April Newsletter
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the APRIL NEWSLETTER INTERVIEW WITH JANE YOWARD, our VICE CHAIRMAN. Hello Jane, are you an Emsworth resident of old, or where did you reside before? We moved to Emsworth the day the King died (6th February 1952 for those that don't know … or can’t remember) when I was just 4 months old. My parents were both pharmacists, having met on their first day at pharmacy college, and managed Mr. Williams' pharmacy at 22 North Street. We lived at 18a Victoria Road as the house came with the job before moving to Slipper Mill in 1970. It was strange at first, meeting in the Community Centre, as that had been my junior school and the parish hall was where we had lunch when I started school. I moved away in 1976 to the Thames Valley for my work but the pull of Emsworth was so strong that when I had a contract in Havant in 1987, I moved back. A lot of my friends did the same so they were around when I returned. All being well, you are to be our next u3a Chairman, how do you feel about this? Nervous but honoured that people have that much faith in me. I know I will have a lot of support. When did you join our u3a? I retired in September 2014 and thought I would spend the first few months sorting the house out ... it’s still waiting to be done! My father was a member of Ems Valley u3a and took me to the Christmas party as his guest. Having spoken to several people that day, I applied to join. However, there was a waiting list in those days and I didn't become a member until May 2015. Can you tell us a little about your working career? I went to Havant Grammar School and my A-level Statistics teacher taught 6 of us the Fortan programming language after school and we went to IBM (where Tesco, Havant is now) to run our programs on a Saturday morning. I was only really good at Maths and logic so it was either accountancy or this new thing called computers - need I say more. I spent 30+ years in what became IT as a programmer, programming manager, systems analyst, dictionary administrator, database administrator (hence my role as the original Beacon Administrator), software support etc. etc., mostly working at customer sites around the country and a stint in Amsterdam. After a couple of breakdowns due to pressure of work, I left IT in 2003. A friend suggested I do a Housing Benefit training course she was running and a new career took off. I ended up 'unpicking' claims to prepare appeals papers and attending the tribunals on behalf of the council. I know that you had a history of association with the Southsea Motor Club, tell us a little about that. My parents were both active members from the mid-50s and we used to do treasure hunts on Sunday afternoons, which has made me very observant. I learnt to drive off-road at the age of 8 (when I could reach the pedals) and passed my driving test 3 months after my 17th birthday - the first in my school year. I started competing in club rallies, sprints, autocrosses and autotests just a couple of months later, eventually concentrating on autotesting (a set route around pylons against the clock) in the Southern area and a few national. When I moved away from home, Mum insisted that my awards went too - so she wouldn't have to clean mine as well as all theirs! But I was expecting you to ask me about more recent escapades like climbing Mount Kilimanjaro at the age of 44 (I was too ill with a stomach bug to make the summit on the last day but did get up to just over 15,000 feet), abseiling down Spinnaker Tower at the age of 60, indoor skydiving at 66 … or even taking up belly dancing at the age of 55!! Are you enjoying your role as our Vice Chairman? Yes I am - when I join an organisation, I like to give, not just take so often end up doing something to help out in some form. Our Chairman Anne and I seem to work very well together. Although I had asked what it entailed, the very first job was a bit scary - thanking the monthly speaker, but I've got used to it now. Amongst many other things, I am now busy organizing the speakers for the next year as well as helping John Reynolds organise u3a Day on 2nd June. There is a lot that goes on in the background by both the committee and group leaders and I'd like to acknowledge that work and dedication as they are all volunteers - the vice-chairman's role wouldn't exist without them. I know that you probably hold the record for the number of Groups any one member has or is holding at one time, how did this happen? I have many, many interests – before lockdown I was doing 46 meetings a month, that’s u3a and outside!! I currently belong to 10 u3a groups, though there have been 4 others in the past including the Architecture group which I somehow found myself running for 2½ years. Industrial archaeology is another interest and I have belonged to both the Hampshire Industrial Archaeology Society and Hampshire Mills Group for more than 30 years - that's why I joined the Brick Business group, Alan! What is your favourite group, and please do not say “Brick Business” or this will be called a stitch-up! I don't think I can say I have a favourite - I enjoy them all but in different ways and for different reasons – or I wouldn’t do them. Your late Father held a unique position in this village, and indeed in this u3a, do you sometimes find yourself following in those footsteps? He was the only honorary member of this u3a – don’t think I’ll be following him on that one! When I came back to Emsworth, we found that we had developed interests in both industrial archaeology and local history, without realizing it. As I was not working in the village, I did not know as many people as he did so wasn’t as involved in what was happening. Joining u3a meant that I met a lot of people I wouldn’t have known otherwise and I feel that he would have been very proud that I am the Vice-chairman. Is it too early to ask what changes you might like to make when you become our Chairman in May 2022? It is too early really though I believe it should reflect what the members want rather than what I want. I’m not so much an ideas person but I am a good organiser … so look out. We always end the interview with you being cast away to a desert island with the Bible, the complete works of Shakespeare and the membership list of Ems Valley u3a.You are allowed to request one other thing, what will that be? I have often thought about that as I listen to Desert Island Disks each week (it's on after The Archers omnibus!) and I have a long list of possibilities ... but, being my logical self, I see you haven't put the usual restrictions on it, so I'll have a luxury liner with a very capable crew to bring me home again!! PLAY READING 2 As with all live theatre, Covid 19 brought a halt to our Play Reading afternoons and Val and Colin’s sitting room fell silent! We usually meet on the second Tuesday of the month and read a variety of plays, carefully chosen and vetted by Colin ably assisted by Val. Parts are allocated on the day and no bias is shown and gender assignment goes out of the window, well needs must in the theatre and aren’t all dames men and all leading boys girls? As I said along came Covid and so we were silenced, what to do? In the first instance…..nothing, then after many months in the play reading wilderness Colin was thrown a lifeline, no not by Boris but by one Jeremy North from Tetbury u3a. Being in the same situation as everyone else and unable to meet in person, he and a fellow member, Stephanie Dale, had come up with the idea of writing their own plays specifically for Zoom. Colin was able to access these online and we then were given the opportunity of reading the synopsis of each and listing preferences. The next step was for Colin to apply for complete copies of those chosen by us thespians. To date we have read (performed) three of them. Our first The Black Pit, co written by Jeremy and Stephanie. The title gives you some indication of the subject matter. Now the adventure began, parts were assigned, and we had a chance to read through before the main event. Rudimentary costumes were donned by some, mainly comprising hats that could be changed according to the part being played. What fun, do you want to do another asked Colin, Oh yes we chorused, so four weeks later two more. First Death of the Fourth followed by Goldilocks and the Three Bears by Stephanie with the words not suitable for children after the title! Colin had researched the origin of this fairy tale and found the ending not to be as we remembered, if you want to know more Mr Google can help! Stephanie had also written an “alternative “version with several changes to that we knew as children, and an ending most certainly not suitable for children.