Newsletter -December 2019€¦ · David's style of euphemistic humour and audience participation was accompanied by communal ... FRIDAY 27 December at 10:00 am Our post-Christmas

December 2019 Issue No 44

MUSINGS FROM THE CHAIR Despite several groups deciding not to meet in December, there is still a lot of U3A activity in Mapperley. Let’s Sing with Stephen and Gary, the new Crafts Group with Debbie and French with Annabell are just some of the groups making the most of the traditional festive theme. Geraldine and her team have organised a lovely Christmas party with lunch for 80 people at the Golf club on Thursday, 12th and once again we are having our Twixmas meeting on Friday, 27th. Are you one of those who likes to have a new year’s resolution? Is there something you have always wanted to learn or do? If so, you can talk to Val Wilkinson or any of the committee members to see if it’s something U3A can help you to do by starting a new group. It’s never as difficult as people think and it is always far more satisfying than they imagined. Give it a little thought and then remember that it’s good to talk and the support is there for you to make that resolution happen. Together with your MaD Committee, I’d like to wish you all a very happy and peaceful Christmas and look forward to spending a busy and rewarding 2020 learning, laughing and living well with you all. Carolyn Luckhurst Chairman

MEETINGS November’s General Meeting David Moylan - a magician! An interlude of light entertainment and droll slapstick comedy. Two clever card tricks and entertainment of days gone by greeted us at the November meeting. David's style of euphemistic humour and audience participation was accompanied by communal singing. Flashes of the music hall comedy and a myriad of jokes were greeted spontaneously by the audience, with mixed reaction! The jokes presented on separate pieces of paper then transforming into a two page newspaper was extremely clever. David's presentation of linguistic gymnastics was extremely skilful and his ability to play the ukulele was impressive. Thank you to the brave volunteers from the audience. The gentleman on the front row was able to keep up the pace with rigour and brave Kate, who showed what a sport she was, added to the entertainment. Thank you to Heather for introducing a distinctly unique style of speaker today, encompassing a variety of genres. I hope you found some of it to your taste! Elaine Wyatt

M a DmomentsYour Monthly Mapperley and District U3A

Why is it getting so hard to buy Advent calendars? Their days are numbered

December’s General Meeting - FRIDAY 27 December at 10:00 am Our post-Christmas meeting will be moved one day to Friday 27 December at 10:00. As in previous years this will be our ‘Twixmas’ social event for members to meet for a chat, take coffee or tea and a variety of sweet and savoury snacks, and for new members to get to know us all a little better. There will also be a fun quiz and a bit of a sing-song with the Let’s Sing group. This is another opportunity for us to swap some jigsaws so please do bring one or two that you have finished with and choose something to take home.

So take this invitation from your Committee to come and join us for a pleasant social occasion in that “limbo” period between Christmas and the New Year.

To cover costs there will be a small charge of £2.00 per person. Tickets can be paid for on the day, but it would help if you could contact Carolyn Luckhurst via this link in advance let us know if you are coming along so that we can order the food.

Tickets, and also our lovely MaD 2020 Calendar, can also be obtained at the next New and Prospective Members Meeting at Tipsy T on Thursday 5 December.

WANTED - RAFFLE PRIZES

If you would be kind enough to donate a prize for the raffle at the Twixmas meeting in December, please let Carolyn know (via the link above) - or you can just bring it along with you to the meeting on Friday 27 December. Many thanks.

Future General Meetings 2020 Thursday 23 January Russian Christmas Cathy McAteer Thursday 27 February Trade and Silk Routes Dr Javad Hashami Thursday 26 March My Life in Prison Geoff Parkinson Thursday 23 April Butler to the Royals William French Thursday 28 May John O’Groats to Landsend Marian Smith Thursday 25 June Bletchley Park John Chapman Thursday 23 July Modern cataract surgery Stephen Vernon Thursday 24 September Finds Beneath Nottm Tramway Laura Parker Thursday 26 November Master Magician and mind reader Duncan William

New and Prospective Members’ Meeting On the Thursday following the main meeting, two committee members will be at Tipsy T, Woodborough Road, Mapperley from 10.30 to 11.30 am to talk on a one to one basis to people who have just joined or who are thinking about joining MaD U3A and want to know more about the groups and activities available.

If you know of someone who may be interested, please bring them along or direct them to Tipsy T.

The next meeting will take place on Thursday 5 December. You can buy your Calendar and tickets for the Twixmas meeting! The following meeting will be on Thursday 2 January 2020.

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Who hides in a bakery at Christmas? A mince spy

What do you call an obnoxious reindeer? Rude-olf

Who delivers presents to cats? Santa Paws!

