North Coast May 2021 Newsletter Registered Charity 1027348 https://u3asites.org.uk/northdevoncoast

Committee Notice Board – Keeping You Informed

From your Chair

When we were youngsters and asked ‘Can we go out?’, sometimes a rather irritating adult would reply, ‘You certainly can go out, but whether you may go out is a different question!’ It feels a bit as if we are now in that position, wondering whether we can go out, now that we may go out. This month is well-named, you may go out and about in May. Like the first spring lambs in the fields we are emerging into the wide-open spaces ahead of us with varying degrees of confidence and enthusiasm. Some are leaping forward energetically seeking new discoveries and exploring new pastures. Others are going more cautiously, still seeking reassurance and perhaps feeling cautious about moving out into this new landscape. It is up to each one of us to progress in the way we choose, understanding that not everyone feels the same way.

Many aspects of life are changing, which will make this a time of adjustment. We are all hoping to be able to meet with friends and family with greater ease. We have managed to stay in touch with those who are important to us, using a variety of means. For our U3A, one very important way of keeping in contact has been the much enhanced Newsletter which developed as a response to the pandemic. This has been much appreciated, a great success thanks to the efforts of the Newsletter Team, and most importantly, thanks to the contributions of our members whose efforts made it so enjoyable. In future months, when normal U3A activities resume, there will not be the same need for the extended newsletter of the pandemic. We do hope, though, that members will continue to make contributions, and get involved, something which has made the Newsletter so enjoyable.

Many of you will have been touched by the sight of the Queen, a solitary figure in a church pew, mourning the loss of her husband the Duke of Edinburgh, with no-one at her side. This has been the experience of many people during the pandemic. It has certainly shown to us all the importance in our lives of family and friends in difficult times. For most of us, the biggest gain from the lifting of restrictions is the opportunity to meet with those close to us. With this thought, the U3A Committee are planning an event to celebrate the time when we can meet together once more. All the details are here on Pg 3 – and we look forward to seeing you.

Jo Rosvall

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Getting to know you

We are running a regular feature on getting to know our members This time we feature Marilyn Stobbe

It was in 2015 at a French Twinners Association AGM that I met Rosemary Stewart.

I am not 100% sure how it came about that I joined the U3A but I’m really pleased that I did.

On returning from America in 1976, having lived in Texas and California for three years, due to my husband Pete being in the military, we came down to Ilfracombe to stay with my parents to help us decide where we wanted to put down roots. We liked it here and never left.

Our two daughters Lorraine and Julie were young teenagers and settled well in their new home.

We bought a house in Station Road and then after about three years my dear Pete passed away. Several years later I moved to Hillsborough Terrace and then in 2000 I moved to Westbourne Grove, where I now live.

In my younger years I was a girl groom at Newmarket and loved it!! I worked with horses in several different places before joining Newmarket. My claim to fame is having a friend named Lester Piggott, I even danced with him. He sent me an 80th birthday card !!!

I feel the U3A organisation is a very good thing for semi- retired and retired people to join, where we can make friends and enjoy the activities.

I have been a committee member for several years now and really enjoy helping to organise events, plus our monthly coffee mornings at the Lantern and monthly lunches. The raffle was my speciality.

We have a forward thinking committee and I know our U3A is in good hands.

Janet Gibbins

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Let’s Celebrate!

You are invited to a special event to celebrate our u3a being able to meet once more:-

st Wednesday 21 July The Landmark Theatre Ballroom Buffet supper with live music, chat, tea and coffee, (bar available) Starts at 4.30pm until 8.30 pm latest. Tickets are £15.00 — must be purchased in advance. Friends also welcome to come.

