Kettering U3A Newsletter November 2015

Kettering U3A

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17th November 2015

Kettering U3A Year 12 Newsletter 5

www.u3asites.org.uk/kettering

Registered Charity No. 1108614

Next Month 15th December

Being Father Christmas

by Colin Oakes

From the Vice Chairman— Mary, as most of you are aware, is

currently in the “Land of Oz” It, therefore, falls to me to pen this month’s words of wisdom – although I know I don’t have Mary’s literary skills I’ll do my best. We seem to be settling in well to our new home although a few “teething troubles” still need sorting. A major issue is the setting up before and clearing away after the meeting (we don’t have a Site Supervisor here as at our previous home). Please help and support “the few” who are valiantly doing this but as the saying goes “many hands make light work”. This leads me on to other areas of our U3A where additional help and support are needed to ensure we continue to benefit from the U3A experience. Interest groups (particularly new ones) need to have the ongoing commitment and involvement of all members in order to thrive (and don’t forget the Group Leaders need supporting as well!) Remember the famous John F Kennedy quote “and so, my fellow Americans, ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country”. Replace “country” with “U3A” and “Americans” with “Friends” and I’m sure we have all the ingredients for a successful U3A – who needs Nigella!!! Next meeting, as you know will be the first Christmas in our new home and the Committee are working hard to make it memorable so hope to see you there.

CyrilCyrilCyrilCyril

Today

by Vicky Ryan

Kettering U3A

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Your Kettering U3A Committee 2015-2016

Chairman Mary Wildman 01536 741 222 [email protected] Vice Chairman Cyril Young 01536 392 065 [email protected] Secretary Diane Tebbutt 01536 392 556 [email protected] Treasurer Elizabeth Toseland 01536 460 029 [email protected] Membership Secretary Maggi McGuire 01536 392 716 [email protected] Speaker Seeker Marian Tucker 01536 510 354 [email protected] Newsletter/Web site Richard Boyles 01536 744 753 [email protected] Groups Co-ordinator Cyril Young 01536 392 065 [email protected] New Members Coordinator Helen McAdams 01536 628 304 [email protected]

Group Leaders Information

Check that all members of your group are fully paid-up members of the U3A. Ensure that you have:-

• A written record showing your member’s name, address, telephone number and email address.

• The name and telephone of each member’s emergency contact.

• The post code of your venue as this will be required by the emergency services should you need to call them out.

• Send articles, reports and photographs about your group to the Newsletter Editor. Copy deadline for the newsletter is 2 Saturdays before the monthly meeting.

• To put additional information and/or photographs on your Group’s web page on the Kettering U3A website, please email to the Web Master, [email protected] or send hardcopy to him.

• Advise the Group Coordinator of any changes to your group arrangements, e.g. venue, timing, group leader etc.

Members Information Welcome to new members

• Advise the Membership Secretary, in writing, of any changes to your address, post code, telephone number or email address.

• If you are unable to attend your Group’s meeting, please advise your Group Leader in advance.

• If you know one of our members has a special occasion ahead, e.g. important birthday, anniversary or if they are ill and you feel a card from the U3A would be appreciated, please contact Joan Rolfe on 01536 521531

• Bring your membership card with you to the meeting and have it available for checking in.

• If you cannot get to the monthly meeting for any reasons, you can get a copy of the Newsletter:-from either the Library or the Tourist Information desk, Manor House Museum, Kettering or from Desborough, Rothwell or Burton Latimer Libraries. Or via our postal service direct to your home (£10 per annum) Contact the Membership Secretary to do so.

• Download the newsletter (in glorious colour) from the web site, www.u3asites.org.uk/kettering and click on Links.

15 Dec Being Father Christmas—Colin Oakes 2016

Jan 19 Braybrooke Morris Dancers Feb 16 Cransley Hospice Mar 15 Being a TV Chef - Zena Skinner Apr 19 Harpist and bird Songs - Nick Penny May 17 A History of Wicksteed Park Jun 21 Annual General Meeting

Jul 19 TBA Aug 16 Classic Cars Sep 20 Tell Us All About It - Members interests & hobbies Oct 18 TBA Nov 15 A Tudor Christmas - Martin Sinot Smith Dec 13 U3A Singers (Note meeting on week earlier than normal)

Refreshments 2015 The Eden Centre will provide tea and coffee at 50p per cup with the U3A members helping to serve.

Kettering U3A

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Newsletter DEADLINE— is 2 Saturdays before the

monthly meeting.

PLEASE send in reports and photos or we will have to reduce the pages again and I’ll end up editing to fit less space.

You can read and download the newsletter in FULL COLOUR from our internet page at www.u3asites.org.uk/kettering

Contact: Richard Boyles 01536 744 753 [email protected]

News — Interest Groups — Visits and Reports

Our next meeting at the Eden Centre,

21, Montague Street, Kettering Format of the meeting:-

CHRISTMAS MEETING Doors open 1.30pm

Meeting starts 2.00pm prompt

NB. No notice boards or group tables at this meeting Please see individual Group Leaders if you need to

sign up for January events. 3.45 (approx) Meeting ends

Wheelchair disabled access is available

at the rear by phoning 01536 484 800

Speaker Seeker - As you have already read I

have planned speakers for 2016. I am awaiting confirmation for the TBA months. I have all names of

speakers given to me in a folder and will start to outline the speakers for 2017 fairly soon, trying to give a balanced programme for all members.

