Romiley & District U3A Newsletter...different to her debut novel “The Miniaturist” which became a bestseller. Jessie urton’s second Jessie urton’s second book was set in two

PAGE 1 NEWSLETTER 37 SEPT, OCT, NOV, DEC 17 JAN 2018

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Roger Browne – playing for us at our January meeting

CHAIRMAN’S REPORT Happy New Year, I hope that it will be a fine year for everyone. The latest newsletter is the 37th edition. We are proud to provide as much news as we can, so that we can keep everyone up to date with all the latest information. I thought that last year was a very good one, culminating with an excellent Christmas Lunch at Romiley Golf Club. We must all thank Chris Walters for his fine organisation in making this a pleasurable day for everyone who attended the event! As Chairman I would like to thank everyone who has supported the group. I would like to encourage you to mention to friends and relatives the benefits of our group and everything we have to offer. IAN WORSLEY

Romiley & District U3A

Newsletter Web site – http://u3asites.org.uk/romiley

Issue 37 –Sep, Oct, Nov, Dec -2017 - Jan 2018. Registered Charity 1119203

Charity 1119203

Front Page Chairman’s Report.

Pages 2 to 12 Group Activity reports, further meetings etc.

Back Page Further Information

http://u3asites.org.uk/romiley


LITERATURE GROUP

We have read three books and discussed our poetry choices at Christmas since our last report.

The first book was called ‘A Man Called Ove’ by Frederik Bateman. Set in Norway, this book was

at once poignant and humorous. It followed the trials and tribulations of Ove (pronounced to

rhyme with mover), as he tried to commit suicide after deciding he had nothing much to live for.

This was delayed largely owing to the interference of a vivacious new neighbour – what follows

is worth investigating.

Our next book was a legal thriller ‘Defending Jacob”, by William Landay. Jacob, a sullen

teenager, is accused of murdering a schoolmate. The book concentrates on the effect on his

family and we are kept guessing what the outcome will be. It was an entertaining and

compulsive read.

Following this we read ‘The Orphan Train” by Christina Baker Kline. It followed the life of an

orphan taken into the Midwest during a push to find families for orphan children from the towns

and cities of America. Not all the outcomes were good, but finally the heroine is to be found

helping an old woman explore the secrets in her attic. Much is revealed of them both as they

learn about each other and the lives they have led. This was an interesting and enlightening

book that revealed much about the history of this relocation experiment and the impact it had

on those involved. A good read.

As usual our poetry session was very enjoyable owing largely to the variety of poems chosen by

the group. We always enjoy a good chat and the two hours passed with much laughter and

contemplation.

Our next book is ‘The Tenant of Wildfell Hall’, by Anne Bronte – it is good for the soul to read a

Victorian novel from time to time, if only to show how life is now so different and how literary

styles have changed. Further reads have yet to be decided. Rosemary

FRENCH CONVERSATION GROUP

The French Conversation group is alive and well. We would like to wish other U3A members une Bonne Nouvelle Année and fun and success in your various group activities. Barbara

GARDEN APPRECIATION GROUP - ONE

When we boarded the Judith Mary narrowboat at Whaley Bridge on Wednesday 4th October we

knew that this was going to be a rather unusual Garden visit. We sailed along the Upper Peak

Forest Canal, built in 1800, towards New Mills and enjoyed the stunning views of Chinley Churn

hill with in the background Kinder Scout. In the canal ducks, geese and other birds were busy

foraging while we too tucked into our very tasty beef hot pot followed by delicious local made

apple pie with cream. Mm! And all the time we enjoyed the close encounters with nature,


spotting Giant Hogweed, flowering Meadowsweet and other wild flowers still

blooming.

Near Furness Vale we admired the tiers of terraced gardens of the houses along the canal which

displayed an abundance of lilac Asters, rosy-red Sedum Spectabile, Hydrangeas and Cinerarias to

name just a few.

Quite entertaining were some of the names of other narrowboats such as Dragonfly, Misty

Waters, Mrs Twiggie, Popsie and Paddington Bear which must have travelled all the way from

London on a 11 days’ journey so we were told by the Skipper of our narrowboat.

In addition he informed us that Princess Diana visited the local area in 1990 and after she had

been to the Swizzels sweet factory in New Mills. She too went for a sail in our boat, and one of

our group had the unexpected privilege to be sitting on the exact seat near the prow from where

Princess Diana had enjoyed looking at the gorgeous countryside all those years ago!

Our thanks go to Kath for arranging this unforgettable day out.