NOTICES and ITEMS OF INTEREST

CAN YOU HELP US TO HEAR AT OUR MEETINGS? We have some problems with the PA system at Mapperley Plains Social Club and some members have mentioned that they find it hard to hear announcements and/or speakers. Are there any members who could offer their expertise to improve our PA system? Any help would be very welcome! Please contact Richard Hill or Carolyn Luckhurst via this link if you think you may be able to help or advise. Also, it would be much appreciated if you could remember to switch your mobile phone off or to silent mode whilst at the main meetings, and try to keep background chatter to a minimum whilst the PA system is being used - it’s very distracting to others and not very friendly to our speakers. Thanks in advance …

SCARF SWAP Why does it seem to be that however many scarves we have there never seems to be quite the right one?

At our January meeting we thought it would be fun to have a Scarf Swap. Just bring along any scarves which you no longer wear: ladies’, gents’, children's - all are welcome as long as they are in good condition and clean.

Then you can choose a lovely new addition to your wardrobe!

CALLING RAILWAY ENTHUSIASTS Mike Johnson from the Carlton and Gedling U3A Railway Enthusiasts Group came along to our main meeting this month and invited those of our members who have an interest in railways to join them. Their group usually meets at 10:00 am on the first Tuesday of each month. You can get more information - via this link. If you think this might be for you please contact Mike on 07949 910241 or by email at [email protected]

LIP READING COURSE Lip reading is a vital skill for people who are deaf, deafened or hard of hearing The Nottinghamshire Deaf Society run Lipreading courses which are designed to give people the confidence and skills to positively tackle the isolation associated with hearing loss. Classes are informal and friendly with no assessments, and are taught by an experienced qualified teacher. The next 10 week course starts on 14 January 2020. There will be 3 classes, all on a Tuesday, at 10:30-12.00pm, 1:30-3.00pm and 6.00-7:30pm. The cost of the course is £35.00. To find out more, click on this link which will take you to the Nottinghamshire Deaf Society’s Lipreading page from where you can download a Registration Form.

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Victoria Station

Which TV Christmas special is being filmed in Brussels this year? Deal Or No Deal!

DO YOU HAVE SOMETHING TO SAY? Please contact Elaine Wyatt if you have any concerns, ideas, problems or appreciation of Mapperley and District U3A. Either speak to Elaine at one of our meetings, or email her on [email protected] and she will do her best to deal with your issue or pass along your comments.

NATIONAL U3A NEWSLETTER

If you’d like to read the National U3A Newsletter just click on this link and sign up to receive your copy - National Newsletter.

PLEASE REMEMBER to let the Membership Secretary know if your personal details change. If you don’t you may stop receiving Third Age Matters, email information and the Newsletter etc.

The MaD Moments Newsletter is published monthly in digital format. Hard copies are available for members who do not have email. Please contact your Chairman Carolyn Luckhurst or speak to one of the Committee members.

The Third Age Matters magazine is available in a text only format to make it readable with screen reader. (You will have to register with the Resources section. Let me know if you have any problems and I will send you a text file.)

If your household receives two copies of the Third Age Matters monthly magazine it would be very helpful to us if you could bring your second copy to the next main meeting, so that new members can have a chance to browse this. With thanks Your Committee

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BEACON NEWSLETTER Beacon is the U3A’s integrated membership, groups, finance and mailing system. The aim of the Newsletter is to keep U3As informed of news about Beacon, to provide hints and tips, news about the Beacon Upgrade project and profile some of the people who work behind the scenes to make Beacon a success. To read the Beacon Newsletter please click here.

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1. According to the song, what did my true love give to me on the seventh day of Christmas? 2. Which colourful and much sung-about Christmas character was invented by American ad writer

Robert L. May in 1939? 3. What is the date of St Stephen’s day? 4. From which country is egg-nog said to have originated? 5. Which popular Christmas item gets its name from the old French word estincelle, which means

"spark"? 6. What are the names of the Three Wise Men (also known as the Three Kings)? 7. What is the name of the Dr Seuss character who steals Christmas? 8. According to legend, London sweet shop owner Tom Smith was poking a fire when he got the

inspiration to invent which traditional Christmas item? 9. What is the name of George Bailey's guardian angel in the film It's A Wonderful Life? 10. In Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol, which was the first ghost to visit Ebeneezer Scrooge? AnswersattheendoftheNewsle0er

NEWS FROM INTEREST GROUPS

Challenging Photography This subject was designed to be tricky, but most of the group’s members rose to the challenge and there were some excellent photographs which conveyed kindness.

In first place with an overwhelming score was Pauline Reed with a delightful study of a hedgehog feeding. In second place was Richard Lally and a Robin 'on the wing' feeding.

In equal third place were Sue Cullen with four hands conveying a feeling of 'kindness and understanding' and David Smith with his grateful squirrel.

