Photo by Donna Ambler NEWSLETTER Bourne End & District U3A Reg. Charity 1178428
AUTUMN 2019
Chairman’s Message
Your Committee has met three times since the previous newsletter was published. We have worked through how to claim back the 25% gift aid on subscriptions, which will have a positive effect on next year's fees. We have reviewed the format for the monthly meetings so that now we give brief updates before rather than after the talk. We have also set up a communication system through Sue Weston for members who prefer to be alerted about U3A events by phone rather than by email (see Reminders at the end of this newsletter). Our membership numbers have again exceeded 400 this year and the range of activities continues to grow. We are also wanting to increase our value to the community by linking more with local organisations, such as through social prescribing from GPs. Other ideas welcome. This and all previous newsletters have been put together by Brian and Hilary Jackson. As planned, at the next AGM in March they will be stepping down, so need to hand over to a new collator/ editor. They are happy for any members who are interested in taking over to join them in compiling the next edition in November. Please contact Brian or Hilary on 01628 525420 or [email protected] for further information.
Mike Bellamy - Chairman of the Executive Committee
Words from the Groups Coordinator
Some of our many groups have had a bit of a break over the summer but others have carried on, such is the enthusiasm of their members. There are spaces in some groups for new members so keep an eye on the convenor reports in the newsletter and feel free to get in touch with me to see what might be available to you or if you have ideas for other activities. At least two new groups are up and running and others are planning to start. I have been looking at some other U3A websites and we have as many interest groups as some of the very well established U3As so I think we should feel very pleased with ourselves. There are some interesting ideas which we might be able to develop – archaeology, geology, poetry? And although our board games group is no longer running, I know many U3As have a specific Scrabble group. Let me know what you would like to be involved in or even convene… [email protected] 07752 454009
Vivienne Strayton - Groups Coordinator 1 Monthly Meetings for all Bourne End & District U3A Members
SEPTEMBER 24th The Work of the Thames Valley Air Ambulance Learn about the fantastic service the team offer across Berkshire, Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire. One of their volunteers will join us to explain more about their life- saving work and to answer your questions about their invaluable service.
OCTOBER 22nd The Miller of Mapledurham
Cory Starling will cover the history of the Mapledurham Water Mill, how the machinery works, the difference in the flours the Miller produces, what he will be doing in the future and a brief explanation about the Archimedes turbine adjoining the mill and their new Tours & Tearoom venture.
NOVEMBER 26th Wycombe District Neighbourhood Watch Association A talk by Director of Operations Geoff Pegg on Doorstop Crime, Postal and Telephone Scams, and David Gresswell talking about Cyber Crime. There will also be a table display of crime prevention literature and of inexpensive crime prevention products.
DECEMBER 17th Bourne End & District U3A Christmas party. To get you into the Christmas spirit, we will once again host a Christmas party at the Community Centre, with party food and desserts, mulled wine, Christmas quizzes and entertainment. Look out at the end of October for more details of this event and get your tickets early.
GROUP NEWS
Aerobics Class Convenor Leah Thompson 01628 522409 [email protected] We have space for more people, why not come along and try us out? If you are interested, contact me (Leah) as the convenor. We meet in St Mark’s Church Hall, Station Rd, Bourne End, every Tuesday from 11am to 12noon. Each session costs £2 to cover the costs of hiring the hall.
Art Appreciation Convenor Sue Weston 01628 520728 [email protected] Following an interesting visit to Compton Verney and a study of the arts and crafts movement earlier in the year, during the latter part of 2019 we will each be looking at the women artists whose work excites us, the development of photography and its impact on art, and David Hockney, through his art and photography. We meet on the 3rd Wednesday of the month in Bourne End library from 1pm to 3pm. 2
Bird Watching Convenor Jim Rose 07957 254723 [email protected] (preferred) In July the group met at Ivinghoe Beacon and we walked to Pitstone Hill looking for birds along the way. While there were plenty of butterflies, interesting birds were a little hard to find, the best being a Corn Bunting which a few group members saw. However, on the way back to Bourne End we stopped off at the disused Canal at Wendover where we had excellent views of a Great White Egret (see photo), a scarce species in Buckinghamshire. In August we visited a new site for the group and that was Dorney Common and the Jubilee River. Here we managed to see a total of 47 species of birds with another 4 being heard. The best of these were passage migrants, with three Ringed Plovers and a Dunlin seen on a flooded area of the common and a Wheatear on a fence on a farm along the edge of the common. It was a pleasant walk enjoyed by all. Meetings are normally held on the 3rd Wednesday of the month starting at 9.30am at various locations, usually within a 45 minute drive from Bourne End. The convenor notifies group members of the location a few days before the meeting is due to be held.
