U3A Kettering Newsletter October 2014

Kettering U3A

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21st October 2014

Kettering U3A Year 11 Newsletter 04

www.u3asites.org.uk/kettering

Registered Charity No. 1108614

Next Month

18th November

Chicago by

Mike Leonard

From the Chairman — First week in October and all

day it has rained. My visitors have gone leaving me with sadness of heart and much washing of sheets. After a gloriously sunny autumn normal service is apparently resumed viz I have a blank screen and deadlines to meet. Well, not quite “normal” -depends on your point of view - as this month, having no Speaker, it is Quiz Time! Since this Enterprise is a new departure for us, please bear with us as we boldly go2. Please also patronise (in the “buy something” sense) our Just the thing/ cards for Christmas stalls. It’s never too early to start thinking about the Festives. (See also Busy Needles entry inside.) And finally, do not forget to put your clocks back one hour this coming Saturday night.

MaryMaryMaryMary

Today

21st October

Quiz with Prizes Teams of six along one pew.

Select your pew to make up your team.

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Your Kettering U3A Committee 2014-2015

Chairman Mary Wildman 01536 741 222 [email protected] Vice Chairman Cyril Young 01536 392 065 [email protected] Treasurer/Membership Sec. Maggi McGuire 01536 392 716 [email protected] Secretary/Speaker Seeker Marian Tucker 01536 510 354 [email protected] Newsletter/Web site Richard Boyles 01536 744 753 [email protected] Groups Co-ordinator Maureen Curd 01832 732 361 [email protected] New Members Coordinator Elizabeth Toseland 01536 460 029 [email protected] Committee Member Helen McAdams 01536 628 304 [email protected]

Group Leaders Information

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

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

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

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

• Send articles, reports and photographs about your group to the Newsletter Editor. Copy deadline for the newsletter is 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:- OCTOBER Water Colour Painting NOVEMBER Discussion DECEMBER Christmas Meeting

Members Information Welcome to new members Sonia Lloyd, Sandra Walker, Margaret Howard, Lynda Davis

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

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

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

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

• If you cannot get to the monthly meeting for any reasons, you can get a copy of the Newsletter:-from either the Library or the Tourist Information desk, Manor House Museum, Kettering or from Desborough, Rothwell or Burton Latimer Libraries.

• 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

21 Oct Quiz with Prizes 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 20 Oct Bee Keeping—David White

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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—Our originally planned speaker

has let us down this month so we are having a Quiz. A huge thank you to Richard for preparing this for me. I hope you join us and take part in this new ven-ture. Your views will be appreciated afterwards. Are there any members who can be a speaker? Please let me know as I am sure we have many tal-ented members. Contact: Marian Tucker 01536 510 354 [email protected]

Newsletter Production—Thank you all group leaders

who are sending in reports and photos for the newsletter and web site. It’s great to be able to let everyone know what your groups are up to and how diverse the subjects are. All I have to do is spend all weekend (literally) and squeeze it in! But... I did “volunteer”. Remember you can read and download the newsletter in full colour from our internet page at

www.u3asites.org.uk/kettering As always, the deadline is two Saturdays before the monthly meeting.

Contact: Richard Boyles 01536 744 753 [email protected]

OBITUARY Dr. John Sellick

Sadly John recently passed away. He was one of the first people to register as a member of KU3A (his membership number was 22). One of his many interests being Heraldry, John gave us a talk at our fourth meeting on the subject with particular reference to his own coat of arms. He volunteered very quickly to become a group lead-er and established one in Italian followed shortly by another. Several members of these groups went with him to various places in Italy including Sienna, Bologna and Padua. They found him to be well orga-nized with an enormous amount of knowledge of the culture, customs and language of Italy. He was still taking an Italian group at the time of his death. We shall miss a much valued member of KU3A. Sincere condolences to his family and friends.

Carole Bradbury

News — Interest Groups — Visits and Reports

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

Bookworms — The Book Group thoroughly enjoyed The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry, the first novel of Rachel Joyce. We look forward to reading, in the future, her next book. Harold made his pilgrimage from his home in Devon, up to Berwick on Tweed, after receiving a letter from an ex-colleague, Queenie. His adventures, and the people he met on his journey, were compelling reading.

Contact: Pauline Parkin 01536 799 197

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Card Making 1 — It was with a lot of soul-searching

that I had to cancel this month’s Cardmaking as I was unwell. It was a disappointment as I have so much pleasure on these mornings. Thank-you for your messages of concern. I was very touched. If possible I will try to fix other days or will see you all on November 11th and 12th as usual.

