BARNSLEY AND DISTRICT U3A
Internet: BarnsleyU3A registered charity no. 1077654
Editor’s preamble:
We all know that these days if you want people to read your magazine the only real way is for it to have
photos of Harry & Meghan or William & Kate or … that’s it, I don’t know any more famous couples … but we are very fortunate at BU3A to have our own great stars and one of our fab paparazzi grabbed this lovely shot of Chairman Alan and his wife Anne when she won a superb prize As you read this message, Anne and I will have just celebrated our tenth (probably a BU3A pen) and got a anniversary as BU3A members. On 2nd March 2009, we walked into the kiss at the 2018 Monday Ten-pin main hall at Priory Campus and asked if we could fill in the membership Bowling Championship in December. application forms so we could try Crown Green Bowling at Ardsley Park. She’s a lucky woman, as Alan would I have never been one for looking backwards as I believe that the present no doubt say! with an eye to the future is the best direction to take but I have tried to Nice one, Alan & Anne! think back over what has happened in the U3A over those ten years.
I have explained this before but for those who have not heard the story, this is how I became Chairman in September 2009, six months after joining. Around June/July, one morning before the bowling commenced, the BU3A Treasurer, Mike Pease, announced that the then Chairman had stated his intention to stand down at the AGM in September. “Is anyone interested in taking on the role?” Mike asked the assembled crowd of Bowlers. Now as a former Barnsley Grammar School student, I had learned very early on that it was important to avoid eye contact with anyone seeking volunteers. I duly averted my gaze away from Mike to look at the floor. Some twenty seconds or so later, amidst the deafening silence, I decided that it was safe to look up. At this point, I realised that everyone else had walked off to start their bowling and I was left looking directly at Mike. “Ok, I’ll bring you an application form next week” he explained, as I stood there speechless.
So, ten years on and except for a two year break, when I took over the role of Regional Chairman, I am still here and enjoying every minute. I was recently asked what were the biggest changes I had witnessed since I joined and that was an easy one to answer. Quite simply, it’s our willingness to become outward-looking in our intention to try to ensure that retired people in Barnsley are aware of who we are and what we do.
Back in 2009, we didn’t have advertising leaflets and there was even a reluctance to display our spare Newsletters in Barnsley Libraries, the concern being that we might not have been able to manage any upsurge in numbers brought about by telling people about BU3A. We had a healthy 400+ members and there was a thought that we might be better either limiting member numbers or splitting into two U3As if interest continued to increase. Ten years on and we now have over 1,100 members and nobody ever mentions restricting numbers or splitting into two U3As [not within my earshot anyway].
No one person can be credited with this amazing growth as many members have contributed to the change of outlook, particularly over recent years. I believe that, to a degree, the reason is to be found in the nature of people in Barnsley. If we enjoy something, we like to share this with others and then welcome them into the fold. I also believe in the adage that fortune favours the brave and since our wonderful twentieth anniversary celebration at the Metrodome in 2016, we have been brave enough to get out there and tell the people of Barnsley about the town’s previously best kept secret: the brilliant Barnsley and District U3A.
Anyway, moving on, there’s plenty of stuff once again for you to read about in this edition of the Buzz. However, I would like specifically to draw your attention to a few items. Firstly, we are rapidly approaching membership renewal time and whilst the majority of members will have seen an email from our membership secretary, John MacKinnon, you can now see the detailed in-person process shown on page 7. Also, I have been asked to be a ‘Cancer Champion’ by ‘Be Cancer Safe’ a voluntary group who are trying to get the message across in our area about the need for all people to be more cancer aware in order to potentially reduce the damage done by this terrible disease. See page 43 for further information. Lastly, our Executive Committee recently approved a new Privacy Policy, which explains how we use the personal information provided to us by you to help with our management of BU3A. This policy is on page 42 and available to be viewed on our website.
That’s all for now. Continue to enjoy your membership of BU3A. Alan Swann 2
Editor: Derek Bacon CONTENTS
Welcome to the P2 Chairman’s Message 2019 Spring Buzz. P4 Committee Issues / New Members Link Thank you for so many Picking Up Your Buzz contributions; sadly, it was P5 Annual General Meeting not possible to include it all. P6 Constitution / Dates For Your Diary P7 Membership Renewal / Xmas Card / 60’s Night The Front Cover photos: P8/9 Reports On Monthly Meetings 1 At the December Monthly Meeting, Sue P10 Xmas Dinner / New Members Link Stokes received a bouquet from Chairman, P11 Cooperative Wealth Advert Alan Swann, for “six magnificent years of P12/13 Choir 10th Anniversary service as Editor of The Buzz”. Thank P14 Stringalongs / New Zealand / Walking Netball you, Sue. P15 Flix@6 2 Ten of the 20 founder members of the P16 Flix@6 Videos Auction Choir who are still there, ten years on. P17 Burns Night / Posh Puds (nine more on p.12 & 13) P18 A Portrait of Don Smith P19 Yorkshire & Humber Regional Summer School 3 Sharon Dawson, Barbara Kaye, P20-24 Activities Diary Ev Mirfin and their Spanish Coordinator, P25 Venues & Bus Information Joanie Tollerfield, all looking really P26 Stitches / Yoga & Meditation depressed (ha-ha) on a wet day out in P27 Get Creative / Indu / Italian / Caption Comp. Liverpool. They fluttered their eyelashes P28 Classical Studies / Gadgets / and each got a free brolly! They’ve Campervan & Caravan obviously all still got it! (and I don’t mean P29 Tuesday Walkers / Happy Feet the brolly!) P30 Thursday Walks / Thursday Longer Walks
4 The four magnificently-attired (?) P31 Thursday Bus Pass Walks / Out And About finalists in the 2018 Magic Competition. P32 Wednesday Ramblers / Door Doctor Advert P33 Motorbikes / Foot Care / Colwyn Bay Adverts Information about the Back Cover P34 Ukeanplayers / Calligraphy / NatureQuest photos is on that page. P35 Tuesday Book Forum / Table & Board Games
This issue contains more administrative P36 Walking Cricket information than the Winter 2018 edition. P37 Cycling / Tuesday Gardeners / Sunday Strollers / Conversation French Also, there is a new full-page finance P38 Photography / Birdwatching / Coordinators advertisement that we will carry throughout P39 Spring School 2019. Our advertising works well, I am P40 Video & Media / Magic / Sequence Dancing / told. Crown Green Bowling / Just A Thought P41 Monthly Meetings / Penistone / Ronnie Neville Consequently, there is, regrettably, only P42 Bu3a Privacy Policy one members’ pen portrait this time but I P43 Be Cancer Safe / Insurance / Flutes Galore hope that you are as pleased to read about
Don Smith as I was to meet his family and friends who were all keen to talk about him. BUZZ SUBMISSIONS AND The Committee have agreed to trial a ENQUIRIES TO: Christmas Card Competition; we have such wonderfully creative artists in our [email protected] ranks that it seems silly not to put it to use for some good cause; see P 7 for the ‘advert’. Closing date
for next issue:
FRIDAY 10TH MAY 2019
3 SOME ISSUES FROM 3 COMMITTEE
1. An Interim Bulletin of news and events will to go out to members midway between editions of the Buzz. 2. PAT testing of equipment used by BU3A is the responsibility of the venues if groups are using their equipment. Co-ordinators will be reminded periodically about the safe use of electrical items. 3. National Office are updating the Beacon system and Barnsley U3A supports this. 4. The Committee is pleased that Blue box receipts are generally in line with room hire charges but will keep checking this as both room rates and group numbers change from time to time. 5. A Privacy Policy, approved by Committee, can be found on BU3A website and in this Buzz on Page 42. 6. The Annual General Meeting (AGM) takes place at the June Monthly Meeting on Monday 3rd June. 7. The Barnsley U3A Constitution requires, at AGM, membership approval of some alterations; details on Page 6. 8. National U3A Insurance details need to be clarified to our members; please see Page 43. 9. We will capitalise on the superb art work of our members by trialling a Christmas Card Competition; see Page 7. 10. Coordinators Meetings will alternate between Thursdays and Tuesdays at 10.00. Four meetings per year, as usual. 11. BU3A Posters to be distributed for display to surgeries, supermarkets, shops etc.
PICKING UP A BUZZ
If any member is unable to pick up their copy of The Buzz from the Monday Monthly Meeting at Priory Campus, copies will be available from Age UK Barnsley offices on Eldon Street, opposite the Parkway Cinema, from late Monday afternoon. Members will be asked to sign for copies taken; they will be allowed to take copies on behalf of other members who have chosen to collect their copy.
A HUGE BU3A WELCOME to 58 NEW MEMBERS: Marion Archer, Peter Arnold, Louise Atkinson, Alan Bartrop, Melanie Brooks, Kathryn Brown, Judith Campbell, Marion Cave, Vivian Challenger, Valerie Coates, Susan Cobb, Anthony Colmer, Alan Crutch, Patricia Daniel, Maxine Deighton, Gillian Deighton-Tarry, Jane Donovan, Sue Everard, Neil Fearns, Arnold Gater, Peter Grant, Susan Harling, Jennifer Harrop, Alan Hastey, John Hatfield, Diane Hawtree, Dorothy Haywood, Trevor Haywood, Michael Hopkins, John Howarth, Julie Jordan, Clive Langman, David Lundy, Jenny Lundy, Jean Miller, Audrey Millican, Lynda Morgan, Brenda Mosley, Michael Musgrave, Joy Nicholson, Justin Osborne, Jennifer Paley, David Poppleton, Cynthia Porritt, Derek Reynolds, Dianne Reynolds, Alfred Richards, Paul Richards, Jenny Sawyer, Glennis Sheppard, Sharon Thompson, Ian Turner, Sara Turner, Margaret Walmsley, Kathryn Webster, Patricia White, Tony Williams, June Wilson.
If you think that you or one of our members could be featured in the Buzz for us all to read about, please let us know. Email us at [email protected] or give us a call.
MEMBERSHIP RENEWAL DAY IS APRIL 1ST
In this Spring Buzz, we carry important information on PAGE 7, generally seen as a lucky number and definitely so for Barnsley U3Aers who get very cheap fun and friendship for a meagre few pounds a year.
PLEASE DON’T DELETE THE RENEWAL E-MAIL FROM JOHN MACKINNON SENT TO YOU ON FEBRUARY 15TH.
Also, if renewing in person, read page 7 very carefully to help Membership Secretary, John MacKinnon, and his team get you signed up again as quickly and easily as possible.
4 BARNSLEY AND DISTRICT U3A Notice of 2019 AGM
In accordance with the Constitution, notice is hereby given that the 23rd Annual General Meeting of Barnsley and District U3A will be held on Monday 3rd June 2019, at 1.30pm at Priory Campus. All members are entitled and encouraged to attend and vote.
The business of the Annual General Meeting will include: 1. Receiving and approving the Annual Report 2. Receiving and approving the examined accounts for the year ending 5th April 2019 3. Election of two Officers for a 2 year term 4. Election of up to 8 non-Officer Members of the Executive Committee to serve for a 1 year term 5. Appointing examiners for the accounts for the year ending 5th April 2020 6. Considering all resolutions previously submitted in writing and considering any other business
Nomination forms are available and members are encouraged to consider if they are willing to be nominated for the Executive Committee. All completed nomination forms must be delivered to the Business Secretary (Pam Clayton) as soon as possible, with a closing date of Thursday 16th May 2019. A list of responsibilities for Executive Committee members is available on application to the Business Secretary.
The Executive Committee will allocate Committee responsibilities at the first Committee meeting after the Annual General Meeting.
The existing Chairman will remain in post for a further year. The existing Treasurer will remain in post for a further year.