Book Group Convenors Andy Becker [email protected] Fritha Irwin 07891 421096 [email protected] We are a lovely stable group of 14 people and usually have around 9/10 attending each meeting. In the last few months we have read a variety of books and, yet again, had mixed views on them, especially the July book. In June we read ‘The Banker’s Wife’ by Christine Alger and scored it as 6. In July we read ‘The Life to Come’ by Michelle De Kretser and after long discussions scored it as 3.5. For August we are reading ‘The House on the Strand’ by Daphne Du Maurier, having decided to try a classic for a change. We meet in the café at Flowerland Garden Centre in the raised sitting area at the back on the last Thursday of each month at 2.30pm. We would welcome new members, please email either convenor to let us know that you would like to come.
Bridge Convenor Janet Irvine 07940 272761 [email protected] We are a friendly group of mixed ability. When we started in April 2018 several players were complete beginners or quite inexperienced. They are now competent players and we all have a good time. New members are always welcome. We meet from 10am to 12noon on Fridays in the Target Room at Bourne End Community Centre. 3
Bus & Walk Convenor Bernard Johns 01628 521936 [email protected] (preferred) Leader Jane Dunsterville.
A magical touch was added to a gentle, level walk along the river bank when a very beautiful family of swans glided over to see us. Seconds after this photo was taken, the magic was shattered by an aggressive little terrier bursting onto the scene. The parents had everything well under control at once, and we helped to distract the dog. 1. Peace was restored. We hear that the family is still complete with seven young, all in good health.
2.Then after a brief consultation - off to Cookham and the bus home.
3.The hottest day of the year presented Walk Leader Jane Dunsterville with the greatest challenge so far. Starting from this south-facing hillside view of Little Marlow and the Thames, she explained how Flackwell Heath was split between three other Parishes. In those days, births, marriages, deaths and schooling meant a trip to Little Marlow, Wooburn, or Loudwater.
Keen now to take advantage of some shade, we followed the old Trade Routes across the Common, passing some of the oldest cottages, heading for the refreshing coolness of Fennels Wood. Down Treadaway Hill, on the shady northern slopes of the hill, we soon found an easy walk under the trees along the old railway line towards Kingsmead, and a bus home. Our meeting day is the first Wednesday of every month. We meet up (rain or shine) at the bus stop adjacent to Bourne End railway station. We meet there with bus passes, at 10am. All the walks are easy and level or downhill. The outings usually take up about two hours (bus+walk/talk+bus) and always start and finish at the railway station. The buses towards Cookham are not conveniently timed for us to ride first, so we have been starting by walking in that direction and then returning on the 11:48am bus back to Bourne End. The news items above have been contributed by various members of the group.
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Calligraphy Convenor Ruby Lunn 01628 522721 [email protected] We are a small group and would welcome newcomers. We share ideas and skills. We are on a break from calligraphy in August but meet again in the Library in Wakeman Road, Bourne End, from 1.30pm to 3.15pm on the following dates, Tuesday, 10 September, Tuesday, 15 October, Tuesday, 12 November, Tuesday, 10 December.
Canasta NEW GROUP Convenor Sheila Hutchins 01628 521193 [email protected] I am hoping that we will have some more experienced players in the group as I'm still learning. We will be meeting at Bramble Wood, Donkey Lane, Bourne End, days and times yet to be fixed.
Chess Convenor Roger Gould 01628 524122 [email protected] The group suits anyone who has an understanding of the game, albeit rusty or current, and would like to play challenging and yet social games. There are some vacancies for a further 2 or 3 players so if you are interested or would like to know more, please contact Roger Gould on 01628 524122. We are a monthly chess group that meet on the 3rd Monday of the month at 10.00am in members’ houses.
Computers - Advanced Convenor Roger Carter [email protected] Our meetings, held once a month, consist of a mixture of presentations and discussion. Since we are a small group we can discuss computer issues in an informal way. Each meeting normally focuses on a specific topic and the computer software relating to it. Past topics have included genealogy software, video editing software, creating blogs using Google Blogger, and mapping software. Our meeting in September will look at ways to share data and files between your smartphone or tablet and your computer. This includes not just sending files from one device to another but synchronising folders on your various devices so that they are automatically updated with any changes, and copying and pasting from one device to another. We meet on the 2nd Thursday of the month at 2pm in my house.