Thank you to all members who have forwarded speakers information. It is much appreciated together with the positive and negative comments given to me personally. I have tried to please most members when planning speakers but, I cant please everyone. Once again thank you for your support.

Contact: Marian Tucker 01536 510 354 [email protected]

To All Members—Did you know?

If you are not a fully paid-up member of the Kettering U3A, you are not covered by the U3A insurance and you are not eligible to join and special interest groups.

Maggi — Membership Secretary

Bookworms —

We met to discuss our recent read, "Elizabeth is Missing", in which an elderly lady who suffered from dementia uncovered a 70-year old mystery. The content of the book provoked a lot of discussion but, on the whole, it was generally enjoyed by most of the readers.

Next month's book is Penelope Lively's "Moon Tiger", meeting on 25th November.

No meeting in December as we will all be too busy making mince pies and stuffing the turkey. Happy Christmas, hope you all get lots of books as presents.

Contact: Pauline Parkin 01536 799 197 [email protected]

Bridge - We have a very friendly Bridge group who

meet every Friday afternoon. If you can play Bridge but perhaps have not done so for a little while then please come and join us. I must say, however, that we do not teach it and therefore you must have some knowledge of the game to be able to join. You would be made very welcome. We start each Friday at 1.30pm at the Bridge Club in Field Street and we pay £2 each week and for that you get good company, a very interesting game and refreshments.

Contact: Sue Macfarlane 01536 523754

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Busy Needles and Banter — Busy Needles: “Will

travel: have needles (and wool!)” Even better: on return, have stack of completed garments! These are our mottos in this lovely Group. Many thanks to Di and Marian for hosting the Group in my absence. Thanks, too, to our wonderful supporters in KU3A, we have a “library” of needles, as well as other donations and a wondrous treasure-chest of buttons!! Many of the things we make go to a charity, run by a marvellous lady called Angela Gorman, called “Life for African Mothers” for the children of women who have lost everything through the Ebola epidemic; in Sierra Leone, once the Ebola abated along came the devastating floods. I quote extracts from two emails from Angela: I don't know whether you've seen that Freetown, Sierra Leone has suffered terrible flooding with Kroo Bay being worst hit. We are sending extra clothes to them in the next few weeks, so yours will be very welcome and on their way immediately. I write to thank you for the latest donation of beautiful baby clothes. I loved the colourful little tank tops which will look gorgeous over a babygro! I have put them all aside to take myself when I travel [from Cardiff] to Sierra Leone and Liberia at the end of October. I am so impressed with the first effort by Chris! Just amazing... Contact: Mary Wildman 01536 741 222 [email protected]

Busy Needles and Banter — We continued whilst

our leader was away. Some people knitted for a charity. Cardigans continued to be knitted for another charity we support. The dog blankets was made up of odd squares and had a crocheted border added using donated wool. A set of leggings and jacket were finished for a very special baby.

Today we were visited by two new little members. They only came to watch and say hello as they are too young to join us. Members ask us "Would you like my knitting needles, crochet hooks, oddments of wool and buttons as I no longer use them?". If you want to donate any of the above we will accept them. Marian.

Contact: Mary Wildman 01536 741 222 [email protected]

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Card Making 2 — It's only October and we are

making Christmas cards. The first one was using a die

cut with additional sparkles. I shall definitely borrow or buy that die. Our second card was using a bauble shape die cut on a solid bauble shape. So simple and

yet so effective. Our 3rd card is an idea anyone can copy. Lightly draw a circle on a card, fill with stars, circles or even the left over bits from peel offs. Add a piece of ribbon and a bow and hey presto a simple card. Give it a try. Lovely to see new people join our group. They didn't

do much, just looked at us and gave a few smiles. They preferred to be with their grandad and mum for their bottles. Yes the grandchildren (twins) arrived. Next month sees us motoring over to Anne's for inspiration. Enjoy our ideas.

Contact: Marian Tucker 01536 510 354 [email protected]

Card Making 1 — Another two mornings of pure

enjoyment for me and I hope for all the members. Christmas was very much on the agenda and some beautiful cards were made, some really inventive and different and others in a more classical mood. All the members are now very creative card makers and we are all learning all the time from each other. We still had good opportunity for a welcome chat too. In December we are planning to go for a coffee somewhere locally so I am looking forward to that and then the group will be on hold until March when I return from holiday.

Contact: Mary Earl 01536 522 456 [email protected]

Card Making 2

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Computer Megabytes —

TalkTalk hack 'affected 157,000 customers' (SOURCE: BBC.co.uk/News) What should you do? Various company web sites get hacked (and not reported) but most of the time there is no danger to the public, but one should always be aware that there are some nasty people out there trying to steal your identity or your money and not just on the internet.

• Always make sure that any contact you have via e-mail, phone, letter or at your door is genuine.

• Do not give any personal information out when someone contacts you. You should contact them.

• Never click a link in an e-mail (see next point)

• Always phone, e-mail or visit the company website yourself so you know it is genuine.

• Always run an up to date and paid subscription virus/malware scanner on your computer. The free ones only partially protect you!

