No.184 August 2013. - Watford and District U3A

1
Founded 1997 by Reg Cooke 1919-2008
Editor: Margaret Thompson
Proof Reader: Colin Richards
JUST back from the Big Apple
where the mercury hit 94 in old
money. It was wonderful to see my
son with a big happy smile on his
face. We had a wonderful time in the
cool of the art galleries, MoMA and
The Metropolitan and wandering in
the shade of Central Park. New York
has a vibrancy and diversity all its own. A Glass Boat of Abundance
We managed to spend a few days in Montreal as well, with my grandsons
who at 14 and 15 are now taller than me, (not difficult) and a bonus was an
exhibition of Chihuly glass sculptures [above] at the Musée des Beaux Arts de
Montréal.
Now its back to my garden which, thanks the wonderful watering expertise of
my neighbours, is not as scorched as I had feared. BUT the harvesting! I have
never seen so many raspberries, runner and climbing beans and courgettes. Free
food—God’s bounty. What a wonderful world - there will be jam today and
tomorrow.
I hope you are all enjoying this wonderful weather and not finding it too
difficult. Wear a big hat and drink lots of water but get out in the sun as it builds
up our Vitamin D and wards off winter colds which might prevent us from
joining some new Study Groups. Check out the very interesting new ones.
SUMMER has arrived. We have waited for
this for six years (so an announcer on T.V.
told me) it is so nice to have the warmth
from the sun instead of the central heating. I
Margaret
hope it lasts a long time and we all enjoy it
in our own way, but whichever way you
choose please take care and remember to drink lots, (sorry that does not include
alcohol) and can attend the monthly meeting quite happily, knowing the Police
Club Ballroom now has Air Conditioning, just in time for the heat wave. Weren't
they clever, perfectly timed.
In this very unusual weather it is very tempting to go completely out of routine
and just go and visit a favourite place, or have a picnic in a beauty spot. If you do
please enjoy it, but, if it is on one of the days when you would usually attend a
Study Group PLEASE LET THE STUDY GROUP LEADER KNOW YOU
WILL NOT BE THERE. He or she has spent time preparing for the session and it
is only polite to let your leader know you will not be attending, just a small gesture
that will be appreciated.
I have received a very nice letter from Liz Arendt MBE who along with Jack
and Maple gave us a very entertaining and interesting talk and demonstration at
the July Monthly Meeting on ‘The Value of Hearing Dogs for the Deaf’. I will put
a copy of the letter on the notice board for the next meeting.
Last week, while shopping I met Angela and Gerry Wildman and we had a chat
remembering when they were members of the Strollers Group and some of the
walks we did. When we parted they asked me to give their good wishes to all their
friends at Watford and District U3A. We must have quite a lot of members who
will remember them and the walks we all enjoyed.
Take care, stay safe, I am off on holiday in August so I look forward to seeing
you toward the end of August or in September.
A Message
From Our
Chairlady
August 2013 EDITION 184
Study Group Topics
Jo Davison
SG- Coordinator
Studygroups
@watfordu3a.org.uk
THIS will be a good month for
card players! Sue Winterbotham
has asked me to pass on details of
two Bridge Groups started by
Watford Central U3A: the main
group meets every Friday, 2.304.30pm, at the ex-Servicemen's
Club, Flanders Court, 12-14 St
Alban's Road. Apart from a £12
annual subscription there are no
fees and the club has a good carpark and bar. There is also a
Beginners Group which meets on
the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the
month, 10.30-12.30. If you are
interested in joining either group
please contact Sue. We also need
further members for our own
Card & Board Games Group and
Fishing/Angling Group, if they
are to be viable. As many
members were probably away at
the beginning of July I will put
out the interest boards for these
groups again at the next monthly
meeting (or feel free to contact
me direct).
You may recall that we
canvassed interest for a French
group last summer.
Unfortunately, due to unforeseen
circumstances the prospective
SGL has been unable to commit
to launching the group as yet,
although she is still keen to do so
when circumstances permit.
Meanwhile we are considering
setting up a 'Survival French'
group for those whose grasp of
the language is basic or a bit
rusty; hopefully this would
enable group members to build
their confidence and thus gain
more benefit from Jean's French
Conversation group when it
eventually gets under way. For
the more linguistically proficient/
ambitious among us perhaps a
French Film Group [cont on p2]
WU3A is a registered charity,
number 1079022
Look at our website for more information :www.watfordu3a.org.uk
2
WU3A COMMITTEE
2012
——
2013
Chairlady
Margaret Foster
Vice
Chairman
Phil
Redshaw
Secretary
Brigid
Keenan
Study
Group
Coordinator
Jo Davison
[SGC Notes cont from p1]
with subtitles! might be of
interest, or, given our thriving
German, Spanish and Italian study
groups, possibly an International
Film SG would better suit the bill?