Karin

Early January is of course not a very suitable time to visit gardens. Therefore we came together

for a planning meeting and decided which gardens to visit this coming year. This could be called

our GARDEN DREAM meeting. During the months ahead our dreams will be revealed in a

number of reports and they may provide ideas to any other Romiley U3A members to visit some

of the lovely gardens in our area.

Our planet has an immense variety in flora and fauna and very soon we can all enjoy the arrival

of the first Snowdrops followed by daffodils and tulips etc. and when we can sit outside again

admire Azaleas while the scent of roses travels to us in a gentle breeze. Oh, what lovely

dreams! Dreams which can be shared by everybody including you fellow U3A friends who are

reading this article. We wish you all much enjoyment during this year.

Karin

GARDENING GROUP (2)

Our September visit was to 'Wild in the country ' in Eyam Derbyshire. We had a very interesting chat with the owner who explained how she is growing a wide variety of flowers for cutting. Planting was mainly on raised beds and the plants were aimed for florists to use. Unfortunately we probably chose the coldest day of September for our visit. We then travelled to The Barrel Inn in Bretton for a tasty lunch and we appreciated the log fire which had been lit. Our October visit had to be cancelled due to low numbers so we next met at Ashton Garden Centre in November. We were amazed to see just how much of the centre had been taken over by Christmas decorations, gifts etc. In December we met at our house for a good chat, coffee and photos of flowers of the world. Our Christmas lunch will be in February.


Sadly this is the last newsletter for Garden Group 2 as we have decided to disband due to lack of numbers and especially car drivers. We would like to thank Carol and Alan for all the help they have given us in the past few years. They have come to our rescue so often and it has been much appreciated. Sue and Graham

MATINEE THEATRE GROUP

At the end of October we visited the Plaza in Stockport to see Stockport Operatic’s production of

“Oklahoma”. It was a delightful show; the sets, singing and costumes were excellent. The two

male leads were outstanding.

At the beginning of December a few of us went to the Royal Exchange to see an all black cast

perform “Guys and Dolls”. It was an exceptional performance and a pleasure to watch.

If you are unable to attend the monthly meeting please give me a ring and I will let you know our

future programme.

Ruth

BOOK GROUP

BOOK GROUP “Flight Behaviour” by Barbara Kingsolver is another of her novels on the theme of conservation. Dellarobia, who lives on an impoverished farm in the Appalachian Mountains, is bored with her marriage and decides to embark on an illicit affair. On the way to the assignation she comes across the most amazing sight. The trees are clothed in Monarch butterflies. Forgetting her tryst she spreads the word and thus changes the course of her life, and that of her family, for ever. She becomes environmentally aware and becomes involved with the scientific group who arrive to study this unusual occurrence. The group were divided in their response to this book. Although it was witty we all agreed is was far too long. October’s book was a debut novel “The Miniaturist” by Jessie Burton. In autumn 1686, eighteen year-old Nella Oortman arrives at a grand house in Amsterdam to begin her new life as the wife of wealthy merchant Johannes Brandt. Though curiously distant, he presents her with an extraordinary wedding gift: a cabinet-sized replica of their home. It is to be furnished by an elusive miniaturist, whose tiny creations ring eerily true. This is a dark and sinister story with some unexpected twists. The author brings the past to life in sensory detail and paints a vivid picture of life in 17th Century Amsterdam. We all found this book to be absorbing but not necessarily enjoyable. It led to much animated discussion and varying interpretations. “My family and Other Animals” by Gerald Durrell, first published in 1956, is an account of his eccentric family’s move to Corfu. Research has proved that this is a highly fictionalised autobiography. Never the less it was an entertaining read. The antics of his crazy family were interspersed with the young Gerald’s expeditions and collections of wild animals which he


insisted on housing in the variety of villas which the Durrell family lived in, much to his family’s disgust. Not everybody enjoyed this book but it gave rise to a discussion on the ethics of keeping animals in captivity. We finished the year by reading “The Muse”, another novel by Jessie Burton. This was very different to her debut novel “The Miniaturist” which became a bestseller. Jessie Burton’s second book was set in two time zones and countries, Spain in the 1930s and England in the 1960s. This made it difficult to follow at times but was an intriguing story with a twist at the end. On the whole most members enjoyed it but didn’t think it compared favourably with “The Miniaturist” Our first book in the new year was “The Fishing Fleet” by Anne De Courcy. It was a factual account of the lives of young single middle-class ladies who went out to India in the late 1800s and early 1900s in search of a husband. A glittering social life met them on arrival but for those who were successful in their quest, life often changed dramatically. Whisked off to a remote outpost, married life proved a far cry from the social whirl of their arrival. The book was informative but not entertaining. It received a mixed reception but, as so often is the case, led to a lively discussion.