To purchase your ticket(s) please complete and return this form by July 5th to Joan Broxholme, xxx Or email completed form to xxx Any problems? please contact Joan on xxx

Payment can be made by cheque: pay ' Coast U3A' or BACS: Sort code 30-94-52, account number 17235060 Account name: U3A North Coast Lunch Account. For 'Ref' put your name If the event has to be postponed, those with bookings will have choice of full refund or attend on revised date. ———————————————————————————— Name(s) — print clearly please

Your telephone/email address:

Number of tickets:

Any Dietary Requirements/ Allergies:

Payment – Cheque/ BACS (delete inapplicable)

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Monthly Lunches and Talks will hopefully return in the autumn

Coffee Morning Contact Marilyn Stobbe Tel: xxx Email xxx

Our thanks as always go to Gill Shadfar for kindly compiling our quiz for us. Answers on Page 16

1. What is the most common colour of toilet paper in France? 2. If you dug a hole through the centre of the earth starting from Wellington in New Zealand, which country would you end up in? 3. Henry VIII introduced which tax in in 1535? 4. What is the correct term for a question mark immediately followed by an exclamation mark? 5. The average person does what thirteen times a day? 6. Coprastastaphobia is the fear of what? 7. What were the first ice hockey pucks made out of? 8. It's illegal in Texas to put what on your neighbour’s Cow? 9. Which bird is nicknamed The Laughing Jackass? 10. Who entered a contest to find his own look-alike and came 3rd? 11. French artist Aquabouse paints cows with what material? 12. In 1978 an Iowa judge dismissed a drink driving charge for what obscure reason? 13. In which country are there six villages called Silly, 12 called Billy, and two called Pratt? 14. Native to the Caribbean, what sort of animal is the mountain chicken? 15. The UK's Dyslexia Research Trust is based in which British city? 16. What nickname was given to Rembrandt's The Night Watch after being over-restored in the 1940s? 17. True or false: You can sneeze in your sleep 18. Who invented the word vomit? 19. Which European country has 158 verses to its national anthem? 20. Which country has the most tornadoes by area? 21. The leader of which country has his face on all the yoghurt pots, has named the month January after himself and banned ballet. 22. What is Scooby Doo’s full name? 23. What is the collective noun for a group of unicorns? 24. Where was the fortune cookie invented? 25. What is the cross between a donkey and a zebra known as?

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North Devon Coast U3A Interest Groups

Bridge Convener: Ruth Hardy Tel: xxx

Crafts. Convener: Barbara Mills Tel: xxx Norma Kenton Tel: xxx

Discussion Group 1 Convener: Linda Thomas Tel: xxx

It’s been more than a year since we met up together to sort out the world! So much has happened in that time and we’re all a year older but wiser. Stuart and I will have had both our Astra Zeneca vaccinations by the time the newsletter goes out, and hopefully all of you will have too. The Duke of Edinburgh’s passing was an historical occasion and brought it home to me how this pandemic has changed everyone’s lives and no one is exempt from following the rules. Fingers crossed for normal service being resumed in September. I, for one, can’t wait. Looking forward to a happy and lively re-union in September. Very best, wishes to all members of the North Devon Coast U3A. Linda

Discussion Group 2 Conveners: Margaret Kempson Tel: xxx, Janet Gibbins Tel:xxx

Family History Convener: Joan Broxholme Tel: xxx

Dear Family History Friends. Just to advise that we will be commencing our twice monthly Family History afternoons in September. This is due to the group restrictions in the library and I am keeping my fingers crossed that all will be well in September. Please continue to stay well and safe. I hope to see you all at the reopening event on the 21st July. Look for the flyer in the newsletter cheers Joan B

Filer’s Day Trips Convener: Pat Preston Tel: xxx mob xxx

I am proposing to run the first day trip on Saturday 26 June 2021 to Trellisick House and gardens, which is a National Trust property set on its own peninsula with panoramic views over the Fal Estuary. The prices are £19.00 for National Trust members and £31.00 for non members.

The coach will pick up from Combe Martin (Pack of Cards) Ilfracombe (High Street Petrol Station) opposite (The George Hotel) and Barnstaple outside(The Old Town Railway Station).

If as is expected all restrictions are lifted on 21 June the wearing of masks will be everyone’s personal choice. For those still wishing to wear masks I would suggest a visor type might be a better choice, I will update as and when there is more information available. I would like people to contact me to let me know how many to expect, and their pick up point and PAYMENT MUST BE MADE IN FULL DIRECT TO FILERS before the date, there can be no payment on the day.

