Founded 1997 by Reg Cooke (1919-2008) November 2016 EDITION 220

Please see ‘The Study Group Synopsis’ for Group Leaders’ contact numbers and times and venues of Study Group Meetings.

My thanks go to all I’d just like to finish this piece with a personal experience. I From The those members who have had two déjà vu type experiences with U3A recently. One Chairman came along to The was at the March Monthly meeting last year when the speaker Bushey Country Club was Martin Smith who shared the same Hall of Residence as me Alan Prest for the Monthly at University in Hull in 1963 and the other was this week at Meeting on the 4th Sporting Forum. Desperate for a speaker for the October meeting October. The I saw a piece in the Daily Telegraph about a Rugby League Club attendance was at Hemel. I knew the first member of staff I appointed at Cassio almost certainly the College in 1980 was an Aussie who had played Rugby League at highest this year. It was a different environment but, I think, one Hemel on a parks pitch on one of the estates. I rang the club who which we found generally acceptable and if we have to move are now a semi-professional outfit playing in the third tier of again, and I hope we don’t, we would be happy to be there. We Rugby League nationally. I spoke to the Chairman and Chief were treated well by the staff and although it cost a bit more, the Executive who was, you’ve guessed it, my old member of staff £1 which everyone paid covered the extra. I say everyone paid. from 1980 who I haven’t seen since 1990. And, yes, he did come There were over 220 members at the meeting and we collected and speak to Sporting forum this week and it was delightful to £214!! talk over some good memories of work. Not least of which was What amused me is that I was stopped outside Sainsbury’s last trying to handle 20 or so 17 and 18 year old Travel and Tourism week by a very embarrassed member who said she felt bad students on a study visit to Majorca! because she had remembered she hadn’t paid her £1. Did I want it now? “Something to sort out at the November meeting” I said. Honesty is alive and well and living in our U3A. Committee Notes I know there were problems with the microphones, queuing for coffee, the whiteout of the screen because of the sun and some The Committee reviewed the October Monthly Meeting held at people being unable to find a parking space but if we needed to Bushey Country Club. There were some issues which if we go back there we could do something about them. I think the staff needed to use the venue in the future we could manage better were caught out by the coffee because they didn’t in the end like such as the coffee and we could be more aware of the problem us using a hot boiler to fill the cups so it was slow. Maybe next with the projection of pictures being whited out by the sunshine. time they will be able to fill jugs first. There’s little we could do about car parking when the car park ABOVE ALL, however, we were treated to a presentation by a gets full. visiting speaker, the like of which we hadn’t seen for a long time, The Committee discussed what will happen to the fundraising if ever, at U3A. Jim Buttress was just plain brilliant. It we do for Peace Hospice Care when June Baughen gives it up at lifted the whole tone of the morning. Maybe we can get him the end of the year. Discussion around the table suggested there back at some time to give us the presentation he intended before is a way forward and this will be announced in due course by the problems with the projection. Will it be as good? I think we’d those involved. The Committee gave their unanimous support to risk it. continuing to provide a facility for raising funds for Peace The Christmas concert is taking shape and my thanks go to all Hospice care. those who have offered to take part. I must thank Dick Chapman The Committee has discussed in the past the possibility of who has come out of retirement, not only to help with the setting paying expenses by bank transfer using internet banking for those up, but to bring back memories of days gone by when he will don who preferred that method. Paul would set up the system which his tuxedo (assuming it still fits) and MC the event at Christmas. requires Paul and one other Committee member to authorise Similarly, the Christmas Lunch bookings are coming in. Please payments. At present that is Alan but he would seek to add Jo let me have your forms back as soon as possible. Please don’t and Anne to the list. mistake that last plea as an indication of limited numbers. The The committee discussed again the position of guests at Golf Club is flexible enough that we can accommodate almost all monthly meetings. Any member of the Committee can be the we would want. person notified of a possible visit but any such notification must I asked a little while back for any suggestions for celebrating be passed to Anne who can coordinate it with the Almoners. It is our 20th Anniversary. Sadly, I have been totally overwhelmed by also important she knows because she is the person who needs to the absence of any response. Well, that’s not strictly true. I did be able to liaise with a potential new member. receive a suggestion from a member, which the Executive There are currently 504 members. Committee discussed and felt it was the right way to go. Anne is going to arrange to visit those U3As locally (SW Herts The member asked me why we were celebrating the 20th and Bushey) who use a barcode system for registering members Anniversary because, although it was a longish time in U3A at monthly meetings. history, 20 years wasn’t that special. She felt that it would be Almost all those groups who need to have sent in their half year much more important to celebrate a Silver Anniversary at 25 reports to Paul. There are just a few outstanding ones. years which did have meaning for most of us in celebration Paul also told the meeting that the new shadow website has been terms. I had to agree with her. The result is that the Executive further developed and he will be working with Maurice to take it Committee have decided not to celebrate next year but to look to further. celebrate our Silver Anniversary in 2022. The next meeting is Wednesday November 9th Look at our website for more information :www.watfordu3a.org.uk 1

