U3A Kettering Newsletter June 2014

Kettering U3A June 2014

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17th June 2014

Kettering U3A Year 10 Newsletter 11

www.u3asites.org.uk/kettering

Registered Charity No. 1108614

Next Month 15th July

Kettering Civic Society

by

Andrea Pettingale

From the Chairman

Today’s meeting is our AGM and also my last as Chairman. I am pleased to say that as a Committee we are in a much better position today than at last year’s AGM when we were struggling for both Officers and Committee members. However, we were able to co-opt members very shortly afterwards and were able to run the full year with a complete Committee. We go into this AGM with the prospect of a full complement of Officers and Committee and crucially a new Chairman. I must, as you know, stand down after completing not only the statutory 3 year term but also the additional 4

th year when

we were unable to fill the post. There have been many challenges over the last 4 years and despite the “ups and downs” I know I will miss the role although I intend continuing to be actively involved as a member of the new Committee. I would like to thank not only Committee members but everyone for the support you have given me over the last 4 years which has ensured the continuing success of Kettering U3A. I am looking forward to having the time to join some of our interest groups and sit back and enjoy the monthly meeting!

CyrilCyrilCyrilCyril

Today— 17th June

Annual General Meeting


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Your Kettering U3A Committee 2013-2014

Chairman Cyril Young 01536 392 065 [email protected] Vice Chairman Mary Wildman 01536 741 222 [email protected] Treasurer/Membership Sec. Maggi McGuire 01536 392 716 [email protected] Secretary Marian Tucker 01536 510 354 [email protected] Outings/Groups Co-ordinator Maureen Curd 01832 732 361 [email protected] Speaker Secretary Vacant Newsletter Richard Boyles 01536 744 753 [email protected] Committee Member (Co-opted) Elizabeth Toseland ———- —————-

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 10 days 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.

• Ensure your group members are aware of their turn to do the meeting refreshments at the appointed meeting.

• Refreshment Rota details below:-

SEPTEMBER Writers Group JUNE (AGM) TBA OCTOBER Water Colour Painting JULY Bridge NOVEMBER Discussion AUGUST Canals & Waterways DECEMBER Christmas Meeting

Members Information Welcome to all 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 0156 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.

• Via our postal service direct to your home (£8.50 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.

Monthly Meeting Dates & Speakers

15 Jul Kettering Civic Society - Andrea Pettingale 19 Aug Behind the call of duty—Bob Thorogood 16 Sep Children with Cancer in Cameroon P.D. Wharin 21 Oct Rutland Osprey by Tim Mackrill 18 Nov Chicago. Mike Leonard 16 Dec Christmas. Terry Smith 20 Jan Long term Care—Clive Langley 17 Feb Up The Cut—Derick Harris

17 Mar Blacksmithing—Bob Nightingale 21 Apr Family History & the Media: Behind the Scenes of BBC WDYTYA—Nick Barrett 19 May Crazy Hats—Glennis Hooper 16 Jun AGM 21 Jul Museum & Gallery— Eleanor Baumber 18 Aug Photo Quiz—Trevor Rudkin 15 Sep WWII—Eric Nixon


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Trips & Visits

Currently no trips are on offer. I apologise for any disappointment this causes but hope to resume in July. Yours sincerely Maureen Curd.

Our next meeting at the Fuller Church, Gold St. Kettering

Format of the meeting:-

1.30 – 2.15 Assembly Room Tea/Coffee & biscuits available Browse the groups and chat Sign up to groups and trips 2.15—2.30 In Church for U3A notices 2.30—3.30 Speaker 3.45 (approx) Meeting ends

Speaker Seeker

I am always grateful for details from members about possible speakers for our monthly meeting. Please could you send them to me by email or by letter. It is always useful to have any fliers, websites or notes about the speakers. Many thanks, Marian [email protected]

To All Group Leaders Just a timely request for you to mark 4th September 2014 in your diaries as the proposed date for a Group Leader meeting.