Congratulations to all four and commiserations to the remainder who shared the remaining points between them.

Creative Crafting Hello, happy crafters

At our November meeting we learnt how to make a hanging snowflake decoration and worked on making simple Christmas Cards. You can see some photos of our creations on the website.

Next time we’ll be making a festive table decoration - a Yule Log, (not the cake variety, but using wooden logs). Newcomers are welcome to join us. There should be enough for everyone but if you have ideas for a table decoration that you’d prefer to work on, please bring those along. There will be lots of greenery, both natural and artificial, ribbons, baubles and a few robins available, so let’s get creative!

Thank you to everyone for their contributions of fabric, ribbon, artificial trimmings etc, not only group members but those of you from the wider MaD U3A.

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THE LITTLE MaD QUIZ

Creative Crafting continued

We are currently working on a program for the New Year and would like to hear from you if there is anything you’d really like to pursue. Also, if you have any particular skill you could demonstrate please let me know - you can send me an email via this link.

Thank you Debbie Foreman

German Conversation & Culture The German Conversation & Culture Group is up and running. Our next meeting will be on Friday 13 December 2019 at 10.30 when we will be talking about all things Christmas from a German point of view. At present our Group is full but if you would like to join the Waiting List please contact Joy Brown via this link.

Let’s Sing Confusion Reigns There was some confusion about our November gathering. We originally planned not to meet as I was away, but then due to popular demand we decided to go ahead after all, with Gary bravely volunteering to host the event on his own. (Well done Gary!). We did announce that in last month’s Newsletter and via a Beacon email sent to all who have signed up to the group, but apparently there were still some people who didn’t get the message, and would have attended but didn’t. My apologies to all concerned. At the end of this article is a checklist which you may find helpful.

In The Deep Midwinter We meet again on Tuesday 3 December at Westdale Lane Community Centre. Doors open 2.00pm, singing commences 2.10pm. Free tea & coffee at half time. Finish 4.00pm. We will sing a programme of Christmas songs, carols and hymns. Bring your mince pies and tinsel and let’s start the festive season with a bang. Everybody is welcome - you do not need to be signed up to the group, just turn up and have a go. £2.00 per person. On Friday 27 December we will provide a short musical interlude at the Twixmas gathering. Watch out for further announcements. I will always put any updates in the Newsletter, and I can be contacted via this link. Happy Winterval! Steve Degnan

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What do you get if you cross Santa with a detective? Santa Clues!

Trips, Short Breaks and Events These are the trips and visits we are hoping will go ahead between now and the end of the year, and into 2020.

Further dates for 2020 will be announced from time to time - please check the website. Best wishes, Geraldine (Social Secretary)

For further information Geraldine can be contacted via this link.

Fortnightly Friday Cryptic Crossword Group

2020January Saturday 18-19 Bletchely Park & Imperial War

MuseumFull £109 ss plus £29

February Saturday 15 Day Trip to York 7 £19 inc meal £30

March Friday 13 Assay Office & Meadowhall Sheffield

8 £30

March Tuesday 31 Ideal Home Exhibition, London 13 £32

April Sat-Sun 25-26 Harrogate Flower Show & York 2 £109 ss plus £29

May TBA TBA Greenwich - Cutty Sark, Observatory, Royal Palace, Maritime Museum

11 Approx £250

June Tuesday 9 River Cruise & Lunch 19 £25

June Tuesday 16 Manchester Day Trip 13 £22

July Monday 6 Night at the Dogs 3 £24

July Friday 17 Renishaw Hall Chesterfield 7 £30

August Sunday 9 Crich WWII Homefront 11 £30

August Tuesday 11 Welbeck Full TBA

September Friday 18 Leeds 11 Approx £20 w/o R/Card and

£16 with R/Card

October Mon-Fri 5-10 Exploring Devon & Cornwall including The Eden Project

14 £359 ss plus £129

October Friday 16 National Arboretum 15 £22

November Monday 16 King Richard III Leicester 4 Approx £20 w/o R/Card and

£16 with R/CardDecember TBA TBA Thursford Spectacular 14 TBA

December Thursday 17 Christmas Meal TBA TBA

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What do you call buying a piano for Christmas? Christmas Chopin! What would you call an elf who just has won the lottery? Welfy

What is white and minty? A polo bear!

