Inside: Birdwatching Spectacle Day Tripping with U3A the Mystique of Mah-Jong U3A World in Pictures Choir - What Next?

Autumn 2017 www.saffronwaldenu3a.org.uk

Inside: Birdwatching spectacle Day Tripping with U3A The mystique of Mah-Jong U3A world in pictures Choir - what next?

Saffron Walden Registered Charity No. 290670

In this Autumn Issue

Chairman ’s Report …..………………………………………………. 4 Saffron Walden U3A Committee/New Activities ….….………… 5 Class Co-ordinators …..……………....…………………………….. 6 Weekly/Fortnightly Activities …...………………….……………… 8 Monthly Activities/Art Appreciation ...…..….………….....…….. 10 Saffron Harmony Choir/Ukulele …...…………………………...... 11 Membership Secretary’s/Activities Organiser’s Reports ….... 12 Notice of AGM ………………………………....……...... ………….. 13 Writing for Pleasure/Photography …..…………………………… 16 U3A Visit to Wellcome Genome Campus/U3A Talk ………….. 17 Easy Riders Cycling/Music Club …..….…………………….…… 18 Theatre and Travel/Bridge ……....………………………………… 19 Quiz answers/Apologies/Letters/Mah-Jong 1 …….….….... 20/21 Mah-Jong 2/Cribbage/Birdwatching ….……..…………….... 22/23 Obituaries ….………………………………………………………… 24 Dates for your Diary ….……...... …………….……………………. 25 Theatre & Travel event details/Notice Board …..………….. 26/27

From September Open Meetings will have a slightly different format to enable more socialising. The doors will open at 2.15 pm and tea/coffee and biscuits will be available at 2.30 pm BEFORE the Speaker starts. Every third Monday at the Bowls Club.

elcome to my second edition of Update and it’s so far so good. The emails that I’ve received Wfollowing my first issue have all been favourable, but modesty prevents me from publishing them all! Two appear on page 21 though - just in case you don’t believe me!

Once again I am grateful to everyone who has contributed to this Autumn edition, the articles are full of interest and I hope that they will encourage you to participate in the activities. Quiz answers There is no ‘Thanks for the Memory’ feature in this issue sadly as none were received but it’ll are on page return for the next issue. Remember, if there is 20. Keep your an activity that you would like to pursue but which does not exist, please contact Ann eyes alert for Cousins - her details appear on page 5. more teasers Those U3A members who are sadly no longer with us are fondly remembered in our in this issue - Obituaries section on Page 24. and there are And finally, as the leaves begin to fall and the nights draw in, our thoughts inevitably turn to - four hidden no not Christmas - the next edition of Update!! I look forward to receiving your emails! kittens to find!

Jim Dwyer, Editor

Now let’s follow that yellow brick road . . .

Cover: U3A trip to Hever Castle last August. Photo by JD

Chairman’s Report

am happy to report that all groups are thriving and, like our membership, slowly increasing in number. Please Iremember that we rely on feedback from members, including any suggestions you may have regarding starting new groups or putting on additional events. I hope you are enjoying the new format of the Update, thanks are due to Jim Dwyer our new Editor, and do remember to view our website for further info

on our activities and events. I look forward to meeting many of you at our AGM on 4th September, please note the new venue of the Baptist Church. I hope that you have all had a good summer in spite of national and world events which have cast a shadow over all our lives. Kind regards to all. Alan Nicholls, Chairman

lease make all cheques payable to: SAFFRON This year’s AGM WALDEN U3A. Our bank requests that you do not put anything else on the cheque. All will be 2.30 pm Pmembers are requested to pay class fees promptly as Monday 4th we do need to have money in the bank before we can pay out. Whatever class you are attending, please September at the ensure you pay the class fees for the whole term to your Saffron Walden co-ordinator no later than the second class of that term. Baptist Church. If, for whatever reason, after the first class you do not propose to continue to attend, then let your co-ordinator Doors open know as soon as possible. Thank you. 1.00 pm for Ann Treglown, Treasurer registration

4 Saffron Walden U3A Committee

Name Telephone Email Alan Nicholls 01799 522260 [email protected] Trevor Osbourn 01799 500909 [email protected] Ann Treglown 01799 516707 [email protected] Janet Pearson 01799 540065 [email protected] Ann Banks 01799 550328 [email protected] Ann Cousins 01799 219072 [email protected] Jim Dwyer 01799 521524 [email protected] Christine Simpson [email protected]

At the time of going to press, the above existing Committee members will be standing for election at the Annual General Meeting on 4th September. There may also be others who wish to put their names forward. The positions below remain the same.

Title Name Telephone Email Update Jim 01799 521524 [email protected] Editor Dwyer Website Martin 01799 527805 [email protected] Manager Hugall

Should any members have

New Activities difficulty in hearing at our Would you like to start a DRAMA Group? meetings or classes or have Gill Williamson would - if you are interested difficulty with access through please contact her on 01799 524947 or disability, please speak to a email [email protected] member of the Committee to try Also, who would like to start a Crafts and make attendance easier group? Please contact Ann Cousins on 01799 219072 - [email protected] and more comfortable.

