September 2007 the Newsletter of Fetcham U3A
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VolumeFetcham 5,U3A Issue 3 Page Fetcham in Focus Reg Charity No 1097536 September 2007 The Newsletter of Fetcham U3A www.fetchamu3a.org.uk MIDSUMMER DAY BOAT TRIP – 24 JUNE, 2007 wish I could say that the on board members of Ashtead I day dawned bright and and Bookham U3As and Arthur sunny for our boat trip along Browne, our Regional the Thames as part of our 5 th Representative. The two boats anniversary celebrations but sailed in tandem and there I was ever hopeful that the were oohs and aahs as we weather would clear in time passed some beautiful (and for our 2 pm departure from probably very expensive) Cowey Sale, Walton Bridge. riverside properties, so well hidden we would not have We had chartered two boats, seen any of them from the the Walton Monarch and road. We cruised through Walton Lady, with a cream the beautiful reaches of tea to be served on board Sunbury and Hampton and during our voyage to Hampton the sailors amongst us were Court and beyond. Members grateful to pass through the of the Committee had arrived locks with someone else early to take up their positions doing the hard work. – Ian at the entry to the bridge Hampton Court Palace, to ‘funnel’ members in and viewed from the river, was Graham halfway along the quite unique and our route towpath to steer them along to passed Taggs Island, the the private car park, where Garrick Temple, Thames Bryan was ‘in charge’. We had Ditton and Kingston where strict instructions from we turned to retrace our Elmbridge Borough Council to ‘steps’. ensure that the car park would not be left unattended nor The crews moved quickly unlocked, as it was a popular and efficiently through the spot for travellers to park their boats serving us with caravans and it would be scones, strawberry jam and almost impossible to get them lashings of double cream out! and a welcome cup of tea. Tony crossed from one At 1.45 pm the boats tied up, boat to the other at a by which time practically suitable lock on the return everybody had arrived so journey to belatedly Brenda and Tony made sure welcome everyone on the all boarders had U3A tickets trip and it does seem that, in and that we were not spite of the unseasonal inadvertently taking members Midsummer’s Day weather, a of the public with us. good time was had by all. After a last minute check we Heard by a Committee started our adventure sharp member as people were at 2 pm and, glory be, it had leaving, ‘Where are we going stopped raining! We were next year?’ glad to be able to welcome Winnie Page 2 Fetcham U3A Chairman’s Column In this Issue nniversaries seem to come Chairman’s Column 2 A round more frequently as the years go by and the card 2007/8 Programme of Meetings for your companies are forever inventing Diary 3 new occasions to be included on the calendar. I don’t believe there is Other Events 3 a special card for U3A anniversary but with the growing number of U3A 25th Anniversary 3 members in the country I expect it will not be long before the marketing men recognise Active and Proposed Groups and Their this niche opportunity. For the moment then, we will Leaders 4/5 forgo an official card but we shall nevertheless be celebrating the fifth anniversary of Fetcham U3A on Group News 5-9,12,13 Tuesday 16 October at St Mary’s Church Hall. It will be an open afternoon for both full and associate Central Surrey Region Study Days in members, so see inside for further details. 2007/8 9 Bookham and Leatherhead U3As played a large part Computer Group Hints and Tips 10 in the formation of Fetcham U3A and we are forever grateful for the launch meeting held in September Visit to the Houses of Parliament 11 2002 to gauge local support and to form the first Fetcham U3A committee. News of the initiative Fifth Anniversary 11 spread quickly and by the November meeting there were 90 full members with a further 30 joining on the Visit to the Ghurka Museum 12 day. Such was the enthusiasm that ten groups had already formed by this meeting, encompassing Security at the Houses of Parliament 13 Country Walks, Wine Appreciation, Painting, Art Appreciation, Music Appreciation, Needlework with Gift Aid 14 Genealogy and Local History groups in prospect. Right from the beginning Fetcham members were Outings, Theatre Visits and Travel 15 given the opportunity to participate in Bookham’s theatre visits and coach trips. The first Committee Committee Members 16 quickly established a modus operandi that has served us well, providing interesting and varied speakers and a social and events programme which goes from strength to strength. We now have a total membership Greta Garbo (1905-1990) of 449 and more than fifty active groups. I never said 'I want to be alone'. I only said 'I want Our anniversary