+
The recent skittles
match between
Blandford and Living proof that walking is FUN!
Sturminster Newton
U3As held at The Old
Ox, Shillingstone.
Living proof that walking is FUN!
www.blandfordu3a.co.uk
NEWSLETTER—SUMMER 08
January Open Meeting
Durweston Village Hall
Friday 30th January - see Page 7
www.blandfordu3a.co.uk
NEWSLETTER— WINTER 2014/5
IF WINTER COMES CAN SPRING BE FAR BEHIND or,
to put it another way – ‘Better the chill blast of winter than
the hot breath of a pursuing elephant’ – Chinese proverb
The best way to banish winter blues is to think ahead. Thus:
Today, dear Lord, I’m 80 and there’s much I haven’t done,
So I hope, dear lord, you’ll let me live until I’m 81.
But then, if I haven’t finished all I want to do,
Would you let me stay a while until I’m 82?
So many places I want to go, so very much to see,
Do you think that you could manage to make it 83?
The world is changing very fast; there is so much in store;
I’d like it very much to live until I’m 84.
And if, by then, I’m still alive,
I’d like to stay till 85.
More plans will be up in the air so I’d really like to stick
And see what happens to the world when I’m 86.
I know, dear Lord, it’s much to ask and it must be nice in heaven,
But I would really like to stay until I’m 87.
I know by then I won’t be fast and sometimes will be late;
But it would be so pleasant to be around at 88.
I will have seen so many things and had a wonderful time –
I’m sure that I’ll be willing to leave at 89.
MAYBE
Many thanks to Vera Cusson for sending this cheery poem
By the time you read this, we will all have enjoyed our afternoon of
entertainment on November 28th. So now we will be putting our heads
together to come up with some ideas for 2015.
Meanwhile, a very Merry Christmas to you all and best wishes
for a happy and healthy New Year.
2
NOTES FROM THE CHAIR
Brrrrr! That cold wind has at last arrived after those balmy
months of summer and autumn, so pull up your chair in front
of the fire and toast your toes whilst you enjoy a good read of
this our latest Newsletter and the last for 2014.
This has once again been a busy year for B&D U3A with new
groups, visits to the theatre, historic venues and glorious
gardens, great open meetings and of course, the backbone of any U3A, a packed schedule
of meetings for our diverse range of interest groups.
However, quite a few groups have a full list and are bursting at the seams and threatening
to outgrow the dining room table! It’s always good to know that certain subjects are popular
and so in the coming months the committee will be looking at ways in which we can take
away the inevitable waiting lists and transform them into some new groups. It’s worked
really well with the recently formed French 2 and Discussion 2, both of which are now going
great guns, so don’t despair if a group you would like to join is full. Let Val Hodge, our
Group Liaison, know and with your help and participation we can hopefully get some new
groups off the ground in 2015. Don’t forget that B&D U3A is YOUR U3A and the ideas
and requests for interest groups come from YOU.
In November I attended a meeting of the new West Dorset Network of U3As, which was
really constructive and hopefully next year we will be able to organise some workshops to
help our committees be more efficient at getting the name of U3A out into the wider world.
In addition, we hope to have some joint interest group meetings to give members a taster of
activities already enjoyed by other U3As.
As the result of a chat during a previous Network meeting we had a very sociable evening
in Shillingstone in October when B&D joined Sturminster Newton U3A for a skittles match
… read Bernadette Wallis’ report on Page 15 for a flavour of what was a very enjoyable
evening. Stur has already thrown down the gauntlet for a return match next year so watch
this space!
One bit of sad news is that Pauline Adams has resigned from the committee. It’s been a
rather hectic and fraught time for her this summer and we very much hope life gets back to
normal soon – our thanks go to Pauline for her help and support over the past year.
Finally, with the end of the year fast approaching I would just like to take this opportunity
to send you all seasonal greetings and very best wishes for the New Year – see you in 2015!
Christine
3
AN END OF YEAR MESSAGE FROM VAL HODGE – GROUP LIAISON
NEW GROUPS
Now the evenings have drawn in, and the weather keeps us indoors, how about signing up
to one of our existing groups, or perhaps one of the new ones which are now open for
business. As Christine has said in her “Notes from the Chair”, some of our groups are full
but second groups can very often be set up, like the recent very successful start of our second
French and Discussion groups. We also have four new groups to offer, three of which are:
Poetry Writing - New member, Theresa Watson, is keen to hear from anyone wishing to
venture into writing poetry, or those who already enjoy writing. Don’t be shy! Call Theresa
on 01258 450578.
Latin Beginners – Claire Smith would like to welcome more takers for her proposed group
so she can get it up and running. It really is for absolute beginners and those who learnt it at
school but perhaps haven’t read or uttered a word since. Call Claire on 454182.
Introduction to the Guitar – Paul Hook, a new member, has offered to set up a short
introductory course teaching the basics of guitar-playing to those interested in learning this
expressive instrument. If this short course is successful, Paul is prepared to start lessons to
a small group. It’s never too late to learn a new skill and there must be those amongst us
who have, perhaps secretly, always longed to be able to strum a tune or two. If you feel
tempted to try your hand, please give Paul a ring on 456778.
Continued on Page 5.
WALK UP! WALK UP! WALK UP!
Continued from the Autumn Newsletter
Proposed Spring Holiday in Devon
Eight members have booked to visit Selworthy, Exmoor from 30th March until 3rd April (4
nights). We will be staying at HF Holidays, Holnicote House. Primarily this is a walking
holiday with an option of daily walks ranging from 7 to 11/12 miles. We are looking forward
to a variety of coastal and scenic walks during our stay in this beautiful countryside.
If you wish to join us and/or would like further information please contact me, Lynn
Hawkey, either by e-mail [email protected] or call 01258 455678. Additional
information can also be obtained from visiting HF Holidays website www.hfholiday.co.uk
Lynn Hawkey
4
NEW GROUPS – continued from Page 4
The fourth new group is one you won’t want to miss! How often have we all been mystified
by the sentences passed on some criminals? Now is your chance to find out!