Class Co-ordinators

Class Co-ordinator Tel Email Art 1 Esther Rawlings 01799 520203 [email protected] Art 2 Peter Divall 01799 524140 [email protected] Art Appreciation Ann Crawford and 01763 838080 [email protected] Trevor 01799 500909 [email protected] Osbourn Ballroom / Pauline Palmer 01799 502560 [email protected] Sequence Dancing Bird Watching Brian Linford 01799 531392 [email protected] Bridge Beryl Ihm 01799 502512 [email protected]

Bridge Linda Jackson 01799 540269 [email protected] (Improvers)

Building Bridges Isobel Jones 01799 522552 [email protected]

Choir Joan Shadbolt 01799 516585 [email protected] Cribbage John Trueman and 01799 541288 [email protected] Christine Taylor 01799 501886 [email protected]

Easy Riders Colin and Anne 01799 543127 [email protected] Cycling Taylor French Sue Rooney 01799 525389 [email protected] Conversation Gardening Jo Ware 01763 838654 [email protected] History Byways Eleanor Bullough 01799 524783 [email protected] Indoor Bowling Grahame Wilmott 07922 187361 [email protected] Italian Susan Humphries 01799 500066 [email protected] Keep Fit Helen Verity and 01799 550408 [email protected] Lynda Sawkins 01799 521022 [email protected] Latin 1 & 2 Billie Rochford 01799 550223 [email protected] Line Dancing Sheila French 01799 530364 [email protected]

Please advise the Website Manager (details page 5) if you do not wish any of these personal details to appear on the Saffron Walden U3A website.

Class Co-ordinators (continued)

Class Co-ordinator Tel Email Literature Ann Crawford 01763 838080 [email protected] Lunch Club Kate Barwood 01799 550271 [email protected] Mah-jong 1 Christine Greet 01799 531732 [email protected] Mah-jong 2 Jess Grinyer 01799 500344 [email protected] Mah-jong 3 Peter & Geraldine 01799 599159 [email protected] Plunkett Mainly for Men John London 01799 527729 [email protected] Music Club Philippa Croft 01799 599044 [email protected] Nine 'n' Easy Jan Powell 01799 523855 [email protected] Fitness Philosophy 1 Joanna O'Connor 01799 522260 [email protected]

Philosophy 2 Denys Hickey 01799 523904 [email protected] Photography Anne Mount 01763 838271 [email protected] Pilates 1 Chris Pickett 01799 542145 chris.pickett@ hotmail.co.uk Pilates 2 Irene Bedward 01799 528178 [email protected] Pilates 3 & 4 Ann Cousins 01799 219072 [email protected] Pilates 5 Glen Virgo 01799 524189 [email protected] Pilates 6 Linda Dobson 01799 500939 [email protected] Play Reading Gill Williamson 01799 524947 [email protected] Poetry Beryl Ihm 01799 502512 [email protected] Ramblers 1 Keith Patmore 01799 527568 [email protected] Ramblers 2 Lynne Howell 01799 525581 [email protected] Scrabble Veronica Sylvester 01799 526932 [email protected]

Spanish Jessica Reeve 01799 522818 [email protected] Improvers Table Tennis Ann Cousins 01799 219072 [email protected] Tai Chi Angela Rowland 01799 521192 [email protected] Theatre Chris Duffy 01799 520173 [email protected] Outings Pauline Smith 01799 521524 [email protected] Travel Mary Edwards 01799 551924 Ukulele Mary Curtis 01799 524784 [email protected] Writing for Diane Drury 07870 900852 [email protected] Pleasure

Weekly/Fortnightly Activities

Day Activity Venue Time Monday: twice Writing for Pleasure Tutor's home 10:00 - 12:00 monthly on an ad hoc basis Monday Pilates 6 Fairycroft House 10:15 - 11:15 Monday Latin 1 Tutor's Home 11:00 - 12:30 Monday fortnightly History Byways Baptist Room 11:00 - 12:00 Monday Line Dancing URC Hall 1:00 - 2:15 Monday French Conversation Contact 2:20 - 3:30 co-ordinator Tuesday Italian 4th Year Tutor's home 9:30 - 10:45 Tuesday Sequence Dancing URC Hall 9:45 - 10:45 Tuesday Indoor Bowls Turpin's Indoor Bowls 11:45 Club Tuesday Pilates 3 Baptist Hall 1:30 - 2:30 Tuesday fortnightly Building Bridges SW Community 2:30 - 4:00 (At time of going to Church (formerly press, this class still Castle St Methodist to be confirmed) Church) Tuesday Art Class 1 URC Hall 2:30 - 4:00 Tuesday Pilates 4 Baptist Hall 2:30 - 3:30 Tuesday Pilates 5 Baptist Hall 3:30 - 4:30 Tuesday Mah-jong 3 Co-ordinator's home Contact co-ordinator Wednesday Tai Chi 1 Baptist Hall 9:30 - 10:30 Second & fourth Saffron Harmony Quendon 10:00 - 12:00 Wednesday Choir Wednesday Listening to Music Baptist Hall 10:30 - 11:45

First & third Ukulele St Paul's Mission 10:30 - 12:00 Wednesday Room, Tye Green, Wimbish CB10 2XE Wednesday Tai Chi 2 Baptist Hall 11:00 - 12:00 Wednesday Keep Fit Baptist Church 11:10 - 12:10 Wednesday Nice 'n' Easy Fitness Baptist Hall 12:30 - 1:30

Weekly/Fortnightly Activities (continued)

Day Activity Venue Time Wednesday Mah-jong 1 Member's home 1:30 - 3:30 Wednesday Improver's Bridge Fairycroft House 2:00 - 4:00

Wednesday Table Tennis Widdington Village 1:30 - 4:30 Hall Wednesday Spanish Improvers Tutor's home 2:00 - 3:00

