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Nov 2011 | The readers Group has now finished its discussion of The Return of the Native by Thomas Hardy. We decided to send a collective view, for which I am responsible. The next meeting of the group is scheduled for 2 pm on 10 November 2011 followed by 24 November, both at Stonehouse. We have now begun to read Barchester Towers by Anthony Trollope. John Peters |
Oct 2011 | In torrential rain we set off from Stroud on 18th August, ever hopeful that the day would brighten as we travelled to Salisbury.
As we arrived at Wilton House the rain stopped briefly and a walk around the grounds was enjoyed; with open parkland bordering the Rivers Wylye and Nadder, small formal gardens and herbaceous borders. Wilton House has been owned by the Herbert family since 1542 and is the home of the Earl and Countess of Pembroke. With its history, architecture and art treasures, it has attracted visitors from all over the world and is an ideal backdrop for film crews. Despite the awful weather, both venues made a memorable day out with their lovely surroundings. Dot Cuthbert |
| The Foreign Cultures Group has been meeting since March, in each others homes. Up to now the host/ess has given a talk on a country or part of a country which interests her/him and the rest of us have joined in with our own experiences or a particular aspect of a culture. For example this could be textiles, history or connections with other countries or peoples We are having a break in August but hope to reconvene in Sept. We would very much like to have new members so if travel and other cultures interests you please contact Judith. thanks, Judith Kirby |
| A glorious September morning, with full sun and clear skies, found the Wednesday Walkers at the Stroud Cemetery bound for the Heavens and beyond. Daphne led us on a wonderfully varied walk up hill and down dale, through pastures and woodlands. We had some exquisite views down the valley towards Wales, catching glimpses of Manor Houses and farmsteads on our way. What a great way to spend a Wednesday morning; beats working any day! Rowan Ross Click here for photos and more information |
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Now more people have email addresses, and it's easy to send an email to a group of people, I am wondering if any of our members would be interested in sharing news and views on the arts by email. Nothing formal, just suggestions for visiting, or commenting on things members have enjoyed, including cinema, TV, radio, books, etc as well as local art exhibitions, concerts, plays and other events like open gardens. If everyone was involved in sending, and anyone could reply, comment, or suggest meeting up for visits etc, it could become a really inter-active informal group, and require only a co-ordinator to keep an eye on things, which I would be happy to do. Joining in would involve sharing your email address with the group members. If it appeals, please email me at sheila@smaddock.plus.com and we'll see what happens! Sheila Maddock |
| The Solo Christmas lunch and AGM has been booked for December 7th 1200 for 1230 at Egypt Mill. The AGM will be a fairly short affair but a necessary event regarding any queries etc. members may have regarding the Solo group. A deposit of £5 is required for the Christmas lunch. Please send this to Joyce Perkins as soon as possible if you wish to go.
We had another lovely day out on 14th September to Blemheim Palace organised by Di Hinder. Blenheim Palace is the home of the Duke and Duchess of Marlborough and the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill. Many thanks to Di for organising this truly unforgettable day out.. Finally the subs which are now £2 p.a are due for Solo in October. Please get in touch with Joyce Perkins if you have any queries regarding this. Also don't forget Joyce Perkins is still running the Solo Sunday lunch each month. This has been a great success but numbers are beginning to fall. It would be a pity to stop them because of lack of support. Rita Shepherd Tel: 01453 834116 |
Sep 2011 | Unfortunately, due to a number of factors I have made the decision not to continue leading the Money Matters group. I would like to thank all members of the group for their support in the past years. Nobody else has come forward to lead the group so this group is now closed. Glynn Nixon |
Aug 2011 |
Our forthcoming AGM which will be held on Thursday the 6th October. We hope that as many of our members as possible will attend and that some might offer to serve on the committee. This is my last contribution to the Stroud U3A Newsletter. Some of you may know that Trudy and I are on the move and expect to leave Stroud in the very near future. I will continue to serve as Chairman until the AGM in October but then I will stand down. For the last four years, whilst we have lived in Stroud, we have enjoyed the opportunity to broaden our knowledge and understanding through the various activities made possible by the U3A. Such involvement, of course, is one of the purposes of any U3A. But we have also made many friends and are grateful for the good company and many kindnesses which we have experienced. I believe that the Stroud U3A will continue to prosper. You have a dedicated and hard working committee who do their utmost to make sure that they manage the big picture and ensure that detail is not overlooked. For my part I am so pleased to have been a member of Stroud U3A and wish you every success in the future. Alan Callender |
The Autumn Term will begin on Friday, 7th October. The fee for 10 weeks is £10 and the term will end on Friday 9th December. Classes will run unless there are unusual reasons for cancellation cancelled classes will be added at the end of term. Joyce Adamson | |
The new family history group got off to a good start in June. It was planned to be a self help group and it seems that may well turn out to be to the good as everyone was interested in finding sources and sharing the knowledge and information they have. We realised that there is a depth of information and help out there just waiting to be tapped. In our next meeting we plan to discuss the various ways of researching prior to birth, marriage, and death certificates being introduced in 1837. The group is currently full. Pam Davies, Stridge7@talktalk.net, Tel: 01453 731171. | |