The other specific Committee roles to be filled at the meeting include the following: • Vice Chairman [2 years] • Business Secretary [2 years] • Development Officer • Membership Secretary • New Member Secretary / Travel Committee representative • Website Manager • Publicity Officer / Buzz Editor • Room Bookings Officer • Representative of Choir Committee • Representative of Social Committee • Equalities Officer
The following two resolutions to change the BU3A Constitution are submitted by the Executive Committee for consideration at the AGM:
1. Update clause 3 of our “Charitable Purposes” to say:- “The advancement of education and in particular the education of older people and those retired from full time work by all means including associated activities conducive to learning and personal development.” This is the recommended wording from Third Age Trust.
2. In clause 16.4 reduce the quorum percentage from 15% down to 10%.
Full details of all nominations and any further resolutions received will be announced at the Monthly Meeting on 13th May 2018 and will also be posted on the BU3A website and notified through the Beacon System at least 21 days before the AGM. Alternatively, members may contact the Business Secretary for this information.
5 BU3A CONSTITUTION
The Executive Committee will put forward the following 2 resolutions to amend the constitution at the AGM in June 2019 for members to vote upon.
Resolution 1 In Clause 3 Charitable Purposes delete the words: “to advance education and in particular the education of people not in full time gainful employment who are in their Third Age (being the period of time after the first age of childhood dependence and the second age of full time employment and/or parental responsibility)” And replace with: “the advancement of education and in particular the education of older people and those retired from full time work by all means including associated activities conducive to learning and personal development.” Explanation This is the revised wording adopted by The Third Age Trust in their constitution. It is a more up to date explanation of the overall aims and methodology of the U3A movement. In accordance with clause 17 of our constitution we have obtained the written authority of both The Third Age Trust and the Charity Commission to this proposal.
Resolution 2 In Clause 16 iv Notices reduce the percentage figure from 15% to 10% to create a quorum. Explanation A quorum is defined as the number of BU3A members required to be present at an Annual General Meeting or Extraordinary General Meeting to enable any vote taken to be valid. The proposed reduction is for practical purposes and takes into account our increasing membership totals and also the limited capacity at Priory Campus for members to attend.
The current BU3A constitution is on our website and can be accessed by going to the home page and clicking on the “DOCUMENTS” link
If any member wants more information or wishes to comment on these proposals please contact any member of the Executive Committee or the Compliance Officer.
Mike Pease (Compliance Officer)
DATES FOR YOUR DIARY
MARCH 2019 Monday 4th 1.30pm Monthly Meeting at Priory Campus (Magic Group & Spring BUZZ) Thursday 7th 10.00am Penistone Drop-in at St John's Community Centre Friday 15th 10.00am Executive Committee Meeting at Age UK, Queens Road Monday 18th 6.30pm New Members Link Meeting at Priory Campus
APRIL 2019 Monday 1st 1.30pm Monthly Meeting at Priory Campus (Jeff Jacklin ‘It only hurts when I laugh) Thursday 4th 10.00am Penistone Drop-in at St John's Community Centre Monday 15th 6.30pm New Members Link Meeting at Priory Campus Friday 26th 10.00am Executive Committee Meeting at Emmanuel Church
MAY 2019 Thursday 2nd 10.00am Penistone Drop-in at St John's Community Centre Thursday 9th 10.00am Coordinators' Meeting at Priory Campus Monday 13th 1.30pm Monthly Meeting at Priory Campus (BU3A Choir & Flutes Galore) Friday 17th 10.00am Executive Committee at Emmanuel Church
Monday 20th 6.30pm New Members Link Meeting at Priory Campus
JUNE 2019 Monday3rd 1.30pm Monthly Meeting at Priory Campus (AGM / Election of Officers & Summer BUZZ) Thursday 6th 10.00am Penistone Drop-in at St John's Community Centre Monday 17 th 6.30pm New Members Link Meeting at Priory Campus Friday 21st 10.00am Executive Committee at Emmanuel Church
6 BARNSLEY & DISTRICT U3A - 2019 MEMBERSHIP RENEWALS
FULL DETAILS OF THE THREE RENEWALS OPTIONS WERE E-MAILED/POSTED TO ALL MEMBERS IN FEBRUARY
1. PAYMENT ONLINE BY BACS (Bankers' Automated Clearing Services)
For those increasing numbers of you who bank online – we can accept payment securely by BACS direct into our st th Bank Account from 1 April onwards; full details of the account were included in the letter sent on 15 February. We are not giving details of our bank account in the Buzz because the Buzz can be read online worldwide.
USE YOUR NAME AND MEMBERSHIP NUMBER as a reference. Please do not make payment before the 1st April.
2. PAYMENT BY POST
Send a cheque (John MacKinnon’s address is on the February letter) together with the tear-off Renewal Slip confirming your instructions. Cheques should be made payable to BARNSLEY AND DISTRICT U3A and please write your membership number on the back of the cheque.
If convenient, you may send a post-dated cheque (i.e. 1st April) at any time over the forthcoming weeks but please note that it will not be banked prior to 1st April.
3. AT PRIORY CAMPUS, MONDAY 1ST APRIL 12.15 – 14.00
FOR THOSE OF YOU WHO WANT TO RENEW IN PERSON – PLEASE NOTE AS FOLLOWS:
TO EASE THE INEVITABLE QUEUES, WE WILL BE TAKING RENEWALS IN TWO ROOMS.
SURNAMES A - L IN THE ELM ROOM & SURNAMES M – Z IN THE OAK ROOM
YOU WILL NEED TO BRING THE FOLLOWING:
• A COMPLETED RENEWAL SLIP QUOTING YOUR NAME, MEMBERSHIP NUMBER AND THE AMOUNT YOU ARE PAYING • A CHEQUE MADE OUT FOR THE CORRECT AMOUNT PAYABLE TO BARNSLEY & DISTRICT U3A OR • CASH FOR THE CORRECT AMOUNT
IF EVERYONE CO-OPERATES – IT WILL SPEED UP THE PROCESS FOR ALL CONCERNED. SO MANY THANKS IN ADVANCE FOR YOUR HELP.
JOHN MACKINNON MEMBERSHIP SECRETARY
THE FABULOUS NEW BU3A
CHRISTMAS CARD COMPETITION
As we have such fantastic art work being
produced in our many creative groups, the Committee hopes to produce BU3A 2019 Xmas Cards for us to sell for charity.
Submissions by Monday 2nd September (monthly meeting day) for judging by world-class experts. (I bet you Alan Swann’ll get himself on the panel !)
OUR FABULOUS FIRST PRIZE: YOUR PHOTO ON THE FRONT COVER OF THE BUZZ
BEING AWARDED A BU3A BIRO (worth almost 7p) BY ALAN SWANN!
7
WINTER 2018-19 BU3A MONTHLY MEETING PRESENTATIONS at PRIORY CAMPUS
MONDAY 3RD DECEMBER THE MAGNIFICENT SEVEN, THE OLD BLOWERS and A HUGE SENSE OF RELIEF December’s Monthly Meeting was a delight. It has become tradition to have our wonderful Old Blowers for the Xmas meeting but this year we added a new element to the day. They now say that learning and reciting poetry by heart is beneficial for ageing brains. So Alan Swann and Development Officer Beth Rudkin’s joint wish to have a December Meeting structure of carol, poem, carol, poem, carol, poem etc for the afternoon was seized upon and seven magnificent, brave souls went up on stage to recite a poem of their choice.
First up, needless to say, was INDU KUMAR who gave us a perfect Stopping by Woods on a Summer’s Evening by Robert Frost. Indu learnt it at school. It is beautiful. Look it up and recite it for yourself or others.
Next came GLORIA KING who offered us in French! (it’s a good job we’re all dead-cultured francophiles in Barnsley!) Paul Verlaine’s ‘Chant d’Automne’ (Song of Autumn) which, amazingly, she explained, was used as code in the preparations for Operation Overlord, to indicate the start of D-Day. Third up was MARTIN KING who gave us a first-class rendition of W B Yeats’ The Cloths of Heaven. Fourth on was highly-cultured ANTHEA ROBERTSON of our Classical Music and Opera Group who gave us T S Eliot’s ‘Macavity, The Mystery Cat’
‘Willing victim’ no 5 was CHRISTINE PALMER whose double-yummy parkin recipe in the Winter 2018 Buzz caused mayhem in Barnsley supermarkets when hundreds of BU3Aers stripped the shelves of treacle and ginger the day after it appeared in print! I’m not surprised. I digress, SORRY! Christine’s poem was a very poignant and well-delivered One Brown Dog.
Number 6 was MICHAEL ‘MIDGE’ MIDGELY who started by telling us that he had TWO poems! We were all extremely polite not to tell him that we didn’t want TWO, we wanted just the ONE! Luckily he couldn’t remember what the first one was! This didn’t bode well for the second one but suddenly he started and he was BRILLIANT! He recited Loreena McKennitt’s On a Bright May Morning with passion and beauty of voice.
Last but by no means least, was MARION BROWNE with more T S Eliot feline stuff! Her recitation of ‘Skimbleshanks, the Railway Cat’ was truly superb. I simply wrote “Brilliant!” in my notes.
The Old Blowers did their usual brilliant bit with the popular carols as instrumental items and as sing-alongs for us; attractive pictures of the carol titles along with the words of the sing-alongs on the big screen added to the lovely overall effect. The OB’s reputation grows apace because they are quite simply a fun group. Our thanks go to Roy Gamble and all the players for their massive contribution to the afternoon.
The huge sense of relief came from our Chairman not reciting the lengthy poems that he had been threatening us with for weeks on our Facebook page. That saved a lot of falling asleep and snoring, Alan!
So, many thanks! (only joking, Alan, we’d have loved to have heard them. Honest!) 8
MONDAY 7TH JANUARY FROM BEAN TO BAR – THE HISTORY OF CHOCOLATE
With all of us having just consumed over Christmas and the New Year more chocolates than you can shake a stick at and having all made a New Year Resolution to STOP eating chocolate, we see that some bright spark (guess who!) came up with the bright idea of testing our resolve very early. An invitation went out to world-renowned, York-based chocolatier, Andrew Thwaite, pictured, to try to break our iron resolve!
The naughty timing aside, it made for yet another very special Monthly Meeting with the front tables at Priory laden-down with the raw materials and a microwave oven for Andrew to show us what he does rather than just talk about his special passion in life. And what passion he displayed! Here is a man at the very top of his profession so the speed with which he crafted chocolates for BU3A members was amazing! But what came over so clearly as he spoke and worked was the interest and care he feels for those farmers thousands of miles away who produce, often on tiny plots of land, the cocoa pods and beans that enable us to satisfy our desire for high-quality chocolate.
A few years ago, Andrew won a trip to Ghana to visit its cocoa plantations and meet its farmers. The visit was a life-changing experience and he witnessed first-hand the work being done to improve crop yields and farmers’ lives, too. He has since visited Mexico and St Lucia for his specialist work.
Normally, he speaks to audiences of 20-30 so today’s almost 200 BU3Aers were more of a challenge to feed! But there it was, a tray piled high of freshly made chocolates that started its journey in the Chairman’s hands! Need I say more? I certainly didn’t get one! It wasn’t a sensible place to start!
See Page 27 for details of an exciting competition about this Monthly Meeting!!
MONDAY 4TH FEBRUARY BU3A GUITAR GROUP It is wonderful that so many BU3Aers are making music. Today we had the privilege of hearing the Guitar Group, led by Dave Alton.
The Guitar Group was formed 5 years ago by professional guitarist, Keith Leatherbarrow but “he found a woman and disappeared off to Spain!”