Thursday Scrabble Member's home 10:00 Thursday French Member's home 10:30 - 12:00 Conversation Thursday fortnightly Ramblers 1 LB Leisure Centre 10:00 - 12:00 approximately Thursday fortnightly Ramblers 2 LB Leisure Centre 10:00 - 12:00 approximately Thursday Pilates 1 Friends Meeting 1:00 - 2:00 House Thursday Mah-jong 2 Member's home 1:30 - 3:30 Thursday Latin 2 Tutor's home 2:00 - 3:00 Thursday Pilates 2 Friends Meeting 2:00 - 3:00 House Thursday Cribbage Fairycroft House 2:30 - 4:30 Friday fortnightly Art Appreciation SW Bowls Club 10:30 - 12:00 Friday Bridge SW Bowls Club 1:30 - 4:00 Friday Art 2 Baptist Church 2:00 - 4:00

Co-ordinator’s Lunch

On 18th May, as a thank-you for all the hard work they had put in throughout the current year, the Saffron Walden U3A Co-ordinators had their annual lunch at The Saffron Hotel. The photograph by Martin Hugall shows some of them

getting to know their colleagues.

Monthly Activities

Day Activity Venue Time Various - see Dates Birdwatching Contact co-ordinator Contact for your Diary Co-ordinator First Thursday each Easy Riders Cycling Contact co-ordinator 11:00 month Third Friday Gardening Contact co-ordinator Last Wednesday Literature Fairycroft House 2:00 start Dates for your Diary Lunch Club Kate Barwood 12:15 for 12:45 2 meetings each term, Mainly for Men John London 2:30 - 4:00 contact co-ordinator. First Monday Philosophy 1 Joanna O'Connor 10:30 - 12:30 Second Thursday Philosophy 2 Co-ordinator's home 10:30 - 12:30 Second Monday Poetry Member's home 2:00 - 4:00 Second Monday Photography Co-ordinator's home 2:30 start Last Monday Play Reading Member's home 10:00 - 12:00 Last Friday Theatre & Travel Baptist Hall 2:00 start

Art Appreciation

he Art Appreciation group finished officially at Easter, due to Tutor Fanny Haine having other commitments in the summer. But because we felt we would miss the enjoyable fortnightly sessions, group members undertook an Texperiment to continue the group without a tutor by combining great leadership and expertise from Co-ordinator Trevor Osbourn and technical support from Les Dobson. Because none of us knew whether this would be successful, premises were only booked for a few sessions. However, the result was an unqualified success so we continued to meet to the end of the summer term.

Trevor was the mainstay of the group ensuring we functioned with a well structured, plan and that there would be sufficient material and technology for illustrations prepared by Les Dobson. The underlying ethos of the U3A was successfully demonstrated as members of the group shared their research and stimulated interesting discussions on diverse artists throughout history: Giotto, Pre-Raphaelites, Impressionists, Cubists, North West Essex local artists such as Bawden and Ravilious and closing the term on the theme “Wine in Art”, covering paintings from classical to abstract and including Vermeer, Degas, Braque, Cezanne and Picasso. We learned a great deal from each other, the depth of knowledge and well executed presentations of fellow members of the group were most impressive. We hope to repeat the “experiment” next summer. Eiralys Pickering

U3A Saffron Harmony Choir

. resh from its successful Rhythm of Life concert at the Baptist Church on 15th July where Paul Crawford took the picture below, the Choir will soon be rehearsing for its next show which is at Saffron Hall - see details below.

FThe choir played to a big

audience and the Ukulele The concert made a profit of £1080 which was donated to Group entertained after East Anglian Air Ambulance the interval.

The Saffron Song Fest at Saffron Hall on 15th October is hosted by Classic FM presenter Tim Lihoreau - other choirs will also be performing. Tickets are £12.00 (£8.00 children) from the TIC. Come on, let’s all go and support them. Editor

Ukulele Group

n 2nd July, we played our second gig at the ‘Ukulele Picnic in the Park’ at SworderO ’s Field, Bishop’s Stortford, organised by the Bishop’s Stortford Ukulele Society. It was a beautiful, warm day & members brought their picnics with family & friends. Other ukulele groups played and a

th great day was had n 11 June, the Ukulele Group played by all. its first gig at the Wimbish Flower Festival. The day was windy and a Omusic stand blew over during a song, but we stayed calm and carried on and the audience showed their appreciation. The event raised funds for Wimbish All Saints Church, the flower displays in the church were stunning and there were stalls and a raffle. Editor

Membership Secretary’s Report

ello all, hoping you have had a good summer, and are now looking forward to our next academic year! With this copy of Update are the renewal forms which I would appreciate you completing (BOTH sides) and returning to me byH post, address on the form, or bringing to the Registration Day/AGM on Monday 4th September. Doors open at 1.00 pm for registration. Don’t forget we are at a new venue this year, the Baptist Church, at the top of the High Street. Please renew as early as possible, and certainly no later than the middle of October, otherwise you will not be eligible to attend any classes or activities. We are pleased to announce that we have been able to maintain the subscription at £10 for another year, but will review the situation in 12 months time. If any new members are able to donate Gift Aid we would be most grateful, as it makes a considerable difference to our funds. Please just ask for a form to complete.

We look forward to welcoming any new members, again either by post, or on the 4th September. There will be a New Members Meeting on Monday 9th October at the Bowls Club, Abbey Lane, from 10.30am to enable you to meet the co-ordinators of the groups and committee members, in a relaxed and informal atmosphere with refreshments included.

