Watford U3A - IT!

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Founded 1997 by Reg Cooke 1919-2008 February 2019 EDITION 234

Editor: Margaret Thompson Proof Reader: Colin Richards

HELLO EVERYONE, if I have not already seen you this year I wish you and all the people you hold dear a Happy New Year 2019. I hope you all enjoyed the celebrations you shared with your U3A groups and friends.

At the December Monthly Meeting we enjoyed a "Christmas Show" being entertained by our talented members and directed by Dick Chapman. The cast was made up of members we have seen many times before and always look forward to seeing again and on this occasion it was pleasing to see that we had some new members taking part. It is quite a nostalgic time for me remembering earlier shows, all of them special and remembering members of the cast who entertained us, each in their special way. I did miss the Singers. This was the first year since I joined U3A that they had not entertained us and led us in the singing. Sadly Celia Jackson, Study Group Leader of the Singers decided it was time for her to retire and let someone else take over the reins, but unfortunately no one has come forward, so after sixteen years of enjoying music and songs the group sadly no longer exists. Celia and all your singers, may I say from me and on behalf of everyone, quite simply "thank you for the music" and all the pleasure you have given us in the past.

Many of us enjoyed a very good Christmas Lunch at the Aldenham Golf Club; good food, fantastic company and a lot of laughter. What more can anyone want? I had lunch there the following Sunday with some of my family and the deflated balloons were still hanging from the light fittings and the beams. When one of my family mentioned this I did the only thing one can do on these occasions, deny all knowledge.

This month we started collecting the £1pp at the monthly meeting. Thank you all for your cooperation and I will keep my promise, as soon as we, as a Committee, feel we can, we will stop asking for the £1.

At the meeting in January Tracey Bravo, the "Community Fundraising Manager" for the Peace Hospice Care visited to collect our annual cheque for the hospice. All this money was raised by the raffles we hold quarterly, so a big THANK YOU for your generosity. While Tracey was with us she told us some of the fundraising ideas they are doing. One is to collect any foreign coins or money that people have and don't know what to do with. I was delighted that even before the meeting had finished [continued on p2]

IT’S a beautiful sunny day today. The first in what seems like weeks. As soon as the crispy white frost has gone from the grass I must away down the land to see if the green house is still there. The air smells so fresh and glorious. I have sorted the seeds packets, discarding the ‘too far out of date’ ones, a waste of time as few will germinate. Later today I will go and buy my seed potatoes so that I can start ‘chitting’ them. Has anyone else got wild flowers in bloom? And the hellebores are beautiful. Happy, busy days to come.

This is the first Newsletter of 2019. Please remember that the next one will be in May as this has now become a quarterly publication. Any contributions should be sent before the 20th April. They should be either a compilation of the previous 3 months group activities, or maybe an account of the most memorable meeting. NOT three separate articles. Please include pictures if possible, Whatever you wish to send I look forward to compiling the next issue.

Despite the chill we had a fab walk to Rickmansworth, like the marines well wrapped up. It was so still and quiet along the Ebury Way. Lots of new views through the stark, leafless trees. Stoke the fires and take care of each other.

Margaret Foster

Chairlady

Closer Liaison Between U3As from Maurice Crewe

SOME of us are hoping to develop better coordination between nearby U3As.

The suggestion is that a specialist SGL exchanges information directly, via bcc group email, to the other SGLs. Perhaps meetings could be arranged. Programmes, experience and views could be shared.

Initially I am happy to pass on contact details and suggest the following subjects:-

Science (including technology, engineering etc.), Art appreciation & history, Computers (discussing problems and advice - not formal lessons}, Family history and/or genealogy.

Other subjects may also be appropriate.

Monthly Meetings

Membership Cards Maurice says:-

“Please don’t forget IT!”


WU3A COMMITTEE 2018-2019

Membership-Secretary

Anne Waring

Acting Treasurer Colin Richards Hon-Secretary

Phil Redshaw

Vice-Chairman

Christel Goodricke

Study-Group Coordinator Debbie King

Chairlady Margaret Foster

Committee member Maurice Crewe

Almoner & Committee member

Joyce Hoffbrand

Photos John Grainger

[cont from p1] members came to me asking if they could organise this collection. So starting at the meeting in February we will have a box on the stage with a notice inviting you to put in any amount of foreign coins, or foreign paper money you may have at home that's getting on your nerves. Bring them with you, and our volunteers will collect and when we have a significant amount, they will take them to the Peace. If you do not attend the Monthly Meeting and you have some coins perhaps ask someone who you know attends the meeting to bring them for you.

