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U3A BULLETIN No 9 – MAY/JUNE 2017
Dear U3A Member
JUNE (ANNUAL) GENERAL MEETINGWe look forward to seeing you at the meeting on Wednesday 14th June (10.30 a.m. in the Malthouse Suite in the Conservative Club, as usual) when we look forward to the important Annual General Meeting giving you the opportunity to review and comment on the activities of the SADU3A over the past year and to offer advice and guidance on how you would like to see the organisation develop over the coming year.After the AGM, we are promised a lively and entertaining presentation from Mike Bull who will tell us about the history of the Little Theatre in Leicester. Following the success of the Gardening Group’s display in May, another of our Groups will be taking the opportunity to demonstrate their work at the meeting.
OTHER COMMITTEE NEWS AND NOTICESa) Membership subscription renewal - We are delighted to be able to confirm that by the
final date for subscription renewal (31st May) we have 286 fully paid-up Members. We have “lost” a small number who, for a variety of reasons, decided not to renew their membership. Several of these have said they intend to return once the current problems, which have led them to withdraw, have been sorted.
b) Elections – As you will have read in the AGM papers already circulated, most places on the Executive Committee have been filled with all but 3 positions filled by unopposed nominations received by the closing date. We are still seeking a Minuting Secretary and there are 2 vacancies for Committee Members without specific responsibilities at the present time. Nomination of volunteers to fill any of these positions will be sought from the floor of the AGM. If you are interested in having your name put forward, please contact any member of the Committee who will be very pleased to give you more information about what is involved.
c) Newsletter Editor – I am delighted to be able to confirm that Margaret King has been elected as Editor, taking over from me with immediate effect. While it has been my pleasure and privilege to act as Editor for the past year and a half, I am more than happy to hand over the responsibility to Margaret who, I am confident, will further develop both Bulletins and “Vitality” in the months ahead. I wish her every success. From now on, therefore, anyone wishing to have something included in our publications should send material to Margaret at [email protected]
d) August Summer Social - As announced in the last Bulletin, the Executive Committee are planning a Summer Social event to “replace” the General Meeting scheduled for 9th August. Final details are awaited at the time of writing. Once again I urge you please to keep the date free and watch out for further information in due course.
e) Training course in use of audio-visual aid equipment - Vice-Chairman, Derek Burdon, writes: Following the success of our first AVA training session, Group Leaders are invited to the next in the series which will be held in the Committee Room of the SAD Volunteer Centre, 18 School Street, Syston from 10.00 a.m. to 12 noon on Friday 2nd June when John Baker and I will offer a second training session to 6 Group Organisers (and any other interested Member, subject to space availability). If any Member is interested in
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attending, please contact Derek ([email protected]) or John ([email protected])
f) Groups and Group Organisers – Efforts continue to set up additional Groups and volunteers to act as Organisers to meet known demand from Members. PLEASE NOTE: Group organisers do not have to be experts in the subject(s) involved. A Group Leader simply undertakes the necessary administrative tasks which enable the Group to function efficiently. Very often U3A Groups operate on a self-taught basis using learning materials obtained from the Third Age Trust or other sources.
NEWS FROM THE GROUPS
PHILOSOPHY GROUP‘I cannot teach anybody anything – I can only make them think’ SocratesThe Syston and District U3A philosophy group has been meeting now since December 2015, and we’d like to welcome more members to join us in the process of thinking clearly and with purpose. We all know that as we get older, it’s important to keep the muscles active and exercised, and the brain is a muscle that needs plenty of exercise too. What better way to do so than to examine the thoughts of philosophers through the ages, to look at the circumstances in which they lived, and most importantly, to see what lessons we can learn from their experiences.
The statement above was written last year as an introduction to the group, and I am pleased to report that we continue to grow as we explore the ideas of different philosophers, and debate subjects arising from their thoughts. Of course, we apply modern day thinking to the issues raised, as it would difficult to see things through the eyes of someone from a different era.We structure the monthly meetings by discussing a particular topic. Two recent examples were, ‘Ethics’ with attention to the medical dilemmas faced daily by hospital staff and ‘Art appreciation’, trying to establish what it is, and what function it plays in our daily lives.Since the Brexit referendum, and with the UK elections coming soon, it becomes more important to try to separate truth from ‘spin’. With social media and the popular press telling us what to believe, deciding what is true is more necessary than ever. I cannot guarantee that we get a definitive answer but it will gives us plenty to think about.What’s next for the group.We are about to review 20th century philosophers and their interpretation of previous thinkers. Some of these philosophers, Jean Paul Sartre, Bertrand Russell, and Richard Dawkins have been alive in our lifetime. We will continue to discuss a topic of our choice for open debate.If you are interested in learning more, contact Michael Wherton ([email protected]) for details of the next meeting date and venue.
