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January 2010 Art & Calligraphy This Group will be restarting on January 15th (weather permitting) otherwise the following week. There are vacancies for 3 more members of this group Joyce Adamson A member of the Money Matters Group, Virginia Novarra gave a talk on Long Term Care for the elderly and the financial implications. The talk was open to all members of the U3A and we had a number of guests. This was a subject about which there is a great deal of interest and Virginia gave us a lot of food for thought, particularly the question of contingency planning and where to start. Glynn Nixon | ||||||
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Our Christmas Lunch at Egypt Mill, Nailsworth was a great success. Good food and good company made the whole thing go with a swing. It was well attended and a good meal was enjoyed by all present. October 2009 From the Chairman When approached to stand as chairman various thoughts became upper most in my mind. Do I have the time, the energy and the dedication - or is there someone else who is waiting in the wings keen to take on the responsibility? Time will tell. Having agreed to take the job on, my first task was to familiarise myself with the chairman's role. In some way, I suppose, it is what you make of it. There are, however, "core" features which characterise the work of any local branch of the U3A. We know it is about sharing knowledge, skills, interests and experience. We know that it is about the benefits and enjoyment to be discovered in learning throughout life. We know we should attempt to achieve some balance between the intellectual rigour of what we do and the very valuable social dimension of our activities. In this we are all teachers and learners. I certainly hope to be responsive to the wishes and aspirations of our membership and to be sensitive to the aims and guiding principles of U3A. The word "university" is used in its original sense of people coming together to share and pursue learning in all its forms. We will do our utmost to meet the preferences of members although without volunteers who put their heads above the parapet and accept responsibility for group leadership, change is elusive. I have joined an excellent committee. Collectively and individually they bring much to the Stroud U3A. We all owe many thanks for the work which Ruth did during her time as chairman. She is a busy lady but always found the time to give Stroud U3A the necessary commitment to bring success. My best wishes for Christmas and the New Year, Alan Callender Creative Writing Group No 2 The second Creative Writing Group has had a very shaky start. For the first meeting we had three, next meeting four, then three, and the last meeting was cancelled because there were only two. I have heard that several people are interested but have not materialised. (perhaps they were the people who left messages on our faulty answerphone) Please contact me if you are interested. Clive Blackmore The two Groups have had the usual mixture of sheer indulgence and challenge in their chosen subjects. Weather seemed a particularly suitable one at the time, and Food was much relished as we ranged from poems on cheese to chocolate cake. More serious interest and discussion came from other subjects; Talking to God was fascinating as was Poverty and Wealth. One group looked at Paul Whitman's life and work, and both groups have been exploring the lives and works of past Laureates. Some members come weighed down with books, others with print-outs from poetry websites - it's a rich mixture and we are looking forward to our Autumn meetings. Sheila Simmons Mis-hearing seems such a common affliction in U3A groups that it's not surprising that some interesting poems came out of a Chinese Whispers theme. Reading and discussing our 'homework' is always the high point of the meeting although we usually try to do some writing during the afternoon - with varying success! Recently, we imagined ourselves Poets in Residence at some Gloucestershire venue and tried to write an appropriate poem. A pity no-one chose U3A. I recently had the pleasure of doing a day poetry workshop for the Dyfi U3A Creative Writing Group. They were a keen group of 14 and we had a good day's writing on the theme of Trees, while the Welsh rain poured down outside! It was good to work with another U3A group. Sheila Simmons New Book Sheila Simmons has a new book of poetry out. It is called Flashes from the Lighthouse. If you would like a copy, you can get one from Sheila or from Stroud Bookshop. This poem from the book hasa local theme you may enjoy. Spanish Group A notice appeared In a Newsletter earlier this year stating that I was interested in forming a group to learn Spanish. This prompted eight members to contact me and when we managed to find a teacher I thought that we would now be able to get the project started. However, we cannot do so because several people who said they were interested have subsequently decided that, for various reasons, they no longer wished to join the group. Before we can proceed we need to find more members who wish to attend a Spanish beginners class. Please let me know if you are interested. Peter Windle. Tel: 01453 883739 We have just completed our first year of walking. We have had many interesting and varied walks led by different members of the group. Walks which stand out were the snowdrops in Newent Park ,blue bells in Randwick Woods and the day we got drenched in Stonehouse. F or our 1st anniversary we met at Pitchcombe on a beautiful sunny morning for a walk along the Cotswold Way to Painswick and then back along the Painswick Stream. As usual we ended our walk with a pub lunch. I am so pleased I started this group. People I barely knew and some I did not know at all have become very good friends. I really look forward to our walking days. We could do with another group as Happy feet is full and I get lots of people wanting to walk with us. If you want to walk and feel you could organise a group why not give it a go. You do not have to lead all the walks. We have plenty of walks and resources to help you. Margaret Clawley U3A Book Club Annual Literary Trip On Thursday, 6th August, 25 Book Club members and guests went to the Courtyard Theatre in Stratford-upon-Avon to see the RSC perform Shakespear's