Dave told us that the Guitar Group generally play for their own pleasure and this ‘performance’ carried with it no shortage of nerves for some of the newer players. He emphasised that no matter how friendly the audience, music-making is a stressful experience. He is correct, of course, but within seconds of starting, both players and audience knew that this was going to be good! In no time, we were tapping our feet, clapping our hands and singing along to Credence Clearwater Revival’s ‘Bad Moon Rising’, Lennon & McCartney’s ‘Yesterday’ and Johnny Cash’s ‘Walk The Line’. As an instrumental piece, they gave us The Shadows’ ‘Foot Tapper’. Ah! the memories came flooding back!! To full approval, Alan Swann demanded an encore and the surprised guitarists duly obliged. Thank you, Dave. Thank you, happy pluckers!
There is no doubt that the Winter series of talks and performances has been real fun for our lovely, loyal, large audiences 9 BU3A CHRISTMAS DINNER 2018
th Lots and lots of wonderful BU3Aers got ‘dolled up’ for an early Christmas dinner at Burntwood Court on 6 December. I could take up the rest of The Buzz trying to identify them all but I’ll limit myself to just the bottom row of Glenis Gowan, Helen Dew, Trudy Atkinson, Enid Smith, Audrey Eyre and Gill Errington. I think I caught Audrey as she was saying to the wine waiter, “Can I have some more, please, it’s only my third!”
Everyone was sitting round the table as the food was being served. When little Beth received her plate, she started eating straightaway. “Beth, wait until we’ve said our prayer”, her mother reminded her. “I don’t have to”, little Beth replied “Of course you do”, her mother insisted. “We always say a prayer before eating at our house”. “That’s at our house”, Beth said, “but this is grandma’s house and she knows how to cook”
NEW MEMBERS LINK
Our Molly Mannion and Eveline Mirfin (left) were joined by Chairman, Alan Swann, at the January meeting to welcome lots of smiling new members; there’s one or two shy ones hiding behind Molly and Ev! I don’t think we allow shyness in BU3A, Alan, do we? 10 11
TEN OUTSTANDING YEARS OF
BARNSLEY U3A CHOIR
BU3A Chairman, Alan Swann, Accompanist, Irene Hill, and Conductor, Tony Jermy, pose for this photo at the start of the 2018 Christmas Concert at Emmanuel Church.
Fred Helmsley (the Choir’s Stage Manager) looks happy enough with the large Xmas audience waiting for the concert to begin.
The only possible way to start this report on the Choir is to offer two names: Tony Jermy and Irene Hill. These two superb musicians are a team who devote huge amounts of their time to running three choirs for the local community. Week after week, month after month, year after year, they have led our BU3A Choir as well as the Thurnscoe Harmonic Male Voice Choir (now in its 96th year of existence) and the Wombwell Choir.
Quite remarkably, wonderful Irene is now in her 67th year (that is NOT a typing error!) as accompanist of the multi-award-winning Thurnscoe choir. She is the personification of commitment and devotion to choral music in Barnsley. The members of the BU3A choir and her audiences everywhere are constantly amazed by her drive and skill at the keyboard.
Tony is a superb conductor and singer; he handles the choir with patience and care but demands high standards and achieves splendid performances. Given that the BU3A choir does not hold formal auditions and many of the singers have little or no previous history of singing in a choir or of music theory, it is a tremendous accomplishment. But Tony’s musicianship goes much further; when he sings a solo with his choirs, it is almost inevitable that there will be greater applause for that song than for any other item on the programme; he sings with feeling, sincerity and a magnificent voice.
There were originally 49 BU3A members who met on the 17th February, 2009, in the Lower Hall of Emmanuel Church. Of those 49, the following are still choir members: Tony & Jean Jermy, Irene Hill, Catherine Alderson, Judith Bisset, Olive & Peter Brookes, Margaret Cooper, John Dawson, Pat Dawson, Hilary Dobson, Fred Helmsley, Betty Hirst, Margaret Hirst, Sheila Irving, Brenda & Roy Marsden (Roy now on refreshments with Eric Cooper), Hazel Orange, Margaret Rowbotham, Sue Rowley, Pat Seymour and Annette Sutill. Nineteen of them are pictured on the front cover of this Buzz and on these two pages. 12 Ten years to the very day, 17th February, 2019, the choir celebrated its 10th Birthday with a dinner at Burntwood Court. To reach this milestone is a splendid achievement that demonstrates a highly committed and disciplined approach by all concerned. Original members remain, as we have seen, and there has often been a waiting list for places. Choir members all know that the element of fun and enjoyment that should permeate every single meeting of every BU3A group is simply not enough to satisfy themselves or their audiences. Alongside the fun of it all on Tuesday afternoons, comes that discipline that music requires; patience while other sections practise their parts and willingness to learn some difficult music. The Choir’s two main concerts in August and December are at its home, Emmanuel Church, on Wilthorpe Road, but it receives many requests to sing elsewhere in Barnsley and beyond; many of these are for good causes and we like to respond positively to such requests. At the Anniversary dinner, with our ‘top brass’ invited guests, Sue Stokes and Max Senior, Tony’s speech centred on the people, past and present, who have enabled him to become such a respected leader of this choir; pianists, especially Irene, arranger Neil Stones, coordinators, librarians, wardrobe mistresses, treasurers, stage-hands, the list goes on and on. He thanked his wife, Jean, who has unfailingly and magnificently helped and supported him in this massive, decade-long achievement; this sentiment brought immediate applause from the room. Tony recalled memorable moments of the past ten years, singing in churches, chapels, theatres, colleges, community centres, Wentworth Castle, Oakwell football ground, a shopping centre, even a car showroom. The planning of so many concerts must be exhausting in itself. He proposed a toast to the BU3A Choir and received the ovation that he deserves. Hazel Orange, on behalf of everyone there, thanked Tony in a brief but pertinent vote of thanks. Sue Stokes thanked the Choir as a whole for being outstanding ambassadors for BU3A and then gave to every member of the choir a beautiful music-file charm that she had made herself! A wonderful gesture. It rounded off a memorable afternoon.
Gifted musician Neil Stones, the arranger of much music that the BU3A choir sings, is also its Assistant Conductor and Assistant Accompanist. Neil was a child chorister at Dodworth Methodist Chapel but became, also, its organist and choirmaster. After national service, he was conductor of the Dodworth MVC until 1973 when he joined nationally renowned Bolsterstone MVC as Assistant Conductor, and that year they won the Welsh Eisteddfod! From there in 1998 to Cawthorne Choral Society where a friend said he should audition for the world-famous Huddersfield Choral Society.
He recalls that audition day, sitting in front of the basses and their sound at the opening of Verdi’s Requiem was “shattering” and “blew me away!” He passed his audition and sang with them for 20 brilliant years until 2018.
Eight more of the original 2009 choir who are still there! Here’s to the next ten years!
13 THE STRINGALONGS AND THEIR ANTIPODEAN FANS!!!
We were thrilled to receive just before Christmas the following email from our U3A friends in New Zealand. Barbara Adams’ email is about our own fabulous BU3A ‘anthem’ played by the Stringalongs and it is a timely reminder that EVERY BU3aer should watch it at least once a week on our website. It is on the WELCOME page and is TOTALLY BRILLIANT! Well done, Sheila and the Stringalongs! World fame, at long last!
Hullo to everyone at Barnsley U3A. I belong to a U3A group in Tawa, a northern suburb of Wellington, New Zealand. One of our members saw your ukulele group anthem on the web and sent it to members of our own ukulele group, pictured here on the left. I love seeing the fun that you are having in England and we have played it several times. Well done! We started learning last year and meet each week in our public library where readers sometimes clap or jig as we play our tunes. With thanks from across the world. Barbara Adams
That is fabulous, Barbara. Thank you so much! Greetings to Tawa U3A from Barnsley U3A
THE STRINGALONGS Sheila Metcalfe
The Stringalongs ukulele group continues to be a very successful and well-attended group and we are busy now learning new material for our forthcoming gigs as most venues ask us back and we like to sing new songs if we can, along with some of the old favourites. We have already got 10 bookings for this year!
We recently held our annual New Year celebration lunch at The Boatman’s Rest in Worsborough. It’s a super venue for our group as they have a private function area, so that after our meal we play our ukuleles for a couple of hours. Other diners enjoyed listening to us and asked if we went every week!
We played a game where three couples competed against each other to see who could successfully parcel up a ukulele. Sounds easy? Not with one hand behind your back! There was much hilarity sticking sellotape and trying to tie a bow but the winning couple according to the clapometer were Steve and Linda Wild (see photo). They had a good afternoon as they also won the quiz on a tiebreak question and a raffle prize! A match made in heaven in my opinion! Can’t wait for next year to do it all again!
WALKING NETBALL Beth Rudkin (on contact list, of course)
Well, we're all into walking this and that, aren't we. So, how about this: Walking Netball
It's a bit fashionable in our U3A to play walking sports. Do you fancy walking netball?
We have had the offer of a court and some posts at the Dorothy Hyman Centre.
