responsibility from
an effective service provider: there was concern that Mrs Thatcher had sold off the family a little more suitable for publication) it
was something like....
silver! There was serious concern that the present government doesn't give enough
“I once bought some red wine from
thought to investment in any forms of transport. Indeed there is general need for more
Dorking,
investment in the national infrastructure- roads, schools, buildings.
and stood there just drinking and
After all these weighty deliberations we found plenty of other topics to discuss. Health
talking,
and social issues concerned us all: A recently reported late abortion led to a long prison
I had a very large glass,
sentence, probably because it was treated as infanticide. Payment for surrogate
and fell down on my a..,
motherhood might not be acceptable in the UK but the ethics accord with many other
and ended up crawling not walking.”
countries' practices. The press and paparazzi came in for some criticism though we felt
that a more subdued reaction might have been appropriate even knowing Prince William's
Most of the day’s red wines would
concern over his mother's death. We might not all practice naturism but nudity was not as probably have the same effect, averaging
unacceptable as in Victorian times. American politics concerns us for the next few months 13.5% ABV, with a Shiraz from
and we don't agree with Mit Romney’s right-wing attitude, though accept that in our own Flichman Gestos registering 14%. This
country we wonder if we don't support all our own government's over generous social
latter wine lacked the peppery bite of
engineering. We'll come back to the topic again but the possible result of a referendum on some New World Shiraz, and was my
membership of the European Union concerns us all and we'd like to be better informed.
favourite of the afternoon.
WU3A is a registered charity, number 1079022
4
Discovering the South East—Windsor and Savill Gardens.
Tuesday 18th September
by Pam Lumsden
THIS trip was a wonderful introduction into the past royalty. It was amazing how
large the Castle was. We took the audio tour so that everyone could go at their own
pace, so much to see, so much to listen to on the history of each room. I have never
been in so many rooms on one trip. Staff within the castle were very helpful.
Wonderful pictures, the dolls house was truly amazing and the pictures on the 60
years of the Queen’s Reign showed us, just how beautiful our queen was in her
younger days. A snapshot of wonder that leaves me thirsty for another visit. We
hopefully all got our tickets stamped to allow for return visits.
In fact although Discovering the South East is folding, I have promised that if we
are all agree we will hire a coach next year and do a return visit as there is still lots to see at the Castle and town of Windsor itself
looks very pretty and worth exploring.
We then got back on the coach and went to the Queen Mother’s garden:
Savill Gardens. What a wonderfully relaxing place. The borders are
beautiful at this time of year. The way the meandering paths took you and
with all the
trees, it was
amazing how
quiet it
seemed as we
strolled. We
only saw a
few people at
a time and it
felt like we
truly had the garden to ourselves. There were lots of wonderful sculptures
to enjoy around the garden. Well worth the visit.
The Geology of Hertfordshire (part 2) by Dr John Catt. From Maurice Crewe
ABOUT a year ago Dr Catt introduced us to global geology then focussed on Hertfordshire, explaining that the full story is rather
complicated. It was sufficiently interesting for us to seek more details and he kindly offered to visit us again and tell us more about
the county. Very briefly he explained that we rest on an underlying bed of chalk topped with a wide variety of clays, sands, gravels,
silts etc. with names most of will not remember. The current shape of the county
(its geomorphology to show I’ve learned something) is the result of glacial and
water action over several million years. It’s a bit of a shock to realise that the
river that is now the Thames was once a major waterway flowing almost over
Watford along the Vale of St. Albans across Essex and Suffolk, until basically
diverted by glacial activity. We also heard how the geology influenced human
activity, from areas with good horticultural soil, chalk diggers to lower the
acidity of farmland, stone and/or flint for building not to mention brick making
and more. It was also interesting to hear that the land is still being studied and
advantage being taken of new technology and scientific research – the story goes
on. The details of the land on which we live remain complicated for the
uninitiated, but Dr Catt again encouraged some of us look more carefully at the
countryside we often take for granted.
Dear
Editor
Arthur Driscoll
(1937 – 2012)
A Personal Memory.
