CALDICOT & DISTRICT
Newsletter & Diary December 2019 Monthly Meeting Caldicot Choir Hall 2pm www.u3asites.org.uk/caldicot/home Reg Charity No. 1071447
THURSDAY 19TH DECEMBER 2019
SUBJECT: UKULELE GROUP PERFORMANCE & THE PHOENIX PLAYER’S DRAMA PRESENTATION TEA ROTA: CRUISE SHIP BRIDGE
THURSDAY 16TH JANUARY 2020
SUBJECT: CALDICOT SCHOOL MUSIC GROUP TEA ROTA: COMPUTERS
CHAIRMAN’S LETTER
MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR Dear Members
I cannot believe that this is the last Chairman’s letter for 2019, this year has gone so quickly and here we are heading toward Christmas.
We are now looking forward to the Christmas celebrations and, as last year was a success, we intend to hold a Christmas Party theme and I’m pleased to say our Ukulele group will start off the celebrations from 2:00pm to 2:30pm with Christmas Carols for you to all join in and air those lungs followed by the Drama Group who will entertain you with a small sketch to get you into a party mood before we get down to the serious part of eating and drinking. Once again we will be asking you to provide the savouries and we will provide the sweets! The date for this event is the normal third Thursday of the month which is December 19th. We will be holding a raffle and proceeds this year will go to St David’s Hospice Palliative Care.
It has been an eventful year and lots have been achieved by my Committee and Convenors in keeping with The Third Age Trust advice. We have lost members and we have also recruited new. I am sure there are many people, now living within Caldicot and District U3A’s remit, who know little or nothing about our U3A and so it is our intention in 2020 to advertise our existence and therefore ensure that we will continue to flourish.
As you all know, it is our 25th Anniversary in May of 2020 and at present we are making preparations to celebrate this throughout the 25th year. The celebration party will be held at our monthly meeting on June 18th thereby ensuring most of our loyal members will be available to attend this function. Plans are still ongoing and one suggestion is that on the day of the event everyone attending should wear something Silver. This sounds good to me.
Now my Committee and I would like to wish you all A Very Merry Christmas and a Wonderful New Year. May you all be blest with Good Health and Happiness and we look forward to seeing you all in January 2020 when once again we will be entertained by pupils from Caldicot Comprehensive School. Pam Caines Chairman
SPEAKERS LIST 2020 TEA ROTA
February 20th Blood Bikes Alli Gallivan Drama March 19th Photo Competition Judging Tracey Clements of Wye Family History Valley Studios “Who dunnit” Phoenix Players April 16th Magical Musical Moments Christine Purkiss Gardening May 21st TBA Handicraft June 18th 25th Anniversary Party History July 16th “Who dunnit” Phoenix Players Jive Bunnies September 17th AGM Music Appreciation October 15th OPEN DAY Science & Natural History
COPY FOR THE NEWSLETTER
We welcome reports from all groups for inclusion in the Newsletter or forwarding to our website. Word doc is preferred and should be sent to: [email protected] or tel. 01291 424997 by midday on the 28th DECEMBER 2019
Typed or handwritten notes should be submitted a few days earlier if possible. Please try to limit reports to about 300 words. Angela Hodson-Hirst, Editor.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank all those who have contributed articles for the Newsletter and Diary, during the last 12 months and wish you all a very
and a Happy New Year Angela Hodson-Hirst Editor
MEMBERSHIP
Should you change your address, telephone number or email address please let me know so that our records are up to date. Contact details: tel: 01291 424997 email: [email protected] Angela Hodson-Hirst Membership Secretary
WELCOME TO NEW MEMBERS
Karen O’Keefe Deanne Morris Jane Smith Margaret Thomas Mary Shapland
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. Betty Waite [email protected] or 01291 421484
ROY DAVIES
Roy Davies was born in Portskewett in January 1940, and spent his early years there with his mother, father, and his sister Eileen.
He passed his 11+ exams when he was only 10, then attended Larkfield Grammar School in Chepstow. Whilst at Larkfield, he joined the Severn Tunnel Band, playing the trumpet. This became a lifelong love affair with music and he later managed the Round the Horn Jazz Band.
He loved sport, and played football for Chepstow Town, rugby for Chepstow Rugby Club and squash at St Pierre. He also ran in both the Cardiff and London Marathons.
Roy was a lecturer to new electrical engineers at Port Talbot Steel Works then became a travelling salesman for an electrical components company.