Will you contact me (Beth) if you are even just a little bit interested. After all, it has all the joys of playing a game and a bit of exercise without all that stuff of googlies and things. 14
Flix is on the first and third Fridays of the month at 6pm at the Priory Campus. The only charges are the £1 blue box fee and 20p towards the cost of films. We have fish and chips for those who want it; if you don't want it, that's fine. Optional extras are 25p for a cuppa, plus whatever you have from the chippy. Friday 15TH March: ALL THE MONEY IN THE WORLD Cast: Michelle Williams, Mark Wahlberg, Timothy Hutton, Christopher Plummer Director: Ridley Scott Storyline: Follows the kidnapping of 16-year-old John Paul Getty III (Charlie Plummer) and the desperate attempt by his devoted mother Gail (Michelle Williams) to convince his billionaire grandfather (Christopher Plummer) to pay the ransom. When Getty Sr. refuses, Gail attempts to sway him as her son’s captors become increasingly volatile and brutal. With her son’s life in the balance, Gail and Getty’s advisor (Mark Wahlberg) become unlikely allies in the race against time that ultimately reveals the true and lasting value of love over money. Genre: Crime, Drama, True Story Friday 5th April : MAMMA MIA! HERE WE GO AGAIN Cast: Amanda Seyfried, Meryl Streep, Colin Firth, Pierce Brosnan, Lily James, Cher Director: Ol Parker Storyline: A return to the magical Greek island of Kalokairi in an all-new original musical based on the songs of ABBA. The film goes back and forth in time to show how relationships forged in the past resonate in the present. Lily James plays Young Donna, Donna is played by Meryl Streep. Genre: Musical, Romance, Sequel
Friday 19th April: NO FILM
GOOD FRIDAY HAPPY EASTER EVERYONE
Friday 3rd May: I, TONYA Cast: Margot Robbie, Allison Janney, Sebastian Stan, Julianne Nicholson, Caitlin Carver Director: Craig Gillespie Storyline: Based on unbelievable but true events, I, Tonya is the tale of American figure skater Tonya Harding and one of the most sensational scandals in sports history. Though Harding was the first American woman to complete a triple axel in competition, her legacy has forever been defined by her association with an infamous, ill-conceived and worse-executed attack on fellow Olympic competitor Nancy Kerrigan. Genre: Biography, Drama, Sport Friday 17th May: ANOTHER MOTHER’S SON Cast: Jenny Seagrove, John Hannah, Julian Kostov, Ronan Keating Director: Christopher Menaul Storyline: Based on the true story of Louisa Gould, the drama is set during World War II on the Nazi-occupied island of Jersey. Lou took in an escaped Russian POW and hid him over the war's course. The tension mounts as it becomes clear that Churchill will not risk an assault to recapture the British soil, and the island-community spirit begins to fray under pressures of hunger, occupation and divided loyalty. Against this backdrop, Lou fights to preserve her family's sense of humanity and to protect the Russian boy as if he was her own. Genre: Biography/Drama/War
Friday 7th June: MISSION IMPOSSIBLE - FALLOUT Cast: Tom Cruise, Rebecca Ferguson, Vanessa Kirby, Simon Pegg, Henry Cavill, Alec Baldwin Director: Christopher McQuarrie Storyline: Mission: Impossible - Fallout finds Ethan Hunt (Tom Cruise) and his IMF team (Alec Baldwin, Simon Pegg, Ving Rhames) along with some familiar allies (Rebecca Ferguson, Michelle Monaghan) in a race against time after a mission gone wrong. Genre: Action, Adventure, Sequel
15 GIGANTIC FLIX@6 FILMS AUCTION The following films, all of which have been shown at FLIX@6 are to be auctioned off at the APRIL MONTHLY MEETING. If you are interested in any of these but will not be able to attend the meeting, please feel free to submit your highest bid by email to: [email protected]
FILM CAST GENRE SHOWN Kenneth Branagh, Tom Hardy, Harry Styles, DUNKIRK Mark Rylance, Fionn Whitehead Action, Historical, War 06.04.18 THE LIGHT BETWEEN Michael Fassbender, Alicia Vikander, OCEANS Rachel Weisz Drama, Adaptation 20.04.18 GOING IN STYLE Morgan Freeman, Michael Caine, Alan Arkin Comedy, Crime 04.05.18 Chadwick Boseman, Josh Gad, MARSHALL Sterling K Brown, Kate Hudson Drama, True Story 18.05.18 Britt Robertson, KJ Apa, John Ortiz, A DOG’S PURPOSE Dennis Quaid, Josh Gad Drama, Adaptation 01.06.18 PASSENGERS Jennifer Lawrence, Chris Pratt Sci-Fi 15.06.18 WONDER Julia Roberts, Owen Wilson, Jacob Tremblay Comedy, Drama 06.07.18 MARK FELT Liam Neeson, Diane Lane Drama, Thriller, Spy 20.07.18 VICTORIA & ABDUL Judy Dench, Ali Fazal Drama, True Story 03.08.18 Andrew Garfield, Claire Foy, Tom Hollander, BREATHE Hugh Bonneville Drama 17.08.08 Kate Mara, Ramon Rodriguez, Tom Felton, REX Bradley Whitford Biography, Drama, War 07.09.18 Gary Oldman, John Hurt, Lily James, DARKEST HOUR Kristen Scott Thomas, Ben Mendelsohn Drama, War 21.09.18 THE POST Meryl Streep, Tom Hanks Drama, True Story 05.10.18 THE HITMAN’S Ryan Reynolds, Samuel L Jackson, BODYGUARD Gary Oldman, Salma Hakey Action, Comedy 19.10.18 Chris Evans, McKenna Grace, Lindsay Duncan, GIFTED Jenny Slate, Octavia Spencer Drama 02.11.18 Diane Keaton, Jane Fonda, Candice Berger, Comedy, Drama, THE BOOK CLUB Mary Steenburgen Romance 16.11.18 Action, Adventure, DEATH WISH Bruce Willis, Elisabeth Shue, Camila Morrone Thriller 07.12.18 Tom Cruise, Domhnall Gleeson, Crime, Thriller, True AMERICAN MADE Sarah Wright, Jesse Plemons Story 21.12.18 Maxine Peake, Paddy Considine, FUNNY COW Tony Pitts, Stephen Graham, Alun Armstrong Comedy, Drama 04.01.19 THE GUERNSEY Lily James, Michiel Huisman, Glen Powell, LITERARY AND Jessica Brown Findlay, POTATO PEEL Katherine Parkinson, Matthew Goode, Drama, Adaptation, PIE SOCIETY Tom Courtenay & Penelope Wilton Historical 18.01.19 Comedy, Drama, THE LEISURE SEEKER Helen Mirren, Donald Sutherland Adaptation 15.02.19 LEAVE NO TRACE Ben Foster, Thomasin Harcourt McKenzie Drama 01.03.19 ALL THE MONEY IN THE Michelle Williams, Christopher Plummer, Crime, Drama, True WORLD Mark Wahlberg Story 15.03.19
16 THE BURNS NIGHT PARTY
On the 25th January, we gathered together in celebration of the life and works of Rabbie Burns. We watched as the Haggis was piped in and then addressed by Joe Corrigan. Following dinner, Peter Saxton shared with us some of the lesser known facts about Rabbie in his Immortal Memory address. Derek Bacon raised a humorous toast to “The Lassies” and Sue Stokes replied in rhyming couplets toasting the “Laddies”. Mary Melling followed with a beautiful rendition of the “Star of Rabbie Burns”. Then on with the country dancing to the music of Bracken Rigg. Max Senior, our compere, brought the evening to an end and applauded another happy event, with music, good food, witty speeches and dancing.
Five stars of the evening: Sue Stokes, Pat Goodall, Beth Rudkin, Mary Melling & Jacqui MacKinnon.
I was in BDGH waiting for an X-ray. I was just waiting my turn, when the lad next to me says: “Fair fa’ yer honest sonsie face! Great Chieftain o’ the puddin race!” I turned in disbelief to the woman sat on my other side and she said: “Wee, sleekit, cow’rin, tim’rous beastie, O, what a panic’s in thy breastie!”
Shocked, I said to the doctor walking past, “Sorry, mate, but is this the bloomin’ psychiatric
ward or summat?”
He says, “No, sorry, pal, this is the Burns Unit”
POSH PUDS Chrissie White/Helen Webber
The next 6 sessions of Posh Puds will start on Thursday 25th April, from 2.00pm to 4.00pm, and take place on consecutive weeks. An interest list will be placed on the notice board at the Monthly meetings on March 4th and April 8th. Alternatively you can contact one of the coordinators – Chrissie White or Helen Webber (telephone numbers on the contact list), if you are interested in making delicious desserts and would like to join the group. As the group takes place in a private house, the venue will only be disclosed to interested members. 17
A portrait of BU3A’s DON SMITH
When I told Don Smith that I was going to write a pen-portrait of him, he reacted in the way that the modest members of BU3A tend to do; “There’s nothing worth writing about me”. Three days later, I had read through ‘Don Smith: A Tribute at 80’, a beautifully produced book, compiled in words and photos by his two wonderful, proud and supportive daughters, Alison and Traysi, and I knew that I was right in my judgement and that he was wrong. I got to the end of the book and, having reviewed his life so far, said to myself, “That’s a good way to do it, Don!” His daughters, who both now live and work in Holland and keep him busy flying out to see them several times a year, wrote in their tribute book, “Bank Managers aren’t really known for being colourful or multi-faceted characters but, Dad, you broke that mould. Apart from your ability to be the world’s best dad for us two, many others have been touched by your infectious and positive outlook on life and countless others frequently reduced to a giggling heap by your quick wit and unending repertoire of terrible jokes”. Don has filled his life with people: Mary, family, friends, business clients, acquaintances. There is in him the man who has taken the ‘safe’, self-disciplined route that enables us to provide a haven for those dependent on us, but he possesses still, at the age of 86, a remarkable presence and vivacity. His strong personality comes from a self-confidence built upon a passion for playing many sports, from entertaining others, from world-wide travel (at Niagara Falls, (right)), and from being a caring but firm manager of people. In his working life, Don rose up through the ranks as Manager of Yorkshire Bank in Barnoldswick, Chapeltown and Barnsley. Told one day by Yorkshire Bank Head Office to get his photograph taken, he appeared shortly after as the handsome face of Yorkshire Bank in their newspaper advertisements. In 1987, he was elected President of the Sheffield Branch of the Institute of Bankers and a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Bankers. Don’s sporting prowess at football, cricket, golf and cross-country running is impressive; he recounts tale after tale of special personal moments, scoring important goals and runs and birdies in matches and competitions throughout the north of England and names of the ‘greats’ he has met as player and supporter roll off his tongue: Boycott, Trueman, Bairstow, Bird, Parkinson ….. A favourite story he told me: “It was the day of the school cross country competition; the other runners weren’t eating their school pudding that day, so I thought ‘waste not, want not’ and ate my own portion and my friends’ helpings as well. I set off running at a sprinter’s pace and thought, well, at least I can say I was in the lead at one point, fully expecting the top runners to pass me at any moment. This never happened and I won the race, surprising myself more than anyone. Instead of breaking the ribbon and waiting to collect the trophy, I ran through the ribbon, straight around the back of the school and promptly threw up three servings of spotted dick! But I won the cup!”
A very good singer, Don retains his lovely bass voice and sings for the BU3A Choir and for Thurnscoe Harmonic Male Voice Choir. In his early years, he was often ‘on show’; as a choirboy at Kimberworth Church, then as an actor at Rotherham Rep. Later on, he ‘fronted’ a 30-piece big band as vocalist and at every opportunity since, from variety show to karaoke evenings, he would be up there on stage, demonstrating that he can sing a Sinatra or Perry Como song as well as they could themselves. BU3A is an important element in his life now because like many others, (see Sandra Booth’s story in the Winter 2018 Buzz), he knows the torment of losing a cherished partner. Don talks often of the painful loss of Mary in 2009 and after 51 years of partnership, it was a shattering blow that required great inner strength to bear and survive. The ‘Tribute’ book contains many photos of this handsome couple, of him as dad and “daft grandad” (left). Don joined BU3A in 2010, the year after Mary’s death, and went to a number of groups. Nowadays, he is there at every Choir rehearsal and concert, at Thursday night Canasta, at the Monday Monthly Meeting and, unsurprisingly, due to his ready wit and love of humour, was a member of Gelotology. He contributed several cartoons and the article ‘UP’ to the Winter 2018 Buzz.
Barnsley U3A is privileged to have you as a member, Don. 18 Summer School Live – Laugh – Learn 5th – 8th August 2019 The Hawkhills, Easingwold www.thehawkhills.com
Have you started thinking about what you’ll be up to next summer?
Our 2017 Summer School at The Hawkhills Conference Centre was such a huge success, we’re offering you the opportunity to join us at our 2019 Residential Event!
The Hawkhills is a perfect place to run our Summer School
Set off the A19 just south of Easingwold and set within a 240 acre estate, the venue boasts well-appointed conference facilities and a reputation for first class cuisine as well as a cosy bar, relaxing lounge and conservatory areas. The modern accessible accommodation block provides comfortable, hotel style double en- suite bedrooms with all amenities, and the magnificent landscaped gardens open out onto woods with waymarked walks.
Course Topics to choose from: Landscape Painting Festivals and Creative Tourism Literature Climate Change Art History Philosophy Magic Tricks & Skills Jewellery Making
There’ll be an optional sing-along before dinner. Experience not necessary!
Costs for our 3-night top class residential Summer School Full Board Delegate £380 Day Delegate £190
** We are pleased to offer this year’s event at the same price as last time **
More information, including preliminary course details, are available on yahru3a.co.uk Booking can be made from early January Follow the links to Events then Summer School 2019. The aim of our Summer School is to: 1. Provide members with new learning opportunities 2. Enable our members to explore a topic your U3A may not be able to offer 3. Enable delegates, in a magnificent setting, to share time out with other U3A members from across the region and beyond.
HOT NEWS re CURRY NIGHTS
Sadly, Trudy and Colin Atkinson are retiring as Coordinators of Curry Nights. If anyone is interested in taking over Curry Nights and wants to know more about doing this, please feel free to ring us, our number is on the contact list.
This is a great opportunity to satisfy the requirements of our many gourmet members and, in line with our Privacy Policy (see Page 42), the new Coordinator(s) will not have to sign a fresh naan-disclosure agreement.