Criminal Law - Kevin Banks is keen to start a pop-up taster group, using his experience
during a career in criminal law. He begins with a quiz. Answers will be revealed at the first
meeting of the new Criminal Law group. Read on:
So we think we know the law. Try this ‘true or false’ quiz to test yourself. In some cases the
real answers don’t justify media coverage or the genuine fear caused for many of us. But in
some cases, they may.






You can be convicted of stealing your own property.
Someone convicted of assault does not need to have used violence.
Touching someone’s clothing can lead to a charge of Battery.
Trespassers will be prosecuted.
Approximately 15 people have been convicted of unlawful self-defence in the past 25 years.
If someone committed a crime in 1970 and is convicted in 2014, he/she must be sentenced
using the law at the time of the offence.
Based on statistical probability, a child of seven left in the street, would be 38 years old
before being abducted and not returned.
It is possible to be convicted of a crime you didn’t intend or even know you were
committing.
The basic standard of criminal proof is ‘on the balance of probability’.
It is possible to be charged with burglary even if you stole nothing at all and didn’t intend
to.
“Crime and drunkenness among the young is everywhere. There is no respect any more for
the police or teacher”. This quote dates from 1953. True or false?
Violent crime has increased every year since 1997.
If you solved these, try this question based on two real cases:
Mark pours petrol through the letter box of a house he thinks is empty, to see it burn. Three
squatters in the upstairs bedroom are unfortunately killed. Sally pours petrol through a
window where her ex partner lives. He is at home and is killed. Mark is convicted of
Manslaughter and sentenced to 15 years. Sally is convicted of murder and sentenced to life
in prison with a minimum 20 year term. Why are the convictions and sentences different?
If this has whetted your appetite, please call Kevin on 454182.
Crossword Answers: BABYSIT & APPLE PIE






5
NEWS FROM THE GROUPS – PART ONE
Bridge and Scrabble
This group has moved to the Pavilion, Woodhouse Gardens (next to the Post Office) which
has given us more space. There are usually five or six Bridge tables and one Scrabble table.
New members are welcome to both groups. I have some DVDs which can be lent to anyone
thinking of returning to play bridge. We can accommodate anyone wishing to learn the
Jean Palmer
game.
French One
First of all, a very warm “thank you” to Richard Pearson who has kindly taken on a second
French group. Our group is still going strong and very much enjoying our fortnightly
sessions. Although we mainly work with set books and passages, we are trying to improve
our spoken French. Often we know the word but it just doesn’t come to mind! Happens to
us all.
Lin Bett
French Two
The popularity of the first French group meant that it was desirable to start a second group.
This is now up-and-running and meets on alternate Friday mornings. We have a full range
of French speakers from absolute beginner to advanced learner so all are welcome. This
second French group is also close to full capacity so anyone interested should contact me
Richard Pearson
on 488762 without delay.
Seen by Gill Jackson on a notice at Southampton Airport: …… “CHATEUX’S”. Gill was
left wondering just how wrong can one be! Was no French visitor tempted to correct it?!
Italian
We are making some progress in our attempts to speak Italian. Members are taking the
opportunity to describe an event - real or invented - which then gives rise to conversation
about the event and the circumstances surrounding it. We also follow the work in our
textbook, which involves some listening to help with pronunciation, and some clarification
of grammar. We have also had some amusing sessions with activities taken from an Italian
supermarket magazine, including following instructions for making a necklace from ring
pulls! That was quite intriguing!
Latin
This term attendance at our sessions has been a bit ragged as members have had unavoidable
reasons to miss meetings. We have made some progress in our textbook and, as enthusiasm
seems undimmed, members have been kept up to date by email. We have, however, not
wasted our time and have diverted from our book to try our hands at old exam papers – an
interesting exercise, giving rise to exclamations about the difference between “O” level and
“GCSE” papers, the latter not requiring a single word to be translated into Latin!
Gill Jackson
6
NEXT OPEN MEETING
Friday 30th January 2015
in
DURWESTON VILLAGE HALL
Time Table:
Speaker:
Title:
2.00 – 2.15
2.15 – 3.00
3.00 – 3.30
3.30 – 4.00
Meeting, greeting and seating
Speaker
Refreshments
Announcements
ANDY CLARKE
“Woofability”
Andy will be bringing his trained dog with him to demonstrate the many ways in which
wheelchair users rely on such dogs to carry out a range of actions which are difficult – and
sometimes impossible – to do when their owners have a degree of immobility. Andy will
also be bringing a selection of training accessories to use during the demonstration.
Please don’t bring your own dogs!!
50p FOR TEA/COFFEE & HOMEMADE CAKE
The break will be followed by Announcements
The Book Exchange Table will be there as usual. There is no charge for this
facility – it’s entirely free! You’ve probably had to make room on your shelves
for all those Christmas books! Please bring those that you no longer want to
the Book Exchange!
Paperbacks only please, in good condition.
Thank you for your co-operation in observing the above time-table. By not arriving earlier
than 2.00pm, you are giving us the time we need to set out refreshments, books and chairs.
We will put seats in the Reception Area for you while you wait. There are pegs for coats.
Don’t forget to give your name to the person on the Reception Desk on arrival. We look
forward to seeing you all there.
7
THE TWELVE DAYS OF CHRISTMAS by Dan, the Van Driver
I’m Danny Driver, known to my friends as Dan the Van, because I work for a delivery firm – “Fix it Quick
Deliveries”. This is my job sheet and report to the boss for the Twelve Days of Christmas … comments,
complaints, extra charges to be invoiced, etc.