I will put up interest notices for
these groups at the next monthly
meeting, or contact me direct if
you prefer. Potential SGLs for
either group would be particularly
welcome!
Many thanks to all the SGLs’ who
have updated their Synopsis
entries; I would be grateful if any
further amendments could reach
me as soon as possible so we can
go to print. And finally, a
reminder that the next SGLs
meeting will be held at 2.30pm on
Friday, 6 September at the Orbital
Community Centre, Haines Way,
as usual. Please put the date in
your diaries and try to be there!
Study Group Leaders
Meeting
Friday 6 September 2013
2.30-4.30pm
Treasurer
Paul King
Membership
Secretary
Alan Prest
Orbital Community Centre
Haines Way Watford
WD25 7QU
Parking Available on Site
July Speaker
IF you were unable to attend
the monthly meeting in July
you missed a treat. We met
Maple a beautiful Golden
retriever who is the ‘hearing
dog’who ensures that
Elizabeth Arendt, one of the
speakers, wakes up in a
morning, as she is stone
deaf and cannot hear the
alarm.
We also enjoyed an
informative talk from
her colleague Jack who
gave us an insight into
the work of the Hearing
Dogs Charity; the
breeding, training and placing of the dogs. Maple
was a joy and showed her intelligence and
reliability in assisting Liz during the morning. Ed.
Notes From Committee
secretary
Barbara Johnson email
Secretary
@watfordu3a.org.uk
July Committee Meeting
THE English language has to be used very carefully, otherwise the meaning of words
and phrases could be misinterpreted. Therefore a great amount of the Committee time
was spent on the Regulations, after having received guidance from T.A.T. (The Third
Age Trust). There was also feedback from the Herts Network Meeting.
The Committee will not meet in August, so the next meeting will be September.
Commitee
Secretary
Barbara
Johnson
Contacts as seen on our website Do you ever visit our website?
Minutes
Secretary
Peter
Birkett
Committee
member
Sue
Saunders
Committee
member
Peter
Groves
Look at our website for more information :www.watfordu3a.org.uk
3
Two glasses are usually better than one - according to John Britten
THOSE members who took two glasses to the May meeting were rewarded for their prescience, as
Tony offered us a series of comparative tastings, pitting “TESCO’s finest” against leading branded
wines. In each case we were invited to state our preference and to say which we thought was the
dearer of the two (not necessarily the same of course).
The first bout was between Freixenet Cava and TESCO’s De V allois Champagne. The Cava was the
overwhelming choice of the membership, although Tony preferred the greater complexity of the traditional French fizz, and
this led to a lengthy discussion about the merits of some of the famous brands and what makes a “good” champagne. but we
were surprised to learn that the Cava was only £1 cheaper than the Champagne, which was being sold on “special” at just
£10.99.
Two Australian Chardonnays had, for me, little to choose between them, and members’ votes were evenly divided. It
was accepted that Jacobs Creek is a reliable and consistent brand and on this occasion it had more flavour than TESCO’s
equivalent and it was 50p cheaper. Unusually the label declared its ABV to be 12.7% as the Australian wine trade has
negotiated a special arrangement with the EU that absolves them from the requirement to round stated ABVs to the nearest
0.5%.
Turning to the reds, we compared two identically priced 2011 Cotes du Rhone. Most of us preferred the simple St. V igni
rather than the Plan de Dieu V illages sold under TESCO’s label, demonstrating that the French AOC classification is
always a guarantee of authenticity but not necessarily one of quality.
The final pairing produced perhaps the most surprising result of the day. A typical young (2011) Rioja from the major
Campo Viejo label was matched against a 2007 Rioja Reserva sold as TESCO’s V ina Mara brand, but known to have been
made by the major producer Baron de Ley. The Reserva was 50 pence cheaper, at £7.99, but was way ahead in our
preferences, even winning over those who don’t usually like any Rioja and those who usually prefer the less oaky younger
wines. As we savoured this final glass we were reminded that “Wine gets better the further down the bottle you go”.
TESCO’s finest also made an appearance at the June meeting, when we re-visited a number of wines from the South of
France. Of the three whites we tried, many members preferred the fresh and clean Picpoul de Pinet – a wine that has gained
in popularity in recent years after previously being known mainly as a feed source for a local brandy. We all thought it was
good value at £7.49. Opinions were more varied over the two other whites, from Languedoc. I felt that TESCO’s Grenache
Blanc lacked character, whilst the Muscat from Riviera, (which should have been good, from 100 year old vines) did not
show off the true nature of the grape, being neither sweet, as you would expect from the South, nor dry as in wines from
Alsace.