Computer – Beginners Convenor Myra Hurley 01628 524214 (or 07502 144653) [email protected] These practical sessions are for those who need help with email, internet or word processing/spreadsheets. As there are only four computers available, please email or ring me in advance so I can book a computer for you. Meetings take place on Fridays from 10.30am to 11.30am in Bourne End Library.
Crochet and Knitting Circle Convenor Gill DeVille 01628 521864 (preferred) or text on 07707 621700 The group members continue to meet once a month and at the moment are at different stages in their bid to crochet a string bag. They are all becoming very proficient and are a very happy group. After our August break, we will reconvene on September 19th which is the 3rd Thursday of the month 2.30pm to 4pm at a member’s house.
Current Affairs Convenor Marc Bond [email protected] The group is going strong, and those that attend enjoy it very much. We are always looking for new members and they are most welcome. We meet on the 2nd Tuesday of the month, 2.30pm to 4pm at Alfred Court, Bourne End. 5
Ecosystems Study Group Convenor Chris Moss 01628 531948 [email protected] The ecosystems group has been meeting for nearly a year, but this month we sadly say goodbye to Ted Nadkarni, who has also been the mainstay of so many language groups, and therefore the group is no more. I wish him well in Oxfordshire. But things have changed enormously in the year. Both the government and the Windsor & Maidenhead Council have declared Climate Emergencies, and although there's not much action yet, I'm getting involved in what there is. And this week the IPCC has published a landmark report on "Climate change and land" which states authoritatively (if rather ponderously) many of the things which we have been discussing.
Family History NEW GROUP Convenor Sue Weston 01628 520728 [email protected] An initial planning meeting will take place as the newsletter goes to print. We are in the early stages of set up and looking forward to taking requests for requirements as to content. Initially meetings will take place on 2nd Monday of the month beginning 9th September 2pm to 4 pm. Keep an eye on the website or phone the convenor for venue.
Film Club Convenor Leah Thompson 07753 493429 [email protected] Previous to our August break we saw ‘The Odd Couple’ starring Jack Lemmon and Walter Matthau. There is room for more people so please contact the convenor if you are interested. We meet on the 3rd Thursday of each month at 2.30pm at the convenor’s house or local cinema venue.
French Conversation Convenors Marie Willingham 01628 521097 [email protected] Sandra Garey 01628 520543 [email protected] Sheila Upton 01628 524788 [email protected] Sue Shaw 07787 162111 [email protected]
Bonjour tout le monde. Our four French conversation groups continue to focus on building our confidence in speaking and understanding French by increasing our vocabulary and improving our grammar, and, as always, having fun! Everyone in all groups has done some French before, typically to at least O level, and each group caters for a different level but at the moment, not for beginners.
Our ‘Faux Debutants’ 1 and ‘Faux Debutants’ 2 groups continued with virtual shopping trips and crosswords and, to keep it topical, virtual trips to the tourist office and the seaside. Our intermediate and advanced groups have been reading articles from the French media, including their views on our current political situation! All our groups also spend time talking about what we are each doing socially which gives us new vocabulary and often lots of laughter trying to explain things.
We typically meet every 2 weeks for 1 ½ hours in someone’s home, and we aim to keep the groups fairly small so everyone gets a chance to chat. We are nearly full in all groups but please call one of us if you are interested as we like to know what the interest level is and we may find we need to set up a fifth group.
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Gardening Visits Convenor Margaret Marshall 01628 523987 [email protected]
We have met several times. The weather has not always been kind but we have made the most of it. We went to Bourne End Garden Centre for coffee and talked about things we could do. Then we walked around and looked at plants suitable for dry areas. The Plant Specialist nursery in Missenden was very enjoyable and proved an unexpected gem. Just plants were available and none of the other distractions - high quality plants and good advice as well as some wonderful planting areas with ideas to take home. I think we all made purchases that have done very well. I must congratulate the members who found it, not easy to find! We had a plant swap in my garden in the heatwave. Some members joined a trip to Savill Gardens where we had some excellent guides and were shown some amazing planting. Last week some members came to Farley Hill Place, a fantastic garden of Margaret Finch, we had coffee and biscuits and a delicious ploughman’s – cum- buffet lunch. The weather was kind. At the time of writing this we are hoping to visit a member’s garden at the end of August but have another date in hand in case it pours. Several other people have kindly offered to welcome us to their garden. No gardens are ever the same, so roll on the next visits. I hope to find some winter gardens too. If anyone has any questions about the group please contact me and I can explain more fully. At the moment we are full, but if anyone is on my list and no longer wants to be, then please let me know and we may be able to take more.