I look forward to meeting as many of you as possible, at both the Registration Day/ AGM and New Members Meeting. Ann Banks, Membership Secretary

Activities Organiser’s Report

ur many groups continue to thrive. We would still like suggestions if anyone has a particular interest they would like to follow. We are looking at the possibility of starting a craft group. It could be absolutely anything. Do any Omen out there have a skill they would like to share or ladies who have a hobby they can introduce to someone else? Ann Cousins, Venues & Activities Organiser

The Theatre & Travel group sees all the top West End Shows as well as day trips and holidays. So far this year it has seen Pirates of Penzance, An American in Paris, Carousel and 42nd Street

NOTICE OF ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Annual General Meeting of Saffron Walden U3A will be held at Saffron Walden Baptist Church on Monday 4th September at 2.30 pm, or at any adjournment thereof.

Agenda: 1. Chairman’s welcome 2. Apologies for absence 3. Minutes of the previous AGM (Unapproved copy available on Saffron Walden U3A website - on the Publications page) 4. Chairman’s Report for the year ended 31 July 2017 5. Treasurer’s Report for the year ended 31 July 2017 and Adoption of Accounts (draft Accounts on Saffron Walden U3A website - on the Publications page, late August, very limited number of hard copies available on day) 6. Appointment of the Independent Examiner of Accounts 7. Election of the Committee for 2017-2018  Under the terms of the Constitution, all the members of the Executive Committee, including those serving as Officers, will retire at the Annual General Meeting.  Non-officer members of the Executive Committee have a one-year term of office and may serve not more than three terms.  Officers other than the Treasurer have a one-year term of office and may serve not more than three terms in a particular Officer role.

Only current members are entitled to attend, vote and speak at the Meeting.

Janet Pearson, Secretary

COMMITTEE Written nominations by a proposer and seconder needed to have been sent to the Secretary at least 28 days before the AGM (i.e. by 6th August 2017). This information appeared in the Summer Update and has been on the U3A website for some time. Nomination forms were available to download from the Saffron Walden U3A website. Theatre & Travel - holiday

Saffron Walden U3A members enjoyed their 5 day holiday in Poole, despite the rain, and are seen here just about to have lunch on the way home at Hindhead in Surrey.

Christine Duffy, Co-ordinator 13

Photos JD

Photography Group: Patterns in Nature assignment, see page 16. Photo: Suzanne Bell

Easy Rider cyclists enjoying lunch at Finchingfield - see page 18

6th May saw the Theatre & Travel Group visit a bustling

Portobello Road, see page 20

Windsor Castle was visited on 20th April by the Theatre & Travel Group, see page 19

Photo by Martin PhotoHugall by Martin Photos JD

Writing For Pleasure

he months tell us that summer is ending and Autumn is on the way but we remain confident that the weather may remain kind. We should be planningT how to spend the glorious, subdued days of Autumn, but the weather may not allow us to. But all of this matters little to the Writing for Pleasure class. Both newcomers and old hands enjoy the warmth and friendly ambience of the Tutor’s conservatory, and can have tea and biscuits while looking out onto the inspirational garden; always fresh and so full of interest.

We meet twice a month to review our stories and it’s surprising what variety of tales and emotions arise from a topic. After there is light hearted advice and discussion. We had an excellent and well supported end of term lunch in a local Inn and an outdoor meeting at the Orchard in Grantchester. Last term saw some of our more accomplished writers starting to write books on their personal experiences, with the aim of having them put into print.

The support and friendliness of the group is a tremendous help to us all. If you can scribble on paper or tap out a tale on a key board or just like tea and biscuits come and join us. Everyone has a story and you could be the next J K Rowling or, like me, just an amateur who loves to write.

Laurie Gregory e have been a busy group over this academic year covering a range of subjects, the hardest being Patterns in Photography Nature.W This made the members think hard about what they were taking pictures of and also how they used their camera. Gordon Ridgewell gave a talk on Photoshop giving tips and advice on how to improve our pictures. Tony Smith, an excellent amateur photographer gave a talk about how he approaches the photograph he is about to take and why he took it that way. Having finished now for the summer we have been set a task to take pictures of something in Macro, Moving, Landscape, Mono and another of the previous choices making 5 pictures in all which will be shown at our next meeting in September. Anne Mount, Co-ordinator Walking in Bridge End The printing process does not do Gardens in early June, justice to the many beautiful pictures photographer Gordon taken by members of the Photography Ridgewell took this study of Group. Please see photo on page 14 a squirrel a split second but also view on the U3A website. before it vanished. This photo by Tony Marks. Editor

U3A visit to Wellcome Genome Campus

n May, two group visits to the Genome Campus at Hinxton were arranged and members had their eyes opened to what an important international biomedical I research facility we have on our doorstep. The Sanger Institute is a world renowned leader in the Human Genome Project focussing on the role of genetics and genomics in health and disease. Results of the research, which are available to international scientists, are key to the diagnostics, treatments and therapies that improve human health around the world, including amongst other diseases, cancer and malaria. Each group received a professionally delivered presentation which provided insight into the highly detailed work of the scientists into DNA, genetics and genomes. This gave us a glimpse into an area of expertise that was fascinating, but sometimes made our brain cells work overtime just to take in the enormity of the tasks being undertaken. This was then followed by a tour of some of the research facilities which also gave us the opportunity to appreciate the magnificent grounds and buildings in which the scientists are privileged to work. Both visits were well attended and enthusiastically received, and everyone agreed that it was a morning well spent. Tony Treglown Photo by Anthony Downing

WORD QUIZ

What do these 10 words have in common: set, run, go, take, stand, get, turn, put, fall, strike?

