ChesterChester TimesTimes July 2021

Musings from the chair

is for memories. Scientific findings point to memories of activities we hope will please us. This is us going through three stages of memory where the u3a comes in. M before they become one or more of the three types of long term memory. In addition, we can u3a has many groups with activities that are deliberately evoke memories through photographs of stimulating for the mind, hands and body. At the last people and of holidays, and through music, voices, count, at least 33 of them were accepting new smell and video recordings of interaction with others, members. There is information on the website which e.g. through WhatsApp and similar applications. provides an update on the current status of all our Some of these recordings are still going to be around groups (Chester u3a Groups). For instance, the and traceable long after we are gone. Cycling group has returned to action and would welcome new members. See their webpage for ‘Memories are made of this’ was a popular song in more details and for a brand new video about the the late 50s sung by Dean Martin. It speaks of an group (Cycling Easyriders). idyllic relationship full of happy memories. We try to provide our children with memories which we hope When I am right, no one remembers, when I am will be pleasant for them, knowing that not all of them wrong no one forgets Larry Goetz (1895-1965) are. What we can do for ourselves is to make new American baseball umpire

Membership Renewal 2021-2022

As you know, our membership year ends at the end of August. Because we will not be able to meet in August to renew in person, we are inviting all members to renew online. Although you will not be able to renew your membership until the 21st July, we would like to remind you now about how to do this.

We are asking all our members to renew through the Members’ Portal wherever possible. There is a video available through this link to the membership renewal page, Chester u3a Membership Renewals, that shows you exactly what to do. You may renew through the membership portal by credit card, debit card or PayPal.

To log in through the Members’ Portal you need to enter the following information: Membership Number, Forename, Surname, Postcode, and Email Address. Be careful not to enter additional spaces before or after the entries.

Contents: Monthly meetings 2-3 Bird of the Month 7 Social Events 3 Digital Photography 8 Groups 4 Review of talk on Thomas Brassey 9 Explore the Tidal Dee 5 Gardening 10

Amblers Group 6 My Life Less Plastic 11 Book Review 7 Nerdal’s Nook 12

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Tuesday Monthly Meetings (Online) (You should receive an email with a link to sign up for each of the talks. )

6th July Art Forgery - the Sincerest Form of Theft by Frank Vigon The whole issue of Art is mired in debate about worth and interpretation. How do we know what is good art? How do we know what it means? How can we compare one artist with another? And how do we know when we are being fooled? In the end it all comes down to worth…aesthetic and monetary. In the gap between the two creeps in the joker in the pack….the forger. This talk attempts to examine some of the key issues:

Why do forgers forge? What is their methodology? The history of forgery. How responsible are the galleries, auctioneers and dealers? The forger as celebrity. Are forgers thwarted artists or are they geniuses gone astray?

The status of forgers is similar to the antihero or Robin Hood. Somehow, we do not re- gard their deception as worthy of harsh punishment and a little bit us wants to see those with the enormous sums of conspicuous and doubtfully obtained wealth, punished by being duped. But theft is still theft…

An example of a forged picture: Portrait of a Woman, attributed to Goya (1746-1828). X-ray images taken of this painting in 1954 revealed a portrait of another woman beneath the surface. X-ray diffraction analysis revealed the presence of zinc white paint, invented after Goya

3rd August The Lower Mekong, Water, Watts, War by Jim Holmes

Follow one of the world’s mightiest rivers as it flows through Laos, Thailand and Cambodia and then out into the Sea from Vietnam.

Home to the largest freshwater fish in the world, this beautiful river flows past the UNESCO heritage site of Luang Prabang, and provides a lifeline for numerous remote ethnic minority groups.