BOWLINGMembers are reminded that they are welcome to attend coaching sessions at both Syston (Mondays 5.30 p.m – free coaching; Tuesdays 2.15 p.m. friendly bowling sessions £3.50 per session) and Sileby Bowling Clubs (Tuesdays 5.00 p.m. free coaching sessions) All
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equipment is provided except for flat shoes, which are essential to protect the surface of the green. Trainers are acceptable. Contacts for Syston – Gary Kilbourne 0116 2607 922 for coaching; John Lamble 01509 732 688 for Tuesday friendly games. Contact for Sileby – A Dawson 07840 124 810
THEATRE GROUPElaine Yarwood writes: “I am organising the theatre trip for December, anticipating a trip to the Curve on 6th December to see “Scrooge - the musical” based on “A Christmas Carol” by Charles Dickens. I will be putting up a poster and would like interested people to enter their names on a list. I have organised the “Blood Brothers” trip for 18th October and will confirm the minibus for those people who have requested transport.I also plan to order tickets for “Flash Dance” at De Montfort Hall in March.”
Ann Winter writes: “On 18th May 20 members of the SADU3A visited Curve Theatre to see “The Red Shoes” and we could not have gone to a better production.Based on the 1948 film, with music by Bernard Hermann and choreography by Matthew Bourne, it tells the tale of a girl’s dream to become the greatest dancer in the world, but her ambitions become entangled between two men who inspire her passion.A proscenium arch swivels from front to back stage creating a wonderful effect and lighting and film projection give stunning visual effects.The theatre was packed to capacity and had the whole audience rapt, including our group, who I can safely say enjoyed every moment.
SUPPER GROUPThe Supper Group continues to be well supported. Our May trip was to the Black Boy, Hungarton. For June we have booked at the Hunting Lodge, Barrow upon Soar. Once again, this has been tried - but who knows what will happen on the night! It’s all part of the excitement!All meetings are held on the 4th Wednesday each month starting at at 7p.m.Anyone interested in joining in should contact Val D'Arcy - [email protected] or Pam Green – [email protected]
GARDENING GROUP
Sue Blaxland writes: “Pictures show the Gardening Group keeping up their reputation for sunny day visits! It rained solidly for most of the week, but the sun shone on us for our visit to two lovely private gardens in Hungarton on a beautiful May afternoon”
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JAYNE GOOD PAINTING WORKSHOPPat Glover writes: Eleven eager people arrived for the Jayne Good painting workshop on the morning of the 22nd May. Many of us never having painted with oils before, were, understandably, a little nervous. Jayne soon put us at ease with her humour and easy-going manner as she explained the equipment set out in front of us - and what we would be doing - and off we went. There was much laughter amidst the groans of "My trees don't look right!" and "My sky looks all wrong!" etc, but Jane was very reassuring and we finished up with what were - although maybe not masterpieces – surprisingly good pictures. We were all quite pleased with our efforts and the morning was very enjoyable.Patricia Wherton has supplied the following photographs of the day’s event:
WORLD DINING GROUPThis May, the SADU3A Worldwide Dining Club crossed the Atlantic to Brazil. To the Preto Churrascaria in Loughborough to be exact. 19 of us booked in for a Brazilian barbecue with a difference.We were seated and the system of service explained to us. We should help ourselves to salad and vegetables from the buffet and then the meat (16 different cuts) would be brought to us at the table. We were given cards to put in front of us. If the green side was face up, we wanted to try more meats. If the card was turned to the red side, we wanted to give our tummy a rest or were full up.
At first some of our ladies were a little wary of burly Brazilians bearing machetes but we soon got the hang of it and some members challenged each other to try all 16 skewers of meat as they came round. It was amazing how much some of our smaller ladies could eat as they left their cards on green so as not to miss trying anything.But one member, determined to get his money’s worth kept going, even collecting unwanted cards to try and get more helpings and eat faster than the spits could barbeque. In the end he had to admit defeat.
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Next month we continue around theworld going to the “Little Tokyo” Japanese restaurant – but Brazil will live a long time in the memory – Well worth a visit!
