For those of you who did not get the opportunity to see the ‘Rivers of Blood’ poppy exhibition at the Tower of London…you missed a treat because it has now been dismantled! However due to public demand they are keeping the waterfall and splash poppies in place until early next year. It is worth seeing even this reduced display. If you have not visited the tower for some time you will be pleased to know they have loads of new exhibitions and have revamped the animal zoo displays so there are animal sculptures all around.
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comment should not be read in conjunction with the photo on the right of three of our members having a bite to eat.
The Extreme Visits Bell Foundry trip was also a delightful and informative visit and whilst I could show you pictures of bells, you all know what they look like so I am showing you a picture of Ian Mackay just about to fall off a children’s roundabout. Those sympathetic individuals will want to know that only his pride was bruised! Pictures of bells and the foundry are available on the website.
Mandi Simons (Editor)
SPEAKER: Our speaker this month on Thursday 27th November is Stefan White on “Golf: The History of an obsession” Doors open at 2pm unless you want to help set up the hall!
THERE IS NO DECEMBER MEETING OR NEWSLETTER.
CHAIRMAN’S INFO: This month our illustrious chairman Dave Johnson has a lot to say (no comments please) so I have given him his own little space….. He would firstly like to remind you about the message in a bottle scheme which could save your life. These bottles are now available from www.lions.org.uk. There are all sorts of health stuff via links on our website. Next he would like to remind you that this U3A is run by you for you and if anyone is interested in joining the committee next year to take an active role in organising and controlling the masses, could they please speak to him. Then he asks: If anyone is interested in joining an architecture group or an acrylics painting group to email or phone him. Interest list will be at the monthly meeting so sign up to find out more.
(I think these are two new groups rather than one where you build something then paint it: Editor)
PLANT SWAP –Remember to bring your cuttings or plants to the monthly meeting, we will be running a plant stall at the November Meeting. Renew your garden planting scheme with free plants! Mary Duly.
U3A DIARIES: Glynn White reports that 5 people have not as yet collected their diaries. They can be collected at the monthly meeting. If this is not possible contact secretary@wtu3a.org.uk
TRIPS AND TRAVEL: 50+ Show Birmingham 2015. We are proposing to visit this on Friday 13th February 2015, cost will be approximately £21.00 per head. It will be a full day leaving around 8.30a.m. and returning early tea time. The Show focuses on four key topics: Hobbies, Health, Crafts and Travel. Please either sign up at the General Meeting or let Mary Duly/Mandi Simons/ Dave Johnson know .
THEATRE: Places are still available for the following:
- Anything Goes 12th February £25.00 – payment due at the November meeting.
- Blood Brothers – 26th February £27.00 Payment due November meeting.
- Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night Time – 19th March £15.00 Payment due November meeting
- Spamalot – 15th April £20.00 Payment due January.
- Oh what a lovely war – 30th April £22.50 payment due January.
Please let me know if you are interested, either email me or telephone 01296 613772. I will be at the next meeting. Rosemary Williams
EXTREME GOURMET:. Burns Lunch at The Chandos PH, Weston Turville Thursday 29th January 2015. Cost £25 and will include the obligatory Piper, haggis and speeches! Contact Pam Wilson
on email extreme.gourmet@wtu3a.org.uk Spaces will be going quick for this popular event so book early.
NEEDLEWORK: Joan Bridges has taken over the running of this group and the location has changed to Joan’s house at 334 Wendover Road, Weston Turville , HP22 5TN telephone 01296 612303 or email needlework@wtu3a.org.uk If you are interested in joining this group which meets on the first Tuesday afternoon, monthly please contact Joan. Please amend your yellow book accordingly.
FILMNIGHT: There will be no film night held in December due to the sudden death of Molly Wilkinson (Ted’s wife). For further information please contact Ted Wilkinson.
BOOK CLUB: There are still spaces for the Book Club, meeting on the second Wednesday of the month
Tel 01296 613772 or speak to me main meeting. Rosemary Williams
WALKERS: The walkers have their Christmas lunch on Tuesday 9th December so will not be meeting at the usual time and place. Contact Norma Lyons for details. Normal walking resumes next year!
