Heart of U3A UNIVERSITY OF THE THIRD AGE Newsletter Editor: Ron Castleton, 114 Loxley Road, Stratford-upon-Avon CV37 7DS New Website address:-  01789 205 878 :  [email protected] www.heartofenglandu3a.btck.co.uk Membership Secretary: Brian Bradley, 7 Appleby Close, Gt. Alne, , B49 6HJ June 200 801789 -488N 551e : w[email protected]

July 2011 Newsletter

TODAY'S SPEAKER Richard Eggington will be speaking to us today on the American West, from the first settlers through the Indian Wars and through to the cowboys and outlaws, something a bit different for all of us.

NEXT MONTH'S SPEAKER The speaker for August is Rob Hemming whose subject will be The Regal Cinema and Effect on Peoples Lives. All this recounted in his book 'Shazam'

At a Committee Meeting held on 17th June 2011 it was agreed to set the Membership Fees for 2011/2012 at £16.00 per person and they become due from 1st September 2011".

Important Notice: Our 10th AGM will be held at the beginning of the September meeting which will include the election of members to the committee. We therefore need nominations for the posts of officers and committee to be submitted in writing to the Chairman or Business Secretary by Thursday 4th August. All nominations require agreement from the nominee, the name of the proposer and seconder. A nomination form will be available at the monthly meeting or by post.

More Important Notice: Straight after the AGM, we will be celebrating our 10th Birthday and invite members to attend the party being organised by Dorothy Jones and her team.

On Line Courses from National Office. – Proposed new course to begin in the autumn. “China – an introduction through history, culture and language.” The course is ideal for group learning with members helping each other. It consists of 10 units which could extend over several months with probably 1 unit covered per month. Members will require access to the internet for research and an e-mail address for receipt of the units in pdf format. To register for this course, please sign the list on the notice board table adding e-mail address or send an e-mail to Robyn - [email protected] The introduction to the course will be sent to all those interested and the first unit will be e-mailed at the beginning of September. (Study the past if you would define the future. Confucius.)

National Summer Schools: Information and application forms for the Summer Schools are on the notice board. The above may also be found on the national web site. www.u3a.org.uk (Members‟ area - events)

New Opera Interest Group The suggestion of an Opera Interest Group met with a small but enthusiastic response so a list will go on the Board to sign. Expect the Group to start meeting in the Autumn.

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NEWS FROM THE GROUPS

Art Appreciation Group In June we went to the Summer Exhibition at the Torquil Gallery in Henley in Arden, which was exceptionally good this year, with a lot of striking paintings, some painted on old wooden panels; animal sculptures by Rachel Higgins among others; some lovely lampshades, and a lot of quirky sculptures and mosaic decorations in the garden. Next month on 15th July will be the summer outing to Upton House, including lunch. Please contact Pat Wood for arrangements. Phyllis Collins

Big Band Swing Jazz Group The next meeting of the H of E Big Band Swing and Jazz Group is on Tuesday 26th July 2011 at 2pm in the Lounge of The Methodist Church, Old Town, Stratford upon Avon. You are welcome to join in with us. We listen to recorded Big Band Swing and Jazz music. Our Group is a very informal and friendly mixed group of enthusiasts. A reminder that our August meeting date has been changed from Tuesday 23rd August to Tuesday 30th August. Also as funds are running low, subscriptions are now due. Dennis Sully Bird Watching Group. The group have had two outings to date to Snitterfield Bushes and Hampton Wood, both are Wildlife sites. Both visits were extremely interesting and we sent a small donation to the W.W.fund for their assistance and allowing us to visit their sites. Further visit planned to Kingsbury Water Park - July 5th. Elizabeth Chambers has arranged a minibus for this visit. We will have some spaces on this trip. If interested contact John Stagg. John Stagg Bridge Group The Bridge Group is very friendly, very sociable and very keen to encourage new members. Following the life-long learning ethos of all U3As we can offer encouragement to "rusty" ex- players and, for complete beginners, separate introduction card play to get you started. We meet every Tuesday afternoon at 2.30 in the Methodist Hall Side Room 1. Complete beginners can contact Ann parker to arrange for introductory sessions. John Yeomans Chinwags We met at Grants again, and I think it was unanimous that the lunch was delicious even though we were all absolutely baking ourselves, we managed to do it justice. Everything was so beautifully presented, and we ate, drank and talked until we were ready to go out into the rain, hoping it would cool us down. The next meeting will again be at Grants on the 25 July, hope to see you all then. If anyone would like to join us please ring Aline Cumming on 298357 Gwyneth Bevins The Choir Now our Musical Director is with the Choir from 12 noon to 1.30pm, may I remind members to be there soon after 11.45am so that we can be organised for the start. We are now looking forward and planning for the September 10th Anniversary meeting and our first performance. Tony Griffiths