The reds were generally more favoured, and certainly Southern France is now producing some very good value wines in
this category. The favourite of many – and a wine which we have tasted several times
before – was the 2011 Faugeres from Domaine Marie, at £8.49 from Waitrose. It was
notable that the ABV of this GSM blend has crept up in recent years; when we tasted
the 2008 vintage a few years ago it was 13%, but this time it was a full point higher.
The same applied to the 2011 Cahors from Le Malbec du Clos. Cahors is a reliable
appellation, and this 100% Malbec was thought to be a very good example at £8.29
(also from Waitrose). But again, by comparison with the 2007 at 12½%, this later
vintage was 1% stronger. Although “stronger” doesn’t of itself mean “better”, it is
often a clue that the grapes were riper and richer when harvested and so the resulting
wine can have more body and flavour.
But for a “full body” (just an empty bottle unfortunately), members were impressed
by the size of the double-magnum Franconian flasch which had been brought back
from Germany. This led Tony to discuss whether there is currently as much truth in
the traditional belief that wines last longer, and taste better, from large containers
rather than small ones. Perhaps we should try a comparison some time.
LIFESTYLE REPORT
from Christel Goodricke ‘Genealogy’
AT OUR July meeting Phil Redshaw, our very own Vice Chairman, gave us a most interesting and informative DVD
presentation on tracing our ancestors/recording our family history.
The easiest way to start is to talk to existing family i.e. parents or grandparents. Look out old photos, letters and even
postcards. They will be a mine of information as in the "olden days" everyone seemed to write information on the back of
these. What's in a surname? it was only in the ll/12th century that surnames began. Before that, if for example, you were a
carpenter by trade you would be known as "Son of Carpenter". Names were by word of mouth as not many people could
write or read. Also the 1st son would be named after the father's father and the 2nd son after the mother's father. In the UK
State Registration only began in 1837 and the first Census Records began in 1841. 1911 are the latest Census Records
available for research purposes and are a fountain of information regarding your next of kin.
The Internet also has valuable information for those of us who are computer literate with many websites available.
Unfortunately most of these will ask you for an annual subscription, well worth it if you are going to start researching your
Family Tree. Susan Fifer from the Barnet U3A has written a very good book, which will certainly point you in the right
direction. At the moment the BBC have an interesting programme called "Who Do You Think You Are" and recently have
begun to show that they also come across some dead ends in their research. In February every year there is an exhibition at
Olympia which is well worth visiting for helpful hints when starting out on your past family quest. There are also many
magazines on sale, i.e. Ancestry and Your Family Tree for reference.
At our time of life it would be a lovely thing to record our family life for our children and grandchildren. Make up a
"Time Capsule", either in file or box form and put in photos, certificates, cards from important days in your life. How nice
would that be? Thanks to Rod who wrote this report.
Look at our website for more information :www.watfordu3a.org.uk
4
Exploring London
Pat Harding
OUR JUNE Trip was a very interesting visit to the newly renovated
Cutty Sark. On arriving we were able to purchase our tickets
immediately so we left the group to decide when to visit. Lots of us
went in
first and
were
amazed
at the
work
which
had been
done.
After
exploring
the
whole
ship we
had
lunch
and then split, some to visit Greenwich Museums, others
went for walks along the river, even as far as the O2 and
catching a clipper back. Others went by boat to
Westminster and back. The weather was beautiful and all
enjoyed themselves.
July saw a longer trip taking in a fleeting visit to
Stonehenge and the new visitor centre, and then on to
Wilton House [R] which I understand was very
interesting with knowledgeable guides. Reports back say
everyone enjoyed it.
Science Interest Group
17th June; Obesity: What makes us fat?
Richard Bruckdorfer, Professor Emeritus in Biochemistry
from Maurice Crewe
OBESITY is a condition which is the cause of much personal misery as well as
posing a serious strain on our health services. To understand the problem, we
need to understand a few facts about the way our body stores the food we eat. Fat
is the main form of energy storage because it is more energy dense than
carbohydrates and protein. A lean man will have a body which contains 15% fat.
Silhouettes and waist circumferences This fat can originate from both dietary fat and carbohydrate. The only way to lose
representing normal, overweight,
weight is to eat less. There is little evidence that obesity is caused by a less active
and obese
metabolism in those afflicted. Obesity is dependent on the balance between the
energy we eat and the energy we expend on metabolic processes, keeping warm and exercise.
There is good evidence that genetics is important but by no means the only factor. Our appetite is regulated by a
large number of hormones and nerve endings which act on the hypothalamus, a relatively primitive area of the brain.