WALKING GROUPWandering through the BluebellsOn Thursday 27th April, Rob Crosby arranged a special treat for his group, extra to the schedule, to view the Bluebells growing in the woods at the side of Rutland Water. 8 of us met at East Goscote and drove over to Barnsdale Woods, where a picture in blue awaited us.
The Walking Group has members who also belong to the Wildlife Groups and so cameras were at the ready for the beauty we had come to see. The walk often came to a halt to take photos.Fortunately we also had members of the Gardening Group present and the difference between our native bluebell and the Spanish invader was explained to us. Also that the Spanish plant was a “thug” which would, if left to grow and spread, crowd out our English Bluebell.
A native bluebell has flowers all on one side of the stem, which is firm and in an upright position”
A Spanish invader has flowers all around the stem, which droops over when in flower.”
Following the now established tradition of the Walking Group, after a very slow but rewarding walk back through the woods, we retired to a public house in Oakham for a well-deserved lunch. One car was carrying the four members of the Wildlife Group present and a special treat for them as they drove out of the woods was to see a Green Woodpecker at work, followed by the sighting of a Bullfinch nearby. They kept the others waiting. It was too much to ask birdwatchers not to stop and admire these beautiful birds.A lovely day out.
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MUSIC APPRECIATION GROUPRos Marriott reports: I am on the mend and off to my sister’s home in Worthing for the rest of my recovery! I plan to re-start my Musical Appreciation Group on the 3rd Monday in June at 10.00 a.m. at The Hub . Best wishes to everyone.
PLAYREADING GROUPThe Playreading Group meets every first Tuesday of the month in The Hub, Main St. Syston at 10.00a.m. (Buy a coffee as rent!}. We have 10 members who come regularly - but only one male member - if you will excuse the expression! So far, we have read two plays - “The Bed Before Yesterday” by Ben Travers, and “Time of your Life” by Alan Ayckbourne. More members will be welcome, especially males!Enquiries to Phil Snelders at [email protected].
DAYS OF INTEREST GROUPAnn Winters writes:A TRADITIONAL SEASIDE TRIPDo you fancy an end of Summer visit to Hunstanton?September 1st is the date and hopefully the sun will shine and we can sit and watch the world go by, walk along the prom or even take a dip in the sea!!Plenty to do and we can indulge in fish and chips and ice cream.
More sophisticated delights, I am sure, are also available if you so desire.The day will cost just the price of the return coach trip - £16.50 - so please come and put down your name. Final payment will be 14 th AugustAnyone interested in joining in, please contact Ann Winter [email protected]
SCHEDULED EVENTS REMINDERSa) “Blood Brothers” De Montfort Hall , 18th October. We currently have 2 spare places
(Transport available) Please contact : [email protected]) Chatsworth House trip : 30th June (waiting list in place) Payment of £35 payable by
30th May please. Please send cheques payable to Syston and District U3A to Ann Winter, 5 James Way , Scraptoft , Leics LE79TU
c) LAZY DAYS AND SUNDAYS planned schedule4th June. Manton Open GardensJuly River Cruise and lunch13th August Kirby Hall and afternoon tea at Uppingham Garden Centre.September Sudbury Prison (!!) and the Museum of ChildhoodOctober Newarke pub lunch and the Civil MuseumNovember/December Phoenix film and breakfast
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ONE MILLION STEPS FOR VISTA 1st June to 31st August 2017.
Hi, I am Susan Alexander and I am doing this independent challenge on behalf of Vista. To help raise funds so that their support and educational activities for blind and visually impaired people in Leicestershire and Rutland continues. Personally I have had a significant amount of advice, help and training from them. I attend the local social group in Syston monthly where we have entertainment, activities and good social interaction with each other and the volunteers. We also go on outings.
If you see me out on my walk please encourage me and give me a smile (especially if it’s raining!)
Donation box is in The Hub Café on the High Street. I also have a justgiving page. www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Susan-Alexander8
A REGIONAL NETWORK INVITATION
Join us for the Pendle Walking Festival 12th to 20th August 2017
Dear Fellow Walkers - Join us for the Pendle Walking Festival between the 12th to the 20th of August. Set in one of the North of England's most beautiful landscapes, the festival has over
60 guided walks for walkers of all abilities. Most are free. This year we have special walks to mark the 30th anniversary of the Pendle Way. We have walks rated from “easy” to “challenging”, with plenty in between. Why not spread the word to friends and family, as well as to your
walking club, if you're a member? To find out more about the event and all the different walks we have you're welcome to download our free Pendle Walking Festival Programme. If you would like more advice on the festival, walking routes, or staying in the area please go to our website http://www.visitpendle.com/ or email me at [email protected]
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE REMINDERS1. Setting out furniture at General Meetings
Members are once again invited to turn up to General Meetings early in order to lend a hand with setting out the furniture.