The second trip will be on Tuesday 27 July 2021 to Kilver Court Gardens, Designer Village & Garden Centre, price £29 per person. This trip offers the opportunity of walking in the gardens, the nursery, shops and eateries as well as the designer village and a breathtaking 15 metre high Victorian viaduct.

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French Conversation Conveners: Jo Rosvall and Des Hume Tel: xxx

We have continued meeting via Zoom for our conversations. The latest discussion was on our favourite pieces of art, which we were able to look at on screen while we talked, thanks to the wonders of technology. During the latter half of May, we should be able to resume our conversations face to face, so we will be getting in touch with all group members very soon. A bientot

Geology and Environment. Convener: Margaret Sutcliffe Tel: xxx

The Geology and Environment group meets on the 3rd Monday and this month, that just happens to be 17th May which is the day 6 people can meet indoors. Because a few of our group have sadly moved away we are only 6 and are risking starting again. We will discuss our future programme and probably invite new members to get in touch if they would like to join us.

You may have seen dramatic pictures of a very large cliff fall on the Jurassic coast. This is the result of the local geology. rain seeps through the very porous sandstone until it reaches a thick clay layer lower down. It can't get through the clay which becomes very slippery. All these rocks are angled down to the south and the top layers just slide off onto the beach. Think of a sponge cake with too much cream in the middle. If you tip it to one side, the top half slithers off onto the table. This is completely natural and can't easily be predicted or stopped. Look at the pictures and you will see scalloped edges to the cliff where it has happened before.

Golf for beginners: Convener Ruth Hardy Tel: xxx (evenings) Sat 11-12 a.m.

History Conveners: Jan Gibbins Tel: xxx and Margie Kempson xxx

Italian Conversation Coordinator: Julian Tippett xxx at xxx

We shall hold our 5th May meeting by Zoom as per usual. Maybe the 19th May meeting can be held at my house, if the government has announced that “rule of six’ is permitted indoors? If not, then Zoom again.

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Mindfulness Convener: Ros Layland Tel: xxx

Novel Readers Convener: Betty Williams Tel: xxx

The plan is for Novel Readers to meet at my home on 18th May. We are only six in number at the moment so no problem to sit in the garden, catch up with what we have been doing and be handed a book to read. This plan could be thwarted, though, either by Boris bulletins or inclement weather. I can do nothing about the former but the latter could be solved by spreading out in my sitting room.

Practical Art. Conveners: Robert Hobson Tel: xxx Roger Styles Tel: xxx

From Bob: When NASA first started sending up astronauts, they quickly discovered ballpoint pens would not work in zero gravity. To combat the problem Nasa spent a decade and $12 billion to develop a pen that writes in zero gravity, upside down, under water, ,on almost any surface, including glass and at temperatures below freezing to 300C . The Russians just used a pencil.

Pub Lunch 0n Tuesday. Convener: Joan Cory Tel: xxx

Ramblers. Convener: Julian Tippett Tel: xxx 2nd Friday 10.30am We had a nice walk in April with 12 walkers. Now we are back in the swing of things we shall do a walk on Brendon Moor we did in April 2014 (see photo). It’s easy going with not much up and down, and mercifully no gates or stiles.

Friday 14th May 2021 at 10.30 — Brendon Moor Length/time: 3.5 miles / 2.5 hour

Start point: Upper Dry Bridge CP — SS759451

Lunch: Old Station House Inn Blackmoor Gate

To get there, from Hillsford Bridge take the Simonsbath Road and climb up to open moorland. Then look for a small bridge on a right hand bend — the CP then lies 300m beyond on the left.

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Recording my Life Story Convener: Stuart Coslett Tel: xxx

Shakespeare on DVD – Convener: Linda Macpherson Tel: xxx

Government restrictions allowing, Thursday June 3rd will be our next meeting, 1pm as per usual. We are going to catch up with Twelfth Night, a comedy stuffed with interesting characters, a serious bit in the middle, the obligatory happy ending and a stardust performance from Felicity Kendal, mostly disguised as a boy. It's the perfect feel-good entertainment to cheer us up, and it has a very famous line: If music be the food of love, play on! I hope to see the usual team, but don't forget I've got space for a new person or even 2, so newsletter readers please get in touch if you'd like to join us.

