DOCSLIB.ORG

Caldicot & District

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Caldicot & District CALDICOT & DISTRICT November 2020 www.u3asites.org.uk/caldicot/home Reg Charity No. 1071447 CHAIRMAN’S REPORT Thank you to Caldicot and District U3A Members and Committee. I can say that now because at the time of writing this report we have received over 350 renewals of membership. Given the months of lockdown and our inability to fully function as a U3A that is a huge endorsement for us not only from a financial perspective, but also in your commitment to our U3A and what we stand for. A huge thank you also to our Committee and Officers who have been integral in planning our way through uncertain months so that we managed to keep going. Everyone is a Volunteer and has given up their time to keep us on track. A special thanks goes to Angela Hodson-Hirst, our Membership Secretary and Newsletter Editor for her efficiency and resilience in getting our membership system ready and putting this publication out every month. So what next? In this edition I would ask you to please take the time and read the Committee News section. In there you will find a report from our meetings with Convenors written by Vice Chair Linda Stewart. You will also find an advanced notice to all members of an AGM planned for January 2021. In that note there is an explanation of why and how we are obliged to have an AGM even in these difficult times so please read that and especially the Nomination of New Committee Members part. You will also see that the Committee has agreed that we need to make plans for the next 6 months no matter how uncertain that is. The priorities that we have identified are Finance, Public Relations, Our 25th Anniversary Celebrations and further developing our collaboration with Convenors and our Interest Groups. These priorities will be delivered by Sub Groups and have an identified lead person. The fundamental principle of these Sub Groups is to involve as many Convenors and members as possible. More detail of the work of these groups will follow in future editions of Committee News. However, the work related to the Interest Groups will be commencing asap and you will find a Rallying Call from Glenice Dallow the lead for that group in this edition. Again please read it and why not contact Glen with your ideas. Finally you have every right to question how on earth these initiatives can work if we cannot meet in our groups. That is a challenge but to begin to meet that challenge I have asked Angela (Newsletter Editor) and Ann Taylor-Heard (Website Manager) if we can utilise those media to the maximum. Essentially I want to substitute what were group sessions with articles and inputs into the Newsletter every month and also via Visual inputs on the Website of all aspects of the work of Interest Groups or members ideas. As I have said previously this is the Members U3A and you have renewed your membership so we have to give you value for money. However to make it work we need your ideas and your inputs into this. So to start the ball rolling .... I was out walking earlier today and the colours of Autumn are astounding. So when you take Lockdown exercise, why not take some pictures of our wonderful countryside and we will put them on the website. All you need to do is to email them to me on: [email protected] I will then forward them to Ann, our website could be a riot of colour! Please stay safe and well Rob Harry Chairman COPY FOR THE NEWSLETTER We welcome reports from all groups for inclusion in the Newsletter or forwarding to our website. Word doc is preferred with NO LIMIT TO HOW MANY WORDS and should be sent to: [email protected] or tel. 01291 424997 by midday on the 26th NOVEMBER 2020 Typed or handwritten notes should be submitted a few days earlier if possible. Angela Hodson-Hirst Editor MEMBERSHIP SUBSCRIPTIONS - TO BE RENEWED BY THE END OF DECEMBER Despite the wording of Rule 5 (iv) of the Constitution the closure date for subscriptions has been extended to the end of DECEMBER from the normally required end of June date as recorded in the September Committee Minutes and as the AGM will not take place now until the New Year. I would like to add that Should you change your address, telephone number or email address please inform me so that I can keep our records 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] Tel: 01291 421484 Betty Waite CARDS SENT Pat Burrin sadly unable to continue membership through ill health. We wish her well. Betty Waite CONGRATULATIONS Congratulations to Heather Chappell, Myfanwy Bennett and Megan Kanneh who celebrate their 80th Birthday in November. THANK YOU Thank you all for the Golden Wedding Anniversary card sent to us on 29th August. We look forward to meeting up with our walking group friends soon, and hope that you are all keeping safe and well. Dianne and Brian Cox APOLOGY Lesley Jones makes apology for misspelling John JEFFERY's surname and similarly to John MUSSELL in her article in October's Newsletter. DOWN THE LINE by Pam Ayres Down long-forgotten railway lines and over broken bridges Came the young men, From vanished stations with frilled eaves, past coal yards and sidings, Over points switched by signalmen