At the present time, the task is left in the hands of the Executive Committee, most of whom have other preparatory work to be completed before the start of the meeting and many of whom, though willing, find the physical effort needed to move chairs
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and tables very challenging, if not impossible. We therefore appeal to those younger and fitter within the membership to come along early (9.00 a.m. – 9.30 a.m.) to lend a hand.
2. Photocopying service – Members are reminded that on production of your U3A membership card, a free photocopying service for U3A materials is now available at the Syston Community Centre. Please telephone the Centre in advance (2607150) to check that the room in which the copier is available is accessible.
3. NewsletterEditorial material, with or without photographs, suitable for the June/July edition of this Bulletin (Number 10) is now invited. Email format preferred to the Editor, Margaret King. This is a service for ALL Members. If YOU have something to share, serious or light-hearted, please make use of this important (and simple) line of communication. email: “Editor”<[email protected]> by no later than Monday 26th June, please.
4. Publicity a. Group Leaders please make a monthly habit of informing Fiona Henry, the Editor
of "Syston Town News", of the dates(s) of their Group Meetings to be featured in the Diary section of the newspaper. ("Fiona Henry" email: [email protected]; Tel: 0116 2693 221).
b. Those of you who live in neighbouring locations which have community newspapers can do the same with the respective Editors.
5. Member CommunicationsIf you don’t have access to email, please provide the Membership desk with stamped addressed A5 envelope(s) for future editions of communications. “Hard” copies will no longer be produced to reduce wastage.
6. Welcoming and calling all new Members ! Are you able to share a new skill with us? We are hoping to find some members who could help us form some language groups. If you could possibly help, please contact [email protected]
7. Ukelele Group - Dave Houseman, well-known to many Members for his outstanding service as a local Councillor, has just joined us as a Member and has plans to launch our very own Ukelele Group! Watch this space for further details in due course.
8. Dual membership In order to attend SADU3A events, everyone MUST be registered as a Member of the SADU3A. Membership of another U3A does not entitle anyone to attend the events organised by SADU3A.
9. Inter-U3A activities – SADU3A belongs to a Leicestershire and Rutland Regional Network which brings together senior representative of all U3As in the Region. The Network are keen to develop a programme of inter-U3A activities starting, possibly, with competitions in such things as table tennis, bridge, canasta, walking football, pub quizzes, scrabble, photography and so on. A horticultural/flower show, with competitions and prizes has also been mooted.If any of our Groups would like to consider taking part in such inter-U3A activities, please contact SADU3A Secretary Cynthia Baker ([email protected] ) who will co-ordinate our response and link with the Network.
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LOCAL SERVICES - CHEAPER TELECOMMSCloudScape Connect Limited, are your local Leicester based telecoms provider. We pride ourselves on delivering first-rate customer service and fast connection speeds. Do you want a better yet cheaper home phone
line rental and Broadband connection?It's never been easier to switch and save - no loss of service... just a smaller bill! Call us now on 0116 274 7360 to find out how we can improve your service and save you money!You can keep your current telephone number and benefit from £12.50 line rental per month and Broadband from £12 per month!Call us for more information on 0116 274 7360 or go to www.cloudscapeconnect.com
ELSEWHERE IN THE COMMUNITY
Syston and district Volunteer Centre provides subsidised community transport services for the elderly, infirm, disabled and rurally isolated members of our local community in order to help them to continue to play a full and active part in family and community life. The Centre depends heavily on volunteer drivers and is always seeking to expand its current team. Full training is given to all volunteers who either drive
their own cars, in return for a generous mileage rate, or one of the Centre’s minibuses.If you have a couple of hours a week to spare and would be interested in helping out, at times to suit you, please contact:
Centre Manager, Mark Smith Tel: 0116 2607 888 or email: [email protected]
for further details of this very enjoyable, and fulfilling service.
GROUPS’ SCHEDULEThe schedule of Groups currently active (at 1st June) is attached. This is presented in such a way that it is easy to identify “gaps” in current provision, helping prospective Group Organisers to avoid clashes with established Groups.