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VENUE BUS STAND AGE UK BARNSLEY, 36a Queens Road, Barnsley S71 1AR
ALDER CLOSE COMMUNITY CENTRE: Off Longsight Road, Mapplewell S75 6JA 1 10
ARDSLEY BOWLING CLUB: Coronation Terrace, Off Doncaster Rd, Ardsley S715BE 219 21
ARDSLEY OAKS WMC: 680 Doncaster Rd, Ardsley, Barnsley S71 5EF 219 21
BARNSLEY BOWL: Carlton Road, Barnsley S71 2AZ 12 8
BIRDWELL COMMUNITY CENTRE: Rockingham Street, Birdwell S70 5TQ 2 / 66 / 67 1
BURTON GRANGE COMMUNITY CENTRE: Wike Road, Lundwood S71 5LT 32 16
CUDWORTH METHODIST CHURCH: Barnsley Road, Cudworth, Barnsley, S72 8SU 27 16
DARTON PARISH HALL: Church St, Darton, Barnsley S75 5HF 93 5
DODWORTH LIBRARY: High Street, Dodworth, Barnsley, S75 3RF 22 4
DODWORTH MINERS WELFARE CLUB: High Street, Dodworth, Barnsley S75 3RF 22 4
EMMANUEL CHURCH: Huddersfield Road, Barnsley S75 1DT 95 5
KING STREET FLATS: Waltham Street, Barnsley, S70 1JU 22X / 6 18 / 17
MANOR COURT COMMUNITY CENTRE: Westend Ave, Royston, Barnsley S71 4LN 57 13
MONK BRETTON METHODIST CHURCH: High St, Monk Bretton, Barnsley S71 2PJ 57 13
PENISTONE BOWLING CLUB: Back Lane, Penistone S36 6DW 22 4
POLLYFOX COMMUNITY CENTRE, Pollyfox Way, Dodworth S75 3QR 22 4
PRIORY CAMPUS: Pontefract Road, Lundwood, Barnsley S71 5PN 27 17
ST JOHN’S COMMUNITY CENTRE: Church St, Penistone S36 6AR 22 4
ST THOMAS’S COMMUNITY CENTRE: Church St, Gawber, Barnsley S75 2RJ 92 / 93 4
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH: Doncaster Road, Barnsley, S70 3HA 6/22X/218/21 18 / 19
STOCKSBRIDGE LEISURE CENTRE: Moorland Drive, Stocksbridge, S36 1EG 23 5
STAIRFOOT CONSTITUTIONAL CLUB: 466 Doncaster Road, Barnsley S70 3PW 222/226/X19 18 / 19
TESCOs: Wombwell Lane, Stairfoot, Barnsley S70 3NS 22X 18
VALLEY COMMUNITY CENTRE: Manor Road, Cudworth, Barnsley S72 8DG 27 15
WESLEYAN REFORM CHURCH: Spark Lane, Mapplewell S75 6AA 1 10
WOMBWELL METHODIST CHURCH: Summer Lane, Wombwell, Barnsley S73 8HE 22 18
WORSBROUGH BRIDGE SOCIAL CLUB: 3 Walbrook, Worsbrough Bridge S70 5EJ 66 2
WORSBROUGH LIBRARY: Elm House Estate, Queensway, Worsbrough S70 5EN. 66 2
Every effort is made to ensure this information is up to date and correct.
Any errors or changes please notify the Buzz team on [email protected] or speak to them at a monthly meeting. For further information contact BTI on 01226 213313 or Traveline on 01709 515151
25
STITCHES
Suzanne Dinsdale (Coordinator)
This year the Stitches Group undertook two very different Christmas projects. When we saw the sample Storybooks createdGet by the leaders of this project, Jean Williams and Judith Hunt, I think we were all daunted by the challenge. The title for the project was ‘Christmas’ and under Jean and Judith’s step by step detailed instruction we were able to produce , as you can see, some amazing embroidered examples.
The second project was Christmas Fairies led by Sandra Fitt. They all ended up very different and all with characters of their own !
I was getting My friend annoyed with my composes songs about sewing sewing project. My machines. husband didn’t help She's a Singer when he said, songwriter! "You seamstressed!"
Each of the storybooks (below, left) folds out like the example below. That’s some very impressive work going on at Stitches, is it not?
YOGA AND MEDITATION Beth Rudkin
Now, here's the really good news. Someone offering Yoga and Meditation!
I can't tell you how many times we have been asked for a yoga group over the years. My answer has always been that we don't have anyone qualified to teach it.
Now, straight from heaven, we have one. A new member, Joy Nicholson, is proposing to run Yoga and Meditation. Isn't that wonderful. She tells me that you will need a mat to lie on (a sheepskin one if you want real comfort) and a cushion. And you will need loose and comfortable clothing and half a litre of water. There, that's not difficult, is it.
It will probably be at Birdwell, although that is yet to be arranged. Likewise, the day and time is yet to be decided. But for the time being, we just want to know how many people would be interested in such a group. So, will you contact me (Beth) if you have a passing interest in such a group. Or contact Joy herself if you have any queries about it. Her email address is: [email protected]
It would/will be a brilliant group! (You can say that again! ed.) Oh Ok! It would/will be a brilliant group! 26
GET CREATIVE Saturday 11th – Sunday 19th May 2019
The 2019 ‘Get Creative’ Festival shines a light on all the great cultural activity that takes place right across the UK on a regular basis and encourages people to try their hand at something new and creative. This huge national celebration of creativity aims to give everyone the chance to get actively involved in a creative event in their local area. This is a perfect opportunity for Coordinators of our many superb “creative” groups to think about how to promote your group and BU3A.
Go to the Get Creative website and see what it is all about. If you plan an event please let us know: [email protected]
It was a very pleasant surprise to open the December U3A Newsletter that many of us receive via email to find that our London Headquarters had clearly had a read through the Winter 2018 Buzz, given to them by Sue Stokes, because they decided to reprint the Buzz article on our wonderful Indu Kumar! The article was shortened a little and they added a different photo of Indu in full Christmas garb, getting ready for Santa. Indu’s fame is spreading! Well done, Indu! You all now see how famous you can become if you have an article about you in The Buzz!
ITALIAN ITALIANO ITALIAN ITALIANO Betha Rudkina (see, Italian’s dead easy)
So how about learning a bit of Italian?
Ron Cooper plans to hold a beginners' class, at St Thomas' Church, Gawber, on the second and fourth Monday of each month. He has books and cds and cassettes, and is eager to teach us.
It will probably start in March, and initially will be for about 6 to 8 sessions. Of course if there is a demand to go on...
Please give Ron a call on 01226 950540 if you are even a bit interested. Places will be limited, so don't delay.
WELCOME TO OUR NEW AND EXCITING PHOTO CAPTION COMPETITION All you have to do to win the coveted prize of a BU3A biro (worth at least 8p) is work out what these two starving men are thinking.
The Spring 2019 Buzz photo competition features BU3A Chairman, Alan Swann, and Vice-Chairman, Ernest Bradley, at the January Monthly Meeting being offered first ‘go’ at a tray of Andrew Thwaite chocolates.
Your amusing and/or naughty thoughts, please, to BU3A Facebook page or by email to [email protected]
27 CLASSICAL STUDIES 1 (Fridays) Coordinator: Jeremy Dinsdale CLASSICAL STUDIES 2 (Tuesdays) (how utterly brilliant to have TWO Classical Studies groups in BU3A!)
Our two Classical Studies groups have been running for a few years now. We explore the culture and history of both Greeks and Romans using their literature and art and linking it wherever possible to the present day.
The evidently very happy Friday group (pictured) had just finished reading the story of Cephalus and Procris.
Who are Cephalus and Procris, I hear you ask. Well, how much do you trust your partner and would you test their loyalty? Cephalus did, with fatal results. There is a lovely painting of a part of this myth in Hovingham Hall in North Yorkshire and another one in the National Gallery.
Both groups also spend a bit of each session doing some Latin. Research indicates doing a language in our later years is a good way of keeping the brain active!
GADGETS Beth Rudkin
Here we go again. A few gadgets to sort out?
Vanda Outram is our gadget person. Not tv’s or washing machines - though she says she's a dab hand at plumbing.
Vanda is currently giving a short course at Emmanuel Church on phones, tablets, bits of electronic this and
that. She knows her stuff, does Vanda. So, people turned up with all those things our grandchildren give us - hopefully. “There you go, Grandad, it's easy. Now we can keep in touch with you.”
Except that you're not quite sure how to switch the thing on... If you are interested, do give Vanda a call. She might just run another course soon.
CAMPERVAN AND CARAVAN A SPECIAL BIT OF ZEN PHILOSOPHY?
Don't walk behind me, for I may not lead.
Don't walk ahead of me, for I may not follow.
Just walk beside me and remain quiet.
Or even better, just *** off.
NOW, A BIT OF MUCH NEEDED BUDDHISM
Why do Buddhists only ever drink Now, this photo sent in to [email protected] has got Alan Swann more than a bit baffled! horrible tea? These, I am told, are all members, not of our Zen Philosophy Group (we don’t have a Zen Because all Philosophy Group, do we, Beth? Philosophy in Barnsley?), but of the thoughtful Campervan and Caravan Group!!! Not a caravan in sight! Explanations, please, to Alan Swann, NOT to the editor proper tea is theft. 28 TUESDAY WALKS Co-ordinators: Helen and Syd Swift (email: [email protected]. Tel: 01226 385454)
All walks will meet at 09:45 for a 10.00 start and will be approximately 5 to 6 miles long. We estimate that they will be completed by 13:00. The walks vary in severity so please do check with the leader if you have any concerns about suitability. There is usually a nearby refreshment venue if members wish to socialise after the walk. Unfortunately, we have reached full capacity and are unable to take new members at this present time.
