Mansfield U3A Newsletter: February 2016

Mansfield and District U3A

Newsletter

Thoresby's Fitness Fanatics!

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Established 1999HMRC Charity Registration No.: XT30525

February 2016Website: www.mansfield-u3a.org.uk

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Welcome from your chairmanAfter last month’s successful meeting at Mansfield Town’s Suite 1861, we are now set to make this thenew home for Mansfield U3A.

We had some hiccups with our first meeting but these will be ironed out. The manager of the new venue isvery helpful and, with her staff, will make our group very welcome. The car parking alone is worth themove. Quite a few members tried the Sandy Pate bar for lunch and I am informed they were pleasantlysurprised.

This was our members’ meeting and once again the talent in our U3A showed in spades. Pat Blackwell ofAntiques and Collectables with a presentation of holiday memories, John Sellers on the piano and theWriting for Pleasure members (Yvonne Kennison, Hilary Hamilton-Ross, Susan Bell and Joy Crowe)performed wonderfully.

I think that this is what the U3A is all about -- the members. Mansfield U3A is very fortunate to have thislake of talent and our U3A continues to attract new members, some of whom form new groups such asGolf, Horse Riding, History and International Dining. Help is available for anyone to form new groupsthrough Linda Leivers, the Group Coordinator, or any committee member.

We have the Quiz Night to look forward to in February. Always a successful night and this is a special yearfor the organisers, Pauline and Ian Boucher, who are celebrating ten years of quizzes.

January is nearly over and so far winter is on hold, the energy bills will be lower leaving more to spend onenjoying life. Holidays will be next on the agenda. Speaking of holidays, Margaret Burlinson is steppingdown from organising Mansfield U3A holidays and we need someone to take over. Margaret is anexcellent organiser and I am sure will help anyone who is prepared to take on the role.

I look forward to seeing you at the February meeting.

Bob Longden

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In this issue Page 2: Chairman's Welcome

Page 3: Words from the Editor; The January Meeting Report

Page 4: The Nine Ladies and the Hiking Group

Pages 5 – 8: Interest Groups Meetings Diary; Breaking News – 'Royal Revelry'

Page 9: Holidays; Group News

Page 10: Thoresby Hall 2016

Page 11: History group; Ashfield U3A 10th Anniversary

Page 12: Dates for your diary and Notices

Cover Photo: Thoresby Hall Holiday. Thoresby photos by Sheila Whalley.

Hikers photo by Peter Thurketttle

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Words from the Editor

My thanks to the contributors this month and apologies to those whose articles I've left out.I promise you that all articles submitted will be published soon!

Forty-five copies of the Newsletter went to Thoresby – and none came back. Perhaps somewent to other U3As and showed them what an active group Mansfield U3A is.

It's not often we give much space to other U3As, but the 10th Anniversary of our 'daughter'Ashfield U3A is an important occasion. Please support their celebration – see pg. 11.

Mike Allen

The January Meeting

Our first meeting of 2016 was a members’ meeting in the 1861 Suite at Mansfield Town FootballGround where we were royally entertained by acts devised by our own members.

First on was Pat Blackwell who gave a mostamusing, and comprehensive, talk onholidays of the past, including photographsprovided by our members from their ownchildhood and family holidays. We could allappreciate the lengthy journeys to theseaside, the building of unsuccessful moatsaround our sandcastles, the stretched knitted-wool bathing costumes and the fearsomelandladies.

John Sellar’s skill, artistry and expertise knowno bounds. He played a varied programmethat not only showed his mastery of the pianobut also tugged at the strings of nostalgia byfinishing with a lively rendition of the ‘Black and White Rag’. His mum was right when she toldhim to practise as it has all paid off!

Finally, I’m not sure how many of us wereaware of the literary talent we have withinour membership. Susan Bell, Joy Crowe,Hilary Hamilton-Ross and YvonneKennison of the Writing For Pleasuregroup shared their love of creative writingwith us and were ably introduced by groupleaders Hilary Miller and Sue Ford.

I thought of the hymn 'Let Your Little LightShine'. The lights of each of these memberscertainly shone and they brightened up myday, and yours, I’m sure. What a wonderfulstart to a new year!