Singing For Fun – Convener: Jennie Tusveld Tel: xxx

Out to Lunch. Convener: Fran Barnett Tel: xxx In hope, I have booked Wards, St James Place, Ilfracombe for a Sunday lunch on the 4th July. Sunday August 15th Portmore Golf Club.

Claims to fame

My claim to fame arises from family connections. My mother's cousins both gained some fame, through their work. Cousin Bernard worked for the BBC in Special Effects, and was involved in the design of the 'Doctor Who' Daleks taking part in filming in claypits near St.Austell. Presumably he had to make sure they were in running (or rolling) order. He had his own Dalek at home. He also produced 'explosions' for the Dave Allen show. His brother 'Norman' was a major figure in introducing the P.D.S.A. in South Africa. I only discovered recently, through Family History that the place in South Africa was the Soweto township. He is still remembered there today. Jo Rosvall

In my early teens in a deeply religious Belfast family, I attended each week “cottage meetings” in a neighbour’s house One week there was a special guest preacher ~ an up & coming young evangelist who had set up his own independent church. His “sermon” was loosely based on Bunyan’s “Pilgrims Progress” which I had recently read so that, when the preacher asked rhetorical questions on the story, I eagerly leapt forward with all the evangelically correct responses. At the end of the discussion the visitor took me aside and told me that I would go far. The preacher was Ian Paisley who would go on to become a leading figure in N. Ireland politics, somewhat further than he had predicted for me! Des Hume

I have no claim to any famous people to share, other than my cousin is the best friend of Cathy Gregson Barclay-White (whom I now know quite well as we spend weekends with my cousin)! Cathy is the daughter of the film star John Gregson. Cathy named her daughter Genevieve after her father's famous film. Linda Thomas

One of my claims to fame is bumping into Bobby Davro in a lift on a cruise. The funny thing was we had seen him on an earlier cruise so I asked him if he was following us ( I was on a ladies trip with same ladies as before). People standing there had been nudging each other to show they recognised him-so I think he welcomed the ice breaker. Bobby must have been listening to us talk to each other as he spoke to us by name-pretending he recognised us from previous trip!! Janet Keiff

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I once shook the hand of the national treasure and I'm a Celeb etc winner that is Harry Redknapp. Not only that, but a friend and I staged a 2-girl pitch invasion because we wanted to say hello to him. There is television evidence of this event, the clip was most recently broadcast in an episode of Piers Morgan Life Stories, you can look out for it if it gets repeated. I'm the one on the right, with the long hair. It is very much 'blink and you've missed it.' That occasion was West Ham versus Spurs in the season 1970-71. We were quickly ushered off the pitch, of course and returned to our spot on the terraces for the rest of the game. It was a few weeks later, after an Easter game, that my mum, being at a loose end, had insisted on coming with me to a match and I hung around the gates after with her, waiting for a chance of an autograph. My hero the young Harry, who played on the right wing, emerged and I strode up to say hello and said 'This is my mum, can I have your autograph please?' Ever obliging, Harry, the well-known people person, shook my hand, beamed at my mum and put his autograph in my little notebook. Some people are just born with charm, aren't they? It must be something they learn in the academy at West Ham: many years later I shook hands with the late John Lyall, when I bought a copy of his autobiography at a signing in an East London bookshop. His signature adorns the flyleaf, but I have to say that his warm, firm and friendly handshake remains the best I've ever encountered. Linda Macpherson

