CALDICOT & DISTRICT

Newsletter & Diary February 2020 Monthly Meeting Caldicot Choir Hall 2pm www.u3asites.org.uk/caldicot/home Reg Charity No. 1071447

THURSDAY 20TH FEBRURY 2020

SUBJECT: BLOOD BIKES ALLI GALLIVAN TEA ROTA: DRAMA

THURSDAY 19TH MARCH 2020

SUBJECT: PHOTO COMPETITION JUDGING SPEAKER: TRACEY CLEMENTS OF STUDIOS “WHO DUNNIT” PHOENIX PLAYERS TEA ROTA: FAMILY HISTORY

CHAIRMAN’S LETTER

Hello Everyone

Well once again we were entertained by the children from Caldicot Comprehensive. It was good to hear from Sarah (the teacher) of the progress that previous children who have entertained us are getting on in their lives. This year we had three or four entirely new pupils and as it was their first time in front of a large audience, I think they did very well. I must say the last pupil who sang “I had a Dream” brought a lump to my throat which made it difficult for me to thank them all for being there.

So we look forward to next year and maybe those new ones will be there again and will have gained a bit more confidence. It goes without saying that we enjoy our January “Speakers” as we had 96 people in the audience.

The Third Age Trust is this year setting up a National U3A Day on the 3rd June and all U3A’s throughout the Country are asked to participate. This falls nicely in with our celebrations and we are already organising a challenge for a match put to the Committee by the Short Mat Bowls.

More progress is being made with the arrangements for our 25h Anniversary celebrations and I am pleased to say that many of our groups will be participating throughout the year.

I will not be at the next meeting as I will be visiting my son and his family in Tasmania so I am pleased to say that our Vice Chairman Rob Harry will be the front man.

Best Wishes to you all.

Pam Caines Chairman

SPEAKERS LIST 2020 TEA ROTA

April 16th Magical Musical Moments Christine Purkiss Gardening May 21st Rhiannon Lavis Dogs Trust Bridgend Handicraft June 18th 25th Anniversary Party History July 16th “Who dunnit” Phoenix Players Jive Bunnies September 17th AGM Music Appreciation “Who Dunnit” Phoenix Players October 15th OPEN DAY Science & Natural History

COPY FOR THE NEWSLETTER

We welcome reports from all groups for inclusion in the Newsletter or forwarding to our website. Word doc is preferred and should be sent to: [email protected] or tel. 01291 424997 by midday on the 28th JANUARY 2020

Typed or handwritten notes should be submitted a few days earlier if possible. Please try to limit reports to about 300 words. Angela Hodson-Hirst, Editor.

DUE TO HOLIDAY COMMITMENTS THERE WILL NOT BE A MARCH NEWSLETTER

MEMBERSHIP

Should you change your address, telephone number or email address please let me know so that our records are up to date. Contact details: tel: 01291 424997 email: [email protected] Angela Hodson-Hirst Membership Secretary

LINK SECRETARY

I would ask that if you hear of any member(s) who reach their 80th, 90th, 100th birthdays, Golden, Diamond, Platinum Wedding Anniversaries or even Marriages between members to please contact me so that I can send a Congratulatory card.

Also, if you hear of any member, in your group, or their family who are in hospital, sick or any other reason I would be grateful if you would please inform me. [email protected] Tele: 01291 421484 Betty Waite

GIFT AID

Calling all tax payers, once again I would ask you to sign the Gift Aid form to enable Caldicot & District U3A to claim back 25% of your fee which helps to keep the Subscription fees down.

We have had repayment from the Tax Office of our claims for several years. However, we are now able to claim additional tax on the membership fee of your Spouse/Partner or any other person who are members of Caldicot & District U3A and reside at the same address as you.

If you are not sure whether you have previously signed a gift aid form, please contact me or alternatively sign another current one. Forms are available on Caldicot & District U3A website or from Angela Hodson-Hirst, Membership Secretary at the monthly meetings or from your Convenors or myself, I have forms with me at all meetings I attend.