Norma Smith

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The Nine LadiesAs I write this article, I see out of the window the first few flakes of snow, presumably the start of amore normal winter after such a wet and mild autumn. I like the changing seasons, each giving itsown colour and variation to the views of the countryside.

At different times during our U3A monthly meetings, I have stood up to make some announcements forthe Hiking group and have taken the opportunity to try and encourage you all to get outdoors for a stroll.Medical evidence has shown that for all of us,the act of walking 15 to 20 minutes at leastthree or four times a week is so beneficial,particularly for our age group.

The Mansfield U3A Hiking Group memberswalk twice a month throughout the year, comerain or shine. Admittedly, there have been therare occasions when we’ve actuallyabandoned our walk, usually because of reallyextreme weather. After all, when you seeducks swimming in oversized puddles on theroad then it’s time to give up!

As well as the health benefits gained from ourwalks, we also come across historicmonuments, interesting flora, fauna and birds(not forgetting the lambs in the springtime) –all of which creates conversation andilluminating some hidden knowledge from atleast one of our members.

One such occurrence was in November lastyear while walking on Stanton Moor in Derbyshire when we came across a circle of stones known as the‘Nine Ladies’. The circle of nine worn gritstone blocks is located in a clearing in the wood just to the southof a small standing stone – the King’s Stone – and it is thought that these are probably only a small part ofwhat was once some sort of ceremonial area dating back to the Bronze Age.

With the help of my group, we have put together a full programme of 24 walks for the whole of 2016 whichcan be seen on the Hikers page on the U3A Website.

Should you want any further information regarding footwear, clothing, rucksacks, trekking- poles,compasses or maps for your walking activities, then I’ll be delighted to help where I can. You should findme each month at our main U3A meeting.

Pete Thurkettle

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Key to Meetings details:THIS TABLE SHOWS THE DAY of the month, time and frequency using the first two letters of theday, followed by numbers 1 - 5 to represent the week number. The final letter M (or F, W or V)indicates that the group meets monthly, fortnightly, weekly or at variable intervals.

So 'Tu2, 2.30 - V M' would mean a group meeting on the 2nd Tuesday at 2.30pm Monthly but withVariable finish times.

All members are invited to contact the relevant Group Leader if they would like to participate in anyinterest group or attend an event. NB: * indicates a waiting list.

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Interest Group Meetings Meeting Places Leader/Contact

Afternoon Teas Sa1, 3 - 5 M Various Sheila Whalley 01623 453908

Next Meetings: TBA

Antiques andCollectables *

Tu2, 10 - 12 M Stanhope Centre, Bridge Street,Mansfield

Pat Blackwell01623 481745

Next Meetings: Feb.9th – Animals; March 8th – Holiday Collectables

Art We3, 10 - 1.00 M Big Barn Lane Methodist Church,Mansfield

Gordon Howlett01623 627423

Next Meetings: Feb. 17th – Frog, in black & white stippling; March 16th – Long trail of ivy in any medium

Art Appreciation Mo1, 2.00 - 4.00 M Stanhope Centre, Bridge Street,Mansfield

Pauline Boucher01623 644798

Next meetings: March 7th – Sculpture; April 4th – Beds in Art

Beginners' Bridge(With Ashfield U3A)

Mo, Various 6.30 - 9.00

Enviro Centre, Derby Rd College,Mansfield

Maxine Rose/Glenis Carr 01623 459081/627735

Next Meetings: Feb. 22nd; March 7th; April 4th & 18th (Also ACOL sessions at the Mechanics Institute – Thurs. 10 - 12.30 W)

Bowls Tu 2.30 – 4 W(Beginners)Th 1.30 - 3.30 W(Experienced)

Lammas Sports Centre, Sutton (indoors)

Don Wright/Pat Gunter 01623 628946/626250

Next Meetings: See Bowls web page for full details. All welcome; flat soled shoes required.

Chat and Stitch Mo3, 2.00 - 4.00 M St John's Centre, Mansfield

Doreen Storer01623 407731

Next Meetings: Meetings as per calendar.