Even the adipose tissue where fat is stored produces hormones that regulate appetite. It seems likely that those who
tend to become obese have an active appetite centre in their hypothalamus which makes it more difficult to resist
eating any available food. The excess needs only be small to have an effect over a number of years, especially if
combined with a low exercise regime.
Losing weight would seem to be an easy task – simply eat less and exercise more. It isn’t – at least not for the
majority. Nevertheless, with self-discipline, it is possible. The causes of obesity are complex and may be related to
behaviour under stress. Psychotherapy can be of value. Pharmaceutical options are fraught with danger and surgery
often an unkind option.
Professor Bruckdorfer kindly gave us this summary of his presentation which was a great relief. To take notes
including the long words he mentioned and explained, would have challenged almost any of us. It was a most
interesting and informative talk explaining many of the complicated processes contributing to overweight, and
reassuring to hear the basically simple advice in his last paragraph.
Look at our website for more information :www.watfordu3a.org.uk
5
Pam Grant’s Page ‘Garden Group Notes’
IN JUNE we ventured a long way with a visit to Hidcote Manor Gardens in the
North Cotswolds near Chipping Campden. This destination had been mentioned
on many occasions and had also featured on TV programmes. The first colourful
displays
were in fact
at the
service area
stop where
we realised
we were
seeing
coachloads
of dressed
up people
heading for
Ladies’ Day at Ascot!
Hidcote is a beautiful garden now owned by
the NT but originally developed by Lawrence
Johnston over a period of forty years. He started
it soon after his mother bought the estate in 1907
and it quickly grew to be his life's work.
Although both of his parents were American, Lawrence was actually born in Paris. After studying Classics at
Cambridge he became a naturalised British citizen and fought in the Boer War and First World War. Following his
retirement from the army, Johnston had the time and money to pursue his other interests but he always found the time
and energy to devote to his garden. Johnston gave his garden to the National Trust in 1948 and Hidcote welcomed its
first paying visitors in 1949.
When Johnston started gardening here he found the estate was very exposed. To provide shelter from the wind, he
planted evergreen oaks and hedges of holly, hornbeam, beech and yew. These divided the garden into a series of
compartments or 'rooms', built around two main corridors that gave breath-taking views over the surrounding
countryside. Each of the garden rooms had its own character
and atmosphere, with surprises and discoveries around every
corner. He intentionally made those areas close to the house
formal in design and structure, with those further away more
naturalistic. We found that the overall garden was not
particularly large but with so many small rooms with lovely
colourful planting, small paths and old steps it was great fun
to explore. The map was quite an interesting challenge to
most at some point!
The forecast had been for a serious chance of heavy
thundery showers but although the day remained muggy we
were spared any downpours. Most people enjoyed tea and
cake and a visit to the extensive plant centre before having a
good journey home in the big comfortable tourer coach we
were given. The day though long was much enjoyed by all.
IN JULY we made a return visit to Nymans Gardens in Sussex first visited last year in the Spring. The house and
600 acres of land were originally purchased by Ludwig Messel a prosperous stockbroker in 1890. He designed some
features of the garden which can still be seen today such as the Wall Garden, the Pinetum (wrecked in the 1987 storm
then recreated using many cuttings from the fallen trees) and the recently restored rock garden. His son Leonard rebuilt
the house as a Tudor mansion and designed the Rose Garden. Sadly much of the house was destroyed by fire just after
the Second World War although the gardens survived to be rescued by the intervention of the National Trust.
Leonard’s daughter Anne and her husband the Earl of Rosse then lived in the partially rebuilt house until her death in
1992 and the estate has gradually been put back in order.
The day was one of the amazingly hot and humid ones we had in mid-July with a corresponding need for sunhats
and a gentle pace. Some members of the group went at some stage on a buggy ride or on a tour of the gardens with a
very knowledgeable guide while others were happy to wander at their own pace. The summer borders, partly replanted
this year, were splendid and incredibly colourful whilst the rose garden was full of perfume despite some of the roses
looking rather hot and weary. The new rock garden looked really well established and areas of trees provided much
needed shade.
The house was full of mementoes of Anne and her theatre designer brother Oliver but remains very much as it was
in her parents’ day and was of great interest to those who went round the rooms. There was also an exhibition of some
of E H Shepard’s original ‘Wind in the Willows’ drawings to enjoy. Both of these afforded some much appreciated
shade too!
We had a tough journey back on a problem-laden M25 but were treated to a very creative route which even involved
Heathrow’s Terminal 5 at one point!
Look at our website for more information :www.watfordu3a.org.uk
6
Please see ‘The Study Group Synopsis’ for Group Leaders’ contact
numbers and times and venues of Study Group Meetings.