Contact: Mary Earl 01536 522 456

Card Making 2 — We met on Monday ready to

follow instructions to make " Post It Note Holders". It looked so easy when I did it the first time. With my practice ones I made several mistakes, but my talented ladies were more successful. Well done to all of you and thank you to Sam from box of delights who gave me the original idea. Hope some of you will purchase them from our stall. Pat provided us with birthday cakes made for her grand daughter’s birthday then we set to and followed Maggi's idea and made Christmas tree cards. You can purchase them on the stall as well. Finally we borrowed an idea using Christmas squares and produced some very individual cards. Hope you have seen and purchased some cards from our stall at today's meeting? Next meeting is at Anne's and we will meet at my house at 9:00 on Monday 17th November. Members of this group please let me know if you are not coming.

Contact: Marian Tucker 01536 510 354 [email protected]

Canals & Waterways — Twenty one of us enjoyed a

lovely dinner at Stanwick Lakes. The restaurant opened up especially for us and we were not disappointed. The food was delicious and the staff were very friendly. We had a short walk around the lakes prior to dinner. We shall have been to Gloucester Docks for a midweek break by the time of this newsletter. We meet again at North Park Pavilion for our annual planning meeting at on 20th November at 2.0pm. Please join us with your ideas and requests, refreshments will be provided.

Contact: Christine Strachan 01536 515730 [email protected]

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Computer Group —

My SECRET is out...

I have been successful in being awarded a grant of £3,037 from the Big Lottery Fund, primarily for the U3A Computer Group, but all the equipment can be used by any other U3A Group when available.

The main items I have ordered are.. Computer-Projector plus Screen 3 Laptops for students to use 1 Tablet Computer for students to use 1 Laptop and printer for U3A administration (helps keep subscriptions down) Various Software programs for all the above

Also, any U3A member wanting a personal copy of Microsoft Office Professional 2013 (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote, Outlook, Access, Publisher) can get a licenced copy for just £56 instead of £350. (Note: Office 365 is from £48 per year, every year) This grant will allow the computer group to be more interactive for those without laptops to bring along, the projector and screen will allow me to book a room anywhere, cheaper or free. Current sessions: 23 Sep Finding things on the Internet-Clever searching 14 Oct Communicating. E-mail, Facebook, Skype etc. 28 Oct PC, Laptop or Tablet—What’s the difference? 11 Nov Writing a letter using Word & FREE software More session being planned Please sign up (or just turn up) for above sessions which are £3 each. Cash or cheque payable to “Kettering U3A No.2 Account” Information and videos from previous sessions at www.U3AComputerGroup.co.uk Contact: Richard Boyles 01536 744 753 e-mail: [email protected] As always, you can contact me for any computer related advice or problems.

Also personal help at www.Computing121.co.uk

Country Matters — There was no September visit

due to us being away in Scotland. The group will have visited Irchester Country Park by the time this is read. On 13

th November we are at Eyebrook

Reservoir LE16 8RP to see the wild fowl and surrounding woodland enjoying a pleasant walk around part of the reservoir. The postcode will direct you to the entrance of the paved track leading to the reservoir’s car park, follow this track for approx. 1 mile passing over 2 cattle grids. Look forward to seeing you there at 10.30am. Lunch afterwards at the Chequered Flag, Corby.

Contact: Derek Warren 01536 518 560 [email protected]

Discussion Group — A very lively discussion took

place regarding Scotland and whether or not they should remain as part of the Union. Before the discussion we all had a vote which was repeated when we had finished. Many threads were put forward and recent incursions made by Westminster politicians were approved or disputed. We all felt I think that somewhere along the line English people should have had a voice. The vote decided NO both times but surprisingly two members did change their minds during the debate. When the official results were known I felt that we had probably been correct in thinking that the voters were uncertain but that the NO vote was always a certainty. The next meeting is on October the 14th when we are discussing Dementia and the lack of funding for this increasing illness. The November meeting will be on 18th and the topic will be "THE NEWS" As always the meeting is held in The Parish Church Rooms on the Market Place from 2-4pm. There is limited parking available.