In 1996 he became a director of Sensemaster Ltd, a sensor and heating solutions provider. His son Stephen now holds the reins.
During his retirement Roy became a member of Caldicot & District U3A, Magor Bowling Club and also became a successful photographer. Naturally, the jazz band figured a lot during these years.
Roy was married to the love of his life, Kathleen, and there are two sons and two grandsons.
We lost Roy on 5th November 2019.
Kathleen and her family would like to say a heartfelt “Thank You” for the many cards and messages of sympathy. Molly Shilton
CONGRATULATIONS
Our congratulations go to Brian Metcalfe who celebrates his 80th birthday this month.
NEWS AND INFORMATION
Would all group Convenors please send me news and information for the monthly Newsletter & Diary which will be included in the table below. Thank you. Editor
ACTIVITY GROUPS INFORMATION ART
Every Wednesday 1.30 to 4.00pm, Recreation Hall, Portskewett. Convenor …………...Mary Richards Tel: 01291 329236
COMPUTING Discussion/Demonstrations. Digital Image competition with Ann Taylor-Heard Every Friday 9.30 to12.30am at the Baptist Church, Second Friday of the month 10.00am to 12 noon Neddern Way. Convenor……………John Mills Digital Image Topics: TBA Tel: 01291 420045 CRUISE SHIP BRIDGE Dec: No meetings on the 23rd & 30th Every Monday 1.30 to 3.30pm Council Day Centre 2020 first meeting Jan: 6th Contact……………Acting Convenor: Tony Hodson-Hirst Tel: 01291 424997
DRAMA Every Friday 2.00pm Portskewett Hall. Rehearsing for the December performance Convenors …………Pam Caines ………………….…. Dianne Payne Tel: 01291 420750 FAMILY HISTORY 4th Friday of the month 9.30 to 12noon All welcome at Bethany Baptist Church. Caldicot. Convenor…………John Jeffery Tel: 01291 421523 GARDENING Dec 6th: Evening trip to Westonbirt Arboretum Enchanted Christmas. Full total of £20 to be paid at the November Indoor meetings run from October to April in the meeting. Scout Hall on second Thursday of the month Dec 12th: Christmas Wreath demonstration by Andrew at 2.15 pm Marx followed by Christmas treats Convenor……………Pauline Marx Jan 9th: Gardening for Bumblebees. Speaker..... Tel: 07544 671870 Max Wilson, Bumblebee Conservation Trust
HANDICRAFT 1st and 3rd Wednesday of the month 10.00 to 12.00pm Council Day Centre. Convenor……Beryl Lewis. Tel: 01291 421661 Assisted by…Jill Greenhalgh. Tel: 01633 548968
HISTORY 3rd Wednesday of the month 2.15pm Council Day Dec. No Meeting Centre Convenor………. Sheila Ford. Tel: 01291 422185 JIVE BUNNIES Dec 12th: CANCELLED
Alternate Thursday evening 7.00 pm – 9.00 pm Portskewett Recreational Hall 2020 Convenor……………Wendy Protheroe Tel: 01291 422829 Jan 9th & 23rd Feb 6th & 20th Mar 5th & 19th
MUSIC APPRECIATION 2020
4th Thursday of the month 2.00 to 4.00pm. Council Jan 23rd: ‘New Year party’ and the theme: .... Day Centre. “Partying and enjoying yourself” Convenor……………Jan Potter Please bring Christmas music of your choice together with assisted by……………Adrian Dallow a small plate of food to share. Wine will be provided as Tel: 01291 794034 (Jan) well as tea and coffee. Tel: 01291 422925 (Adrian)
SCIENCE AND NATURAL HISTORY Dec 2nd: Lesser Horseshoe Bats – with lots of photos. Meetings to be held 1st Monday of the month 10.00 Speaker.... Kate Stinchcombe, Monmouthshire Bat Group. - 12.00 noon. Scout Hall, Sandy Lane Followed by Xmas goodies 2020 Convenor ………………. Bob Whitehead Tel: 01291 422232 Jan 6th: The King’s DNA (Richard 3rd) presented by Dr Rhian Morgan Feb 3rd: The importance of trees and woods. Speaker....Jeremy Evans, woodland advisor for the Woodland Trust Mar 2nd: Insect Armageddon – the world decline of all insects by 41%. Speaker..... Max Wilson BSC (Econ) Lond, BSC (MHN) RMN Ret. Volunteer with the Bumblebee Conservation Trust SCRABBLE