Treasurer Your Diary November-December 2016 Paul King and January-February 2017

Anglo-German Strollers We meet the 4th Friday in the month at 11.15 am at The Well, it’s that time of year again – the leaves are turning gold Cha Cha Cha Café in , and then go for – and on the subject of gold, a reminder that it is time to submit accounts again. They should be to the end of a walk, (1 - 1/2 hours). talking in German as much as September, but it doesn’t matter if a bit of October is there as possible. For information please ring Jenny Roberts. We well. If your group meets at home – nothing to do, only the would be pleased to see you there. If raining then we have a remaining study groups who collect subs to cover the rent of coffee and a chat in the Café. premises need to send simple accounts. My thanks to those Anglo-German Walks SGL Dick Chapman who have already done so. th Very recently the committee received some interesting ‘Sprichst Du Deutsch?’ On the 4 Friday, 9.30 start changes in procedure from TAT. Going through these pages, I from different points in the Chiltern Hills we walk 10- found two sections that will be of interest to group treasurers, 12 miles stopping for pub lunch. We talk in German before it clarifies the position in respect of payment to other charities lunch. Group at moment full, but prospective members and should make life easier for many groups. I include them welcome to try us as guest walkers and join waiting list. copied without change: Antiques PAYMENTS TO OTHER CHARITIES A one-off donation 2nd Tues 2.30-4.30pm at my home. to another charity arranged with a speaker, in lieu of a fee, SGL Pamela Hart. does not contravene any rules on payments to other charities. Forthcoming subjects are: Payments for services e.g. hall hire may also be made to November - Oriental Ware charities. In addition, it is also acceptable to arrange a small December – Christmas Lunch fundraising event, for example, a second-hand book sale, in January 2017 – Documents support of a local charity providing it is clearly indicated that February – Souvenir Ware all monies raised will be going to that particular charity. In Art Appreciation this situation if you can count the cash and hand it straight 2nd Mon 10.00 for 10.30am. over that would be ideal. Failing that, you must not under any ‘The Sun Postal Sports & Social Club’ Bellmountwood circumstances put it into your main U3A bank account. Avenue, WD17 3BN. Probably the easiest way of dealing with it is for you or one of your fellow officers to make out a personal cheque to the SGLs Margaret Thompson & Colin Richards. charity and then bank the cash. September was a busy month for us. Two excellent talks : PAID SPEAKERS There is no problem with U3As paying Stanley Spencer from Margaret Thomas and a detailed fees to external speakers but it is not acceptable within the look at Hogarth’s Gin Lane by Jim Surrey and then we U3A movement to pay a fee to any U3A member to give a were off to Norfolk. Our Study Tour in East Anglia was a talk. Legitimate expenses can of course be reimbursed. great success and thoroughly enjoyed by all of us who participated. In October Gill Neale told us about the art of Dorothea Sharpe and then we heard about the Skagen Group of Danish Painters from Kath McMahon. Both Study Group Topics presentations were a revelation showing us beautiful work Debbie King less familiar to most of us. Study Group Coordinator 14 Nov Janet Carleton: ‘The Marianne North Gallery [email protected] Kew Gardens’. 12 Dec Phil McMahon: ‘Street Art The Open Air Gallery’ As I visit the different study groups it is my privilege to meet followed by our Christmas ‘bring a dish party’. so many wonderful study group leaders who work tirelessly 9 Jan 2017 Colin Richards: ‘The Ambassadors’ Hans on our behalf to make the groups interesting and entertaining. Holbein the younger. National Gallery London. Some of these people have given many years of amazing 13 Feb Jim Surrey: ‘The work of Hogarth’ service to our organisation with very little thanks or This group is full and we cannot take visitors at the recognition. I feel it is up to all of us to think carefully about moment but I am starting a waiting list as a few places what we can do to help and support these great individuals will become available after Christmas. Please let me know who in many cases do everything to make the study groups if you are interested in joining us. or email me at work. They sort out all the admin, deal with the finances, [email protected] and I will send you our joining organise the speakers (in many cases give all the talks or form. organise all the walks themselves,) many even also make the Better Photography coffee. 4th Mon 10.00am. SGL John Grainger. Please think about the groups that you belong to and think Book Discussion Group about what you can do to help. Everyone can do something! SGL Betty Crowder. We meet on the 3rd Mon 2.15- It is our U3A, it's up to us to keep it going. 4.30pm. On a more optimistic note, we have two new groups Book Discussion Too starting in November. The Philosophy and the new History Last Fri 10.00am -12noon. SGL Barbara Johnson. group are both ready to go and the five week pop up Tablet There are a few places available for this group. Do join us group will begin soon. The Philosophy group still has a few for a very enjoyable morning of discussion. spaces and a second tablet group will be held in the New 25 Nov - Daughter of the Desert - Georgina Howell Year. 28 Dec - The Girl You Left Behind – Jo Jo Moyes Look at our website for more information :www.watfordu3a.org.uk 2