In 1958 I met my late wife, and
through her Arthur and Jean, who were all members of St. Pancras
Young Conservatives (Happy Days!). From that time they became and
have remained two of my closest and dearest friends. Arthur and I
discovered that we had one thing in common, we both worked for
Odhams Press, he in Watford and I in Long Acre London. Throughout
those years, we had many a good laugh and fond memories. Arthur
was very good at DIY, as he had shown when he led our DIY group,
and certainly helped me a lot when I first got married. He became our
Group Study Leader, and as a result of his influence both Audrey and
I switched from SW Herts U3A to Watford U3A. Next year, he would
have celebrated 50 years of marriage to Jean. He was a great guy, and
I shall miss him, but he has left me with many wonderful memories.
Ray Gynne
For Arthur’s Sake.
Some 11 years ago Arthur Driscoll told me
that he’d had a blood test for Prostate
Cancer and that it was rather high. He
urged me to go to my GP to get tested which
I did.
Thankfully mine was extremely low, and,
after several more tests in the intervening
years, I have booked another for a
fortnight’s time. Whilst accepting that this
blood test is not foolproof it is a good
indication.
May I urge all you ‘fellas’ to have regular
PSA tests as a tribute to the memory of a
lovely gentleman and a great friend to many
of us.
Mark Palmer
Look at our website for more information :www.watfordu3a.org.uk
5
History Visit to Hampton Court Palace on 10th September
By Jean Armstrong
OUR visit was enjoyed by everyone. The exhibition “The Wild, The Beautiful and The
Damned” was a series of paintings of the mistresses of Charles II, as well as of his courtiers,
and mainly consisted of works by Sir Peter Lely, who was the “go to” portrait artist of his
time. He was a Dutch artist who arrived in London about 1641 aged 23 and was mainly
influenced by the work of van Dyck, who died in December of that year. He was appointed
portrait artist to Charles I initially, but his talent ensured that his career was not interrupted by
that monarch’s execution – he served Oliver Cromwell, whom he painted “warts and all”, as
well as Richard Cromwell.
In 1661 he was appointed as Charles II’s “Principal Painter in Ordinary” with a stipend of
£200 per annum. He became a naturalised English subject in 1662. Among his most famous
paintings are a series of portraits of ladies from the royal court, known as the “Windsor
Beauties”. A number of these portraits were featured in the beautifully laid out exhibition,
with information freely available. We all said how
easy it had been to take in all the portraits. Lely
Photo MCT
died in Covent Garden, in 1680, aged 62. His paintings are in the Royal
collection, as well as in other Royal Palaces and stately homes.
We were joined on the trip by some members of Bushey U3A History Group, who
all said how much they had
enjoyed the outing. Quite
aside from the exhibition
many of the group had
either never visited
Hampton Court or had not
visited for several years.
One can never see all its
glories in one trip. We
never saw the gardens or
some of the other
apartments. Perhaps
another exhibition will
Frances Stuart, Duchess of Richmond, spark off a future outing.
Sir Peter Lely’s
Nell Gwynn, though there is an
by Sir Peter Lely.
Photos Courtesy Wikipedia
alternative belief that it depicts Lady Castlemaine.
Exploring London by Pat Harding
OUR August outing was a trip to Canterbury. After a good journey we met
our guides and went on tours round the city. The guides were very
knowledgeable and interesting. After lunch some of us went to the Cathedral
[R] and had a tour of the
building. The guides
were not quite so good,
but were competing
against a lot of noise.
The cathedral was very
interesting and full of
history. Others in our
party visited the river, the Canterbury Tales Exhibition or just looked
round the centre.
SEPTEMBER
took us to
Buckingham
Palace. [L] We
first went to the Science Museum or one of the others in the area where
we had time for a quick look round and some lunch and then our coach
took us to the palace.
After going through security and picking up audio guides we went
on the tour. Again the palace is full of treasures and the jewellery
exhibition, although very crowded was very interesting. After exiting
the rear of the palace most of us sampled tea and cakes. We were able
to walk through the grounds (and take photographs) to the back gate
where the coach was waiting. Unfortunately we got caught up in heavy
traffic, mainly due to a burst water main at Brent cross and closed
Enjoying the sun outside the Science Museum
roads, and were quite late back.
WU3A is a registered charity, number 1079022
6
Please see ‘The Study Group Synopsis’ for Group Leaders’
contact numbers and times and venues of Study Group Meetings.