DAY 1: Delivery to Miss Ivy Holly, Christmas Cottage, Winterborne Upton: one large pear tree in ceramic
pot plus one live partridge, which had to be enclosed in a veterinary-approved ventilated box, as it was
obviously going to fly off if left to sit in the tree as per despatcher’s instructions.
DAY 2: Two turtle doves to same address. Both, slightly compressed, fitted into the previous day’s special
bird-transport box, but arrived with a few feathers missing because of quarrelling under cramped conditions.
Signed for by Miss Holly as acceptable after inspection.
DAY 3: Three French hens to Miss Holly, delivered in large airy cage so that driver and assistant could
monitor their condition throughout the journey. Extra 1½ hours needed after delivery to clean out
excrement from rear of van.
DAY 4: Request to Management that if there are further consignments of birds perhaps a different delivery
team might be contracted to do the job as we are tired of dealing with fractious fowl. Today’s four calling
birds were so noisy that they attracted unwelcome attention from passers-by who shouted abusive slogans
re animal welfare etc.
DAY 5: Today’s delivery to Miss holly needed the firm’s armoured security truck. Self and assistant wore
full body-armour, including visors and helmets, and carried the valuable cargo in a sealed box strapped to
the assistant’s person. Miss Holly, who is a charming young lady, was quite overcome with excitement as
we explained that we were dressed for delivering valuables, but slightly downcast on discovering the box
contained only five plain gold rings, no diamonds attached.
DAY 6: Picked up six geese, at considerable risk to self and assistant, from poultry farm as per instructions.
Transferred to Christmas Cottage garden where Miss Holly at once objected to the mess they would make
on her lawn. We pointed out that Delia says goose eggs make very good omelettes and custards and she
calmed down.
DAY 7: Started early with pick-up at Abbotsbury Swannery where the swanherd was surly and
uncooperative so we had a hard job catching seven swans a-swimming out on the Fleet and transferring
them to delivery truck. Miss Holly suggested we unload them in the vicinity of her neighbour’s goldfish
pond, but neighbour not keen. After some altercation, assistant and I said we had to leave otherwise we’d
be into double overtime.
DAY 8: In response to your earlier advert in the Blackmore Vale Magazine, eight milkmaids were ready
to board the minibus this morning outside the Blandford Corn Exchange. They complained, however, that
the terms and conditions of agricultural employment did not cover extra hours spent idling about at the beck
and call of a snooty little madam who had never been hands-on to the back end of a Friesian in her life.
Assistant driver and self, by now on friendly terms with Miss Holly, countered with a query about the
Trades Descriptions Act, wondering whether the term ‘maids’ was properly applicable to this gang of
decidedly mature dairy-workers.
(continued)
8
(continued)
DAY 9: Pick-up from the Bluebell School of Dance: nine of their best dance pupils. Had not expected
them to be in fancy dress but they explained they were straight out of rehearsal for the Christmas revue.
All insisted on a toilet stop approx. halfway through the journey at the Dog and Duck – hence the attached
expenses sheet (4 large G&T, 2 Dubonnet and lemon, 3 Bristol Cream, 2 halves of bitter for self and codriver and 11 cheese and pickle sandwiches.)
DAY 10: We hired a small fleet of stretch limos and extra drivers, assuming that the ten noble Lords we
were to collect would be used to high-class travel arrangements. We had difficulties with Security on
arrival at the House of Lords. I had been warned about the Lords’ tendencies to leaping but in fact we
were delayed in our departure from central London on account of the old codgers being doddery about
getting into the cars, until one of them discovered there was an on-board refrigerated minibar in each limo.
DAY 11: Up at crack of dawn to drive to Edinburgh. Collected eleven bagpipers, each in tribal costume
complete with kilt, sporran, dirk and sash etc. My co-driver was so un-nerved by the sight of all those bare
hairy knees that he was very little help in getting the minibus back down the motorway, so we arrived very
late at Miss Holly’s and had some difficulty in persuading her to accept delivery as it was past her bedtime.
DAY 12: Picked up twelve Royal Signals Band drummers at Blandford Camp. Assistant driver had had
the foresight to attach a trailer to the minibus to accommodate the drums, but the reverberations sounded
like cannon shot as we drove along, which caused consternation amongst shoppers in Blandford market
place when we passed through. We unloaded them all at Miss Holly’s in time for the Twelfth Night party.
All drivers were pressed to stay for refreshments, hence the late return of vehicles to depot and the
regrettable condition of some personnel.
------------------------------------------------------------CHRISTMAS – 1951 STYLE
Anne Allen
“Christmas Eve is the most wonderful eve of each year – the eve when there is goodwill
among all men and God dwells in every heart. To be privileged to be with children at such
a time is to experience something touching and holy.
“Most youngsters love to make Christmas cards. Use a happy family snapshot for the front
of a folded card and get the best “printer” in the family to print the message. The dainty (sic)
member of the family can add a ribbon. Small gifts can be fixed inside each card – hair
ribbons, a handkerchief or a packet of seeds. In this way, the family can make novel gifts
for their friends.
“Try to have holly over every picture and mistletoe hanging from the hall lamp. Have festive
cake-bands twined in and out of the stairs banisters and decorate the front door with lighting
effects if possible.
“When everyone is seated ready for a meal and you bring bottles to the table, have bows
tied round the necks. Bring gaiety to the table in little ways like this and there will be lots
of fun and happiness.”
From Rose Buckner’s “Book of Homemaking”
9
NEWS FROM THE GROUPS – PART TWO
Book Group
The first book we read after our summer break was “One Good Turn” by Kate Atkinson,
which is a humorous crime novel. It was a riveting and amusing read and, as in all good
crime novels, the unexpected occurs and the ‘baddy’ is the last person you suspect.
"The Thing Around Your Neck" by Adichie Chimamanda Ngozi is a book of 12 short stories
by a Nigerian author. It is very well written, covering relationships between parents and
children and men and women. We also learnt about Nigerian customs and behaviour. Some
of us were not keen on short stories but everyone enjoyed this read.