Can you name a word that contains all the vowels alphabetically?

The first 3 to email the By Margaret Conway editor with the correct answers get a mention in

the next Update.

Talk: history and future of the U3A by Dr Eric Midwinter

n 29th September at 7:20 pm for 7:45 pm at Dame Bradbury’s School, Saffron Walden, the Royston and Saffron Walden National Trust Association has Dr Eric OMidwinter speaking on the history and future of the U3A. Eric is the last surviving founder member of the U3A in the UK and his talk should be very interesting. The meeting is open to non-members of the Association at £3.00 per person.

Easy Riders Cycling

pril - we met in Great Bardfield and travelled along the Pant River valley and up through Little Sampford. Then we cycled eastwards to Finchingfield where lunch had been booked at The Fox. The return route to Great Bardfield Aincluded tea and cakes at the super Blue Egg cafe. We enjoyed plenty of sunshine and you can see the sunny smiles of (left to right): Linda, Sue, Dominic, Paul, Brian, Tony, Simon, Anne, Simon, Deb, David, Rod and Colin in our photo on page 14.

ay - we met in the pretty village of Hildersham and rode up through Balsham towards Western Colville and Dullingham. We free-wheeled back down through Burroughs Green, then back to Carlton. We enjoyed a beer stop at theM lovely West Wratting then on through Balsham to Linton for a very pleasant lunch at the Dog and Duck which was only a few miles back to Hildersham. Thanks to Linda for planning the ride.

une - ten of us met at the car park near Newport church at 11:00 am and it was warm and sunny enough to make waiting in the shade very pleasant. We had an J interesting route through the beautiful Hertfordshire countryside, cycling on tracks and quiet lanes and passing through many villages including Rickling, Manuden, Berden and all of the Pelhams. There was a fair amount of excitement and wet feet as some of the route chosen was more of a stream than a track! Our refreshment stop was at The Black Horse at Brent Pelham and the way back took us through Clavering and Wicken Bonhunt; some 23 miles. Thanks to Tony and Sue for planning our route.

uly - the Lea Valley Whitewater Centre was our starting point for this ride. Over coffee, cakes and bacon butties we gathered for the pleasant cycle ride ahead. J The towpath along the River Lea Navigation took us towards Greater London. The day was beautiful (after some earlier rain) so we were able to enjoy the peaceful water’s edge ride. At Clapton, we stopped for refreshments over-looking the river. Then we pressed on to our planned lunch at Hackney Wick - close to The Olympic Park. We continued onto the Hertford Union Canal and then The Regent Canal all the way to Limehouse Basin. On the way home, we enjoyed a cooling thunder storm. Colin & Anne Taylor, Co-ordinators

Music Club - a poem

Listening to Music Concerto for cello, film themes and more. Opera or folk, there’s tunes by the score. Discover with us on a Wednesday morn Light-hearted classics and Songs The delights of guitar, viola or horn, from the Shows; Piano or singing - a solo or choir, Jazz and Jacques Loussier - our interest As we listen to music to relax or inspire. grows. We hear pieces by Handel, Mozart, So please come and join us – you don’t Purcell, need to sing. Gershwin and Grieg, Vaughan Williams, We just sit and listen and go with the Ravel, swing! Satie and Strauss, The Beatles and Bach, Some is quite serious, others a laugh! 18

Theatre and Travel

n March, 37 Saffron Walden U3A members visited the ‘Tunnel Tales of Old London Town’ not long after its opening in Rotherhithe. All of us were very impressed as we sat in the shaft of the Entrance Hall to the first ever tunnel in the Iworld to be built underwater, and learnt about the new method of tunnelling invented and designed by Marc and Isambard Kingdom Brunel. We moved on to see the original Engine House which is now a museum. Its history was relayed to us by Doug, our very informative and helpful Guide. The afternoon was spent at the Docklands Museum which was equally interesting. The archaeology of Cross Rail was very informative and we learnt where each exhibit came from and part of its history along with the engineering story of the making of the Elizabeth Line. A delicious fish and chip lunch added Christine Duffy, Co-ordinator to a memorable day.

th n 30 April, 36 U3A members travelled by coach to Windsor where we visited the castle whilst some others enjoyed the delights of Windsor & some retail therapy. O The castle moat and grounds looked beautiful and in the castle we visited Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House and the magnificent State Apartments which included the finest works of art from the Royal Collection including Rembrandt, Rubens and Canaletto. There were plenty of restaurants and everyone found their favourite. The weather was good which enhanced a most enjoyable day. See photos on page 15. Pauline Smith, Co-ordinator

afternoon playing bridge and chatting Bridge during a break for tea and biscuits.