German Conversation Convenor Sheila Upton 01628 524788 [email protected] Our group is fairly diverse in terms of experience levels but sits somewhere between pre-intermediate and intermediate. We focus on improving our German conversation confidence and understanding by means of crosswords, virtual shopping trips and discussing our social activities. We also do some reading and aim, most of all, to have fun. We typically meet every 2 weeks for 1 ½ hours on Thursday afternoons at 2pm in Wooburn Green Council Office, so please contact us if you may be interested.
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Golf Convenor Bob Woodmansee 07901 553441 [email protected]
U3A golf continues apace at Huntswood Golf Club every Friday morning. We have recently welcomed a new member Tim, making us now a '7-ball'. Guests occasionally swell our numbers, indeed we had 10 players one week (with 3 guests). We would really love to see some more new faces and although we cannot accommodate beginners to the game, we are not looking for the next Rory McIlroy or Shane Lowry either! Do feel free to come along one week to meet us for coffee and maybe have a round.
The weather continues to tease us, though - in consecutive weeks (in the so called English summer!), we've gone from unbearably hot to chilly, calm to windy, cloudy to sunny and dry to wet, once very wet as the photo (above) of Andy shows, he clearly needs a new umbrella and waterproofs!! But just to balance the weather photos, a photo of Brian, Bob S and Andy by the gorgeous wild flower meadow in front of the 9th tee (see left).
Whilst we don't play ‘competitive’ golf as such, we are always pleased when players beat their 'personal bests' which both Andy (102) and Graham (86) have done recently, "Well done, chaps". However, despite all our play and practice, it is perhaps somewhat surprising that our group U3A course record at Huntswood of 84 set by Brian on 31st August 2018 has remained unbeaten for a year! And we still await our first 'hole in one' - although Bob S came so close recently - his tee shot on the 2nd hole finishing just 18 inches short (see right). I recently had the opportunity to address the wider membership of the Bourne End U3A at the July monthly meeting, it was nice to see so many there just to find out more about us golfers!! (No, seriously, the talk on Africa's 'Mercy Ships' was far more interesting and enlightening!). Anyway, hopefully the word will continue to spread and we shall see some more new golfing faces before too long. Friday mornings @ 9.30 am at Huntswood Golf Club, Taplow Common Road, Burnham SL1 8LS
History Convenor Michael Judge 01628 524108 [email protected] The meeting is on the 2nd Monday of each month at 10am in a private house.
Italian Convenor Pippa Donati 07834 039000 [email protected] The Italian group is to continue after Ted Nadkarni’s departure in the capable hands of Pippa Donati, a fluent Italian speaker. We will be meeting every Friday afternoon, starting in early September, so hopefully quick progress will be made! Contact Pippa after this time to see if there is any space for more members.
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Lace Making Convenor Myra Hurley 01628 524214 (or 07502 144653) [email protected] If you are interested in joining us please either turn up for a session or contact me for further information. The cost for each session is £2 to help with the cost of the room hire. We meet on 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of the month in Bourne End Library, Wakeman Road, from 10am to12noon.
Latin Convenor Leah Thompson 01628 522409 [email protected] The group met recently for the first time since Ted Nadkarni’s departure and it carried on as usual with lots of laughter and enthusiasm. The members now have progressed to book 2, so anyone joining the group needs to have an appropriate level of knowledge. However, the convenor is willing to start a new beginners group if any members are interested. Meetings take place fortnightly on Wednesdays from 9.45am to 11.15am at the convenor’s home.
Local History Convenors Roger & Sandra Carter [email protected] Our meetings are a mixture of talks, discussions, and occasional visits. Our most recent visit, in May, was to Taplow Court; previous visits have included Hedsor House, St Paul’s Church in Wooburn and Cores End Church. At our June meeting we had two visiting speakers. In the first part of the meeting Barrie Penfold, who writes the local history pieces for Target Magazine, told us what this involved and answered members’ questions about a variety of local history topics. Then Brian Withington gave a fascinating talk, illustrated by slides, of what life was like in Roman times at the Roman villa that once stood on the Rye at High Wycombe. Our visiting speaker in September will be Mike Dewey, who writes superb local history features in the Bucks Free Press and has set up the huge ‘SWOP’ archive on the Internet of old photographs of High Wycombe and the surrounding areas, including our area. We are very much looking forward to his talk, which will be illustrated by photos from this archive. We meet on the 3rd Thursday of each month at 2pm, normally in the Library at Bourne End.
