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LYMINGTON U3A
NEWSLETTER
Registered Charity 1098003
Third Age Trust
www.lymingtonu3a.org.uk
Spring
February 2015
Monthly Meetings at Lymington Community
Centre 2014/15 (2.30 pm)
NOTES FROM THE CHAIR
Welcome to this first Newsletter of 2015. January has
passed and we are now looking forward to the
lengthening days and hopefully Spring is on the
doorstep. I hope you enjoy reading this Newsletter,
which reminds us of some of the variety of events of
last year. We are also highlighting forthcoming events
scheduled for the next few months.
The time for renewing your membership is here and I
hope you will use the enclosed renewal form as soon
as possible. Our Lymington U3A year ends on 28
February 2015 and it does help if we receive your
payment quickly. I am pleased to say that despite
rising costs for almost everything, the cost of our
renewal will remain the same as last year. This year
we have added the option of paying by the BACS
system although we are still happy to accept payment
by cheque.
Please remember that your membership fee will
include access to the many interest groups, covering
a wide range of subjects. Monthly meetings
(excluding August), are held at Lymington Community
Centre with speakers covering broad subject areas.
Monday Coffee Mornings are also held once a month.
Scheduled visits to places of interest are arranged
through our Questors and Short Breaks Groups. Our
own Lymington U3A Newsletter is published 4 times
a year. The U3A national magazine 'Third Age
Matters' is posted to you 5 times throughout the year
and 'U3A Sources' magazine three times a year. The
minutes of the last AGM were included in the May
2014 Newsletter. My annual report for this year is
included in this edition. Our AGM is scheduled to take
place at 2.30pm on Thursday 2 April at the
Lymington Community Centre and I hope you can
come along. The AGM will be followed immediately
by the usual monthly meeting with a speaker.
Trevor Norton
5 March
Dan Snow – '2015: a stellar year for
anniversaries'
Dan Snow is a well known British television presenter
and author. He has presented many history programmes
for the BBC and other broadcasts with recent
programmes including Rome's Lost Empire, Locomotion:
The History of the Railways, and Dig WW2. He has
also reported from war zones in the Congo and Syria.
*Please note*, As this is likely to be a popular talk it will
be by ‘reservation only’ on the basis of one place per
Lymington U3A Member. Names will be taken on a
‘first come’ basis at the February Monthly Meeting. If you
are unable to attend this meeting please telephone to
reserve a place: Trevor or Janet Norton on 01590
674193
Information and booking tables for Questors will be
relocated to the Hope Jones Room in the LCC.
2 April
Bruce Worthy – 'Riding with the Cavalry'
As a former Household Cavalryman Bruce will provide an
interesting talk about The Life Guards and the Blues &
Royals who make up the Queen’s Life Guard at Whitehall
in London. The talk is supported by film footage, still
pictures and a show case display.
7 May
Ron Taylor – 'The Spice of Life'
This talk traces the history of herbs and spices from
thousands of years ago to the days before the British
Empire.
COFFEE MORNING PLUS,
Mondays 10 - 11.30am.
Fuller-McLellan Hall., Lymington Community Centre
Bring a friend – refreshments 30p (Talks start at 10.15)
16 Feb
Coffee. (N.B. in Robert Hole Room)
16 March Donald Mackenzie on the Harry
Burrard-Neale Project (local history)
20 April
Coffee
18 May
OpenSight a Hants charity for people
who have lost or risk losing their sight.
All members, particularly those who are new to our
U3A, are welcome.
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Chairman’s Report to AGM
To be held on 2 April 2015, Lymington Community Centre,
Fuller & McLellan Hall
It is a pleasure to report on a successful year for Lymington U3A. We started the year with an almost entirely new
Committee and as a result we had a steep learning curve. So I must give my fellow Committee members full praise on
your behalf for their support and efforts: Peter Ashwood, Linda Leiper, Chris Stone, Helen Braye, Julia Brooke, Sue
Curant, Ros Fortescue, Janet Norton and Jill Lindemere. Plus, those who we could not manage without, that do not
attend Committee: Miggi Sharp, Cheryl Blamey, Hugh Keal and Bert Caiger. Also, I would like to thank the many who
host interest groups and arrange outings and events.