I’ve met quite a few famous people, including the late Duke of Edinburgh briefly, but my claim to fame is taking part in a television programme about Canvey Island, broadcast by Anglia TV, named Pop Art.. Four residents were chosen:- myself, my friend Julie, who was an ex professional dancer who excelled in jive, an old lady who played the piano and did painting by numbers, improving on the results as she saw fit, and a marine artist who painted magnificent landscapes of sea and ships. I was the local poet and journalist, and also collected stuff – stuff being Japanese china, glassware, and anything else that took my fancy. Over a couple of weeks I had a cameraman and sound technician in our house and following me around the Island. The thing I remember most is that the crew wanted my collections slightly dusty, but the mirror they used to reflect me when talking had to be absolutely pristine, and I’m no good at cleaning mirrors, so the cameraman did it. Katie Mallett

Once upon a time it was possible for the Captain on an airliner to invite the odd passenger onto the flight deck. In the early ‘70s I was flying VC10s for BOAC, and met many interesting passengers that way. Two I remember particularly well: first, a young Tom Jones on his way to do a show in Las Vegas, the second was Dave Allen who was more interested in the cockpit instruments to talk much about much else. It was the first time I realised that the end on one of his fingers was missing, a subject he used in many of his jokes. Sadly too many hijacks and increased security led to the locking of the cockpit door, so no more visitors to the flight deck. Ray Nicholas

One evening, in the early ‘70s, we had just watched the late evening news on tv and about to turn it off when a programme called ‘Places for People’ came on. My husband said ‘That looks like Springfield Park’ (North London). The camera swept around at a distance, and then looked down on a game of cricket, with Eric keeping wicket. During further sweeps around the park, it homed in on a little family on a picnic blanket watching the cricket, me with our youngest son Andrew aged 11months stuffing his face with banana, and Jon, rising 4, playing tennis ball cricket with a very straight (cut down) bat. After that surreal experience, we headed off to bed! Fran Barnett

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In 1976 while fundraising for the Thames and Severn canal at Coates, Glos. I sold a tee shirt to Sheila Hancock’s daughter. At the same time, Bob Padgett, one of our members, was filming. The results of this, on which I and my husband are featured, he later made into a film and put it on YouTube. Sadly, I cannot claim to be a star!

For those of you who want to see if you can spot a (much) younger me, look up YouTube Cotswold Canals - archive film from Sapperton tunnel 1976/77. Jacquie Andrews

Extracted, with permission, from recent personal emails House of Lords, London SW1A 0PW 3rd April 2021 Dear Rosemary Stewart-Jukes, Thank you for your very kind letter of good wishes for my 90th Birthday. It was a very good day. Boris Johnson eased the lockdown and God provided a fine warm day which enabled my daughter and younger son and their respective spouses to give me a splendid barbecue in the warm sunshine of my garden. Your letter reminded me of that other very good day when I helped you with that fund-raising concert for a fund raiser in support of SSAFA. We have a lot in common – both ex-RAF Flying Officers – both 90 – and both still going! Again my thanks, Yours sincerely Norman Tebbitt

Claim to fame, Rosemary? Fran I’ve had plenty of failures Fran but this was my once in a lifetime happiest success. the concert gave pleasure to so many veterans & raised substantial donations for their welfare

Means a great deal to me that Norman Tebbit remembered the concert, given hundreds of events he must have attended. It was my big endeavour to celebrate 90th anniversary of SSAFA Forces Charity. I organised transport to bring in hundreds of veterans to two packed performances afternoon & evening at Croydon Fairfield theatre. Several were ancient WW1 veterans & had many disabled. They had a riotous time - it was a joy. Assorted Generals, Air Marshals, Admirals, grandees & top businessmen came -all paying for their tickets whereas veterans came free. Norman Tebbit was picked up at 0730 for rehearsals & returned home after midnight having chatted to many veterans & given a brilliant commentary - twice. Remains biggest & best event I’ve organised & was a huge success. Judi Dench & Vera Lynn were abroad but made video appearances. All three services provided bands, pipers & marshals.