The group is always happy to welcome Are you free on Friday afternoons? Can new members and anyone interested in you play bridge? If so, why not join us at joining can come for a 'taster' session the SW Bowls Club on Friday afternoons before making a decision. Beryl Ihm will be and play bridge. The group currently has a the new co-ordinator from September and membership of 20, we play 'Chicago' I hope that everyone continues to enjoy bridge, none of us has a regular playing some great and challenging bridge games. partner and we're all happy to partner any member of the group, we play by the ACOL rules and enjoy a friendly and sociable Stella McSweeney 19

Theatre and Travel (continued)

he Theatre and Travel group visited a very busy Portobello Road on Saturday 6th May. There were stalls and crowds as far as the eye could see along the one mile road. The feature of Saturdays is the opening of hundreds of antique Tand specialist shops and stalls and U3A members made the most of this. Everyone made their own eating arrangements and there were plenty of eateries to choose from. Our coach then took us to Westminster pier where we boarded a boat for our Thames cruise which included afternoon tea, ending a perfect day. See photos page 14. Editor

n 16th May, we dined at The Cadogan Hotel in Ingham before visiting West Stow Hall near Bury St Edmunds. The owner/occupiers, Eileen and Andrew were excellent hosts. Andrew gave members a guided tour and an in-depth Ohistory of the 16th Century hall. At the end of the tour, Eileen prepared an afternoon tea with delicious home-made cakes which were enjoyed by everyone. Editor West Stow Hall is pictured left whilst below some of our members enjoy afternoon tea.

Photos JD

Quiz answers: This stringed, musical instrument pictured on page 27 of the Summer Update is called a Bowed Psaltery and is owned by Ann Noonan, one of our Apologies Saffron Walden U3A members. Nobody to Beryl Ihm for misspelling got this I’m afraid. Also nobody found her name in the Summer the deliberate mistake – which was a bit issue on page 20. There contentious I must be honest! The deliberate mistake was the clock face should, of course, be no ‘s’ on page 9, the Roman numeral for 4 is at the end of Ihm – sorry usually always IIII and not IV. Beryl. Another unforced There are some rare examples of it appearing as IV error was the misspelling of (including Big Ben). Three people found the fairy Nuthampstead on page 25 which was on page 20 between the jug and the – so many apologies to handle. The observant three were Penny Lawson, Nuthampstead too! Editor Ann Treglown and Rosalind Rees. Well done! Editor

Correspondence

From: Robert Reeves From: Diane Drury Sent: 10 April 2017 17:12 Sent: 28 March 2017 17:44 To: [email protected] To: [email protected] Subject: BILLERICAY & BASILDON U3A Subject: U3A Update Summer 2017

Hi Jim Hello Jim, I must say your Newsletter is very impressive to say the least, I have yet to publish my first I have just received my copy of Update. It’s Newsletter for our U3A having taken over from brilliant! Many congratulations on producing an our Editor Val Williams, if it’s not too rude a excellent magazine. It is so colourful and full of question what programme do you use please life and humour. to produce your excellent magazine? Regards Kind regards

Bob Reeves Diane

Mah Jong 1

ah-Jong 1 was formed in Autumn 2011 and currently has 20 members in their 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th, and 9th decades, with an average of around 14 playersM each week. All are now experienced players and enjoy the challenge of playing Special Hands such as Wriggling Snake, Windy Pung or Dragon’s Breath. We finish each Christmas and Summer Term with a Buffet Lunch where we socialise. We are currently at the maximum number for our Group but are happy to give information about the game and anyone is welcome to visit and see a game. We meet on Wednesdays from 1.30 to 3.30pm. On the right are some member’s comments. . . .

Christine Greet, Co-ordinator

Mah Jong 2

he Mah Jong 2 group is hosted by Jess Grinyer in her Saffron Walden home on Thursday afternoons from 1:30 to 3:30pm. I had never played before but I soon got caught up in the traditions, building the wall without any breaks and Tnames like Pat's fancy, Big and Little Robert for the special hands all adding to the intrigue, although playing anti-clockwise I still find difficult! The tiles are beautiful with winds, seasons, flowers and dragons all adding to the Eastern mystique. If you are interested in joining our friendly group, contact Jess Grinyer on 01799 500344, e-mail [email protected]. The 50p for tea or coffee is donated to charity. We are pictured enjoying our recent summer social. Barbara Smith

Cribbage

he Cribbage Group is new and was formed in February this year by seven U3Aers keen to play crib. We meet every Thursday afternoon at Fairycroft in Saffron Walden to play crib and socialise. A new member has recently joined Tour group taking us to eight strong. Depending on the number who attend we play singles, pairs or triples and normally swap around at half time so that we are not always playing in the same group. Half time is when we have a coffee/tea break usually with cake and biscuits. We play in a large room on the ground floor at Fairycroft which is light, airy and warm in winter. There is also adequate parking for those who drive. We are a friendly group and if anyone would like to join to renew their cribbage skills or learn the game for the first time, you would be very welcome. Please see page 6 for the complete contact details for Cribbage.