Group Co-Ordinator I am delighted to see that so many reports are being sent in for the newsletter that it does give me an insight as to the activities being enjoyed. I would like to offer thanks to Diane Ellis who has been operating the Good Read group but has now found it necessary to close the group. In many cases people who have been a group leader for some considerable time are finding it more difficult and this is why I hope that existing groups are able to find follow on leaders. I will not be attending the next meeting, due to holiday arrangements but I have high hopes of resuming my role as Group Co-ordinator and indeed Trip organiser from July onwards. Contact: Maureen Curd 01832 732 361 [email protected]

Northamptonshire Network of U3As Visit to Cottesbrooke Hall (Near Northampton)

Thursday 24th July 2014 This is a members’ only visit and includes a guided tour of the Hall as well as admission to the gardens. The cost is £12 per member (inc tea/coffee and cake), free car parking is also available. You must arrive between 1.00pm and 1.30pm and will be issued with tickets and allocated a tour slot. (Max 18 per slot with 15 minute intervals) Closing date for applications – Monday 23

rd June

For further details please see notice in the Assembly Room or contact Cyril Young or Maggi McGuire.

You make your own way to Cottesbrooke. Please note: picnics are not permitted anywhere within the grounds or car parks.

NEW GROUP—BEGINNERS PENCIL SKETCHING A new member, Diane Bulley, (who is deaf) is offering a cumulative Beginners Pencil Sketching course that is suitable for all abilities. It will be available as a House Group to 4 members only and will be held from Monday to Thursday during the first week of each month, followed by a “Show and Chat” meeting for all on the fourth Monday in the month in the restaurant at “Seasons” Garden Centre, Cranford Road, Burton Latimer. This has a large free car park, good meals and there is also a shuttle bus service For full details apply either by email to [email protected] or by letter to Mrs D Bulley, 72A Weekly Glebe Road, Kettering, NN16 9NR

Join Brixworth U3A on a trip to Beth Chatto’s

Gardens Wednesday 16th July

Dep. 08.30hrs from Brixworth Library. Cost £23.00 Cheques only to be made to Brixworth U3A. Please call Maureen Curd for more info.

OBITUARY - Judith Fawcett It was sad to hear of Judy's sudden death at home. She was a long-standing member of KU3A and had always been very supportive of our activities. Her interests included music and the theatre and she would often be seen with her husband at the live culture productions in the local cinema. She was also a member of the Musical Circles 1 group until recently. Judy was an avid reader and had been a regular attender at the Library Reading group. Our sincere condolences go to Brian, family and friends. Carole Bradbury


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Card Making 1 — As always very happy and creative

mornings and we even had birthday cake to celebrate several June birthdays! I was able to demonstrate my new toy...a die- cutting machine and several members used it to good effect with brilliant ideas. We are truly a sharing group and everyone is so talented. Many of the group have been coming for nine years now and have diverse skills. The next meetings are on the 2nd and 3rd of July. I would like to thank everyone for the birthday cards and gifts. I appreciate them all so much. Contact: Mary Earl 01536 522456

Bookworms —

"The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel" was thoroughly enjoyed by all our readers, and we are looking forward to comparing the book with the DVD which we shall be watching together at our next meeting. Being in the Bookworms group has been a way of introduction to new authors, and to books which we would not have otherwise read. Contact: Pauline Parkin 01536 799197

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

News — Interest Groups — Visits and Reports

Card Making 2 — On a wet bank holiday Monday we

all travelled to Anne to make cards. We discovered her new colouring pencils and had the use of her embossing machine. This very talented lady helped us matt,layer and emboss to make an unusual card. After a fantastic lunch, provided by Anne and her husband, the group continued crafting, using pastels, inks and stamps to make bookmarks. A huge, big thank you goes to Anne for her hospitality and improving our card making . At the time of going to press our next meeting is on Monday 21 July. Please let me know if you can't come Contact: Marian Tucker 01536 510 354 [email protected]