Sadly, Helen Braye, our Membership Secretary, has decided that it is time for her to stand down from the Committee.
However, I am pleased to say that she is prepared to continue in her role, outside of the Committee, to allow someone
to shadow her for the coming year.
The 2014 Study Day ‘The Jurassic Coast - A World Heritage Site’ got the year off with a big hit. I would like to give full
praise to Yvonne Headey for putting this together. So popular was this subject, that two very successful follow up coach
trips to Lulworth Cove and Charmouth Heritage Centre were organised.
Throughout the year our membership has increased and now stands at an all-time high. Many of the new members
have been welcomed to our U3A with an invitation to attend a ‘new members’ coffee morning’.
Our finances remain healthy and despite increased costs for postage, venue-hire etc. our membership fees will once
again remain the same as the previous year.
Our monthly meetings have been well attended and members have enjoyed presentations from speakers covering a
wide range of subjects. I am pleased to say that we have a full schedule of meetings arranged for 2015. Similarly, our
regular monthly Coffee morning/Coffee morning Plus meetings have proved a success with increasing attendances
throughout the year.
The number and range of the interest groups has remained high, in line with our increased membership. The
information sheet giving details of all groups has been updated and is now published in colour.
Our Newsletter, also printed in colour, remains full of reports about our programme and has information covering
forthcoming events. The Newsletter and Questors Information Sheets, with trips and events, are now sent out by email
as well as in hard copy.
Lymington U3A was represented at meetings of the New Forest Network of U3A’s. In September I also represented
Lymington at the annual U3A National Conference and AGM. Hilvary Robinson, our previous Chair, was elected as
South East Region Trustee at this AGM.
I look forward to another year as your Chairman and to working with you all to continue the success of Lymington U3A.
Trevor Norton
19 November 2014
Quiz Evening
Eight enthusiastic teams of quizzers gathered at the Lymington Community Centre on the 19 November for another
lively U3A quiz evening. After the usual
formalities of choosing names and joker topics
they embarked on a range of subject rounds
including History, Sport, Food & Drink, Music,
What comes Next and Know Your Lymington.
At half time all were duly reinvigorated with a
delicious Fish and Chip Supper followed by
tubs of locally produced New Forest Ice
Cream.
At the conclusion of the evening the final scores
revealed a close competition. The winners
'Busy Bees' pictured here were presented with
their well deserved prizes of chocolates. In all
Cheryl Blamey, Gill Woods, David Beech, David Bennett, Malcolm Eggleton.
another enjoyable, good humoured and
entertaining evening.
Sue Curant
Don’t forget to save milk bottle
tops (all colours) but only milk
bottle tops! They are sold to
help fund research for the
charity. ‘GIFT of SIGHT’.
A box is outside the hall at the
monthly meetings or please give
them to Viv or Pete Gosney.
01590 671805
Christmas Tree Festival 2014
This was held again in the United Reform Church
in aid of Charity and was supported by Lymington
U3A.
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28 November 2014
Christmas Outing to Portsmouth Dockyard Victorian Festival
On arrival we were amazed to see the number of people
queuing to get into the festival when it opened. On entry we
were handed the ‘Festival Times‘, which gave you a map of
the Dockyard and times and places of the various events.
The dockyard was completely transformed and it was hard
to recognise exactly where you were. The actors and
actresses playing the parts of Victorians were very authentic
(at one point I saw two Queen Victorias!) and Fagin’s
Tavern had materialised on the quayside from where the
sound of music and jollity could be heard. There were also
many stalls and plenty of opportunity to enjoy a bite to eat
and drink. The ticket price included entrance to all the attractions including the Harbour cruise. Some of our companions
took the opportunity of retail therapy in nearby Gunwharf
Quay. Many thanks to Eileen Humphries for organising this GREAT day out.
Q1
Q2
Q3
Q4
Q5
Q6
Q7
Q8
Q9
Q10
Q11
Q12
Giny McIllroy
Student Who obtained 0% in Test — I would have given 100% for wit.!