Contact: Mary Earl on 01536 522 456

Friday Pop-in - We were made very welcome at our

new venue of the Cransley Coffee Shop. A huge , BIG thank you to all members who supported me. A grand total of 12. The area that the coffee shop could provide with that number of members was small and snug. In the New Year, if the support continues, we may have to look for a larger venue. I hope to see you all next month.

Contact: Sue Hince 01536 521 023

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Gardening Group — The group is now taking a rest

until the Spring of next year. Proposals for future activities warmly welcomed.

Contact: Ray Bradbury 01536 516587

Heartbeat—

Contact: Bridget Ling 01536 414 810

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

Lunch Club — Christmas Special Date for your Diary

Tuesday 2nd December 2014 - 11.30 am for 12 Noon. This year we will be returning to the Masonic Hall in Corby to celebrate Christmas with our special lunch. It has proved particularly successful so we will be going back there again. Maps will be available nearer the time for those joining us for the first time or for those who need a reminder. As space is not a problem the event is not confined to lunch club regulars so please bring your spouse or friends to what will no doubt prove a fitting introduction to the festive season. ( I’m sorry to introduce the subject of Christmas so early in the year! ) It will be a traditional Christmas Lunch with Soup, followed by Turkey, Potatoes, Roast Potatoes, Chipolatas and Vegetables in season. Followed by Christmas Pudding with Brandy Sauce and Mince Pies. There will be tea or coffee provided for those who want it. Christmas crackers and things seasonal will be on the table. The cost will be a specially negotiated £15 and a £10 deposit will reserve your seat. Bookings are being taken now. If having booked you find you cannot go then every endeavour will be made to sell your seat. As the Corby Masonic Complex has plenty of car parking spaces parking should not present a problem but please car share if possible.

Contact: Ray Bradbury 01536 516 587 Contact: Glynis Hall 01536 516249 or [email protected]

Golf — "Here’s our happy group before we played -

perhaps some of the smiles disappeared after the round !!!. If you want to join us then we meet every Friday just after 1 pm at Pytchley Golf Cente for 9 holes which we usually finish by 3.30 pm followed by a cup of tea/coffee. For further info please give me a call. Look forward to hearing from you.

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

Knit and Natter - We had a very lively meeting, we

were entertained by Patrick, Mary’s visitor from Australia. He showed us some of his photos he had taken whilst over here, but he couldn’t take a whole morning of our nattering so he went for a walk and we continued doing what we do best, nattering.

Contact: Annette Chidwick 01536 523867

Busy Needles By the time you are reading this the

new Knitting etc Group will have had its inaugural session at my house and details of frequency, day and time been decided upon.

Contact: Mary Wildman 01536 741 222 or 07950 767 619 [email protected]

French — Our little group continues to enjoy simple

French stories, modern teaching from CDs and occasional French bingo (no prizes!) I am not taking on more members at present unless someone drops out.

Contact: Diana Ellis 01536 723 380

Produce Stall September was the first of a trial sales

table to boost u3a funds & the Looking at Churches started it off. We made £14.20 on sales of jam, chutney, vegetables & seeds. Hopefully our members will get used to this venture & different groups will take a turn.

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Looking at Churches — In September we went to

Earls Barton church, which has an impressive Saxon Tower dating back to 970 AD, during the reign of King Edgar the Peaceful. The church consisted of just the tower for a long time, until a nave & chancel were added in the 12th century. Inside the church there is a beautiful Rood Screen, with intricate carving, amazing paintings and painted butterflies supposedly going up to Heaven with prayers. We were taken into the tower & shown the almost vertical steps up to the belfry, but no-one ventured up them. There were some very colourful stained glass windows, some well preserved Norman arches & altogether the church looked very well cared for. Afterwards some of the group went to Jeyes teashop, which is also a museum. Our next visit is to Geddington, on October 15th, which will be past by the time of our monthly meeting, so I will email the regulars from the group. Then on November 19th, 2.0pm it will be to St. Peter & St.Paul at Great Bowden, near Mkt.Harborough.