For those of you who watched the Tuesday Talk last month, and maybe also followed his progress, Garfield Southall retired from the Montane Spine Race after running for 16 hours. He sent this message out on FaceBook:

Spine Race: Thanks for all your messages! The 45 miles to Checkpoint One cover some of toughest terrain in the UK; Kinder Scout, Bleaklow, Laddow Rocks, Black Hill, Standedge, Blackstone Edge - linked by end- less moorland tracks. But it's a beautiful and magic landscape and a privilege to be able to run through it, knowing that eyes in the sky are supporting you. The run across Kinder, in the late evening sunshine, was fabulous, and Bleaklow was in a benevolent mood, but things changed over Laddow (where I twisted my knee 18 months ago). The wind increased to very strong, and the rain started. It wasn't heavy but it was whipped around by the wind. Still, I have great gear and made good progress. Blackstone Edge seemed to pass quickly. Then comes a 9 mile, flat, section by the reservoirs leading to Stoodley Pike. The wind had dropped and the rain ceased, and the day was warming up, but I just seemed to have used up my 'drive' overnight and I just trudged on. I'd eaten enough, but my spark had gone.

Just as in ‘the hundred’ a few weeks ago, I lacked the stamina to push on - and this is just lack of training. I just need to get on with it! Age has nothing to do with it! Thanks again

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Thursday 8th July 10.00 for 10.30am ‘It’s a funny way to make a living’

Dr Michael Leach is a wildlife author and photographer, it's the only job he's ever had. He's written 38 books, translated into 28 languages. Michael spent many years as a freelance television cam- eraman, working on more than 200 wildlife films. He has travelled to all 7 continents and has worked with many of the world's most iconic animals, such as gorillas, polar bears, dolphins, big cats and many others.

Michael's talk is a revealing, humorous introduction to the realities of professional wildlife filming. This is definitely NOT a technical talk, it explains how to coax animals into the right spot and convince them that no-one is watching. We uncover cunning, underhand tricks-of-the-trade that produce amazing photographs. Be prepared to have some illusions shattered! https://zoom.us/j/6813033801?pwd=bXk3Zzg5emI1dkF0Szd0eEt0NUEwdz09

Thursday 22nd July 10am – 12.00 Virtual Café

The virtual u3a Café, is open today. This is an open invitation to all members and anyone else who would like to know about the u3a. Pop in and out as you please just like a real cafe. It is an opportunity to find out about planned social events and ‘have your say’ about your u3a, which we can always feed back to the committee. If you are a new member and would like to know more it is a great way to meet fellow members in a relaxed atmosphere, just as a new member did at the last session. Come along with any question or topic you would like to discuss or listen to – all contributions appreciated. Please bring your own coffee and cake!!

If you would like to invite a friend, please send them the link – all are welcome. The Zoom link will be e-mailed to you close to the meeting date so that you do not lose it!. Please join us https://zoom.us/j/6813033801?pwd=bXk3Zzg5emI1dkF0Szd0eEt0NUEwdz09

Social Events Thursday 2nd December “Great Days Out” Christmas Lunch with 70s entertainment at The Queens Hotel, Chester. £29.

10.30am – 3 pm. Deposit £5 + £24 due by end of August. Includes three-course meal. Contact Sue Proctor to book (01244 335943) or email the Social Committee: [email protected]

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Groups

The last bumper edition of our Chester Times gave Explore the Tidal Dee short programme, some great insights into the range of different September to December 2021 activities enjoyed by our groups. So are you feeling more confident about joining or re-joining activities We are planning to run a short programme of that have been more difficult to enjoy during the activities under the title of ‘Explore the Tidal Dee’ Covid times? and the flyer (which you can see on the following page) gives an idea of the range of activities that will Status of Groups be included. Any suggestions or contributions that Chester u3a has at least 30 groups that are meeting members might wish to make would also be regularly and are happy to welcome new members. welcome. There may also be some overlap with the Some have not yet been able to restart for a number different programmes of activities already being of reasons, and some others are currently not able planned or followed by our groups. We would like to to take new members (for example, because of see written pieces or images or craft work relating to space or practical constraints). In some cases, new the Dee and the estuary on our doorstep. We would co-ordinators are also needed. There is information also like to hear from people who may have moved on the website which provides an update on the cur- to the area for work or who are happy to share a rent status of all our Groups (Chester u3a Groups). passion about any aspect of the estuary and tidal We have also been able to establish new groups, reach of the river. such as Audio and Video Skills, and Latin, and are always For further information, or to register an interest in happy to discuss ideas for any new groups that joining in with this programme, please contact members might be interested in establishing. The [email protected] spark may come from a single member, or from three or four who would like to take an idea forward. Stuart Murray and Mal Waite, Group Co-ordinators