The Computer Club, held at Park Junior School, Stonehouse, will resume on Wednesday 14th September at 3.45pm. We welcome anyone, from complete beginners to those wanting help or extra tuition. If you are interested in coming please: Contact Judy Quick, 01453 764553, judyquick@hotmai1.co.uk or Nesta. | |
If there is anyone interested in playing chess, please contact Nick Bell for available opponents. The aim at the moment is to find opponents. If we have a number, then it may be worthwhile setting up a ladder arrangement. Nick Bell | |
Since starting up in March, we have enjoyed some very pleasant walks. We started with Arlingham and have since had walks in the areas of Nailsworth/Horsley, PainswicklPitchcombe, Bisley, Minchinhampton Common, Kingscote/LasboroughlBagpath. The walks are usually selected by various members of the group and led by them. Nick Bell leading us on a 3-mile walk starting at Bisley, on 25 May 2011. John Tyror | |
At the end of May we had the good fortune to be shown over Juniper Hill by a Wick Street resident whose work over several decades has led to increased protection of the site as a place of special scientific interest. Joy Elseworthy took us up the hill from Wick Street and in less than two hours we had identified about forty plant species. The highlight of the trip was a wonderful fly-orchid, the first most of us had ever seen. Nearby we found a lesser butterfly-orchid. The main purpose of our visit had been the little community of white helleborines, discretely hidden at the woodland edge. Joy later pointed to a patch of horseshoe vetch and explained how, in an amazing example of cooperation, the larvae of the chalk blue butterfly - which lays its eggs on only this type of vetch - are taken underground by ants until it is time for the new butterflies to emerge. Among some of the plants we saw were those with the evocative names of black medic, hairy rockcress, and mouse eared hawkweed. Almost at the top of the hill we saw the last two junipers. The hill was burnt off at some stage in the past and Joy was able to find only these remaining saplings over 20 years ago. She had them fenced off and took seeds from one of them to the arboretum at Westonbirt where they were germinated. Now, thanks to her efforts, the junipers are returning to Juniper Hill. Michael Stott Please note that Michael has handed over leadership of the group to Mary Morgan and Greta Barker. | |
Apr 2011 | A beginners bridge group has started with 4 in the group. It is difficult to accomodate more than 4 in a group so if there are more beginners interested then an additional group can be formed. Also, an intermediate group (Bridge 2) can be formed if we have enough more experienced players who are interested on a regular basis. Contact me preferably by email nick.chemist@gmail.com, or on 07787 644476. Nick Bell |
Mar 2011 | After 9yrs. (so she tells us) Helen Housden has decided to step down as leader of this group. We would like to thank her (and Philip) most sincerely for all she has done to organise our walking so efficiently and enjoyably and to hope that they will continue to lead walks for us for a long time to come. The extent of her effort is underlined by the fact that her work is being taken on by a team of three---Sue Presley (leader) Mike Roe (deputy/treasurer) and Diana Rosenberg (admin). It is our hope and intention that everything will carry on as before! Sue Presley 01453 519061 |
If you know of a U3A member who is not well, and would like one of these cards sent, then all you have to do is contact Avrielle Perrin on 01453753505, give her the details and she will send a hand-made pressed flower card to the person concerned. This card will be from the U3A and not from any individual. | |
Under a blue sky with the sun out every now and then we spent a very happy afternoon wandering around amongst the thousands of snowdrops. At times they were so dense it really looked like a snowfall. The cup of tea in the tearoom was welcome afterwards and we all decided it was a real pleasure to be out and about again in such lovely surroundings. Mary Newman | |
Weather permitting we shall start playing croquet again on the Kings Stanley playing field after the Easter holiday. Before that, the wind tends to numb our fingers. The Monday game is usually the more competitive and involves more walking, so come on a Wednesday if you prefer a more relaxed game. We usually play for about 100 minutes. The season usually ends about the beginning of November. On Wednesdays, we play from 10am, starting 20th April and on Mondays from 9th May we shall play starting at 1-30pm. The No 14 buses arrive at the playing field from both Stroud and Stonehouse at 5 minutes to each hour. The weather in Kings Stanley is not always the same as in Stroud, so if you need to know if rain threatens to stop us playing, ring Noreen on 824011. About 45 minutes before we are due to play is best. Noreen Menendez | |
Have you ever played a recorder? (Perhaps the answer is ‘not since my days in primary school’!) Are you one of those people who believe that descant recorders are only for children to play. In fact there are many adults who play one or other members of the recorder family and the combined sounds of a recorder orchestra can be a delightful sound when played well! The recorder is the simplest wind instrument to play and, for those who don’t play any other instrument, is the easiest means of experiencing the joy of making music with others. If you would like to give it a try, or if you are an experienced player and would like the opportunity to play with others, please get in touch with Liz Rymer on 01453 860520. | |
Both Creative Writing Groups are still very active, although No 2 could still accommodate a few more members. Come along and see what we do. Clive Blackmore | |
The German Group is now nearly full, but there is still room for a few more. Abilities are widely spread, from very beginners to those able to make themselves understood in the country. At the last meeting, the group leader, Michael Stott, was not able to attend, so it was very much a Do-It-Yourself effort. Kay Finch, the next most able German speaker after Michael, led a discussion on grammar. Clive Blackmore | |
Local Pensioners do their bit for the 2012 Olympics It has become a sporting tradition to exchange pennants as a sign of friendship. To continue this tradition and as a memento of their participation the Olympic committee would like to present a hand made pennant to every athlete, 12000 in all! We here in Stroud have depicted a series of local themes onto our pennants and have added individual messages on the back.