If you have any queries please contact me on 01291.422925 or [email protected] Glenice Dallow Gift Aid Co-ordinator

CONGRATULATIONS

Congratulations to Beryl Read who celebrated her 80th Birthday in January and to David Evans who celebrates his 80th in March.

CONDOLENCES

It was with sadness to hear that Jean Matthews passed away in January. Jean was a regular walker with the Stragglers, attended monthly meetings and enjoyed many Special Events holidays.

WELCOME TO NEW MEMBERS

Ronald Prettyjohns Jean Bailey Nick & Margaret Saffin Christine Foy Nigel Poole Barrie Monday Anita Rae

THANK YOUS

HANDICRAFT

CHRISTMAS PARTY RAFFLE

FAMILY HISTORY GROUP

Wanted for April 2020 a new Convenor for the Family History Group

I have decided the time has come to hand over the reins of the group with effect from the March meeting and a new approach from a willing Genealogist is required for April 2020.

A successful genealogy search comes from a combination of knowing which records exist; how to get them and at a price you can afford; being able to select from alternative solutions; and knowing how to get the most information from the documents you find.

During my 6 years at the helm we have had various successes, finding a relative of Edward III and also Sir Walter Scott (a mining engineer not the author). The successes also went as far as tracing Di Jones in Merthyr but alas Fred Smith has eluded us to date.

I hope the members who have attended over my tenure ship have obtained as much pleasure as it has given me over these years, and wish them all the best in finding past members of their family as well as cousins and family members who they did not know existed.

At present we meet on the 4th Friday of the month but if a new Convenor wishes to alter this arrangement I feel sure that the existing members would agree.

Should no willing Convenor come forward I regret that this group will cease after the 28th March.

If anyone would like more information, please contact me on 01291 421523 or 07541779974. John Jeffery NEWS AND INFORMATION

Would all group Convenors please send me news and information for the monthly Newsletter & Diary which will be included in the table below. Thank you. Editor

ACTIVITY GROUPS INFORMATION ART

Every Wednesday 1.30 to 4.00pm, Recreation Hall, Portskewett. Convenor …………...Mary Richards Tel: 01291 329236

COMPUTING Discussion/Demonstrations. Digital Image competition with Ann Taylor-Heard Every Friday 9.30 to12.30am at the Baptist Church, Second Friday of the month 10.00am to 12 noon Neddern Way. Convenor……………John Mills Digital Image Topics: TBA Tel: 01291 420045 CRUISE SHIP BRIDGE

Every Monday 1.30 to 3.30pm Council Day Centre

Contact……………Acting Convenor: Tony Hodson-Hirst Tel: 01291 424997

DRAMA Every Friday 2.00pm Portskewett Hall. Convenors …………Pam Caines ………………….…. Dianne Payne Tel: 01291 420750 FAMILY HISTORY 4th Friday of the month 9.30 to 12noon All welcome at Bethany Baptist Church. Caldicot. Convenor…………John Jeffery Tel: 01291 421523 GARDENING Feb 13th: Invitation to the Natural Science & History Group for Jim’s Film show Indoor meetings run from October to April in the Mar 12th: Justine Shoulter of Far Hill Flowers Scout Hall on second Thursday of the month Apr 9th: Tredegar House & Gardens. at 2.15 pm Speaker... Steve Morgan, Head Gardener Convenor……………Pauline Marx Apr 29th – May 1st: Trip to Pashley Manor & Garden Tel: 07544 671870 Tulip Festival and Great Dixter Garden.

HANDICRAFT 1st and 3rd Wednesday of the month 10.00 to 12.00pm Council Day Centre. Convenor……Beryl Lewis. Tel: 01291 421661 Assisted by…Jill Greenhalgh. Tel: 01633 548968

HISTORY Feb 19th: Holy Roman Empire. Speaker...Stuart Fyfe. 3rd Wednesday of the month 2.15pm Council Day Mar 18th: The Tec Seng shipping disaster. Speaker...... Centre Gaynor Chapple Convenor………. Sheila Ford. Tel: 01291 422185 Apr 15th: Poetry in History. Speaker.... Mary Rooney May 20th: The Cotswold Navy. What’s in a name? Speaker..... Paul Barnett Jun 17th: Welsh History through the Ages. Various JIVE BUNNIES