Mahjong Convenor Norma Bingham 01628 316890 [email protected] New members are welcome. Our group meets on Thursdays in Bourne End Community Centre Bar 2pm to 4pm, cost £3 paid direct to reception.
Maths for the Terrified Convenor Kath Acres 01628 531521 07860405000 [email protected] We are studying GCSE level Maths including new topics now included in the curriculum. There is an option to take the GCSE exam but this is not compulsory! Suitable for people who want to feel more confident about Maths and those who want to bring their skills and knowledge up to date. New members always welcome. Currently we meet on Fridays 10.30am at The Granary, Spade Oak Farm.
Music Appreciation Convenor Jay Oldknow 01628 819418 [email protected] Last month we had a relaxed afternoon watching a CD about Beethoven. It is quite incredible that he composed his 9th Symphony when he was totally deaf. It gave insight to how talented he was. He was not a very patient man but had a sense of humour. He also conducted this Symphony with the help of a young lady, sitting in the orchestra. It was all very entertaining. In August, Pat kindly gave us a session on Russian music which included works by Mussorgsky, Borodin and Rachmaninov. It was a very entertaining afternoon. At the moment we are covering Classical music, the Symphony will be our next project, but we shall include, Folk and Salsa music in the future. We are a small and friendly group, new members are welcome. We meet every 3rd Monday in the month at 2.30pm, at the convenors house.
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Outings Convenor Tony Radstone 07491 040850 [email protected](preferred)
Painting and Drawing Convenor Libby Evans 01628 527013 [email protected]
We paint in Flowerland Bourne End Garden Centre café. We are in 2 groups painting on alternate Thursday mornings from 9.30am to 11am. The “Hockneys” come on the 2nd and 4th Thursdays in the month. The “Picasso’s” come on 1st and 3rd Thursdays in the month.
Play Reading/Drama Convenor Sue Roberts 01628 522486 [email protected] The Play Reading/Drama group has now been in existence for 16 months and goes from strength to strength. We now have 17 members and again have had a varied selection of plays, poetry and Shakespeare in the last 3 months. Our members are a very loyal bunch who thoroughly enjoy 2 hours of devouring a play. Unlike book clubs a play can be read in 2 hours, with a beginning and end. We have a lot of fun, and have read Shakespeare’s ‘Much Ado About Nothing’, Alan Ayckbourn’s ‘Bedroom Farce’, Daphne Du Maurier’s ‘Rebecca’ and Poetry chosen by each member of the group. Also 1 Act plays, Victoria Wood, and various other monologues. We also do Improvisations which everyone dreads, but after a year together, now feel comfortable in each other’s company, and are happy to let their inhibitions down. In September we shall start looking for suitable material for the entertainment at the U3A Christmas Party in December. I am happy to take on a couple of new members, so please contact me asap to consider membership. We meet twice a month on the 2nd & 4th Fridays in the month, from 2pm to 4pm at my house. 10
Pudding Club Convenor Jan Harrison 01628 528197 [email protected]
For the last couple of months our theme has been “my favourite cold dessert”, my turn this month and a very difficult choice to make, there are so many to choose from. In September we are breaking from the norm and going out for afternoon tea, which should be fun. There is still room for a couple more people if anyone would like to join. We’re a very sociable group, the only time it goes quiet is when the next pud comes out. We meet in houses large enough to accommodate 14 people on the 1st Wednesday of the month from 2pm to approx 4pm
Rummikub Convenor Sheila Hutchins 01628 521193 [email protected] Rummikub is a game based on the card game Rummy and can be played with two, three or four players. It's a numbers strategy game and quite light-hearted. Don't be put off by "numbers strategy". As long as you can add up to 30 you'll be OK. We have 17 members so have split into two groups. There is room for several more (beginners or experienced). Meeting on the 3rdMonday and 3rdFriday every month – 2pm to 4pm at the convenor's house.