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Canals & Waterways — Twenty five of us made

our way to Wales for a midweek weekend near Pontscyllte Aqueduct. We had arranged a trip with "Jones the boat" for the Wednesday and what a

glorious day we had. The sun was shining; in fact it was hot. The views from the aqueduct were amazing and we had a very informative guide. It was more nerve racking to walk across the aqueduct, and as I don't do heights well I only managed half way! We then went to a local pub, The Sun Trevor for a late lunch. The view from the dining room was beautiful as it was on a raised elevation. On the final morning sixteen of us had a trip on the Llangollen steam train to Carrog. Several of us enjoyed a cooked breakfast at the cafe in the train station prior to the journey. The station is run by local volunteers, mostly retired people who were friendly and made us very welcome. Llangollen itself is a beautiful town and the whole area was well worth the visit. A very successful trip. All the tickets have been booked for the train trip to London to visit the Canal Museum at St Pancras. We meet on the platform in London as you leave the train at 10.30am. All places are booked for the boat trip at Market Harborough in July and I have a waiting list for any cancellations. We plan to go to Birmingham again on August 21st The walk is approximately two miles with as many stops as necessary for rest and refreshments. We normally park at Rugby train station and take the train to New Street Station. It is a very interesting and for those who are interested details can be found on the internet if you put in BBC canal walk Birmingham. For those who do not wish to go an alternative of a visit to Foxton Locks is on offer. If you are interested in joining us please let me know. Contact: Christine Strachan 01536 515730


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Friday Pop-in - We meet at the Toller Church

rooms 10 – 11.30 on the first Friday of every month. New members please come and join us for coffee, exchange of books, magazines and local news. We need your support. Contact: Sue Hince 01536 521023

Discussion Group — We were able to welcome Kate

to the group in May and had been hoping to recruit a new gentleman. I hope Ken wasn't put off by such a female orientated group. It would be very good if some gentlemen joined us as it would probably add a different perspective to some of the debate. As it was we had a lively discussion as to whether people who self-abuse should have to pay for treatment. We discovered that self- abuse takes many forms from the obvious cutting to factors such as alcohol abuse and obesity. Habitual overdosing of prescription drugs was also discussed. Overall it was felt that many of the "victims" are mentally ill and therefore should be treated as NHS patients. It was also thought that the administrative costs of collecting monies would out way any benefits of charges. However, it was decided that people who use the ambulance service unnecessarily should be billed. The next meeting is on the 10th of June when we are considering matters relating to Princess Anne's statement regarding eating horsemeat. As we can't use the hall in July and August the following meeting will take place on September 9th and remember guys it would be good to see some of you then. Contact: Mary Earl on 01536 522456

French — Please ring me if you are interested in

brushing up your knowledge of the language. Contact: Diana Ellis 01536 723380

Computer Group —

Last week was the last in a series of 38 meetings. There is a break now until we restart in the Autumn with a new programme. Please send me your requests and suggestions for it. As always, you can contact me for any computer related advice or problems. Information from past sessions as well as useful training hand outs and videos can be accessed at www.U3AComputerGroup.co.uk Contact: Richard Boyles 01536 744 753 e-mail: [email protected]

Country Matters — Unfortunately May’s meeting

was cancelled due to heavy rain adding to the already very muddy conditions in the woods. This month’s meeting will have taken place on 12th June from the Vane Arms in Sudborough, hopefully in better conditions where we will have done the walk originally planned for May. July’s meeting is at Welford meeting in the car park of the Wharf Inn at 10.30am 10 July for a stroll along the canal. Contact: Derek Warren 01536 518 560 [email protected]

Gardening Group — Sunday 15 June

Poplars Farm Road, Barton Seagrave, NN15 5AG One and a half miles SE of Kettering. Coming from town turn left into Warkton Lane, then right into Poplars Farm road. Admission £3, children free. Open from 2 to 5 pm. A one acre garden with mixed borders, parterre, perennials and fruit trees. Some gravel paths. Refreshments available. OK for wheelchairs. Car share if possible Sunday 29 June Cedars Farm, Rushton Road, Desborough. NN14 2QD. A massive garden laid out over several acres with flower borders, trees, woodland walks and other horticultural delights. Mostly wheel chair friendly. Open from 2 to 5 pm. Strawberry teas. Entrance £10 with free drink. Refreshments available. All proceeds to local and Rotary charities. Contact: Ray Bradbury 01536 516587

German-2 Conversation for Absolute Beginners—The established group for basic German Conversation remains oversubscribed so this new group for absolute beginners has been formed and is now also FULL. This group meets on Wednesdays 1.30 to 3.00pm fortnightly. Contact: Joe Fletcher 01536 722 399

German–1 Basic Conversation — This established

group for Basic German Conversation is now FULL.