Craft Workshop We4, 2.00 - 4.00 M Ruth Colley's home Ruth Colley 01623 472010

Next meetings: Jan. 27th – Crochet for Beginners; Feb. 24th – Easter Novelties

Current Affairs Tu2, 2.00 - 4.00 M St John's Centre, Mansfield

Norma Shillinglaw01623 466934

Next Meetings: Meetings as per calendar.

Family History Tu4, 10.00 - 12.00 M St John's Centre,Mansfield

Max Clarke01623 621744

Next Meetings: Meetings as per calendar.

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Film Studies * We1, 1.30 - V M Joy's home Joy Crowe01623 645400

Next Meetings: Meetings as per calendar

Garden Visits Various during the Summer

Various Janet Whitlam/KarenTroop01623 635607

Next Visit: TBA

Gardening Tu1, 10.00 - 12.00 M St Peter's Centre, Mansfield

Avril McGee01623 452688

Next Meetings: March 3rd – A-Z of garden Perenniels; April 7th – Medicinal Weeds

Golf Last Friday of Month Various Paul Mann01623 615416

Next Meeting: Check the webpage.

History We4, 10.00 - 12.00 M M'field Bowling Club, Chesterfield Road

David Drew01623 555012

Next Meetings: TBA

Holidays (Home & Abroad)

Various TBA Margaret Burlinson01623 632538

2016 Holidays: Mon. 13th to Mon. 20th June – Paignton; Mon. Sept. 26th to Mon. Oct. 3rd – Mallorca* (Margaret Burlinson)

International Dining We2, 6.30 for 7.00 M Various Jacqui Hampshire01623 239210

Next Meetings: Wed. Feb 10th – Emiolas (Greek), Arnold; No Meeting in March

Local History * Fri1, 10.00 - 12.00 M Bridge Street Methodist Church,Mansfield

Bob & Sue Longden01623 486903

Next Meetings: March 4th – Churches (Members ); April 1st – Churches pt 2 – Sue Howlett

Luncheon Club Th after 3rd Tu, 12.00 - 2.00 M

Various Eileen & Colin Bell01623 429239

Next Meetings: Feb.18th – Carnarvon Arms; March 18th - TBA

Movement to Music W 10.30 - 11.30 W St John's Church Hall

Linda Leivers 01623 471963

Next Meetings: Meetings as per calendar.

Music Groups

Classical Music 2 Mo4, 2.00 - 4.00 M Members' homes Peter Hart01623 620940

Next Meetings: Feb. 22nd – French Composers at Sheila's; March 21st – Dvorak & Smetana at Marie's

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Music 2 * Mo4, 2.00 - 4.30 M Members' homes Eric Prescott 01623 631160

Next Meeting: Meetings as per calendar

Popular Music Appreciation *

Tu4, 2.00 - 4.00 M St John's School, Mansfield

Peter Haynes 01623 610886

Next Meeting: Meetings as per calendar

Pudding Club Tu1, 4.00 - 6.00 M Members' homes Sylvia Slack 01623 633981

Next Meetings: Feb. 2nd – Janet's; March 1st – Sylvia's; April 5th - Janet's

Read a Little Aloud Fri2, 2.00 - 4.00 M St Peter's Community Centre, Bellamy Road,Mansfield

Sheila Haslam 01623 627764

Next Meetings: Meetings as per calendar.

Reading 1 Th3, 2.00 - 4.00 M Peter Dawson's home Peter Dawson 01623 882191

Next Meetings: Meetings as per calendar.

Reading 2 Tu3, 2.00 - 4.00 M Ravenshead Library Joan Hufton01623 557488

Next Meetings: Meetings as per calendar.

S cience & Technical Tu1, 2.00 - 4.00 M Stanton Hill Baptist Church, Albert St.Skegby

Ian Boucher01623 644798

Next Meetings: March 1st– Historic Aircraft Restoration with guest David Bonsell; April 5th – Electricity with Graham Allin

Scrabble * Mo2, 2.00 - 4.00 M Brenda Thurkettle's home

Brenda Thurkettle01623 628136

Next Meetings: Meetings as per calendar.