Anglo-German Walks
4th Fri 9.30am.
Antiques
2nd Tues 2.00-4.00pm at my home.
Unfortunately an unexpected sojourn in
Watford General meant I had to cancel
the September meeting. However the
operation was successful and hopefully
we can carry on in October with the
postponed subject. Thank you all for the
many cards and messages received.
Pam Hart SGL
9 Oct Religious Artefacts.
Art Appreciation
2nd Mon 10.00 for 10.30am at
Hollytree House.
We have had a very busy and
illuminating summer with excellent
presentations from Janet Carleton on
Medieval Tapestries, ‘The Lady and the
Unicorn’ and Pat Woollard who took us
‘Beside the Seaside’.
In September we enjoyed a superb
morning of ‘Various Media’ (our theme
this year) from Phil McMahon,
discussing ‘Current British Artists.’
8 Oct ‘Printmaking and Identifying
prints’. Heather Pound.
12 Nov ‘Industrial Landscapes &
Factory Life’ Jim Surry.
10 Dec ‘Tempera & Encaustic’ Colin
Richards, followed by our Christmas
Buffet Lunch.
With regret this group is full. We have
a waiting list and hope to be able to
include some new members soon.
Better Photos
4th Mon 10.00am.
Book Discussion Group
4th Mon 2.30-4.30pm. Devereux Dr.
This Group is full: waiting list.
Chess
2nd & 4th Tues 9.30am.
If anyone wants to learn how to play I
am willing to teach them. We also have
a very good national Correspondence
Chess kindly set up by Dick Chapman.
Computers
3rd Thurs 2.00pm Garston Fire
Station, St Albans Road, (next to
Asda). The computer club is now full
but I am prepared to create a waiting list
for anyone interested in joining.
Classics Group
3rd Mon 2.15pm. New members are
always welcome.
Cryptic Crosswords
1st & 3rd Fri of the month.
Current Affairs
3rd Tues 10.00am Hollytree House.
Cycling
1st and 3rd Monday starting at
Watford Met Station at 10.00am.
1 Oct South Mimms.
15 Oct Moor Mill via Netherwylde Farm
(bridle path).
Discovering the South East
20 Nov City and Village The Essex
Highlands. As stated last month, this is
our final trip. It is also though going to
be a good social pre Christmas jolly. Yes
we will be having a coach tour as part of
this but the main bit is to be greeted for
Lunch at a lovely pub ( local saved by its
village and run by the village) with a
glass of sherry, then a three course meal
and an afternoon of fun, finishing with a
cup of tea and mince pie before we make
our way home. I have recommendations
from other U3As who overall state that it
was a "fabulous day in a murky
November foggy weather" hopefully we
won't see the fog but we should have a
day to remember. There are still some
tickets left so come along and join us
Price £37. These will be on sale at the
October meeting.
DIY Discussion
2nd Mon 10.00am - 12 noon Tree
Bridge House, Garston Lane.
When a little ‘know-how’ means a lot can you replace a washer to a leaking
tap? understand the basics of your
central heating system and prepare for
winter heating? do you understand the
workings of a ball cock and know where
the stop cock is in your house? For
£60.00 you can have a day in London to
gain this knowledge at:www.staunchandfloe@co.uk
or tel. 0207 666 5566. OR better still,
join our D.I.Y Class and learn many
extra tips not limited to basic plumbing,
but repairs to plaster work, replacing
bricks in garden walls, repair worn and
stained places in fitted carpets, repair
bedside lamps and much more for £1.00
per month, with a cup of tea and biscuits
and some good conversation. We have
room for another five or six new
members, men and women are welcome.
European Studies
4th Wed 10.00am. Garston Fire
Station.
24 Oct Textile Industries.
28 Nov Scientific & technical progress.
Dec No meeting.
Exploring Europe
9 June 2013 – 5 days 4 nights
Cities of Flanders Ramada Hotel
Ostend www.ramada.com £379.00.