Anglo-German Walks
‘Sprechen Sie Deutsch?’
2nd and 4th Fridays 9.30 start 10-12 miles. Meeting
points: Always at a pub in the Chilterns. 21 member s
are split into two Groups (‘A’ Team goes on 2nd Fridays,
‘B’ team on 4th Fridays). Communication via email/ car
sharing possibilities. New members are welcome but may
not be able to be given a choice of Team, because of
numbers in each Team. Same walk done on both Fridays,
normally led by Dick Chapman.
Aug Cholesbur y/ The Blue Ball Ashr idge.
Sep West Wycombe/ Chequer s, Wheeler End.
Oct Little Hampden Common/ King and Queen, Wendover .
Nov Cadmor e End/ Pr ince Alber t Fr ieth.
Dec Studham/ Br idgewater Ar ms Little Gaddesden.
Antiques
2nd Tues 2.30-4.30pm at my home.
Unfortunately several members of the group had other
commitments – hospital appointments, holidays and
family. So this month’s meeting had to be cancelled.
Aug Toys.
Art Appreciation
2nd Mon 10.00 for 10.30am ‘The Sun Postal Sports &
Social Club’ Bellmountwood Avenue, WD17 3BN
In July Alan Wray gave us interesting talk covering two
contrasting subjects: pictures relating to Ovid’s Latin poem
“Metamorphoses”, including some Titians, followed by
paintings of Yorkshire landscapes.
12 Aug ‘Lesser known Landscape Artists’: George
Morland - Brian Ashford; Richard Wilson - Annie Cooper;
Kyffin Willams - Cynthia Morgan; Paul Henry - Sue
Sidders; also a taste of LS Lowry (whose exhibition is at
the Tate) presented by Ray Gynne.
Beginners Latin & Roman Life
4th Fri Garston Fire Station
23 Aug 2.30pm We shall consolidate knowledge of Latin
verb families and noun endings. We shall also be looking
at the topic of Roman doctors, medicines and health.
Better Photos
4th Mon 10.00am.
Book Discussion Group
4th Mon 2.30-4.30pm. Gr oup full: waiting list.
Book Discussion Too
Last Fri in month, 10.00am.
The group met informally on 28th June.
30Aug will be our fir st meeting to avoid most of the
Summer holidays when people are away.
The first book we will read is The Island by Victoria
Hislop. We are still looking for more members, so if you
are interested in reading books which take you out of your
comfort zone, and telling us how you found them, please
contact me, Barbara Johnson. You will be very welcome.
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.
Computing for Beginners
3rd Fri 2.00pm ASDA
ASDA Community Centre north Watford. Mainly of
interest to those who want to ask basic questions but can't
find anyone to answer them. It's of limited value to anyone
without a laptop.
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.
A very full meeting for the July discussion covered our
usual wide range of topics. Defence spending seems to be
better managed in France than in the UK but though we
feel there is need for some expenditure we have doubts
about nuclear deterrents, especially when controlled from
the USA. That and many aspects of our investment are
dominated, far more than we would like by big business
interests. Other topics that came up were the need to save
water: inadequate support for engineering training;
domination of sport presentation by Sky Television; and the
present Government's desire to privatise any thing that
makes a profit; After Belgian and Dutch monarchs have
decided to abdicate, should our own Queen follow their
example. All being well, by the time this report is
published, we shall all be rejoicing at the arrival of the
royal baby!
Current Affairs Two
2nd Wed. of the month 10.00am-12noon at Asda's
Community Centre.
Cycling
1st and 3rd Monday starting at Watford Met Station at
10.00am.
DIY Discussion
2nd Mon 10.00am – 12 noon Tea Tree House, Garston
Lane Watford, WD25 9QR
Street parking -Buses from Watford, Nos. 5, 6 & 321.
European Studies
4th Wed 10.00am. Garston Fire Station.
Exploring London
7 Aug Spinnaker Tower and Submar ine Museum All
Tickets sold and waiting list.
4 Sep Chiswick br ewer y and Chiswick House Some
tickets available.
Film Group 1st Thursday 2.15pm
1 Aug Cadillac Recor ds. Chr onicles the r ise of Chess
Records and its recording artists.
5 Sep The Talented Mr .Rigby. In late 1950s New Yor k,
Tom Ripley a young underachiever, is sent to Italy to
retrieve a rich and spoiled millionaire playboy, named
Dickie Greeleaf but when the errand fails Rigby takes
extreme measures. This group is now full.
Look at our website for more information :www.watfordu3a.org.uk
7
Gardening
Thurs 15 Aug Kathy Br own’s Garden near Bedford for
afternoon visit with garden tour and tea and cake! We are
making a lunch stop at Frost’s Garden centre before arrival. Few
tickets remaining.