Julius Caesar. The weather was fine and we had two hours to look around the town and have lunch. Although Julius Caesar had not been our first choice from the summer season programme, it was agreed that this version of the play was probably one of the best we had ever seen. It presented a spectacular and accurate picture of what Rome must have been like at the time and, despite the graphic violence and bloodshed, each character was interpreted with great sensitivity and total dedication. The technology used to create both atmosphere and excitement was also dynamic. All agreed that it was an experience worth repeating every year. We hope that by summer 2010 the main RSC Main Theatre, which is currently being rebuilt, will be up and running and we will enjoy a matinee there. Many thanks to Janet for arranging such a successful, well-organised trip. The Book Club now consists of 3 discussion groups in 3 different venues. Once a year, at a pleasant lunch, we choose a wide range of books to explore monthly during the coming year. We are all committed to the U3A goal of - shared learning. Catherine Lillington September 2009 Outgoing Chairman's AGM Report Thinking about this report my first thought was 'Well, all much the same really.' Then I thought 'No, it's been different.' So there you have it - much the same, but with differences! The first difference was the decision to have the Christmas lunch in a pub. In previous years the committee had, bought, prepared,and served the food, and cleared up afterwards, and was getting restive, wanting to be relaxed and care for, too. Which decision influenced our other two catering occasions - the Group Leaders' lunch, our annual 'thank you' to them, and our birthday tea in June - this time marking our 20th anniversary. Both events were admirably catered for at the Golf Club on Minchinhampton Common. Squeezed in somewhere between these events was our New Members' coffee morning which I remember for its warm and relaxed atmosphere.. Our monthly Branch Meetings continue to be well-attended, 90-100 people each time, and we've had a variety of speakers on subjects from a hospice for children to working with gorillas. We had a long and unusual gap in our meetings at St. Laurence's Hall. We met here in November, but not in December because of going elsewhere for the Christmas lunch. The January meeting had to be cancelled because, somehow, we were double-booked! Our regular meeting day, the first Thursday of the month, was New Year's Day, so a booking had been made for the following Thursday, January 8th., but this clashed with another booking; so, with little notice there was no option but to cancel. Then February, and SNOW! We did not cancel the meeting. A dozen brave souls turned,up and we adjourned to Costa Coffee. So by the time we met in March It was 4 months since we were last in this hall! Were you a fly on the wall in our Committee Meetings you would know how often topics recur - the number of members; which members are active in which interest groups; how many members attend only the monthly Branch Meetings; how to encourage more interest groups and people to lead them;and what to do about the subscription and the 30 pence which comes to the Branch from each member of an interest group? We have well over 400 members. The other questions - it's difficult to find definite answers without doing some sort of census. Some of you will know that the question of money has been a major Preoccupation of the last couple of months. In common with other U3As, and other organisations, we are feeling the pinch. We cannot just abandon the 30 pences - they account for a third of our income - but we do realise that it's fiddly and time-consuming to collect and record, and for some, worrying to hang on to until there's enough to make it worthwhile handing in. A decision has been made which our Treasurer will outline shortly.! will point out, and I have it straight from the national office that the average U3A subscription is £17.50. It remains for me to thank the members of the committee for their active support during the year; to thank our tea-making team for their dedication and hard work; and to thank you all for being you, being friendly, and being here! God bless you all. Ruth Langley Goodbye Ruth Ruth became Chairman in 2006 after the sad death of Audrey Sykes. She very quickly offered to step in to take her place, although she was, and still is, a very busy person. This is very typical of Ruth - she always gives 101% of herself. Since she took over, we have seen several changes but always she has steered us through them with sense and good humour. She has seen several new groups come into being. She encouraged this, reminding us that we do not just meet for social reasons but to increase our knowledge and to widen our horizons. In committee meetings she was always prepared to listen and discuss our points of view but tactfully brought us back to the subject under discussion when we veered off the point! So, we would like to thank you, Ruth, for all your hard work and enthusiasm over the past three years and we wish you well as you take up your new responsibilities with GOP A - Gloucestershire Older Persons' Assembly Mary Newman New Group Questionnaire In the July/August Newsletter we included a questionnaire on the back of the Membership Renewal form asking members whether there were any suggestions for new groups and whether there were any volunteers to lead new groups. Possible groups were also discussed at the mens meeting below. Click here to see the resultant list of group suggestions including suggestions from last year and the groups which have possible leaders. Glynn Nixon July 2009 We are a happy group of stitchers, a dozen all told. If we all turn up for our fortnightly meetings we would have to stand shoulder to shoulder!! Fortunately that does not happen very often. Most of us are off to the Malvern Showground in May to visit the Patchwork and Quilters Exhibition hoping to find some bargains. Unfortunately, it clashes with the New Members coffee morning, but as a group we have volunteered to bring samples of our work in progress to the November 5th meeting and hopefully we will have finished our Christmas project by then too. We will probably be putting a Christmas tree up in St Laurence Church again this year. If the Crochet