Wine AppreciationA big crowd of wine lovers banished a grey day in November with a lovely selection of affordable fizz to try out ahead of Christmas. All of Sue’s choices came from Sainsbury’s and we had three delightful donations from members – many thanks to Joan and Linda. We started with an Italian Vignoletto spumante brut (£7.00) which was rather sharp and acidic with sour apples and little length – we won’t buy this one. Next up was Sainsbury’s own Cava with a citrus and toffee nose, a palate of tart apples and better length - good value at £6.00. Oyster Bay sparkling cuvée from New Zealand had a peachy soft nose, smooth on the palate and good length and was very much liked by everyone although it was a bit pricier at £12.00. Maison du Cirque Blanc de Blancs came in a lovely bottle and was very enjoyable with a floral nose, a biscuity palate and good length with apples and citrus. Most people liked this one and while it is usually more expensive at £15.00, Sue got a bargain at £10.00. McGuigan Black Label Rosé from S.E.Australia was a very pretty pale pink, a fruity palate with strawberries, sweet but not too sweet and would go well with afternoon tea in the summer or perhaps even sausages! Good value at £7.50. Joan’s Portuguese Raposeira 2010 was an attractive apricot coloured wine, a fruity palate with plums and minerals and good length. People varied on whether they liked it better than the previous wine, but it was quite different and enjoyed by all. For something very different, we then tried a McGuigan Black Label Shiraz, a lovely red with dark fruit (prunes, black cherries) on the palate and good length. Brilliant with Christmas cake and mince pies and a bargain at £7.50. We finished with two delightful Cremants de Bourgogne Victorine de Chastenay presented by Linda (and Paul), a blanc brut and a rosé. T he white had peach and vanilla on the nose and a taste of apricot and citrus. The rosé was a Pinot Noir and had summer fruits and raspberries, yet was not overly sweet. Both were absolutely lovely. A sparkling afternoon with a little naughtiness, just perfect to chase away the November gloom. Many thanks to Sue for a great selection and to Joan and Linda for donating such lovely wines to remind us of trips to sunnier climes. Cheers, Maggie

Writers’ Block This month we have a couple of limericks for you to enjoy …

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Once upon a time there was a

There was a young poet called Pound Whose hair reached right down to the ground; It was sold for a fiver To Lady Godiva - Covered her, her horse and her hound!

David Millinship

A foolish old biddy named Dottie Fell for Pedro whilst in Lanzarote When he asked her for money She said, “Listen, honey, Did you think I was totally potty! Fay Staton

INTERESTING ITEMS IN THE NEWS HEALTH RELATED …

CAN YOU SPOT THE HEART MYTHS? The media is awash with stories about heart and circulatory diseases, from nutritional advice to life-saving information. While some are true, it’s fair to say that many of them are simply a lot of hot air. Can you successfully sort the fact from the fiction? Click here to take the quiz.

EXPERIENCING HEART PALPITATIONS? WHAT IT COULD MEAN We're all familiar with the metaphor 'my heart skipped a beat' - used to describe a moment of shock or excitement. But what happens when our heart really does seem to miss a beat, flutter or change rate for a moment?

Heart palpitations are more common than you might think. Click here to read more

CAN YOU REVERSE TYPE 2 DIABETES? Type 2 diabetes is a disease which can be carefully managed through diet and exercise but its risks have led researchers to explore ways to reduce the harm it causes. One method is putting diabetes into remission.

To read more follow this link.

FIGURE OUT YOUR MIGRAINE TRIGGERS Migraine is a very common disorder. If you don’t get them yourself, chances are you know someone who does. According to The Migraine Trust, around one in seven of us get migraines, yet fewer than half of us who do are happy with our treatment. So, rather than trying to treat a migraine once it's started, wouldn't it be better to try to prevent attacks? Working out what triggers yours could give you a better chance of doing just that. To find out more click here to go to the Patient website.

DO YOU SUFFER WITH REYNAUD’S? Raynaud's phenomenon is a common condition in which the blood vessels in the extremities overreact to cold or stress. As the days get colder, how can Raynaud's sufferers manage their condition?

Follow this link to go read the article on the Patient website.

HOW MANY CALORIES IN ALCOHOL? Most of us will be enjoying a glass or two of Christmas cheer this month, but do you know how many calories are in that glass?

Click here to take this quiz from the Heart Matters website - but don’t let it spoil your celebrations!

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Did Rudolph go to school? No, he was elf-taught

12 HEALTHY CHRISTMAS FOOD SWAPS Trying to be healthy or watch your weight this festive season? That doesn't mean you have to miss out on all the fun. Check out this interactive tool on the Heart Matters website to swap Christmas treats for heart-healthy festive alternatives.

ON THE ROAD …

MOBILE PHONE DRIVING LAWS - WHAT IS AND ISN’T ILLEGAL? What are the mobile phone driving laws?

Can I use a SatNav? Can I use why phone while driving if the vehicle isn’t moving? What are the penalties? Could I lose my licence?

The RAC have a very interesting article about this on their website - click here to read it.