I didn’t expect any acknowledgment on sending 90th birthday wishes to Lord Tebbit - I always felt so sad for him with the tragedy of his wife being terribly injured in the IRA Brighton bombing. So kind of him to write - not in keeping with his Spitting Image persona! Rosemary Stewart 10

GAZETTE, TUESDAY APRIL 11th , 1961

TERRY-THOMAS AMONG WEDDING GUESTS

Film star Terry-Thomas was among the 75 guests at the wedding at the Church of St.Stanislaus, Dulverton, on Saturday, of Miss Jennifer Mary Stevens of the Jubilee Inn, West Anstey and Mr John Barten of Lydford Farm, Berrynarbor. Mr Thomas, who is an uncle of the bride, motored down from his London home for the occasion. In his buttonhole was the familiar red carnation, and after the ceremony he produced his famous cigarette holder. He is shortly leaving for New York for two years on a film-making contract.

Jenny Barten

Jacquie Andrews

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Welfare Rosemary Stewart Welfare Officer Tel xxx Xxx

Sunshine, restaurants and pubs re-opening - hurrahs! We have much to cheer us this month.

Enjoy all the pleasures on offer, while still observing the sensible limitations to keep yourself and others safe from Covid. Tragic events in India show that it is vital we continue taking precautions.

Help continues readily available for members who may need lifts, shopping,advice or whatever. Please just phone or email me.

Conveners are busy planning re-starting interesting group meetings and we’ve a U3A celebration reunion party in July with all invited.

So let’s enjoy our new freedom - happy times are returning and I look forward to seeing you soon!

Rosemary

COMMUNITY CARE - Access and Support

Any one of us might end up needing health or social care for ourselves or for family members who are unable to organise for themselves.

It has become increasingly difficult to obtain a half-way decent package of health and social support for people with a condition requiring help to live a full life.

Councils have had funds cut so make economies in the care package offered. Some packages fall unreasonably short of need which can be illegal and challenged. Appeals can be lodged under the Care Act to obtain full rights of support. More than two thirds of complaints to the Local Government Ombudsman are upheld.

The process is not easy but happily a splendid charity helpline will provide on line legal advice and guidance. If you are a carer, or might need care yourself, I strongly recommend you make a note to contact: Cascaidr.org.uk.

Rosemary

Hi Fran,

The following letter* sent to my second home in Sunnycombe demonstrates how health and safety has gone mad in Covid Pastyshire.

I'm quite prepared to share the letter from Sunnycombe District Council with U3A members.

All best for now,

Dave

*the full version of this letter is attached in a separate document to your newsletter.

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SUNNYCOMBE DISTRICT

COUNCIL

Yellowvest House Jamfirst Avenue Sunnycombe NE1 IN0

David Griffin Twin Peaks Villas Sunnycombe NE4 10S

Dear Mr. Griffin

Advice for clinically extremely vulnerable people on voting in the elections taking place on 6 May 2021.

On Thursday 6 May, 2021, voters in the Sunnycombe and Pastycombe areas will go to the polls for the Sunnycombe District Council Election. These elections will take place at a time when Covid-19 continues to present risks to public health.

We are writing to you because you have previously been identified as clinically extremely vulnerable and may not know what day of the week it is, who the prime minister is, or who the person you wake up to next to each morning is. You are therefore advised to take precautionary measures.

Polling stations will be open on 6 May and you will be able to vote in person. There may be some dodgy looking characters hanging about outside wearing rosettes. Ignore them and stay distanced (especially the one with the moustache and gammy leg.) If they ask who you’re voting for, just say ‘You’, and they will smile and disbelieve you. If voting in person, you are encouraged to keep yourself and others safe at the polling station by:

• Changing into and wearing normal clothes. Do not leave your home in the pyjamas that you have been traipsing about in all day for the past twelve months.

• Bring your own pencil. The 1968 Asian Flu epidemic was caused by an infected bus inspector sharpening his contaminated pencil into a litter bin. The shavings were blown out and ended up being inhaled by everyone on the No. 26 bus. Billions suffered and are still suffering. PLEASE DO NOT BRING PENCIL SHARPENERS OR BLADED OBJECTS.PENCIL SHARPENERS MAY BE CONFISCATED, AND YOU WILL NOT BE ABLE TO TRAVEL ON ANY VEHICLE OWNED BY SUNNYCOMBE DISTRICT COUNCIL. BE AWARE THAT YOUR PENCIL SHOULD NOT BE PREPARED IN SUCH A WAY THAT IT COULD BE CONSTITUTED AS A ‘SHARP OBJECT’. REMEMBER: ‘THINK BLUNT’. You know it makes sense.

