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MAIDSTONE INVICTA U3AMAIDSTONE INVICTA U3AMAIDSTONE INVICTA U3AMAIDSTONE INVICTA U3A
Newsletter 13Newsletter 13Newsletter 13Newsletter 13
November 2014November 2014November 2014November 2014
Don’t forget: we’re on the Web www.MIU3A.org.uk
Chairman’s ReportChairman’s ReportChairman’s ReportChairman’s Report
Inside this issue:
Chairman’s Report 1
Social Secretary’s Reports 2 / 3
Interest Groups 4
Quiz and Christmas Meeting 5
Forthcoming Speakers 6
Steering Group Contacts 7
Firstly a big thank you to all those members
who responded to the plea in the Septem-
ber Newsletter and have volunteered to
assist with the set up and clearing away of
tables and chairs at monthly meetings. This
is a great help to the committee members
who have other jobs to do at this time to
ensure our meetings run as smoothly as
possible. Sharing our knowledge is at the
heart of the U3A so sharing our goodwill
and muscle power is equally important and
appreciated.
It seems that whilst members are willing to
help in a practical way at meetings, it is
proving very difficult to find someone to help
“behind the scenes” as Secretary to the
committee. Filling committee posts are just
as important and I implore all members to
consider whether you could apply a few
hours a month (one meeting and a little
paperwork) for the benefit of MIU3A. The
Secretary’s role is currently being added to
the work of existing committee members
where possible. We would be only too hap-
py to help a new volunteer to learn the
ropes. None of the committee work is ardu-
ous, but many hands make the jobs less for
each of us and we would really like to fill the
vacancy that has existed for several months
now. Please make contact through the
website or speak with committee members
at monthly meetings.
Turning now to car parking, some com-
plaints have been raised about the difficulty
some members have in finding a space
near to the hall. As you will be aware, only
6 parking places were deemed necessary
when planning permission was given for
Beechwood Hall, so we now have to make
the best of that ridiculous decision. If you
are fit and able bodied, please consider
parking your car well away from the hall,
using your bus pass or offering to car-
share. One of the reasons Beechwood Hall
was originally selected for our meetings
was because of the ease and number of
bus services to the nearby Maidstone Hos-
pital. One of the spaces in front of the hall
is designated for Blue Badge holders, yet
we have no idea how many of our members
qualify to use it. Perhaps this is something
we need to be made aware of in future so
further consideration can be given to the
parking issue.
Meanwhile, please only use the spaces in front
of the hall itself if you are a Blue Badge Holder,
the visiting speaker or a committee member
who has heavy equipment to carry for use at
meetings. Members are encouraged to car
share as much as possible to reduce the num-
ber of vehicles looking for parking spaces
around the Beechwood Hall. Remember that
we do have a Voluntary Transport Co-ordinator
who would be more than happy to link mem-
bers together. Contact Kay through the website
link on the contacts page or telephone if you
either need or could offer to car share. A little
transport planning could save the environment
as well as reduce frustration for all members.
Another subject that has exercised the minds of
the Executive Committee relates to insurance
for Interest Groups. Insurance cover for mem-
bers to attend U3A Interest Groups is included
in your membership BUT if you meet in a hall
that is hired for that purpose – it is imperative
that the booking and contract with the hall is
made through the MIU3A Secretary – otherwise
you would not be covered by U3A insurance.
The Executive Committee has become aware
of some Group Leaders who choose to ignore
this requirement and this is very concerning.
Please could all Group Leaders ensure that
they run their groups in accordance with the
guidelines provided by Interest Groups Co-
ordinator? A refresher of guidelines for interest
group leaders is being planned for early next
year. Meanwhile, please don’t hesitate to dis-
cuss this issue with Liz Judson if you have any
queries.
Finally, the Christmas season has crept upon
us again. Are you ready to enjoy yourselves?
Remember that you will need to let us know if
you wish to attend the Christmas Meeting as
our membership is larger than available space
in the hall and places are limited. MIU3A wish-
es each and every one of you a Happy Christ-
mas and healthy new year.
Sue Bassett
Chairman
QUIZ, SUPREME COURT, AND
THANK YOU
Hello everybody. There are a few
things to mention this time. Firstly,
the Quiz Afternoon seems to have
been well received and enjoyed by
those who took part. Eight teams
participated and the winner was ‘Just
Playing’, a team based on one of our
play reading groups. Thanks must
go to Elizabeth Cross and Pat
McMorrow who did a sterling job in
running the quiz itself and to all
those members of our Committee
who played their part in its organisa-
tion. It looks very much as though it
will become an annual event and an
even better one as some lessons
have been learned.
Secondly, the visit to the Supreme
Court appears to have gone down
well with the 40 members who came
along, many of whom made a day of
it in London by finding other things to
do as well. To see inside such a
magnificent building, to have its func-
tions explained and to be given such
an interesting tour was well worth-
while.