Bridge Group meeting for more information. Maps will be available on 1st & 3rd Mons 2.00pm - 5.00pm Abbots Langley the Notice Board at this meeting, with directions to our Cricket Club at Manor House Abbots Langley Cricket venue at Tree Bridge House. Ground Gallows Hill Lane. SGL Judith Evans Europe - into the 20th Century We are a joint group with SW Herts U3A. Meets on the 4th Wednesday, 10.00-12.00, in the Oak Have you ever played Bridge? Would you like a bit of Room, the Stanborough Centre, 609 St Alban's Road practice to improve your bridge skills? If so why not join (just beyond the Dome roundabout). our U3A Bridge Group. We are a small, friendly group SGLs Vivien Batchelder and Jo Davison. looking for more "improvers". (Other standards welcome) 23 Nov: Winter Festivals. Phone for more information. December: No meeting British History New members welcome! 2nd Tues. 2.30pm. SGL Rob Moore. Explorers 8 Nov First meeting at Rob’s home. 1st Frid, 10am, various venues. SGLs Jean & John Canasta Grainger. All walks start at 10.00am unless marked. 1st Mon, 2-4pm, Elliot Road. SGL Johanna Douglas Contact SGL for information. We are enthusiastic players (and learners) who enjoy the Exploring Europe challenge of Canasta within a group. A happy afternoon is Joint SGLs: David Allen, Carol Hinken & Dave guaranteed. Holden. Contact David Allen for information. Classics Group Exploring London & Beyond 3rd Mon 2.15pm. SGL Pat Purkiss. 1st Wed, times various. New members are always welcome. SGLs Terry & Elizabeth Waterfall. Computer Discussion Group Joint Co-ordinator Gordon Hitchman. 3rd Thurs 2pm Garston Fire Station, This Group is open to all members of the Watford U3A St Albans Road, (next to Asda). Next outings: SGL Patrick Walker. Wednesday Nov 2nd. We go first to the British Museum The group currently has spaces for new members, please then find ourselves some lunch then in the afternoon go to contact the SGL as shown above. the Grand Order of Water Rats for tea/biscuits, a talk , a Cryptic Crosswords tour and finally a visit to the museum. currently fully 1st & 3rd Fri of the month. SGL Jan Prest. booked - waiting list applies. Current Affairs 1 December - yet to be agreed. 3rd Tues 10.00am Hollytree House. Note: - We regret we are unable to offer refunds. SGLs Betty Crowder & Joyce Hoffbrand. Family History Format ‘Question Time’ or ’Any Questions’. Subjects are 2nd Fri 10.00am. SGL Phil Redshaw raised by members for general discussion. Special subjects Meetings are held at Step Up in Drive, South are sometimes explored in detail when we have an expert. Oxhey commencing at 10:00 on the second Friday of the Current Affairs 2 month. 2nd. Wed, 10am. SGL Sheila Wolff . Venue at Sheila's. New members welcome. For further details, please contact Members bring their pet current affairs of the month and air the SGL. their views, then open for discussion. The best fun of the Film Group month, room for more to join us. 1st Thurs 2.15pm. SGLs Alan and Carol Rose. Cycling Group is now full. 1st and 3rd Mon 10.00am starting at Watford Met French Conversation station. SG leader Dennis Fitton 3rd Tuesday of the month 2.30 - 4.30p.m. 7 Nov Denham. SGL Diana Osborn. 21 Nov Elstree Airfield. A group where we are trying to improve our 5 Dec Flaunden, Bovingdon. communication skills as well as learning more about 19 Dec Orchard Café, Shenley. France and its culture. Please contact Diana. 2 Jan Elstree Airfield. Gardening 16 Jan St Albans. 3rd Thurs, times and venues various. 6 Feb Whelpley Hill. SG Leaders Cilla Bridgman & Pam Grant. 20 Feb Denham. 17 Nov 10 am. Planning Meeting at Hollytree House 6 Mar Great North Way: Radlett, Ridge, S Mimms, plus talk on “Gardens Great and Small”. With a large list Hatfield. of members who come on some of our trips, we will have 20 Mar Orchard Café, Shenley. to limit numbers for some indoor meetings so please tell us DIY Discussion if you would like to come. Don’t forget to let us know if 2nd Mon 10.00am – 12 noon. Tree Bridge House, you subsequently can’t make it! Garston Lane Watford, WD25 9QR. 15 Dec. 10 am. Hollytree House. Christmas Social SGL Francis Goode. morning. Please tell us if you would like to join in. The D.I.Y Discussion Group is urgently in need of more 19 Jan 2017 12 for 12.30 Anniversary Lunch. Blue members. Check Restaurant. . Price to be announced. Tickets on sale The Group has a total of 18 members, but unfortunately not in December. Cheques only please. all regularly attend the meetings. As our average 16 Feb 10 am. Hollytree House. Talk about Japan’s attendance is around eleven, at the moment we can barely gardens by Amanda Shipman. Numbers limited as in cover the cost of renting our venue. November. If anyone is interested in joining this lively and interesting Please note: Cheques only please. We have a stamp. group, please contact Francis Goode at the November Look at our website for more information :www.watfordu3a.org.uk 3