Alternate Thursday evening Feb 6th & 20th 7.00 pm – 9.00 pm Portskewett Recreational Hall Mar 5th & 19th Convenor……………Wendy Protheroe Tel: 01291 422829

MUSIC APPRECIATION Feb 27th: Celebration of St David's Day so any Welsh 4th Thursday of the month 2.00 to 4.00pm. Council music, composers, performers etc Day Centre. Convenor……………Jan Potter Mar 26th: Theme for March is People in uniform: i.e assisted by……………Adrian Dallow Military, Police, Boy Scouts, Nurses, Guides Tel: 01291 794034 (Jan) Tel: 01291 422925 (Adrian)

SCIENCE AND NATURAL HISTORY Feb 3rd: The importance of trees and woods. Meetings to be held 1st Monday of the month 10.00 Speaker....Jeremy Evans, woodland advisor for the - 12.00 noon. Scout Hall, Sandy Lane Woodland Trust Mar 2nd: Insect Armageddon – the world decline of all Convenor ………………. Bob Whitehead insects by 41%. Speaker..... Max Wilson BSC (Econ) Tel: 01291 422232 Lond, BSC (MHN) RMN Ret. Volunteer with the Bumblebee Conservation Trust Apr 6th: The protection of wildlife throughout the whole of Gloucestershire. A talk by the Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust SCRABBLE

Alternate Fridays 1.30pm to 3.30pm. Town council Feb. 14th & 28th Day Centre. Mar. 13th & 27th Convenor………Glynis Croft Tel: 01633 400529

SHORT MAT BOWLS Additional Sessions:

Wednesday afternoons 2.00 to 4.00 pm. Scout Hall. Our Short Mat Bowls now meets on Friday evenings, in Friday evening 7.00 to 9pm addition to the Wednesday afternoon sessions. So, if you Convenor……………………Roland Carey would like to try to “roll a ball” on Friday between 7pm Tel: 01633 881302 and 9pm please contact Roland Carey

SINGING FOR PLEASURE 2nd & 4th Monday of the Month

Meet every other Monday 10.00am to 12.00pm. Feb: 10th & 24th Recreational Hall, Portskewett. Mar: 9th & 23rd Convenor…………………. Sue Shepherd Tel: 01291 423089 SPANISH Monday Mornings 10.45 to 12.00 various venues. Convenor………………Julian Wood Tel: 01291 421095 SPECIAL EVENTS Feb 10th – 14th: Caernarvon, The Celtic Royal Hotel Convenor………………Pam Caines May 13th – 18th: Jersey Tel: 01291 420750 March 25th 2020: King & I, Bristol Hippodrome

SUNDAY LUNCH CLUB

Convenor………………Pam Caines Tel: 01291 420750 TABLE TENNIS

Monday 2.00 to 4.00pm Scout Hall, Sandy Lane Convenor ………………Les Mitchell Tel: 01291 421567 UKULELE

Every Tuesday 2.00 to 4.00 at the Recreation Hall Portskewett Convenor………………. Christopher Spiller Tel: 01291 424694

WALKING GROUPS For further information please contact Convenors

WHEN: Every Tuesday 9.00 & 9.30 am ALL WALKS SUBJECT TO CHANGE WHERE: Caldicot Choir Hall Car Park.

