Newsletter March – May 2020

Registered Charity No. 1173536

CHAIRMAN’S MESSAGE Welcome to our first newsletter of 2020, it is an ideal

opportunity to look forward to an exciting year of fun

and activities, so read this newsletter and check-in

regularly to our website to ensure you have all the up-

to-date information about what’s happening, in our

vibrant and friendly U3A.

Our AGM will be held on Monday 16th March 2020, this is an important

event in our U3A calendar. The AGM provides the opportunity for the

committee to report on 2019, the election of new committee members and a

time when we say thank you to everyone involved in making this such a

successful U3A

I have completed my three-year term as Chairman and thoroughly enjoyed

this challenging, busy and satisfying role. As a result of there being no

nominations for the Chairman’s position the Trustees have asked me to

continue in this role for another year. After careful consideration I am

pleased to accept.

The first national U3A Day being held on the 3rd June 2020 and planning is

well underway, our event will be held at the Paddocks and we will be

showcasing and celebrating everything our U3A has to offer. Two sub-

committees have been formed, Jan Collett is leading the one with

responsibility for planning the day’s event and the second one lead by Mike

Collett will be organising the publicity. Do you know what the group/s you

belong to are planning to do, if not check with the group liaison and see how

you can be involved.

LEARN LAUGH LIVE

Christine Watts - Chairman

NOTE

FROM THE

EDITOR

I hope that so far 2020 has

been kind to you as it has the

makings of a truly special

year for your U3A. We have

continued to take in members

in order to make it possible to

bring fresh enthusiasm and

vibrancy to your U3A. With

people willing to help govern

the U3A and be liaisons of

our groups, we can meet as

many as possible of the needs

of our members.

You may have noticed posters

around the community to

attract new members. Please

make these new members

welcome and take the time to

get to know them.

You may have been asked to

help your groups with the

upcoming very first national

U3A Day on 3rd June. We are

hoping to showcase our U3A

and groups to the public, and

you can help with this. Ask

your liaison what help they

need, both beforehand and on

the day. Be prepared to have

your photo taken too!

Whilst my term of office as

your Membership Secretary

has come to an end, I will

continue to edit your

Newsletter. Thank you for all

your support, past and future!

Enjoy the Spring and the

longer days – I most certainly

will.

Elaine Mitchell - Editor

Ever thought about speaking to someone you have never spoken to before at

the next U3A Meeting – it could make their day – and be the start of a

wonderful friendship for you both!

Cribbage

The Cribbage Group has

grown and grown over

the past couple of years

and is now at the stage

where we cannot get

any more members

around a table in

anyone’s home. We

have members at all

levels of experience,

and always have a fun

afternoon. If you are interested in playing Cribbage please

give Jan Collet (Groups Coordinator) a call and she will see if

there are other members who might like to join you to form a

second group. I will be happy to help you with the setting up

and get you started. Depending upon the day you choose

someone in the original group might even swap over to join

you as well. There is little to do these days with the Beacon

Membership Management System doing most of the work!

Submitted by Elaine Mitchell – Group Liaison

Just a thought……. Before the main meetings start – why not turn your chair to face the speaker on the stage – you can turn it back to chat to your friends over tea…..

SPRING NIGHT

2020 WHEN – FRIDAY 24TH APRIL 2020

DOORS OPEN 7.00PM - QUIZ

STARTS AT 7.30PM

WHERE – SMALLGAINS HALL, CANVEY ISLAND

ENTRY BY TICKET ONLY, COST - £5 EACH TICKETS FROM ALAN MITCHELL

MEMBERS MAY BUY TICKETS FOR FRIENDS AND FAMILY (SORRY, ADULTS ONLY)

COME ALONG AND HAVE LOTS OF FUN -

TABLES OF UP TO 8 CAN BE MADE UP ON THE NIGHT IF YOU

DON’T HAVE A TEAM)