EXTREME VISITS: We have persuaded the Slough Ice Arena to cancel a general session to allow us onto the ice with go karts. Embrace the winter and come and join us. This is followed by lunch at Tummies. £35 for Karting and includes a £10 deposit on lunch. Payment due at November meeting.
To join the experience (or just for lunch) email extreme@wtu3a.org.uk
Ice Sculpting 13th Mar 2015: Probably the end of the ice theme for now. A tour of Hamilton Ice Sculptors in Wimbledon (including an opportunity to have a go) plus lunch at The Leather Bottle. £38 for the tour and transport. Contact Adrian or Trevor email extreme@wtu3a.org.uk
Abseil the Spinnaker: 15th May 2015 I am now working with U3As on the South Coast, so we don’t need to get up so early and to ensure we meet the 40 abseilers target. The experience will costs about £85 + transport. Should you feel as if this is too adventurous – checkout Doris Long’s abseil, she’s 100 and already booked again for next year. www.itv.com/news/meridian/story/2014-05-16/dorislongoldestabseiler/
ANTIQUES: Gwyn Williams has kindly offered to give his Concorde Talk for our Antiques & Collectables Group on Monday 15th December at 2.30pm at The Chapel Hall, Weston Turville. We have some places left and if anyone else would like to attend can you get in touch with me please, Carol Theobald on 01296 614186 or carolwtu3a@hotmail.co.uk. It is first come first reserved as the Chapel Hall can only seat 40 people!
HISTORIC BUILDINGS: November 28th. Christmas tea at Waddesden Manor. Next year’s dates and visits will be sent out soon. Ceinwyne and Eileen
NATTERING NEEDLES: On behalf of the WTU3A Nattering Needles Group, I would like to say a huge thank you to everyone who contributed in any way to the Operation Christmas Child Shoebox appeal. From the wool that had been donated we produced almost 450hats, 38 scarves, 55 knitted bags and 5 pairs of gloves. From donated furniture fabric samples we made 24 pencil cases, over 30 purses and several bags. Other items donated included soft toys, new socks, jewellery and jewellery kits, as well as toys, books, stationery, pens, pencils, crayons and other items. There were also 5 completed shoeboxes and several cash donations. Photos of most of the items we donated will hopefully be available soon on the WTU3A website. We really couldn’t have done this without you so thank you so much. We will be starting again for next year’s appeal – so if you have any wool or fabric that you have no use for, we are happy to take it off your hands. If you fancy helping us to knit, crochet or sew we would love to hear from you – or why now join us on the second and fourth Monday in the Chandos pub at 2pm- 4pm. We would love to see you!
Pat Housego
GARDEN VISITS: Next year’s dates and visits will be promulgated soon.
OVERSEAS NEWS AND THINGS:
Mid Bucks (Aylesbury) U3A hold an annual Carol Service which, this year, will be at the Church of The Holy Spirit in Bedgrove on Tuesday 16th December at 2.30 pm. We extend an invitation to you and all members of your U3A. The service will be followed by mince pies.
Dacorum Communities For Learning would like to invite you for a chance to come & try out Tablet Computers or if you already have one ask a question if they are struggling with it. These will be FREE sessions. Our tutors & volunteers will be around to assist anyone who wants to have a try. With Christmas coming people may be considering getting one or buying one for a family member. Tablets are much easier to use than Laptops and are a great way for people to keep in touch with family & friends using Skype which is video calling over the internet. They may also like to try Google Earth, play games, find about Apps, look up a tutorial on YouTube & more. With everything these days needing to be applied for or done online it is important for people to learn how to use a computer. DCFL has been teaching adults of all ages for around seven years now with our oldest learner being 96 years of age. The next round of courses will be starting in January 2015. Please contact Dacorum Communities For Learning on 01442 251930 to book a place or find out more information.
On the subject of learning Dave Johnson and Adrian Randal recommend you watch this inspirational video on learning. http://tedxtalks.ted.com/video/The-First-20-Hours-How-to-Learn It may help you with whatever it is you are trying to learn except maybe skydiving or abseiling?