Contact: Joe Fletcher 01536 722 399

Golf — We meet at Pytchley each Friday at 1`sh for a

1.30 T off or as soon as possible after. Contact: Alan Stephens 01536 726 911 or 07931 637 660 or [email protected]


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Italian Classes — One Italian class is running.

If there is anyone else interested please contact: John Sellick 01536 517 878 [email protected]

Heartbeat— The next ½ hour group. It will be on

Monday 7th

July 2014 meeting at Poplars Farm Road, Kettering at 10.00 a.m. Please remember that the object of the walk is to improve fitness, and to enjoy a chat with other members of the group, it is not a race! Coffee afterwards will at Weekley Post Office.

Contact: Bridget Ling 01536 414810

Lunch Club — Thank you to Molly and Marjorie for

organising the May lunch at The Hare in Loddington. I was not able to be there but I am sure everyone enjoyed it as usual. Our June gathering will be at The Great Oak in Walgrave and our host will be Rosemary Cooke. I look forward to seeing you all there on Tuesday 24th June. The Lunch Club meet for lunch on the fourth Tuesday of the month at a variety of venues. The menu is displayed at the U3A meeting the week prior and payment is after lunch. Any member is welcome to join us. See our Lunch Club table at the meeting. Contact: Glynis Hall 01536 516249 or [email protected]

Safe Driving — Night vision and driving: How safe

are older motorists? As we age our night vision deteriorates and this can be particularly dangerous for older motorists who drive after dark. As people in their fifties and sixties are likely to maintain an active lifestyle for several more decades, a record number of older drivers will be on the roads in the years ahead. Unfortunately, many older drivers may not be having their eyes tested often enough to ensure that their vision is adequate for safe driving. To make matters worse, age-related eye problems such as cataracts can develop so slowly that they may be unaware that their vision is declining. As we age, our eyes usually begin to fail long before we notice it. Pupils shrink and don't dilate as much in the dark, reducing the amount of light entering the eye. Various reports indicate that the retina of an 80-year-old receives far less light than the retina of a 20-year-old and this can make older drivers function as though they are wearing dark sunglasses at night. The aging cornea and lens in the eye become less clear as we age, causing light to scatter inside the eye, which increases glare. These changes also reduce the ability to discern subtle differences in brightness and make it harder to see objects on the road at night. An older person may do well at an eye test, but still struggle to focus on the road at night, where lighting is poor and more complex visual tasks are required. Advancing years decrease our ability to see stationary and moving objects, including cars or pedestrians that might cross the road in front of us. Our ability to resist glare and to see reflective road signs and markings also decreases with age. Many people's eyes have optical imperfections that can't be corrected with glasses or contact lenses. These imperfections increase with age and reduce vision, especially when the pupil dilates at night. Age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma and cataracts affect many people over forty and there is a significant risk of developing other common diseases of the eyes as age increases. These age-related problems may cause such a gradual decline in vision that a driver doesn’t realize that his or her vision has become seriously impaired. The implications of impaired vision for the older driver are huge, so it makes sense to have regular eye tests to ensure that they are safe, particularly at night. 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 Email: [email protected] Telephone: 01832 732342 or 07973 624815 Roy Franklin Email: [email protected] Telephone: 01536 482808 or 07751 106617


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Looking at Churches — Our church visit is

TOMORROW to EAST CARLTON . Wednesday June 17th at 2.0pm. Donation of £2 to the church. Hopefully the weather will be fine enough to go into East Carlton Park afterwards for a cup of tea. On Wednesday July 16th it will be DEENE PARK church, which is maintained by the Church Conservation Trust. It is used only by the owners of Deene Park, the Brudenhall family, on special occasions. We are fortunate in that the warden of Weldon church has a key & is able to take us round.