FULL BAR OPEN,

BRING YOUR OWN NIBBLES

(NB ONLY DRINKS BOUGHT FROM BAR MAY BE

CONSUMED AT THE QUIZ)

No games in October or December due to school Holidays

Ten Pin Bowling

Name Sept ‘19 Nov ‘19 Jan ‘20

Alan 210 - 190 Billy - 187 - Bob 135 - - Christine 148 151 148 Ernie 160 177 222 Eve - 234 - Iris/Margaret - 145 - Joan 212 - - Joyce 102 142 Joyce/Jan - - 116 Len - 161 201 Mike A - 195 225

Mick P 229 203 231

Pearl - - 103

Ray 165 94 144 Reg - 276 238 Shirley 146 - - Terry 177 147 203 Tony P 209 252 244 Tony G - 206 199

PUTTING US IN THE PICTURE

This year, U3A’s all over the country have

been invited by the Third Age Trust to

promote their U3A and Canvey Island U3A, is

no exception.

We have begun, by producing and putting out

posters, so look out for them on Notice Boards

and places in our area. On the poster is our

website address, which people can view to find

out more.

Every group has a ‘web page’ of their own that they can contribute to with a

few words about their activities, any forthcoming group events, and pictures

and the pictures can go on the ‘Gallery page’. It would be really nice to get a

fair selection of pictures in the Gallery to showcase all our groups and what

we do, to show others outside in the community. Just one picture would be

good enough, I’m sure some of you may have taken pictures at some time on

a U3A outing or a group visit even, it doesn’t have to be faces, it can be

places too, why not submit it to the website? If you are a Group Liaison and

your group is not represented in picture form on the website, give me a call

and I will be happy to pop along with my camera. Remember! “Pictures say

a thousand words”.

If you want to discuss this please contact me via the website, Chris Summers.

If you need any advice about sending a picture over, Roger our Website

Administrator, will be happy to help and advise you.

** Please Note: If your picture includes other people, do get their

permission for it to go on the website. No names will be put with any of

the pictures I assure you, this will protect the identity of everyone

Canvey

Island U3A

Walking Cricket Group

The walking cricket group held its end of season get together at the Fountains Bar on Kings Village Park, just before Christmas. A great evening was had, chewing over our achievements and plans for the new season in April 2020. Initially it was planned that during the evening, awards would be presented. Mike, the group liaison, advised that on reflection he felt that nobody should be singled out, and that our group was all about having fun and enjoying ourselves. It would however be true to say that everybody had a go and towards the end of the season our new skills were paying off, especially at the final ladies v gentlemen games, which got very competitive. Mike therefore felt that all members were champions and medallions were presented to all of those

present. We can’t wait for the new season.

Easter CHICKS Cupcakes (Easy and cute!)

Cupcake

Make 12 fairy cakes using your favourite recipe or even

buy a packet mix.

Frosting & Decoration 2 cups shredded coconut Yellow food colouring Tub vanilla frosting Chocolate chips Small orange jelly sweets (I used orange peel)

Method

Place the coconut in resealable food-storage bag. Add

about 8 drops yellow food colour, seal bag and shake to

mix.

Apply frosting to cupcakes

Top with yellow coconut

Decorate using chocolate chips for eyes and cut orange

jelly sweet to look like a beak.

Thanks to Christine Watts and her Grand-daughter for

Making these and sharing the recipe with us.

LOCAL HISTORY GROUP On Thursday 13th February 2020, 35 of us got together for our Local History Group visit to The Cliffs Pavilion. We were met by Rachel, The Cliffs Community Liaison Manager and Mia the Community Liaison Apprentice. They were very knowledgeable and patient with us, giving us all time to ask questions. The Cliffs Pavilion first opened in 1964 with a ballet performance. It is owned by Southend Borough Council and operated by HQ Theatres and Hospitality. We were taken into the auditorium. It was clearer to see how big the auditorium is, particularly when we stood next to the stage getting the full view of the place when it is empty. It has seating for 1600 and 2300 when the stalls seating is taken up. The Cliffs is one of very few theatres that have the ability to be able to take the stalls seating away when producers call for this. We were shown backstage and were given the privilege of seeing inside 2 dressing rooms. 1 for the ensemble and the posh one for the main artist. We were given an insight into how the sound and lighting is set up by a technician. After the tour we enjoyed a cream tea in the Cliffs restaurant. Lovely finger sandwiches, scones and fancy cakes.