German Conversation Music Appreciation 1st & 3rd Thurs 10am-12 Noon. 3rd Wed: 32 Devereux Drive, 10 00am coffee, 10.30am. SG Leaders Dick & Emi Chapman. SGL Ray Gynne. This group is currently full. Group now full. 16 Nov. Brahms Violin Concerto in D major; Sibelius Golf Group Symphony No 2 in D major. Monthly Playing Sessions as arranged. 21 Dec. Beethoven - Leonora overture No 3; Choral Organiser Robert Teesdale. Fantasia for Chorus, piano and orchestra; Symphony No 7 Golf lessons: Wed. fortnightly, 11.30am-12.30pm, £6 in A major. per session, Batchwood Hall Golf Club with Mark 18 Jan 2017 The life and music of George Gershwin Flitton. All standards welcome. Contact organiser to get with Michael Tilson Thomas. on emailing list if you’d like to join us. Needlecrafts Greetings Cards 4th Monday 10.00am Garston Fire Station. Hollytree House. 2nd Thurs SGL Jean Armstrong. No waiting list. (2 Groups) 10.00am & 1.30pm. SGL Yvonne Fitton. 21 Nov - Yvonne and her Sew and Sew members join us History for a pre-Christmas get together at Aldenham Golf Club 2nd Mon 2.00pm Fire Station Garston (Asda CP off 12.00 for 12.30. A41). SGL Gill Baines. Room for new members. NOTE:This is not a set Christmas lunch – we meet in History of Emergent Powers the bar and order what we like from their daily specials 2nd and 4th Friday at 10am at Thomas' house. and the regular bar menu. If anyone has any queries about SGL Thomas Kingston. location or anything else, please phone Jean Armstrong or A short course covering the history of Islam, the EU, email. Russia & China and the establishment of the state of Israel. 28 Nov- Our usual meeting at the Fire Station, continuing International Film Group with the small Christmas Star or whatever you are all Meets on the 2nd Tuesday, 10.00 at 11 Berceau Walk. working on. SGL Jo Davison. Opera 8 Nov: Jour de Fete (French) at 32 Devereux Drive 2nd Mon 2.00pm at Christine’s. SGL Christine Betts. International Food PLEASE NOTE THAT THE NEXT MEETING WILL 3rd Friday, Various venues. BE HELD AT RAY GYNNE’S HOME. A new group which will be visiting local restaurants to try In October we watched the first two acts of Don Carlo by unusual dishes and discover the cultural significance of Verdi which was recorded at the Saltzburg festival and food. There will also be food demonstrations, sampling and conducted by Sir Anthony Pappano. Jonas Kaufmann sang sharing of experiences and ideas. Don Carlo and Thomas Hampson was Posa. with Anja Italian Harteros – Soprano. We plan to see the last 3 acts on Alt Thurs 10.00am. SGL Geoff Williams. November 14th at Ray’s house. A self help group, guided by a fluent Italian speaker. 14 Nov Don Carlo Acts III, IV and V Jazz & Swing Appreciation 12 Dec Christmas celebration with nibbles and a glass 3rd Wed 2.30 - 4.30pm. SGL Barbara Whittle. of mulled wine. You are invited to bring along a DVD, CD 16 Nov Hollytree House 2.30pm or even video of your favourite excerpts from opera We welcome Ronnie Smith to our Jazz meeting to entertain 9 Jan 2017 Die Fledermaus – Johann Strauss. us at the piano and talk about his musical career and play Pathfinders his latest CD, an afternoon not to be missed. 4th Tues am. We meet 9.50am at the walking venue. Latin & Roman Life Most walks are 4 - 5 miles followed by a pub lunch. Meets on the 4th Friday, 2.00-4.00 at Garston Fire SGL Diane Livesey Station. SGL Jo Davison. 22 Nov Pat Woollard: Lunch at the Blue Check Language work is followed by study of a Roman life topic Philosophy 25 Nov NO MEETING. 2nd and 4th Thursday 2 - 3.30pm Lifestyle Venue: the Oak Room at the Stanborough Centre. 4th Tues Combewood 2-4pm. SGL Christel Goodricke. SGL Barbara Johnson Nov - Xmas lunch 10 Nov First meeting. Luncheon Club Poetry Group 4th Wed. 3rd Tues, 2.15pm, various venues. Any members who would like to join us for lunch please SGLs Brian & Margaret Redding. phone Fay Sanderson for details. Polish Language and Culture Money Matters 3rd Friday, 10.45 at Garston Fire Station. 1st Thurs, 10am-12 noon, Hollytree House. SGL Allan McMillan. SGL Francis Goode This Group discusses all sorts of financial matters, but in (Joint group with SW Herts). New members welcome. our October meeting the outstanding subject was house Rock & Pop insurance, which affects us all. You know the quality of 4th Thurs, 2.30pm, Hollytree House. your insurance only when you make a claim, which SGL Maureen Bates. All old ‘rockers’ are welcome. fortunately is rare. Robert Rose gave us a wonderful 24 Nov Status Quo & the Eagles discourse on the subject, the importance of the small print, 22 Dec Something special! Rock ‘n’ Roll from a Rocking etc. We enjoyed the benefit of his 30 years in the business. Chair. John Dunsterville has been a session guitarist for all Sharing knowledge and experience is what it is all about; his working life. He will be playing guitar and regaling us come and join us. with anecdotes about the groups he has played with over Next meetings: 3rd Nov, 1st Dec, and 5th Jan. 2017 (Continued on page 5) Look at our website for more information :www.watfordu3a.org.uk 4