Alternate Fridays 1.30pm to 3.30pm. Town council Day Centre. Convenor………Glynis Croft Tel: 01633 400529
SHORT MAT BOWLS Additional Sessions:
Wednesday afternoons 2.00 to 4.00 pm. Scout Hall. Our Short Mat Bowls now meets on Friday evenings, in Friday evening 7.00 to 9pm addition to the Wednesday afternoon sessions. So, if you Convenor……………………Roland Carey would like to try to “roll a ball” on Friday between 7pm Tel: 01633 881302 and 9pm please contact Roland Carey
SINGING FOR PLEASURE 2nd & 4th Monday of the Month
Meet every other Monday 10.00am to 12.00pm. Dec: 9th Recreational Hall, Portskewett. Jan: 13th & 27th Convenor…………………. Sue Shepherd Feb: 10th & 24th Tel: 01291 423089 Mar: 9th & 23rd
SPANISH Monday Mornings 10.45 to 12.00 various venues. Convenor………………Julian Wood Tel: 01291 421095 SPECIAL EVENTS Feb 10th – 14th: Caernarvon, The Celtic Royal Hotel Convenor………………Pam Caines May 13th – 18th: Jersey Tel: 01291 420750 March 25th 2020: King & I, Bristol Hippodrome
SUNDAY LUNCH CLUB
Convenor………………Pam Caines Tel: 01291 420750
TABLE TENNIS
Monday 2.00 to 4.00pm Scout Hall, Sandy Lane Convenor………………Les Mitchell Tel: 01291 421567 UKULELE
Every Tuesday 2.00 to 4.00 at the Recreation Hall Portskewett Convenor………………. Christopher Spiller Tel: 01291 424694
WALKING GROUPS For further information please contact Convenors
WHEN: Every Tuesday 9.00 & 9.30 am ALL WALKS SUBJECT TO CHANGE WHERE: Caldicot Choir Hall Car Park.
STRAGGLERS Dec 3rd: Caldicot local with Gill & Jenny. Lunch: The Haywain 3 – 4 miles – easy and moderate Dec 10th: The Cwm Valley with Brian. Lunch: The Coach Convenor………………Brian Hopkins & Horses, Caerwent Tel: 01291 422387 Dec 17th: Christmas lunch at Portskewett Inn. 12.30pm Convenor………………Ann Searle Dec 24th: No Walk Tel: 01291 420012 Dec 31st: Local walk with TBA. Lunch: The Castle
AMBLERS Dec 3rd: Nash with Linda & Lyn. Lunch: Amblers & Partners Christmas lunch at The Old Barn, Llanmartin Around 4 miles – moderate with some hills/stiles Dec 10th: TBA with Patsy. Lunch: TBA Dec 17th: St Briavels with David & Bridget. Lunch: TBA Convenors……Gaynor Pask Tel: 01633 882492 Dec 24th: No walk Jeanette Trask Tel: 07415035914 Dec 31st: No walk
STROLLERS Dec 3rd: Yorkley with Phil. Lunch: The Nags Head Dec 10th: Cwmcarn with Wendy & Judi. Lunch: 4.5 – 6 miles moderate plus with hills & stiles The Derrin Convenor………………Rob Harry Dec 17th: Local walk with Linda & Judi S. No lunch.... Tel: 01291 421282 Evening do! Dec 24th: No walk Dec 31st: No walk
STRIDERS De 3rd: Wye Valley with Richard. Lunch: The Piercefield Dec 10th: Angiddy Valley with Jim. Lunch: The Fountain 5 – 7 miles – moderate & strenuous Dec 17th: Devauden with Richard. Christmas lunch at Convenor.………Richard Harding The Huntsman Tel: 01291 420305 Dec 24th: No walk Dec 31st: Tidenham with Richard: Lunch: The Village Inn **Bring a torch
GROUP CO-ORDINATOR
The role of Group Co-ordinator is to support the Convenors and their group members, listen to any requirements, concerns or ideas they may have to ensure the continued success of their group and to assist where there is an interest to create new groups. I have taken on this role and will ensure that this is done to the best of my ability.
I wish to thank you for the welcome I received from the groups I have been able to visit. I apologise to those I have not been able to see but will do so in the New Year. I am looking forward to hearing about all the plans you have to celebrate our 25th Anniversary.
It is clear to see why Caldicot & District U3A has succeeded for 25 years by the superb job being done by the Convenors and the enthusiasm in the groups.
May I wish you all a very Merry Christmas & Happy New Year.