Classical Music Group We enjoyed another Bring Your Own programme. Jean led off with Bach‟s Brandenburg Concerto No2. In contrast this classical piece was followed by Howard‟s first choice of the romantic Adagio from Rachmaninov‟s Symphony No 2. Rosemary brought the dramatic Arrival of the Queen of Sheba by Handel then from Valma we heard Faure‟s Cantique de

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Jean Racine, familiar but often not identified, George picked Tango by Albeniz to complete the first part. After tea Valma‟s second choice was the Petite Suite by Debussy. This was followed by the Piano Concerto No 2 by Shostakovich played by the orchestra of the Birmingham Conservatoire; the soloist is related to Deidre and she had been present at the performance. An exciting rendition. Finally we heard Howard‟s other choice, On the Trail, from Grose‟s Grand Canon Suite and were transported to the donkeys taking intrepid riders down the trail into the Grand Canon. Another delightful selection! Thanks to all. Aline Cumming Computer Group At Stratford High School. 2nd and 4th Thursdays 4pm – 6pm. A Beginners Course is running for the rest of this term. The final session before the School Holidays is on Thursday, 14th July. Robyn Nicoll

Cooks Club Group The Cooks' club summer lunch was a great success despite depleted numbers; who would have thought that a quiche lorraine could be made using rolled out bread instead of pastry! Asparagus flan, salad, chocolate roulade and coffee ice cream completed the lineup. Diet tomorrow! You don't have to be a culinary whizz kid to join us - just come along and learn a few tips, pick up some new recipes etc. The next meeting will be on July 27th at 10.45 am, when a couple of members are bringing in puddings for us to sample. For more information, tel 01789 550662. Chris Heaps

Chris Heap‟s Poem written after the Cook‟s Group Meeting when Geoff Bridgewater had told us the sad tale of a large salmon in his freezer that he was loathe to part with.

Ah! Pity the poor salmon who never made his great debut At the house of Heather and Geoff (A talented, scone-making chef) The salmon, quite a hefty geezer, had languished too long in the freezer. The Salmon became the lively hub of jokes, and at the cooking club Geoff would ask, on a monthly basis "Were there any other cases Where a salmon, left so long had been cooked, or would it pong?" We said "You've sealed that Salmon's fate 'cos you have left it far too late To put that salmon on a plate it's surely past its sell-by date!" So Geoff eventually saw sense, despite the salmon's great expense With tail, reproachful eye and fin he chucked it in the rubbish bin And now, at Geoff's sincere request the matter has been put to rest! Athena Roderick

Creative Craft Group At the June meeting, the group were given ideas and tips for doing encaustic art pictures by Geoff James and Roy Tabor. Geoff‟s wife Margaret, a very keen crafter and card maker, sadly died recently and Geoff has donated waxes and equipment for the group to use. Geoff came along specially to demonstrate techniques. Roy had discovered Encaustic Art in 1996 and brought a portfolio of some of his exquisite miniature pictures. Members are keen to experiment further in this art form and will be arranging another day workshop in August, open to anyone who would like to come along. At the next Craft afternoon, on Thursday, 21st July, starting at 2.00pm, we will be making a beaded chain for spectacles. Beads, thread and connectors will be supplied and members will need to bring 2 fine beading needles. Roma Rudd.

Card Making workshop Our June card-making day was very enjoyable with 9 members present. We made easel cards which you can see on the sales table at the July meeting. Our next workshop will be on July 15th.Come and join us for a creative time, all materials provided. Ring me for details Carolyn Leach.

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Dinahs June Dinahs was at No 9 Church Street. There is 2 flights of stairs to the top floor where a small room witha large round table beautifully laid out awaited us. Mixed views on the food, some were not keen and would not go again; others enjoyed the meal and have eaten there before: of course the 2 flights of stairs did not help: the ground floor and 1st floor is the main restaurant. Margaret Barnet joined us for the first time, she was telling us about her son and family in the Middle East; also the cruise she was going on in a few days. We did talk about e coli and the cucumber worry in Germany and Spain. Also old age, police, drugs and the Community Services. A few dog stories were thrown in for good measure !! We next meet 5th July, Town House, Church Street. Sylvia Crooks. Family History Group The group meets on the third Thursday of the month at Stratford High School at 3.45pm. We primarily use the Internet to research our Family Histories using Census returns and birth, marriage and death indexes, and there is always someone on hand to offer encouragement and advice on finding those mysterious relatives! Our next meeting is June 16th. New members are always welcome. Carol Styles