2019 dates MEETING PLACE WALKING AREA LEADER(S) 26 March The Crown, Ludwell Close, Doncaster Rd, Barnburgh, DN5 7JQ. Denaby Ings Lynda and Dave Refreshments: The Crown
9 April Cawthorne Village Hall, Tivy Dale, S75 4EH. Park on road outside Cawthorne and Carmel Village Hall. Refreshments: Local Café Hoyland
23 April Meet at Village Green in the middle of High Ackworth, near St Ackworth and Pam and Dot Cuthbert’s Church WF7 7EL. Refreshments: Garden Centre East Hardwick
7 May Rose and Crown Barnsley Rd, Hoylandswaine, Sheffield S36 7HA Hoylandswaine Pauline Rowland Refreshments: Rose and Crown
21 May The Red Lion Country Inn, Park Road, Worsborough, Worsborough Alan and Pat Barnsley S70 SL1 Refreshments: Red Lion
4 June Skelmanthorpe Junior FC Car Park, Smithy Lane, Skelmanthorpe, Skelmanthorpe Helen and Syd HD8 9DE (In the middle of the village look for the football club sign on the left and turn up Smithy Lane) Refreshments: Local
18 June Parsonage Farm Car Park, Townend, Deepcar S36 2UT Dragon Wood, Sheila Refreshments: Local Stocksbridge
2 July Coach Trip to Ashford in the Water /Monsal Trail, Peak District Monsal Trail Lynda and Dave National Park, Derbyshire, Travel Details to be provided. and Tunnel
HAPPY FEET (THURSDAYS) Date Leader Time Meeting Place Walk 4th April Ann 10.30 15 Timothywood Avenue, From Haygreen Lane across to Birdwell, S70 5RX Shortwood and Worsbrough Village’ Eatery to be announced. 18th April Bren 10.30 Park on Droppingwell Road Walking by Thundercliffe Grange. (Service Road), Rotherham Lunch at The Dropping Well S61 2DJ 2nd May Ann 10.45 Leave on X17 or if you prefer Walking by canal. Lunch at the to drive, meet at Source Quay Basin, then either walk back Boulevard, S9 1EA, or catch the tram. opposite Debenhams
16th May Sue 10.30 Park at car park next to Round the Fleets then down to trail. Wickes car park Lunch at The Mill of The Black Monk, then return 30th May Betty & 10.30 Meet at Pugneys car park, Walking from there and then lunch John WF2 7BN at one of the many eateries. 13th J Diane 11.00 Meet at Post Office pub, Walk in Bretton Park. S75 4DE Lunch at Post Office
27th June Ev & 10.30 Waterton Trail, meet at Walking from there. Bring a picnic. Ronnie Anglers Country Park, Follow the leaders so we don’t get lost. Wintersett, WF4 2EB
29 THURSDAY WALKS Jean Potter
Date Meeting Place Walk area Distance Leaders March 7th Langsett Barn Langsett 5/6 Andy/ Margaret March 21st Heath Grange CP (Wakefield) Aire and Calder Canal 6 Les April 4th Winscar CP Winscar Reservoir 6 David / Di April18th Oughtibridge Park Birley Edge /GrenoWood 6 Rae May 2nd New Mill /Holmfirth Junction S New Mill circular 5.25 John /Sue 616/635 GR SE163088 (Hepworth) May 16th Bagger Wood CP Circular 6 Jean/Pat May 30th Oughtibridge Park (roadside) Bradfield 8 Denise/Mick June 6th Bradfield CP Bradfield / Dungworth 6 Pat/Jean June 20th Todmorden day trip Details to be announced Andy
THURSDAY LONGER WALKS
2019 Dates Leader Meeting Place Walking Area Miles
14th March Brian Meet for 10:00 start at Heatherdene Win Hill Pike & 10 ‘A’ Walk $ Smyth car park (fee payable). Crook Hill Grid Ref. 202 859 28th March David Meet for 10:00 start at car park Thurgoland round 9 ‘B’ Walk Leadbeater next to Waggon & Horses, Oxspring Grid Ref. 272 019
11th April KESWICK KESWICK KESWICK 25th April Les Meet for 10:00 start at Locke Park Stainborough area 9 ‘B’ Walk Walshaw car park. Grid Ref. 336 052 9th May Margaret Meet for 10:00 start at lay by at Lost Lad/ 10 ‘A’ Walk $ Atkinson Cutthroat Bridge car park. Derwent Edge Grid Ref. 216 875 23rd May John Meet for 10:00 start at NT Mam Tor Peak Forest, Dam & 10 & 12 ‘B’ Walk Sands car park. Monks Dales, return Grid Ref. 124 832 by Limestone Way 13th June Dave Meet for 10:00 start at Crowden Crowden & Chew 10 ‘A’ Walk $ Allaway car park. Valley moors Grid Ref. 072 992 27th June Mick Meet for 10:00 start at Calton Lees Calton Lees, Rowsley, 9 & 11 ‘B’ Walk Mosforth car park (fee payable). Bakewell, Edensor Grid Ref. 257 682
$ = For more details contact the Walk Leader/see our Facebook Group
Editor’s great advice for all our wonderful walkers: If you’re out on your walk and you come to a fork in the path, STOP! It must be lunchtime!
30 THURSDAY BUS PASS WALKERS
This list uses timetables available at time of going to print but routes and timings can change at short notice. If an alternative walk has to be submitted, it will use a bus journey from the original meeting place at the same meeting time. In case of inclement weather, please telephone early either Marjorie Wallace (723399) or Anne Swann (241200). It is recommended that good footwear be worn and, if required, the use of one or two walking poles. It is also advisable to bring a drink and a piece of energy food with you. DATE LEADER DETAILS 7 March Anne Swann & Meet at Barnsley Bus Station for 10.25 bus, route 226, stand 18, to Stairfoot 2019 Marj Wallace Tesco. Walk to Old Moor Bird Sanctuary along TPT via Wombwell. Refreshments available at Old Moor Cafe. Return buses from Pontefract Road, Brampton, on the hour and half hour. (5 miles)
21 March Marj Wallace & Meet at Barnsley Bus Station for 10.20 am bus, route 59, stand 13 to Royston. Anne Swann Walk from Royston alongside TPT and bridleways to Newmillerdam (4-5 miles). Refreshments available from various cafes at the dam. Return buses to Barnsley at 38 minutes past the hour. 4 April Marilyn Meet at Barnsley Train Station for 10.30 am slow train to Woodlesford. Plimmer (Recommend early arrival in order to purchase train ticket). A level walk alongside canal to Leeds (5 miles). Refreshments available in Leeds before returning to Barnsley either on train or by X10 express bus
18 April Anne Swann & Meet at Barnsley Train Station Ticket Office at 9.45 am in order to purchase Marj Wallace ticket for 10.03 Huddersfield Train on Platform 2 to Dodworth. Follow footpath from station to Silkstone Golf Course. Walk along the edge of Hugset Wood to Barnby Furnace then follow bridleway to Pot House Hamlet where refreshments are available. Buses to return to Barnsley. (5 miles)
2 May Anne Swann & Meet at Barnsley Bus Station for 10.36 bus, route 27, stand 14, to Brierley. Marj Wallace Walk from Grange Road to path around boundary of former Willowgarth School to Addey Bottoms. Continue on to The Dell Nature Reserve, then towards Brierley Manor and Burntwood Sports Centre and then head to Brierley village. (4.5 miles). Return buses from Brierley at 52 minutes past the hour.
16 May Marj Wallace & Meet at Barnsley Bus Station for 10.10 am bus, route 57, stand 13 to Royston. Anne Swann Walk via Lee Lane around the perimeter of Notton Wood returning to disused railway track to Station Road (5 miles). There are small cafes for refreshments at The Wells or, if preferred, frequent buses return to Barnsley.
6 June Maureen Meet at Barnsley Train Station Ticket Office at 9.45 am in order to purchase Fenton ticket for 10.03 Huddersfield Train on Platform 2 to Silkstone Common. Walk to TPT, following footpath to Silkstone Village via Blacker Lane and on to the Potting Shed for refreshments. Buses 20, 21, 21a for return journey to Barnsley (10 past hr). (3-4 miles)
OUT AND ABOUT (Saturdays)
23rd March Temple Newsam, House & Gardens, Leeds
20th April Ripon Castle
May 18th Cromford, (Canal Boat Trip?), Derby, Arkwright’s Mill & Grounds
June 22nd Knaresborough, River trips & Mother Shipton’s Cave
Venues mainly by train and local buses
Denise 01226 212336 Frank 01226 235422
31 WEDNESDAY RAMBLERS
As usual many thanks to all our walk leaders for a diverse and interesting selection of walks. Please contact Dave Webber or David Osborne (numbers on contact list) if you are interested in joining the group.
Date Meeting Place Walking Area Leader(s)
13th March Strafford Arms, Stainborough S75 3EW. Stainborough area David and Carole Osborne 20th March On side of road at Tivydale, Cawthorne. Cawthorne area Rod Coysh
27th March Kendal Green Road car park, Worsbrough, S70 6TT. Worsbrough and Sue Walshaw Stainborough rd 3 April Digley Reservoir Quarry car park, Digley Royd Lane, Digley Reservoir Walk Ann Dougal and Holmfirth HD9 2QD, Janet Barratt 10th April Crowden Outdoor Centre car park on A628 Rhodeswood Reservoir, David and Carole Woodhead pass SK13 1HZ Longendale Osborne 17th April Old Moor RSPB car park, Old Moor Lane, Wombwell, Around Old Moor and Alan and Lynn Bolton upon Dearne, Barnsley S73 0YF Gypsy Marsh Fletcher 24th April Pottery Ponds Car park, Blackamoor Road, Swinton Pottery Ponds Pat Butcher S64 8UT 1st May Wyming Brook Car Park, Redmires Road , Sheffield Wyming Brook and Dave and Helen S10 4QX Redmires Reservoir Webber 8th May Lord Nelson Pub car park, Barnsley Rd, Hoylandswaine Sheila Metcalfe Hoylandswaine, Sheffield S36 7JA 15th May Car Park Low Bradfield, The Sands, off Fairhouse Agden reservoir David and Carole Lane, Low Bradfield, Sheffield, UK, S6 6LB Osborne 22nd May Peak District Visitor Centre Buxton Road, Castleton Cave Dale (5 mile walk. Dave and Helen Hope Valley, S33 8WN Car share. Longer day) Webber 29th May The Boat Inn Car Park (if eating) or nearby car park Sprotbrough and Pauline Rowland Nursery Lane, Sprotbrough DN5 7NB Cusworth
5th June Silkstone Golf Club car park, Elmhirst Ln, Dodworth, Silkstone area Sheila Metcalfe Barnsley S75 4LD 12th June Wentworth Woodhouse public car park Wentworth and Sue Walshaw Greasbrough dam 19th June Side of Tesco, Biscay Way, Wath upon Dearne, Manvers lake and around Steve and Linda Rotherham S63 7DA Wild 26th June Day Trip. Yorkshire Rose Coach. Barnsley Bus station Wirral, Hilbre Island. Dave and Helen stand 22. 8.00am departure Meal on way back Webber
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MOTORBIKES
"Spring is the time of Daffodils and Motorbikes”
As the days get longer and the roads warm up, it is time for motorcyclists to peep out of their garages and head for open spaces.
Some hardy specimens will have been riding through the winter, most will have spent the time polishing their bikes, adding new gadgets, or even trading in an old friend for a newer, shinier model. So, the Barnsley U3A motorbike group will emerge.
Last year was a great riding year, with such good weather that I don't believe we had to cancel a single ride. Members take it in turns to plan rides, so the destinations and places we visit are very eclectic. We always stop for a good lunch too!
We rode to the coast, found Saxon Churches, went underground, visited museums, and explored nuclear shelters. We even made contact with some other U3A Motorbike groups and met up with one based in Bridlington.
Who knows what 2019 will bring, but the plan is that we will ride twice a month, beginning on the first Tuesday of March, and riding each first Tuesday and third Thursday through to the autumn.
A group of us are going to Scotland in April, this will be our first trip away together; there are some fantastic roads, with magnificent views - all we need is for the weather to be kind!
If you are interested in riding with the group, do get in touch!
Ray Woodhams Tel: 01226792174 email: [email protected]"
• What do you call a laughing motorcycle? A Yamahahaha.
• I was behind a guy on his motorbike and on his shirt it said. "If you can read this, the wife’s
fallen off!" • • What do you call a vicar on a motorcycle? Rev.
Honeydew House COLWYN BAY Holiday Let Sleeps 4 – double room, twin room Cot available 2 minutes walk from beach and water sports facility 10 minutes drive from Colwyn Bay, Zoo, Llandudno and Conway Virtual tour available on www.northwalesholidaycottages.co.uk
Bookings can be made from this site or tel: 01492 582492 33 UKEANPLAYERS Our 2nd Ukulele group is going strong and looking happy. We’re impressed!
Sadly, coordinator Frank Skupski is on duty behind the camera.
CALLIGRAPHY Beth Rudkin
Calligraphy has finally started. It has had one or two false starts, but now it's up and running.
The wonderful Gill Errington (left) is leading it, every second Monday at Tesco’s, from 10am to 12 noon. Gill protests that she is no expert, but she certainly knows more than most of us, and Brian Johnson has promised to attend occasionally to show the group finer points.
All you need is a set of pens and some ink, and they are available very cheaply at The Range. Why don't you give it a go?
NATUREQUEST Tony Hunt
March 14 Yorkshire Wildlife Park, Warning Tongue Lane, Doncaster - £12 pre-booked group concession rate.
April 11 Worsbrough Reservoir - Park at Kendal Green Car Park.
May 9 Gypsy Marsh, Broomhill – orchids. From Darfield follow the A6195 Dearne Valley Parkway towards Old Moor. Turn right at the roundabout towards Broomhill. The car park is immediately on the right.
June 13 Manvers Lake, Station Road, Bolton upon Dearne, Rotherham S63 7BU. Car Park £1.50 at Boat House Café. Directions - from RSPB Old Moor, follow A633 Manvers Way east towards Wath / Mexborough. Passing The Holiday Inn and the Bluebell pub, turn left at the next roundabout signed to Bolton upon Dearne. This is Station Road. Shortly turn left, signed Waterfront Golf Club and where the golf club access road turns right, keep straight on into the Boat Club car park.