Singing For Fun NEW GROUP Convenor Fritha Irwin [email protected] This is a newly formed group which will start meeting in September. At present, we are not looking for new members as there has been a great deal of initial interest in the group. However, this may well drop off, so I am keeping a waiting list, please email me to be added. It will be a very relaxed group – no audition, no complicated harmonies, just some fun singing. Members are choosing the songs we sing, and we will be commencing with the Beatles, but many other genres will be covered in due course. We will be meeting on the 1st and 3rd Friday of each month from 10.30pm to 12noon. The first meeting will be on September 6th. St Mark’s Church Hall will be the venue and there will be a small charge each meeting to cover the cost of the hall.
Socialising Convenor Kate Booth 01628 521185 [email protected] It has been unusually quiet over the last couple of months, as we had to cancel our July meeting due to so many members being away. It's that time of year! We still hope to incorporate a lunchtime meeting on an occasional basis and have already earmarked pubs which we're keen to try. Meetings are on the 4th Monday of the month (bank holidays permitting!) at 10.30 am, in a variety of coffee shops/tea rooms and pubs. We decide from month to month where the next meeting will be.
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Solo Convenor Sue Weston 01628 520728 [email protected] Throughout the spring and summer we have visited several places of interest, used the local train to meet for refreshments and talk and crossed the river via the Thames path to enjoy the scenery. We will visit our final garden centre of the year in September and are planning a 'pot luck lunch' for October. When not out and about we meet in Bourne End library on the 2nd Friday of the month 3pm to 4.30 pm
Spanish Beginners Convenor Michael Garrido 07814 561813 [email protected] The group concentrates on oral skills. New members are welcome. It is held on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday each month from 7.30pm to 9pm.
Spanish Intermediate Convenor Michael Garrido 07814 561813 [email protected] The courses will concentrate on oral skills. New members are welcome. It is held on the 2ndand 4thThursday of each month in the evening from 7.30pm to 9pm.
Tablets and Smart Phones Convenor Chris Moss 01628 531948 [email protected] September will see the start once again of short courses on how to use your smartphone or tablet. These will be held at Alfred Court on Wednesday afternoons, starting 4th September, and will now feature two sessions run one after the other. For those with IPhones and iPads, the session runs from at 2pm to 3.30pm. Those with other makes of phone and tablet which use the Android system (Samsung, Huawei, Motorola, Amazon etc.) should arrive at 4pm and this will continue until 5.30pm. Could anyone interested who is not on the list already please send a brief note to Chris Moss, [email protected].
Tai Chi Convenor Judi Lamb 07828 733485 [email protected] Meeting weekly on a Thursday at Flackwell Heath Community Centre 10am to 11am.
Theatre Trips Convenor Andy Becker [email protected] The Theatre Group which is open to all members of the Bourne End & District U3A hopes to have a theatre visit every two months. We have excellent local theatres and have visited several of them since our inauguration in March last year. We sent out a survey recently and as a result of members’ responses, we are venturing into London by coach towards the end of October to see ‘Come from Away’. Obviously arranging a visit to a London theatre involves more effort than visiting a local theatre and if any member would like to offer some assistance for the future it would be greatly appreciated. At the beginning of September, we will visit the Mill at Sonning where Brian Blessed is directing an Agatha Christie play, ‘Towards Zero’. Any suggestions for a theatre trip, please do let me know far enough in advance so that we can offer it.
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Ukulele Convenor Jim Saunders [email protected] We are busy working toward a giant meeting of 100 Uke's, from the Thames Valley U3A, which will be a study day to perform a number of songs "en masse" Our regular meetings are in Bourne End Library, every Monday 5.30pm to 6.30pm.
Walks Long Convenor Nick Roy 01628 526793 [email protected] The group meets on the 2nd Monday of the month, at 10am.
Walkers Monday Convenors Roger & Sandra Carter [email protected]
Our walks are at a variety of locations in the Chilterns and along the Thames. Recent walks have been at Burnham Beeches, Turville to Ibstone, Spade Oak towards Marlow, West Wycombe to Bradenham, and Marlow Common to the Thames and Harleyford. A new feature is a two-hour course “Smartphone Navigation for Walkers”, which explains how to track walks using a smartphone to produce a GPX file that can be used by others to follow the walk. (We will be producing GPX files of all of our U3A walks, so that anyone with a smartphone can follow them.) The first course was held in July, it will be repeated at the end of September. We’re a friendly bunch - do join us for healthy exercise, fresh air, and plenty of chat. We have two walks a month, normally 4-5 miles long, meeting on the 1st and 3rd Mondays of the month at 10am.