• Read the free “Safe Computing” handout sheet 4A I produced for the Computer Group. It is available to read and download from the tutorials page on

ww.U3AComputerGroup.co.uk

Canals & Waterways — Our mid-week break to Bristol was a success. It has a lot to offer. The open top bus gave a good overview of the sights and size of the city. The weather was glorious on the Wednesday, some of us enjoyed boat and ferry trips, others chose to explore. Of those who explored the SS Great Britain one of our intrepid ladies climbed the rigging to the crows nest.

Photos by David Jones

Two others walked across the Suspension Bridge and down to the water. A good time was had by all. Our meeting to plan next years timetable is at Stanwick Lakes on 26th November. For those who wish to walk before lunch, we meet at 11.0am. Our meal is booked for 12.0 midday. Our Christmas meeting is lunch at Foxton Locks Inn on December 10th, a deposit of £5 is required to book a place and I shall need food choices by November 30th. If you are interested in joining us please let me know at the next U3A meeting

Contact: Christine Strachan 01536 515730 [email protected]

Computer Group — Unfortunately the room for the

Apple iPad and iPhone meeting was cancelled by ASDA and will be rescheduled next year. In the meantime, I have added a lot of Apple information and tutorials on www.U3AComputerGroup.co.uk Click the Apple Link

Only time for one more meeting before Christmas on 8th December, due to unavailability of the meeting room. We will learn about Cloud Storage, OneDrive, Google Drive, iCloud, Dropbox etc

Please let me know which subjects you would like me to cover next. All sessions start at beginner’s level so do not be afraid to come along (subject to space) and give it a try. Details on the web site below.

Information and videos from previous sessions at www.U3AComputerGroup.co.uk Contact: Richard Boyles 01536 744 753 e-mail: [email protected] As always, you can email me for any computer related advice or problems. Also personal help at www.Computing121.co.uk

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Discussion Group —

The motor car - a necessity or an evil? Love it or hate it? Use it or lose it? By now you will have guessed that our subject for the October meeting was 'Are cars really necessary?'

David Clayton set the ball rolling for us with an informed description of the evolution of the motor car and its effects on society in the last century. David is a self-confessed car enthusiast - he has seven, all classics - and he made us very aware of both the short and the long-term effects of the car, on society and on the environment. He may be a car enthusiast but he is also a realist; he was not wearing rose-tinted spectacles. He summarised by saying that the car brought us freedom but with that also came congestion and pollution.

Continued...

Discussion Group — continuedT

Well, that got us going! The effect of cars on the school run, work habits, commuting, parking and shopping were thoroughly pored over. People now travelled further to work, stores were moving further out of town, public transport (especially buses and in villages) had declined; these all affected our daily lives. Without a car, job opportunities were scarce, shopping was harder, and living in a village could be isolating. We highlighted the need for better public transport, especially bus services. We called for cycle paths completely separated from motor vehicle lanes. They can do it in Holland and elsewhere, why can't we? We discussed each and every one of these aspects enthusiastically. Several people pointed out that new housing was planned or going up locally but without cycle lanes or adequate parking; surely it can't be difficult to include these features at the initial stage. David's professional expertise came to the fore when we started discussing the other means of transport that co-exist with the motor car. He also pointed us to alternative, less polluting energy sources to say that the debate became lively would be an understatement. We then did some crystal-ball gazing; what would happen if war in the Middle East reached the stage where oil supplies suddenly ceased? A quiet comment from an IAM member that 'if it ends in nuclear war we won't be worrying about cars' brought a new perspective. As the discussion wound down, we noted that over 20% of those present don't have a car, and another had sent apologies for absence because their car had broken down... It was great to welcome Richard Ling to the group, not only for improving the male/female ratio (!) but also for his contributions to the discussion. We were also pleased to see Mary Earl there again - we owe her many thanks for all the work she has put in as Group Leader. Although she is retiring from that job we are all pleased to know that she will still be joining in and making her usual calm and reasoned contributions to the debate. Some of the comments made as the discussion ended were that it had been 'interesting', 'lively', 'fun' and one that I especially enjoyed, 'non-intellectual'. Good to be told that we're such a down-to-earth group!

Forthcoming meetings, all at the Parish Church Rooms from 2 - 4 pm (free parking) Tuesday 8 December - quiz organised by Mary Earl. As for January, well that's another year. Meanwhile, why don't you contact David Clayton for details and come along and join this friendly second Tuesday of the month group? Contact: David Clayton 01536 520 965 [email protected]

Country Matters —

November’s venue is Foxton Locks, meet Thursday 12th November at The Black Horse Pub car par in Foxton village at 10.15 for 10.30 start. Look forward to seeing you all!

Contact: Derek Warren 01536 518 560 [email protected]

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Golf — Our regular group meets at 1.30 pm Fridays at

Pytchley Golf Club still seems to be the most popular time !!

Contact: Alan Stephens 01536 726 911 or 07931 637 660 or [email protected]

Heartbeat— The January meeting will be on Monday

4th January 2016, meeting at the junction of Bryant Road and London Road, Kettering at 10a.m. for a walk round Wicksteed Park. There is a good footpath to use so it does not matter about the weather. We will all be pleased to be out in the fresh air and doing some exercise after Christmas. See you all there.