Birdwatching

nother interesting, varied year, but over-shadowed by the sudden death on Easter Sunday of Lucy Chapman, a popular and knowledgeable member originating from South Africa, who loved talking about the contrasts in speciesA between here and her native land, as well as her frequent travels to family back home and in USA. Please see her Obituary on page 25. We started with a cold and foggy January at Fen Drayton with its frozen gravel lakes and woodlands by the Ouse. But the weather cleared to record 36 different species. Highlights included bullfinches, goldeneye, pochard, marsh harrier, Egyptian geese, grebes and a meadow with several fieldfare, as well as long lines of coots on the ice. In February we visited Essex Wildlife Trust’s site at Fingringhoe Wick on the Colne estuary south of Colchester. We saw many waders and wildfowl, such as ringed and golden plovers, oystercatcher, wigeon, avocet and red-breasted merganser. Inland, a field with many dark-bellied brent geese from Siberia and on gravel lakes several dabchick, gadwall and tufted duck, plus a kingfisher in flight. Marsh harrier and buzzards and a couple of handsome greater-spotted woodpeckers on bird feeders by the visitor centre. 38 different species recorded plus a noisy, elusive wren. March found us at sunny, windy Lackford Lakes, with 2 new members and some, including Lucy, who hadn’t been for a few months. Another 39 different species recorded, including an obliging tree creeper climbing up a silver birch trunk - see photo. n April, we tried an evening outing to witness the “wader spectacular” at Snettisham on the Wash. The spectacle turned out to be heavy rainfall drivingI horizontally from behind as we hurried to a small hide. We saw many waders, mainly knots, rising as the high tide swept them from mud banks. May’s outing was a guided tour at Wicken Fen, with 38 different species recorded with many butterflies & dragon/damselflies. Also Highland cattle and Konik ponies grazing, frisky roe deer and a healthy looking fox ambling away from a hide. June was cancelled as it was too hot for us. Our programme for the Autumn term is yet to be arranged and we have room for a few new members as others leave us. Brian Linford, Co-ordinator

Which sentence below is the odd one out - and why?

1. If Spurs win do not think that they will be champions. 2. If you think your sailing days are over sail less and you’ll enjoy it. 3. I’ve often heard that Carl is leaving his present job with the bank.

4. There are tickets in the box for deciding who will win the raffle. The first 3 to answer correctly will get a mention in the next issue - email the editor.

Obituaries

Tony Wilkins 1940 – 2017 Tony was born near Wembley on 17th August 1940 at the beginning of the London Blitz and celebrated his Golden Wedding last July having married Jan on World Cup Final day in 1966.

Tony attended Leeds University and achieved a Chemistry degree before progressing to his first job at Johnson Matthey in Wembley where he remained until his retirement. He pioneered work on Catalytic Converters and rose to become Applications Manager visiting all the major motor companies throughout the world. Tony appeared on a Select Committee in front of the House of Lords and was a broadcaster on school radio programmes. Tony was also a Marriage Guidance Councillor with his wife Jan. Tony and Jan had 5 children, a son who lives in Australia and 4 daughters who are local, there are 9 grandchildren. Tony loved Bridge and was in the U3A Bridge Club and Mainly for Men. Tony also liked to play Hockey, Tennis and Badminton – he also loved watching Cricket but did not play.

Tony had been unwell since October and spent the last few weeks of his life being very well cared for at Stanley Wilson Lodge where he sadly passed away on 17th February. Tony is greatly missed by his wife Jan and their family.

Terry Rushbrook 1929 – 2017 Terry was born on 4th July 1929 in Danbury and left school at 14. He joined the Essex Water Board as a boiler stoker and remained there until he retired at 58 progressing to be an engineer managing a team. At 18 Terry did his National Service in Germany. He married Chris in 1952 and they had 2 daughters Sandra (1961) and Carol (1962) - they moved to Benfleet in 1963. They also had 5 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren. After his retirement, Terry worked as a consultant for about a year in Turkey. Terry and Chris moved to Saffron Walden 5 years ago and soon joined the U3A Theatre and Travel Group enjoying many happy outings. Terry enjoyed gardening, computing, indoor & outdoor bowling and river cruising with Chris. Terry was diagnosed with his illness in November and was forced to curtail his activities in January. He sadly passed away peacefully and pain-free at home on 30th March with his wife Chris and both his daughters by his side.

Lucy Chapman by Yvonne Chapman (daughter)

We were saddened by the sudden and untimely passing away of Lucy Irene Chapman on Easter Sunday 16 April 2017 in Debden. ‘Lucy’, ‘Mom’, ‘Granny’ was a wonderful daughter, wife, mother, sister, grandmother, aunt, teacher, and friend to many of all ages and in all walks of life.

Born in South Africa, Lucy moved to the UK in 1999 and worked in Cranbrook, Kent as a maths teacher until her retirement and move to Debden in 2011. Lucy approached retirement with energy and enthusiasm. She continued to tutor maths to many local children and was an active member of the local church. She volunteered at Saffron Screen, supported the local community Coffee Morning, joined Saffron Walden and Thaxted Walking groups and the U3A Birding group – a great delight to her, as well as quickly getting to know many others in the community through her grandson’s schooling and sporting interests.

These new interests and the friendships formed were important to Lucy, and meant a lot to all who met her. Lucy’s gift was a real interest and concern for others, and an ability to offer real and practical help.

In remembering her, we celebrate a quietly remarkable life – lived with sincerity, devotion, intelligence, humility, humour, optimism and a sense of purpose. She set high standards in all she did and encouraged others to follow. Lucy is greatly missed in her community and by her new friends in the U3A. Our thoughts are with her husband, Ron, her brother and sisters, children and twelve grandchildren in South Africa, the U.S and Saffron Walden.