BREATHALYSERS MUST BE AVAILABLE IN ALL NEW CARS from 2022 Breathalysers must be able to be fitted into all new cars from 2022 following a landmark decision by the European Council. The technology, that could prevent drink-drivers from starting their engines, was approved in March but has only just been rubber-stamped by European officials last week. The UK’s position is yet to be confirmed, but the current Government has previously said it will mirror European road safety rules post-Brexit. To read more about it, follow this link to go to the RAC website.

DRIVING LAW QUIZ Can you match these driving law changes to the year they came in? 1931, 1935, 1967, 1983 1991, 2000 • 4 star petrol withdrawn from sale, 8 years after the last cars using it were made • Highway code first issued • Wearing seatbelts in the front of a car became law • Wearing seatbelts in the back of a car became law • Breathalyser introduced for Drink Drive Testing • Speed limit in built up areas (street lighting) set at 30 mph

AnswersattheendoftheNewsle0er

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MONEY-SAVING TIPS …

10 SURPRISING DISCOUNTS UK SENIORS GET … If They Know! December is an expensive month, but an article in Money-Hero.org gives some ways to save money. There’s advice on how to get discounts on new windows, affordable funeral plans, dining discounts, advice on equity release and much more. Click here to read it.

FACEBOOK - are you a member of our group? There are lots of lovely photos on our Facebook site - Mapperley and District U3A. Do join the group and keep up to date with news, views and information regarding the MaD U3A.

It’s a closed group, open only to members of MaD U3A (so not visible to anyone else) and it’s easy to join. Just log into your Facebook account, search in ‘Groups’ for ‘Mapperley and District U3A’ and send a request to join the group. If you don’t have an account you can easily create one by going to facebook.com.

INTEREST GROUPS Each group has its own page on the website giving details of the group’s activities

Do please remember to let the convener or your group know if you won’t be able to make it to a meeting. They go to considerable time and effort, and sometimes expense, to get the group organised and running smoothly for you - please don’t let them down by just failing to attend. An email or phone call is all it takes.

Occasionallymee-ngdatesmaybedifferentfromtheirnorm Pleasecheckwithyourconvenerforconfirma-onandmee-ngdetails

Two free taster sessions are available to those who are not members of MaD U3A. To find out more please go to the website. Each group below has a link to the relevant page.

What goes "Oh, Oh, Oh"? Santa walking backwards!

ArtHistoryConvener: JulieRigbyMeet: 3rdThursdayfrom10:00-12:00amVenue: MapperleyPlainsSportsandSocialClubNextmeeting: Thursday19December-TheNorthernRenaissanceVisit: Thursday5December-visittoNottinghamContemporaryFormoreinformation,contactJulieRigbyatArtHistoryconvener

BookClubConvener: MartinCookeMeet: 2ndTuesday(mostly)at10:30amVenue: Members’homesNextmeeting: Tuesday10December-Book‘NorthernLights’byPhilipPullmanThebookclubhasavacancyforonemoremember.Tojoin,orformoreinformation,pleasecontacttheBookclubconvener.

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ChallengingPhotographyConvener: MalcolmDarrochMeet: 4thWednesdayfrom2:00-4:00pmVenue: Room2ArnoldLibrary-£2perheadtocoverroomhireNextmeeting: Wednesday22January2020-subject‘NottinghamPubs’ContactMalcolmDarrochformoreinformation.

CreativeCraftsConvener: DebbieForemanMeet: 2ndMondayfrom10:00am-12:00amVenue: StJude’sChurchHallNextmeeting: Monday9December-Christmas-themedtabledecorationsForall‘crafters’andthosewhodon’tthinktheyarecreativebutwouldliketotrynewthings.Tojoin,orformoreinformationpleasecontactDebbieForemanviathislink

CreativeWritingConvener: CarolynLuckhurstMeet: 4thThursdayfrom2:00-4:00pm(latest).Venue: Convener’shomeNextmeeting: Thursday23January2020-‘Neglect’Thisisaparticularlyinterestinggroupwithavarietyofskilllevelsandapuredesireforenjoyment,friendshipandfun.PleasecontactCarolynforfurtherinformation

CurryClubConvener: SueCullenMeet: 3rdMondayevening-mostlymeetingat18:30.Startingmonthlyin2020Venue: VariousrestaurantsNextmeeting: Monday20January2020-SaagarTandooriRestaurantThisgroupwillmeetmonthlyatlocalrestaurants,allwithineasyaccessofpublictransport.FormoredetailsortojointhegrouppleasesendanemailtoSueviathislink

DiscussionGroupConvener: LynnMajewskiMeet: 2ndMondayfrom2:00-4:00pmVenue: Room1ArnoldLibraryNextmeeting: Monday9DecemberComeandjointhegroupinafriendlyatmosphere,liberallylacedwithbeverage,and,perhaps,makenewfriendsintheprocess.IfyouwishtojoinpleasecontactLynn.