• Make sure you are thoroughly cleansed with medicated soap and emollient before entering the polling station. Nails must be cut short and your head covered with a sterilised balaclava. Wear a mask, but not one coloured blue, red, yellow or green. This might be constituted as coded information informing BBC Spotlight whom you voted for.

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• Don’t forget to use the sanitiser at the door, and don’t be a cheapskate and fill your own container with it. Such behaviour cost Sunnycombe District Council £86.5m last year which resulted in our unable to upgrade our staff kitchen with filtered water, slate worktops and gold-plated taps. All our sanitiser comes from sustainable sources and is made in factories that meet our ‘bicycle parking friendly’ agenda. (Please note, some of our sanitiser is produced in a factory that processes nuts.)

• If you have an old wartime gas mask in your shed, please wear it. To avoid frightening children, you may personalise it if you wish with some stick-on shapes, but do not make the stickers frightening otherwise they may scare children and we will have to fund long sessions of counselling. The only facilities now for this to be carried out are in San Tropez, in the south of France, and we would like to avoid having to send our staff there for the one month of therapy and training that is so desperately needed.

• Please use the ‘sheep dip’ method of shoe-cleaning before entering the polling station. If your trousers or skirt become wet during this process, a special hot-air blaster will be available. We cannot supply dry socks or tights so make sure your footwear is dry before returning home. We suggest you bring a spare pair of socks, preferably made from organic, 100% vegan material.

• Keep a safe distance. This can be achieved by attaching net bags full of gorgonzola cheese to your outdoor jacket, or eating a handful of garlic. A safe distance is considered to be the amount of space you put between yourself and a ‘Big Issue’ seller when you see one in Pastiecombe High Street.

• Do not eat or drink for two hours before setting out for the polling station. If you are ‘caught short’ we have no facilities.

Yours faithfully,

A.N. Sprocket Returning Officer/Electoral Registration Officer Sunnycombe District Council.

Privacy notice We know what you had for breakfast this morning, and that you wear stripey underpants. All the information we gather from you and the way you vote will be discussed in the lounge bar of the Horse and Groom, Pasticombe, when it reopens after the Covid All-Clear. TERMS and CONDITIONS Apply.

SPRING LIGHT

Light my springtime, Chestnut candle, Yellow blaze of rapeseed field, Golden fire of gorse in thorn bush, Pure white glare of May congealed.

With fairy lights of almond blossom, Pearly glow of apple tree, Fluorescent pools of woodland bluebells, Springtime, light my life for me.

Katie Mallett © 2021

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For your interest - By website contact

I am not sure if you or your members are aware that Skern Lodge near Appledore offers a programme called Young@Heart aimed at those 50+. The Young@Heart Activity Club runs the first Monday of every month from 9am - 12.15, offering a range of activities throughout the year. The cost per person for a mornings activity is £25. You can see the full programme for 2021 on our website, there you can also book online and also get a discount if you book a 6 session pass. Bringing the price down to £20 per session. See our website for more information https://www.skernlodge.co.uk/young-at-heart-adventure-club Kind regards Barry Kaufman-Hill .

Janet Gibbins

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Janet Gibbins

North Devon Coast U3A Committee contact details

Jo Rosvall Acting Chair/Secretary Email: Joan Broxholme Acting Vice Chair/Membership Sec Email:

Janet Keiff Treasurer Email:

Rosemary Stewart Welfare Email: Marilyn Stobbe Coffee Mornings Email: Nigel Hoadley Committee member Email: Pat Preston Committee member Email: Julian Tippett Committee member Email:

Newsletter production and delivery team: Fran Barnett Email: [email protected], Jo Rosvall, Joan Broxholme, Julian Tippett, Janet Gibbins, Jacquie Andrews

With grateful thanks to all contributors.

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