Story Telling

One of our newer members, Tim Ditchburn, has expressed an interest in re-launching and co-ordinating some storytelling activity in Chester u3a. Tim's interest is in oral storytelling (rather than reading stories or writing). He has been, and is still, involved with other storytelling groups. Stories could include traditional folk tales from around the world, myths and legends, stories with specific subjects or topics, and the stories that people may have about their own lives. Members who would like to be involved in this activity, to tell, to learn to tell or to listen should email [email protected] and an initial meeting will then be convened to take it forward.

Local History

It is hoped to restart meetings of this group on the first Thursday of September, 2nd September, at 2.30 pm. It will be in a new venue at Bowling Green Court in Brook Street. Subject to any restrictions on numbers, new members will be welcome. Enquiries should be addressed to Kay Hall-Wilton. Email [email protected]

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Amblers Walking Group, by Alan Millard

Good news — Amblers Walking Group has returned after the Covid lockdown. This walking group, as the title suggests, is easy walking of approximately 3-4 miles and finishes at a suitable hostelry for lunch. Our walks currently take place on the last Friday of the month commencing at 10.30 am.

Our first walk of the new season was on Friday 28th May around the City of Chester and was arranged by Sandy. We had 11 former members who turned out and met at Telford’s Warehouse car park.

The route followed Chester u3a’s Boxing Day Walk, and is a circular walk of about 3 miles. The weather was fine and we set off along the city walls towards Grosvenor Bridge. After crossing the bridge we took the foot- bridge to Curzon Park where we found our first obstacle. Sandy had planned to go down the steps at the end of the footbridge into the Dingle but it was completely blocked by a fallen tree (see picture below).

We rerouted via Curzon Park West to follow a track leading down the Dingle from the Overleigh roundabout where we reached the second obstacle. Yes, you've guessed it, the tree was larger than we anticipated and had also blocked the path through the Dingle. After a brief health and safety discussion it was decided it would be safe enough to go around or under the aforesaid blockage. After safely circumnavigating the fallen tree we continued our walk along the river Dee via the well known “Nowhere” house and Edgar's Field to cross the river at the Chester footbridge.

Our route took us through Grosvenor Park towards the Bars and then joined the canal at Old Harker’s Arms via Russell Street. The towpath gave us a further obstacle to overcome as it was closed for essential repairs. Fortunately the road and adjoining footpath allowed us to access the towpath a short way past Harker’s. We followed the towpath through the gorge at Northgate to our starting point at Telford’s Warehouse where our reserved tables were a welcome sight. As usual we finished our walk with a refreshing drink and lunch.

As a group we have decided to forego our fortnightly circular walks and in the short term walk on a monthly basis until everyone is more comfortable with the current situation. All our walks are arranged by individual members on a rota basis.

If anyone is interested in joining the Amblers Walking Group for a monthly walk you are very welcome to join us. Please email me on [email protected] for further information. 6 CHESTER TIMES July 2021

Book Review by Barbara Banks, Reading Group 1

Reading 1 has been meeting on Zoom during the Covid restrictions but hope to be able to get together at my home again soon. The library nor- mally selects and supplies books for us and when this was not possible we chose our own.

One of our favourites was The Salt Path by Raynor Winn. It's a true story, 272 pages long, published in 2018. The themes running through it are of homelessness, bankruptcy, serious illness, strength of mind and love.

The lives of Raynor and her husband Moth are turned upside down when, within a few days, they lose their home and business and Moth is diagnosed with a terminal illness. Showing enormous spirit, they pack camping equipment and with very little money set off to walk the 630 mile South West Coast Path from Somerset to Dorset via Devon and Cornwall.

We found the book to be informative, learning much about the geography of the area, the countryside, birds, animals, plants, the decline of mining and the rise in tourism. The descriptions were also very effective; appealing to the senses.

We were very pleased that Raynor has made money from the book which enabled them to rebuild their lives.