Contact: Bridget Ling 01536 515 730

Knit and Natter - We had another enjoyable

morning , a great variety of topics were discussed and many laughs had. Hats were knitted for the St. Andrews brownie and guides to sell at their Christmas sale to raise money for the Centenary Wing at Kettering hospital. For date of next meeting or further information

Contact: Annette Chidwick 01536 523 867 [email protected]

French - 2nd and 4th Tuesday at 2pm

Contact: Diana Ellis 01536 723 380

Gardening Group — The group is closing down until the Spring of next year. Ideas for future activities and offers of private gardens to visit welcome.

Contact: Ray Bradbury 01536 516 587

German Basic Conversation — Contact: Joe Fletcher 01536 722 399

English Studies—formerly Writers Too. We have

morphed; though we still encompass individual writing our focus is mainly on Literature/ Shakespeare. Pat continues to delight us with her writing, but sadly Grace has been called to Brisbane until at least the new year, owing to family illness. Our warmest thoughts are with her and particularly her son-in-law. I am hopeful that we can accommodate a few more interested members to the Group by changing the day. In the meantime, as we shall have missed the second Mondays in October and November, please could we meet on Monday November 30th instead? Same time and place.

Contact: Mary Wildman 01536 741 222 [email protected]

Friday Pop-in - The Pop-in continues to be very

popular with three new members joining us for light refreshments.

In a light hearted way we discuss many subjects from local news, to visits to members gardens, theatre visits and ways to keep fit, walking and some venture out on bikes. This is not for the feint hearted and some, handy with cameras, not of the feather kind!!! Due to prior arrangements I will not always be at the meetings but please go along and enjoy the venue and company.

Contact: Sue Hince 01536 521 023

Photo in Barnwell Country Park by Pauline Gray

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Looking at Churches — In October we went to

St.Peter’s church in Oundle. It was a very wet day, but a loyal group of 20 members turned up. Our guide was a very jovial man called Dave, who ushered us all into the brightly lit Lady Chapel. The church was the most lively we have ever been to, with volunteers bustling about, selling Charity Christmas cards from a huge selection, so of course many of us were tempted. Dave told us that Oundle church is open all day every day, and people drop in for a sit-down in peace and quiet. Children of all ages call in for mother and child groups, and after-school sessions for teenagers. Even table tennis on site. This is so refreshing, as many churches these days are forced to stay closed for much of the time. The church building has been brought very much up to date to suit the needs of the parishioners. Pews have been taken out, but the beautiful carved pew end pieces were incorporated into glass partitions and a new altar in the Lady Chapel. The top of the old altar was used in a flagstone floor.

The history of the church was interesting, having once been a monastery. We were taken upstairs to what was once the living area for a priest, complete with wooden toilet closet.

St.Peter’s is very outstanding as it has a spire of 210 feet. We were treated to a beautiful rendition on the organ by a visitor to the church that afternoon, who turned out to be the organist of Gloucester Cathedral. That was an unexpected bonus and wonderful to hear. As this was a morning visit instead of our usual afternoon time, some of us went to Polebrook garden centre for lunch, which completed our U3A outing.

Our next church will be St. Etheldreda, Guilsborough, on Wednesday, November 18th, at 2.0pm. This will be our 50th visit to a church over the last 5 years. On December 16th it will be Naseby, where we hope to see memorabilia of the English Civil War, and the final battle at Naseby.

Contact: Janet Clements 01536 507 721 [email protected]

Looking at Churches — Photos by Alan Robinson

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Musical Circles 1 — This month it was held at my

house on October 19th. A programme of songs was performed by some of my favourite singers including Thomas Hampson, Bryn Terfel, Karitta Mattila and the inimitable Jonas Kaufman. Music everyone knows was played between the songs: The Ride of the Valkyries, Beethoven's Moonlight Sonata played by Maura Lipman and Grieg's Peer Gynt Suite. After tea and cakes I played some popular songs by artists from my long vanished youth, Bing Crosby, Frank Sinatra, Nat King Cole and Dinah Shore. There were only four of us present, but I hope my three friends enjoyed the music as much as I enjoyed playing it. Gwyneth Holland

Contact: Carole Bradbury 01536 516 587 [email protected]

Musical Circles 2 — Sir Thomas Beecham, generally

regarded as England's greatest conductor once wrote of Mozart, “He emancipated music from the bonds of a formal age, while remaining the true voice of the 18th century, his new sentiment or emotion, as expressed by a matchless technique, was his supreme gift to the world. That sentiment was an intimacy, a masculine tenderness, unique-something confiding, affectionate.” Beecham also wrote “If I were a dictator, I should make it compulsory for every member of the population between the ages of four and eighty to listen to Mozart for at least one quarter of an hour daily for the coming five years.”

Well. Willingly and without difficulty we, in our group of 'music lovers' sat silent for one whole hour listening wholly to Mozart. This is what we heard Piano concerto no.21 k467 Horn Concerto no. 4 k495 Exsultate Jubilate, k 165 Serenade 'Eine Kleine Nachtmusik' k525 Serenade'Gran Partita' k361 Sinfonia Cocertante' k364 Symphony No 40 in G minor K550 Requiem K 656 Hostias

And how lovely was the listening. A little break for a biscuit and a chat, and we again surrendered to this time, the music of Beethoven. Romance in G major and Romance in F major Perhaps less soothing but equally pleasant, a moment with Georg Philip Teleman's Concerto in F minor and J.S. Bach's Agnus Dei from Mass in B minor

Jackie Davies.