HAVING-A-REST GROUPS Beth Rudkin
A bit of sad news. We are in the process of losing 4 groups. The Discussion group and Folketry have closed. Thursday Gardeners are having a break at the moment, but June Bradley is stepping down, and if no one takes it over, Thursday Gardeners slides gently into compost and weeds, or wherever gardens go. Karaoke group is due to close at the end of March, because Robert Green, who has given so much to this group, has to get on with the rest of his life. Whatever happens eventually to these four groups, I think that Linda Francis, Mike Maher, June Bradley and Robert Green must be thanked. They have given an enormous amount of pleasure to a lot of people over the years, and I take my hat off to them.
34 TUESDAY BOOK FORUM Gloria King (Co-ordinator)
We meet on the second Tuesday of each month at Birdwell Community Centre at 11.30. New members always welcome.
April 2 The Heart’s Invisible Furies by John Boyne. A story, that begins in Ireland in the 1940s, and continues until the present. It has been said that it is a book which makes you both laugh and cry whilst reminding us all of the redemptive power of the human spirit.
May 7 Dear Mrs Bird by A J Pearce. It is said that this is a very funny, warm and moving story about love, friendship and courage during the London blitz of 1941. A Sunday Times best-seller, one review says, “It makes you laugh and cry on the same page”.
June 4 The Colour of Bee Larkham’s Murder by Sarah J Harris. This is a debut adult novel about a teenager who has ‘synaesthesia’ a condition that means he sees the world in an extraordinary way. He cannot recognise faces and interprets voices and sounds as colours. Jasper meets a new neighbour – Bee Larkham - who subsequently disappears ………
July 2 The Woman in the Window by A J Finn. Dr Anna Fox is a child psychologist with severe agoraphobia. She can’t leave her home and spends her time taking photographs of her neighbours through her window. One night she hears a blood-curdling scream and witnesses what she believes is a murder. This book is described as a brilliant Hitchcock-style suspense novel.
Bonus Books. Unable to fit in titles by two American authors –Tom Wolfe and Philip Roth, I wondered if our members might find books by these authors to read, in addition to the above titles, and we could discuss their finds in July as well as The Woman in the Window. (Both of these American authors died in 2018).
TABLE AND BOARD GAMES (with Chess & Mah Jong) Martin E King Coordinator
Back to normal after the New Year break, with our two-weekly cycle of Wednesday afternoon meetings (see the Buzz Calendar). We have one or two newish members, but more would be made welcome, especially if ‘Scrabble’ might be your thing. In common with other games our members enjoy, this is best played with three or four (two is OK but less challenging, and we do like a challenge!). So, if you and a couple of like-minded mates fancy a game of Scrabble, why not give us a try?
As well as the games we regularly play, I also try to keep an eye out for new things that might prove fun, and just before Christmas we came across one such advertised. It is called ‘The Genius Square’ and it kept three generations of family members occupied for much of the Festive period. The rules can be learned in 30 seconds; it can be played ‘solo’, as an individual challenge, or as a pair with the first to solve the puzzle the winner; it is compact, and playable on a small space (e.g. a table on a flight/rail journey); and very reasonably priced! If you are interested, just ‘Google’ ‘Genius Square’ for a more detailed description. It is marketed by the ‘Happy Puzzle Company’ which also has a number of other items that might be of interest. (Note: I am not on commission for any sales I generate!)
35 WALKING CRICKET Mac McKechnie.
As I fell over for the second time playing walking football, and felt the Astroturf digging in my knee, I thought, “I’d rather be playing my favourite sport, Cricket.” But I’d never heard of walking cricket, so that evening, I started a Google search which finally led me to just one obscure link in Surrey. I thought about all and, in theory, it seemed a possibility.
Three things were needed: somewhere to play, something to play with, and the most important component, some willing U3A players. An interest list went up, and WOW! names were added quickly; so quickly, in fact, that I made the decision to create two groups. Next, some negotiation for pitches at rock-bottom prices and a grant was secured for equipment to play with, and we were ready for the off!
I made a conscious decision to get outside help so I involved Yorkshire County Cricket Board, and Barnsley Cricket club, and both have been marvellously supportive, as have our local press, the Barnsley Chronicle.
At our very first match, I had the privilege of bowling the very first over of walking cricket ever played in Yorkshire. As the sport grows, which it will (just look at walking football!), I will look back on that first cold, damp Wednesday morning with deep affection.
My vision for the future is a network of other walking cricket groups in our area, forming in effect a mini league so that we can play each other occasionally to add interest. Our main aim is, as usual, to have fun! One knock-on effect from press coverage is that non-U3A ex cricket players who are a bit long in the tooth like us, have been ringing me up wanting to join! It’s a good feeling to be able to steer them towards U3A membership first.
The photo, below, shows the two teams getting ready for action! ------
Mac! Your effort and commitment to get the Walking Cricket up-and-walking has been outstanding! And it’s made me think of BBC Test Match Special, England v West Indies, 1994, when commentator Brian Johnston said, “The bowler’s Holding, the batsman’s Willey”
My Walking Cricket Lynn Maloney
Grey, dismal, temperature just above freezing. The idea of two hours outside was not comforting but I was determined. I was nervous of playing cricket for the first time since primary school, even if it was the walking variety. I had played rounders and Mac assured me that the skills were transferable but rounders bats are round and cricket bats aren’t!
There were 20 of us awaiting instructions. Teams were chosen by picking coloured tags out of a bag. I couldn’t have been more pleased; visions of two captains in front of a line of assorted men and women waiting to be chosen filled me with dread; I could imagine being the last one chosen. Not something that ever happened in my school days when I was fit and pretty good at sport but after middle age, there was some spread and back and knees had aged and become a little less ok, a lot less efficient than they were.
That hurdle over, we all went out into the cold. My biggest fears were that I wouldn’t be able to hit the ball at all or that any throwing I had to do would never get to other fielders. True, I didn’t score any ‘walks’ but I did manage to hit the ball a few times and my throwing wasn’t so bad, so I came away feeling quite pleased with myself. Above all, though, I enjoyed myself. As usual, the others in the group were lovely and encouraging. Not sure if Walking Cricket is for you? Well, just give it a try! It was and is fun. I think most people would be able to give it a go.
36 CYCLING The Cycling Group meets fortnightly on Tuesdays from late February to early November at 10am. The rides suit all abilities and are on the Trans Pennine Trail, Wakefield Wheel or similar routes. Frequent stops are scheduled in for refreshments & socialising. For more information, contact the co-ordinator: Les Roberts 01226 297260
Date Meeting place Ride to: March 5th TPT Car Park Kendall Green Worsborough Manvers Lake March 19th Anglers Country Park Wintersett Stanley Ferry & Crofton April 2nd RSPB Old Moor Sprotbrough & Cusworth April 16th Torside Reservoir Car Park Longdendale Trail & Broadbottom April 30th Rother Valley Country Park Tapton Lock & Poolsbrook May 14th Anglers Country Park, Wintersett Stanley Ferry & Normanton May 28th TPT Car Park Brayton, near Selby York June 11th Stanley Ferry Woodlesford/Aire &Calder Canal June 25th TPT Finkle Street Dunford Bridge
TUESDAY GARDENERS
9 April A visit to the garden of Mike Jackson at 9 Newfield Crescent, Dore, Sheffield, S17 3DE.
23 April A garden recommended by Roy and Joyce Bolton. The garden belongs to Dave and Pam Askham who live at 21 Linfit Lane, Kirkburton, HD8 0TY.
7 May A visit to the gardens of Warley House Halifax. HX2 7RU. This is a partly-walled 2.5 acre garden of a demolished 18th Century house. The present owners are renovating the garden.
21 May A visit to Primrose Bank Gardens and Nursery, Kexby, York, YO21 5LH. This is a 2 acre plantswoman’s garden which is situated next door to the nursery which won a gold medal at Chelsea.
4 June A visit to Taylor’s Clematis Nursery. Sutton Rd, Sutton Askern, Doncaster, DN69 9JZ.
18 June A visit to the garden of Carol and John Abbott at The Orchard, 4A Blackwood Rise, Cookridge, Leeds LS16 7BG.
SUNDAY STROLLERS Beth Rudkin
Herewith the once-monthly, epic, Sunday morning walks of the super Sunday Strollers. Well, only a bit epic, really!
Just a short walk before your Sunday lunch (usually with a cup of coffee at the end). 11 a.m. on the second Sunday of each month.
March 10th Pugneys Water Park, led by Jeff and Kath Jones. Meet in car park. April 14th Cannon Hall Park, led by Beth Rudkin. Meet in car park. May 12th Newmillerdam Country Park, led by Lynn Maloney. Meet in car park. June 9th Dearne Valley Country Park, led by Gordon Wilson. Meet in Hoyle Mill car park.
CONVERSATION FRENCH Gloria King (Co-ordinator)
In January, some of the members of the group met at Le Bistro in Wentworth for a delicious three course meal. As you see in the photograph, Breton jumpers were in evidence along with the ‘Tricolor’. After the meal, we went to Birdwell and played ‘Yam’, which is the French version of our readily available ‘Yahtzee’. Yam is a popular dice game played in bistros in parts of France.
37 PHOTOGRAPHY BIRD WATCHING Gillian Richardson Photography Group’s Photo of the Month March 11 Potteric Carr, Doncaster, Soft haired Wheaton terrier, Teddy, belonging to A Yorkshire Wildlife Trust reserve. Meet as soon as possible after our member Denice Barnett's daughter, Lisa. 9.30am in the Reserve HQ rather than the car park because “early birds” can be looking round the shop and information desk. There is a charge for entry to the Reserve.
April 8 Anglers Country Park and Wintersett. 9.30am in the car park, please. There is no charge for entry.
May 13 Horsecarr Wood at Ardsley. Meet at 8.00am – an early start. The walk will take us through the bluebell wood and back along the river Dearne. Further details as to where to park will be issued at a later date.
The June meeting will probably be at Adwick Washlands, but open to suggestions.
Our February visit to New Hall Farm, Ardsley, will have taken place by the time of publication of this Buzz. We will have taken part in The Big Farmland Wildlife Survey, a comparatively new scheme and New Hall Farm, run by the Rhodes family, work with nature and we hope that our records of species seen will support and justify their valuable work for nature conservation. Of course, we will also be enjoying ourselves as we did in our visits to Wentworth village and Broomhill Flash and Old Moor last month.
A MESSAGE FOR ALL COORDINATORS The work of our 100 or so Coordinators is invaluable. Former BU3A Chair, Beryl Topliss, said after the December Monthly Meeting that she is “thrilled by the sheer vitality” of our present Barnsley U3A. That “vitality” is in very large part due to the work and dedication of our Coordinators who have the opportunity to meet up together four times a year at Priory to discuss issues about running a group. As stated in Bullet point 10 in Issues from Committee on Page 4, those meetings will now run on alternate Tuesdays and Thursdays so that it is not always the Thursday groups that lose their Coordinator for their morning meeting.
38 BARNSLEY & DISTRICT U3A 2019 SPRING SCHOOL BETH RUDKIN
The full details of the courses listed below were published in the 2018 Winter BUZZ. This is a summary of what is on offer to us all.
Thursday 2nd and Friday 3rd of May at the Ibis Hotel, Barnsley.
Hey, if you do nothing else in 2019, it will be a good year if you include this. Last year it was terrific. The hotel couldn’t do enough for us, the study rooms were perfect with everything we needed. The 2019 subjects are almost all different from last year; Mixed Media Art is back by popular demand. The price is £60 for the two days, or £30 for one day. For subjects marked with an *, there is an extra charge for materials. Most subjects are one-day courses, though they may happen on both days. Just a few are two-day courses, so I advise you to check these out carefully.