Bird of the Month, by Christine Robinson, Bird Watching 1

The Common House Martin

Both the colloquial and the Latin name (delichon urbicum, of the town), of this bird tell us where it frequently builds its distinctive nests. It uses eaves or similar man-made structures to build a closed cup nest from mud pellets.

For how long has the house martin been making use of the outsides of buildings for nesting? Certainly from before Shakespeare, who referred to the house martin as “This guest of summer, The temple-haunting martlet”. They also make use of quarries, cliffs and bridges. However, you won’t see them on your bird-feeder any time soon. House martins are very much aerial birds, feeding on insects caught in flight, and come to the ground only to collect mud for the nests which they build in colonies.

They are very recognisable in flight by their white rumps and underparts. If you want to know what these birds sound like, just type “common house martin song/call” into Google; no special app is required. However, take care or you might find yourself listening to a 1980s pop group! Having been with us all spring and summer, look out for flocks of house martins gathering on telephone wires in October, before migrating to southern Africa till next spring.

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Digital Photography Group

Earlier this year the Digital Photography Group had "Spring" as the monthly theme. Here are a few examples of their work. The group is open for new members. (email [email protected])

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Review of ‘Thomas Brassey: Railway Constructor Extraordinaire’: a Thursday meeting talk by Peter Bolt. Reviewed by Joyce Carrington

Peter Bolt is the Secretary of the Thomas Brassey Society. His talk to Chester u3a certainly showed that he is a fountain of knowledge on this unsung hero who was born near Chester in 1805. There are indeed several local memorials, such as one in the St Erasmus Chapel in Chester Cathedral, a bust in the Grosvenor Museum and plaques to his memory in Chester station. Streets are also named after him (Brassey Street and Thomas Brassey Close). He should, however, be celebrated even more in our area. An upcoming event in Chester Cathedral this summer may help to put this right. An exciting 74ft long model railway, created by Pete Waterman, will open for public viewing from 17th July until 3rd September, demonstrating the and featuring the work of Brassey. Other events at the Chester Heritage Festival will highlight his importance. Look out for special posters in the this work, Brassey built his Canada Works in Birken- Chester Model Centre on Bridge Street. head, which produced everything that the railway needed, including the and carriages. Thomas Brassey was the epitome of a self-made Everything was transported by ship from man, and there are few local people whose to . influence has been more profound. Having worked with such celebrated engineers as Perhaps one of Brassey’s most important achieve- and , his interest in railway ments was his contribution in the . He construction was probably ignited when he attended built a railway to supply Sebastopol, completing the the Rainhill Trials in 1829 for the nearly-completed 39 miles in just 6 weeks. The new supplies were and Manchester Railway. His first railway essential in securing a British victory. Brassey venture was in building the horse-drawn “Marston became a national hero and gained particular Rock Salt Railroad” in 1831. He quickly went on to respect from the troops who had previously been build ever more extensive lines and soon had suffering in terrible conditions. railway building contracts over large parts of the country. He also worked in France, building the It could be seen in what esteem he was held by the Paris – – line, thus linking London huge numbers of people who walked to pay respects with Paris. at his graveside after he died in 1870. It was also summed up by a quotation from the Emperor Franz His individual projects are too numerous for justice to Joseph: ‘Who is this Mr Brassey, this English be done to them here, but they include the Trent contractor for whom men … will work with such zeal Valley, the Chester and , the Caledonian and risk their lives?’ and the and Chester railways. Peter Bolt’s talk should have made us all realise In 1852 Brassey took out the largest contract of his what an important figure Thomas Brassey was. A career, which was to build the Grand Trunk Rail- visit to the forthcoming exhibition of the model way of Canada along the St Lawrence River. The railway in the cathedral will be a ‘must’ for many of work included building the longest bridge in the world us. There are also plans to raise funds for a statue at at the time, which was designed by Robert Stephen- Chester station. More details can be found on the son and measured some 1.75 miles. To carry out website: Thomas Brassey Society

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The Garden in July: Rosie Archer, Gardening Group

The big event in the North-West for July is, of course, the RHS Tatton Park Flower Show. Running from 21st (Members only day) to 25th July, tickets are still available (at the time of writing) but demand is high. A fabulous day out, the show returns after its Covid cancellation last year. For full details, go to www.RHS.org.uk Sadly, I am unable to go this year but I am sure there will be some among our members who do plan to attend. If that is YOU, perhaps you can write a short piece, with your own photographs, for the August edition of Chester Times.