FamilyHistoryConvener: ClaireWilkieMeet: 4thMondayat2:00pmVenue: ArnoldLibraryNextmeetings: Monday23December-ChristmasMealatMapperleyGolfClub Ifyouwanttocommentorshowmoreinterestinthisgroup,pleasesendanemailtotheFamilyHistoryconvener

FrenchConversationandCultureConvener: AnnabellBell-BouléMeet: 3rdThursdayfrom3:30-5:00pmVenue: HaywoodRoadCommunityCentreNextmeeting: Thursday19December

Ifyouwanttocommentorshowmoreinterestinthisgroup,pleasecontactAnnabellviathis link..

GamesConvener: MarionWrightMeet: Wednesdaysfrom2:00-4:00pmVenue: ThePunchbowl,PorchesterRoad,NottinghamWemeeteachWednesdayinanalcoveatthebackofthePunchbowl,ortuckedawayinacosycornerofthebar.Thereisnoroomcharge,butwepay£1.00aheadforteaandcoffee,whichisprovidedduringtheafternoon.ContactMarionviathislink-Gamesconvener

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What has four wheels and flies? A bin lorry

GardeningConvener: ChrisPadgettMeet: 3rdMondayat10:15am-12noonVenue: VariousNextmeeting: Monday16December,venuetobedecidedWehave30members-afriendly,cheerfulgroupofenthusiasticpeoplewhoshareaninterestingardening.Noneofusareexperts,butweallhavewillingheartsandhands,sowhynotjoinus?Formoreinformation,justsendanemailtotheGardeningconvener.Whateveryourgardeninginterest,Ilookforwardtohearingfromyou!

GermanConversationandCultureConvener: JoyBrownMeet: 2ndFridayat10:30Venue: Convener’shomeNextmeeting: Friday13DecemberAtpresentourGroupisfullbutifyouwouldliketojointheWaitingListpleasecontactJoyBrownvia this link.

GlampingGroupFORALLMOTORHOMEANDCARAVANOWNERS-ACTUALORASPIRINGWemeetoccasionally,ratherthanonafixedbasis,andatvariousvenuestobedecidedbythegroupthemselves.Itisenvisagedthatmuchoftheactivitywilltakeplacebetweenmeetingswithtipsandinformationbeingexchangedasrequiredbetweenmembersandbyavarietyofmeans.Ifyou’reinterestedpleasecontactVicBlakeformoreinformation

ItalianSpeechConvener: JoiceHallMeet: Wednesdaysfrom11:45-1.15pm(nomeetingsduringtheschoolholidays)Venue: Member’shomesCiao.ThisbeginnersgroupmeetseveryWednesdayexceptBankholidaysandduringthesummer.IfyouwouldliketoknowmoreaboutthisgrouppleasecontactCarolMcLoughlinon07753230339.

Let’sSingConvener: StephenDegnanMeet: 1stTuesdayfrom2:00pmVenue: WestdaleLaneCommunityCentreNextmeeting: Tuesday3DecemberIfyouwouldliketoknowmoreaboutthisgrouppleasecontactStephenDegnanviathislink

LocalHistoryConveners: DorothyRitchieandMichaelPayneMeet: 1stTuesdayfrom10:00-12:00amVenue: MapperleySocialClub,GamesRoomNextmeeting: Tuesday3December-TouroftheMagistratesCourtIfyouwouldliketoknowmoreaboutthisgrouppleasesendanemailtotheLocalHistoryconvener

LuncheonClubConveners: MartinDavenportandSheilaStaceyMeet: 3rdWednesdayat12:00noonVenue: VariousNextmeeting: Wednesday15January2020-TheOldVolunteer,CaythorpeComealongandenjoygoodcompanyandmakenewfriends,whilsthavingabitetoeat.WedineeverythirdWednesdayinthemonthchoosingdifferentvenues,meetingatnoon.PleasecontactMartinfordetailsoffuturelunches.

MusicAppreciationConvener: JoanDavisMeet: Usually1stMondayofthemonthat7:00pmVenue: Members’HomeNextmeeting: Monday2December-‘Sparkling’musicThegroupisnotabletotakeanynewmembersatthemoment,butpleasecontactJoanDavisorMaggieGrimshawifyouwanttoputyournameonthewaitinglist.

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What goes "Oh, Oh, Oh"? Santa walking backwards!