Contact: Eileen Mason 01536 725 925

Lunch Club — Thanks go to Jean and John Lewis for

hosting our October lunch at the Red Lion in Broughton. I did hope to join you all but unfortunately family matters caught up with me and I had to cancel at the last minute. The next lunch will be our annual Christmas lunch at the Masonic Complex in Corby on Tuesday 1st December. Organised once again by Ray Bradbury the cost is £15 which is very reasonable for a three course Christmas menu. With a £10 deposit required Ray is taking names for this now.

New Members - We visit a different venue each month on the forth Tuesday of the month. A menu is provided at the U3A meeting the week prior for you to make a choice and payment is not required until the day. New members are very welcome to join us, we are a very friendly bunch. See our Lunch Club table at the meeting.

Contact: Glynis Hall 01536 516249 or [email protected]

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NEW INTEREST Groups Meeting 30

TH October at CTK Kettering

Many thanks to everyone who attended the above meeting. The aim was to get some (and resurrect a couple of old ones!) up and running. The “mix” of members attending resulted in focussing on four groups –

• LOCAL HISTORY

• FAMILY HISTORY

• REFLEXOLOGY/MEDITATION

• FRENCH CONVERSATION Local History attracted the highest attendance and has been able to plan a launch for early 2016 after having found a suitable venue. Reflexology/Meditation was able to get a plan together but the absence of a leader means they are unable to progress further, although we are ever hopeful! Family History achieved remarkable results in creating a plan as there were only four of them (out of a list of 20) and are also looking for a venue. French Conversation is likely to be a small group and like others is looking for a venue. It was agreed by all that the plans made on Friday can only be achieved by a strong combination of help, support and commitment from all interested parties. Successful groups need all members to work together and be actively involved.

The following list is the groups that were not able to discussed on Friday due to lack of interested members in attendance.

• TRAVEL (See Trips and Visits in next column)

• ANTIQUES/COLLECTABLES

• CRAFTS

• MAH JONG

• RAILWAYS

• ART APPRECIATION New groups suggested at New Members meeting

• CALLIGRAPHY

• KNITTING (this would be the 4th such group!!)

Family History Group—Marian Tucker For the few who attended the new groups meeting and showed an interest in this group, there is Good news and Bad news. The good news is I volunteered to have a go at running this group as no one else wanted to do it. I have spent many hours phoning various halls, libraries and pubs to find a suitable venue. These range from £30 - £50, as we will require internet access as well. I was given a list of approx 20 members. So reluctantly, and this is the bad news; I feel unable, at this moment in time, to start up this group due to costs.

However, there is good news. Kettering Library runs a Family History Group on the last Wednesday of each month at 2:30.

If anyone can come up with any further suggestions about this group contact Cyril.

NEW MEMBERS Meeting 30

TH October at CTK Kettering

Thirty seven invites were sent out to the newest members of our U3A to join us, the committee, for an informal welcome get-together. The aim of the meeting was to enable the newcomers to have there say with regards to their experiences when joining the U3A - good and not-so-good. Of the thirty seven invites were sent out: five sent their apologies and eleven joined us for tea, coffee and biscuits. I will admit I was disappointed twenty two members did not respond, so I was left wondering why. Perhaps it was of previous commitments or health reasons or the fact that it was not for them. It does help to know the reasons why for future reference when, yet again, we will endeavour to organise another New Members meeting.

The new members were asked if they would fill in a questionnaire whereby they could express their views of our U3A and this was then duly used as the tool for the meeting. Each of the eleven members took part in discussing the questionnaire which made for a very pleasant meeting.

It was good to see seven Group Leaders at the meeting and I will take this opportunity to thank them for making the effort. I will also like to thank the eleven new members who did come and I sincerely hope they not only enjoyed themselves but they also gained insight into the opportunities to make new friends and sustain learning for the enjoyment in a wide range of interest groups.

If any of the above wish to contact me regarding any queries they can do so.

[email protected] or 01536 628 304

Trips & Visits - We have missed out on trips in the past couple of years but I would like to invite anyone interested in joining a group to reinstate interest in this once viable arrangement. Please contact me if you would like to attend a meeting at my home on the Monday 30th November.

Contact: Maureen Curd 01832 732 361 [email protected]

Proposed New Group JAZZ APPRECIATION

The group will cover both modern and traditional jazz. Meetings will be monthly and feature music/CDs , discussion about the artists together with an exchange of views/ideas relating to jazz. (NB as with all groups the exact format etc will be agreed by the group themselves) If you are interested Contact: Alan Stephens 07931 637660 or 01536 726911

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Photography Group — The morning of the October

meeting of the Photography Group was not promising, with cloudy skies and drizzle. However, by the time six members of the Group had met up in the car park of Barnwell Country Park in the afternoon the sun had put in an appearance and it was positively warm for the start of our walk. The dark skies and the occasional burst of sunshine gave plenty of opportunities to capture the autumn colours that were beginning to appear in the trees. Wildlife was rather limited apart from the usual mallards, moorhens, swans and small birds during our walk, and sadly there were no sightings of kingfishers. However, we did retire to the Kingfisher Café and enjoyed an al fresco cuppa until the clouds gathered and it started to get distinctly chilly. Our next meeting will be at 2.00pm on Monday 9th November, at Irchester Country Park unless the weather is against us. If we have to resort to Plan B it will be another Photoshop/Laptop/Show And Tell session at a venue yet to be decided.