(Continued from page 4) venue TBC. the years. Everyone is welcome, the more the merrier, but 22 Nov – Lynda & Hilary - Rickmansworth and if you are attending can you please bring a small plate of Aquadrome. food as we are having a small pre-Christmas party after Park in Tesco at Rickmansworth, walk down Riverside the speaker. Drive & into Aquadrome. Lunch TBC. Science Interest 13 Dec - Lynda - KGV playing fields in Watford. Now meeting on 3rd Mon at the Sun Postal Sports & Park at KGV community centre (off Tolpits Lane) eat at 2 Social Club, Bellmountwood Avenue, Watford, WD17 Bridges Harvester (Gwen & Don to be invited to lunch). 3BN.where we can accommodate new members. 27 Dec - No Walk For info/booking on visits please contact Alan Wray. 10 Jan 2017 - Betty & Joyce.-.Cassiobury Park. Sci-Fi Flix. Meet at Gade Ave car park or 2 Bridges Harvester. This new Film Group meets on 4th Friday at 2pm. Meeting point TBC nearer time. We will be watching all types of Science Fiction films, 24 Jan - Lynda. Planning Meeting thought provoking, suspense, action, horror, comedy and Hosted by Peggy at Berceau Walk, Cassiobury Estate, maybe all at the same time! After the film, during Watford. (Note: parking restrictions in Jan.) refreshments, a discussion on “what was that all about?” 14 Feb - Lynda. New Years Lunch at Blue Check, Bushey. may well take place providing that there are enough group Short walk round Bushey and Rose Garden, lunch at 12:00 members left in the pod! If you wish to join this like- (Social members to be invited.) minded escapist group please contact the SGL Alan Rose Sunday Lunch Club aka Buzz Lightyear. email or of course mind transfer! 3rd Sunday, various venues. “May the force be with you.” A Sunday lunch club with a local theme, taking turns to Scrabble 1 share diverse information about Watford/Bushey with the 2nd and 4th Thurs 2-15pm-4-30pm. rest of the group. The cost will be the price of the lunch and SGL Jean Dolamore. any drinks you may choose to have. Scrabble 2 20 Nov. Roundbush Pub. 12.30pm. 2nd Thurs 10.00am. SG Leaders Carol & Alan Rose. Table Tennis Group is now full. Gordon Hitchman, Group Co-ordinator. Scrabble 3 Location - St Marks Church, Leggatts Way, Leavesden. 1st Mon 10am Hollytree House. Starting time - 7.30pm on the following Mondays: SGL Lorna Denham. Oct 31, Nov 14 and 21, Dec 12. We have 18 members, but could fit a few more in. A small charge will be made to cover cost refreshments and Scrabble 4 hire of the Hall and equipment. 3rd Monday of each month, 10am - 12. The Piano, Live in Concert Hollytree House, Gammons Lane, Watford, Herts, One hour Piano recitals given by Alan Melinek on the WD24 5JT. All Welcome. 4th Monday of each month at 2-30pm at Alan’s home. Contact: Anne Waring or Diane Trafford. Music includes major works of Bach, Beethoven, Mozart, Sew and Sew Handel, Chopin and many others. Do join us - a lovely way 1st Mon, 2pm, Garston Fire Station. to spend an afternoon! Phone for information. SGL Yvonne Fitton. The Thirsty Walkers Regret this group is already full due to restricted room 4th Thursday at various locations for 10.00 am start. and table space. SGL Ken Baines. Shakespeare Walks approx 5 miles. Also car-sharing from Cassiobury Last Wed 2.00 pm at 135 Parkside Drive where possible via Alan Betts. A good lunch after the walk SGL Francis Goode. with friendly company. 26 Nov. Having watched the BBC DVD of 24 Nov - Julie and Alan Steer take us around the “Coriolanus”, we shall be continuing the reading of the Childwickbury area of St Albans . Parking and lunch at play, starting at Act 2 Scene 3, and discussing this The Ancient Briton, AL3 5AH, which is a Harvester and is unusual play. on the corner of Harpenden Road and Beech Road . Walk There will be no meeting in December, so our next commences 10.00 am. meeting will be 25 Jan 2016. Toffee (Tea & Coffee Group) Snooker (Joint with Watford Park U3A) 2nd Thurs 10am-12 noon. SGL Margaret Foster. Every Mon 11.00am - 1.00pm, Watford Town & Toffee at Two Country Club. SGL Dick Chapman. 4th Monday at Langley Way. Open to those who have some experience. SGL Margaret Foster. Group Hostess Meg Rice. Spanish Group Tuesday Trekkers Once every 4th Tues, 10am, Devereux Drive, Watford. 2nd Tues, 9.45 for 10.00am, Meet - varied. SGL Dennis Lucas. Leader Brian Ashford. Sporting Forum 8 Nov Gillian Neale has volunteered to lead. Meet Cock 3rd Tues, 2.00pm,Combewood House. Inn, Sarratt. SGL Alan Prest. We regret this group is now full. 13 Dec Brian leads with a Tinsel special. CP by Church Strollers Chipperfield Common. 2nd & 4th Tuesday: leaving @ 11:00, ca 2.5 miles. 10 Jan Happy New Year. Brian leads into 2017. Meet SGL Lynda Bolton. No waiting list. Horse and Cart Pub Commonwood near Chipperfield. 08 Nov - John & Jenny. - St Albans park. We have a waiting list to join this group. Park in St Albans car park, near leisure centre. Lunch (Continued on page 6)