Single room sup £79.00. Welcome
dinner on the first evening, the remaining
three nights on b&b basis: Bruges
‘Venice of the North, Ghent; Ypres, ‘The
Last Post’ at the Menin Gate; Antwerp
and St. Omer. Booking forms and details
available from Jackie Connal and Janet
Dare
Exploring London
3 Oct Kill or Cure: A guided tour and
tales of historic and gory medical events.
Includes Lunch. Waiting list.
7 Nov A visit to the Freemasons Hall
and the Transport Museum in Covent
Garden. 2 Tickets remain and will be on
sale at the general meeting.
7 Dec (Friday) A visit to the Brick Lane
Music Hall including traditional
Christmas Dinner and entertainment. A
few tickets left. If you would like to join
us for an entertaining afternoon please
contact Pat 4604240, or see us at the
general meeting.
Film Group
1st Thurs 2.15pm.
4 Oct 'Ring of Bright Water'. Whoever
said a dog is man's best friend never met
Mij Mij, a cute, cuddly pet shop otter
who captures the heart of Graham Merill
(Bill Travers).
1st Nov ‘Pretty Woman’. A man in a
legal but hurtful business needs an escort
for some social events and hires a
beautiful prostitute he meets....only to
fall in love.
Gardening
18 Oct Outing to the RHS Gardens at
Wisley. Our last trip of the season.
Extensive gardens, beautiful at any time
but also their Autumn Festival week.
Maybe some early Christmas shopping
too? A few tickets remaining.
15 Nov 10am. Hollytree House.
Planning meeting and talk on The Parks
and Gardens of London by Colin Oakes.
Please let us know if you wish to attend
as we will have to restrict numbers.
20 Dec 10am. Hollytree House.
Christmas Social. More info later!
WU3A is a registered charity, number 1079022
7
Genealogy
2nd Fri 10.00am
12 Oct 09:41 Leaving Wat. Junction.
Visit to The National Archives and The
Family History Centre at Kew.
9 Nov Talk at Step Up, 39 Oxhey Drive,
South Oxhey, speaker to be confirmed.
14 Dec Xmas Social & Planning Meeting
at ‘Step Up’. New members welcome.
For details, please contact the SGL.
German Conversation
1st & 3rd Thurs 10am-12 Noon.
This group is now full.
Golf Lessons
Weds-Practice Green, Batchwood Hall
golf Club 11:30am. Pro:-Mark Flitton.
Cost £6 for one hour.
10 & 24 Oct
7 & 21 Nov No commitment, just attend
when you can. Bad weather may prevent
lessons taking place. We are intending to
play 9 holes at Abbey View after the
lessons for those who want to -cost
approx £3. For further details contact:Sara Robinson .
Greetings Cards
Hollytree House.
2nd Thurs 10.00am & 1.30pm.
11 Oct Christmas ideas needed for the
October and November meetings. We
could use some of our practised
techniques, like small envelopes and/or
acetate and peel-offs, not done in Aug.
History
2nd Mon 2.00pm Fire Station Garston
(Asda CP off A41).
All enjoyed our trip to Hampton Court in
September, once we had negotiated the
new road-works through the town and
got over the malfunctioning of the
Hampton Court ticket machine.
Italian
Alt Thurs 10.00am.
A self help group, guided by a fluent
Italian speaker.
Jazz
3rd Wed 2.30pm.
Lifestyle
4th Tues Combewood 2-4pm.
23 Oct Jill Mills-Wright who is a
Hertfordshire Herbalist will be talking to
us about herbs and their uses,
concentrating on the medical side of
herbs. She will also answer any questions
raised on culinary issues, as she aims to
make this as interactive as possible. This
is another item that has been on our ‘to
do’ list for many months and we finally
have her with us. It is your meeting so
please make sure you come along and
make it a good one.
London Theatre Group
We are now looking for volunteers to
take over this group which Marie & I
have been running since it began.
Luncheon Club
4th Wed.
Any members who would like to join us
please phone Fay for further details.
Money Matters
1st Thurs 10.00am to Noon prompt
ASDA Conference Centre.
Another scintillating meeting covering
all sorts of subjects. For starters we
discussed existing pensions - all those
missing pension funds that employees
have yet to claim. Those pension
payments to the company, together with
the company's added share, particularly
for those who changed their employment
and didn't bother to (or could not)
transfer their pension pot to their new
employer's pension fund. The more
times one changed jobs, the greater the
chance that somewhere along the line it
was forgotten. Maybe the sum involved
was thought to be too small to spend
time sorting out. These sums are still in
the companies pension fund, collecting
interest every year, and it's your money!