unseen, They came from valleys green, From blackened cities mean, To battlefields obscene. We ruined tracks that run below, We saw them go, we saw them go, Over continents this was enacted, Don’t let them hear the song of the track, Young men from their loving homes extracted, The clickety clack, the clackety clack, Faces white and yellow, brown and black, They won’t come back. Believing that, one day, they would go back. Drawn like single threads to forge a cable, In haunted carriages I see them yet, From factories and shops, from farm and Khaki-clad, with kitbag, cigarette, stable, Through dim-lit panes they see me, far below, Football teams and banks and streets entire, I look into their eyes and watch them go. Through cuttings deep and scarred by summer They weren’t to know, as they travelled the lea, fire, The hideous scenes they were going to see Through tunnels dark, embankments steep, to The flame, the gas cloud drifting, pale, face the threat, In Ypres, the Somme and Passchendaele. To learn the ways of rifle and of bayonet To draw a last despairing breath, Hands which held the reins and steered the Man and beast in a dismal death. plough, Carved names that crumble soft away, Must carry out more bloody service now, In churches and on crosses grey, Make hard the heart and subjugate the will, At cenotaphs where poppies fall, To fire the bullet, stab and choke and kill, Embrace the life denied them all. For men, our country must more deeply delve, In hamlet soft, and city loud, Now some are fifty-six and some are twelve* I still the clamour of the crowd, You mothers on windswept platforms, crippled And mourn them from this heart of mine: by the gash of fear, The soldiers, sailors, airmen fine, Go home. The boys who travelled down the line. You aching sweetheart bent and crying for your young man, Go home. You have shared a last embrace. Hold it tenderly, remember it, safeguard and cherish it, For it must last a lifetime. And pity the straight-backed fathers, who weep alone. *In April 1918, the Earl of Derby, Director of Recruiting, directed that the age of recruits could be raised to 56 “if the need arose.” Sidney Lewis was sent home in August 1916, one year after joining up. He had run away to enlist when 12 years and lied about his age. He was sent to the Somme and fought on the front for 6 weeks. His mother then discovered where he had gone and sent his birth certificate to the War Office and demanded his return. COMMITTEE NEWS REPORT ON CONVENORS QUESTIONNAIRE This report has been compiled from the analysis of the Convenors Questionnaires. The aim of the Committee in August/September was to re-engage with our Interest Groups via their Convenors/Representatives, following a long period of isolation due to the Coronavirus Pandemic. Another aim was to ascertain whether our Interest Groups could be re-started. We discovered that the majority of our groups could not be facilitated in their present venues because the Covid restrictions/regulations did not make it viable to re-start. We also discussed alternative venues but new rules brought in by the Welsh Assembly Government prevented this happening. FINANCIAL Our first priority was to re-start our Interest Groups if possible and the finances were an aside. However it came to light during this analysis that the costs for each group for the venue averaged £2,000 annually, and when the monthly meeting and committee meeting costs were added to this, the annual spend rose to £9,000 plus.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Guided Walks and Events Programme Winter 2011-12
    Cymdeithas Parc Bannau Brycheiniog Brecon Beacons Park Society www.breconbeaconsparksociety.org GUIDED WALKS AND EVENTS PROGRAMME WINTER 2011-12 Most of these walks go into the hills. Participants are reminded that the following gear must be taken. Walking boots, rucksack, hats, gloves, warm clothing (not jeans), spare sweater, water and a hot drink, lunch, extra food and of course waterproof jackets and trousers. A whistle and torch should be carried, particularly during the winter months. Participants must satisfy themselves that the walk is suitable for their abilities. You can take advice by ringing the walk leader whose telephone number is given. No liability will be accepted for loss or injury that occurs as a result of taking part. An adult must accompany young people (under 18). MOST OF THESE WALKS ARE FOR EXPERIENCED WALKERS Leaders may change or cancel the advertised route due to adverse weather conditions. Strenuous walks require fitness and stamina to cope with several steep climbs and/or cover a good distance at a steady pace. Energetic walks generally involve two steep climbs but they will still require determined application. Moderate walks will seldom have steep climbs but if they do the climb will be taken at a relaxed pace. Dogs (well controlled) are permitted unless stated otherwise in the programme. It should be noted that under the CROW Act, when taking dogs onto Open Access land they must be on a fixed lead, no more than two metres long, whenever livestock are near, and at ALL TIMES from 1st March to 31st July. Non-members of the Park Society will be asked to make a donation of £5.00 each per walk .