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(Continued from page 5) WU3A COMMITTEE Tuesday Ramblers 4th Tue, 9.30am Meet – varied. 2016 - 2017 SGL Ken Moxley Meet on fourth Tuesday of each month to walk for fitness and the pleasure. Walks are in or Buckinghamshire and adjoining areas. Walks Chairman distance 10-12 miles in about 5 hours including stops. Stop for a pub lunch Alan Prest about 2/3 of the way around a circular walk. Walk unless road conditions are predicted to be hazardous for driving to start point. Share ideas for future walks and share leadership organizing each walk. Welcome new members. Welcome to guests to come along and give it a try. I look forward to hearing from you and hope you can join us. Vice Chairman Details from Ken Moxley. Maurice Crewe U3A Singers 1st Mon 2.30pm, Combewood House. SGL Celia Jackson. Uke3A 1st and 3rd Thurs - 1.30-3.30; 2nd, 4th and 5th Wed - 2-4pm TESCO Watford Lower High Street. SGL Trevor Boardman. Business Secretary Walking/Rambling 2nd & 4th Wed, 10.00am, unless otherwise stated, various starting Jo Davison points. SGL Peter Manhire Most walks meet JS A41. Five miles. Wine Appreciation Last Frid, 2.30 - 4.30pm, St John’s Hall, Hemel Hempstead. SGL Gillian Neale. Treasurer Wit Knits Paul King 1st Mon 10.00am. Various venues. SGL Diane Hewgill..