Finally, we are reading "Making It Up" by Penelope Lively, another book of short stories,
not as good as that described above but still very thought-provoking. All the stories share
the same theme, that of chance and how one small decision can change our lives. The author
muses on what could have happened if another decision had been made. It is the author’s
imagined memoir, looking at her own life and how one small incident could have changed
it.
Janet Miller
Gardening Group
WITH A LITTLE WINTER HELP FROM THEIR FRIENDS
Many of you will remember the talk we had last year by Jane Adams on how we can help
bees survive the winter months and hopefully some of you will have built or bought a bee
hotel to provide shelter and a nesting hole for these vulnerable insects.
But don’t forget another member of our British wildlife which is suffering decline: the
hedgehog. If you’re planning a bonfire, make sure you check that pile
of garden rubbish before you set light to it – there could be a little hog
fast asleep in the warmth of those leaves and old plant stems! I know the
little critters are already hibernating, but how about using the long
evenings to build a hedgehog box for one or maybe two to nest in next
autumn? There are plenty of websites with ideas on how to do this.
And what about our winter birds? Anyone with a garden will know that, when there is frost
or snow on the ground and you’ve filled the bird feeder with sunflower seeds or peanuts,
you will have a multitude of birds coming down to feed. Alternatively, make up some fat
blocks with packets of suet from the supermarket; melt them in a saucepan and then mix
with birdseed or dried mealworms or dried fruit, or some of each. Leave to cool and put
lumps on the bird table. Also, robins love porridge oats and the blackbirds will devour an
old apple chopped into quarters and thrown out onto the lawn.
Oh, and don’t forget water. Put bowls of water around the garden, not only for the birds but
also for other visiting mammals to drink at. And make sure you break the surface when it
freezes or refresh with lukewarm water.
Christine Smith
Happy winter to all our garden friends!
10
LIST OF GROUPS
SUBJECT
CONTACT
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
Ancient Rome: History, Culture & Daily Life
Art Appreciation/History
Book Group
Bridge & Scrabble 2
British Mythology
Craft (knitting, crochet, embroidery, tapestry etc)
Cryptic Crosswords
Discussion
Discussion 2 – NEW
French
French 2 – NEW
Garden Visits (April to September only)
German
Genealogy
History Group - local visits and informal talks
History Research (October to March only)
Italian
Latin Beginners 1 - FULL
Auguste Shepherd
Neil Houghton
Janet Miller
Jean Palmer
David Shepherd
Marie Harris
Thelma Wood
Marianne Shelley
Margaret Oliver
Linda Bett
Richard Pearson
Christine Smith
James Dunn
Judy Hodges
Pat Ashworth
Christine Smith
Angela Warsany
Isabel Weiner
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
Latin Beginners 2 – NEW
Latin Intermediate
Lunch Club
Mah Jong
Music Appreciation
Philosophy
Play Readers
Poetry: Reading & Listening
Poetry Writing - NEW
Reading for Pleasure
Recorder Ensemble
Scrabble – see also Bridge & Scrabble 2 above
Singing for Fun
Strollers
Theatre Goers **
34
35
36
37
38
Virtual Computer Group **
Walking Group A – see also Strollers above
Walking Group B
Welsh
Writing for Pleasure
Claire Smith
Gill Jackson
John Draper
Lynn Hawkey
Heather Rowland
Val Downes
Chris Curtis
Val Hodge
Teresa Watson
Barbara Curtis
Auguste Shepherd
Shirley Lister
Rachel Cook
John Draper
Thelma Wood &
Jean Durrant
David Shepherd
John Draper
Stuart McAinsh
Margaret Flood
Thelma Wood
CONTACT
TEL 01258
860905
857260
454986
450544
860905
453424
860191
489755
459319
455569
488762
455113
450191
489989
451557
455113
861149
01747
229086
454182
453376
455356
455678
454641
880548
456367
456498
450578
456367
860905
454748
452641
455356
860191
860565
860905
455356
459394
880334
860191
** These groups do not meet on set days and therefore have not been included on the timetable.
Ring contact number for date of next meeting/more information.
MEMBERSHIP ENQUIRIES – GILL JACKSON – 01258.453376
11
GROUPS
TIMETABLE
First Monday
10:30 Singing for Fun ***
10:30 Cryptic Crosswords
14:30 Reading for Pleasure
Second Monday
10:30 Cryptic Crosswords
14:00 Ancient Rome:
History, Culture and Daily
Life
Third Monday
10:30 Cryptic Crosswords
Fourth Monday
10:30 Cryptic Crosswords
First Tuesday
First Wednesday
10:00 Committee Meeting
14:30 Play Readers
10:00 French 1
14:15 Latin Beginners 2 NEW
Second Tuesday
Second Wednesday
11:00 Coffee Morning: phone
Pat Ashworth for venue
12:30 Lunch Club
14:00 Craft
Third Tuesday
10:00 Philosophy
Fourth Tuesday
11:00 Coffee at The Crown
14:00 Craft
12
10:00 Walking B
14:00 Latin Beginners 1
FULL
Third Wednesday
10:00 French 1
14:00 Genealogy
14:15 Latin Beginners 2 NEW
14:30 Discussion 1
Fourth Wednesday
10:00 Walking A
14:00 British Mythology
14:00 Latin Beginners 1
FULL
GROUPS
TIMETABLE
First Thursday
11:00 Recorder Ensemble
14:00 Mah Jong
Second Thursday
09:30 Italian
10:30 History Research **
14:00 Book Group
14:00 Scrabble
14:00 Latin Intermediate
14:30 Welsh
Third Thursday
10:30 Garden Visits ‡
11:00 Recorder Ensemble
14:00 Mah Jong
Fourth Thursday
09:30 Italian
10:00 Poetry
14:00 Scrabble
14:00 Latin Intermediate
14:30 Welsh
First Friday
10:00 Writing for Pleasure
10:00 Music Appreciation
10:00 French 2 – NEW
10:00 German Intermediate
14:00 Bridge & Scrabble 2
Second Friday
10:00 German Intermediate
10:00 Discussion 2 - NEW
14:00 Art Appreciation
Third Friday
10:00 German Intermediate
10:00 Writing for Pleasure
10:00 French 2 - NEW
14:00 Bridge & Scrabble 2
* History
Fourth Friday
10:00 Strollers
10:00 German Intermediate
13
* Usual day for most (but not all)
History outings and coffee
mornings
** October to March
*** Every two weeks, check
with Group Leader for dates
‡ April to September
Contact Us
Honorary
President
Don Herring
Officers
Chairman
Vice-Chairman
Hon Treasurer
Hon Secretary
Christine Smith
John Rees
Christine Smith
Thelma Wood
O1258
O1258
O1258
O1258
455113
451673
455113
860191
Membership Secretary
Gillian Jackson
O1258 453376
Committee Members
Jocelyn Jenkins
Val Hodge
Bridget Spiers
Mick Murty
O1929
O1258
O1258
O1747
471293
456498
455081
811679
Social Secretary
Group Liaison
Speaker Co-ordinator
Web Site Manager David Shepherd
O1258 860905
Newsletter Editor Thelma Wood
O1258 860191
Redwall Cottage. Lower St, Okeford Fitzpaine, DT11 0RN
Email: [email protected]
www.blandfordu3a.co.uk
Charity No 1092984
14
SKITTLES AT SUNSET
The saloon door opened and all heads turned. It was Barry and he was packing a clipboard.