In which battle did Napoleon die
A1 his last battle
Where was the declaration of Independence signed
A2 at the bottom of the page
The River Ravi flows in which state
A3 liquid
What is the main reason for divorce
A4 marriage
What is the main reason for failure
A5 exams
What can you never eat for breakfast
A6 lunch and dinner
If you throw a red stone into a blue sea what will it become.
A7 wet
How can a man go 8 days without sleeping
A8 no problem he sleeps at night
How can you lift an elephant with one hand
A9 you will not find an elephant with one hand
If you had 3 apples and 4 oranges in one hand and four apples
A10 big hands
and 3 oranges in the other hand what would you have
If it took eight men ten hours to build a wall, how long
A11 no time at all it is already built
would it take 4 men to build it
How can you drop a raw egg onto a concrete floor without cracking it. A12 any way you want, concrete floors are difficult
to break
4 December 2014
Monthly Meeting
Lymington U3A were delighted to welcome back the Southern Union Chorus for a second visit to their
monthly meeting. This acclaimed group of barber shop singers, established in 1982 and based in
Bournemouth, have a wide
repertoire of well known songs
and ballads, all sung in
unaccompanied close harmony.
After a lively welcome and warm
up song, including some
commendable audience
participation, the different parts of
the chorus, (lead, tenor, baritone
and bass) , were explained and
demonstrated. The chorus then
proceeded to entertain the
audience in their first set through
a contrasting programme of
melodic and beautifully executed classics and ballads such as Da Do Ron Ron, Sentimental Journey,
Always Look on the Bright Side of Life, Do You hear the People Sing? from Les Miserables, all
intermingled with festive songs and lively banter.
Tea and mince pies in the interval added to the seasonal atmosphere and were followed by the second
set of well known classics such as Ain’t Misbehaving, Hello Mary Lou (with audience hand jives) and
more festive songs. In all a very a happy and enjoyable afternoon for all.
Sue Curant
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YOGA Groups Christmas Lunch 2014
Members of the two YOGA groups gathered
for a Seasonal Lunch at the Royal
Lymington Yacht Club at the end of
November. Our thanks to Pam Moore, a
RLYC member, who organised the event for
us. A good time had by all!!
Cheryl Blamey
The U3A Christmas Lunch
On a cold, crisp December lunchtime U3A members arrived at The Mill at
Gordleton for this marvellous annual event. The tickets were sold in record
time.
We were all seated in adjoining, elegant dining rooms, which were
festively decorated. Denise and Hugh directed us to our tables and we soon
got chatting. In no time our delicious first courses arrived. Everyone
seemed delighted with their meal choices and the waiting staff were all
very friendly and helpful.
We raised a toast to thank Denise and Hugh Keal for once again organising
such an enjoyable event.
Janet Norton
Left to Right : Sue Curant, Linda Leiper, Chris Stone.
8 January 2015
Monthly Meeting
Last week Dr. Derek Browne (pictured) spoke to a packed audience of Lymington U3A members on the topic of
'Preventing Body Rust'. The talk was amusingly illustrated with a variety of props
including copper piping, WD 40, an athletics vest and a bicycle inner tube.
Dr Browne also gave us a fascinating insight into how and why he became a doctor
and the part determination, perseverance, motivation and being in the right place at
the right time played in the process . His main theme was that we are living in a
country with an ageing population - no news to U3A members - and it is necessary to
do all we can to prolong the active years after retirement. In essence, if we are to
'prevent body rust' and
improve our quality of life,
we should follow the 'DASH'
mantra. This is D for diet, A for activity, S for socialising or
stimulation - of both the brain and body - and finally H is for
hugs, humour, holidays and happiness.
With this message ringing in our ears we left with New Year's
resolutions about staying positive, fit and happy in 2015.
Chris Stone
WALKING GROUP
First Monday in the month at 10.30 am.
All members and dogs welcome, just turn up. Group Leader: Hugh Keal 01590 675023, [email protected]
Monday 2 March, meet at the Old Station Tea Rooms car park, Holmsley (on A35) SU232006 for a
4 mile walk. (ring Bert Caiger any queries)
Monday 6 April, meet at the Clay Hill Heath car park south of Lyndhurst on the A337. Map Ref. SU
301061, a 4 mile walk.