Ruth

ART APPRECIATION GROUP

. Our September meeting took the form of a visit to Salford Art Gallery to see an exhibition of

items from the collection of the University of Salford to mark the University’s 50th

Anniversary. One of the pictures on show was a picture of a red brick house in Romiley by

Adolphe Vallette who taught Lowry. We could not identify the house shown but we thought

it might be in the Chadkirk area and we are hoping to recognise it one day.

In October we visited the Whitworth Gallery to see an exhibition of works by Raqib Shaw. His

paintings are large, in vibrant jewel colours, with many small objects contained within the greater

scenario. Shaw creates his pictures by manipulating pools of enamel and metallic industrial paints

using a porcupine quill!

Ian Worsley gave us hospitality for the November meeting at which we viewed a DVD on

Alphonse Mucha, a follow-up to our visit to the Walker exhibition, and settled our programme for

the early months of 2018.

In December we enjoyed Bea’s excellent hospitality for our Christmas party, much enjoyed by all

who were able to attend.

For our January meeting Stella kindly provided a venue. Ian Worsley presented a DVD on David

Bellamy, a brilliant artist in water colours, who gave a fascinating commentary on his technique

as he worked.

In February we shall visit the Tate Art Gallery in Liverpool to see an exhibition of work by John

Piper.


In March we shall be at Jennie’s home where Bea will talk about David Curtis, another talented

artist who works mostly in water colours, and will present a DVD in which the artist explains his

technique. This will allow us to compare him with David Bellamy.

Joan

French impressionist artist Adolphe Valette came to England in 1904. From 1906 to 1920, Valette taught at the Municipal School of Art, All Saints – now part of Manchester School of Art, Manchester Metropolitan University, it was here he taught and inspired L.S. Lowry. Romiley was acquired by the Collection in 1971 along with Valette’s other work Figures by a Fence (1922).

We could not identify the house shown but we

thought it might be in the Chadkirk area and we

are hoping to recognise it one day-

Any ideas ???

********************

PLAY READING GROUP

After the summer break, we read 'Harlequinade' by Terence Rattigan. This play is about two thespians touring the provinces. These 'ham' actors have a dubious past and the plot weaves its way through this. The general verdict was that it was quite funny but the ending was too abrupt. In October we read a play entitled ' The Birds Stopped Singing' by Lawrence Barker. It is an unusual story of two soldiers --one Russian and one German meeting in an hotel after the first world war. It involves the Tsar and his family. The material was interesting but 'over wordy'. The finale was very surprising.

Eileen


SHIRLEY’S SKYDIVE FOR CHARITY

I wish to thank all the people who were kind enough to sponsor me for my skydive in aid of:- HDA (Huntington’s Disease Association), so I would like to tell you the story. On23rd August 2017 I surprised myself – and other people, by taking to the air above Lancaster in order to descend from a small plane by parachute. I was reassured by the fact that a very experienced instructor was in charge. The training had been very thorough and my “dive buddy”, Paul told me he had done ten thousand jumps over a period of thirty years. This was to be a tandem jump which entails being firmly attached together once on the plane before moving towards the exit door. I was the first one of five “first-timers” to go out at 11,000 feet. My Grandson Alex and his fiancée Tara exited after me along with another couple. I was in free fall for sixty seconds (which seemed a long time). It was a very warm sunny day after early mist but the first rush of air was very strong and cold on my face – thank goodness for the goggles and helmet. Then a small drogue chute was deployed. This reduced the speed of descent until the main parachute was opened by Paul. I was then instructed to remove the goggles and enjoy floating over the countryside, seeing the river Lune snaking its way to the sea through the lovely green countryside. I was glad to see the airfield buildings where members of our family were anxiously waiting to see small spots appearing in the sky. The landing was perfect – due to ground training which took place when we visited the Centre some time before to make the arrangements.