Already we are well into 2019 and plans are being made in most if not all of our groups, as to how to go forward to get the most satisfaction and enjoyment out of the groups we attend. We all have different ideas of how to move forward but by sharing them with your SGL and other group members we get a wider picture to help us decide what will benefit us most as a group not as an individual and that is what groups are all about, doing things we enjoy together. Have a good month, stay safe and keep well and warm. The weather forecast is looking pretty grim! I look forward to seeing you at groups, out and about in Watford or/and at the Monthly Meeting.

Minutes secretary Adrian Davis

Committee Notes HELLO Everyone, I hope you are all fully recovered from the Christmas Celebrations,

I think I can safely say that your Committee are back to work keeping our U3A running smoothly. At our meeting earlier in the month we agreed that all the U3A Christmas celebrations had gone well, and so we looked forward to 2019.

We spent quite a lot of time discussing three very important vacancies our U3A currently have. We have been asking for a Speaker Secretary for six months now, we have been asking for a Hubs Treasurer since October and we sadly now have another vacancy of Treasurer. Our Treasurer Felicity DeTemple has had to resign from her position due to worsening problems with her back, which restrict her movements and makes walking difficult. This is now getting worse to the extent that sitting for long periods of time at the computer gives her a lot of pain. Our thanks to Felicity for the time she spent with us as our Treasurer, we do hope you get some relief soon.

All three of the above vacancies need to be filled urgently. The situation is such that as a U3A we can continue to function without the first two, BUT, WE ARE NOT ALLOWED TO CONTINUE WITHOUT A TREASURER, THIS IS THE SAME IN ALL ORGANISATIONS WHERE MONEY IS INVOLVED. This is not my rule or the rule of any Committee before us, it is law.

We are lucky in that Colin Richards has agreed to stand as Acting Treasurer for a SHORT TIME, until we get a new Treasurer. PLEASE if you feel you can help with any of these posts speak to myself or any Committee Member. I do stress you will not be working alone, we help and look out for each other. We work as a team.

We also started getting ready for the Annual General Meeting to be held in June, there is always a lot of work involved in this including early preparation of the budget for the auditor.

Your first Newsletter of 2019 will be ready for you at the Monthly Meeting, if you would like a copy you will find them on the stage, please take one.

I hope you have a good month, stay safe and take care, I look forward to seeing you at the Monthly Meeting and/or in groups. Margaret Foster Chairlady.


DOES YOUR GROUP NEED NEW MEMBERS? OR IS YOUR GROUP FULL AND ANOTHER GROUP NEEDS TO BE STARTED?

Let us know if you want to recruit new members or, if your group is full, tell our members and encourage the development of a new group for that subject. Could you start a different new group? Has something interested you for a long time and you would like to find out more about it? Tell Debbie, our Study Group Co-ordinator. There may be others of like mind. She will help you start the group.

[email protected] or

Contact Details for W&D U3A

Archivist: [email protected]

Executive Committee: [email protected]

Digital equipment (e.g. laptop/projector) custodian

[email protected]

Newsletter Editor: [email protected]

General Enquiries: [email protected]

Membership Enquiries: [email protected]

Secretary: [email protected]

Speakers Secretary: [email protected]

Study Group Enquiries:[email protected]

Treasurer: [email protected]

Webmaster: [email protected]

Our Speakers Photos John Grainger

IN DECEMBER we enjoyed our ‘in house’ entertainment and sing song [see p 6] but in January we returned to our Speaker Programme.

Vicky Costello is the General Manager of Watford’s new Into Shopping Centre [The Harlequin to you and me!]. On January 8th she gave us an

excellent insight into the amazing machinations of the behind the scenes activity. Who would have thought—? We heard about how the plans had developed and what the future holds for the continued development of the site. A really interesting and informative morning. Ed.

. Exploring Europe from David Allen

THIS YEAR’S trip will be to the Isle of Man from 2nd to 6th October at a cost of £729.

This will include coach transfer to and from Luton Airport, half board hotel stay, blue badge guide and full itinerary including 3 differing railway experiences. More information and booking forms from David Allen.

In 2020 the Oberammergau Passion

Play will be performed from 16th May to 4th October. Tailored Travel, with whom we arrange our Group Tours, have a number of escorted tours arranged, each of which will include entry to the Play. If anyone is interested please talk to me.

Cindy Birkett OUR outgoing

speaker secretary Cindy has been in hospital for a number of weeks following a very nasty fall.

Cindy would like to thank everyone who visited her, sent cards and kept her in touch with all the news and events.

She said she felt very loved and cared for.

It was good to see Cindy back at the monthly meeting in January.

RAFFLE FOR THE PEACE HOSPICE.

JUNE BAUGHAN [L] has volunteered to run the raffle again with Margaret and Brian Redding and the many wonderful bucket wielding ticket sellers.