Contact: Janet Clements 01536 507721 or [email protected]

Lunch Club — As usual we had a very enjoyable and

extremely good value lunch at The Lamb in Little Harrowden. It is always worth a visit to this quaint venue, the food was well presented, nice and hot and plenty of it. Thank you to Helen and Jean for organising it for us. Welcome to newcomers Sandra Walker, Diane Tebbutt and Margaret Greeve, I hope you enjoyed lunch with us and hope we will see you again. The October Lunch is being organised by Jean and John Lewis and will be at the Red Lion, Broughton on Tuesday 28 October. As you probably know by now Ray Bradbury has agreed to organise our Christmas Lunch again, thank you Ray, and this will be on the Tuesday 2 December. Please see Ray at the U3A meeting in October to put down your name, I think the price of £15 is really good for a Christmas lunch, a £10 deposit is required at time of booking. There will be no November lunch due to the close date of Christmas lunch. Many thanks from me and on behalf of all of the Lunch Clubbers to the volunteers who have organised in 2014, without whom there would be no club. I will be organising January lunch and keeping close to home in case of bad weather, but I will be looking for volunteers to take us through 2015. I am available to provide paperwork if needed. I am sorry there are no pictures this month I forgot, too busy enjoying myself, I will have to enlist a photographer. New Members - We visit a different venue each month on the forth Tuesday of the month. A menu is provided at the U3A meeting the week prior for you to make a choice and payment is not required until the day. New members are very welcome to join us, we are a very friendly bunch. See our Lunch Club table at the meeting.

Contact: Glynis Hall 01536 516249 or [email protected]

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Musical Circles 2 —

If you feel that this is the sort of thing you would like to try then please make contact.

Contact: Eileen Mason 01536 725 925

Musical Circles 1 — September's meeting. The theme for the first half of the afternoon was America. We heard the prologue to Westside Story, Copeland's fanfare for the common man, Thomas Hat Stones sang a song from Stephen Foster. After several other pieces we finished with songs from the 50s, by Mel Torme and Nat King Cole. After tea we had a complete contrast. We watched a video recording of the Macbeth, acts two and three.

Contact: Carole Bradbury 01536 516 587

Photos above by Roger Bickle, othes taken by this group can be seen on the group’s page of the Kettering U3A website.

Contact: Trevor Rudkin 01536 711 976

[email protected]

Photography Group — The Photography Group

October meeting had not taken place by the deadline for this Newsletter, but by the time you are reading this we hope to have had an interesting visit to Summer Leys Nature Reserve. As well as the usual array of birds on the feeding table (chaffinches, greenfinches, blue tits, reed buntings, bullfinches and so on) there is the occasional view of something different. In the last month or so white egrets have been seen on the lake, although a fairly long telephoto lens is required for a decent photograph. Another member of the Group is moving to another area so we can now accommodate two more members, so anyone interested in joining us let me know.

Playford English Country Dancing - After the

summer break we shall have our first meeting on Weds. Sept.10th at St. Andrew's Hall 2.30-4p.m. New members will be made very welcome. We meet on 2nd & 4th Weds. of each month from 2.30-- 4p.m.

Contact: Jean Beaver 01933 224474

Pencil Sketching—Beginners 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 first Monday of each week. For full details apply either by email to [email protected] or letter to Mrs D Bulley, 72A Weekly Glebe Road, Kettering, NN16 9NR

"Tawny Owl" water colour painted by Jo Beaver.

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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 513 850

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

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

Contact: Joan Allingham 01536 722 610

Safe Driving — 89-year-old racer's Porsche pass

Former Yorkshire motocross champion, Philip Green has been praised for his outstanding driving performance after completing one of our IAM driving assessments in his Porsche 911. Despite having over 50 years’ experience in both driving and riding, the spirited 89-year-old undertook the IAM assessment to gain more confidence behind the wheel, in which an IAM approved assessor evaluated his driving performance. While the assessment is designed to give older drivers a trusted second opinion, Philip urged other drivers to take an IAM driving assessment to gain a sense of self-satisfaction. Assessed across a variety of roads and dual-carriageways IAM examiner, Ross Williams said: “Philip’s hazard perception skills are highly commendable. He handled the vehicle very well and demonstrated the ability to make all adjustments in speed smoothly and steadily”. Having owned more than 10 performance cars over the last 30 years, Philip added: “There’s a real misconception that not everyone can drive a Porsche, but they’re not at all fiery or fast – unless you want them to be. I drive my Porsche every day and it is a safe vehicle”. IAM director of policy and research Neil Greig said: “We understand the need for mobility and independence at all ages – and how much people want or need to drive. Philip Green is a fine example of what older drivers can do if they don’t give up too early. That’s why we’ve developed a number of driving assessments, including a Mature Driver’s Assessment – so that the likes of Philip can happily continue driving his Porsche for many more years”. www.iam.org.uk