Our group will be contacted in due course and informed which country our Quilt, number 231, We are a small group of quilters who conduct our hobby together as a group under the aegis of the U3A. We have thoroughly enjoyed taking part in this voluntary project and so doing our bit to make the London 2012 Olympics an event to remember long after the event somewhere in the World. Freda Bonner-Barlow. Group Leader | |
Feb 2011 | In October we reported on a proposal by Betty Merrett to restart the Oral History group which was run successfully but declined after a few years. We hear that the group has got going again and will meet on the Last Monday every month in Uplands. The first meeting will be on February 28th at 2:30pm. If you would like to know more about the group please contact Betty Merrett on 01453 765206 |
Jan 2011 | What do You Want from the Apollo Cinema?
Sam Townsend, the Chief of Staff, says that to make this possible 'a deal would have to be made between the National Theatre and all Apollo cinemas but that it is definitely something that I will persist with.' He promises 'a strong emphasis on meeting the needs of all customers. There will be many changes in the new year, with a strong focus on alternative content.' U3A members may wish to encourage him by telling him what their 'needs' are. Naomi Hull Literature and playreading groups |
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Dec 2010 |
Volunteer and Community Action (Stroud) Ltd are desperate to find some more volunteer car drivers in all corners of the Stroud district but especially in Dursley, Cam, Berkeley and all the villages around. This is an essential service for the elderly and socially isolated in our rural areas. Journeys to the doctors, dentist, shopping, visiting relatives and much more are the lifeline for so many. At present there are 57 volunteer car drivers but the need is for 90 in order to keep pace with the increasing number of requests for help. You can give as little or as much time as you can spare to this service for the community and you will be paid 40p per mile so you will not be out of pocket. I have been doing this for many years and can help you with any further information or alternatively the Transport Dept at VCA on 01453 759005 will be delighted to hear from you. Angela Palmer |
Christmas Lunch
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Nov 2010 | Have you ever played a recorder? (Perhaps the answer is ‘not since my days in primary school’!) Are you one of those people who believe that descant recorders are only for children to play. In fact there are many adults who play one or other members of the recorder family and the combined sounds of a recorder orchestra can be a delightful sound when played well! The recorder is the simplest wind instrument to play and, for those who don’t play any other instrument, is the easiest means of experiencing the joy of making music with others. If you would like to give it a try, or if you are an experienced player and would like the opportunity to play with others, please get in touch with Liz Rymer on 01453 860520. |
| A New Book Group? Interested in joining a new, independent book group? Each person choosing a contemporary novel and presenting it? Phone Gabriel on 0/453 758270 for more details. |
The 3 coffee morning a week is still the best way to catch up on what is going on. With Monday Conservative club coffee morning normally being very well attended. The Thursday coffee morning II am at The Old Nelson is unfortunately poorly attended and could do with more members. The Friday coffee morning at Egypt Mill also has its ups and downs. It would be nice to have a few days out before the weather gets too bad. Several members have volunteered to drive provided it wasn't too far. The Solo Christmas lunch is being held on 9th The subscription to Solo is now £2 p.a. Please get in touch with Joyce Perkins about this. Until next time. Rita Shepherd | |
Sept 2010 |
We are learning all the time and enjoying it. We are always open to new members and if you are interested, give me a ring. Vera Chapman |
July 2010 |
It's not water logged; it's perfectly dry. But that's where they were discovered by Val Taylor, a member of the group, who has made a detailed study of Eastington's wild plant population.