Monday 4 May, meet at the Boltons Cricket car park at the A35/B3056 junction in Lyndhurst (go
through the Boltons bench car park up to the cemetery) Map Ref. SU307080, a 4 mile walk.
Monday 1 June, walk planned for the IOW, details to follow.
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15 January 2015
A fun evening of Ten Pin Bowling at Holburne Bashley.
It’s quite amazing how serious one can become in a ten pin bowling team when they are all rooting for you! Despite not feeling
competitive our team was 'out to win' when we heard from Hugh that there was a prize at the end for the winning team, and another
for the person with the highest score.
There was much laughter from the five tables of six people each,
some realising from their first practice attempt that it was a little
more difficult than it looked. For instance the ball had a mind of its
own and appeared to veer to the left. When our team saw this we
aimed to the right – only to find that the ball ended up a 'gutter ball'.
A new term to me but it appeared in large writing on the screen to
tell everybody what had happened!
All this activity tends to give one an appetite and when the food was
served we were not disappointed, all the meals looked very good and
I can vouch for the fish and chips which were excellent. It was a very
good fun evening and I hope that it is repeated soon.
Many Thanks to Hugh Keal for organising the evening.
Mandy Stewart
Brenda Miller wondering where the ball went!
Onlooking left to right. Chris Stone, Doreen and Roy Sirett, and Ann
Webber.
Lymington U3A Study Day 2015
‘They live by trade’: Britain’s maritime trade in the Age of Sail
Friday 20 March 2015, 10.00-16.00
Lymington Community Centre, Fuller & McLellan Hall,
New Street, Lymington SO41 9BQ
A view of the European Factories at Canton by William Daniell
National Maritime Museum, Greenwich
Britain’s history has been shaped by its relationship with the sea. The possibilities and profits offered by maritime trade defined the country’s development as a regional and global power in the Age of Sail. Port towns, like
Southampton, grew wealthy as a result of their maritime connections.
Meanwhile, organisations like the East India Company and the South Sea
Company linked Britain with the wider world, laying the foundations of
Britain’s global empire in the process. And all of this commercial activity
and wealth was protected by the Royal Navy. Richly illustrated with images and objects, this Study Day will explore the role of overseas trade in
Britain’s history.
Programme
09.30-10.00
10.00-11.00
Registration
Southampton: A maritime town
Maria Newbery, Curator of Maritime & Local Collections,
Southampton City Council
11.00-11.30
11.30-12.30
Refreshments
Naval convoys: The defence of trade is the defence of the realm
Dr Helen Paul, University of Southampton
12.30-14.00
Lunch
14.00-15.00
The East India Company: The company that changed the world
Dr John McAleer, University of Southampton
15.00-15.45
Speakers Question Time
15.45-16.00
Thanks and Farewell
Registration Fee: U3A Members £8.00 **Guests of Members: £10.00**
Please note that only one guest per
member can be accommodated. For further information please contact Mrs Janet Norton
Tel. 01590 674193 Email: [email protected]
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QUESTORS AND OTHER EVENTS
Interest Group Co-ordinator’s Report
Sunday 8 March - Concert Bournemouth Symphony
Orchestra, Bournemouth Pavilion start 3pm. Car sharing,
lifts available. Cost £14.40. Contact. Cheryl Blamey.
01590 681746
Friday 20 March - Study Day "They live by trade:
Britain's Maritime Trade in the Age of Sail" (see p5)
News about Groups:
Geology – This is a newly forming group. If you are not
already on the list but are interested in joining, please contact
the group co-ordinator.
Current affairs – Anne Kelly is proposing to start up a second
group. If interested please contact her on tel: 01590 672798.
Home Dining – This group is for those who enjoy getting
together for a chat over a meal. All are welcome. For more
information please contact John and Joan Wray:
tel: 01590 682305.