If you’d like help with any driving related issues or to find out more about the Safe Driving Group, please contact either Roy or Steve. Steve Clorley Email: [email protected] Telephone: 01832 732342 or 07973 624815 Roy Franklin Email: [email protected] Telephone:

01536 482808 or 07751 106617

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 650 551

[email protected]

Singing For Pleasure — Saturday September 13th

saw us at The Lawns leading a sing-a-long of songs popular during both World Wars. It was not a celebration of war but of the music and the spirit of those times. We also took time to remember all those still engaged in conflict in many parts of the world. As always the residents gave us a warm welcome and joined in the singing with gusto. We are shortly to enjoy a joint singing afternoon with another U3A in Barnwell. Meanwhile rehearsal time will be given over to Christmas music. How quickly it comes upon us! For more information contact Jill Dee at the number listed on the back page.

Contact: Mary Wildman 01536 741 222 [email protected]

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Wining and Dining - I shall be booking Prezzo's in

Kettering for 7.0pm on Wednesday 12th November. If you are interested in joining us please let me know.

Contact: Christine Strachan 01536 515 730 [email protected]

Theatre Group — Local Theatre (continued)

A Festival Of Music - by the Northampton Concert Band - Sun November 9

th Tickets only £10 with £1 of

each ticket going to BBC's Children in Need Kettering Symphony Orchestra – Sat 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 or posted to Maggi (secretary) to enable Glynis to arrange tickets and ensure availability.

Contact: Glynis Hall 01536 516 249 [email protected]

Theatre Goers — National The Full Monty. In 1997, a British film about six unemployed Sheffield steelworkers took the world by storm. Now they`re back. Live on stage. The K.O.S. Musical Theatre Company went all the way with this very funny and exuberant adaption. The cast presented themselves as six unemployed Americans which is where the original film was made. But just as they were about to cast off the last remnants of clothing, some bright spark switched on dazzling lights at the rear of the stage, which shone directly onto the audience blinding the temporarily. We never did see the Full Monty. What a shame!

One Man Two Guvnors The National Theatre`s award-winning comedy proved to be one of the feel good shows. It must be, as they proclaim, the funniest show on the planet. This internationally acclaimed smash-hit is a glorious celebration of British comedy - a unique laugh-out loud mix of satire, songs, slapstick and glittering one liners. It played to a packed audience and would be far better for you than a visit to the doctor for a "pick-me-up" Excellent seats Maggi.

Forth-Coming Shows—Milton Keynes Theatre.

Jersey Boys. Wednesday. 4th February 2015. Stall Seats. 2.30 matinee. £32.50 Kings Speech. Jason Dovanan. Wednesday 6th May 2015. Stall seats. 2.30 matinee. £15.00 Barnum. Bradley Walsh. 13th may 2015. Upper circle, front row. 2.30 matinee. £22.50

Forth-Coming Shows—Derngate.

Jesus Christ Superstar. Wednesday 18th March 2015. Stall seats. 2.30 matinee. £31.00

Book now and don't be disappointed. A deposit will secure you a seat.

Contact: Helen McAdams on 01536 628 304 07513 119 620

[email protected]

Trips & Visits By the time you read this the coach trip to London will have happened. Thanks to the concerted efforts of Eileen Mason we have a full coach. Once people realised it was happening I did have some late applications. For future reference I would like to advise you that I intend to do a coach only trip to London on a quarterly basis so please watch for advice. Monday 15th December. 25 seats are being held for the Wicksteed Park Christmas Event. This includes refreshments on arrival starting time 10am a Christmas Lunch a show "All Aboard SS Broadway" with sing-along musicals. Break for afternoon tea and finish at 5-6pm. The total cost is £23.00 per person. This will be payable at the time of booking if we do not reach a number of 20 people the price will be increased. Amount to be paid at the October Meeting. At least a non refundable deposit followed by balance before 15th November. Wednesday 21st January 2015. Visit to Brooklands Museum, Weybridge with a tour of the VC10 showing Royal Connections including entry to the Museums wide collection of racing cars motorcycles and aircraft. Cost per person £15.00 per person plus coach fare

estimated total cost £40.00 per person. Please see

noticeboard and obtain a leaflet from me.