S inging for Fun Wed, 5.45 - 7.15 F St Alban's Church, Clipstone Rd West, Forest Town

Jean Kirk 01623 480207

Next Meetings: Fortnightly from Wed. January 6th

Tai Chi Mo, 9.30 - 10.30 W St John's Centre,Mansfield

Jean Kirk 01623 480207

Next Meetings: Mondays January 4th to March 21st

Theatre Visits Various Various Sheila Whalley01623 453908

Next Visits: Wed. Feb. 17th – Blood Brothers*; Sunday March 6th – Cirque du Soleil, London – see webpage for full details; Wed. March 23rd – Hobson's Choice (TR)

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Walking Groups

Hikers (all-day, 6 - 8 miles)

Th1 & Mo3, 9.30 - V 2/M

Tesco car park, off Oak Tree Lane,Mansfield

Peter Thurkettle 01623 628136

Next Meetings: Mon. Feb. 15th – Calverton & Woodborough; Thurs. March 3rd – Caunton; Mon. March 21st – Lindrick & Salvin

Shufflers(short & gentle)

Th4, 12.00 - V M Various Sylvia Slack 01623 633981

Next Meetings: Feb. 25th – Filletts at Forest Town

Strollers(a leisurely 2 miles)

We2, 10.30 - V M Various Barbara Massey / Marion Thornton 01623 628357/ 651528

Next Meetings: March 9th – Vicar's Water (car park); April 13th – Hardwick (Inn car park)

Walkers(an easy 4 - 5 miles)

We4, 10.30 - V M Various Joy & Nick Crowe01623 645400

Next Meetings: Feb 24th – Mansfield Woodhouse to Pleasley Vale; March 23rd - Farnsfield

Wine Appreciation 2 * We3, 7.30 - V M Members' homes Mike Allen01623 653345

Next Meetings: Feb. 17th – Sicilian Reds at Bob & Sue's

Wine Appreciation 3 * Tu4, 7.30 - V M Members' homes Graham Allin01623 473662

Next Meetings: Feb. 23rd – 10th Anniversary Dinner at Lynne & Barrie's

Wine Appreciation 4 * Th4, 7.30 - V M Members' homes Jane Kockum01623 407235

Next Meetings: Meetings as per calendar

Writing for Pleasure Mo2, 2 - 4 M Stanhope Centre, Bridge Street,Mansfield

Hilary Miller/Sue Ford01623 620067/844286

Next Meetings: Meetings as per calendar

Breaking News... 'A Royal Revelry' for U3As in North Notts.On the occasion of the Queen's 90th birthday, and to celebrate the longest reign of any Britishmonarch, there will be a Royal Revelry staged by the U3As of the North Notts NeighbourhoodGroup.

Tuesday June 7th 2016 will see us gather at the John Fretwell Centre at Sookholme from 10amfor a day of fun and … revelry! Each U3A will add something to the day, from musical events togames to displays. It will be free to attend, although teas will cost £8.00 a head, much better teasthan those in 1952! For those of you who remember the last U3A events there – the Jubilee Gala orour Crystal Ball – a good time is guaranteed. Watch this space for further information.

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Holidays 8 days in Devon 13th - 20th June 2016. Cost £529 including an evening variety show.All balances due at the March meeting will differ according to your chosen excursions and thesehave now been booked. Please collect an excursion sheet which will remind you of your individualchoices & your final balance amount. The 12 passengers who chose single rooms have an £18supplement to pay & with only one free place from which I have taken out the driver's gratuity, I canonly reduce the final amount by £6pp instead of the £18pp if only 3 more couples would join us. I amstill living in hope!Cheques payable to Mansfield & District U3A. Coach plans, itineraries and luggage labels will begiven out in May.Mallorca 26th Sept. - 3rd Oct. 2016Balances yet to be announced, to be paid from May but no later than the June meeting. 48passengers now travelling on this holiday. Look forward to a reduction in price here!