It is a lovely view across the Thames Estuary and the Kent coast from the restaurant and bar area. We were made to feel very welcome by the staff at the Cliffs and we thank them very much for a wonderful afternoon" I am sure they would love to see us again sometime.

Submitted by David Manclark – Group Member

N.B. If you know of any member who is

unwell, or has recently suffered the

bereavement of their partner, or just needs a

friendly call to see how they are feeling,

please contact our Members Liaison, Georgia

Draper. Her contact details can be found on

the back page of this newsletter or on the

website and she will follow up on your suggestion with a

card or telephone call

Craft Group

We were sorry to lose one member who chose not to renew her U3A

membership but pleased to welcome a new member who is already

contributing great ideas for projects we’d like to try. Our last project

was a milk bottle top Christmas tree for which I appealed to numerous

friends to save milk bottle tops. What a response I got - a dustbin bag

full was really more than we needed! That was followed by a felt

pomander as an Easter project. We are fortunate that another U3A

member gave us a lot of felt some time ago and we continue to make

good use of it after making gingerbread men Christmas tree decorations

from some of it.

What a lot of things we’ve made since this group started as one of the

initial groups when this U3A was founded: knitted teddy bears, fur

fabric teddy bears with moveable joints, knitted poppies, crocheted

daffodils, embroidered carrot shaped pincushions, heart shaped

pincushions, knitted chicks and rabbits, stitched cards, iris folding

cards, fabric Christmas trees, a polystyrene cone Christmas tree,

polystyrene ball Christmas ornaments, bead work, cross stitch

bookmarks, ribbon embroidery, macramé plant holders, clothes peg dolls

and more. I am grateful to the members for such an abundance of

ideas.

The group is currently full, but others might want to start a new group.

Here is the picture that gave us the idea for the

milk bottle Christmas trees.

Submitted by Eva Hayes – Liaison

CARDS FOR FUN

This is the original Cards for Fun Group enjoying their February

Meeting – lots of laughs as usual!

Jan Collett – the Groups co-ordinator – is taking names for the

third group. The second group is now also full! If you are

interested contact Jan (details on the back cover) or put your

name on a sheet at the back of the hall at the next main meeting.

In fact, if there is any group that you would like to see formed

then please contact Jan. As long as there is one member of the

group who is prepared to be the liaison between its members

there is no reason why it cannot go ahead.

U3A DAY – 3rd June 2020 –

and how your help is needed

If, by any chance you have reached today without knowing about the first

ever U3A day and how Canvey Island U3A is celebrating it – read on!

The poster on the opposite page tells you all the details of what is happening

so here is what you can do. If you believe that the groups you belong to are

important to you, then help showcase them to the residents of Canvey.

How can you do that? Well here are some suggestions.

Cut out the previous page and use it as a poster in your car or house

window, gate post or give it to a business that is prepared to display it for

you.

Get in touch with your Group Liaisons and offer your help. Much will

need to be done both before and during the day to make sure that your

display is eye-catching and that someone will be around to talk to people

on the day. That might mean taking or digging out some photos,

offering some physical help to take equipment to the Paddocks or just

being around for a time slot on 3rd June (perhaps you can dress in the

colour scheme of blue and yellow?)

Do you know anyone who you could invite to come along on the day?

Make sure they know the details – give them a copy of the poster and

invite them to bring a friend.