If you are one of those who changed
jobs, and didn't transfer your pension, it
could be hundreds/thousands of pounds
MORE per year. This discussion raised a
few eyebrows! There were other
interesting subject, but I do not want to
'hog' the newsletter. Have a good month.
Music Appreciation
3rd Wed: 9 Nancy Downs10 00am
coffee, 10.30am meeting.
18 Oct This meeting has been
CANCELLED.
15 Nov Beethoven's "Eroica"
Symphony, which was to have been
featured at the October meeting.
Needlecraft
1st and 4th Mondays, Garston Fire
Station.
The space at this venue is just right for
the size of the present group. We have
had several enquiries about joining us
and have a waiting list of four ladies. If
any of the current members decide to
drop out we will advise, or maybe
someone would like to start another
group? We are more than willing to help
someone to get another group going.
Opera
2nd Mon 2.00pm at Christine’s.
At our September meeting we enjoyed
watching the film versions of ‘Cav &
Pag’ with Placido Domingo in both title
roles.
8 Oct ‘Porgy and Bess’ This will be
spread over two sessions.
12 Nov as above.
10 Dec Our Christmas ‘do’. Bring your
favourite excerpts and arias on either
CD, DVD or video and join us with a
glass of mulled wine and a few nibbles.
Pathfinders
4th Tues Meet - varied.
4-5 mile walk, usually followed by pub
lunch. Contact Diane Livesey
25 Sep Ashridge Led by: Alan and
Diana.
23 Oct Tring (Change of venue) Led by:
Terry and Elisabeth.
Performing Arts & Poetry
Mon evening 7.30pm at Nancy Downs
Oxhey, Unless specified otherwise.
24 Sep Poetry evening at St. Mary’s
Avenue. Subject “Narrative Poems”.
8 Oct Read through and auditions of
“Ransome Park ” at 12 St. Mary’s
Avenue. Bring Diaries to organise
rehearsal dates.
4 Dec Performance of “ Ransome Park ”
at monthly meeting.
17 Dec Meet at 12 St. Mary’s for Wine
and Refreshments before visit to “ Panto
Mania”.
Rock & Pop
4th Thurs 2.30pm Hollytree House.
In August we heard music from the early
Rolling Stones which included most of
their famous numbers. We were joined
by Cynthia, a Watford U3A member,
who was married to one of the the
original Rolling Stones, Ian Stewart.
When Andrew Oldham became their
manager he decided six were too many
for a rock group and Ian did not fit the
image - he was very tall and very broad!
However he didn't throw a hissy fit. He
became one of their roadies and played
piano at recording sessions. Cynthia
answered questions about life with a rock
star.
25 Oct On a Carousel - The Hollies
We welcome visitors.
Science Interest
3rd Mon 10.00am.
15 Oct Dark Matter Dark Energy Len
Mann.
19 Nov History of Concrete - Dr John
Newman.
17 Dec Roger’s Xmas quiz
Group now full - we have a waiting list
Scrabble 1
2nd and 4th Thurs. The group is now
full.
Scrabble 2
2nd Thurs 10.00am. Group is now full.
WU3A is a registered charity, number 1079022
8
Shakespeare
Last Wed 2.00pm.
31 Oct We shall be reading: "The
Tempest", but starting at Act 2 scene 2.
The interesting part is the discussions we
have about Shakespeare.
28 Nov should see the conclusion of The
Tempest and ideas about the next play.
Dec No Meeting.
Snooker
Every Mon 11.00am - 1.00pm
Spanish Group
Devereux Drive, Watford
This group is still up and running. The
aim of the group is to improve our
Spanish conversation. We meet in
comfortable surroundings and enjoy
learning from one another. Please
contact Denis Lucas or David WynneJones if you are interested.
Sporting Forum
3rd Tues 2.00pm Combewood, unless
otherwise advised.
Having spent an interesting and
entertaining afternoon discovering the
workings and secrets of the Woodside
Leisure Centre last month, we as a group
have been invited to a "Grand Tour" of
the Centre in November. An afternoon
not to be missed.