Contact: Trevor Rudkin 01536 711 976 [email protected]

Tree by Margaret Butler

Playford English Country Dancing - New members

would be welcomed and make it possible to extend our range of dances. No partner needed as we change round during the meeting. We meet, 2nd &4th Weds. at St. Andrews Church Hall 10.30-noon.

Contact: Jean Beaver 01933 224474

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Sugar Craft— If anyone who would like to learn, but

feels they are hopeless, come to watch as we work and I guarantee that they will soon realise that they can achieve good results.

Contact: Joan Allingham 01536 722 610

Spanish Conversation —

The Spanish Group which really has to be called ‘Intermediate Spanish’ now because the students have all progressed so much since we started, continues to meet on the second and fourth Wednesday of each month at the ASDA training room. The book we use is Pasos 2 and we are now over half way through it. Our lessons consist of some grammar, some conversation and some exercises from childrens’ exercise books that I have managed to acquire in Spain – they find these the hardest!!!

With 12 students, we would have to say that we are full but we would always try to fit in one more person provided they already have a knowledge of the language that would enable them to keep up. Teaching is by my colleague Bill Simon and myself with occasional sessions with a guest Spanish lady for pure conversation.

Contact: Bob Thorogood 01933 650 551

[email protected]

Singing For Pleasure —

Singing for Pleasure “A” will meet as usual. Contact Jill Dee T

Singing for Pleasure “B” begins on September 25th at Fuller from 10am to 11.45am. I shall be around on October 9th but for the following two sessions (Oct 23rd and Nov 6th) Di Tebbutt will be in charge.

For further information contact Mary Wildman ...

Contact: Jill Dee 01536 514 054 or Mary Wildman 01536 741 222 [email protected]

Safe Driving — Forward thinking as the clocks go back from the IAM As British Summer Time comes to an end, this week’s tips from the IAM’s head of driving standards, Peter Rodger, are looking at what you can do to ensure your journey is as safe as possible in the dark. Here are our latest tips to see you through. 1. With fog expected during mornings and evenings, it’s important that you keep your windows clear of ice and frost throughout. Use a good quality windscreen washer fluid to keep them clean, and keep the reservoir topped up. 2. As you will be using your dipped headlights more often it’s important you make sure they are working properly. The same applies for all other car lights, indicators and tyres too – make sure you check the tread depth regularly. If any of these need replacing, do so as soon as possible. A spare set of light bulbs is a very worthwhile investment for your car. 3. Automatic headlamp systems do not always put dipped headlamps on in foggy weather conditions, so you may need to switch them from an auto to manual setting. Remember, you don’t need to wait until it’s completely dark before you switch on your dipped headlights – you may need to use them in reduced daylight conditions too. 4. Where there are no street lights or you are driving on an empty stretch of road in seriously reduced visibility, switch on your full beam to help you see further ahead. However, you mustn’t use your full beam during the day even in poor visibility as you risk dazzling other road users. 5. Look out for vulnerable road users in the dark including motorcyclists, cyclists and pedestrians. Take particular care when driving near schools in the late afternoon when children are travelling home – see and be seen at all times. 6. Pedestrians are not easily spotted when they wear dark clothing. Keep your eyes peeled and avoid speeding when your vision is reduced in both dark and bad weather conditions. 7. Keep an eye out for reflective road signs and motorway studs that help you drive in poor light. Use these to guide you with your journey. 8. Judging the speed of vehicles is difficult in the dark – increase the distance between you and the car in front of you. If you cannot see ahead, you must slow down to give yourself more time to react to a potential hazard. Peter said: “It might sound obvious, but you cannot drive the same way in the dark as you would in daylight – but that’s what a lot of people do. Make allowances for your own abilities in darkness; your eyes take time to get used to the dark. And be aware others might not be as careful as you, and might not be wearing reflective or bright clothing as they should do. Take on the responsibility of looking out for others, and your journey will give you a warm glow inside – even if it’s chilly outside.” http://www.iam.org.uk If you’d like help with any driving related issues or to find out more about the Safe Driving Group, please contact either Roy or Steve.

Steve Clorley 01832 732342 or 07973 624815 [email protected]

Roy Franklin 01536 482808 or 07751 106617 [email protected]

Kettering U3A

14

Walking Group - This was a walk for the imagination.

And why? A 5.5 mile ramble through the rolling Rutland landscape that promised splendid views overlooking the reservoir, and hills covered with trees ablaze with autumn colours turned out to be a greyer, more sombre stroll because of rain and reduced visibility. Nevertheless, it was an enjoyable morning out. Eleven suitably clad walkers assembled at the Horse and Jockey, Manton, passed the site on Rutland Water where the ospreys nest, turned off onto the footpath through the woods and over the fields, main road and railway line to Gunthorpe. This is one of the smallest hamlets in the county, once a thriving community that was devastated by the plague and now has just over a dozen inhabitants. A track and path lead to Brooke, a charming village with a lovely 12

th century church.