Margaret Burlinson

The Luncheon Club

Sixteen members of the Luncheon Club attendedthe Shepherd's Rest in Lower Bagthorpe, an old innwith loads of character. Three others were unable toattend due to illness and several more were missingas they were enjoying their week at Thoresby.Everyone had a lovely meal and the staff werefriendly and efficient. We look forward to a returnvisit perhaps next summer.

Next month's lunch is at the Carnarvon Arms inTeversal and we are already nearly booked up, soplease look at our webpage and let us know assoon as possible if you want to come along. Ourcontact details are on the website.

Colin & Eileen Bell

International Dining

The international dining group has reached its first anniversary with 50 members, which is excellent.Twenty-four members enjoyed the delights of the Ciao Bella Italian restaurant on January 11th, with onlyone hiccup - a crème brulee which hadn't set! Our previous visit, which seems such a long time ago, wason December 9th with 22 enjoying the delights of Indian food at Chand. Our next venue for samplinganother of the world’s cuisines is Emilio's Greek restaurant in Arnold. Why not join in on one of ourevening venues? The only obligation is to enjoy yourself.

Jacqui Hampshire

Theatre Visits

On Sunday March 6th at the Royal Albert Hall, the Circ De Soleil. £72 for good seats. Pay forthe seats before January 29th. Total cost for the day trip is £99, but if 36 people go, the price dropsto £94! Pay Sheila Whalley at the February meeting. Go to the web page for details of more shows,including the latest – 'Chicago' – in August.

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Thoresby Hall 2016

On Monday January 18th, 220 or more sundry U3A refugees from the English winter poured into theThoresby Hall reception centre. All looked remarkably cheerful considering the ordeal they were toundergo when mountains of deliciously preparedfood would be forced upon them. However, thisyear, instead of the resident comedian-archaeologist telling jokes from which the mud hadbeen delicately trowelled off, we were wellentertained by what my grandma would havecalled a ‘variety act’.

Good lord – a one man band! We haven’t seenone of those since Mafeking was relieved.Elsewhere, the diabolical commandant, OberfuhrerTerry Whitehead, as always, came prepared withhis usual instruments of torture (he calls themquizzes). ‘Thoresby’s like a concentration camp,’he said. ‘If you don’t concentrate, you don’t win.’

Hardy souls were forced out of the camp on route marches; one lot came straggling back looking like theremnants of Napoleon’s retreat from Moscow. All that was missing was the snow, but at least Napoleon’s

brandy restored the glow. Then again, if youweren’t quick enough to dodge them, grim facedPTIs led various groups in a variety of so calledgentle exercises and games.

Out on the rifle and archery range, steely eyedseniors practised to repel boarders. One of ournewest members won the archery ‘crackpot of theday’ title. Sorry, that should read crackshot. Thebowls contingent played games of UNO, nine spotdominoes and Rummicub, arguing that thisabsolved them from all other physical activity. Andthey got away with it.

Down at the pool, various swimming skills were ondisplay from ‘practising drowning by numbers’ to the semi-professional English Channel Swimming Clubbatting the less able out of their way as they ploughed up and down.

A final word about the guards (staff). Nothing was too much trouble for them. The caterers served 3600eggs, umpteen snakes (sorry, I mean steaks) and a shed load of chickens (just ask the local farmer who’sstill looking for them).

All in all, a wonderful week with jolly company. Thoresby really is like cruising without the ship rolling andnot a drunken sailor in sight! Enormous thanks to Terry Whitehead for organising it all. Now, where’s nextyear’s booking form?

Dave Drew

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History Group

On Wednesday January 27th, we were pleased to welcome Bob and Sue Longden to the group and theyboth expressed their astonishment at the breadth of knowledge on display. All involved had made gooduse of their visit to Newark’s Civil War Centre and the rich sources of information available on line.

Geoff Davies began by giving a summary of Civil War time-lines then Eileen Slater gave a wonderfulaccount of the life of Mrs. Cromwell, a lady much ignored by historians. Geoff Allin told us how the war hadimpacted on local agriculture and Graham Headworth gave masterful account of Cromwell’s rise to LordProtector. Ivan Haslam looked at Cromwell in Ireland and Rita Turner spoke about the Levellers.