16 Oct The speaker will be David
Titmuss, the coach of Hemel Storm
Basketball who will talk about his
experience as a coach with Paralympics
Basketball, several major English
basketball Clubs and also the
development of Hemel Storm.
20 Nov Tour of Woodside Leisure Ctr.
18 Dec Xmas Sporting Quiz and Festive
Nibbles.
Strollers
2nd & 4th Tues 11.00am. 2.5-3 miles.
9 Oct Fran & Dudley. Round Bush
Ramble. CP and eat at Round Bush,
Aldenham.
23 Oct Jane & Myra. Merry Hill Fields
CP in Kemp Place CP off Bushey High
St. Eat locally.
13 Nov Hilary & Lynda. Walk in
Denham. CP & eat at Green Man,
Village Rd, Denham.
27 Nov Sue & David. Garston Park CP
in Codicote Drive & meet at Garston
Park entrance. Eat at Three Horseshoes.
11 Dec Gwen & Don. “At home” coffee
& mince-pies. Walk in Cassiobury Park
Eat at Harvester ,Two Bridges, Croxley
Green.
Table Tennis
7.30pm at St Marks
The Table Tennis season is now in full
swing.
1 & 15 Oct there will be a table available
for the social players.
5 & 12 Nov As above.
The Explorers
1st Fri of the month.
Visitors are always welcome.
5 Oct 9.30 Essex arms to car share.
Park at the Road End of Monument
Drive Ashridge. Walk Ashridge (Deer
rutting) Diane & Alan. Eat Bridgewater
Arms, Ashridge.
2 Nov Ruislip Lido. 9.30am Essex Arms
to car Share. 10.00am at the Lido CP.
Eat?? Walk Leader Brian.
7 Dec 10.00am Essex Arms.
The Grove & Planning Meeting.
Leaders: Diane & Alan.
Thirsty Walkers
4th Thursday leaving The Essex Arms
at 9.30am; car-sharing where possible. A
good lunch after the walk with friendly
company.
25 Oct Alan Betts and Jill Jenkins will
lead the walk from Aldenham. Lunch and
parking at The Round House PH.
22 Nov Alan and Julie Steer lead a walk
through Sarratt and Chipperfield from
The Boot PH.
Dec No meeting
24 Jan Planning Meeting and Lunch.
Toffee
3rd Thurs 10.00am-12.00. Group is full.
While drinking Tea or Coffee we discuss
anything and everything and generally
enjoy our morning together.
Tuesday Trekkers
Meet 9.45 for 10.00am.
9 Oct Jean & Peter holding hands will
lead from Ley Hill. CP on common near
The Swan Pub.
13 Nov Pam & Viv have agreed to lead
this walk from The Round Bush Pub
Aldenham. This is there first lead ever.
Will we be able to keep up, talking!!
11 Dec Brian leads the Tinsel walk
again, where has the year gone? CP by
Church Chipperfield.
Tuesday Ramblers
4th Tue Meet - varied.
This is a new group walking 10-12 miles
in 4-5 hours, stopping for a pub lunch
midday. New members welcome. Details
from John Carleton
U3A Singers
1st & 3rd Mon 2.30pm.
Walking
2nd & 4th Wed 10.00am. Unless
otherwise stated.
Most walks meet JS A41. Six miles
10 Oct Berkhamsted.
24 Oct Tewin.
14 Nov Tring Res.
28 Nov Chipperfield.
12 Dec Rickmansworth.
Watford Colosseum Group
Watford Colosseum Group is of course
open to all our members and we get the
best prices and seats for the shows
selected. If you are on email and wish to
receive the latest Watford Colosseum
Selected Shows List please contact Alan
Rose and register your details. This way
you will receive the up to date
availability of the shows on offer, thank
you.
Wine Appreciation
Last Friday 2.30 - 4.30pm.
Our next two meetings will be somewhat
different, in the absence of our guide and
mentor, but the group is confident of
deriving the usual level of enjoyment on
the last Friday of each month.
Wit Knits
1st Monday 10.00am.
Various venues.
Writers Workshop
Fortnightly Tues 2.00pm.
