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VOLUME 1, ISSUE 9 NOVEMBER 2016
R O Y S T O N
Inside this issue:
Welcome message October meeting
1 1
September meeting Houses of Parliament trip
2 2
Clay shooting group Five mile walking group
3 3
Care for a Cuppa…Theatre group outing
4 4
Book Club 1 Dates for your diary Guide to interest groups
5 5 5
Interest group contacts Royston U3A Committee
6 6
411 members to date
and still rising.
Steps being taken for the
Parish Church to be
heated during winter for
our monthly meetings.
Theatre outings for
‘The Red Shoes’ and
‘An American in Paris’
are now sold out.
REMEMBER, NO
MONTHLY MEETING
IN DECEMBER
Points of interest:
www.u3asites.org.uk/royston
“
A little Christmas cheer
As
we are nearing the end
of 2016, I am delighted to see so many members have joined several of the diverse range of interest groups that are now well and truly up and running.
Since the previous issue of Royston U3A News we have had two excellent guest speakers. In September our speaker, local MP Sir Oliver Heald, gave a superb talk which we then followed up with a visit to the Houses of Parliament and a walk
around Political London.
Then in October we were guided around Pompeii,
which was brought to life by historian Richard Priestley.
Also in October we had a very successful outing to the Globe Theatre on the Southbank and our ‘Care for a Cuppa’ coffee morning was a huge success with almost £600 raised in two hours for Garden House Hospice Care...a great achievement.
For our monthly meeting in November members are invited to a pre-Christmas drink and mince pie before our guest speaker Leanne Walters gives a talk on the History of Pantomime. To round off the year there will be an outing to a special Christmas Cracker concert by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra at Cadogan Hall on
December 18.
I want to thank all the committee members and everyone else involved behind the scenes for their hard work and commitment to making Royston U3A such a great success and wish everybody a Merry Christmas and Good
Health in 2017
Jackie Gellert, Chairman
Up Pompeii of ancient Pompeii at our October meeting. Classics expert Richard led us on an intriguing wander through the Roman city which has been frozen in time since the fateful day in 79AD when Vesuvius erupted. Once a thriving sea port it was easy to imagine daily life for Pompeii’s 15,000 inhabitants thanks to details like graffiti left on walls, holes in kerb stones used to tie up horses and stones worn with tracks from the carriages that used them nearly 2,000 years ago.
Accompanied by our guide Richard Priestley we felt we were actually treading the cobblestoned streets
Most of Pompeii with its temples, theatres, monu-ments, mosaics, villas and shops has been excavated, but a third of the site remains buried under volcanic rock and ash – and is likely to stay that way. “It all comes down to money,” said Richard. “They can’t afford to excavate any more with the grant they have and the number one objective is simply to preserve what’s there.” His talk left us wanting to find out more - and feeling like booking a trip to this unique world heritage site.
Richard Priestley
VOLUME 1, ISSUE 9
Yes Minister - behind the scenes in Parliament
As Minister of State for Courts and Justice he divides his day between his office in St James’ Park and the House of Commons, taking part in debates and dealing with ministerial boxes. On top of that he gets 400 emails a day from constituents, 200 letters a week, and holds regular surgeries all over his patch. There’s no let-up at week-ends when he heads out to the villages, often to fetes and fairs to meet people and talk about their concerns. Elected in 1992 he has held an impressive range of posts in government and opposition including Solicitor General and Shadow Leader of the House.
He has led numerous campaigns including clamping down on benefit fraud and voting fraud and is currently overseeing modernising the courts with digital working. He was a schoolboy when he decided what he wanted to do and is still just as enthusiastic about his role in public life. “From a very young age I liked to represent people, get involved and put a case,” he said. “As a minister you can do something to make a difference and that’s so rewarding. It’s a tremendous honour.”
Down Westminster Way
PAGE 2
One day he could be appearing before the Select Committee and the next having coffee with the Royston Kennel Club and a host of dogs. That’s all part of life for Sir Oliver Heald who gave an informative and enter-taining insight into his life as North East Hertfordshire MP at our September meeting.
ROYSTON U3A NEWS NOVEMBER 2016 www.u3asites.org.uk/royston
The architecture and artwork throughout was stunning and we ended the tour in 900 year old Westminster Hall – scene of the trials of Guy Fawkes and Charles I and, more recently, speeches by Nelson Mandela and Barack Obama. After lunch in the Westminster Hall café we set out with our Blue Badge Guide Stuart to explore Political London. This was another winner as we were taken to surprisingly quiet corners of central Westmin-ster to see architectural gems including the former Conservative, Labour and Liberal party headquarters. It was time for a much needed cuppa before heading home - and giving a unanimous vote of thanks to Annette Guttridge for organising such a memorable day.
‘As a minister
you can make
a difference
and that’s so
rewarding’
About to enter Parliament
Inspired by what we’d heard from Sir Oliver Heald, a coachload of members set forth to explore the Houses of
Parliament. And from the moment we set foot inside we knew we were in for a historical treat. Moving through the magnificent Queen’s
Robing Room and Lords Chamber, the tour moved through Central Lobby to the more austere setting of the House of Commons. Our guide explained that red is used in the Lords because it is the most expensive dye, while green is the opposite to red on the colour scale, making it an appropriate choice for the Commons.