PhilosophyConvener: VicBlakeMeet: 4thTuesdayfrom10:30-12:30pmVenue: Member’shomeNextmeeting: Tuesday10DecemberatConvener’shome-meetingbroughtforwardthismonthThegroupiscurrentlyfullbutifyouwanttocommentorshowmoreinterest-orperhapsconveneasecondgroup,pleasesendanemailtothePhilosophygroupconvenerviathewebsite.

PlayhouseTheatreGroupConvener: JudithGambleMeet: VariousVenue: NottinghamPlayhouseNextMeeting: Thursday2January2020-‘SleepingBeauty’PantomimeFutureMeetings: Friday6March-‘MoonlightandMagnolias’MaDmembersarenowabletoexperiencecertainproductionsofgreattheatreataspecialprice(between£7.50and£8.00perticket)andalsoafreeprogramme.Ticketswillbeavailableatthemonthlymeetings,whenyoucansignupandpay.Tobooktickets,orformoreinformation,pleasecontactJudithviathewebsite.

PlayReadingConvener: SueCullenMeet: 1stThursdayfrom1:30-4:30pmVenue: Member’sHomeNextmeeting: Thursday5December-‘Oliver’byCharlesDickens(adaptedbyJeremyBrook)Thisfriendly,supportiveandencouraginggroupmeetsfor3hourswhichenablesustoreadawholeplayinoneafternoon.Thegroupisnowfull,butifyou’dliketoputyournameonthewaitinglistpleasesendanemailtoSueviawebsite..

Trips,ShortBreaksandEventsConvener: GeraldineChaffeMeet: VariousVenue: VariousThereisavariedandever-changingprogrammeoftrips,shortvisitsandevents.PleasecheckthewebsitefordetailsofcurrentandplannedeventsorcontactGeraldineformoreinformation.

WalkingConvener: MartinDavenportMeet: 3rdFridayat10:15amVenue: VariousNextMeeting: Friday20December-Edwinstowe-7milesFordetails,pleasecontactthewalkinggroupconvenerWalkingGroupconvener

Walking-ShorterWalksConvener: CarolynLuckhurstMeet: 2ndFridayVenue: VariousThenextwalk: Friday13December@10:30-RobinHoodTour.Meet@topofChapelBarTheShortWalksgroupwillbedoingTheRobinHoodTourofDiscoveryinNottinghamCity,organisedbyCryptology.Twoplaceshavebecomefree-ifyouwouldliketogopleasecontactCarolyn.

ThisGroupisdesignedforthoseofuswhowouldliketowalkbetween3and5milesusingfairlylocalroutesandjustonceamonth.ForfurtherinformationpleasecontactcontactCarolynviathislink

Walking-StrollersGroupConvener: HelenSmithMeet: 1stFridayVenue: VariousNextwalk: Friday6Decemberat10:45-TheArboretum(Meet10:30RoyalCentretramstop)ThisGroupisdesignedforthoseofuswhowouldlikewalksatamoregentlepace.ForfurtherinformationpleasecontactcontactHelenviathislink

WineAppreciationConvener: MaggieGrimshawMeet: 3rdWednesdayat2:30pmVenue: Member’sHomeNextmeeting: Wednesday18December-FoodandWinepairingThisgroupisnottakingnewmembersatthemoment,butwewillkeepthesituationunderreview.Pleasecontactmeifyouwantmetoputyouonthewaitinglist.

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Are you reading it? Are you enjoying it? Is there something you’d like to add?

This is YOUR Newsletter - if there is something you’d like to add, or remove, or if you would like to share with us an article you’ve seen, or a story or poem you’ve written - anything you feel would be of interest to the members of MaD U3A, please contact the Editor with your submission or suggestion for consideration. We would love to hear from you ……. but keep it polite!

THE LITTLE MaD QUIZ - ANSWERS 1. Seven swans a-swimming, 2. Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer, 3. 26th December, 4. England, 5. Tinsel, 6. Caspar, Melchior & Balthazar, 7. The Grinch, 8. The Christmas cracker, 9. Clarence, 10. Jacob Marley

DRIVING LAWS QUIZ - ANSWERS 1931 - Highway code first issued 1935 - Speed limit in built up areas (street lighting) set at 30 mph 1967 - Breathalyser introduced for Drink Drive Testing 1983 - Wearing seatbelts in the front of a car became law 1991 - Wearing seatbelts in the back of a car became law 2000 - 4 star petrol withdrawn from sale, 8 years after the last cars using it were made

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And finally …… December 22nd - Bryan in Cornwall calls his son in Nottingham and says “Son, I hate to ruin your day, but I have to tell you that your mother and I are getting divorced. 55 years is enough for anyone” “Pop, what are you talking about?” the son yells. “We’re sick of each other” says Bryan “and I’m not going to talk about this any more, so call your sister in Newcastle and let her know” and he hangs up. Frantic, the son calls his sister who explodes on the phone. “They’re not getting divorced if I have anything to do with it. Leave it to me” she shouts “I’ll take care of this”. She calls Cornwall immediately and screams at her father “You are NOT getting divorced. Don’t do a single thing until I get there. I’m calling my brother back to fix it, and both families will be there tomorrow.” And she hangs up. Bryan puts down the phone, turns to his wife and says “Okay, they’re coming for Christmas”.