Wine Tasting Convenor Mike Bellamy 01628 523924 [email protected] Members host on a rota basis and select the six wines for the group for that meeting. Most meetings are within walking distance of Bourne End centre. The cost is usually about £8 per person but we usually each take home about half a bottle, so net cost about £4! The Group would welcome having one or two new members. We continue to meet monthly on 3rd Monday 7.30pm to 9pm’ish in a members house.
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COMMUNITY CORNER
New U3A initiative – Social Prescribing
The Third Age Trust recently asked U3A’s to consider being involved with Social Prescribing and after discussion within the committee, a decision was made to follow up this request with our local G.P’s to see if we could support them in this way. For those unfamiliar with the term, Social Prescribing (or community referral) is when primary health care professionals such as G.Ps and nurses refer patients to local non-clinical services in order to improve their health and well-being. It recognises that health can be affected by social, economic and environmental factors. It also aims to support people to take greater control of their own health. Social Prescribing schemes can involve a variety of activities which often tend to be provided by voluntary and community groups. Examples are- volunteering, arts activities, group learning, gardening, befriending, cookery, healthy eating advice and sports. A meeting was held with a number of the G.Ps in Bourne End and they were very welcoming of the idea, feeling that joining the organisation could offer support to some of their patients. We have therefore set up a system whereby the G.Ps will contact a named committee member (Fritha Irwin, Vice Chair) and ask for her to get in touch with any patient who expresses interest in U3A. This is obviously with the patient’s permission. Once contact is made, we hope to be able to introduce the person into the U3A with support and personal contact.
Bourne End & District U3A Ukulele Group will entertain you. Convenor: Jim Saunders email [email protected]
If any members would like us to entertain at a charity event or a care home etc, I'm sure many of our members would be happy to give an hour or so of their time to play & sing popular hits from the 60's for a worthy cause. Please feel free to contact me at the above email address to discuss if interested.
Volunteers to Assist at Wooburn Green School.
The school is looking for volunteers to assist with reading, gardening, handicraft etc and would very much appreciate any offer of help. If anyone wishes to volunteer, they are to contact: [email protected] or call 01628 521634
New Newsletter Production Person or Team required
As you will have read in the Chairman’s message, Brian and Hilary Jackson are stepping down from producing the newsletter at the next AGM in March. The newsletter comes out every three months so they will do only two more issues. Therefore Bourne End & District U3A are looking for a member or members to take it on. The person will need to become a committee member in order to be aware of who does what and keep abreast of what is happening, but only one member is required if it is a team. Brian and Hilary assure us it is not difficult to pick up the computing and editing skills needed and help is always at hand. They also say that it could be done by one person but they have found that working as a team is more enjoyable. They feel now the time is right for a new team to take over and introduce new ideas to move the newsletter to the next level. They both agree it is great fun to do! If you are interested or would like more information please contact Brian or Hilary on 01628 525420 or [email protected]
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THAMES VALLEY NETWORK This is our regional network consisting of 44 U3A’s. It runs a variety of workshops and study days. They are very popular so it is best to enrol as early as possible. Keep abreast and get further information and application forms by visiting their website u3atvnetwork.org.uk. For those unable to book online, booking forms may be obtained from Chairman Mike Bellamy.
2019 Diary 22nd October – Ukulele Activities Day, at Benson. Details, application form and flier are now available. 25th October – Representatives Meeting, at Benson. 11th November – SE Region Autumn Gathering, at Alton. 21st November – Britain’s Ancient Past, Study Day at Benson. 26th November – Thames Valley Network, Study Day at Benson. 3rd December – Christmas Concert with ‘The Brandenburg Singers’ at St. James’ Church, Paddington. Unfortunately the First Aid day, which had been scheduled for July 4th, could not go ahead as planned, but we hope to hold it at a later date, possibly in October at Benson. 2020 Diary Thursday 23rd April – Architecture Day at Benson Friday 29th May – Geology of the Thames Valley and why we don’t have volcanoes. Wednesday 24th June – Visit to RHS Wisley Other dates will be announced when arrangements have been confirmed.
THIRD AGE TRUST This is the national organisation for U3A’s in the U.K www.U3A.org.uk Telephone 020 8466 6139 (9.30am-4.30pm).
REMINDERS Liaison for members WHO ARE UNABLE TO USE EMAIL. A system is now in place for contact with committee member Sue Weston regarding information about future U3A events. Please contact Sue on 01628 520728 for details.