Contact: Janet Clements 01536 507721 or [email protected]

Hindu Mandir Photos by Alan Robinson

Knit and Natter - We had another lively, chatty

meeting this week, everyone knitting different things from squares for blankets to be made up as blankets for Macmillan nurses for Cancer patients to dolls and jumpers. We do not have any vacancies in our group but if there is enough people wanting to make another group Mary Wildman said she would be happy to start one up. Please let either Mary or myself know. Contact: Annette Chidwick 01536 523867

Musical Circles 2 — We started the afternoon with

two items by Victor Borge about Carman and The Magic Flute followed with items by sung by Diana Krall, the Barcarolle, a Midsummer Night Dream nocturne Carnival Overture by Dvorak, Mozart's Symphony no16, some Bach and ending with two overtures by Mozart. Our next meeting is the 18th June. Contact: Eileen Mason 01536 725925

Musical Circles 1 — We had a wonderful afternoon in good company entertained by some great composers. Beethoven's Pastoral was in sharp contrast to Stravinsky's Rite of Spring. Pieces by Mendelssohn, Bruch and Bach were also presented to name but a few and we rounded off the afternoon with tea and cream cakes. We were all delighted that Fiona was able to rejoin us after a long absence due to illness and our thanks go to her for hosting such a pleasant afternoon. Contact: Carole Bradbury 01536516587

Playreading — This month our play was a very short

one namely "The Suntanned Ghost" by Jack Booth. We always enjoy our play reading but a large part of the afternoon is the social interaction afterwards over a cup of tea and cake. Each member contributed something to our second session of the month so we finished up with quite a mixed literary bag. As it is the centennial year of the First World War some of the poems and readings reflected this. Other offerings included anecdotes e.g Anne Widdecombe on log fires and a play for four people. An interesting and pleasant afternoon was had by all. Contact: Carole Bradbury 01536 516587

Photography Group —

A very warm sunny day in June brought four members of the group together in Kettering. We are starting to work on an idea for a “Kettering Quiz” for a future date, so we spent the afternoon looking for unusual or unnoticed parts of the town architecture and environment. A lot of reminiscing and a little bit of shopping took place too.

Because of holidays our next meeting will be put back a week, subject to confirmation and the weather. We hope to visit the villages of Sudborough and Lowick. Photos taken by this group can be seen on the group’s page of the Kettering U3A website. Contact: Trevor Rudkin 01536 711976 or

[email protected]


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Scrabble—Meetings are held at the Parish church

rooms. Time 2.00pm—4.30pm on the 1st & 3rd Wednesdays of each month. New members are wel-come. We enjoy playing in a relaxed atmosphere.

Contact: Pauline Reed 01536 513850

Spanish Conversation — The Spanish conversation

group continues to meet on the second and fourth Wednesday of each month from 2pm to 4pm. We have now managed to acquire a training room free of charge so our sessions continue to be free. We use the book Pasos 2 which is for second level students We are now at full capacity. However, we would be happy to start a waiting list but because of the level our members are at, having completed two years of study, new students would need to have a reasonable knowledge of basic Spanish. Contact: Bob Thorogood 01933 650551

[email protected]

Playford English Country Dancing - Despite few

numbers we enjoy our meetings at St. Andrew's Church Hall. We would welcome new members to join in with us. We meet on 2nd & 4th Weds. of each month from 2.30-- 4p.m. Contact: Jean Beaver 01933 224474

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 722610

Theatre Group — The Arts Barn Gilbert & Sullivan

Society performance of "Patience", the 35th dragoon Guards annual reunion at the Masque Theatre was very funny and entertaining. The show takes you back to the swinging sixties when "flower power" was at its height. In a hotel, which is old and faded, a bit like the dragoon guards, is the central character "Patience" the over-worked and underpaid barmaid who was aptly named as having the quality to endure and tolerate the clientele. The same ladies who attended the reunions have transferred their affections from the previous year where the apple of their eye was the dragoon guards to the now heart throb, romantic poet and flower power guru Reginald Bunthorne. The dragoon are surprised the ladies admire such a melancholic fop. In order to win back the ladies hearts the dragoons decide to become just like him and don their flower power gear and behave just like Bunthorne to impress the ladies - the ladies were not amused but the audience found it very funny. Did the dragoon guards win back the favour of the ladies? If you were in the audience you would know. Westside story at the M & K theatre was a nostalgic reminder of the past - what a show. It had the same impact as the film had when it was shown in the 60`s. The cast are young and dynamic bringing to life the tension and drama of the "gang" culture of the time. There was drama, rivalry, conflict and ,of course, romance which was performed through the art of music and dance. A superb performance which was totally mesmerizing. BOOK NOW TOP HAT - M & K theatre - 28th August 2.30 matinee performance. Due to lack of support the coach booked for this show has now been cancelled. The cost of the tickets remains the same at £31.50 but it will now be car-sharing travel. One Man Two Guvnors - the funniest show on the planet. 24th September, 2.30 matinee performance. £34.00 includes tickets and coach fare. Don't miss this opportunity to see comic perfection and have a proper old -fashioned giggle.