Dave Drew looked at the various sieges of Newark and finished off with one of his historical oddballs,nothing to do with the Civil War, but highlighting the great ARP con-trick between 1939-45 when 3 timesmore folk died in the county due to road and rail accidents in the blackout than were killed by enemy airaction.

In February we will be looking at aspects of the Restoration and Dave will be asking the question, ‘Whatdid Zeppelins have to do with the Battle of Britain?’ Answer -- Quite a lot actually but, as Michael Cainemight say, ‘Not a lot of people know about that.’

Members of the group will be visiting Warwick Castle on Saturday April 9th to look at Warwick theKingmaker and the outcome of the Wars of the Roses.

Dave Drew

ASHFIELD U3A INVITE YOU TO JOIN IN THEIR CELEBRATIONSfor their 10th Anniversary

A Dinner and Danceto be held at Goosedale, Papplewick

on Friday 1st July from 7pm – Midnight

£25 per person (Deposit £10.00) forA two course meal with tea or coffee

Pan-fried chicken breast in a white wine and tarragon sauce with baked fondant potatoes, seasonal greensOr

Mushroom, Brie and cranberry Wellington in a vegetarian jus with parmentiere potatoes, seasonal greens

Chocolate Marquise with white chocolate sauce and mixed berry compotOr

Passion fruit and raspberry torte with a mixed berry coulis

Tea or Coffee with after-dinner chocolates

Dance the evening away with a Swing Band!

Please contact Trish on 01623 793447 or Jacqui Hampshire on the International Dining table atthe Tuesday February 16th Meeting

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Eileen Ashley. It is with deep regret that we have learnt that Eileen passed away peacefully at King's MillHospital on January 15th. Her cremation followed a Requiem Mass on February 1st. We offer our sincere condolences to her family and friends. _________________________________________________________________________________

Free BookletsFive free Wise Guide booklets from www.independentage.org will be on show at the Februarymeeting. The booklets give help and advice on benefits, grants for home adaptations, health, choosingand paying for care homes and dealing with the NHS. Check them out today.

Free Legal AdviceArc Legal Assistance, together with Irwin Mitchell Solicitors, provides a 24/7 free legal telephonehelpline for all U3A members on all aspects of the law. Contact 0344 770 1040._____________________________________________________________________________

The Speaker at the February 16th Meeting will be Jean Townsend who talk is entitled 'The LastLaugh'. She will be looking at some amusing epitaphs of the past and what is written on gravestones.On March 15th, we'll be getting the inside view of the world's longest running TV comedy series Lastof the Summer Wine from Sue Mallinson. An insight into one of the most popular TV programmes bysomeone who was in it.__________________________________________________________________________________

Dates for your diary (Check the website for more information and updates)Sat. Feb. 27th: Quiz Night at Queen Elizabeth's Academy. £7.50 a ticket, including a superb buffet. Bookin with Yvonne Kennison on 01623 481721 or [email protected] or buy a ticket at the Februarymeeting- last few available now.

Friday, May 20th: Coffee Morning at The Towers, Botany Avenue. 10am till noon. Moredetails later, but do book the date now in your diaries. Garden plants, Cakes, Raffles and much more.All profits go to keep your subscription as low as it is. And it is fun!______________________________________________________________________________Event and Visit PaymentsMEMBERS are reminded that deposits and payments for events and visits organised by MansfieldU3A and its interest groups are non-refundable, but places so reserved may be offered to others.______________________________________________________________________________Changes of address, etc.PLEASE contact the membership secretary, Marilyn Dibble 01623 634805, if you've changed youraddress, phone number or email since joining Mansfield U3A so that she can update our records.______________________________________________________________________________DisclaimerTHE VIEWS expressed here are those of the contributors, only, and do not necessarily reflect thoseof the editor, the committee of Mansfield U3A or the Third Age Trust. Nor can any responsibility beaccepted for members' announcements or any errors that may occur.______________________________________________________________________________Next IssuePLEASE SEND contributions for the next issue to [email protected] or byhand to Mike Allen as soon as you can and by the 1st of the month at the latest. Thanks!______________________________________________________________________________Editor: Mike Allen 01623 653345 Printed by: Portland Print

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