Best Wishes Glenice Dallow Group Co-ordinator
COMPUTER GROUP
Thank you letter from Macmillan
John Mills Convenor
CASTLES IN WALES PHOTOGRAPHY COMPETITION
OPEN TO ALL CALDICOT & DISTRICT U3A MEMBERS
The closing date, of the first stage, for the “Castles of Wales” photography competition is 31st January 2020
A print, of your submission, with your name on the back of the print, to be taken or sent to John Mills at a Friday Computer group, Bethany Baptist Church (9.30 – 12.30) on or before the closing date.
The judging will be done by Tracey Clements at the March Monthly meeting. The 3 successful prints will then be forwarded, as a Digital image, for the next stage of judging.
For more information please contact: John Mills [email protected] or 01291420045
SPECIAL EVENTS
CAERNARVON - MONDAY 10th – FRIDAY 14th FEBRUARY 2020 THE CELTIC ROYAL HOTEL
The price is £219 and there will be single supplement.
This is the after Christmas holiday which I always like to book to cheer us up through the winter months. The normal information regarding itinerary etc. will be delivered to you in the New Year.
JERSEY – WEDNESDAY 13th MAY - MONDAY 18th MAY 2020 - £545pp (PLUS SS) MAYFAIR HOTEL, ST HELIER
For those of you who are coming to Jersey in May 2020 here is some information for you regarding the trip. A coach will pick you up as usual at the designated pick-up points and will take us to Cardiff Airport where you will check in yourselves.
A coach will be at the Jersey Airport to take us to the Mayfair Hotel St. Hellier. I have not arranged excursions for the duration of the holiday as we would have to hire a coach which would add to the price. There are two ladies at the hotel who arrange excursions each day and they will advise you where and what days certain trips are available and, if you are interested they will book these for you. Other than that you are free to do and go where you like.
The duration of the holiday is 6 days we leave on Wednesday the 13th May and return Monday 18th.
Unfortunately we have been charged single supplement on all single rooms at £115.00 per room but please don’t despair as I am trying to arrange that you will not have to pay this amount by yourselves I will inform you of the extra nearer the time. I am sorry this has to be paid but it is entirely out of my hands.
I have now been informed that we shall be flying out of Cardiff Airport, unfortunately it will mean an early start for all of us as the flight is at 9:45am. So, up early, as we have to be at the airport for 8:00am! We will arrive in Jersey at 10:45am and as normal we will be unable to register into the hotel until the afternoon. Our return journey we will leave Jersey at 11:20am and arrive in Cardiff at 12:20pm. Obviously I will update you on all arrangements nearer the date.
It is strongly advised that you ensure you are adequately covered by insurance. Edwards can offer this at £44.00 per person subject to policy terms and conditions.
THE KING AND I - BRISTOL HIPPODROME 25th MARCH 2020
This is all paid for now and I have the tickets which will be handed to you on the coach when we go as I don’t want anyone losing theirs before the day.
Just to remind you all that there will be extra to pay for the coach which I have yet to organise. I will inform you all before the date. Thank you all for your support. Pam Caines
BRIDGE
Our revived Bridge group has grown with many new and also more experienced players who share their knowledge. We are a happy and convivial group and have room for more – why not try your hand? Tony Hodson-Hirst
UKULELE GROUP
On the 15th November the Ukulele Group were asked to play and sing at the Golden Lion for Children in Need, we raised an incredible £200.
On 21st November Christmas came early for the residents of Cherry Tree Residential Home when the Ukulele group played and sang Christmas songs for them.
The Ukulele Group have been requested to make a return visit on the 12th December to Crick Residential Home to play and sing Christmas songs for all the residents. Elaine Yeomans
WHAT'S ON
CALDICOT CHRISTMAS TREE TRAIL
Collect a map (£2.50) from Ladybird Craft Centre or The Castle Inn.
From December 1st follow the map to find the trees and guess the theme. A prize will be given for the best dressed tree and the winner of the Tree Trial.
Organised by Caldicot Community Working together
SHIRENEWTON CHRISTMAS MARKET Saturday 21st Dec 2019 10:30am - 12:30pm Cost: Free entry
Shirenewton Recreational Hall, Earlswood Road, Shirenewton, Chepstow, NP16 6QP
Fabulous Christmas Market for locally grown, produced and handcrafted items. Get your Christmas gifts, goodies and decorations. Stalls include cakes, preserves, honey, Fair Trade, jewellery, ceramics, bags, cards, knitted goods etc. Enjoy a coffee and cake in the café. Just come along!