Most of all make sure that you support your fellow members by getting

involved - together we can show everyone what a vibrant, fun loving

group of people Canvey has in the membership of the Canvey Island

U3A.

The Christmas Party

Can you work out to which country the clues are pointing? For example if the clue were to be “Furry growth above” – the Country would be the “Moldova” (mould over) The answers are on page 23. Good Luck -

1. Someone in a hurry.

2. Rhyming slang for “mate”.

3. Fasten country.

4. Where the hat comes from?

5. Frozen water nation.

6. 105p.

7. Lubricant.

8. A type of short trousers.

9. Rich Coast.

10. Home of the Queen of Sheba.

11. Ready to eat.

12. Small room with old German coin.

13. Dorsal perhaps, come to ground.

14. Not warm.

15. Place for nice coffee perhaps.

16. Tusks on the beach?

17. Pick up a good cigar here?

18. You walked but …………….. from Persia.

19. Green headland.

20. Christmas dinner.

DATE TRIP BOOKING DESCRIPTION

SUNDAY 29TH

MARCH

THRIPLOW DAFFODILS

COACH ONLY PRICE £14.50 (ENTRY TO VILLAGE

PAY ON DAY £8.00)

FROM 12.45pm

20TH JANUARY

Step back in time as you walk the beautiful traffic free lanes of the village. Visiting open gardens, craft barns, marquees and stalls.

SUNDAY 19TH APRIL

COLUMBIA ROAD

FLOWER MARKET & COVENT

GARDENS

COACH ONLY PRICE £15.50

FROM 12.45pm

17TH FEBRUARY

Columbia Road is well known for its flower market where you can

purchase anything from border plants,

garden ornaments to full grown trees, and

then on to Covent Garden.

SUNDAY 24TH MAY

LEEDS CASTLE

MEDIEVAL JOUST

PRICE £29.50

FROM 12.45pm

16TH MARCH

Leeds Castle will be putting on a medieval show where If you wish you can dress up for the occasion.

WEDNESDAY 24TH JUNE

RYE, TENTERDEN &

KENT COUNTRYSIDE

COACH ONLY PRICE £15.00

FROM 12.45pm

20th APRIL

Some of Rye’s cobbled lanes date back to medieval times, where you will find half timbered houses. Also great Antique shops. Then on to Tenterden.

THURSDAY 16TH JULY

ELY CATHEDRAL &

MARKET

COACH ONLY PRICE £15.50 ENTRY INTO CATHEDRAL

APPROX £7.00

FROM12.45pm 18th MAY

Visit Ely where there is a very large market and Cathedral, housed in the Cathedral is the stained glass museum.

IMPORTANT – Wherever possible and especially for the higher priced

outings could you please pay by cheque made payable to Canvey Island

U3A. This saves the need for anyone to handle large amounts of cash

and will be much appreciated by the Bookings Team.

Remember when booking you may book two tickets for yourself and two

tickets for someone who is not able to be at that meeting (although not

for someone who is coming later, as that is not fair to your fellow

members.) You may only be able to book two tickets for yourself when

tickets are limited.

If you are not able to get someone else to get tickets for you then

please call Kay or Lynne immediately after the main meeting to see if

tickets are still available. Thank you.

COFFEE/SOCIAL AFTERNOONS The Committee believe that our members continue to enjoy the opportunity

to have more social time with other members and to make new friends. So,

we will continue with the monthly Social meetings. This also gives us an

opportunity to keep open an on-going booking with the Smallgains Hall in line

with any contingency plans, should the Paddocks cease to be available to us.

It was felt that Members would get more benefit from the Main Meeting and

the Coffee Social afternoon being better spaced apart in the month.

In January this proved to be the case as we had 35 members attend and most

of them had fun with joining in one of the tables of ‘Beetle.’ Some had not

played since they were children but the dice were soon rattling and laughter

filled the air.

The next Social will be held on 3rd April

Thereafter it will be held on the first Friday of the month.