This year’s events are now almost
over and done with and, in general,
support has been good. The coach
trips seem to have been enjoyable
and successful as many of you have
expressed your satisfaction. I want
to say a big ‘Thank You’ to those of
you who have supported the social
events. I have tried to ensure that
they have been well organised and
good value. I am hoping for in-
creased interest next year and I look
Social Secretary ReportsSocial Secretary ReportsSocial Secretary ReportsSocial Secretary Reports
Page 2 Newsletter 13
SOCIAL SCENE NEXT YEAR 2015
Following on from 2014, most of you
will be aware that details of possible
coach trips for 2015 were sent out
last month. Responses, by e-mail,
phone and personal contact indicat-
ed that at least 30% of you would
support such events, which is good.
You voted for your favourites - the
three most popular are Audley End
House with 28% of the vote, Barrow
Boys and Bankers with 23% and
East Anglian Panorama with 18%.
By early January I hope to have
quotes, costings and dates con-
firmed in time for the January News-
letter and Meeting.
Also for next year we have a Theatre
Team which, although not directly
under the control of the Social Secre-
tary, will be organising social events
in the form of theatre trips. Many of
you have requested such outings so
please support this new venture.
The first trip on 16 April - to see
‘Top Hat’ at the Marlowe Theatre in
Canterbury - is already fully
booked, but there will be a waiting
list as there may be cancellations.
The Theatre Team comprises Pat
Wells, Ruth Marriott, Christine Ste-
phens and Dione Neate.
Dave Houghton
RAFFLE AND BOOKSTALL
The Raffle will only be held twice a
year at the AGM and the Christmas
party but will have bigger prizes.
We are looking for someone to take
over the bookstall from Jenny da Si-
va. If you are interested please con-
COFFEE MORNINGS
Coffee mornings are held on the 1st
and 3rd Tuesdays of each month,
10.30am until noon, at Audley Mote
House in Mote Park (accessed from
Willington Street). Come along and en-
joy a chat in pleasant surroundings.
Dave Houghton will usually be there to
greet you.
Details can be found on the Maidstone
Invicta U3A website www.miu3a.org.uk
under 'events' and dates will always be
shown in the Newsletter. Parking adja-
cent to Mote House is restricted to resi-
dents and those with walking difficul-
ties. You are requested to use the car
park situated about 250 yards before
Mote House.
The dates of future coffee mornings at
Mote House are 2nd and 16th Decem-
ber and 6th January. If you require any
further information please contact me.
Dave Houghton
Social Secretary
COFFEE AFTERNOONS
For those of you who prefer your coffee
in the afternoon there is a meeting held
between 2.30pm and 4pm on the 4th
Thursday of each month at Maidstone
Museum. The next meeting will be on
27th November.
Patricia Humphries
Meeting Co-ordinator
RECIPE—FILO CIGARS
These are a neat twist on the tradi-
tional mince pie and the recipe
makes 12 handy nibbles with tea or
coffee.
• 24 filo sheets, cut into 12.5cm
squares
• 4og unsalted butter, melted
• 175g mincemeat
• Icing sugar to dust
Method
Preheat the oven to 200c (180c fan)
gas mark 6.
Line a baking sheet with greaseproof
paper.
Lay out a square of filo pastry on a
clean, dry work surface and lightly
brush with the melted butter, then lay
another sheet on top. Spoon a thin
line of mincemeat diagonally from
corner to corner across the square.
Fold the pastry over the mincemeat
to make a triangle. Starting along the
long edge, rollup to make a cigar
shape.
Transfer carefully to the baking
sheet. Repeat with the remaining filo
and mincemeat.
Brush the remaining butter over the
cigars and bake for 10—12 mins.
until crisp and golden. Dust with icing
sugar and serve to family and
Social Secretary’s ReportsSocial Secretary’s ReportsSocial Secretary’s ReportsSocial Secretary’s Reports
Newsletter 13 Page 3
FILM CLUB—(Mad About Movies) This
Group now meets at Marsham Street.
There is space for members to join.
TABLE-TOP GAMES EVENING
GROUP—A new host and venue is availa-
ble. Please sign up to re-establish your
place in the Group.
BRIDGE BEGINNERS—A new Group has
now commenced and is full. It is hoped
more spaces will be available shortly.
BETTER BRIDGE—Due to begin in early
2015 on a Wednesday afternoons, in a
member’s home. Sign up now to be sure of
a place and also please look at the web-
site for information.
UKELE REVIVAL—A member has very
kindly agreed to host a Group, sign up now
to establish your place and have fun whilst
learning or perhaps, YOU are able to offer
some valuable assistance for playing the
instrument.
DISCUSSION GROUP– this group has
now commenced and such is the populari-
ty, we are looking to form a third parallel
Group. Sign up in the usual way, at the
monthly meeting or via the website.
VILLAGE VISITS GROUP 3—This is on
variable days and the launch was on Fri-
day, 21st November.
FAMILY HISTORY– A Facilitator/ Co-
ordinator is required for this Group.