STRAGGLERS Feb 4th: Undy with Fran & Avril. Lunch: Wheatsheaf Feb 11th: Local walk with Brian. Lunch: The Haywain 3 – 4 miles – easy and moderate Feb 18th: TBA Convenor………………Brian Hopkins Feb 25th: Craig-y-Dorth with Glenice & Adrian. Lunch: Tel: 01291 422387 The Huntsman Mar 3rd: TBA with Jim & Anne. Lunch: TBA Mar 10th: TBA with Jenny & Gill. Lunch: TBA Mar 17th: TBA Mar 24th: TBA Mar 31st: Parkend with Myfanwy. Lunch: The Nags Head AMBLERS Feb 4th: Caldicot with Francesca. Lunch: The Haywain Feb 11th: with Glynis & Marie. Lunch: Coach Around 4 miles – moderate with some hills/stiles and Horses Feb 18th: Cardiff Bay coach trip with Ann & Sue. Convenors……Gaynor Pask Tel: 01633 882492 Feb 25th: Tockington with Mel. Lunch: The Swan Inn Jeanette Trask Tel: 07415035914 Mar 3rd: area with David & Bridget. Lunch: TBA Mar 10th: Devauden with Fran & Sue. Lunch: TBA Mar 17th: TBA with Patsy & Norma. Lunch: TBA Mar 24th: TBA with Jenny & Stan. Lunch: TBA Mar 31st: Aust with Linda & Lyn. Lunch: Boars Head STROLLERS Feb 4th: Blaenavon with John T. Lunch: The Rising Sun Feb 11th: Wye Valley with Judi M. Lunch: TBA 4.5 – 6 miles moderate plus with hills & stiles Feb 18th: Wyndcliffe with Jen & John. Lunch: Convenor………………Rob Harry Hotel Tel: 01291 421282 Feb 25th: with Jan & Judi S. Lunch: TBA Mar 3rd: Trelleck Grange with Linda & Harry. Lunch: The Lion Mar 10th: Wetlands with The Jackie’s, Irene & Sonia. Lunch: Waterloo Mar 17th: TBA with Marie & Gill. Lunch: TBA Mar 24th: Cardiff Bay bus trip with Lindy & John. Lunch: Own choice Mar 31st: Aust with Jen & Bill. Lunch: The Boars Head STRIDERS Feb 4th: Cwm with Moo & Carol. Lunch: The Huntsman Feb11th: TBA 5 – 7 miles – moderate & strenuous Feb 18th: TBA Convenor.………Richard Harding Feb 25th: with Jim. Lunch: The Lion Tel: 01291 420305 Mar 3rd: TBA Mar 10th: TBA Mar 17th: Pontir with Linda & Peter. Lunch: TBA Mar 24th: TBA Mar 31st: TBA

CASTLES IN PHOTOGRAPHY COMPETITION

OPEN TO ALL CALDICOT & DISTRICT U3A MEMBERS

THIS IS AN APPEAL TO ALL MEMBERS OF CALDICOT & DISTRICT U3A TO ENTER THE ABOVE COMPETITION.

It has been disappointing that there has been so little response and photographs have not been given to John Mills for this competition therefore we have extended the closing date for these to be given to John till end of February.

I am aware that there are many good photographers among you and would appeal to you to take your photo and bring it to John at Bethany Baptist Church on Fridays between 9.30–12.30pm. There may have been a misunderstanding of what is expected at this stage, all we want is an A4 photograph with your name and castle on the back to be displayed at the March meeting when an independent professional, Tracy Clements from Wye Valley Studios, will judge the 3 to go forward to the next stage.

It is only the 3 chosen that will be as a digital image which if in doubt there are experts in this field who will help you at this stage. Again I appeal to you to send in a photograph.

PLEASE DO NOT LET CALDICOT & DISTRICT U3A BE THE ONLY WELSH U3A WHO HAVE NOT SENT IN ENTRIES.

If you have any queries please do not hesitate to contact me on 01291.422925 or at [email protected] Glenice Dallow Group Co-ordinator

GARDENING

MEETING 9TH JANUARY

At our first Meeting of the New Year we were given an insight into “Gardening for Bumblebees” by Max Wilson, on behalf of the Bumblebee Conservation Trust.

Max showed us pictures of the different types of bumblebees and where their habitats are. Also showing how they have declined in many areas. Indeed, in the Northern Highlands they are now extinct.

Over the last 70 years numbers have dropped 70% and many species are threatened with extinction, because of the loss of 97% of their homes due to modern farming, new insecticides and global warming.

He told us that is one of the better areas where bumblebees are still living, and our native “carder” bee is found on Magor Marsh.

There are about 250 kinds of bee in the British Isles. All bees live off pollen and nectar, which they find in flowers. We can all help by planting more wild plants and fruit bushes.

Many of us took away leaflets at the end of the talk.