WU3A SPONSORED CRUISE
Fifteen members have booked the
'Around GB' cruise from Southampton
on 16 July 2013. For further information
contact Tony Platts
I have a solo campervan and do NOT think we need
another U3A study group; but are there any other
members with tents, campervans, or caravans who
like to go away for 2-3 nights and like the idea of the
occasional weekend with company. We could include a visit to a National Trust
location, a museum, or even a walk and a pub lunch. Locations would normally be
less than a two hour drive from Watford. If you are interested please get in touch
with Maurice Crewe .
WU3A is a registered charity, number 1079022
9
U3A DIARY 2013
Price £2.00
Mid Blue cover
and same features as before
Available from Francis Goode
at Monthly Meetings
(while stocks last)
Founder Members' Luncheon
To mark the 15th Anniversary of the
inauguration of our U3A seven founder
members: Gwen Rowbottham ( no 27),
Wendy Onions (29),Tony Platts (31)
Joan Platts (32) Cynthia Morgan,
Johanna Woodmansterne (43) Margaret
Cheshire (69) Jean Collins (71),are
being joined by our Chairlady Margaret
Foster and four past chairmen: Mike Dix
and Jean, John Carleton and Janet,
Margaret Thompson & Colin Richards
and Terry Godfrey and Jacqueline at a
special luncheon on 2nd October in the
Police Club restaurant after a drink in
the bar.
Tony Platts
Peace Hospice Raffle
Thank you very much for your
generous donations. .
I hope it will make a lot more
money for The Peace Hospice.
I can receive any ‘prize’
donations at the monthly meeting
or I can collect.
Many thanks, June Baughen,
U3A ALMONERS
Please let us know of any
member who is sick or bereaved
and in need of our support. We
cannot help if we do not know!
Irene Lowe
Peggy Element
Janet Carleton
Joyce Hoffbrand
Home visits Viruses cleaned; Memory
upgrades; Data backups Price agreed
in advance 10 years repairing PCs
Monthly Meeting
Talks programme.
2 Oct: RAY ORTH: Assistant
CHARITY APPEALS
STAMPS
for The Peace Hospice.
Marie & Barry Irwin
Our speakers
for August and
September were
COLIN OAKS who
gave us a
fascinating talk
about the ‘village of
Marylebourne’ and
ANN SAVAGE: whose interesting,
illustrated talk about Disraeli and
Hughenden Manor included the role of
the Manor in the 2nd world war.
Watford U3A’s
Projector & Laptop
Computers and our
sound system
To make a booking contact:
Colin Richards
digitalequipment@watfordu3a.org.uk
Lifestyles
Wit-Knits
Thirsty Walkers
TBA
TBA
Restoration Director of The Wendover
Arm Trust, which was set up to promote
the restoration of the Wendover Arm of
the Grand Union Canal.
6 Nov GEORGIE PERROTT:
My life at Covent Garden Opera
House.
Georgie was in charge of costumes and
props behind the scenes at the Opera
House.
4 Dec Performing Arts Group
Production.
For more detail
contact Speaker
Secretary:-
Cindy Birkett
speakers@watfordu3a.org.uk
November
‘Study Group News’
Editor Jill Ibbott
News can be sent anytime
NO ARTICLES
And MUST be received by
Starlight Walk
So far we have raised
£1,050.
In aid of
The Peace Hospice
Study Group Refreshment Rota 2012
October
November
December
January 2013
February
Computer Repair
1st Tuesday
10.00am - 12.00noon.
VIRTUAL U3A
www.vu3a.org.uk
There is a Virtual U3A on line for
those unable to attend an ordinary
U3A. If you have any friends or
know anyone who would benefit
from this please pass it on. The
website says “An important target
group for this virtual development
includes older people who are
geographically isolated through
illness or perhaps personal
commitments (carers, for example)”.
JB Computer Services
John Boughton 230607
Pam Lumsden.
Diane Hewgill.
Peter Birkett.
20 October
December
‘Newsletter’
Editor
Margaret Thompson
News, articles and pictures
can be sent anytime but
MUST be received by:
20 November
E-mail all copy for both
publications to:
watfordu3a@yahoo.co.uk
WU3A is a registered charity, number 1079022
10