His posse close on his heels, he took up a commanding position at the centre of the bar, but
Christine stepped forward and made a stand. Yes, the battle lines were drawn and every
skittle would count.
Thus began a fun evening at the Blandford and District v Sturminster Newton skittles match
at The Ox in Shillingstone. Christine Smith was our leader, referee and marker and Barry
Curtis was there for Sturminster Newton. The experienced skittlers soon began to get a few
practise balls down the alley, but for the most part we were inexperienced and just having
fun. Teams were set and the game began. One or two people scored in double figures, but
the teams were pretty evenly matched, encouraged by the spectators and fellow players. An
excellent buffet was enjoyed at half time and everyone mingled.
At the end of the night Blandford triumphed, but a rematch will be arranged at a future date.
Thanks are due to Christine Smith, Barry Curtis, all the staff at The Ox and in particular the
young man who toiled at the business end of the alley returning the balls and resetting the
skittles.
Bernadette Wallis
NEWS FROM THE GROUPS – PART THREE
Mah Jong
This group continues to flourish and meets on the 1st and 3rd Thursday afternoons of the
month. The group is full to capacity but I would be more than willing to help someone set
up a second group if there is sufficient interest.
Lynn Hawkey
Music Appreciation
We have been exploring different genres, with a special meeting in October when a retired
cellist of the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra came to speak to us. Her talk highlighted
how work with different conductors varied and it was interspersed with pieces of her
favourite music. By contrast, each member of the group will bring a short piece of music to
share for our last meeting before Christmas. Our "forward planning" has taken us to Spring
next year, with individual members undertaking to plan one meeting each. We look forward
to 2015 and we have room for a few more members.
Heather Rowland
Reading for Pleasure
Due to problems collecting sets of books from the library, we have recently only had one
shared read which was “Stone’s Fall” by Iain Pears. We all enjoyed this long twisting tale.
Currently we are reading “Self’s Murder” by Bernard Schlink and we have also had a month
choosing our own books so that we can read a new release.
December’s meeting will be our Christmas Lunch and Secret Book Santa. The group is now
up to 12 members and is full.
Barbara Curtis
15
NEWS FROM THE GROUPS – PART FOUR
History
On the 16th September we had a wonderful day out to Sandham Memoria Chapel and
Highclere Castle in Berkshire. Three cheers for Pat Ashworth for arranging it!
Sandham Memorial Chapel is a modest red-brick building in the village of Burghclere,
famous for Stanley Spencer’s mural paintings depicting his First World War experiences as
a medical orderly and soldier on the Salonika front. The chapel was designed and built to
Spencer’s specification, by patrons Louis and Mary Behrend as a memorial to Mary’s
brother who died while on the Salonika front in September 1918. They also built a cottage
in the village for the painter and his wife while the murals were being completed which took
six years. Spencer survived the horror that killed many of fellow soldiers (including his
own brother, Sidney) indelibly marking his attitude to death and life, which came through
time again in subsequent works. The murals show scenes of the background activities in the
war dressing stations; bed-making, filling tea urns, even scrubbing the floors - every day
facts of daily life in camps and hospitals. Christ is portrayed as a small, almost unnoticed
figure in the main painting. Spencer had a fervent Christian faith, if rather an unorthodox
one.
The murals are considered by many as his finest achievement. Services are still held three
or four times a year, including the annual Remembrance Service. All in all, a moving and
humbling visit. Several of us wanted to stay longer – maybe a return visit?
On we went to Highclere Castle, a couple of miles down the road. It was a glorious summer’s
day so the grounds and castle looked especially splendid. Highclere Castle is the home of
the Eighth Earl and Countess of Carnarvon, who still live partly there and elsewhere in the
grounds. Remember Lord Carnarvon of Tutankhamen fame? There he lived and died and is
buried on a high hill in the grounds, as he had wished.
Also, Highclere Castle is the setting (partly) of the popular TV drama “Downton Abbey”
and appears to be doing a roaring trade with the tourists! The house is Jacobean, encased in
an “Elizabethan” Victorian exterior, looking rather splendid in beautiful Capability Brown’s
sweeping landscaped gardens which were slightly changed, by order of the Earl, to his own
taste. Some of the downstairs rooms were surprisingly warm and cosy. The bedrooms were
very large and not so cosy! There is also a large exhibition of facsimiles of Tutankhamen
treasures in the labyrinthine basements. Altogether a splendid day out for us history buffs.