PASHLEY MANOR & GREAT DIXTER GARDENS

There are still four places available on the Trip to Pashley Manor and Great Dixter Gardens on 29th, 30th April and 1st May.

Full payment for this Trip will be needed at February Meeting please. Pauline Marx

SPECIAL EVENTS

JERSEY - WEDNESDAY 13th MAY - MONDAY 18th MAY 2020 - £545pp (PLUS SS) MAYFAIR HOTEL, ST HELIER

I have now been informed that we shall be flying out of Cardiff Airport, it will mean an early start for all of us as the flight is at 9:45am so, up early as we will have to be at the airport for 8:00am. A coach will pick you up as usual at the designated pick-up points and will take us to Cardiff Airport where you will check in. We will arrive in Jersey at 10:45am. A coach will be at the Jersey Airport to take us to the Mayfair Hotel St. Hellier and as normal we will be unable to register into the hotel until the afternoon.

I have not arranged excursions for the duration of the holiday as we would have to hire a coach there which would add to the price. There are two ladies at the hotel who arrange excursions each day and they will advise you where and what days certain trips are available and, if you are interested they will book these for you. Other than that you are free to do and go where you like.

Our return journey we will leave Jersey at 11:20am on Monday 18th and arrive in Cardiff at 12:20pm. Obviously I will update you on all arrangements nearer the date.

Unfortunately we have been charged single supplement on all single rooms at £115.00 per room. I am sorry this has to be paid but it is entirely out of my hands. At present I think I am able to reduce single supplement of £55 per person which I hope you will agree is quite a saving. I will confirm this later when I get the final invoice.

I will be requiring the balances for this holiday, at the latest, at the March monthly meeting.

It is strongly advised that you ensure you are adequately covered by insurance. Edwards can offer this at £44.00 per person subject to policy terms and conditions.

THE KING AND I - BRISTOL HIPPODROME 25th MARCH 2020

This is all paid for now and I have the tickets which will be handed to you on the coach when we go as I don’t want anyone losing theirs before the day.

The coach which is with Grindles will pick us up at 1:30pm outside the Doctors surgery and as the show is approximately 3hours long, including short break they will pick us up at 5:30 to bring us home. Thank you all for your support. Pam Caines

DRAMA

We will next be presenting a Who Dunnit in March as part of our contribution to the 25th Anniversary celebrations. This will be the first of five which we hope to do throughout the year. This time you will be involved in the play as you will be listening for clues as to “Who Dunnit!” We will be asking you to sit in teams and put your heads together to solve the murder!!! Pam Caines

UKULELE

In January the ukulele group played for the Alzheimer’s Society in the Catholic Church hall, where we were made to feel very welcome.

On Saturday 8th February we will be playing for Dementia sufferers alongside Thornbury Ukulele group at the Bethany Baptist Church, Caldicot from 2-4pm. Chris Spiller

MONTHLY DIGITAL IMAGE PHOTO COMPETITION

January’s winning photo was taken by Roy Langfield

MY STORY

1944 Palestine, British mandated area, this is where l was born and lived for a few months. My father was at the time seconded to the PPF, Palestine police force. Here he met my Mum and in 1942 they married.

In1945 my Mum and I travelled from Port Said in Egypt by boat to the UK. It took three weeks. As a less than 1yr old l don't remember any of the journey though Mum was quite ill. My Dad's family lived in Porth Casseg, St Arvans and we had to cross a field, very deeply covered in snow. My Mum was quite anxious as she had never seen snow on the ground only on the mountain top. When l was three my sister was born and l promptly told my Mum to send her back with the postman, fortunately that did not happen.

At 5yrs old l went to the Church school in Chepstow and then to Bridge street. I did not pass the 11plus and therefore went to Portwall Secondary School. I must have had some reasonable ability as l managed to stay in the top stream all the way through. l do not have any qualifications and started work at 15yrs old in Woolworth in Chepstow, serving on the sweet counter at first and then put in charge of the toy counter. With other jobs in later years in retail (shop assistant) l finished work as an optical assistant/receptionist on retirement.