From Brooke the road and then another track took us to Martinthorpe, a deserted village whose demise is unknown, and so back to Manton to enjoy lunch at the pub. So, the views may not have been great, the weather could have been better, but the walk was interesting and stimulating. As was the company!

The next Kettering U3A walk will be around Thrapston Lakes and for more details please contact either

Contact: John Sharp on 01536 518 026 or Jackie Rowson on 0778 755 052

Theatre Goers — Local

ODEON + CULTURE FILMED LIVE

Our next production is the Royal Ballet's NUTCRACKER in December, tickets already collected and given out. I am sure we are all in anticipation of another excellent evening. The Theatregoers group are at present deciding on the programme for 2016 and will inform you soon. Some production are very popular and tickets need to be purchased well in advance to ensure good seats, also cannot be purchased until paid for. If tickets are required, cash or cheque must be produced at the meeting or cheque posted to Glynis very soon after to enable the purchase of tickets and ensure availability. Cheque's - please make payable to U3A Kettering No.2 Account and write on the back of the cheque which production it is for.

Please find more information on the U3A board and to order or pick up tickets go to Theatre Goers table at the monthly meetings.

Theatre Goers Members Information Our small group meet to decide which productions to attend. We then offer to purchase tickets for any U3A members who wish to participate. All we ask is for early booking and prompt payment for the seats by the date specified. Transport and car share to be arranged by the individual.

Contact: Glynis Hall (local ) 01536 516 249

Helen McAdams (national ) 01536 628 304

Theatre Goers — Guys & Dolls, Milton Keynes

Theatre, 15th June 2016. Centre stall seats; £25. Unfortunately, due to lack of demand, the reserved tickets for this show has now been cancelled. The fact is: it does not help the situation when the show, which you can see is not until June of next year, yet they demand payment by 2nd November 2015. I can understand members reluctance to commit themselves to something eight months away. But the payment date is decided by the producers of the show, not the theatre itself.

Future theatre bookings for Derngate and Milton Keynes will be available in the next newsletter after the Theatre group have met.

Contact: Helen McAdams 07713 119 620 or 01536 628 304 [email protected]

Theatre Goers report

The excitement was bubbling. I was going to see Tommy Steele. How I loved him singing Half a Sixpence and Little White Bull. Also I love the Glen Miller Big Band sound. I'm too young to have heard him originally. The day started off wet and miserable but we arrived safely at Milton Keynes and lunch at Bella Italia. A short walk to the theatre and we were soon in our seats. Tommy Steele came on to the stage and explained the scene set in Twinwood. I thought Tommy was going to be sitting on the side of the stage as he looked old. A young lady who played Helen had a wonderful voice and sang beautifully. Glen's early career was explained in song and dance routines. His route around America was shown with a remote control van and a voice over explaining which city they were in. Apologies to Tommy Steele but during the first half the dancers and the remote control van were the best bits. The second half did improve as songs such Pennsylvania 65000, Little Brown Jug, Zing zing zing and of course, In The Mood were played. The Glen Miller Band was just brilliant and there was a wonderful encore of Zing Zing Zing. I loved my visit to the theatre to see the Glen Miller story; but , so sorry Tommy, this role was not for you . In my humble opinion you needed a good hair cut, darker hair and for an Army Captain needed to stand up straighter, as well as being 40 years younger. I am still a fan of Tommy Steele and hope when I am nearly 80 I am as active as he is.

Thank you Helen McAdams for booking the tickets. Marian Tucker

Kettering U3A

15

Wining and Dining - Once again we enjoyed a good

evening at the Old Bank in Rothwell. The food and service were both very good. Proposed venues for the early part of 2016 are:- The Red Lion at Cranford, Sage and Brooke at Grafton Underwood, Rue de la Gare Desborough, Toro Steak House Rothwell. Some we have visited and enjoyed some will be a new experience. If you are interested in joining us, please let me know. I shall have further details at the next U3A meeting.

Contact: Christine Strachan 01536 515 730 [email protected]

Writers Group. Thank you, Elizabeth T, for holding the fort, in my absence. We shall meet as usual in December when that very topic will be the theme: “Holding the Fort.”

Contact: Mary Wildman 01536 741 222 [email protected]

Water Colour Painting Classes - The Water Colour

Painting Classes are held in the Parish Church Rooms, Market Place, Kettering from 1.15pm - 3.15pm on the 2nd and 4th Thursday of the month. Free parking is next to these rooms. Should the car park happen to be full then the church grounds may be used.

Dates for the Autumn Term are:- November 12th, 26th December 10th (last class)

New classes for the Winter Term will start on 14th January, 2016.

This is Ernie Clement painting "Harbour at Last". in water colour.

This picture is painted in acrylics by Bob Thorogood and is called "The Final Mission" after Mort Kunstler.