Marianne Shelley
Cryptic Crosswords
We have just acquired a new member and now have an equal male/female membership! We
continue to enjoy “torturing” ourselves with seemingly impossible clues – but we triumph
in the end! Try: “Tabby is prepared to look after another’s young” (7) or “Perfect order for
a dessert” (5-3) Answers on Page 5.
Thelma Wood
16
NEWS FROM THE GROUPS – PART FIVE
History Research
Do you know who Verney Lovett Cameron was? He was born in Radipole, Weymouth in
1844, joined the navy at the age of 13 and later in life went on to head up an expedition to
Africa in 1873 to assist Dr David Livingstone. Unfortunately, Cameron’s party met Dr
Livingstone’s loyal followers carrying his dead body back to the coast – Cameron went on
to Lake Tanganyika and retrieved the reverend doctor’s papers and carried out extensive
surveys of the lake on behalf of the Royal Geographical Society.
Dorset has had many notable residents, both native and those who made the county their
home, and this winter we will be researching a selection of them and sharing the results at
our monthly meetings. Come along if you are interested in doing some research work and
learning more about the life of this great county!
Christine Smith
Singing for Fun – Calling all male singers!
We now have several new female members who are most welcome. Everyone is working
hard and we are achieving a high standard of music making. However, this makes the male
section of our group seem even smaller and I am urging any males in our U3A
who feel they may like to join in some singing to come along and give
it a try. You don't need to have had a vast amount of experience and you will receive lots
of help and support from our current men singers. Also, if anyone knows of any budding
male singers please urge them to get in touch with Rachel.
Christmas is looming on the horizon and we are looking forward to taking part in the
entertainment at the Blandford U3A celebrations on 28th November. This will be in the way
of a 'run up' for our care homes and hospital Christmas 'Rounds' on 16th and 22nd December
- the 22nd being our final meeting. Round about then, we shall be enjoying our Christmas
treat of a ‘bring and share’ lunch, back at our base. Best wishes to all. My email address is
[email protected].
Rachel Cook
Theatregoers
We are just at the start of a new season at the Salisbury Playhouse and looking forward to
an eclectic array of performances including “84 Charing Cross Road” (Helen Hanff), “All
My Sons” (Arthur Miller), “Romeo & Juliet”, “Mrs Warren’s Profession” (G. Bernard
Shaw) and more. The last play in the present programme which we have just seen was “The
Kite Runner”, a masterly performance by a visiting touring company. They played to a full
house from which they received a standing ovation which went on for several minutes.
There is no limit to the number of members in this group so please do join us – you will be
most welcome. We always go to Thursday afternoon matinées.
Thelma Wood
17
A DAY OUT AT THE CHELSEA FLOWER SHOW
It was Sue’s idea – a day out at the Chelsea Flower Show - so as I hadn’t been for many
years I thought it was a great idea. We had to book five months in advance but the day soon
arrived. We were up at 5am to catch the coach in Poole, and there we were, with our packed
lunch and bottled water ready for a great day out. It was warm and sunny and we felt like a
couple of kids let out of school.
When we arrived, the place was already humming and we decided that we would start with
the main tent. Inside, I immediately remembered why it always knocks me out – the vivid
colours, the noise, but most of all, the scent. Our plan of action - to quarter the ground and
thoroughly exhaust every avenue before proceeding to the next, didn’t always happen! We
were often diverted by a rose display here, a cascade of clematis there, all wonderfully
choreographed by the proud owners. The West Indian countries’ stands were particularly
stunning - cornucopias of fruit and flowers just filled every corner of each exhibit.
Needless to say, Sue and I chatted to quite a few people on our way so that it was getting
quite late in the morning before we headed up to the bandstand to eat our lunch. On the way
we took in several show gardens and had a close encounter with Alan Titchmarsh – a
charming man but a bit too short for me! It was hard to see him above everyone’s head!
Regular Chelsea visitors will know the charm of the bandstand. Set in a grassy bowl,
surrounded by trees, it looks like Trumpton or Camberwick Green! But the chairs laid out
in serried ranks, full of jolly looking people, reminded me of a Beryl Cook painting!
Everyone takes the opportunity to put their feet up and enjoy their lunch whilst listening to
a rousing medley of tunes. Well, we made the most of the sunshine, and the relaxation,
before heading back into the fray. By the time we had seen all the show gardens and
wandered down the avenues of shopping opportunities, we needed a break and found the
coffee and cake tent. Great cake by the way!
Then it was time to head back to the main tent for the 4pm sell-off of plants. Many of the
growers will let you reserve a plant so it’s first come, first served. I fought my way politely,
as one doe, to the front of the clematis stall where I bagged myself an extremely good
specimen. I was trodden on and pushed aside by a few visitors whose English didn’t include
the word “queue”. Most people however were extremely cheerful and well mannered and I
found myself hearing people’s life histories whilst waiting.
So, there we were at the end of the day, Sue and I, extremely wearily, making our way back
to the entrance where we met some very delightful Chelsea pensioners who quite willingly
posed with us for photos (we didn’t bribe them, honest!). We had a great run back to Dorset
talking about the day and everything we’d seen. Perhaps this is one for a U3A trip? But you
have to book now for May next year. Just a thought. You need to be in fine fettle - it’s a
long day, but so worth it if you love plants and gardens.
Lin Bett
18
NEWS FROM THE GROUPS – PART SIX
History Group
If anyone reading this has never been to Lime Tree House, Blandford, then please
immediately put it on your “must do list”. This lovely Georgian house, quietly situated in
The Plocks, is home to The Fashion Museum which has deservedly achieved national
recognition with its incredibly high standard of changing displays and of fashion and
accessories throughout the centuries.