Here are the nine subjects:
1 Create a portrait of your pet in pastels Paula Harmer (one day) *
2 DNA Chris and Diane Woolven (two days)
3 Mixed Media Art Christine Palmer and Vanda Outram *
4 Electronics for the Beginner Chris Green (two days) *
5 Truth or Fiction? Andrew and Sue Green 6 The Shifting Planet Beth Rudkin
7 The World of Jane Austen Denise West (two-day course)
8 What have the Greeks/Romans ever done for us? Life of Brian but much wider! Jeremy Dinsdale
9 Writing for Children David Harmer (one-day course)
BELOW IS AN APPLICATION FORM. ______
Name: ______
Email address: ______
Telephone number(s): ______
Subjects of your choice: ______
Please tear off this slip and send it with a £10 deposit to: Beth Rudkin, 1 The Lees, Ardsley, S71 5HJ. (We will ask for the balance by the end of March.)
Of course, if you see me, I am happy to accept your form and cheque/cash there and then.
39 VIDEO AND MEDIA
On 4th January, I popped in to Alder Close Community Centre in Mapplewell to see what was going on at the Video and Media Group. Coordinator Peter Higginbottom, who also runs Photography, of course, was there with George Gibbs, Sue Button, Indu Kumar and Phil McNulty and all were huddled over their computers with the images on them also displayed on the big screen at the front of the ‘class’. The aim of the session was to convert a 1988 VHS tape of Phil McNulty himself being videoed as part of a training course in London. Managers from all over the country were there learning how to improve their presenting skills and after some tuition, every delegate had to be filmed making a presentation; not comfortable stuff, but a quick way to tell the difference between good presentation and bad. Peter explained how, over time, the VHS tapes that we used to make with our camcorders, will self-destruct, so right now there is a huge demand and need to convert VHS material to non-destructible digital so that valuable material is not lost. Phil McNulty’s skills as a presenter will have been saved during this single BU3A session for his family to see exactly what their dad, grandad, great-grandad etc etc was like back in 1988. History preserved! Job done!
MAGIC SEQUENCE DANCING
55 members of our popular Sequence Dancing group are off on holiday to the Royal Hotel, Scarborough, in November, for a dancing holiday! It’s a first for them; they usually have two day trips to a tea dance, their favourite being Blackpool.
A Scarborough U3A walking group is going to take them out walking while they are there! I can just imagine the whole crazy lot of them doing the polka along the prom! Brilliant!
Sequence Dancing is fully subscribed and, regrettably, can’t take any more members at present; we are up to the numbers limit for Monk Bretton hall. We’ll let you know when the situation changes.
CROWN GREEN BOWLING
Team captains Roy Newbould and Mike Pease presenting Roy Marsden with a luxury hotel break voucher from all Ardsley Crown Green bowlers as a thank-you for all the hard work he does to keep the green and grounds in tip-top condition all year round.
Just a thought from Martin King
As one of the many older folk for whom the aging process has brought things like hearing impairment and painful joints, I was interested to read that many organisations are now replacing the usual form of appreciation for a high quality presentation or performance, i.e. hand clapping, with a display involving a dance movement known
generally as ‘Jazz Hands’, in which outstretched hands, palm facing outwards, are simultaneously waved (a bit like windscreen wipers). This movement, already known to BSL (British Sigh Language) users, not only avoids the nervous reactions that some people experience with sudden noises and the problems that some hearing aids have
in coping instantly with sudden changes in volume, but also overcomes the pain that arthritic hands can feel during enthusiastic applause. Will it catch on??
40
BARNSLEY U3A SPEAKERS/PERFORMERS AT MONTHLY MEETINGS IN 2019
MEETING SPEAKER/PERFORMERS DETAILS
1st April 2019 Jeff Jacklin IT ONLY HURTS WHEN I LAUGH
13th May 2019 Barnsley U3A Choir & Selection of songs & popular tunes (bank holiday on 6th May) Flutes Galore
3rd June 2019 AGM MEETING Election of officers. Minutes of last AGM
1st July 2019 Old Blowers Selection of music
PENISTONE Helen Dew
Penistone groups, which are open to all members, continue to flourish. Board Games now meet in the Resource Centre, which is across the car park from the main building. Various games are played, including
Qwirkle and the Great British Train Game. It’s a very sociable group and would welcome new members. Crown Green Bowling members have been meeting for coffee over the winter months but are looking forward to the start of the season in April. Patchwork Projects meet twice a month and produce some lovely items. Barbara runs her West Africa and How we Used to Live groups in the library. Paramount
Group visit the local theatre for live and live streaming events. They meet in the bar for coffee or something stronger, half an hour before the performance; if you’re interested, please phone Martin for details. Crafty Chat meets once a fortnight and members bring their latest projects, whatever that may be. We have cross-stitch, sewing, knitting, jewellery, crochet etc. We have made jumpers for Uganda, baby clothes for baby basics and baby hats for Jessops hospital as well as our own projects. Walking group continues to meet twice a month. meets once a month at St. John’s but has to find a new meeting place. Vintage Social At the time of printing, this hasn’t been finalised, so please contact Julie if you are attending from April onwards. We operate a Drop-In session on the first Thursday of the month. Members can pick up their Buzz, renew their membership in April and find out about Travel Group etc. Prospective members can join or find out about our U3A. If you’re interested in joining any of the groups, please phone the relevant coordinator before attending.
SPOT THE DIFFERENCE
More from our brilliant cartoonist, Ronnie Neville.
Find the SIX differences in the pictures and you could (but won’t) win the always-very-mean Chairman’s much coveted but never-actually-given-out prize, a BU3A biro, worth about 6p.
41 BARNSLEY & DISTRICT U3A PRIVACY POLICY
Barnsley & District U3A (hereafter ‘the U3A’) treats your privacy rights seriously. This privacy policy sets out how we will deal with your ‘personal information’. Personal information is information that could identify, or is, related to the identity of an individual.
WHAT PERSONAL INFORMATION DO WE COLLECT? When you express an interest in becoming a member of the U3A you will be asked to provide certain information. This includes: name home address email address telephone number subscription preferences
HOW DO WE COLLECT THIS PERSONAL INFORMATION? All the information collected is obtained directly from you. This is usually at the point of your initial registration. The information will be collected via membership forms or online contact forms. The lawful basis for collecting and storing your information is due to the contractual relationship that you, as a member, have with the U3A. In order to inform you about the groups, activities and events that you can access as a member, we need to store and process a certain amount of personal data.
HOW DO WE USE YOUR PERSONAL INFORMATION? We use your personal information: to provide our U3A activities and services to you for administration, planning and management of our U3A to communicate with you about your group activities to monitor, develop and improve the provision of our U3A activities. We will contact you by email, other digital methods, telephone and post to advise you of U3A activities.
WHO DO WE SHARE YOUR PERSONAL INFORMATION WITH? We may disclose information about you, including your personal information: internally - to committee members and group leaders – as required to facilitate your participation in our U3A activities externally – with your consent for products or services such as direct mailing for the Trust magazines (Third Age Matters) if we have a statutory duty to disclose it for other legal or regulatory reasons. Data will also be submitted to HMRC for gift aid purposes.
HOW LONG DO WE RETAIN YOUR PERSONAL INFORMATION? We need to keep your information so that we can continue to provide our services to you. In most instances, information about your membership will not be stored for longer than two years. The exceptions to this are instances where there may be legal or insurance circumstances that require information to be held for longer whilst this is investigated or resolved. Where this is the case, the member/members will be informed as to how long the information will be held and when it is deleted. Additionally, information in connection with gift aid will be kept for a period of 6 years in accordance with HMRC regulations.
HOW YOUR INFORMATION CAN BE UPDATED OR CORRECTED To ensure the information we hold is accurate and up to date, members need to inform the Membership Secretary as to any changes in their personal information. You can do this by contacting the Membership Secretary at any time: [email protected]
HOW DO WE STORE YOUR PERSONAL INFORMATION? We have in place a range of security safeguards to protect your personal information against loss or theft, as well as unauthorised access, disclosure, copying, use or modification. Your membership information is held on a secure database, accessed only by the Membership Secretary and specific Executive Committee Members as deemed strictly necessary.
AVAILABILITY AND CHANGES TO THIS POLICY This policy is available on our website or a hard copy can be requested by contacting the Membership Secretary. This policy may change from time and time. If we make any material changes, we will make members aware by email and by publications.
CONTACT If you have any queries about this policy, need it in an alternative format, or have any concerns about our privacy practices, please contact us: [email protected]
Issue No. 1 Dated: 18 January 2019
42 BARNSLEY U3A - BE CANCER SAFE IN BARNSLEY Alan Swann A few weeks ago, I was asked by Voluntary Action Rotherham (VAR) to be a ‘Cancer Champion’, a title given to those willing to highlight the need for people to be Cancer Aware.
People in our area are less likely to take up cancer screening or to see their GP if they have concerns. Because of this, cancers are often detected at a later stage, when treatment is less effective.
To change this, the ‘Be Cancer Safe’ team are working with U3A to make us aware of the signs and symptoms of cancer, to know what screening is available and to Alan Swann with VAR increase the number of people diagnosed. The SAFE message is: Lead Officer, Ian Duffy
Screening: Be aware of Screening ages and ‘Take Up’ Awareness: Be aware of Signs and Symptoms, know your own body Fast: Act ‘Fast’ if you feel something has changed and go to your GP. Early: Early diagnosis is key to survival.
You can support ‘Be Cancer Safe’ by chatting to friends & family, spreading the word and helping increase the number of people taking up screening. You can find us on-line and join in with our social media. You can find the general Signs and Symptoms of the following common Cancers on our website, on social media and on our leaflets: Bowel Breast Cervical Lung Prostate
To talk to a member of the team, to get further information or to book a free speaker for a group
Visit: www.varotherham.org.uk/be-cancer-safe/ Join: Be Cancer Safe - Rotherham / Barnsley Follow: BeCancerSafe_RB Tel: 01709 829821
INSURANCE AND THE U3A Alan Swann All U3As have a duty of care to try to ensure that they do not put their members at undue risk when undertaking any of their activities. However, following a recent question raised by a member who suffered an injury whilst attending a Group meeting, it is important to remind all members undertaking any of our activities that they do so at their own risk. The U3A does not provide personal accident insurance.
The insurance coverprovided through our national colleagues, indemnifies all U3A members against all sums they could become legally liable to pay as a result of: 1 Accidental injury to or death of any person. 2 Accidental loss or damage to material property not belonging to you, which arises or is caused in connection with the ‘business’ of U3As.
There are other limited elements of cover such as U3A cash held by members and U3A equipment. Any member of Barnsley U3A wishing to learn more about U3A Insurance can refer to the full Insurance details available to every U3A member on the National U3A website under ‘Advice’ or can contact one of our Committee members for further guidance.’
Fabulous ‘Flutes Galore’ has grown; we are now seven! Melanie France (front right) has joined us. On the front row, Sylvia Parry and Hazel Sutcliffe were having a giggle together when the photo was being taken but the more disciplined Bridget Milinkovic, Derek Bacon and Sue Frost were better behaved! Sadly, our Steph Ansell couldn’t be with us for this happy photo.
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Above, some of the cheery Monday Ten-Pin Bowlers.
Above right, the super Stringalongs at a Darton community ‘gig’.
Right, our Ev Mirfin, Helen Dew and John MacKinnon at the February New Members Link meeting with some new ‘signings’.
Left, the Xmas wreath makers looking rightly pleased with themselves being photographed by tutor, Christine Palmer.
Below, the splendid Sequence Dancing group with coordinator, Lynda Gensavage, far left, and teacher, Marie Rusling, centre, in grey dress.