Membership Secretary Anne Waring U3A Fitness

Every Thurs, 10.45-12.45pm, Orbital Community Centre, Haines Way. Contact Elizabeth Waterfall. An exercise class for both male and female members of any age and Study Group ability, run by an independent committee (Active Together Watford) Coordinator with funding from the Big Lottery and is open to all. Debbie King We have a qualified instructor for the first hour followed by badminton, short tennis and table tennis. The emphasis is to deliver sociable and enjoyable activities. New members are always welcome.

Minutes Secretary Keep Fit for the 50+ Gail Bolton Tuesdays and Fridays, 10-11am at YMCA Orbital Centre, Haines

Way, Watford. Contact June Hollands.

This is an outside group to which a number of Watford U3A members belong but is not a U3A Study Group. Committee member Christel Goodricke PLAY READING GROUP South West Herts Play Reading Group which meets at Asda (community centre) on 4th Wednesday at 10am needs new members. It is possible to join the group even if not South West Herts member.

Committee member Contact Diana Ivory for information Christine Sherwood Don’t forget to book your Christmas Lunch if you haven’t already done so. Menu and Booking Form attached. Look at our website for more information :www.watfordu3a.org.uk 6

Watford U3A’s Members Adverts U3A DIARY 2017

Projector & Is there something you want to sell Price £2.00 Laptop or dispose of? Computers and Contents as previous years, but You can use this space to advertise this year the colour is red. our sound system items for sale. Please contact the Available from Francis Goode at To make a booking contact: [email protected] the November Meeting Colin Richards Advertisements may be edited or omitted while stocks last [email protected] depending on space. Please inform the editor if no longer required. Monthly Meeting CHEAP SOFTWARE VUE CINEMA Talks Programme. 1st Tuesday 10.00-12.00noon. Revised Prices As U3A students, we qualify for OVER 60s RATES 1 Nov Wally Thrale cheap software from Mon-Thurs before 5.00pm £6.05 Wally will share his love of Bee- www.software4students.co.uk After 5.00pm & Sat & Sun £7.10 keeping with us. He has kept bees for Booking Fee 75p 25 years and is a small-scale bee farmer running quite a few colonies. SENIORS CLUB 6 Dec Christmas Entertainment CHARITY APPEALS Mon at 12.00noon £3.55 Selected We aim to start promptly with the films are shown and price includes Raffle and Coffee before the Concert For The Peace Hospice tea and biscuits. STAMPS begins. See Website for Titles 3 January 2017 Richard Chewter Marie & Barry Irwin www.myvue.com or Richard is a senior chaplain from St tel. 08712 240240 For Air Ambulance Service Mary`s Church, Watford and will PLASTIC MILK BOTTLE TOPS give us an overview of the work of Marie McMorrin December Watford Street Angels and Watford Remember every little helps! Raffle Junction Street Angels. He was a founder member of this charity. in aid of 7 