Our recent visit began with a short talk on its history and architecture by Mr. Gordon
Boutelle. Built by the Bastard brothers after the fire of 1731, it is a good example of the type
of house built for wealthy merchants. Some good slides highlighted the symmetry of the
design of the exterior and colours of the lovely brickwork as well as fine details of the
interior, all things which can be overlooked on a first visit. Interestingly, the first occupants
of the house were the Bastard’s five sisters.
Mrs. Stella Walker followed this with an introduction to the actual contents of the house
before we looked at the current displays. It was in 1995, following a very generous donation
from a friend, that the house was bought to enable the remarkable Mrs. Betty Penny to
display her collection of beautiful costumes which had begun as a result of her interest in
amateur dramatics. Since then, as the result of gifts of often treasured family possessions,
the collection (covering 1740 to 1970) now numbers some four and a half thousand items,
all carefully recorded and stored, and which are used as the basis for new exhibitions each
year. The items displayed at the time of our visit were – in the main gallery, the current
exhibition entitled “Passion for Pattern” which impressed us all with the quality of the
fabrics. In another smaller display, exquisite wedding dresses demonstrated incredible
detail of design and stitching. Some fabulous party frocks were also on view and left one
wondering about where they had been worn and by whom. In addition, a designers’ corner,
with many examples of interesting accessories and some fabulous hats, plus scenes mounted
in the two small lovely atmospheric rooms by the entrance which all need more than one
visit.
It was fascinating to learn that in times past when the cost of materials could almost be
priceless, and that of making-up just a pittance, it was quite usual for a dress to be unpicked
and the material stored and then remade at a later date.
Everyone greatly enjoyed the visit, and the refreshments in the tearoom beforehand. Quite
a number of us afterwards joined as “friends of the museum” which means that we can now
pop into the museum at any time for a wander round the lovely displays. Some of the items
that we saw in the current exhibition brought back vivid personal memories and enormously
added to the enjoyment of the visit. The current season finishes at the end of November,
and the museum will re-open with new displays in mid-February 2015. Please do go!
Pat Ashworth.
19
NEWS FROM THE GROUPS – PART SIX – continued
History
Jean Longley, who is very involved with the planning of exhibitions at the Fashion Museum,
writes:The foundation collection was built by Mrs. Betty Penny during a period of thirty years and
its presentation of historic costume was known as “The Cavalcade of Costume”. Mrs. Penny
was awarded an MBE for the raising of £250,000 for various charities. When Lime Tree
House was acquired as a home for these costumes in November 1995, Mrs. Penny placed
them in the care of a charitable trust known as “The Cavalcade of Costume Ltd” now known
as The Blandford Fashion Museum. The Museum now has accreditation status and has
grown to over 4,000 items of costume.
Walkers’ Groups
Walkers’ Christmas Lunch
This will take place on Wednesday, 17th December at The Farquharson Arms, Pimperne at 12.30 for
1.00pm.
There will be a short walk before the lunch, starting at 10.30am (note the time) from the pub car park. Nonwalkers meet at 12.30pm for lunch. Spaces are limited but if you wish to join us, contact Sally on 452831
OR John on 455356.
Tuesday Lunch Club
We meet on the second Tuesday of each month at The White Horse, Stourpaine, at 12.30 for 12.45pm. The
group is very well supported but because of the layout of the venue, numbers are restricted. We have a wide
choice from the menu and the service is very good. I have a waiting list if you would like to put your name
down.
Walking Groups
We have had some interesting walks this year, most of them in super weather but England being England,
we do have some odd days. The walk at Okeford Fitzpaine had to be changed completely as one of the
tracks was two feet deep in water, even though we had not had much rain for a long time. An overnight
storm had done the damage. The number of members walking has dropped off recently and I would like
to see more members walking again.
Strollers’ Group
The Strollers have enjoyed the walks near Blandford and a little further away this summer. We always like
to make time to have a look at any churches that we pass and we have seen some interesting ones in some
pretty villages.
I would make a plea for more walkers to turn up. All you have to do is get to the rendezvous at 10.00am
at the point shown on the programme – and walk! Our groups are all very friendly. All walks are prewalked to ensure that they are suitable for each type of walking. Strollers really can stroll and ask for a
rest if they need it.
John Draper
20
ANYTHING TO DECLARE ?
Our comfortable Belgian coach had carried us from Cologne to a motorway service station
about an hour from Calais, where we changed to a British coach to avoid it having an empty
journey to the UK. That, apparently, was our undoing. About 50 passengers, mainly of
retirement age, changing coaches in the middle of nowhere was a suspicious act in the eyes
of the Border Police.
At the Calais terminus, after our British driver had given the Police details of his routes in
Europe, we were all required to get out and take all our belongings with us, making sure the
luggage compartment under the coach was quite empty.
We trooped through Passport Control and then found that our coach had been moved quite
a distance away, having excited the interest of several men in yellow jackets. They crawled
all over it several times, examined round the wheel arches and then began removing
bodywork panels and poking around in the engine! Word went round “they’re looking for
drugs”, but we were told nothing. In true British fashion, in adversity, all the passengers
started talking to each other, but even our tour leader was as puzzled and worried as the rest
of us.
After about an hour or so, during which we had been left standing there hanging about, the
coach and its tight-lipped driver returned to us – we were obviously “clean”. Had there
been a tip-off or was it just a random check? We will never know, but it transpired later
that the reason for suspicion was the fact that the coach had been parked near the Louvre in
Paris overnight. Clearly, it’s not all romance over there!
The galling thing was that during our long wait, coaches from Romania and Poland had no
trouble at all and, worse than that, neither did a battered van from which emerged nine lanky
young Romanians. You may have thought this would attract attention, but No – off they
went, smiling.
We missed several slots on the Shuttle as a result of all this and when we eventually arrived
back in England rather later than expected, it was raining!
Gill Jackson
Very much appreciated.