and Tamari Group would like to be in with us, perhaps they would like to get in touch with either Judy Quick or myself. We look forward to seeing some of you in November. Freda Bonner-Barlow The Photography Group has had a disappointing start, with very few members able to turn up to the very few meetings we have had, and we hadn't even worked out a format for the programme. There was problem of clashing with other groups, which was at least partly resolved, but we really don't have enough active members to keep the group going. I was hoping we might get some response at the New Members Meeting, but no such luck. In view of this, I'm going to have to mothball. If any U3A members want to enquire about re-starting it, please do, but until something happens, it is closed. Paul Hansford In May we took ourselves off for the afternoon to the Pygmy Pinetum in the Forest of Dean. A very interesting nursery, a good garden area, fruit trees, and a woodland area. We were all ready for our tea at the Speech House afterwards. June found us in Phyl Smith's and my gardens. Not exactly Open far too grand a title, but we could compare notes and cast critical eyes over two gardens, one of which is rather on the small side. Tea and scones afterwards with plenty of laughs made for a pleasant afternoon. Mary Newman
In May, Pat Wright walked along the Great Wall of China in aid of Marie Curie Cancer Care. Pat's group walked 87 000 steps in 5 days, raising £87 000. She personally raised £3275. After the walk, she had 3 well earned days sightseeing in Beijing. We are extremely proud of her achievement and her selflessness in raising funds for such a wonderful organisation. Margaret Clawley Possible New Groups Italian Spanish Country Dancing Mary Newman Feedback Please I receive very little feedback about the speakers I book for Branch Meetings, and would like to ask all members (whether or not they usually go to the monthly meetings) for their opinions. 1/ Over the last couple of years, have there been any speakers you particularly liked or disliked, and which were they? 2/ What kinds of talk would you like to have? Are there any kinds of talks that you would prefer not to have? 3/ Do you have any opinion about speakers representing charities? 4/ Would you like to have speakers on more strictly educational topics? 5/ How do you feel about speakers who are more simply entertaining? Please contact me, either bye-mail atpaulhansford@eggconnect.net. or pass a note directly to me, or to any committee member to pass on. If I don't have people's ideas, I shall just have to hope for the best, so please do let me know what you think. I would like as many opinions as possible. Paul Hansford Old and Foreign Currency We have already had a few contributions of foreign and old U.K. coins for passing on to one of our speakers for 2010 as part of his fee. All money, including pre-euro currencies, will be accepted, and the more we collect, the more his fee will be reduced. Please give any old coins that may be cluttering your drawers to Paul Hansford, or to any committee member to pass on to him. Paul Hansford May 2009 Staying Sharp In the August setting of the Royal Society, Carlton House Terrace, with its marble floors and walls, its portraits and busts of past scientists, 300 U3A members gathered for a fascinating afternoon on 'Staying Sharp: Wisdom, Ageing and Cognitive Fitness'. For the first hour Professors We learned, for example, that many of the myths about ageing have little foundation in truth. Cognitive skills are well preserved into old age, unless one suffers from dementia or another brain disease. While learning may take longer, we can learn as well as we always did, Torn Kirkwood told us, from his study involving all those over the age of 85 who live in Liverpool. Colin Blakemore spoke of the brain's tremendous power to reorganise itself, and to form new nerve cells. We were each given a plastic brain (along with various booklets, and a pen) presumably to prove the point. However, many old people believe that they are less able to learn, and so do not try. The negative attitude of society to older people does not help. We heard of one experiment where old people who were asked to learn something and then divided into two groups, one of which received positive subliminal messages related to old age (sage, experience, wisdom) and the other negative (decay, decline). When tested, the first group remembered more. Social connectedness is vital in old age. Felicia Huppert told of research which shows that old people who have others to support them live longer, but those involved in supporting others live the longest. Stress hormones can damage the brain: but everyday stress, getting the shopping done, the washing in before it rains, can be beneficial. It is chronic stress, involving lack of control of one's life or the ability to make choices (as in compulsory retirement) that can be devastating. Tom Kirkwood called the rise in longevity (life expectancy has been rising by six hours a day for 200 years) 'humanity's greatest success'. However, this is viewed by the media as a disaster, with headlines about 'the burden of an ageing population.' After a break, when most of us reached the top of the queue for a cup of tea, the questions came from the audience, so the discussion was less focussed. Vivienne Parry fiercely insisted that questions must be brief and to the point, threatening to cut off the microphone from offenders. Some scepticism was expressed about 'mind games' and other commercial products for staying sharp. They probably only help one to do well at such games, and certainly cannot prevent Alzheimer's Disease. In one experiment into learning all groups improved, including the control group. We were told that learning Chinese would make one better at Chinese! Asked how negative stereotypes might be altered, we were told that this was a task for each one of us, particularly U3A members. However, the suggestion that the U3A might be a good organisation for the study of ageing was rejected: we are untypical of old people in general, as we are continuing to learn, most also eating sensibly, taking exercise and having positive attitudes to old age. Mary Brown PS with a rail card, and early booking it is possible to get to London for as little as £5.30, once there one can use Stroud's bus pass.