Then I watched Alex and Tara drift safely down. The skydive had been their idea and I had quite rashly requested that I take part as well. Tara’s father sadly passed away as a result of Huntington’s disease and Tara herself has tested positive for the gene. Between the three of us we raised almost two thousand pounds – our target had been one thousand. The family had, unknown to me, arranged for a film to be made of the experience so I was photographed at each stage by a brilliant photographer who had jumped out just before me. In the plane he kept me talking which relaxed me and helped to remove any fear. Once out of the plane I wasn’t conscious of him taking pictures at all – but he very skilfully did just this. He landed before I did and was able to help me up from a sitting position and unclip me from Paul. Alex, Tara and I walked back together to be welcomed by the waiting spectators. From the beginning of the day I was supported and looked after by all at Black Knights Parachute Centre, and of course my family and friends who were amazing – Thank you so much to all of them and to all our sponsors. We have heard on the news recently how gene research is progressing and a landmark trial was the first to show that the genetic defect that causes Huntington’s may in the future be corrected, raising hopes that a drug will be able to slow, or even stop the disease - (And hopefully other genetic diseases which affect the brain). Money raised goes towards future research.

DATA PROTECTION

The Law concerning Data Protection will be changing from the 25th May

with the introduction of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).

This will mean changes to our procedure. We will inform you about

these changes as they become clear.

FUTURE SPEAKERS 2018 22ND February JOSEPHINE GOSLING “Amazing History Walks” History of the British Countryside and its People.


22ND March MIKE REDFERN “Walking to Everest” Experience of Nepal Landscape and Culture – Wonderful Pictures. 26TH April PETER TURNER “The Art of Magic” Amazing Experiments, Demonstrations and Insights into the World of Magic. 24TH May GEOFF SCARGILL “The Last Laugh of the Railway King” (Edward Watson) Historical Manchester Revelations. 28TH June PAT OSBORNE “The Brontes Behind Closed Doors” Light Hearted and Informative talk. 26TH July PAUL ISHERWOOD “Recovery is Addictive” Brought up in Blackpool. Became addicted to gambling machines. Turned His life around and is now an outreach crusader, helping others.

1. Is it good if a vacuum really sucks?

2. Why is the third hand on the watch called the second hand? 3. If a word is misspelled in the dictionary, how would we ever know? 4. If Webster wrote the first dictionary, where did he find the words? 5. Why do we say something is out of whack? What is a whack? PLEASE NOTE! a) At the last AGM Rose mentioned in the treasurer’s report that we are planning to stop the Associate Membership grade after the current membership year. We would suggest that anyone joining now should apply for full membership.


b) Information from the Northwest Newsletter:- i) The Newton Rigg Summer School ii) The Big Sing in September iii) The National Subject Advisers iv) The Vikings: Rediscover the Legend - exhibition and talk v) The Science Groups day at Heswell Hall on 30th April

Our Charity for 2018/19 is The Wellspring Below is an account of how they operate

The Wellspring We are a resource centre for homeless

and disadvantaged people

What We Do? The Wellspring provides referrals into housing; we have supported over 1500 rough

sleepers off the streets and into accommodation. We actively engage with people

who are at risk of becoming homeless therefore preventing homelessness from

happening. The Wellspring provides educational courses, Computer courses, art

classes, other activities such as football, walking groups and gardening courses.

Health services are available, including a drop in service from a GP. Referrals to

other specialist services, such as drug and alcohol teams are made frequently. Free

food and drink is available 365 days a year. The Wellspring provides people rough

sleeping with showers and clean clothing, as well as blankets and sleeping bags. 1-1

support planning sessions take place. All Wellspring staff are qualified learning

advisors and constantly signpost people into education.

THIS IS A SHOCKING INDICTMENT OF OUR SOCIETY


Rough sleeping in England has increased for the seventh consecutive year, official figures show,

and charities say even this steep rise fails to capture the true level of street homelessness.

Statistics published by the government on Thursday reveal that an estimated 4,751 people

bedded down outside overnight in 2017, up 15% on the previous year.

Homelessness charities said the figures, up 169% since 2010, were a catastrophe and a scandal,

while Labour blamed government policies for what it called the “shameful” figures and promised

to eliminate rough sleeping in the first term of a Labour administration

U3A PUBLICATIONS

As you are probably aware, the U3A publications, namely, 'Third Age Matters' and 'Sources'

magazines are available to all members by means of a subscription scheme. This has been

trialled at Romiley & District U3A and has proved to be working well.

We aim to increase the uptake of the magazines. Why don't you take advantage of this scheme

For the following reasons:

(a) they are free of charge apart from a postage levy and which is typically about £2.50 for

5 issues of "Third Age Matters" and 3 issues of "Sources".

(b) they are posted to your home address.

(c) TAM magazine will enable you to keep aware of other groups as well as opinions

(sometimes provocative), letters, competitions, book reviews, holiday opportunities and much

more! The "Sources" magazine selects a single subject of interest and explores this in some

depth by means of experiences gained by group members.