February Colin Oakes U3A ALMONERS Peace Hospice Care Colin, a familiar speaker, will I will be pleased to receive prize enlighten us on Charles Dickens’ Please let us know of any member who donations at the meetings and can Troubled Childhood. Colin was an is sick or bereaved and in need of our also collect, if you ring me on the archaeologist in London support. We cannot help if we do not number below. and became familiar know! As I said in the October Newsletter, with Dickensian this will be my last Raffle London. Peggy Element so let’s make it a BUMPER ONE! ‘Speaker Secretary’ Janet Carleton Cindy Birkett Joyce Hoffbrand June Baughen, [email protected] Eileen Burnett December Newsletter

Editor Margaret Thompson Visit our Website for more information: Articles, Reports and Pictures www.watfordu3a.org.uk must be received by

20th November 2016 Study Group Refreshment Rota 2016/17 NO NEWSLETTER November Needlecraft/Sew & Sew Jean Armstrong IN JANUARY Yvonne Fitton December Thirsty Walkers Ken Baines February Newsletter Editor Margaret Thompson January 2017 Book Groups 1& 2 Betty Crowder & As above Barbara Johnson Copy deadline February Uke3A Trevor Boardman 20th January 2017 March History Gill Baines E-mail all copy for both To everyone in WU3A publications, before their Best Wishes for 2017 respective deadlines to: Jill (Editor) [email protected] Look at our website for more information :www.watfordu3a.org.uk 7

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Christmas Lunch Menu 2016

To Start Minestrone Soup served with a roll and butter Melon Cocktail and Parma Ham Chicken Liver Pate, Onion Chutney and Melba Toast

Main Course Traditional Roast Turkey Crown with homemade trimmings Wild Sea Bass: pan-fried and served on bed of Roasted Mediterranean Vegetables Portabello Mushroom Stroganoff Cooked in creamy paprika & brandy sauce On a bed of Rice All main courses are served with Roast Potatoes and Fresh vegetables

Desserts Christmas Pudding with Brandy Custard Raspberry and White Chocolate Cheesecake Lemon Tart and Strawberry Ice Cream Fresh Fruit Salad Tea or Coffee and Mince Pie

Watford & District U3A Christmas Lunch Thursday 15th December 2016 – 1.00pm for 1.30pm Aldenham Golf Club, Church Lane, Aldenham, WD25 8NN

Name:…………………………………………………………………………………..

Phone:………………………………… Email: ………………………………………………………………………

I would like to book ______places at £23.50 per person(inc tip) Name Starter Main Course Dessert (for place setting)

I enclose a cheque for £______payable to "Watford & District U3A Social Account”

I/We would like to sit with ______

Please advise if you have any special dietary requirements Please return to:-Alan Prest, U3A Christmas Lunch, 21 Orchard Drive, Cassiobury, Watford, WD17 3DX Any queries please call me on 01923 243702 or email me at [email protected] ALL BOOKING FORMS WITH CHEQUES MUST BE RETURNED NO LATER THAN FRIDAY 2nd DECEMBER 2016

Look at our website for more information :www.watfordu3a.org.uk 9