I have lived very happily with my husband for nearly 52yrs. We have one son and one grandaugther who we love very much but sometimes fear for the future. This is just a short article which may interest some.....

How many of you could tell us a little about yourself or family? I am sure that amongst our membership there are some interesting stories that you can send in to the Newsletter. Betty Waite

CREATIVE WRITING STUDY DAY

This study day, The Basics of Creative Writing, is scheduled for Wednesday 29th April 2020. It's a full day (10am to 3.30pm.) and the venue is Malpas Court in Newport. This venue is easily accessible by both car and public transport and there is plenty of free parking.

The speakers will be Marcia Humphries (Cr. Wr. Adviser) and Jo Brooks. The day is designed for both beginners and also those who already write but are looking to consolidate their knowledge. Members will be taken through elements of the short story (including plot/character/editing and revising etc.) but don't touch on poetry.

It'll be a fun day with talks and writing exercises.

Cost is £12.50 and this will include a lunch (freshly prepared in the kitchens at Malpas Court) and refreshments (tea/coffee and biscuits).

The Basics of Creative Writing

A Study Day for writers will take place on Wednesday, 29th April 2020. The speakers will be Marcia Humphries (Creative Writing Adviser) and Jo Brooks. The content is suitable both for beginners and for more experienced writers.

The day will run from 10am. to 3.30pm. and there will be talks on different topics, each followed by a fun exercise.

The venue is Malpas Court, Oliphant Circle, Malpas, Newport NP20 6AD. It is easily accessible by car or public transport and there is free parking.

Cost is £12.50 which includes lunch and refreshments.

If you wish to attend, please fill in the form and send, together with cheque for £12.50, payable to NEWPORT (S.E.WALES) U3A to me: Pam Cocchiara, 10 Oaklands Park Drive, Rhiwderin, Newport, NP10 8RB.

NAME ......

E-MAIL......

NAME OF U3A......

ANY DIETARY REQUIREMENTS OR ALLERGIES......

......

Numbers that can be accommodated for this event are limited. Please send your application by 15th March in order to ensure your place.

Confirmation of your booking together a lunch menu and details of how to reach the venue will be sent nearer the date of the event.

If you would like any further information about the day, please contact me: [email protected] or by telephone 01633 892928.

FEBRUARY’s CROSSWORD

ACROSS DOWN

1. Assortment (7) 1. Chart (3) 5. Group of insects (5) 2. Inert gas (5) 8. Large herbivorous 3. Dissimilar (7) mammal (5) 4. Reverberated (6) 9. Pagan (7) 5. Photos (5) 10. Unfeigned (7) 6. Attain (7) 11. Ledge (5) 7. Public declaration 12. Lifted (6) (9) 14. Appraise (6) 10. Decorated food 17. Notions (5) (9) 19. Fruit (7) 13. Imprecise (7) 21. Direction (7) 15. Abridge (7) 22. Taut or rigid (5) 16. Captured (6) 24. Days of the month 18. Secret agents (5) (5) 20. Invalidate (5) 25. Embroiled (7) 23. Conclusion (3)

January’s solution

LET’S DO SUDOKU! January’s sudoku solution

Solutions next month

CALDICOT & DISTRICT U3A

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE & TRUSTEES

Chairman Pam Caines 01291 420750

Vice Chairman Rob Harry 01291 421997

Treasurer Tony Hodson-Hirst 01291 424997

Business Secretary Rob Harry 01291 421282

Committee Secretary & Elaine Yeomans 01291 420666 Network Contact

Membership Secretary Angela Hodson-Hirst 01291 424997 & Direct Mail

Newsletter & Diary Editor Angela Hodson-Hirst 01291 424997

Gift Aid Co-ordinator Glenice Dallow 01291 422925

Group’s Co-ordinator Glenice Dallow 01291 422925

Speakers Secretary Anne Duke 01291 408216

Link Secretary Betty Waite 01291 421484

Linda Stewart 01291 420005

Linda Howells 01291 423395

Helen Wormald 01291 423765

OFFICERS

Registration Alma Gaskell

Public Relations Dave Edwards

Webmaster Ann Taylor-Heard