Grumpy Old Men Group Yet another entertaining and informative lunch time meeting this month discussing "Home Rule for Scotland". Following a very well researched introduction by Robert Chorley (for which he was awarded Grump of the Month) covering historical, social and economic aspects the Grumps' contributions revealed that there was no overall consensus as to whether or not Home Rule for Scotland was a good idea or indeed feasible. Doubts were expressed that Scotland did not have the indigenous resources to "go it alone", particularly without the financial support from "England" which Scotland currently enjoys. Also jobs could well be an issue as many Scots are employed in the UK Civil Service. While the Scottish right to hold a referendum was acknowledged, concern was expressed that voting could well be based on religious lines rather than on political considerations. Most present believed it would be regrettable if a break up of the occurred since it had survived and prospered since the Act of Union in 1707. Next meeting - Wed. 20 July Venue - Le Bistro Pierre at the Swans Nest Hotel, Stratford. Subject - Is There a Future for the House of Lords (introduced by Geoff. Bridgewater) Chairman for the Day - Elliot Cave. Graham Mitchell

Hand Bell Ringing We are continueing to enjoy ourselves, and are hopefully making some progress. Aline stepped into the breach when I was unable to attend – thanks Aline. There is room if anyone else wants to join us especially if they can provide a good Tape Recorder - which is urgently needed!!!!! Ron Castleton History Group At our June Meeting Tony showed us another DVD from the excellent U3A “The History of Warfare” Series – The Zulu Wars 1879. The British wanted to form a Confederation of the various tribes in South Africa so in January 1879 began the task of subduing the Zulu Tribe. The DVD gave us a fascinating analysis of the various battles and skirmishes between an army of trained, professional volunteers armed with the latest weaponry against defiant tribesmen armed with spears and clubs. Mistakes were made by the British due to poor intelligence, difficulties in the supply of ammunition and inexperienced commanders. At the mission station at Rorkes Drift 104 men of the 24th Regiment fought against some 3000 Zulus. In the ensuing battle 16 British and 357 Zulus‟ were killed, as a consequence of which 11 VC‟s and 4 Distinguished Conduct Medals were awarded – the highest number for a single engagement. However, back in England there was unhappiness about the conduct of the war, which has lasted six

Page 4 months, and Disraeli lost the 1880 Election. (An interesting fact: this was the last war in which the British Army wore Scarlet Coats). At our meeting on Monday 11th July, Ursula Russell will talk about Oman, where she lived and worked for some years. All are Welcome. Sheela Burchill “Lets Talk” Discussion Group Our next meeting will be Wed July 13 @ 1PM at West End pub & we will be looking at "Our Town" including Cotswold Rail Link, info. at www.shakespeareline.com & plans to build a lot more houses. It is interesting, enjoyable & not in the least argumentative. Come and join us. Our June topic was “What is prison for?" It was generally agreed that prison was useful for keeping dangerous people out of the community, but it was felt that not enough resources were given to rehabilitate offenders, especially young offenders. There is a lot of evidence that short term sentences are more effective than long term, but support for people when they return to society is very patchy. Some felt that more attention should be given to dysfunctional families. But it would take an enormous change in the outlook of the country." Athena Roderick Keep Fit Group Keep Fit is now full and we have started a waiting list. For more information please ring Mary Palmer or Joy Baylis for further details.

Pilates Group Every Monday at St. Andrew's Parish hall Shottery between 12:15 and 1:15.For more information contact Gill Ganner.

Play Reading Group The 17th June saw us at Gwyneth's again. There was 6 of us and we read "An Afternoon at the Seaside" by Agatha Christie. A one act pay with humour was enjoyed by all. We next meet on Friday 15th July at Sylvia Crooks, if anyone would like to join us please ring. Sylvia Crooks Poetry Reading Group This month Janet talked to us about the life and poetry of Omar Kayyam – we learned a lot. I for one had no idea he wasn't primarily a poet but a mathematician and keen on spreading the virtues of the study of science. We then read the Rubiyat, noting the themes arising from the verse. Bearing in mind we were using Edward Fitzgerald's translation we began to notice many echoes of both the Bible and Shakespeare and wondered how much of the poem was Omar and how much Fitzgerald. Many lines were familiar, especially

The moving finger writes; and, having writ, Moves on: nor all thy piety nor wit Shall lure it back to cancel half a line, Nor all thy tears wash out a word of it.