It was so successful in 2018 that £960 was handed over to Tracey Bravo [top R] for the Peace Hospice, our chosen Charity. This included donations from various study groups. Tracey thanked us profusely, reminding us that every penny counts as the Peace Hospice is dependent on donations.

The Book stall raised £480 already given to Tracey making a total from their efforts over the last 15 years of £6150.

June is always pleased to receive any prize donations. She sits at the back – right hand side as you come in.


CANASTA in December by Jo Douglas

OUR little Canasta baby, totalling 24 members is growing up and has now reached the grand old age of 4 years. This was celebrated on Monday 3rd of December by both morning and afternoon groups meeting to socialize at lunch time. Exhausted morning players restored their strength with nibbles and a drink or two and the afternoon group followed suit and prepared themselves for their last game of the year. A memorable play was had by Helen and her partner scoring 3380 points at one go. This was absolutely amazing and well deserving of a 'drum roll'. Surely this can never be repeated!? But perhaps it can? Now there is a challenge to all players for 2019.

Merriment, good humour and conviviality made for a perfect ending to 2018. My thanks to all my players who attend so regularly and are clearly enjoying themselves.

Thanks For The Memory by Celia Jackson Photos by John Grainger, from three of the many, many Christmas Shows. WHEN I became a U3A member in 2001, the first group I joined was U3A Singers, then in the very capable hands of the late Gill Cable. About 18 months later, I clearly remember several of us standing outside the church

after her funeral bemoaning the fact that the group was destined to finish. Having sung in choirs of all shapes and sizes since my teenage years as well as having taught in school, I felt reasonably qualified to say bravely (or foolishly), “I don't mind giving it a go for a few months." FAMOUS LAST WORDS! Little did I imagine that "a few months" would in fact become 16 years! So it was with a heavy heart that a few months ago I made the very difficult decision to retire as SGL, and we had our final group meeting in December 2018. By then, I had quite literally run out

of steam and ideas - but the group were sympathetically understanding of my decision.

I now wish to express my heartfelt thanks to all the Singers who have attended and supported the group. I reckon, over the years, more than 70 Singers have passed through

my hands. Many have been with me for the majority of the time, and some for the entire time, which, as a leader is very gratifying and made me feel that I must have done something right! For my part, it has been a great pleasure and privilege to meet and lead them all. Words cannot adequately express my sincere appreciation for their unstinting commitment, enthusiasm, support - and friendship. Thank you for many happy times and many great memories.


WU3A’s 21st Christmas Lunch by Margaret Thompson

Photos Jan Palmer

OUR 21st Annual Christmas lunch was held at the Alderham Golf club on Tuesday the 11th of December.

Were you there ? If not you missed a treat.

69 members sat down to an excellent menu and impeccable service and the staff knew exactly what we had ordered. Here’s to the next time, and a happy new year!

Lifestyle November: Christmas lunch from Christel Goodricke SGL

THIS was the first time we had our Xmas lunch at the Oddfellows Hall in Watford. As we had the same caterers I knew the food would be as good as usual and we were not disappointed. They had decorated the room for Christmas early for us and with the music playing we enjoyed a "welcome drink" before settling down to a lovely meal, beautifully cooked and displayed.

After coffee it was a time for me to say my "thankyous" to the committee for their help and support, especially to Rod and Barbara for organising the lunch for us again this year.

To Bridie who always makes us so welcome to Combewood [their make-over looks like a dentist’s waiting room!!]

This is such a lovely group to be a leader of and I hope next years planned activities will be as varied as this past year. We meet again on 22nd January when we welcome back Colin Oakes who will be talking to us about The History of Hertfordshire. So here's wishing you all a Happy Christmas with the people you love and look forward to a 2019 with Brexit sorted once and for all and with Donald Trump acting more like a President should - Cheers everyone.

The pictures tell the story. Good food, good company in lovely surroundings.

Lots of laughter and fun. The tossing of balloons became quite boisterous at times.

Many thanks to Margaret Foster, our Chairlady, for organising this event and getting Christmas off to a such a great start.


Christmas 2018 From Margaret Thompson - Photos John Grainger

THE Show was opened with a lively performance of songs from the Ukulele Group, led by Trevor

Boardman. They later entertained us with Carols which we all enjoyed singing.

Our compere and stand up comedian Dick [Top R] Chapman, who also coordinated the show, was determined we were going to enjoy ourselves and kept the show swinging along (nearly) until our

sides ached with laughter.

Our Chairlady [above] and friends encouraged the excellent antics of the laughing policeman, Ken Moxley, accompanying his encore, while Monica Creegan created the dozy nun with her comedy piece from her religious order.