Thurs 19 Sep Outing to Beth Chatto’s garden. Tickets
on sale to Group members in August, any remaining on
open sale in September.
Thurs 17 Oct Outing to Sheffield Par k. Mor e details
later. Cheques only please!
Genealogy
2nd Fri 10.00am
Meetings are held at ‘Step Up’, 39 Oxhey Drive, South
Oxhey. On occasions we meet at other locations so please
contact the SGL if you are coming for the first time. New
members welcome.
German Conversation
1st & 3rd Thurs 10am-12 Noon. This gr oup is now full.
Golf Lessons
August Dates - Wednesdays 7th and 21st August –
Lessons start at 11:30 am at the Practice Ground,
Batchwood Hall Golf Club, with pro Mark Flitton. Cost £6
for one hour. No commitment, just attend when you can.
Bad weather may prevent lessons taking place.
For further details contact John Robinson tel. 01923
350063 email ridgeway34@btinternet.com
Greetings Cards
Hollytree House.
2nd Thurs (2 Groups) 10.00am & 1.30pm.
History
2nd Mon 2.00pm Fire Station Garston (Asda CP off
A41).
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.
Luncheon Club
4th Wed.
Any members who would like to join us for lunch please
phone Fay for details.
Money Matters
1st Thurs 10.00am to Noon prompt ASDA Conference
Centre, St Albans Road, nr the Dome roundabout.
Music Appreciation
3rd Wed: 9 Nancy Downs 10 00am coffee, 10.30am
meeting.
This month we venture into the world of chamber music.
We will see the great Polish pianist, Krystian Zimerman
playing the Four Ballades by Chopin. This will be
followed by a performance of Schubert's "Piano Trio No
2" which will be played by The Beaux Arts Trio. The
second movement is based on a delightful Swedish folk
song, which Schubert had heard shortly before he started
composing the work. It is one of a number of compositions
he wrote shortly before his untimely death at the age of 31.
Programme notes are provided at the start of each meeting.
Needlecraft
1st and 4th Mondays, Garston Fire Station.
Opera
2nd Mon 2.30pm at Christine’s.
10 Aug Nor ma – Act II. This will be a different production
from the one we saw in June so it will be interesting to compare
the two.
9 Sep As it is Ver di’s 200th birthday this year I am hoping
to be able to show a recording of a BBC 4 programme
presented by Rolando Villazon about Verdi and his operas.
This will last one hour and then in the second half we will
see excerpts of Verdi’s work on DVD.
14 Oct T.B.A.
Pathfinders
4th Tues am
We meet at about 9.50am at the walking venue.
We usually walk 4 - 5 miles and then have pub lunch
together. New members are very welcome.
Contact dilives1@gmail.com
27 Aug Walk the Alban Way in easy stages with Pat
and Diane.
24 Sep Rickmanswor th Aquadr ome with Mar ie and
June.
22 Oct Hampstead with Kath and Annie.
Performing Arts & Poetry
Mon evening 7.30pm at Nancy Downs Oxhey, Unless
specified otherwise.
SGL Brian Redding Tel/Skype: 01923825203
19 Aug Play r eading.
16 Sep Poetr y and discussion.
21 Oct Play r eading.
Rock & Pop
4th Thurs 2.30pm Hollytree House.
22 Aug Br itain’s first two rockers – Tommy Steele &
Terry Dene.
Sept No Meeting.
We still have vacancies – so come and join us!
Science Interest
Now meeting at the Sun Postal Sports & Social Club,
Bellmountwood Avenue, Watford, WD17 3BN where we
can accommodate new members. Please contact Maurice
on maurice.crewe@ntlworld.com.
19 Aug TBA.
16 Sep ‘Human Population’: Len Mann. 7 billion and
rising.
21 Oct ‘The pathology of heart disease’ :Prof. Richard
Bruckdorfer.
Scrabble 1
2nd and 4th Thurs. Group is now full.
Scrabble 2
2nd Thurs 10.00am. Group is now full.
Scrabble 3
1st Mon 10.am Hollytree House.
We have 18 members, but could fit a few more in.
Shakespeare
Last Wed 2.00 pm
28 Aug In J uly we watched the DVD of A Midsummer Night's Dream and now we shall finish reading the play.
We shall be choosing our next play and also looking at
some sonnets.
25 Sep We shall be r eading some sonnets and
introducing our chosen play.
Snooker
Every Mon 11.00am - 1.00pm
Spanish Group
Devereux Drive, Watford
Sporting Forum
Meet at Coombewood House on 3rd Tuesday at 2.00pm
30 Aug - Friday Racing at Sandown Par k. This is a
great day out to attend the afternoon meeting at Sandown.