Contact: Helen McAdam on 01536 628 304

Local Theatre continued on page 11


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Wining and Dining - Unfortunately I was unable to

attend when the group went Chimichanga's in Kettering in May but a good time was had by all. The food and service were both very good. We are hoping to go to Dexters in Oundle on Wednesday July 9th at 7.0pm. If you are interested in joining us please let me know. Contact: Christine Strachan 01536 515730 [email protected]

Watercolour Painting— The Water Colour Painting

Group has no classes in May, June, July and August. The new Autumn Term will begin on Thursday, 11th September, 2014 in the Parish Church Rooms (next to St. Peter & Paul Church), Kettering, and will be from 2pm to 4pm. We meet on the 2nd and 4th Thursdays of each month. We shall look forward to having Michael McGuire as our teacher. Please get in touch with either Barbara or Jo if you would like to join us. We shall be pleased to see you whether you are an experienced painter or just a beginner, all are welcome. Contacts: Barbara Goodall 01536 523 259 Jo Beaver 01933 224 474

Walking Group -

Persistent rain forced us to postpone our usual Wednesday walk, however, the next day was bright and sunny and 12 Walkers enjoyed a 5 mile ramble from the Swan at Lamport. The next walk will be on the 2nd July. You can get details of this walk at the next meeting or Contact: Ann or John Kemp on 01536 761 241

At Christmas last year THE SEAGRAVE SINGERS performed for us. AN EVENING WITH THE SEAGRAVE SINGERS and guests at St Marys Church Burton Latimer on Saturday 5th July at 7.30pm Tickets £7-00 includes refreshments. *may be purchased at the door. *at Fuller Coffee House Newlands St Kettering on Monday /Friday morning. *at The Post Office Churchill Way Burton Latimer. * For Information Tickets and reservations call Anne 01536 518726. Proceeds to Northamptonshire /Warwickshire AIR AMBULANCE. Anne Goddard Publicity Co-ordinator . 01536518726


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Theatre Group — LOCAL THEATRE

BROADWAY AND BEYOND at the Lighthouse Theatre attended by two U3A members was not quite what was expected. Although still enjoyable the auditorium was only half full, which didn't help with the atmosphere. Excellent, intense, intriguing and tugged at the heart strings at times. Words used by a group of our members to describe the National Theatre's production of THE CURIOUS INCIDENT OF THE DOG IN THE NIGHT TIME. It was very cleverly arranged with really good effects. It gave a startling insight into the wonders and stresses of autism. There are some theatre visits yet to be watched and reviewed in future newsletters. Productions we may find interesting for the coming months are:- Odeon+Culture ROYAL BALLET - Manon - October 17

th

ROYAL BALLET Alice's Adventures in Wonderland - December 16

th

NATIONAL THEATRE - Medea - September 4th Lighthouse Theatre THE NUTCRACKER BALLET October 22

nd by the

Russian State Ballet. Masque Theatre A FESTIVAL OF MUSIC - November 9

th by the Northampton Concert Band.

Tickets only £10 with £1 of each ticket going to BBC's Children in Need. KETTERING SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA December 6

th tickets just £9.

Please find more information on the U3A board and at the Theatre Goers table at the monthly meetings. If tickets are required cash or cheque must be produced at the meeting to enable Glynis to arrange tickets. Contact: Glynis Hall 01536 516249 [email protected]

Writers Group — Writers' Group — Are you

someone with an idea for a story, a poem, an article, an essay, even a play that you've been dying to get down on paper, but have never got round to it? Or have you something that you've already written and would like to share! Why not come along to our friendly group? All you need is a love of words and a sense of humour; you'll find lots of positive encouragement and advice as well as a cuppa. (There is a small levy towards the hire of the room.) We meet on the first Tuesday of each month from 1.45pm to 3.45pm in the Parish Rooms in Kettering: next meeting July 1st. For those who like a suggestion to work to - or ignore - the topic "Juneis busting out all over", or any other song title from the same show. Advance notice: August's meeting will be at 36 Skeffington Close, Geddington as the Parish Rooms will not be available. Contact: Mary Wildman 01536 741222 [email protected] The brief last month was to write an obituary as if for The Times of any person actual or fictitious. The following is the work of Elizabeth Brassington:

CAPTAIN JAMES HOOK, G.C., R.N. (retired) Captain Hook was a colourful figure, noted for the many bold exploits which characterised his long and varied career. After serving in the Royal Navy during the war, he lost an arm, which was replaced by a high-tec prosthesis. Undaunted by this handicap, he began a second career in the Buccaneer Brigade, where he became famous as a re-distributor of marine goods in many dangerous situations. It was in this service that he met Starkey and Smee, a comedy duo whose hit song “Oh, miserable Starkey” topped the hit-parade for several months after gaining its first airing on Radio Crocodile, a sea-borne station initiated by the multi-talented Hook. It was named after “Croc” his pet crocodile, to whom he fed an alarm clock which woke him every morning at eight bells and told him the time throughout the day. Captain Hook was also the creator of the popular television show “Walk the Celebrity Frisky Plank”, which successfully thinned the ranks of D-list celebrities and for which he received the George Cross. But then came a serious setback in his career when he opened a home for lost boys and was later accused of mistreatment of his charges, although the alleged incidents had taken place fifty years earlier. Cleared of all allegations he then retired to the Netherlands where he became known as “The Hook of Holland”. Captain Hook died tragically when “Croc”, made irritable by indigestion, opened his mouth to give the Captain a ticking-off but swallowed him by mistake. In court the creature wept crocodile tears as he was sentenced to two years’ community service in a James Bond swimming pool. James Hook married Wendy Darling and is survived by his wife and the crocodile.

Editor’s Comment—Now we have more space

following AGM news, PLEASE can groups send in more photos of their activities.

Who is hiding here?


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Kettering U3A Interest Group Timetable

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

Meetings below with Ise Valley U3A

RJB/June14

Day Co-ordinator Tel.no Venue Frequency Time

Monday

Canasta Pam Towns 01536 521160 Kettering Bridge Club Weekly 2.00-4.30pm

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

Friday

Singing Jill Dee 01536 514054 Fuller Church 2nd & 4th Fridays 10.00-12.00

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 414810 varies varies varies

Travel Groups Maureen Curd 01832 732361 varies varies varies

Monday

Card Making 2 Marian Tucker 01536 510354 home 1st 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 4th Monday 10.30—12.30

Tuesday

Bridge Experienced Roger Stimson 01536 481523 home weekly 2.00pm Computer Group Richard Boyles 01536 744753 Fuller Church Summer Break Resume inAutumn Discussion Group Mary Earl 01536 522456 Parish Church Rooms 2nd Tuesday in month 2.00 – 4.00pm French Diana Ellis 01536 723380 home 2nd & 4th Tuesdays 2.00pm Greeting Card Making Mary Earl 01536 522456 home 1st Tuesday 10.00 – 11.30am Italian John Sellick 01536 517868 Home weekly 10.00 – 11.00am 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 1.45 – 3.45pm

Wednesday

German Conversation 1 Joe Fletcher 01536 722399 home fortnightly 9.30 – 11.00 am

German Conversation 2 Joe Fletcher 01536 722399 home fortnightly 1.30 – 3.00 pm

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 Greeting Card Making 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 2.30 – 4.00pm Scrabble Pauline Reed 01536 513850 Parish church rooms 1st & 3rd Wednesday 2.00 – 4.30pm

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 Play Reading 1 Carole Bradbury 01536 516587 home 2nd & 4th Thursday 2.00 – 4.00pm

Water Colour Painting Barbara Goodall 01536 523259 Parish Church Rooms 2nd & 4th Thursdays 2.00 – 4.00pm

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 Toller Church (Meeting Ln.) 1st Fri monthly 10.00 – 11.30am

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

U3A Kettering Newsletter June 2014

Documents

group members

committee members

kettering u3a committee

new members

kettering u3a year

paidup members

new committee

kettering u3a website