So, Romiley U3A members wishing to take part in this distribution system need only let me have

their postal address and they will be contacted for payment after delivery of the fifth magazine.

Gordon Taylor

37 Glenside Drive

Woodley Stockport Cheshire SK6 1JJ This has to be a bargain - go for it!

YOUR COMMITTEE Ian Worsley Chairman & N/Letter Editor

Ruth Frost Secretary

Allan Shimmin Treasurer

Shirley McConnell Social Secretary&Vice-Chair

Kath Bradley Groups-Co-ordinator

Anne Alsop Minutes Secretary

Gordon Taylor

Chris Walters Web Manager 430-6714

Maurice Keenan Membership Sec

Rose Shimmin

Hazel Morton Almoner

https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/676097/Rough_Sleeping_Autumn_2017_Statistical_Release.pdf

https://www.theguardian.com/society/2017/jan/25/number-of-rough-sleepers-in-england-rises-for-sixth-successive-year


PENNINE LINK JOINT ACTIVITIES

ACTIVITY CONTACT TEL NO INFORMATION

GROUP ACTIVITIES

Architecture David Mathews 427-0372 Ring David for details

Beginners Bridge Eric McGee 427-2904 Ring Eric for details

Chess David Wilkinson 427-6487 Ring David for details

Dancing-for-improvers Kathleen Taylor 427-0131 High Lane Village Hall

Dancing Latin America Kathleen Taylor 427-0131 Scout Hut in Marple Memorial

Digital Photography Joy Close 427-3292 Ring Joy for details

Jazz Appreciation Group Brian Strickland 427-3943 2nd Wednesday at 2.00pm

Map Reading Carole McConnell 4278903 Ring Carole for details

Matinee Group Ruth Frost 430-4174 Announced at monthly meetings-N/Letter

Music Appreciation Group 2 Jonathan Gort 430-3562 3rd Monday morning at 10.30am

Outdoor Bowls Group Barbara Sharpe 285-0345 Marple Memorial Park

Outdoor Bowls

John Kent 427-5591 Torkington Park 10 to Noon Thursday’s

Photography Lynda McLacland 427-7387 Ring Lynda for details

Poetry Chris Farnswoth 427-6082 Ring Chris for details

Scrabble Group Mavis Lewis 484-5524 Ring Mavis for details

Table Tennis Group David Wilkinson 427-6487 Ring David for details

Table Tennis Group Margaret Allen 427-5188 Ring Margaret for details

Tai Chi Class Joyce Garside 430-6503 Ring Joyce for details

Walking Group Judith Linch 449-7507 Ring Judith for details

ACTIVITY CONTACT TEL NO INFORMATION

Art Appreciation Joan Ring Joan for dates and venues

Book Group Ruth Ring Ruth for details

Conversation Spanish Eva Mon 2pm until 3,30 pm fortnightly

Discussion Group Shirley Ring Shirley for details

Drawing & Painting Shirley Every Tues. 9.30am In the Studio

First Aid Eileen Ring Eileen for details French Inter Conversation Barbara Ring Barbara for details

Garden Appreciation(1) Kath First Wednesday in Month

G-App(3) & Social GP Jennie Ring Jennie for details

German – Advanced* Chris Walters 430-6714 Ring Chris for details (Fluent Speakers

German – Beginners* Chris Walters 430-6714 Ring Chris (Full as of April 2015)

Literature Group Rose Ring Rose for details

Outings Kath Details at monthly meeting

Play Reading Eileen Ring Eileen for details

Spanish Group Ruth Weekly – Tuesday @ 2.00 pm


SPEAKERS FOR FUTURE MEETINGS

22nd March Mike Redfern “Walking to Everest”

26th April Peter Turner

“The Art of Magic”

24th May Geoff Scargill “The Last Laugh of the Railway King”

28th June Pat Osborne “The Brontes Behind Closed Doors”

26th July Paul Isherwood “Recovery is Addictive”

Our meetings are held on the 4th Thursday of each month in the Community Centre. Members please arrive before

2.00pm for a prompt start, thus enabling the speaker to have a full quota of time. The Entrance fee is £1.00.

Contributions for the next newsletter before the end of APRIL to Ian Worsley 8, Lowside Avenue Woodley Stockport,

SK6 1JU – TEL: 0161-430-6789. Preferable by e-mail to [email protected]. Contributions also accepted by

Kath. Thanks to all contributors.

mailto:[email protected]

Romiley & District U3A Newsletter...different to her debut novel “The Miniaturist” which became a bestseller. Jessie urton’s second Jessie urton’s second book was set in two

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