First of all bring a Hamper/Picnic Lunch plus a rug or
folding chair to sit on the Turf. We supply a selection of
wine. Our ticket includes entry to the major stands and
Look at our website for more information :www.watfordu3a.org.uk
8
paddock area. All you need is to pick some winners. Its
possible because we had a lucky member last year. Cost for
transport and entry to racecourse is £25.00.This event is
open to all U3A members and their partner/friend. Contact
Sylvia Jones.
17 Sep Ten Pin Bowling at Woodside Leisur e Centr e at
2.00.pm.
15 Oct Visit to Twickenham Rugby Gr ound. We have a
2 hr private tour of the ground. Before that we will be
having lunch at the Winning Post a local Pub. This will be a
exciting and interest day out. Leaving at approx. 11.00am
from Watford Essex Arms.
Event open to all U3A members, partners and friends.
Contact Allan Humphris.
Strollers
2nd & 4th Tues 11.00am. 2.5-3 miles.
13 Aug Cindy & Peter : Redbour n. Par k & eat at The
Chequers, St Albans Rd, Redbourn.
Table Tennis
Closed for the summer.
The Explorers
1st Fri of the month.
2 Aug Essex Ar ms to car shar e 09.30 Sarratt Leaders
Jean & John Dolamore CP Cock PH Sarratt.
6 Sep 10.00 Croxley Green Leader Yvonne Fitton. Park Red
House PH.
4 Oct 9.30 Essex Arms to car share 10.00 Old Reddings
CP. Walk Stanmore. Leaders Jean & Peter Groves. Eat
Three Crowns, Bushey Heath.
Thirsty Walkers
Every 4th Thursday leaving The Essex Arms at 9.30am;
car-sharing where possible.
A good lunch after the walk with friendly company. Come
and try it.
22 Aug Peter and Jean Gr oves ar e going to
Berkhamsted from The Five Horseshoes PH.
26 Sep Alan and Car ol Rose will take us on their
favourite walk through Bedmond. Parking at The
Compasses PH.
Oct 24 A walk by Alan and J ulie Steer ar ound
Rothampsted and Harpenden Common.
Toffee
2nd Thurs 10.00am-12.00.
Aug NO MEETING
12 Sep our usual venue.
Tuesday Trekkers
Meet 9.45 for 10.00am.
13 Aug Leader Wiggo of Watfor d without bicycle
(Dennis). Meet CP off Barton Rd Croxley Green. We hope
for no low flying aircraft to get in our way this month.
10 Sep Tony & Br enda will lead us ar ound Ruislip Lido
Meet The Case is Altered Pub, Eastcote High Rd, Eastcote,
HA5 2EW. We will return to the Pub for refreshments after
the walk, not before.
Tuesday Ramblers
4th Tue Meet – varied.
We walk 10-12 miles in 4-5 hours, stopping for a pub lunch
midday. Details from John Carleton
U3A Singers
1st & 3rd Mon 2.30pm.
Aug We ar e taking a summer br eak so no meetings
during August.
2 Sep Back to wor k, r eady to pr epar e for Chr istmas!
Walking
2nd & 4th Wed 10.00am. Unless otherwise stated.
Most walks meet JS A41. Six miles.
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.
Wit Knits
1st Monday 10.00am. Var ious venues.
Writers Workshop
Fortnightly Tues 2.00pm. See ‘success’ story below.
SGLs
Please check your group Entry.
There are many missing entries for ‘News from the
Groups’- ??? -leaders from whom I usually receive copy.
Are you tired of sending or has your group closed? With
the advent of ‘Group’ emails, information is easily
disseminated to your existing group members but Not to
potential new members and valuable coffee /gossip time is
used at monthly meetings when SGLs stand up and tell us
‘routine detail’ which is easier understood and retained if
it is written in the Newsletter. Ed
Look On Watford Bus Stops
By Janice Day
A couple of years ago three members of the Writing
Workshop group, Maureen Carrington, John Grainger
and Janice Day won first, second and third place in a
poetry competition organised by Age UK, Hertfordshire.
The poems were published in their magazine.
Encouraged by this, Haydn Illingworth and Janice Day
entered another local competition. Watford’s Member of
Parliament donated a pair of Art Deco vases (The
Richard Harrington Challenge Cups) for the winners of
the new literature competition and an art competition
which started last year. The competition was organised
by Watford Arts Council and Watford Writers.
I am pleased to say that we both came in the final ten.