Which sums up the fatalism which pervades the poem. Jess Monk Poetry and Prose Reading Group Our meeting in June took the form of a comparison between last months meeting , at which we studied present day poets, and poets up to the first Elizabethan period. The poets discussed were Chaucer, John Dryden, Sir Walter Raleigh, Henry Howard, Thomas Wyatt, Francis Bacon, Shakespeare, Ben Johnson and Philip Sydney. The language of course was the first contrast but also earlier poets had a very romantic view of life as compared with today's poets, whose grasp on life is far more down to earth on the whole. Anne Davies

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Reading Group – Monday There was a bit of a mix up re the books, have now renamed the groups! We did not enjoy “Semi-detached”, a rather boring autobiography starting in the 70's..we felt we might have done better with our own starting in the 30's! We offer a warm welcome and a tasting of delicious home made cakes to new members!! Come along for a taster!! Phyllis Bailey Phyllis Bailey Reading Group – Wednesday This month we chose either an auto biography or biography to read and discuss at our meeting. Four of us chose well known entertainers two comedians and two singers. Of the four, Michael McIntyre‟s “Life and Living” and Andy Williams‟ “Moon River and Me” were not highly rated. Both were deemed to be very me, me, me and more about who they had met as much as what they had achieved. Quite egoistic! However, Keith Richard‟s “Life” about his early childhood and his time with the Rolling Stones had been well received by the reviewers and didn‟t disappoint our reader. Despite having no formal music training his love and appreciation came through and he acknowledges the influence of the black musicians of Chicago playing blues music. The biography by Pamela Stephenson of Billy Connelly was also highly praised. Again it showed how Billy rose above a poor abusive childhood in the Gorbals to find himself through laughter. Consider to be an easy and interesting read. From the world of entertainment to Nelson Mandela‟s “Long Walk to Freedom”, a truly inspiring and thought provoking book. Written whilst in prison with much of his writings confiscated by the guards, he managed to smuggle out his original copy. He describes being brought up by the tribe‟s chief and his family after the death of his father who was an adviser to the chief. Mandela was given a good education resulting in qualifying as a lawyer. His work with the ANC arose out of apartheid and the pinnacle of his achievements being elected leader of South Africa. Our final book was Osbert Sitwell‟s “Left Hand, Right Hand”, published in 1945, this volume being the first of four. It details his early life at Renishaw Hall, the family home in Derbyshire and provides memories of those years. His mother‟s love of flowers and the wonderful smell of them that was always in the house. His father planting the hedges at Renishaw which always seemed to be the same height as himself from being 3 to 17. Next month we are reading any book by Rose Tremaine. Sandra Whiteley

Reading Group – Friday This month's book was 'The Straw Men' by Michael Marshall. We felt it was quite well written, and certainly a page turner with two seemingly different storylines running side by side. In the end it all came together with a very bloody and violent conclusion which left you feeling what on earth was it all about. A case of a group of fanatics trying to change the world in a very brutal way to get their point of view across. Anne Davies

Rock & Roll Group Colin Taylor from the Alcester U3A gave us an interesting talk with some unusual recordings to demonstrate the beginnings of Rock & Roll. Basically showing us that it is white performers playing black music. We will meet as usual on the second Thursday of the month in the Lounge at the Methodist Church. Coral Bradley Science & Nature Group On June 10th we had a very interesting talk about bees from a member of Stratford Beekeepers. It illustrated the complex life of the bees, the hive and the prolifically productive life of the queen. July 26 (evening) Stratford Astronomical Society Lecture." The next fifty years". August 12 Packwood House & Baddesley Clinton -- Guided tour of grounds & picnic

Page 6 lunch. ( Entry free for National Trust Members & £11.40 for non members) Sandra Sladden Stratford Swingers Big Band & Jazz Group The next meeting of the Stratford Swingers is on Thursday 28th July 2011 at 2pm in The Lounge of The Methodist Church, Old Town, Stratford upon Avon. You are welcome to join in with us. We listen to recorded Big Band Swing and Jazz music. Our Group is a very informal and friendly mixed group of enthusiasts. As funds are running low, subscriptions are now due. Dennis Sully Sunday Lunch Group The next lunch will be on Sunday 7th August at the Golden Cross, . Names please to Brian Bradley, Tel: 01789 488551