    [Show full text]
  • Walking Information
    Warmth & Wonder at Garn Farm Walking Information Suggested routes and ideas… Finding your bearings… This information aims to help you enjoy making the most of exploring the local area on foot, with destination ideas and some suggested routes. Ordnance Survey Maps of the area are available for you to use – please just remember to put them back in The Barn before you leave. We also link to some walks we’ve tracked using the free ViewRanger app - www.viewranger.com. You can find all our published routes at http://bit.ly/wandw-walks - but always take an OS map as well as the ViewRanger Route (they are only a guide to the route, which you will still need to pinpoint on the OS map). The lie of the land… There are a number of footpaths in the valley and up to Hatterrall Ridge – some of these paths are better kept than others. So please do bear in mind that some of the footpaths are not very well maintained and prone to getting overgrown in places – it’s the side effect of being a quiet, almost secret, valley. The routes we suggest are tried and tested, but that doesn’t mean they are always clear and none but the main Offa’s Dyke path are ‘super signed’ or used regularly enough to make them unmissable. We are always happy to give advice if you are unsure. Be prepared… Common sense really, but ensure you’re prepared before heading out… the hills can be misleading and the weather can change rapidly – and it’s always colder up on the ridge than it is down here.
    [Show full text]
  • Recorders' Newsletter
    Biodiversity Information Service Recorder Newsletter – Issue 22 – October 2016 Recorders’ Newsletter Issue 22 – October 2016 Welcome to the Autumn edition of the Recorders newsletter in this 15th year of BIS. It is good to see a range of articles from slugs to fungi. We also include an update on the Powys LBAP review which should be an important document for all of us. Thanks to all contributors. Janet Imlach – Editor (Below: Beefsteak mushroom recorded in Priory Woods, Brecon) Table of Contents BIS Catch Up ..................................................................................................................................................................... 2 Powys Nature Recovery Plan ............................................................................................................................................ 4 Peregrines in Brecon ........................................................................................................................................................ 5 DeriFigure Woods 1Beefsteak Bioblitz mushroom................................ recorded................................ in Priory woods,................................ Brecon ........................................................ 6 Bees in my Garden ........................................................................................................................................................... 7 Ex -Greenhouse Invader: First record of the Balkan Three Banded Slug (Ambigolimax nyctelius) for Breconshire & Radnorshire
    [Show full text]
  • Recreation & Tourism Review Committee
    Report No. 02/12 Recreation & Tourism Review Committee REPORT OF ACCESS & RIGHTS OF WAY MANAGER SUBJECT: Report of the Scrutiny Panel regarding the management of public rights of way Purpose of Report To review the Report submitted by the Scrutiny Panel regarding the management of public rights of way in the Brecon Beacons National Park and Pembrokeshire Coast National Park and outline the main outcomes and their implications for the delivery of this service. Introduction/Background The scrutiny review of public rights of way is welcomed as a timely appraisal of the National Park Authority’s engagement in the management of public rights of way. In common with BBNPA we have proactively managed public rights of way in recognition of the fact that they present the best way to gain access to and enjoy the countryside. Both park authorities also have public rights of way Delegation Agreements with their respective host local authorities. Meaningful comparisons with the Brecon Beacons National Park Authority (BBNPA) while not altogether straightforward have also been achieved and the in depth appraisal of the service has proved to be useful. Scrutiny Tasks The Public Rights of Way Scrutiny Panel set itself four questions on which to gather evidence via its questionnaires, hearings and site visits: 1. Is the management of the Public Rights of Way Network (PROW) helping to meet National Park purposes? 2. Are we delivering our PROW duty effectively and providing value for money? 3. Can we establish criteria for PROW data to enable comparisons between our two authorities to help us assess our performance? 4.