Interest GroupsInterest GroupsInterest GroupsInterest Groups
Page 4 Newsletter 13
Please advise me if you wish to add
your name to any of the following
requested interest groups; -
WINE TASTING; SMART
PHONES/TABLETS; WELLBEING;
AMBLING/ STROLLING; ASTRONO-
MY; BELL RINGING; PHOTOSHOP
ELEMENTS; SPIRITUALITY OR
ANOTHER INTEREST OF YOUR
SUGGESTION.
Where possible I am only too pleased to accommodate your requests, re-member, of course, you have to play your part in volunteering your time, knowledge and skills for the benefit of other members, just as they do for you. All of us have a skill to offer; driving is a skill and maybe you could offer another member a lift, if not to a Group, then possibly to the General meeting – please, think about it.
If a Group is listed as “full” please consider getting together with others and make contact with me to discuss the way forward for a parallel Group.
Finally, please remember if your Group requires a hall for their activity or a coach for an outing, this must be booked and paid for by MIU3A. Please contact a member of the Executive Committee for advice. It is a simple procedure but needs to be done under the aegis of the Commit-tee and Treasurer to ensure we tick the right boxes for insurance etc.
Liz Judson
Interest Group Co-ordinator
Do remember if for
any reason you are
unable to attend a
Group meeting please
advise the Host or Fa-
cilitator. It is a great
help to know how
many will attend.
We hope you have all informed Ros Roads or indi-
cated at the last meeting that you wish to attend
the Christmas Meeting as we are restricted to 150
attendees. This number includes all the helpers
and performers so to avoid disappointment please
email Ros and sign up now.
Food and drink—there will be mulled wine soft
drinks, tea and coffee and to eat there will be
mince pies, sausage rolls, cake and other nibbles.
Entertainment—the members of the Poetry
Group, Play Reading Groups, the Singing Group
and various others are practising hard to provide
you with entertainment throughout the afternoon.
Raffle—There will be a free draw for 5 superb priz-
es and the numbers will your membership number.
You will still win even if you are not at the meeting.
Father Christmas will make an appearance at
some point in the afternoon and will distribute pre-
sents from his sack. If you wish to join in please
put a wrapped present, to the value of £3 and suit-
able for male or female, in Father Christmas’s sack
when you sign in.
forward to your contin-
ued support. Thank
you.
Dave Houghton
CHRISTMAS MEETINGCHRISTMAS MEETINGCHRISTMAS MEETINGCHRISTMAS MEETING MIU3A 2014 QUIZMIU3A 2014 QUIZMIU3A 2014 QUIZMIU3A 2014 QUIZ
The MIU3A 2014 Quiz, organised by MIU3A Social
Secretary Dave Houghton and run by excellent quiz
hosts Elizabeth Cross and Pat McMorrow, took place
at Beechwood Hall on the afternoon of October 28th.
Eight teams took part in a closely fought competition.
The final winners were the ‘Just Playing’ team, pic-
tured with their winner’s certificates. Unfortunately
someone had to come last and this time it was the
‘Odds and Ends’ team who were awarded the wood-
en spoons.
Feedback from participants indicates that it was a
very enjoyable afternoon and so the Social Secretary
hopes to continue with a quiz as an annual MIU3A
event.
Page 5 Newsletter 13
through the seasons and is accom-
panied by birdsong and music.
16th March 2015
THE ARTS & CRAFTS MOVEMENT AND IT’S GAR-DENS – by Stephen Harmer, Hadlow College
Gardens have always been affect-
ed by changes in fashion and so-
cial or economic factors, the arts
and crafts garden design move-
ment was no exception. This style
was not solely intended for the gar-
den, it was a generic style that also
incorporated interior design.
Speakers are subject to change.
Further speakers for 2015 will be
announced shortly.
If you have heard or would like to
hear a particular speaker and think
your fellow members would enjoy
that person, please put your sug-
gestions to me and I will do my
best to accommodate your ideas.
Martyn Roads – Speaker
Co-ordinator
Speakers at Forthcoming MeetingsSpeakers at Forthcoming MeetingsSpeakers at Forthcoming MeetingsSpeakers at Forthcoming Meetings
Page 6 Newsletter 13
15th December 2014
NO SPEAKER – CHRIST-
MAS CELEBRATIONS.
Please see the article in the
newsletter for details of all the
exciting things planned
19th January 2015
JOHN BETJEMAN & THE
RAILWAYS – by Chris
Green
John Betjeman's love of railways
between the wars which influ-
enced so much of his poetry and
his post-war campaigning to stop
stations such as St Pancras being
demolished by developers and
modern planners.
16th February 2015
A YEAR IN MOTE PARK –
by Simon Ginnaw
I am a Country Park Ranger and
Wildlife Tour Guide in Kent, with
qualifications in ecology, conser-
vation and forestry. I developed a
rich passion for Mote Park from
my Granddad who was also a
Mote Park Ranger before he re-
tired. Mote Park dates back to
the 1250s and is one of Kent's
largest parks, with a wealth of
habitats and wildlife. This talk is
illustrated by my own wildlife pho-
tography showing the park
We’re on the Web www.MIU3A.org.uk
Newsletter 13 Page 7