Theatre Group & Outings I have reserved 24 tickets for 27 August 2011 at Malvern Theatre to see Michael Pennington & Ian McKellen in “The Syndicate” directed by Sean Mathias, who directed “Waiting for Godot”. It is a play written by Eduardo de Filippo and is a comedy about a „Godfather‟ in Naples. As the tickets are expensive I will not arrange anything for September and probably October. To keep the tickets at the stated price we must have all 24 tickets sold or else we will not be able to go. To date I have sold 17 tickets. Cost £40. Leaving Henley at 12.00 & the Leisure Centre at 12.30. I have to confirm the booking and pay for the tickets by 23 July 2011. Coral Bradley

Outing The outing to Hardwick Hall is on Friday, 5 August 2011. The cost depends on whether you are a member of The National Trust. Members will pay £14.50 this is for the coach and a tip for the driver. You will be able to see the hall, gardens and the Old Hall which is just next door to the hall that Bess built. If you are not a member of the National Trust the cost will be £28.00 which covers everything. It is important that you bring your National Trust cards with you as they will be checked on the coach before we are allowed into the grounds. I have not arranged any food or drinks but there are places for picnics, a kiosk that sells snacks and a small restaurant. We will leave from Stratford Leisure Centre at 9.00 and then Henley at 9.15. The journey is approx. 2 hours. I have planned to leave Hardwick Hall at 3.30.

The coach is filling up quickly so get your name name now. I will be at the meeting. or my number is 01789 488 551. Coral Bradley

Walking Group The next walk will take place on Wednesday 13th July 2011 at 10.am. Prompt and start from Lowsonford. This is a just under five mile walk in true Warwickshire rolling countryside. We can park by St Luke Church in Lowsonford which is reached by leaving the A46 north followed by the A4177 and turn left on to the B 4439. After just over a mile turn left to Shrewley also signposted Durham Ox, pass the Durham Ox and immediately after the motorway take a right signposted for Lowsonford. Continue on this road and the church is on the left just prior to the village. I recommend good walking shoes and also bring a drink with you. Look forward to seeing you. My mobile no is 07885435601 Valerie Redfern

WHAT’S ON – Monthly Meetings at Stratford, Shottery and Dene Valley U3As. Stratford– 27th July, “Ask me another” - Ronald Spiers . Shottery – 2nd August, " Action for Birds” - John Clews. Dansville –.12th July, “Body Language” - Michael Pleasance.

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Group Leaders Contact List Group Group Leader Usual Meeting date (Monthly) Art Appreciation Phyl Collins 3rd Friday 2pm Pat Wood Big Band Music & Jazz Dennis Sully 4th Tuesday 2 – 4 pm Bird Watching Group Dorothy Jones ??? Bridge John Yeomans Every Tuesday 2.30pm Chinwags Luncheon Group Aline Cumming 4th Monday 12 Noon Choir Tony Griffiths 11.45 for 12 noon, Fortnightly Classical Music Aline Cumming 2nd Tuesday 2.30 pm Cooks Club Chris Heaps 4th Wednesday Creative Crafts Roma Rudd 3rd Thursday 2 – 4 pm Computer Group Robyn Nicoll 2nd Thursday - 4.15 pm Dinahs Luncheon Group Sylvia Crooks 1st Tuesday for Lunch Family History – Genealogy Sue Ocock 3rdThursday – 4.00 pm Grumpy Old Men Group Robert Chorley 3rd Wednesday for Lunch Hand Bell Ringing Group Ron Castleton Alternate Mondays 10am History Group Janet Anslow 2nd Monday – 2.0 pm Keep Fit Mary Palmer Every Thursday am “Let‟s Talk” Discussion Group Athena Roderick 2nd Wednesday Luncheon Group – Sundays Brian Bradley - see Newsletter for dates - Pilates Group Gill Ganner Mondays – 12.15-1.15pm Play Reading Sylvia Crooks -see Newsletter for dates - Poetry Reading Jess Monk 2nd Weds. 10 – 12 am Poetry & Prose Appreciation Anne Davies As appropriate Reading Group – Wednesday Dorothy Jones 3rd Wednesday 2.30 pm Reading Group – Monday Phyllis Bailey 3rd Monday–2.30-4.30pm Reading Group – Friday Coral Bradley As appropriate Rock & Roll Music Group Coral Bradley 2nd Thursday – 2 – 4pm Science & Nature Group Geoff Bridgewater 2nd Fridays Stratford Swingers Dennis Sully 4th Thursday Symphony Hall Visits Dorothy Jones & As appropriate Gwyn Bevins Theatre Visits & Outings Coral Bradley As appropriate Walking Valerie Redfern 2nd Wednesday

TEA ROTA - 2011 Important Note from the Newsletter Editor to all

July Keep Fit Group Group Leaders

August Bridge Group September Creative Crafts Group October The Choir

November History Group December Pilates Group

– 01789-205 878

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