    [Show full text]
  • Ideas for Adventures
    Warmth & Wonder at Garn Farm Ideas for adventures Local Shops & Pubs Places to eat… Things to do… Where to visit… Getting out and about… We hope you have a lovely stay here at Garn Farm. You are welcome to explore the 48 acres of wildlife rich hillside and woodland on your doorstep, with streams to paddle in, views to enjoy, and plenty of picnic, campfire and den-building opportunities. Start relaxing and you might not feel the urge to leave the site, but if you do you won’t need to go far as there are plenty of wonderful things to do locally which we highlight in this little guide. You can walk to our three local pubs, take a short drive to visit local farms for ice cream and cider tasting. Go for a mini adventure paddling in the river at Clodock or explore the castle remains in Longtown. Visit our local shop to get supplies before setting off to take in the immediate Black Mountains and Golden Valley areas. The wider Black Mountains area and Brecon Beacons provide more outstanding walking, as well as biking and pony trekking. There are opportunities for gentle walks with not much hill climbing to the much more adventurous and challenging! For those looking for pavements Hay on Wye, Abergavenny and Hereford are all within easy reach with their theatres, cinemas, art centres, shops and cafes – see our ‘Guides to’ for things not to miss! If you’re looking for a course or treatment, we give details of locally available massage, yoga and reflexology sessions, foraging, breadmaking and woodland crafts – as well as some attractions and activities a little further away.
    [Show full text]
  • Members, Meetings, Agendas and Minutes
    Enc. 1M BRECON BEACONS NATIONAL PARK AUTHORITY EASTERN AREA ADVISORY FORUM Minutes of the meeting held on 13 February 2006 at the Angel Hotel, Abergavenny Present Cllr Mrs K Silk (Chairman) Brecon Beacons National Park Authority Cllr A Breeze Brecon Beacons National Park Authority Cllr A Carrington Brecon Beacons National Park Authority Mr P Seaman Brecon Beacons National Park Authority Mrs M Taylor Brecon Beacons National Park Authority Mrs J Charlton Brecon Beacons National Park Authority Mr S France Cambrian Caving Council Mr F Cook Brecon Beacons Park Society Ms J Cox Ramblers’ Association Cllr P Games Crickhowell Town Council Mr B Burson AHOEC Mr M Morgan Menter y Busnes Cllr A Williams Llanover Community Council Cllr J Prosser Abergavenny Town Council Cllr A Fryer Llangattock Community Council Ms A Oakley Brecon Beacons National Park Mr M Scruby Brecon Beacons National Park Mr C Williams Brecon Beacons National Park Mr M Williams Brecon Beacons National Park Mrs J Gruffydd Brecon Beacons National Park 1. Welcome and Introductions The Chairman welcomed members to the meeting and announced that under delegated powers she and the Chief Executive had approved the membership to the forum of the Friends of the Earth, represented by Laurie Jones, who had attended the last meeting as a substitute for Cllr J Prosser. Mr Jones was not present today but his membership was noted. The Chairman also welcomed Matthew Williams, newly appointed Rural Practice Surveyor with the Authority. Mr Williams outlined his role which would be to manage the assets of the Authority, both land and buildings. He would also be dealing with Tree Preservation Orders, planning consultations, agricultural appraisals and working closely with wardens on the ground.