SERENATA LADIES CHOIR CHARITY CHRISTMAS CONCERT
CALDICOT CHOIR HALL
Tuesday 10th December Doors open 7pm (7.30pm start) Tickets £7 available from Country Flowers, a Serenata choir member or on the door Includes a mince pie and glass of mulled wine.
CAERWENT XMAS INDOOR CAR BOOT
SATURDAY 7th DECEMBER
We are having a Xmas Indoor Car Boot at the Caerwent Community centre on the 7th of December and would like to invite all sellers to join us in this forth coming event.
Lots of good quality clothing, books, games and of household items on sale. Also stalls selling vintage and collectable items.
Teas/coffee and homemade cakes will also be available, along with a warm welcome.
Table Hire £7, anyone wishing to reserve a table, please contact Gillian on 07849 723190
Doors open for Sellers 10.45am Lawrence Crescent Buyers 11.30am to 2.pm Caerwent NP26 5NS
ROTARY TORCHLIGHT CAROL SERVICE AT TINTERN ABBEY
On Saturday 7th December the Chepstow Rotary Club will stage its annual Torchlight Carol Service at Tintern Abbey.
From 5pm families will gather around The Anchor Inn, Tintern and shortly afterwards form columns holding their flaming torches on high to light their way, while the smaller members carry their glowing light-sticks. The processions will then walk slowly around the outside of the Abbey while the wonderful singing of the combined Wyedean and St John's on-the-Hill choir radiates from within. Once all are within the Abbey the congregation sings together the most popular carols lead by the combined School Choirs. The carols will be interspersed with seasonal Bible readings while prayers will be led by the Reverend Tony Jones.
5:30pm to 8:00pm. Procession into the Abbey commences at 6.00 pm. Free entry Tintern Abbey, Tintern, Chepstow, Monmouthshire NP16 6SE
STRIDERS WALKING HOLIDAY SEPTEMBER 2020
A coach walking holiday has been arranged from Monday the 14th of September to Friday 18th of September.
We are travelling to Llandrindod Wells in mid Wales, a beautiful unspoilt area with spectacular scenery and walks.
We stay at the Metropole Hotel in Llandrindod Wells and there will be led walks on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Each day there will be a choice of two walks, a shorter walk of approximately 4 miles and a longer walk of approximately 7 miles.
On Wednesday a coach trip to Ludlow is proposed for those who wish a day’s break from walking.
The cost of the holiday is £339pp for a shared room and £379pp for a single room. A deposit of £50pp is required.
We still have a few vacancies and if you wish to join the holiday please contact:
Peter Jones [email protected] or mobile: 07484 841426
DECEMBER’s CROSSWORD ACROSS DOWN
1. Pub (6) 1. Tropical bird (6)
4. Take for granted 2. Asinine (7) (6) 3. Ambit (5) 9. Weird (7) 5. Yelled (7) 10. Take place (5) 6. Relative (5) 11. Expiation (9) 7. Mistakes (6) 12. Sense organ (3) 8. Varieties (5) 13. Stage whisper (5) 14. Injured (7) 15. Paragon (5) 16. Foreshorten (7) 20. Sphere (3) 17. Barrel maker (6) 22. Vortex (9) 18. Wild and savage 24. Tine (5) (5) 25. Ameliorated (7) 19. Blot (6) 26. Cure (6) 21. Flower (5) 27. Extremely bad (6) 23. Part of a play (5)
November’s solution
LET’S DO SUDOKU! NOVEMBER’s SUDOKU SOLUTION
Solutions next month
CALDICOT & DISTRICT U3A
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE & TRUSTEES
Chairman Pam Caines 01291 420750
Vice Chairman Rob Harry 01291 421997
Treasurer Tony Hodson-Hirst 01291 424997
Business Secretary Rob Harry 01291 421282
Committee Secretary & Elaine Yeomans 01291 420666 Network Contact
Membership Secretary Angela Hodson-Hirst 01291 424997 & Direct Mail
Newsletter & Diary Editor Angela Hodson-Hirst 01291 424997
Gift Aid Co-ordinator Glenice Dallow 01291 422925
Group’s Co-ordinator Glenice Dallow 01291 422925
Speakers Secretary Anne Duke
Link Secretary Betty Waite 01291 421484
Linda Stewart 01291 420005
Linda Howells 01291 423395
Helen Wormald 01291 423765
OFFICERS
Registration Alma Gaskell
Public Relations Dave Edwards
Webmaster Ann Taylor-Heard