On 30thApril, a Lunch was laid on for Group Leaders at the Minchinhampton Golf Club. The lunch was a 'thank you' to Group Leaders for all the hard work they put in to keep the U3A going. It was extremely well attended and a good meal was enjoyed by all present. It was also a good opportunity for a very pleasant chat in comfortable surroundings. Twenty Years Ago
I read with interest the details of the first committee meeting held on 13th September, 1989, in Heather Warner's flat. It was written in Sheila Simmons' neat and flowing handwriting and told of the election of a new Chairman, Naomi Hull. The affiliation with the National U3A was discussed (this occurred in January 1990) as was the organisation of the Christmas Bring and Share Lunch. This was to include entertainment by the Music Group, the Poetry Group, and the Circle Dancing Group. Even then the committee was trying to find a new venue and the Old Town Hall, the Cotswold Playhouse, and the British School were options. With 55 members, the Library Room was getting too crowded (Where have I heard that before?) I also learned that the Newsletter was distributed via Group Leaders and the Treasurer reported that the balance was £317.11 p The committee was also concerned as to how many members did not belong to any specific group and suggested that more light-hearted topics for speakers were needed. What goes around comes around. Mary Newman
We play traditional garden lawn croquet on Mondays from 10:00am until about 12:00; and on Wednesdays at 10:00am there is traditional croquet and/or golf croquet, depending on numbers. The No.14 bus arrives in Kings Stanley from both Stroud and Stonehouse at 5 minutes to 10:00am. Bernice hopes that her efforts will soon result in a permanent croquet lawn for the town in Stratford Park. Meanwhile, if you wish to play in Kings Stanley please telephone me on 01453824011. Noreen Menendez April 2009 The Group has vacancies for two new members If you would like to join us please contact Christine Leeding on 01453 883729 March 2009 Your New Editor
Taking over from Ted is a big step. I hope I can keep up the high standard he has set. I can assure you I shall not be making any great changes. New Video Group: In the last Newsletter, was an announcement that I was trying to form a Video Group. Unfortunately, response has been very poor, in fact only one member has contacted me. Now, the committee are prepared to make money available for equipment for this group and it is an opportunity, not only to for members to learn about making better videos for their own use, but also to provide a service to other groups showing their activities for publicity. So, come on, contact me, either at the e-mail address on page 2, or by ringing 01453 751686. I will arrange an initial meeting as soon as I have heard from a few people. Clive Blackmore Other Possible New Groups 1. Theatre Group An interest has been expressed in creating a group of this kind. If you are interested and would be prepared to join in its formation, please give me a ring on 01453766489. Mary Newman 2. Foreign Cultures Judith Kirby has offered to create this new group, which sounds very interesting. If you are interested in finding out more about it, please give her a ring on 01453766489 3. German Group Those interested in starting, improving, or practising German that language which Mark Twain once referred to as "terrible", but tongue in cheek because he loved it - the language of Goethe, Beethoven, Mozart, and Angela Merkel, are invited to join this group. An initial meeting of four people has taken place, and it has been decided that the group will meet every other Tuesday at 3pm. The venue will vary. The first meeting after the publication of this Newsletter will be 10th March. The meetings will be informal, based on discussion, with something for all levels. Mutual help will be the keynote. Please contact Michael Stott on 01453 542386 for details. Click here for additional information about proposed new groups Poetry Workshop Group This poem which was published in The Guardian, members may find it as interesting as the group did. Entropy The stillness of the city floats on. Memory connected by forgetting. The name of Michael Douglas's wife. What were we talking about. And we had dinner with them last week. Have seen better days. That I had in my hands, where? The words we need allude us. Secrets, passwords, return tickets. Of narrow streets, passageways, bridges Robert Rehder: First Things When Entropy: A measure of unavailable energy, energy still existing, but lost for purpose of doing work. Naomi Hull Birmingham Symphony Orchestra - Cheltenham Connection Coach An all-inclusive concert and coach ticket from Cheltenham for the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra matinee concerts at Symphony Hall, Birmingham. Prices vary from £24.50 to £39.00. Disabled persons and their carers, if required, receive 50% discount on seat prices Concerts are:
All coaches depart from the North Place entrance to the Portland St car park, at 12:15, and concerts begin at 2:15. Coaches depart from Birmingham at approximately 4-30 (15 minutes after the end of the concert). There will be an additional drop off point at Cheltenham Bus Station taxi rank on the return journey. For further information, please call the CBSO's Marketing Assistant on 0121 616 6513, or e-mail information@cbso.co.uk Phone bookings (credit card only), please call 01216166513.