Tuesday 24 March, - Visit to Chichester: Pallant House
Gallery. Cost £27.50. Refreshments on arrival, then 1hour guided tour of the Gallery: a world class collection
of 20th century British art, housed in a charming 18th
century Georgian town-house. Free time in Chichester for
lunch, Cathedral visit, shops etc. Contact. Claire Hayes
01590 677926
Updates to the Interest Group Timetable 2014-2015:
New: Art for All – group leader Peter Whapham
tel: 01590 626205
Painting 1: Please note the change of group leader for this
group from Bill Nisbet to Claire Hayes tel: 01590 677926.
Wednesday 29 April, - Day Trip to Adam Henson’s
Farm Park (in Gloucestershire between Cheltenham and
Chipping Norton). Depart 8.30 from rear of M & S car
park. Cost £27.50. Contact. Hugh Keal 01590 675023
Discontinued: French for Fluent Speakers.
Shared Learning: Hilvary Robinson is unable to continue to
run this group due to her other U3A commitments so a new
group leader is needed if it is to continue. Please contact
Hilvary to find out what is involved: tel: 01590 672825.
CONCERTS: If you are interested in organising a Sunday afternoon outing to a classical (or other) music concert, please contact Cheryl, Questors Co-ordinator, There
is one on the 19 April at the BSO that needs organising.
[email protected] or 01590 681746
News from National and Regional offices:
Study Day: The U3A Network Family History Study Day on
the 9th April 2015 will be held at The Ash Centre in Ash in
Surrey.
For further information please contact Heather:
[email protected] - tel; 07788 941216.
Photography Competition: National Office is creating an
archive of photos relating to U3A activities for publicity
purposes. Email photos to [email protected]
Other future events:
Summer School
South East Forum Summer School at the University of
Chichester: 22nd – 25th June 2015.
Harper Adams University in Shropshire from 13 - 16 July
2015.
Royal Agricultural University at Cirencester: 17 – 20 August
2015.
Vivaldi Concert: This year’s U3A Spring Concert takes place
at Temple Church in London at 3.0pm on Tuesday 28 April
2015. Low cost wine and refreshments will be available.
Tickets are £18.
West End Sing Out: Following the success of the October
Sing Out, this event will take place at the Playhouse Theatre
(near Embankment tube station) on March 3rd 2015. The aim is
to enjoy the experience of working together with a professional
West End Musical Director to learn a series of songs from
various West End Musicals, which will be recorded on a CD
which is free for those attending.
RAF Museum - Early Flight & the 1st WW in the Air. Various
dates from 25th March 2015.
U3A Explores Science at the Royal Institute of Great Britain
in London at 1.30pm on the 23rd March 2015.
Managing Growth Seminar (discussions about the increasing
size of U3As) on 17th February 2015.at the NUJ, Grays Inn
Road, London.
Information about these is available on the website of the U3A
National Office: www.u3a.org.uk or tel: 020 8466 6139.
REMINDER: Each trip must be paid for by cheque
(payable to “Lymington U3A”). You are not booked
for the trip until your cheque has been received. To
avoid a loss being incurred, refunds can only be made
if the trip is filled to more than 90% capacity.
SHORT BREAKS GROUP:
Next Meeting on Tuesday 17 February 10.30 am at the
Walhampton Arms.
Contact: Brenda Miller 01425 622157.
LUNCH CLUB: 12.00 to 12.15
Next meeting on Friday 20 February at the Mayflower,
Lymington
Contact: Audrey Please 01590 682439
IMPORTANT - AS SOME RESTAURANTS NOW
ASK FOR A CREDIT CARD NUMBER WHEN
BOOKING - PLEASE ADVISE IF UNABLE TO ATTEND.
THEATRE GROUP:
Thursday 26 February 2015 - Salisbury Playhouse for
the matinee performance of “84 Charing Cross
Road” (with Clive Francis and Janie Dee). Coach leaves
the car park at the rear of M & S Food Lymington at
12.45pm Cost £29 to include coach and driver’s gratuity.
Contact: Audrey Lamb 02380 282283.
May 2015, Newsletter Deadline 15 April
Please send copy **(max 160 words)** to the Editor
at [email protected] or Tel: 01590 689061
(Bert) Also webpage up-dates at any time.
Julia Brooke: Tel: 01590 678158
Email: [email protected]
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