IT’S YOUR NEWSLETTER … we need your

Carolyn Luckhurst Chair Sue Cullen Vice Chair & Newsletter Helen Fulton Business Secretary Anne Elliott Treasurer Chris Padgett Membership Secretary Geraldine Chaffe Social Secretary Heather Wheatley Speaker Seeker

Elaine Wyatt Marketing & Liaison Val Wilkinson Groups Convener ) Maggie Grimshaw Groups Convener ) Vic Blake Committee Member Martin Cooke Committee Member Richard Hill Committee Member

Your Committee 2019-20

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Occasionally meeting dates may differ from the norm - Please check with your convener

Mapperley&DistrictU3ADiaryofEvents–December2019

Date Day Time Group Meetat Details Contact

2 Mon 19:00 MusicAppreciation Member’shome ‘Sparkling’music JoanDavies

3 Tue 09:30 ChristmasMarketand ChristmasTreeFestival MeltonMowbray GeraldineChaffe

3 Tues 10:00 LocalHistory TourofMagistratesCourt DRitchie&MPayne

3 Tues 14:00 Let’sSing WestdaleLaneCom.Centre Allarewelcome StephenDegnan

4 Wed 11:45 ItalianSpeech Members’homes JoiceHall

4 Wed 14:00 Games Punchbowl,PorchesterRd Canbringowngame MarionWright

5 Thurs 10:30 NewandProspectiveMembersmeeting

TipsyT,MapperleyTop CarolynLuckhurst&ChrisPadgett

5 Thurs 13:30 Playreading Convener’sHome ‘Oliver‘–CharlesDickens SueCullen

5 Thurs ArtHistory Visit NottinghamContemporary JulieRigby

6 Fri 10:45 Strollers’Group TheArboretum MeetRoyalCentretramstop

HelenSmith

9 Mon 10:00 CreativeCrafts StJude’sChurchHall Xmastabledecorations DebbieForeman

9 Mon 14:00 DiscussionGroup ArnoldLibrary,Room1 LynnMajewski

10 Tues 10:30 BookClub Members’homes ‘NorthernLights’byPhilipPullman

MartinCooke

10 Tues 10:30 Philosophy Convener’shome TOBECONFIRMED VicBlake

11 Wed 11:45 ItalianSpeech Members’homes JoiceHall

11 Wed 14:00 Games Punchbowl,PorchesterRd Canbringowngame MarionWright

13 Fri 10:30 GermanConversation Convener’shome GermanChristmas JoyBrown

13 Fri 10:30 ShorterWalks RobinHoodTourofDiscovery

MeettopofChapelBar CarolynLuckhurst

16 Mon 10:00 Gardening Venuetobeannounced ChrisPadgett

18 Wed 11:45 ItalianSpeech Members’homes JoiceHall

18 Wed 14:00 Games Punchbowl,PorchesterRd Canbringowngame MarionWright

18 Wed 14:30 WineAppreciation Member’shome Food&winepairing MaggieGrimshaw

19 Thurs 10:00 ArtHistory Mapp.PlainsSocialClub NorthernRenaissance JulieRigby

19 Thurs 15:30 FrenchConversation&culture HaywoodRdCommunityCntr AnnabellBell-Boulé

20 Fri 10:15 Walking Edwinstowe 7Miles MartinDavenport

23 Mon 14:00 FamilyHistory MapperleyGolfClub Christmasmeal ClaireWilkie

27 Wed 14:00 ChallengingPhotography Arnoldlibrary ‘Kindness’ MalcolmDarroch

28 Fri 10:00 GeneralMeeting Mapp.PlainsSocialClub Twixmas

2020

Thursday2January NewandProspectiveMembersmeeting

TipsyT,MapperleyTop CarolynLuckhurst&ChrisPadgett

Thursday2January PlayhouseTheatreGroup Playhouse@19:00 Panto–SleepingBeauty JudithGamble

Wed15January LuncheonClub TheOldVolunteer Caythorpe MartinDavenport&SheilaStacey

Mon20January2020 CurryClub SaagarTandooriRestaurant SueCullen

Wed22January2020 ChallengingPhotography NottinghamPubs MalcolmDarroch

Thurs23January2020 CreativeWriting ‘Neglect’ CarolynLuckhurst

Various Glamping Venuetobedecided VicBlake