    [Show full text]
  • Pandy Inn to Llanvihangel Crucorney (Via Llanthony and Cwmyoy)
    Pandy Inn to Llanvihangel Crucorney Pandy Inn to Llanvihangel Crucorney (Extended Walk) 1st walk check 2nd walk check 3rd walk check 1st walk check 2nd walk check 3rd walk check 14th Sept. 2019 14th Sept. 2019 Current status Document last updated Thursday, 19th September 2019 This document and information herein are copyrighted to Saturday Walkers’ Club. If you are interested in printing or displaying any of this material, Saturday Walkers’ Club grants permission to use, copy, and distribute this document delivered from this World Wide Web server with the following conditions: • The document will not be edited or abridged, and the material will be produced exactly as it appears. Modification of the material or use of it for any other purpose is a violation of our copyright and other proprietary rights. • Reproduction of this document is for free distribution and will not be sold. • This permission is granted for a one-time distribution. • All copies, links, or pages of the documents must carry the following copyright notice and this permission notice: Saturday Walkers’ Club, Copyright © 2019, used with permission. All rights reserved. www.walkingclub.org.uk This walk has been checked as noted above, however the publisher cannot accept responsibility for any problems encountered by readers. Pandy Inn to Llanvihangel Crucorney (via Llanthony and Cwmyoy) Start: Penbidwal, Pandy Inn Bus Stop Finish: Llanvihangel Crucorney, opp. Skirrid Inn Bus Stop Pandy Inn Bus Stop, map reference SO 335 224, is 9 km north east of Abergavenny, 200 km west northwest of Charing Cross and 109m above sea level; Skirrid Inn Bus Stop, map reference SO 325 206, is 2 km south west of Pandy and 144m above sea level.
    [Show full text]
  • Guided Walks and Events Summer 2016
    Cymdeithas Parc Bannau Brycheiniog Brecon Beacons Park Society www.breconbeaconsparksociety.org GUIDED WALKS AND EVENTS SUMMER 2016 Most of these walks go into the hills. Participants are reminded that the following gear must be taken. Walking boots, rucksack, hats, gloves, warm clothing (not jeans), spare fleece, water and a hot drink, lunch, extra food and of course waterproof jackets and trousers. A whistle and a head torch (with spare batteries) should be carried, particularly during the winter months, and a hi-visibility garment would be very useful in case of poor visibility. Participants must satisfy themselves that the walk is suitable for their abilities. You can take advice by ringing the walk leader whose telephone number is given. No liability will be accepted for loss or injury that occurs as a result of taking part. An adult must accompany young people (under 18). MOST OF THESE WALKS ARE FOR EXPERIENCED WALKERS - IF YOU’RE NOT SURE OF YOUR ABILITY WHY NOT START OFF WITH A MODERATE WALK TO FIND OUT? Please check the guided walks programme on the website for planned cancellations and changes to walks. Leaders may change or cancel the advertised route at their discretion due to adverse weather conditions or other problems on the day. Strenuous walks require fitness and stamina to cope with several steep climbs and/or cover a good distance at a steady pace. Energetic walks generally involve two steep climbs but they will still require determined application. Moderate walks will seldom have steep climbs but if they do the climb will be taken at a relaxed pace.
    [Show full text]
  • The Beacons' Way Guided Trail
    The Beacons' Way Guided Trail Tour Style: Trails Destinations: Brecon Beacons & Wales Trip code: BRLBW Trip Walking Grade: 5 HOLIDAY OVERVIEW The Beacons' Way is a beautiful eight day trail through outstanding scenery across the Brecon Beacons National Park. It traverses three mountain ranges - The Black Mountain, Brecon Beacons and Black Mountain. There is much of interest to enjoy along the route and your reward will be the satisfaction of completing one of the least walked, most spectacular trails in Britain. WHAT'S INCLUDED • High quality en-suite accommodation in our Country House • Full board from dinner upon arrival to breakfast on departure day • 5 days guided walking • Use of our comprehensive Discovery Point HOLIDAYS HIGHLIGHTS • Complete one of the least walked, most spectacular trails in Britain • Traverse three mountain ranges - The Black Mountain, Brecon Beacons and Black Mountain www.hfholidays.co.uk PAGE 1 [email protected] Tel: +44(0) 20 3974 8865 TRIP SUITABILITY This Guided Walking /Hiking Trail is graded 5. Good fitness and stamina required. Paths on the first few days are well defined but steep. The second half of the trail remains hilly and traverses’ sections of rugged, sometimes pathless, high and remote country. Be prepared to complete some challenging back to back mountain days. It is your responsibility to ensure you have the relevant fitness required to join this holiday. Fitness We want you to be confident that you can meet the demands of each walking day and get the most out of your trail holiday. Please be sure you can manage the mileage and ascent detailed in the daily itineraries.