Photo by John Chase
Click here for additional information about proposed new groups
I was wondering if someone would be interested in coming into Stroud FM to talk about Stroud U3A. Stroud FM, if you haven't tuned in yet, is a community radio station run entirely by volunteers, Listen at 107.9 FM. I do the drivetime show on a Monday, 5-7pm and a breakfast show on Saturdays 7-9am. We also have a dedicated breakfast show and drive time (Monday to Friday) if you would like to come in on another day. We also run courses, if any members would be interested in joining the radio, and perhaps are interested in presenting their own shows. Please email me on stroudfm@k.st or telephone 01453 757492. Clare Jackson Stroud FM
Those of us who went to the lunch on Thursday, 4th December, all thoroughly enjoyed a very good meal and good company. Our thanks go to Audrey Bishop for all her hard work in arranging it on our behalf. Have a good rest now, Audrey! Mary Newman Learning from each other as we went - since it's only recently we've been joined by a real botanist - we made acquaintance in the course of the year with some of the denizens of our nearby woods and commons. Edge Common carne out top for exciting finds - or maybe in August there are surprises everywhere. Anyway, our first meeting was with a dark red helleborine, fortunately for us a bit phlegmatic in making its tardy appearance, otherwise we would have missed it. I think it knew we would appreciate it if it held on a bit, probably aware that in the botany books it is accompanied by the pulse-quickening word 'rare'. From then on we had one delightful encounter after another: autumn gentian or felwort, lots of marjoram, late orchids etc - etc. Strangest of all was the wild carrot with its one tiny purple flower in the centre of its white umbel. The group is small, so there is plenty of room for newcomers. On the 23rd January we will set off in search of winter aconites towards Kingcote. Enquiries to Michael Stott 01453 542386. We held our 10th Solo AGM on 31st October and I can only say it was lovely and full of surprises. About 50 members turned up and the small St.Alban's Hall was filled to capacity. I was presented with a beautiful card made by John Allison with a cheque inside. A gorgeous hamper of goodies and Joyce Perkins had made a very handsome iced cake with 'SOLO 10YEARS' on it. Virginia Novarra then gave a very moving speech about the beginnings and progress of the Solo group. I was overwhelmed and very touched. I knew the 10th was a special celebration but this passes all expectations especially as at the beginning I hadn't a clue how and if it would work. Well it does and I can only thank everyone Who has helped me along the way to make it such a success. My thanks to Barbara Costello (secretary), and Joyce Perkins (treasurer), for all their hard work over the year. It was an afternoon I shall never forget. A very moving experience. And talking of moving experiences, I am now firmly established in my new McCarthy & Stone apartment in Nailsworth and its fine. I loved myoId home at St. Chloe but time moves on and this was the right move - for me. All the best for 2009. Rita Shepherd 01453834116 33 Maple Tree Court
The Open University has provided on the web over 5000 hours of study material FREE. All you have to do is go to the website, browse and then register (it's easy and free) and study a unit of your choice. It is all very exciting. This is the website: www.open.ac.uk/openlearn/home.php The learning material is arranged in units which take from 4 to 50 hours to study. There are currently over 400 units (and the number of units is increasing all the time) arranged in 13 Topic Areas ranging from Arts and History, to Business and Management and to Science and Nature. It is good quality learning material taken from OU programmes from Introductory to Masters level. How can we use it for U3A purposes?
Shortly we will be creating a U3A Learning Club on the OpenLearn website so U3A members can discuss how they are using the site in their U3A's and individually. We have a project running at present on the use of OpenLearn by U3A members. If you are interested please contact Alan Morris, via email: alandbev.morris@tiscali.co.uk Short Courses Homoeopathic First Aid. Alice Campbell has volunteered to run a course of 3-4 sessions on this subject. She will arrange time, date and venue when she knows how many members are interested. Her number is 01453 840245. Do ring her if you are interested. (She asked me to say that that is the way she likes 'homoeopathic' to be spelt. Apparently it is the old way!) Group Notices Walking Groups. We have been informed that unless there is a qualified First Aider in the group there is no requirement to carry a First Aid kit. No one should attempt first aid unless qualified (apart from the odd plaster or sting relief, etc.) Keep Fit. We now have several vacancies in this group so if anyone feels in need of some gentle exercise after Christmas, do come along to our next meeting which is on Wednesday, 7th January 2009, at the Maypole Hall, Paganhill. You can, of course, give me a ring on 01453766489. Equipment. We are trying to update our list of U3A equipment as we are not sure of some items' whereabouts. If you have anything lurking in cupboards or under the bed, even if you haven't used it for some time, could you please let me or any member of the committee know? Mary Newman
Photo by Paul Hansford
Video Group We are planning a new Video Group aimed at the production of digital videos, exploring the use of digital video cameras (or camcorders) and video editing software on computers. The group will be open to all members of the U3A who would like to take part in this art form.