is a time for self congratulation and to be left alone'. There is all the difference! an opportunity to express thanks to those who have been members of our Committees or Group Leaders. All have contributed significantly to our success. We Morley Court must also look to the future. Success can never be taken for granted, and the Committee needs to be his charity provides rented accommodation in regularly rejuvenated with new members to avoid be- T single person flats (living room, bedroom, coming complacent and to maintain an Innovative and kitchen and bathroom) for those of pensionable age stimulating programme. who have some connection with Fetcham (in certain circumstances the trustees can waive this Finally, a thank you to all our members for their sup- requirement). Currently there is a vacancy. port and encouragement during the past five years If you would like to know more either contact Keep it up! Humphrey (chairman) for an informal chat, or Pat Tony (Hon Clerk) to apply. I am a member of the U3A and hope to be present at the September meeting. Humphrey Fetcham U3A Page 3 2007/8 Programme of Meetings for your Diary Lectures & Talks at the Monthly Meetings Monthly meetings are held on Tuesdays at 2.30 pm in St Mary’s Church Hall, off The Ridgeway 23 rd October Rudyard Kipling Geoff Hutchinson 27 th November AGM + A Meaty Talk Keith Weston 22 nd January 2008 Life in the House of Lords Richard Skilton 26 th February History of the Order of St John Dr Richard Olliver 28 th March New York Alan Thomas 22 nd April Sleeping Dragon - China Gill Grange Associate members should contact Brenda if they would like to attend any of the monthly meetings Other Events Tuesday Fetcham U3A’s 5th Anniversary St Mary’s Church Hall 16 th October (2.00 pm to 5.00 pm - associate members welcome) 24/25 th November Visit to Thursford Christmas Spectacular, Norfolk Overnight in Norwich hotel 4th December Christmas Party (2.00 pm to 5.00 pm) St Mary’s Church Hall Forthcoming Events - 8th March 2008 Quiz Night - 7.15pm start Old Barn Hall, Bookham Associate Members should contact Winnie for information concerning any event s the twenty-fifth anniversary year of the Universities of the Third Age draws to a A close there will be an exhibition of the works of many interest groups from local U3As in the Denbies Suite at Denbies Wine Estate. Central Surrey Region will be hiring the large conference hall on Thursday 29th November to stage a free exhibition of works which will be open to the general public as well as to our members. We are intending to mount a big display with many groups from across Surrey taking part. Surrey is one of the most successful areas for U3A membership and Mole Valley, with U3As in Dorking, Bookham, Leatherhead, Fetcham and Ashtead, probably has the highest membership rate anywhere in the country. The team organising the event has yet to settle the details but it is hoped that we will be able to attract significant representatives from the community as well as a good crowd of public and members. The exhibition will be open all day, certainly from mid-morning to late afternoon, so put the date in your diary. It should be a pleasant event and the Denbies shop and restaurant will certainly be full of Christmas spirit. We hope to see you there. For those few who have not been, it is worth noting that there is plenty of free parking in this lovely location and it offers easy access to all the facilities. Page 4 Fetcham U3A Active and Proposed Groups and Their Leaders Alpine Gardening Alan 3rd Monday at 14:30 V Antiques & Collectables Marilyn 3rd Wednesday at 14:30 F Art – Mixed Media (1) Margaret Alternate Thursdays at 10:30 F Art – Mixed Media (2) Janet 1st & 3 rd Tuesdays at 14:00 V Art Appreciation Jenny 4th Wednesday at 14:00 F Aviation & Technology Lawrence Contact Lawrence for details F Ballroom Dancing Enid 2nd Thursday at 14.00 F Book Club (1) Penny & Elaine 1st Wednesday at 14:00 F Book Club (2) Jane Contact Jane for details V Bridge for Beginners & Improvers David Contact David for details V Bridge Pam and John (with L’head/Bookham) 2nd & 4 th Thursdays at 10:00 V Canasta Genie Monday evenings V Card Craft Jan Contact Jan for details F Computing Tony As advertised V Cookery Diana 2nd Tuesday at 12:00 F Creative Writing Reg (with Bookham) Contact Reg for details V Current & Social Affairs Alfred 2nd Tuesday at 14:30 V European History Roger & Gail 2nd Tuesday at 16:00 V Explore London Walking (1) Linda 1st Monday at 9:45 F Explore London Walking (2) Tony & Joan 4th Monday at 9:45 F Explore London Walking |(3) Rosemary 1st Tuesday at 9.45 V Explore London Walking (4) Vivienne 1st Thursday at 9.45 V Family History (1) John 4th Thursday at 14:30 F Family History (2) Neville 3rd Tuesday at 14.30 V French Conversation (1) Anna 1st & 3 rd Mondays at 14:15 V