NOTES:- ORNITHOLOGY & WILDLIFE do not meet on the same day each month. Contact:- Elizabeth Chew 0116 4424 431
Locations:- BC = Barkby Church CC = Cons Club CLC = Charnwood Leisure Centre DG = Dog & Gun EG = East Goscote Church MH = Members’ Homes MTH = Syston Methodist Hub SCC = Syston Community Centre SiBC = Sileby Bowling Club SMH = Syston Methodist Hall SL = Syston Library SyBC = Syston Bowling Club VAR = Various Locations
Please notify changes/corrections to: Michael Wherton (email: [email protected])
COLIN GRIMESChairman31st May 2017
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16/05/2017
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Morning Afternoon
MO N
1st
2nd
3rd
4th
Painting/Drawing 10.00 SCC Yvonne Pardon 01509 815 482Canasta Singing Bowling
2.00 SCC2.00 DG5.30 SyBC
Tony Hill 0116 442 4905Harold Betts 0116 2608 671Gary Kilbourne 0116 2607 922
Beading 10.00 MTH Marilyn Horsnall 0116 2600 027CanastaBowling
2.00 SCC5.30 SyBC
Tony Hill 0116 442 4905Gary Kilbourne 0116 2607 922
Music Appreciation Painting/Drawing
10.00 MTH10.00 SCC
Rosylin Marriott 0116 2640 729Yvonne Pardon 01509 815 482
CanastaBritish HistoryBowling
2.00 SCC2.00 SCC5.30 SyBC
Tony Hill 0116 442 4905Pat Wherton 07766 110586Gary Kilbourne 0116 2607 922
Beading 10.00 MTH Marilyn Horsnall 0116 2600 027 CanastaBowling
2.00 SCC5.30 SyBC
Tony Hill 0116 442 4905Gary Kilbourne 0116 2607 922
TUE S
1st
2nd
3rd
4th
Play Reading 10.00 MTH Phil Snelders 01664 840 603Photo EditingBowlingBowling
2.00 SCC2.00 SyBC5.30 SiBC
Michael Wherton 07796 322567John Lamble 01509 732 688
A. Dawson 07840 124 810
PhilosophyKnitting Bowling Bowling
2.00 SCC2.00 SL2.00 SyBC5.30 SiBC
Michael Wherton 07796 322567Christine Iliffe 0116 2609 081John Lamble 01509 732 688
A. Dawson 07840 124 810
Family History 10.00 SCC Jane Vale 0116 2604 074 Bowling Bowling
2.00 SyBC5.30 SiBC
John Lamble 01509 732 688
A. Dawson 07840 124 810
BowlingBowling
2.00 SyBC5.30 SiBC
John Lamble 01509 732 688
A. Dawson 07840 124 810
WED
1st
2nd
3rd
4th
Gentle Yoga 10.00 CC Phyll Wilson 0116 2603 407 AmblingCard Craft
1.45 VAR2.00 MTH
Phyll Wilson 0116 2603 407Jackie Henson 0116 2604 062
GENERALMEETING
10.30 CC Various Speakers AmblingWorld Dining
1.45 VAR7.00 VAR
Phyll Wilson 0116 2603 407Cynthia Baker 0116 2673 773
Gentle YogaLocal History
10.00 CC10.30 SCC
Phyll Wilson 0116 2603 407Jennifer Sandys 0166 4424 445
AmblingCurrent AffairsParchment Craft
1.45 VAR2.00 BC2.00 EG
Phyll Wilson 0116 2603 407Harold Betts 0116 2608 671Lyn Palmer 0116 2606 889
Gentle Yoga 10.00 CC Phyll Wilson 0116 2603 407 AmblingSupper Group
1.45 VAR7.00 VAR
Phyll Wilson 0116 2603 407Valerie D’arcy 0116 2607 560
THURS
1st
2nd
3rd
4th
Walking 10.00 VAR Rob Crosby 0116 2606 272
Book Club 10.00 SL Pat Clarke 07596 973813
Gardening Book Group
2.00 VAR 2.00 MH
Sue Blaxland 0116 2609 748Pat Clarke 07596 973813
Creative Writing 2.00 MTH Julie Johnson 0116 2609 012
FRI
1st
2nd
3rd
4th
Table Tennis 1.00 CLC Jim Storer 0116 2608 396
COMMITTEEMEETING
10.00 SCC Table Tennis 1.00 CLC Jim Storer 0116 2608 396
CrochetOrnithology 2
10.15 MTHVaries
Jane Coulson 01509 816 253 Liz Thornber 01162 675 322
Table Tennis 1.00 CLC Jim Storer 0116 2608 396
Applique 10.00 MH Rosylin Marriot 0116 2640 729 Table Tennis 1.00 CLC Jim Storer 0116 2608 396