Doors open from 1.30pm to 3.30pm

at Smallgains Hall

Coffee, tea and biscuits will of course be available

free of charge

We believe this will give us an ideal chance, from time to time, to invite providers of useful information to give us a very brief talk and to be available to members for them to ask their questions

on a one to one basis, pick up literature etc. It is also an opportunity to play board games etc. so if you have any ideas let a Committee Member know. This is your meeting so let us work

to make it what you want…speak to any Committee Member

MONTHLY MEETING DATES

Third Monday of the Month -unless it is a Bank Holiday

Meetings are at 1.30pm with doors opening at 12.45pm

and at The Paddocks unless otherwise published

(These dates can also be found on the reverse of your membership card)

Canvey Island U3A AGM including the election of five committee posts.

The AGM will be followed by entertainment from "Scott Elvis". Scott is a

popular Elvis tribute act.

John Field will give a talk on Tommy Cooper

“The Giggly Pig”

Tracey gives a talk “From Jailbird to Pig Farmer” how she turned her life around and

now helps other offenders.

“Marie” will be providing our musical entertainment for the Summer party.

Marie will be singing music from the 60's onwards.

Cake will be provided with your tea/coffee, but feel free to bring your own nibbles.

The Bar will be open

16th

March AGM

20th

April

18th

May 20th

June

20th

July 17th

August

21st

September 19th

October

Brian Carline - With his talk entitled "The Days of Dolly Blue and Izal"

This is a return visit from Brian who gave us interesting and very amusing talks a

couple of years ago.

“Age UK”

Will present a talk which will cover issues such as, where to get help, what benefits

are available, and many other topics.

Polite Notice

We would respectfully ask that you turn off your mobile phones during the

meetings. If you are likely to need to leave during the speaker’s presentation

kindly sit at the back of the hall and leave quietly.

- Thank you

2020 Membership cards

If you have not received your membership card for 2020 then it will be available at the Main and Social Meetings for you to collect. If you would like a friend to collect it for you then please give them a letter of authority to do so. This way we know where your card is should you subsequently don’t have it. If you would like it to be posted to you then please let The Membership Secretary know. In order to save costs, it would be appreciated if you could send a stamped addressed envelope.

……………………o0o……………….. Answers or Quiz on Page 17

1. Russia (Rusher).

2. China (plate).

3. Thailand (Tie land).

4. Panama (The hat

actually originates

from Ecuador).

5. Iceland.

6. Guinea -21 shillings

7. Greece (grease).

8. Bermuda (Bermuda

shorts).

9. Costa Rica.

10. Yemen.

11. Hungary.

12. Denmark.

13. Finland.

14. Chile (chilly).

15. Columbia.

16. Ivory coast.

17. Cuba.

18. Iran (I ran).

19. Cape Verde (Green

cape).

20. Turkey

Local Theatre Group

To start 2020 off, the Theatre Group went off to the

Cliff’s Pavilion to see the famous Diversity in Robin

Hood and the Merry Men. Some members shed tears of laughter at

the comic and everyone loved the antics of Diversity. What a panto!

Everyone had a really fun time and enjoyed it so much. In contrast,

our next visit was to see ‘Once’ the Musical. The story was set in

Dublin and included jolly Irish jigs and a love story to go with it.

There are lots of new shows to come, which are all listed on the

website, with dates, prices and times. With the Buddy Holly story in

the Summer and 9 to 5 the musical, with those wonderful Dolly

Parton songs, there’s lots to look forward to. If you want to join us

all and be part of the Theatre Group, contact details are listed at the

back of the Newsletter. Keep your eye on the website for new shows

coming along.

Chris Summers – Group Liaison

RAFFLES The raffles held at the main meetings help to fund both the special prizes at the Christmas meeting and the refreshments provided at various times throughout the year. Please buy a strip of tickets whether you are planning on staying to the end of the meeting or not so we can continue to provide the quality of prizes and provide added refreshments.