Contact: Maureen Curd 01832 732 361 [email protected]

Theatre Group — Local Theatre Billy Elliot (Live) Review This was a lively musical with an appreciative audience, a very talented crew of young dancers especially Billy, he was electric. The cast portrayed everything from comedy to tragedy in what was the most gruelling time during the miners strike of 1984. It was certainly one not to miss. I am sure we have all enjoyed what has been on offer and what we have yet to see during 2014 in our local theatre's, including filmed live opera and the ballet, National Theatre and music. I will be putting forward a selection you may find interesting for the new year 2015. Most tickets have now been purchased for 2014, however if you are interested in the following productions at the Masque Theatre please let me know. Continued...

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Watercolour Painting— The new Autumn Term

began on 11th September with 23 people joining our class. Michael McGuire has kindly given up his free time to give everyone any help that they may need. This is extremely good of Michael to do this for us. Our Group meets on the 2nd and 4th Thursdays of each month from 2 pm to 4 pm, and our venue is the Parish Church Rooms, Kettering. I am sorry to say our class is now full but if you wish your name could go on the Waiting List.

This month's main picture is of our class at work but I have inadvertently missed off 3 people, I am sorry about this. Anyone wishing to join this term will have to be added to our Waiting List, as the class is now full.

Contacts: Barbara Goodall 01536 523 259 Jo Beaver 01933 224 474

Walking Group - The October walk took place on

Wednesday, 1st October starting from The Red Lion in Crick. Only a few of the 15 members of the group were familiar with the area covered - we have such a huge network of paths to chose from in this county. We zig-zagged on and off the towpath of the Leicester Line of the Grand Union Canal en route to Yelvertoft. On the return to Crick we took in the view from Crack's Hill and also visited the Millennium Wood. We returned to The Red Lion for an excellent lunch. The next walk, on Wednesday, 5th November, will start from the Lamb at Harrowden leaving at 10.15 for 5.5 mile walk. Lunch is available but no details at the moment. Please phone if wish to go and have not already signed the sheet. As soon as I have information I will e-mail or phone.

Contact: Pete Spence 01536 742372

Writers Group — meets on the first Tuesday

afternoon of each month – next one November 4th – at

the Parish Rooms from 2 – 4pm. I must apologise to Valerie Ward for not returning her call but my answerphone failed to record her number sufficiently clearly. Please, contact me again, Valerie, or Elizabeth Toseland if I’m not available. The topic, if you need one for November, is An interesting character. Contact: Mary Wildman 01536 741222

[email protected] I KNOW A PLACE ... that is very peaceful and green; a wide swathe of grass, recently mown short, though soon it will grow to be more meadow than mere field. It isn’t quiet here, however. Not by a long chalk. In the far distance you can hear the A15 – still a busy Roman road – while above, the Red Arrows come to practise from time to time. There are tiny villages not far away and farms with their inevitable traffic. Modern life goes on all around. Non-human activity, too, abounds: Rooks, Barn Owls and the small creatures they need for food for example. Hedgerow, coppice and river-bank have been left rough for the purpose. The wind, for this is high ground with nothing betwixt it and the Urals, sweeps into more recently planted trees rustling leaves of these exclusively native species: willow, oak, rowan. Soon a flowering cherry will be planted to join them on this particular spot. I have a packet of wild-flower seeds to sprinkle here too. It is my mother’s last resting place for this peaceful place is a natural burial site. But there is no death here; only life in many forms. Beneath the soil, in her wicker basket, my mother’s shell goes on working, enriching the soil, becoming once more a part of what makes up the Universe, transmuting. If her soul revisits this place she will hear the stream nearby and see the Wolds in the further distance and know she has chosen well.

"Snow Leopard" which was executed in pastels, by Eileen Mason.

Kettering U3A

12

Kettering U3A Interest Group Timetable

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

Meetings below with Ise Valley U3A

RJB/2014

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 Maggi McGuire

01536 510354 01536 392716

Home 3rd Monday 10.00 – 12 noon

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

Pencil Sketching Diane Bully Home Weekly ??

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

Computer Group Richard Boyles 01536 744753 Fuller Church 2nd & 4th Tuesday 2.00 – 4.00pm 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 Lunch Club Glynis Hall 01536 516249 varies 4th Tuesday varies Sugarcraft Joan Allingham 01536 722610 Home weekly 1.30 – 4.00pm Writers Group Mary Wildman 01536 741222 Parish Church Rooms 1st Tuesday 2.00—4.00 pm

Wednesday

German Conversation 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 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 Cransley Hospice Coffee

Shop, Dalkeith Pace 1st Fri monthly 10.00 – 11.30am

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