    [Show full text]
  • Moths Count Newsletter 2013
    Moths Count Ne wsl etter 2013 15 million moths and counting... The National Moth Recording Scheme (NMRS) database continues to expand; since last year’s newsletter we have received an additional 1.3 million moth records taking the grand total to 15,532,135. Eighty-four vice-county (VC) datasets have been received over the past year, 25 of which are still to be imported into the database. Two important Brimstone Moth (H. McDonald) additions to the NMRS database were 6,473 records for the Isle of Rum and 23,967 additional records from NMRS data continue to be used by our conservation partners Cumbria and Westmorland, filling in significant previous via the National Biodiversity Network (NBN) Gateway. We are gaps in coverage. Once all of these datasets have been also collaborating with academic institutions following requests imported to the NMRS, the online species distribution maps for NMRS data to investigate land-use and species distribution (viewable at www.mothscount.org ) will be refreshed. change. The NMRS data were used as corroborative evidence to support moth population trends in The State of Britain’s There has been no change in the top three vice-counties; Larger Moths 2013 report which was published in February South Hampshire (853,836 records), Hertfordshire of this year, see page 04 for further details. (620,665 records) and Dorset (610,414 records) have the largest datasets. In the NMRS database as a whole Some preliminary analysis of the NMRS data has been 36% of records are historical (pre 2000), however, two-thirds happening ‘in-house’.
    [Show full text]
  • National Trails in Wales Business Toolkit 2020 | Version 1.0
    NATIONAL TRAILS IN WALES BUSINESS TOOLKIT 2020 | VERSION 1.0 ABOUT THE TOOLKIT .................................................................................................4 HOW TO DEVELOP A MARKETING CAMPAIGN ............................................19 NATIONAL WHY YOU SHOULD USE THE TOOLKIT ..............................................................5 WHAT’S YOUR STORY? ..............................................................................................20 TRAILS IN DID YOU KNOW? NEWSPAPERS, RADIO, MAGAZINES AND TV ..................................................21 OFFA’S DYKE PATH .......................................................................................................6 BLOGGERS .......................................................................................................................21 WALES GLYNDŴR’S WAY .........................................................................................................7 SPECIALIST NETWORKS ...........................................................................................21 PEMBROKESHIRE COAST PATH ..............................................................................8 LOCAL COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS .................................................................21 BUSINESS THE NATIONAL TRAILS IN WALES OPPORTUNITY .......................................9 ITINERARY PLANNER .................................................................................................10 HOW TO WRITE A PRESS RELEASE ......................................................................22
    [Show full text]
  • 50 Years on Offa by ROB DINGLE, Offa's Dyke Path National Trail Officer
    50 Years on Offa By ROB DINGLE, Offa’s Dyke Path National Trail Officer THE Offa’s Dyke Path National Trail is a truly cross routes, and an important mainstay of the local border national treasure which celebrates its tourism economy. During that time, hundreds of 50th anniversary this year. thousands of visitors have discovered a unique The path was officially opened in Knighton by walking experience which combines spectacular Lord Hunt (of Everest fame) on July 10 1971. Back landscapes and wildlife, the extraordinary history in the late 1960s and early 1970s, the work of of the Welsh Marches (most obviously creating and completing the route involved a represented by the ancient bank and ditch of pioneering partnership effort by Government Offa’s Dyke itself), and the warm welcome to be agencies, local authorities and the volunteers of the found in the market towns, villages and rural then newly formed Offa’s Dyke Association communities along the route. Today, the care of the path is jointly funded and The Trail is a spectacular path which winds itself strategically managed by Natural Resources Wales through the breathtaking borderlands of England (NRW) and Natural England (NE) and their local and Wales for 177 miles, between Sedbury Cliff authority and National Park partners. Practical on the River Severn to Prestatyn on the North management and repair is undertaken by the Wales coast. Today many of the towns along the relevant local authorities (Denbighshire, Flintshire, route are Walkers Are Welcome Towns, who have Wrexham, Powys, Shropshire, Herefordshire, welcomed Trail walkers from all over the world Monmouthshire and Gloucestershire councils, and for more than 50 years.
    [Show full text]