I’m sure you will be delighted to know that at our September Open Meeting, the sum of
£141.70 was collected for Macmillan Cancer Care. Last year the sum collected was £85.
The September total was made up of your contributions for tea and cake and your donations
to the Macmillan collection box and the U3A buckets. A big “thank you” to everyone who
was there for their generosity.
Christine Smith
21
Blandford Fly – update.
Many thanks to all who added their names to the petition. After running for 8 weeks it
closed with a total of over 2,450 signatures, collected conventionally with pen and paper!
The tourist office, cafes and pubs, surgeries, canoe and angling clubs, village halls, luncheon
clubs, many organisations – all gave their support.
As the petition grew in numbers and effect, Dr. David Phillips, Director of Public Health
Dorset came down to Blandford for a friendly informal meeting with myself and Nicci
Brown, editor of Forum Focus. In his capacity as Chairman of Dorset Health Protection
Network he is to take the request for funding for 2015 treatment of the River Stour to the
network’s next meeting and confident that this can be achieved, provided it is clear (this is
still very important) that the biocidal agent used is a licensed (legal) product.
The petition was finally presented to Mrs. Liz Goodall, Chief Executive or NDDC, and
Councillor Gary Jefferson, NDDC portfolio holder for Health, Welfare & Safety on
Thursday 13th November. Eight “petitioners” were cordially received and assured that
strength of feeling about this issue is fully appreciated, but it is considered that it is time to
have a full and proper review of treatment of the river based on up-to-date scientific
research. This does seem sensible, but it would be good to feel that there could be some
public involvement so that decisions reached could be understood and seen not to be based
solely on financial considerations.
For the very latest, see Page 5 of the December issue of Forum Focus.
Pat Ashworth
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The Annual Miracle.
Once a year, a small miracle occurs in Child Okeford. Cars make their way there from all directions. They
stop long enough to off-load their passengers –like celebrities arriving for the red carpet ritual. But here the
similarity ends and a long, slow-moving queue begins to form. As it reaches the door, all are greeted by a
kind lady whom they have formerly only seen behind her desk and computer. Now, unexpectedly standing
before them, she is arrayed in a fetching tabard bearing a legend on the front to remind the people why they
are there. She waves everyone on and they fan out towards three allotted destinations. As they shuffle along,
a strange ritual begins as each one silently removes their outer garment – one gentleman goes a stage further
and divests himself of all his top clothing revealing, luckily, a tanned and well preserved upper body. As
each one enters their personal space, s/he is met by a smiling and welcoming person armed, menacingly,
with a hypodermic syringe. “Good morning”, s/he says, cheerily, “I’m sure you’re familiar with this, aren’t
you?” “Oh yes”, we reply, “we come for our flu jabs every year”.
Thelma Wood – with thanks to Okeford Surgery for this well-organised and vital service.
22
A TIMELY REMINDER
All employees planning to dash through the snow in a one-horse open sleigh, going over the
fields and laughing all the way are advised that a Risk Assessment will be required
addressing the safety of an open sleigh for members of the public. This Assessment must
also consider whether it is appropriate to use only one horse for such a venture, particularly
where there are multiple passengers. Please note that permission must also be obtained in
writing from landowners before their fields are entered. To avoid offending those not
participating in celebrations, we would request that laughter is moderate only and not loud
enough to be considered a noise nuisance.
Benches, stools and orthopaedic chairs are now available for collection by any shepherds
planning, or required, to watch their flocks at night. While provision has also been made for
remote monitoring of flocks by CCTV cameras from a centrally heated shepherd
observation hut, all users of this facility are reminded that an emergency response plan must
be submitted to account for known risks to the flocks.
The angel of the Lord is additionally reminded that, prior to shining his/her glory all around,
he/she must confirm that all shepherds are wearing appropriate Personal Protective
Equipment to account for the harmful effects of UVA, UVB and the overwhelming effects
of glory.
Following last year’s well-publicised case, everyone is advised that Equal Opportunities
legislation prohibits any comment with regard to the redness of any part of Mr R Reindeer.
Further to this, exclusion of Mr R Reindeer from reindeer games will be considered
discriminatory and disciplinary action will be taken against those found guilty of this
offence.
While it is acknowledged that gift-bearing is a common practice in various parts of the
world, particularly the Orient, everyone is reminded that the bearing of gifts is subject to
Hospitality Guidelines and all gifts must be registered.
This applies regardless of the individual, including royal personages. It is particularly noted
that direct gifts of currency or gold are specifically precluded, while caution is advised
regarding other common gifts such as aromatic resins that may evoke allergic reactions and
require a safety data sheet.
Finally, in the recent instance of the infant found tucked up in a manager without any crib
for a bed, Social Services have been advised and will be arriving shortly.
By courtesy of the Editor of “In Touch”, the magazine of S&G U3A.
23
AND NOW, WITH NOTHING TO DO WITH CHRISTMAS . . . . .
Five blokes in an Audi Quattro arrive at the ferry checkpoint in Harwich, Essex.
Tracey, in her brand new uniform stops them and tells them: “I can’t let you on the ferry. It
is illegal to have five people in a Quattro. Quattro means four. One of you will have to get
out and stay behind”.
“Quattro is just the name of the car”, the driver replies disbelievingly. “Look at the papers
– this car is designed to carry five persons”.
“You cannot pull that one on me. This is Tracey you’re talking to here”, she replies with a
smile. “Quattro means four. You have five people in your car and you are therefore breaking
the law. So I can’t let you onto the ferry. It’s more than my job’s worth to let you all on”.
The driver is now very cross and replies angrily, “I’ve had enough of you. Call your
supervisor over. I want to speak to someone with more authority”.
“Sorry”, responds Tracey, “but my boss, Sharon, is busy with those two blokes over there
in the Fiat Uno.”
Thanks to Jocelyn Jenkins for sending this.
Testing page breaks
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