...or all 3! This will not be a formal course of instruction, but be based on discussion and advice where it is possible for individuals to join at any point, and to leave if they feel they have learnt enough, or have lost interest. I would be able to accommodate say up to six people in my own home, but should the group become any larger, we would require larger premises. There would be scope for scriptwriters, designers and other creative people as well as 'techies' so don't feel excluded if you are non-technical. The plans are tentative at the moment but we need to know if there are possible group members and equipment will have to be purchased so if you are interested in joining this group, please contact Clive Blackmore November 2008
With U3A Singers gathered from Chipping Campden, Stroud, Pershore, Worcester and Malvern all converging on St. Peter's Baptist Church in Worcester, it proved to be an extremely memorable day. Thanks to the Director of Music of each Choir, we had all been practising hard prior to the meeting, getting notes right and also to a certain degree, the phrasing. This meant that when' we all met up for the first time at the final choir practice, it would be just a matter of putting the polishing touches to the five set pieces. After lunch each choir performed its own programme all of which was of the usual high standard. Then followed the massed choirs singing the two Elgar Anthems and three Gilbert and Sullivan arrangements. May we never lose sight of this - we sing together for pleasure! Having said that, singing in a large choir of over 150 voices is a grand experience. We may flounder in the rehearsals of such great works, but each voice takes encouragement from other similar voices around. Therefore let us never give up on these great events so that we forever enthuse for the benefit of our smallest choir. Well done Stroud! The hard work always pays off in the end. We cannot all be nightingales or song thrushes or blackbirds. Our own garden may boast a robin, some sparrows and perhaps some starlings; but the dawn chorus - wow! - Now that's singing for pleasure - for the songsters and the ones listening alike. Seriously though Ladies and Gentlemen, we are always looking out for tenors and basses to join us. So if you enjoy singing, especially in four part harmony, contact your U3A Singers Group and hide not from us any more. Instead - SING FOR PLEASURE !!!!! Julian A Stephens
On one of the few fine days in September the Gardening Group arranged a visit to Batsford Arboretum and Sezincote gardens. These two places are very close to each other near Moreton in Marsh. The original owner of Batsford Arboretum travelled extensively in oriental Asia and was obviously influenced by landscapes in China and Japan. A large Buddha and several very oriental looking statures reflected his taste. It holds the national collection of Japanese flowering cherries, and bamboos were everywhere. After a pleasant lunch sitting in the warm sun we crossed the road to Sezincote, although we could have travelled hundreds of miles from Japan and China to India. The house was built in 1810 for the owner who worked in India for many years (The Royal Pavilion in Brighton was modelled on it.) A huge central dome glistened in the sun and minarets were dotted around the perimeter of the roof. The beautiful Orangery curved around the Persian Garden of Paradise with fountains and canals. We strolled around the immaculate gardens enjoying the views created by the famous landscape gardener, Repton, before downing a welcome cup of tea. We all agreed it was a lovely day out and our thanks are due to Phyllis Smith who organised it all, even down to the wonderful weather! Mary Newman October 2008
On October 28th we held a meeting of men members of the U3A to discuss the reasons why there is such a low percentage of men represented in the Stroud branch. We gave a presentation of the background of the U3A and the need for there to be a more representative group of men. There following a lively discussion during which a number of suggestions were made for the committee to take up. With a bit of luck we may also see a couple of new groups coming out of the meeting. Glynn Nixon July 2008 Nile Cruise Looking through a U3A Newsletter, I noticed an advertisement for a Nile Cruise at a reasonable price so Bill and I decided to book it. Although by the time we booked the price had gone up, we were glad we took advantage of the offer. We boarded a 5 star ship at Luxor and were given one of four suites - very spacious. We also had a Guide to ourselves as we were the only people on board who booked the package. We lazed on the top deck waiting to go through the Esna Lock which took seven hours as only two ships can go through the lock at one time, taking half an hour. The ships are box-like in appearance so that when moored several can moor alongside enabling the passengers to walk through each ship to get on shore. There was a small swimming pool which was always cold but Bill and I braved every day. While moored at Esna we noticed people queuing outside a bakery - two people with bags of bread emptied the contents onto a wall, presumably to cool it and one went away and left his bread for quite a long time; he came back later to retrieve it. We were told that the punishment for stealing is so severe, robbery is very rare. We visited the Valley of the Kings where there are 26 tombs. We looked over two - Ramses IV who reigned for seven years and Ramses III who reigned for 32 years - this one was obviously much longer with more chambers. The coloured hieroglyphics and drawings were cut into alabaster and completely covered the walls. The temperature was about 100 degrees but a dry heat so you did not perspire.