After learning about the life of an MP we felt it was high time to take a closer look at the corridors of power.
Sir Oliver Heald
QC MP
Outside the former
Conservative party HQ
ROYSTON U3A NEWS NOVEMBER 2016 VOLUME 1, ISSUE 9
Ever wondered what driven pheasants and bolting rabbits are? Just ask the 12 enterprising U3A members who headed to the country for a trial clay shoot. After a briefing on gun safety from group leader Frank Martin the would-be
After getting individual training on learning the basics - how to hold the gun and aim at various targets - it was time for a friendly team competition. The day ended with welcome refreshments at the shooting ground café. The session was voted a great success and everyone agreed they would like to carry on shooting. Guns, cartridges and clays are provided so if you’re interested in joining the group for further details contact Frank Martin [email protected]
shooters high-tailed it out of town to the Nuthampstead clay shooting ground to hone their skills. Instructors Peter Godfrey and Justin Risley explained that pheasants and rabbits are different types of clay targets launched from dif-ferent parts of the grounds.
Clay shooting group is right on target
www.u3asites.org.uk/royston
‘Ready
PAGE 3
‘The Magnificent
Twelve’
with group leader
Frank Martin,
second left
On a bright sunny day with the temperature climbing to 28 degrees,16 of us set out on the first walk of the Royston U3A Five Mile Walking group through Ashwell village then up Newnham hill and onto the church at Hinxworth.
After a visit to the church we continued our walk through the village and countryside returning to The Three Tuns at Ashwell after a walk of almost three hours. We were pleased to return with the same number of
people that we started out with.
In October the walking group headed out to Nuthampstead, pausing at the monument to American airmen stationed at the
Second World War air base, before continuing past Scales Park and along field paths back to Anstey.
Meeting a
donkey on the
way to
Braughing
There was time to visit the ancient parish church before enjoying an excellent lunch at the Blind Fiddler.
Despite cold and rainy weather 14 intrepid members turned out for the November walk through Standon and Braughing. The picturesque route through autumn leaves and
along the river bank ended at The Golden Fleece where another excellent and well-deserved lunch was enjoyed by all.
The next walk is planned for Wednesday December 14 at Wimpole Hall with lunch at the restaurant. For further details contact Eric Heaton [email protected]
Five Mile Walking Group
‘ ReadyAim Fire!
Taking a well
deserved
breather at the
church in
Hinxworth
VOLUME 1, ISSUE 9
2
PAGE 4
Coffee morning is a £600 winner
ROYSTON U3A NEWS NOVEMBER 2016 www.u3asites.org.uk/royston
Enterprising Royston U3A bakers and helpers rose to the occasion to make our first fund-raising coffee morning a huge success.
A great day with Shakespeare The Theatre group enjoyed a wonderful day at the Globe exhibition and tour of Bankside as part of the celebration of William Shakespeare's 400th birthday.
Starting with the exhibition we gained an insight into Shakespeare’s world with a mix of facts, videos and displays about life and performance 400 years ago. Angela ‘Ophelia’ Kennion really got into the spirit of the age by volunteering to be dressed as a well-to-do Elizabethan.
During our tour we saw where the original 1599 Globe playhouse had been and the archaeological dig taking place at the Rose Theatre. Bankside
and rowdiness in the streets.
We completed our day in the Swan pub for coffee and cookies.
was a notorious area for brothels, bear baiting and raucous taverns and even the theatres were frowned upon for causing too much congestion
Crowds packed into the Market Hill Rooms to sample the range of cakes on offer and have a chat over a cuppa to help raise money for the Garden House Hospice.
At one stage people were queuing outside the door and the added attraction of raffle prizes donated by local businesses was the icing on the cake. A grand total of almost £600 was raised and Garden House Hospice Community Fundraiser Jordan Russell was impressed with the turnout and the cakes. Organisers Deirdre Smith and Karen Heaton thanked every-one for their support. “It’s been a huge success and it’s all down to the help we’ve had with members baking and getting everything set up and the amazing response from everyone who came along,” said Deirdre.
To queue or
not to queue:
that is the
question
A really
great day!
Deirdre Smith
ROYSTON U3A NEWS NOVEMBER 2016 VOLUME 1, ISSUE 9
PAGE 5 For frequency and contact details about all interest groups please see the chart on the next page or
check out our website for more information www.u3asites.org.uk/royston Announcements about future
theatre trips and excursions will be posted on our website when details become available.
Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday
MORNING Badminton Fitness Birding Walking: Strollers Book Club 2
Seated Exercise Book Club 3
Five Mile Walking
AFTERNOON Current Affairs Book Club 1 Clay Shooting Ballroom & Latin
Dancing Petanque/Boules
French Conversation Bridge for Beginners Wine Appreciation 1 Gardening Pilates
Pottery
(Handbuilding) Wine Appreciation 2 Golf Ukulele
Tai Chi Mixed Crafts
EVENING Jazz Appreciation
Easy Guide to Interest Groups
November
Tuesday 29, 2pm Royston Parish Church
Leanne Walters will give a talk on
THE HISTORY OF PANTOMIME
Join us for a little pre-Christmas cheer!
December
NO MONTHLY MEETING
www.u3asites.org.uk/royston
January
Tuesday 31, 2pm Royston Parish Church
Guest speaker to be confirmed.
Details will be posted on the website when available.
Dates for your diary February
Tuesday 28, 2pm Royston Parish Church
Mike Levy will give a talk on
GREAT MUSICAL THEATRE PARTNERSHIPS
Who done it? Book Club 1 went to Anstey Hall, Cambridge for a tea party with Who Done It? author Ann Cleeves.
Ann has been writing for 30 years with her most well known work being Vera and Shetland. Her 30th book has just been published. She gave an interesting and entertaining talk about her life and writing and told us that luck had played a huge part in her career. After her talk we all enjoyed a delicious afternoon tea.
All proceeds from the afternoon went to The Sick Children’s Trust in Cambridge. A great afternoon out!
Deirdre Smith
Ann Cleeves (centre)
with Book Club 1
members
Royal Festival Hall
February 7 2017
Pinchas Zukerman
is conducting and playing
with the
Royal Philharmonic
Orchestra
the music of Beethoven
including Overture Egmont,
Symphony No 7 and the
Violin Concerto
Tickets are £45 per person
including coach fare.
Full details are on the
Royston U3A website
ROYSTON U3A NEWS NOVEMBER 2016 VOLUME 1, ISSUE 9
Get it in the News If you’re involved in a group why not publicise it in Royston U3A News? Send in a short report of your latest meeting or outing - photos welcomed too - to Pam Dajda at [email protected] or phone 01763 246234
Chairman Jackie Gellert [email protected] Vice Chair & Groups Co-ordinator Reg Hounsell [email protected] Treasurer Kathy Hounsell [email protected] Secretary Deirdre Smith [email protected] Membership Secretary Marion Martin [email protected] Minutes Secretary Sylvia Fuller [email protected]
Publicity Pam Dajda [email protected]
Royston U3A News Ralph Gellert [email protected]
Committee Member George Karger 01763 245988
Co-opted Committee Member Barbara Andrew [email protected]
Co-opted Committee Member Karen Heaton [email protected]
Co-opted Committee Member Eric Heaton [email protected]
Non Committee:-
Web Management Rob Whatmough [email protected]
Royston U3A Committee
R O Y S T O N
Interest Groups GROUP DAY FREQUENCY GROUP LEADER CONTACT DETAILS
Badminton Mon am Weekly Deirdre Smith [email protected]
Ballroom & Latin Dancing Thurs pm Fortnightly Jackie Gellert [email protected]
Birding Wed am Monthly Carol McGeoch [email protected]
Book Club 1 Tues pm Monthly Deirdre Smith [email protected]
Book Club 2 Fri am Monthly Janet Burton [email protected]
Book Club 3 Wed am Monthly Elizabeth (Lee) Towers [email protected]
Bridge for Beginners & Improvers Tues pm Monthly Mike Thrower [email protected]
Clay Shooting Wed pm Monthly Frank Martin [email protected]
Current Affairs Mon pm Monthly George Karger 01763 245988
Excursions Occasional Annette Guttridge [email protected]
Fitness Tues am Weekly Reg Hounsell [email protected]
Five Mile Walking Wed am Monthly Eric Heaton [email protected]
French Conversation Mon pm Fortnightly Elisabeth Goodman-Spain [email protected]
Gardening Thurs pm Monthly Val Fairbanks [email protected]
Golf Thurs pm Weekly Ralph Gellert [email protected]
Jazz Appreciation Wed eve Monthly Reg Hounsell [email protected]
Local History proposed group Reg Hounsell [email protected]
Mixed Crafts Thurs pm Monthly Rosie Cowsley [email protected]
Petanque / Boules Suspended till Spring 2017
Pilates Fri pm Weekly Kathy Hounsell [email protected]
Pottery (Handbuilding) Mon pm Fortnightly Rosie Cowsley [email protected]
Seated Exercise Tues am Weekly Reg Hounsell [email protected]
Tai Chi Mon pm Weekly Reg Hounsell [email protected]
Theatre Trips Occasional Deirdre Smith [email protected]
Ukulele Fri pm proposed group Reg Hounsell [email protected]
Walking: Strollers Thurs am Fortnightly Jeremy Burr [email protected]
Wine Appreciation 1 & 2 Wed pm Monthly Jackie Gellert [email protected]
Don’t forget to check out our website for more information
and finally…. If anyone has a physical disability and would like to get involved in a group activity, please contact Jackie Gellert, Chairman, in the first instance to see if suitable arrangements can be made.
www.u3asites.org.uk/royston