There is even a stand of young elms still in good shape. Next time you whizz round the roundabout, send a benediction to the corky-fruited-water dropwort in the middle and wish them an undisturbed future. Michael Stott Archived News |
Ashley Intermediate Care Centre is a 15 bed purpose built rehabilitation centre based in Charlton Kings, Cheltenham. On the patients return home the aim of the centre is to improve ability to care for themselves and manage again in their own home. The centre may also include physiotherapy, occupational therapists, community nurse and rehabilitation care assistants. There is also access to a social worker, doctors and a pharmacist who visits regularly during the week to see anyone who needs them. All in all it seems like an answer to a patient's prayer to be cared for by a team of people who know what they are doing. And - the good thing is - it is FREE. Obviously a closely guarded secret. The beds, needless to say, are snapped up as soon as they become vacant. My thanks to Valerie for this very useful information and certainly one to keep in mind. Another interesting piece of information; After my last Solo piece in the Newsletter mentioning Linda Weller's problems I had an email from Fran Sinclair, who is a Village Community Agent about various help lines. I met up with her for coffee to find out more. Village Agents are local people employed on a part time basis and bridge the gap between the local County and Voluntary organisations. They are able to offer help or support and promote access to a wide range of services and identify unmet needs within the community. They make home visits when necessary. The service is aimed primarily at the over 50's and there is a village agent in most of our local villages. More information can be obtained from the Adult Helpdesk on 01452 426868. Rita Shepherd |
ends up in. So we will have to wait to see where our quilt puts Stroud on the map.
December at The Clothiers Inn, Stroud. Get in touch with Joyce Perkins if you would like to go to this. The 2 holidays this year Cornwall and Thun, Switzerland went well. Apart from me having a nasty accident in Thun and having to curtail my holiday on the 1st day and still battling it out with the insurance company - but I won't go into that.
Jan 2012 | It has been decided to hold our meetings twice a month - 1st & 3rd Tuesday - with our new member David Nathan offering to take the third tuesday meeting himself. Vera Chapman |
Dec 2011 | Although I have done quite a lot of research on line I am certainly not an experienced researcher and so it was with a certain trepidation that I started the Family History Group in June. It's very much a self help group and I am delighted to say it's working really well and is well attended. The members are all enthusiastic and keen to share their know how. Unfortunately, the size of my living room limits numbers, so with this in mind if there is anyone else who is interested in starting a similar group please don't be daunted and feel free to contact me if you are interested to see how we go on. Pam Davies |
Group 1 will be holding it's Christmas lunch on 13th December, after it's meeting, which has been brought forward a week due to the holiday period. Alice Campbell is giving up the joint leadership, but will still stay in the group. She will be replaced by Pam Davies. Group 2 is, unfortunately, a little thin on the ground at the moment, with only 3 members, but the absentees have said that they will be back in the new year. With only three of us, there is plenty of time for discussion, usually on subjects connected with writing, but not exclusively. It's all good fun nonetheless. Clive Blackmore | |
As I sit and write my first notes as your new “Chair“ my thoughts turn to the blank canvas of 2012 and I wonder what it will bring. I’d like to think that for our U3A it could be a year of sharing and learning from each other. We all have learned and experienced a lot and now have time to share our knowledge and skills with others. With a membership of around 400, there must be a wealth of experience and hidden talent. If we can tap into these then 2012 could be the year that we extend our groups. Perhaps you are a keen astronomer or a talented craftsman and would enjoy meeting with others who share your passion. It may be that you are a very social person and would like to organise a regular coffee morning or lunch club. If you wish to “have a go” and start a new group, or even suggest a focus for a group, don’t hesitate to contact either me or any of the committee members with your ideas. Your committee is always looking for new ways to improve our U3A and any suggestions will be gratefully received. A big thank you to all those who helped in our speaker survey, the results are very interesting. The most popular topics are travel, history and life experiences, closely followed by ecology, conservation and music. There are very few who wanted science, technology or finance. These topics will be informing our forthcoming program of talks. If you have any ideas for a speaker or would like to give a talk yourself please don’t hesitate to contact our speaker secretary Annette Jefferies. As the yuletide approaches I know lots of you will be going to group lunches and celebrations but I do hope to see many of you at our Christmas Lunch at Egypt Mill; it will be my first and I’ve been told that it is not to be missed! It only remains for me to thank all the people who have given freely of their time and effort to U3A in the past year and to wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Rowan Ross | |
Fuel Allowances You will have heard of the Appeal for those who can sparetheir fuel allowances to donate them the more needy in our community and you may have been wondering where you could donate this money. We have been asked to publicise this appeal:
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