We watched a Sound and Light Show at the Philae Temple one evening having arrived by boat under a starlight night. This temple was removed from its original place as the area had to be dammed and the Russian support helped with the removing and rebuilding in a different place and the building of the Aswan high dam. We looked over Lord Kitchener's Garden which is an Arboretum of rare palms and rare trees - we spotted some hoopee feeding on the ground. We went by boat around the Cataract Islands which is a beautiful area - we spotted several kingfishers which were black and white, also an osprey sitting on a mast. We visited a Nubian Village and were told that villagers always help one another. If one of them gets married, people help them with costs but the has always to be repaid. A Nubian woman has to marry a Nubian man, but a Nubian man is allowed to marry a foreigner. We both appreciated a week of hot weather, an escape from the cold weather in England. Margaret Adams Scams! Don't become a victim of the many direct-mail, telephone and computer scams that are about. If you think you have been a victim of a scam or suspect a scam, call Consumer Direct for clear practical consumer advice on 08454 04 05 06 or www.consumerdirect.gov.uk To reduce unwanted mail, register free with the Mail Preference Service on 08457034599 or www.mpsonline.org.uk To reduce unwanted telephone sales calls, register free with the Telephone Preference Service on 0845 070 0707 or alternatively on www.tpsonline.org.uk With thanks to the Cirencester Branch of U3A June 2008 U3A Photograph Competition 2008 At the June meeting members voted for their favourite pictures entered for the competition. In a very close vote the winner was Roy Embleton, with a photo of the reflection in a canal in Venice (below). In second place was Ursula Lambert’s picture of an octagonal house, also reflected in water, and third place was taken by Margaret Adams’s photo of a pack-horse bridge. Of the 40 pictures entered, all but nine were given at least one vote, and eight photos were given 8 points or more, indicating a good general level of entries.
Paul Hansford April 2008 On Wednesday (23rd April) our Computer Club moved from the Library to Park Junior School in Stonehouse. We are also changing day & time for our convenience and so that we can use the School's computers after the pupils have gone home. The following summarises the revised arrangements:
We decided to move since the Library only had 5 computers and, if all were working on the Internet, they were depressingly slow. I tried lobbying our County Councillor for changes to improve the situation. She was keen to help but any improvement was clearly going to take some time. At our new venue, we will have 16 computers, all with fast Internet connection. So we should be able to make some inroads into our waiting list. The Club has been running since 20th October 2006 and we have held 60 sessions, 28 of them in the Library. Jim Dickson 21-Apr-2008 U3A Strollers We have been exceedingly lucky with the weather lately on our Friday walks. The members vary from time to time averaging fourteen. We do not normally travel very far, but during August we travelled to Mallard Pike in the Forest of Dean and had an enchanting walk through the forest and around the lake picnicking nearby and not far from the 'Go Ape' activity. We visited the Tortworth Estate, which is near Leyhill Prison and saw the Tortworth Chestnut, which is 800 years old - an amazing tree. The Victorians also gazed in wonder at it, as there was a plaque on the gate inscribed at that time. We walked to Saul Junction from Frampton along the canal where there were lots of houseboats and we called at the Chapel on our return for a light lunch, only £3, which included soup, bread, cheese and liquid refreshment. We are having a guided walking tour of the historical houses on the green at Frampton on Friday 15th February 2008. Our guide will be Rose Hewlett and the tour will take about 1 3/4 hours. Should anyone like to join us, please get in touch with me on 01453 763902. We shall have a light lunch at the Chapel afterwards. Margaret Adams On the WB Yeats trail and other Experiences in Ireland
We flew to Ireland via a cheap Fly-Be flight and spent 3 nights in a centrally-based, modestly-priced B&B in Temple Bar enabling us to walk everywhere. As we are interested generally in Irish literature and history we did not restrict ourselves to Yeats sites. However, we first satisfied our thirst for the poet by visiting the Yeats Exhibition at the National Library, the Abbey Theatre, Trinity College and the Writer's Museum. We also saw The Book of Kells where the 1916 Easter Rising took place, Bewdley's Tea Shop, the remains of the Bog People in the National Museum, Dublin Castle and St Patricks Cathedral. In the evenings we enjoyed watching 'Private Lives' by Noel Coward at the Gate Theatre and thrilled to 'Riverdance' at the Gaiety Theatre. We loved the vibrant nightlife of Dublin, where you can experience a wide range of pubs and restaurants offering superb Irish food and live traditional music. After hiring a car, we set off for Galway. On the drive across the country, we were lucky enough to spend one night near Athlone with an Irish friend who took us to see her family's peat bog and the various local saints' shrines. Next day, to the south of Galway we visited 2 of our most important Yeats locations: Coole Parke and Thoor Ballylee. It was a beautiful day to walk the park and the visitors' centre offered a fascinating insight into early 20th century Ireland, Yeats and Lady Gregory. Having settled into a Galway town B&B we set off early next morning to sail over to the Aran Islands. We chose to make Inishmaan our destination because of its literary connections. It was like stepping