Maureen Bates, was not floored by being asked to perform in a completely different order to the programme, creating even more comedy as she delivered two very funny stories. Brian and Margaret Reading [L] entertained us with

their highly amusing comedy sketch about the different approaches to life between men and women and the show was completed by the Ukulele Group playing Christmas songs for us all to sing. A riotous start to our Christmas Jollities.

Margaret Foster above Maureen Bates L


Needlecrafts 4th Monday 10.00am GFS Jean Armstrong THE Watford Observer, in September 2018, carried an item about the shortage of specialised cots in the Neo-natal ward of the Maternity Wing at Watford General Hospital.

So the group decided that it would be a good idea to revisit a previous project, making dolls from socks for sale, to make a contribution to the appeal.

Just before Christmas one of our members, Laura Liles, took the dolls to the shop in the hospital, run by the League of Friends, by the outpatients waiting area. Laura has connections there and

knows the lady who runs the shop. We haven’t heard yet what the sale of the dolls raised, but will report in due course.

Poetry Group from Margaret Thompson

The poetry Group is run by Margaret and Brian Redding and last Tuesday we had a very interesting meeting, where everyone read some of their favourite poems and chatted about their favourite poets.

What a contrast from the glorious sunshine of that day to the raging blizzard I now see trying to obliterate my garden in a white blanket.

Stopping by the Woods on a Snowy Evening

Whose woods these are I think I know. His house is in the village, though; He will not see me stopping here To watch his woods fill up with snow. My little horse must think it queer To stop without a farmhouse near Between the woods and frozen lake The darkest evening of the year. He gives his harness bells a shake To ask if there is some mistake. The only other sound's the sweep Of easy wind and downy flake. The woods are lovely, dark and deep, But I have promises to keep, And miles to go before I sleep, And miles to go before I sleep.

Robert Frost

As I took this picture I was reminded of Robert Frost’s lovely poem and was very glad I was snug and warm indoors, busy putting the final touches to this Newsletter. I hope you like Robert Frost as much as I do and I hope you enjoy the Newsletter.

A walk in the Aquadrome some years ago when we had a lot of snow.


VIRTUAL U3A www.vu3a.org.uk

There is a Virtual U3A on line for those unable to attend an ordinary U3A. The website says “An important target group for this virtual development includes older people who are geographically isolated through illness, or personal commitments, or are carers for others”.

Watford U3A’s Projector &

Laptop Computers and

our sound system

To make a booking contact:

Colin Richards

Monthly Meeting Talks

1st Tues 10.00am - 12.00

5 Feb Joan Manning. Talking about some of the NHS research work with which she is involved.

5 Mar Leonard Little, Former Police Dog Handler and Police Dog Trainer

2 Apr Paul Heslop

7 May TBA

4 June AGM

2 Jul TBA

6 Aug TBA

‘Speaker Secretary’-Vacant

Study Group Refreshment Rota 2019 If your group is on refreshment duty please designate some people to come early to the meeting in order to set out the cups etc, before the meeting, as the club no longer Feb - Science Interest - Maurice Crewe

Mar – Current Affairs - Betty Crowder

Apr - History - Robert Moore

May - Music Appreciation - Ray Gynne

Jun -The Explorers and International Food

Jul-Gardening –Cilla Bridgman

Aug—Strollers

VUE CINEMA Over 60s concessions

See Website or phone for Titles and ticket prices which vary

www.myvue.com tel. 03453084620

CHARITY APPEALS

For The Peace Hospice. STAMPS

Marie & Barry Irwin

U3A ALMONERS

Please let us know of any member who is sick or

bereaved and in need of our support. We cannot help if

we do not know! Janet Carleton

Joyce Hoffbrand

Eileen Burnett

Members Adverts

Could you advertise Here

Advertisements may be edited or omitted depending on space. Please

inform the editor if no longer required.

Milk Bottle Tops Any Colour

In aid of the Air Ambulance Service

I now know of a source collecting plastic milk tops,

of any colour and I am happy to take them there if people would start saving them again and bringing

them to the General Monthly Meetings – I sit at the back – on the left hand side as you

come in!

June Baughen

MARCH STUDY GROUP DIARY

Email information about the dates, times and future programme

to:

[email protected]

By

February 20th

MAY NEWSLETTER Editor

Margaret Thompson Articles, composite

reports & pictures, to be received by

20th April E-mail copy to:

[email protected]

Please use this email address

Peace Hospice Care has many volunteering opportunities and they can be found at www.peacehospicecare.org.uk/volunteering.asp. Tracey Bravo, Community Fundraising Manager. Direct Line: 01923 335 361 Peace Hospice Care, Peace Drive, Watford WD17 3PH

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Watford U3A - IT!