Contact: Jo Beaver on 01933 224 474 or Barbara Goodall on 01536 523 259

Wining and Dining - Christmas Lunch Club

The Annual Christmas Lunch of the Lunch Club will be held on TUESDAY 1 DECEMBER 2015 at the Masonic Complex in CORBY at 11.30 am. for a prompt 12 noon start. LAST CHANCE The cost will be a specially negotiated £15. As everyone in KU3A is a potential member of the lunch club all are welcome, this time including spouses and friends. The hall is big enough and the caterers experienced enough to cope with any number. The menu is a traditional Christmas offering to get the festive season underway. If you have a special dietary requirement please let me know, otherwise the meal will start with Cream of Vegetable Soup, followed by Turkey with Stuffing and Chipolata Sausages, Roast Potatoes, Mashed Potatoes, Carrots, Peas and Cauliflower Cheese. Then Christmas Pudding with Brandy Sauce followed by Mince Pies. Christmas Crackers and Novelties complete the festive line up. This has always proved a popular event and we have been well looked after by the caterers in recent years so do come along. The list opens this month and will be open at the November meeting as well. A £10 deposit will secure you a place at the table. In the event you are not able to come after paying your deposit and I haven’t notified numbers to the Masonic then your deposit will be returned. If you notify me after final numbers have been notified then every effort will be made to sell your ticket to someone else but with no guarantee. There is plenty of parking at the Masonic but please car share if possible. The place is easy to find but maps will be available if you are not too sure of the way.

Contact: Ray Bradbury on 01536 516 587

Kettering U3A

16

Kettering U3A Interest Group Timetable

Please contact group co-ordinator for more information before joining a group

Meetings below with Ise Valley U3A

RJB/2015

Day Co-ordinator Tel.no Venue Frequency Time

Monday

Canasta Margaret Hall 01536 512215 Kettering Bridge Club Weekly 2.00-4.30pm

Swimming Isabel Collins 01536 520971 Kettering Pool Weekly 9.00-9.45am

Friday

Singing A Jill Dee 01536 514054 Fuller Church Fortnightly Fridays 10.00-11.45

Singing B Mary Wildman 01536 741222 Fuller Church Alternate Fridays 10.00-11.45

Day Co-ordinator Tel.no Venue Frequency Time

No fixed day

Safe Driving Steve Clorley 01832 732342 varies varies varies Roy Franklin 01536 482808 varies varies varies

Gardening Group Ray Bradbury 01536 516587 varies varies varies

Heartbeat Bridget Ling 01536 515730 varies varies varies

Travel Groups Maureen Curd 01832 732361 varies varies varies

Monday

Card Making 2 Marian Tucker Maggi McGuire

01536 510354 01536 392716

Home 3rd Monday 10.00 – 12 noon

Musical Circles 1 Carole Bradbury 01536 516587 varies 3rd Monday 2.00pm Knit and Natter Annette Chidwick 01536 523867 Home 1st & 3rd Mondays 10.00 – 12 noon

Photography Trevor Rudkin 01536 711976 varies 1st Monday monthly 2.00 – 4.00pm

Theatre Helen McAdam 01536 628304 Home 2nd Monday 10.30—12.30

Writers Too Mary Wildman 01536 741222 Home 2nd Monday 2.00—4.00 pm

Tuesday

Computer Group Richard Boyles 01536 744753 ASDA, Kettering 2nd & 4th Tuesday 2.00 – 4.00pm

Discussion Group David Clayton 01536 520965 Parish Church Rooms 2nd Tuesday in month 2.00 – 4.00pm Greeting Card Making Mary Earl 01536 522456 Home 1st Tuesday 10.00 – 11.30am French Diana Ellis 01536 723380 Home 2nd & 4th Tuesday 2.00pm Lunch Club Glynis Hall 01536 516249 varies 4th Tuesday varies Sugarcraft Joan Allingham 01536 722610 Home weekly 1.30 – 4.00pm

Writers Group Mary Wildman 01536 741222 Parish Church Rooms 1st Tuesday 2.00—4.00 pm

Wednesday

German Conversation Joe Fletcher 01536 722399 Home fortnightly 9.30 – 11.00 am

Spanish Conversation Bob Thorogood 01933 650551 varies 2nd & 4th Wednesday 2.00 – 4.00pm

Bookworms Pauline Parkin 01536 799197 varies 4th Wednesday 2.00 – 4.00pm Card Making 1 Mary Earl 01536 522456 Home 1st Wednesday 10.00 - 11.30am Looking at Churches Janet Clements 01536 507721 varies 3rd Wednesday 2.00pm Musical Circles 2 Eileen Mason 01536 725925 varies 3rd Wednesday 2.00pm Playford Dancing Jean Beaver 01933 224474 St.Andrews Church 2nd & 4th Wednesday 10.30—12 noon Walking Ann Kemp See Newsletter varies 1st Wednesday varies

Wining & Dining Christine Strachan 01536 515730 varies 2nd Wednesday varies

Thursday

Canals & Waterways Christine Strachan 01536 515730 varies 3rd Thursday 2.00 – 4.00pm Country Matters Derek Warren 01536 518560 varies 2nd Thursday varies Busy Needles Mary Wildman 01536 741222 Home fortnightly 10.00-12.00

Water Colour Painting Barbara Goodall 01536 523259 Parish Church Rooms 2nd & 4th Thursdays 1.15 – 3.15pm

Jo Beaver 01933 224474

Friday

Bridge Sue Macfarlane 01536 523754 Bridge Club, Kettering weekly 1.30 – 4.00pm

Friday Pop in Sue Hince 01536 521023 Kino Lounge, Market Place 1st Fri monthly 10.00 – 11.30am

Golf Alan Stephens 01536 726911 Pytchley Golf Club Every Friday 1.00 – 4.00pm