back into the Gaelic past as the island was only sparsely populated, peaceful and undeveloped. The cottage, where J M Synge, the Irish playwright who wrote Playboy of the Western World lived for long periods of time and Yeats visited to get away from modernity, was certainly frozen in time, with an amazing curator who looked like a simple rural worker/wife and had the knowledge and passion of a PhD graduate. It was another clear, sunny day and we walked the 5 km circuit of the island, barely meeting a soul. The following day we toured around Connemara. The mountainous landscape is awe-inspiring yet the region also offers historical interest in the medieval castle of Aughanure and the visitors' centre at Letterfrack. We struggled to the top of Errisbeg Mountain near Roundstone and were well rewarded by the stunning views from the top. Then carne the highlight of our holiday - 5 nights in Sligo, staying in a superb B&B owned by a delightful couple. The unbelievably beautiful countryside featured in so many of Yeats' poems was all around us: the Isle of Innisfree on Lough Gill, Ben Bulben, Glencarr Waterfall, Dooney Rock, and Hazelwood. We also visited Yeats' grave at Drumcliffe and the Gore-Booth connections at Lissadell House; the list is endless. In Sligo town we explored the Yeats visitor centre and school, the ancient abbey, the two cathedrals (Anglican and Roman Catholic) and the Famine memorials. This area was particularly badly hit by the Potato Famine. In the evenings we attended poetry readings, folk concerts and again threw ourselves into the local traditional music scenes in the pubs. On our last day in Sligo we drove over to Riverstown to see the impressive Folk Museum. We had been told that there was a weekend music festival in full swing there and by that time we had become truly hooked on live traditional sessions. We weren't disappointed; groups of musicians had gathered all over town and were in the pubs and on the 'diamond' (central crossroads of any small plantation town) and the local townsfolk warmly welcomed us wherever we went. We finished the day by stopping off to explore Carrowmore megalithic barrows, gazed at Knocknarea mountain and finished off down by the coast at StrandhiII where the National Surfing Championships were reaching the finals. We could not have asked for a more varied, entertaining and enjoyable summer break. If you like stunning scenery, a wide range of interesting historical buildings, friendly locals and safe but lively evening entertainment, this is for you! Catherine Lillington November 2007 Visit to Compton Verney
We were welcomed, given an introductory talk about the house and the art collection and were then free to roam. The house itself, designed by Robert Nash, was interesting enough, but the fact that it was acquired by the Peter Moores Foundation in 1993 and restored and converted into an art gallery made it even more fascinating. The first two floors were given over to Italian and German paintings and artefacts (plenty of Vesuviuses erupting all over the walls) and the third to British portraits and some charming and curious remnants from a bygone age in this country. This secluded and beautiful place was a real joy to those who went and we owe Angela Palmer a big thank-you for introducing it to us. Mary Newman | ||
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Happy Feet Walkers
Tom Kirkwood (who gave the Reith lecture in 2001 on 'The end of age') Felicia Huppert (director of Cambridge Interdisciplinary Research Centre on Ageing) and Colin Blakemore (professor of neuroscience at Oxford University) provided a stimulating discussion. This was brilliantly facilitated by Vivienne Parry (of BBC radio 4's' Am I normal?'), whose skill ensured that we all learned a great deal in the course of the afternoon.
Group Leaders' Lunch
I was tidying up recently and came across an "antique". It was a rather battered blue book containing records of committee and branch meetings since our inauguration twenty years ago.
With the return of the warmer weather, we are again playing croquet on Kings Stanley Playing Field, where we are being encouraged to demonstrate that croquet is for all ages, male and female, and that you can learn as you play.
May I introduce myself; Clive Blackmore. I have been a member of U3A for a couple of years now, and when I heard that Ted Bishop wanted to give up the editorship of The Newsletter I was interested. When I found out I did not do the printing or the distributing, I thought I would give it a go.
January 2009
Stroud FM
Christmas lunch at the Market Tavern
U3A Members and the OU's OpenLearn
December 2008
The group will be educational in accordance with the U3A ethos and, of course its activities will be shaped by its members and could take the form of:
Singing for Pleasure
Visit to 
Mens Meeting
The temples were fantastic, particularly the Karnak Temple. There were 134 columns which were divided so that the Pharoah could walk in a straight line through them and through the line of sphinx on to the Luxor Temple and on to the Nile. Apparently it took 2000 men to work on a column which they did for 24 hours without stopping.
Two friends and I (all retired English teachers) indulged our love of the Irish poet W B Yeats, by taking a 12 day holiday to visit sites connected with his life and poetry in Ireland. We chose to go during the end of July / beginning of August because this is when the Yeats International Summer School is held annually in Sligo, an essential venue on our itinerary.
On Sunday, 4th November, we left in dull, misty weather for Compton Verney. We drove in and out of fog but by the time we arrived in mid morning, the sun was shining and it was a perfect autumnal day to enjoy the Capability Brown landscaping all around the very splendid house.