Dates for your Diary

Dr John Walters ’The English Spirit September Distillery’ (with Samples!) - Bowls Club 4 - Registration (1:00 pm) and AGM (2:30 pm) at the Baptist Church 17 - Mainly for Men - Secret Nuclear 7 - Musical ‘Five Guys named Moe’, Bunker Trip Matinée at Marble Arch Theatre 24 - Essex Association Study Day 12 - Visit Euston Hall 29 - Overnight Break - 4 star Orchard Hotel, Nottingham 18 - Open Meeting (2:30 pm) - talk by Trevor Osbourn ’Face to face with Her November Majesty, royal portraits over a long 6 - Mainly for Men—talk by Mark Lewis lifetime - Bowls Club ‘Lighthouses’ 20 - Lunch Club, Catherine Wheel at 12 - Last Night of the Autumn Proms, Albury - 12:00 for 12:30 Westcliffe Theatre Matinee 3.00pm 26 - Musical ‘Crazy for you’ Westcliffe 14 - Visit Legal London - Inns of Court 29 - Dr Midwinter U3A talk, Dame and guided tour of Supreme Court Bradbury’s School 20 - Open Meeting, Bowls Club, talk by October Katie Fay ‘Teaching in China and 2 - Mainly for Men - talk by Mike Cambodia 28 - Christmas Tea 1 of 2, Golf Club Furlong ‘200 years of Milling’ 2:30 pm 9 - New members ‘Meet & Greet’ December 10:30 am - Bowls Club 5 - Faversham Christmas Market, 12 - Visit ‘Haunted Essex’ Christmas Lunch, Canterbury Cathedral 15 - U3A Saffron Harmony Choir at 15 - Christmas Tea 2 of 2, Golf Club Saffron Hall 16 - Christmas Concert Cadogan Hall 16 - Open Meeting (2:30 pm) - talk by with RPO

Details of Theatre & Travel Theatre & Travel Group Programme - contact details below Payment Organiser Date Event Cost Due 12 Sept Euston Hall, Thetford £27 August Pauline 26 Sept Musical 'Crazy For You' - Westcliffe Theatre 8:00 pm £52.00 August Christine 12 Oct Haunted Essex' including lunch £45.00 Sept Pauline 29 & 30 Overnight Break - 4* Orchard Hotel, Nottingham. £169 per Deposit Christine October Dinner, breakfast, Mike James Orchestra tribute to person TBA James Last. Includes Monday visit to National Memorial Arboretum, land train included. 14 Nov Legal London' - Inns of Court & guided tour of the £48 - £54 Sept Christine Supreme Court with possible opportunity to listen pend.nos. meeting to a case. Includes lunch and morning coffee 5 Dec Faversham Christmas Market - Chicken lunch with £45.00 Mid Pauline tea/coffee, Canterbury Cathedral and hear Choir November 16 Dec Christmas Concert, Matinee Cadogan Hall with RPO £38/£48 Aug/Sept Christine pend.nos 24 Feb Iolanthe (G & S), Matinee Coliseum with ENO £57/£63 November Christine pend.nos 8 April La Traviata, matinee Coliseum with ENO £57/£63 TBA Christine pend.nos Christine 01799 520173, Pauline 01799 521524, Mary 01799 551924 . Please make cheques payable to SAFFRON WALDEN U3A. All dates and prices subject to alteration. We meet last Friday each month at The Baptist Church for members wishing to book trips.

New 4 day break: HARROGATE/YORKSHIRE DALES 2 - 6 October 2017. Half-board Majestic Hotel. £365 per person pending numbers For details please contact Jean Little 01799 513411

Essex Association Study Day

Here is an opportunity for you to take part in two Study Group Sessions of your choice and there is a very wide choice of topics to choose from. Tuesday 24th October 2017 - 9:00 am to 3:15 pm at The Plume School, Maldon CM9 6AB (Parking available) Cost is £5.00 per person including tea/coffee/biscuits Booking forms are available on the Saffron Walden U3A website and can be emailed or posted –to arrive no later than 2nd September Please see our website for complete details 26

And finally . . . Update American poet and writer Dorothy Parker wrote the following quote, which could be applied to ‘Update’!!:

Amongst all the usual items, there ‘This is not a book to be tossed will also be the Theatre & Travel trips aside lightly, it should be thrown that would not fit into this issue, a with great force’. really good reader’s Memory plus all the Quiz answers - what a feast! But I take solace from this quote by English essayist Max Beerbohm: ‘For those who like this I never forget sort of thing, this is the to email my sort of thing they will like’.

article to the Editor Editor! Please remember to submit your emails to [email protected] for the letters & memory pages plus quiz answers

U3A Term Dates 2017-18

Autumn: 4 Sept 2017 - 20 Dec 2017 Half-term: 23 October - 27 October

Spring: 2 January 2018 – 29 March 2018 Half-term: 12 February – 16 February

Summer: 16 April 2018 – 20 July 2018 Half-term: 28 May – 1 June

PLEASE don’t forget ...... visit the U3A website at www.saffronwaldenu3a.org.uk for all the latest U3A information and to view Update in full colour. 27

Notices Saffron Walden U3A is a Registered Charity No. 290670 The views and opinions expressed in Update are not necessarily those of the U3A or of the Committee. The Committee reserves the right to close any class or activity because of low enrolment or poor attendance. Errors and omissions excepted. We try to keep in contact with all members but it is not always possible to do so. This may be due to illness or other incapacitation. If you hear of any member who may need assistance please contact any member of the Committee. Saffron Walden U3A retains the copyright of the contents of Update. For more information visit our website at www.saffronwaldenu3a.org.uk Insurance

All members are covered by public liability insurance but Saffron Walden U3A accepts no responsibility for any accident not covered by that insurance.

Legal Assistance

Legal advice, including Private (including Holidays), Commercial and Employment advice, is available over the telephone to all members of U3A. This service is provided by Arc Legal Assistance (24 hrs) and can be accessed by telephoning 0344 770 1040, and quote U3A Legal Helpline.

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