The theme for the stories was ‘One Day’. I went to the
presentation held at Watford Museum and met Richard
Harrington who presented the first and second prizes. I
was able to read the ten stories. They were as diverse as
the authors imaginations and interpretation of the theme.
Some time ago several members took part in writing
classes organised by the council to promote Allotments
and our stories and poems, which obviously had an
allotment theme in its widest sense, were displayed in
bus stops. The ‘One Day’ final ten stories are being
displayed again on posters in bus stops throughout
Watford. I hope some of you will look for them and read
them. They can also be read on the Watford Observer
Web Site.
U3A DIARY 2014
Price £2.00
Dark Red cover and the same features as before.
Available from Francis Goode
at Monthly Meetings.
U3A Calendar 2014 Price £4.00
available from U3A national office.
see p54 Third Age Matters issue 7
Francis Goode phone
Look at our website for more information :www.watfordu3a.org.uk
9
PEACE HOSPICE
RAFFLE
Just to remind all my generous
supporters that next month,
September will be our 3r d r affle
for 2013.
We have already received a
large donation from one of the
Study Groups, and hopefully we
will make a lot more of money to
add to our cheque for The Peace
Hospice in January. PLEASE
BRING PLENTY OF CASH!!!
Thank you very much indeed.
I can always collect any prize
donations or bring them to the
General Meetings. I sit at the
back, right hand side as you come
in. June Baughen
WU3A CHRISTMAS
REVIEW
First Rehearsal Monday
September 30th 2.30pm
The Sun Sports & Postal Club
Bellmountwood Avenue,
Casiobury Park WD17 3BN
A reminder to those members who
have agreed to be involved with our
Christmas Show. Nobody will be
word perfect etc but please come
with your ‘offering’ so I can plan the
programme.
Margaret T
VUE CINEMA
Revised Prices
OVER 60s RATES
Mon-Thurs befor e 5.00pm £6.05
After 5.00pm & Sat & Sun £7.10
Booking Fee 75p
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
Watford U3A’s
Projector & Laptop
Computers and our
sound system
To make a booking contact:
Colin Richards
digitalequipment@watfordu3a.org.uk
CHARITY APPEALS
STAMPS
for The Peace Hospice.
Marie & Barry Irwin
CHEAP SOFTWARE
As U3A students, we qualify
for cheap software from
www.software4students.co.uk
SENIORS CLUB
Mon at 12.00noon £3.55 Selected
films are shown and price includes tea
and biscuits
See Website for Titles
www.myvue.com
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 others.)”.
Watford Central Library
have a reading group for any-one who
enjoys listening to audio books.
The Talking Book Club meet every
six weeks upstairs in the lecture room (a
lift is available) at Watford Central
Library, where we enjoy discussing
what we've been listening to with
biscuits and tea.
All are welcome and we operate on
Tuesdays, 2.15pm – 3.30pm
For further information please contact
0300 1234049 (local rate)
Study Group Refreshment Rota 2012/13
August
September
October
November
December
Computer Club
Gardening Club
Card Group
Needlecraft
Exploring London
Pat Walker
Pam Grant
Yvonne Fitton
Jean Armstrong
Pat Harding
Monthly Meeting
Talks programme.
1st Tuesday
10.00am - 12.00noon.
6 Aug J er sey Zoo and work of
Gerrald Durrell. Barry KaufmannWright will give a light-hearted look at
life as a Keeper working with Gerry
Durrell, the late TV naturalist. Barry
worked also for 22 years as a Police
Wildlife Crime Officer.
3 Sep Elgar on the River Sever n
David Clarke, a former lecturer and
member of Stevenage U3A, spent a six
-night river cruise from Gloucester to
Stourport accompanied by excerpts of
Elgar`s music.
1 Oct Elstr ee: Br itain`s Hollywood
Bob Redman is a co-founder of
“Elstree Screen Heritage”. He will
speak on the last 100 years of Elstree
Studios where some of the most iconic
film and TV productions were made.
5 Nov Cuba Our ver y own Ray
Gynne will give an illustrated talk on
his visit to Havana and Trinidad in
western Cuba. Hemmingway and Che
Guevara will also be in evidence.
3 Dec WU3A Chr istmas Review with
members of The Performing Arts
Group, The U3A Singers
and other ‘press ganged’
talent. Fun and Laughter!
For more detail contact our
‘Speaker Secretary’-
Cindy Birkett
speakers@watfordu3a.org.uk
September
‘Study Group
News’
Editor Jill Ibbott
News from the groups
MUST be received by:
20 August
October
Newsletter
Editor
Margaret Thompson
Pictures, Articles &
Study Group News
MUST be received by:
20 September
E-mail all copy for both
Look at our website for more information :www.watfordu3a.org.uk