The Deadline for inclusion of your contributions in the Winter edition of the newsletter is November 15th. It should cover any news or items of interest from the past 3 months, and any future plans for December, January, February. Email your copy to [email protected]
Don’t forget to visit our website bourneendu3a.org.uk to find out all of the latest information about Bourne End & District U3A and other Regional Groups Activities. Our thanks go to the website for information used in this newsletter.
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Mike Bellamy Chairman [email protected] 01628 523924 Fritha Irwin Vice Chairman [email protected] 07891 421096 Leah Thompson Secretary [email protected] 01628 522409 Andy Becker(Mrs) Treasurer [email protected] 01494 883366 Chris Moss Membership Sec [email protected] 01628 531948 Sue Roberts Monthly Meetings [email protected] 01628 522486 Vivienne Strayton Groups Coordinator [email protected] 07752 454009 Brian Jackson Newsletter [email protected] 01628 525420 Sue Weston Catering [email protected] 01628 520728 Liaison for members not using email. U3A Committee Member on Council of Managing Trustees at Bourne End Community Centre. Support Teams: Hilary Jackson, Rob DeVille (Newsletter), Angela Harris, Ann Wheals (Catering) Sandra Carter(Proof Reading, Publicity), Roger Carter(Technical) 15
Bourne End & District U3A GROUPS ACTIVITY CALENDAR
GROUP DAY OF MONTH TIME VENUE
Chess 3rd Monday 10am Member’s House History 2nd Monday 10am Private House nd Family History 2 Monday 2pm to 4pm rd Music Appreciation 3 Monday 2.30pm Convenor’s House Rummikub 3rd Monday 3rd Friday 2pm to 4pm Convenor’s House Socialising 4th Monday 10.30am Various Venues Ukulele Weekly Monday 5.30pm to 6.30pm Bourne End Library Walks (Longer) 2nd Monday 10am Walks (Monday) 1st and 3rd Monday 10am Wine Tasting 3rd Monday 7.30pm to 9pm’ish Members House
Aerobics Weekly Tuesday 11am to 12noon St Mark’s Hall Calligraphy 2nd Tuesday 1.30pm to 3.15pm Jackson Room Bourne End Library Current Affairs 2nd Tuesday 2.30pm to 4pm Alfred Court Lace Making 2nd and 4th Tuesday 10am to 12noon Bourne End Library
Art Appreciation 3rd Wednesday 1pm to 3pm Bourne End Library Bird Watching 3rd Wednesday 9.30am Various Locations Bus and Walk 1st Wednesday 10am Railway Station Latin Fortnightly Wednesday 9.45am to 11.15am Convenor’s House Pudding Club 1st Wednesday 2pm Member’s House Spanish Beginners 2nd and 4th Wednesday 7.30pm to 9pm Tablets and Smartphones Wednesday 2pm to 5.30pm Alfred Court
Book Group Last Thursday 2.30pm Flowerland Garden Centre Computers – Advanced 2nd Thursday 2pm Convenor’s House Crochet and Knitting Circle 3rd Thursday 2.30 to 4pm Convenor’s House Film Club 3rd Thursday 2.30pm Convenor’s House German Conversation Fortnightly Thursday 2pm Wooburn Green Council Office Local History 3rd Thursday 2pm Bourne End Library Mahjong Weekly Thursday 2pm to 4pm Bourne End CC Bar Non Fiction Reading Group 2nd Thursday Member’s House Painting and Drawing Weekly Thursday 9.30am to 11am Flowerland Garden Centre Spanish Intermediate 2nd and 4th Thursday 7.30pm to 9pm Tai Chi Weekly Thursday 10am to 11am Flackwell Heath CC
Bridge Weekly Friday 10am to 12noon Target Room, Bourne End CC Italian Weekly Friday pm Computers – Beginners Weekly Friday 10.30am to 11.30am Bourne End Library French Conversation Fortnightly 1.30 hours Members House Garden Visits Various Times Various Golf Weekly Friday 9.30am Huntswood Golf Club Maths for the Terrified Weekly Friday 10.30am to 12.30pm Convenor’s House Outings Various Times Play Reading/Drama 2nd and 4th Friday 2pm to 4pm Convenor’s House Singing for Fun 1st and 3rd Friday 10.30am to 12noon St Marks Church Hall Solo 2nd Friday 3pm to 4.30pm Various Theatre Trips Various Times and Locations
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