On Sunday 18th July, there is a Plant Hunters Fair from 10am to 5pm at Cholmondley Castle Garden. Combined ticket for Plant Fair and Garden only £4 adult, £2 child. To book, go www.planthuntersfairs.co.uk

Jobs to do now

Of course, you water your pots and containers every day at this time of year, but do you remember to feed them? During the growing season, they need a liquid feed every two weeks to keep them healthy. As they begin to fade, your hanging baskets will benefit from cutting back to revive the display.

It’s not always easy to think about future displays while keeping on top of the current maintenance, but this is the time to be planting Autumn flowering bulbs such as Nerines and Colchicum. Save money next year by allowing a few flower heads to die back and ripen their seed, before collecting and storing the seed for next year. If you have never tried it before, all the marigold family

Photos by Joyce Carrington

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My Life Less Plastic, by Sue Foy

After I had commenced my research into plastic, and All of the above taste better, and also cost less. Even had realised the effect it has on both the planet and better, paring down the options and picking fresh human beings, I made the decision to tackle one gave me more cupboard space and less clutter (all area of my life at a time, then move on to the next, those herbal teabags I tried and didn’t like went). otherwise it’s too easy to feel overwhelmed. It is easy to feel ‘Global warming, there’s nothing I can Moving on to alcohol was more tricky. Going into do about it, the government should do something’, anywhere that sold wine and asking for plastic-free but with the tsunami of plastic engulfing us the provoked some interesting responses – ‘but all wine answer is in our own hands, and we can all do is plastic-free!’ – it isn’t, the so-called foils are usually something to reduce it - if we didn’t buy the stuff, it plastic, as are some ‘corks’, labels can have a plastic wouldn’t be produced. content, screw caps are lined with the stuff, etc. Smaller vintners looked thoughtful, and promised to Early on I looked at drinks. Coffee came first. I ask suppliers. Only one shop (Iron and Rose in bought coffee beans and ground them myself (Just Shrewsbury) said ‘Yes!’ and proceeded to pull out a Footprints, Hoole Food Market, and other shops will dozen different bottles that were actually plastic-free, also grind for you), and I collect the beans in a refill- although I think the stall at the able container. I use them either in a cafetière (two back of Chester market now offers different sizes for different numbers of people) or an some, and it is worth asking. So, espresso machine. Teabags have been replaced by wine sealed with a cork and tied loose leaf tea, and, for those occasions where only down with string (some Prosecco), one cup is wanted, or I can’t or corked and coated with sealing be bothered with a teapot, I wax, or some upmarket cham- use a tea infuser which gets pagnes (but plenty of them have a rinsed under the tap. In both plastic pull tab, you need to check) cases the result tastes are all possible, as is cider with much better than either wire cages. instant coffee or teabags. Beer, surprisingly, was pretty much impossible. Cans I like the odd herbal tea, so we grow mint and lemon and crown caps are lined with plastic. Best bet verbena, and use the leaves to make tea. Again, the seemed to be traditional pints pulled in pubs, but all results are better, fresher, too often wooden spiles in barrels have been and I can get exactly the replaced by plastic. Also, beer lines are plastic, but flavour I want. We also dry not single use, so I can forgive that. My hunt for beer the leaves for use through was curtailed by lockdown, but I am hoping it is still the winter. Anyone in out there somewhere. I was thinking my best bet Chester wanting a root of locally is the Pied Bull, who certainly used to brew on peppermint, please ask. I their premises, and who could maybe be persuaded also have one spare to produce a plastic-free beer, but I think too many of lemon verbena plant. the raw ingredients only come in plastic packaging. Anyone care to join me in the hunt? Hot chocolate is either plastic- free chocolate melted in milk One thing is certain, the more people who ask for (luxury!), or Just Footprints sell plastic-free items, the more likely someone will instant hot chocolate powder. produce them. So if we all go in and ask, who You can also get a very good knows what might happen? brand of Spanish hot chocolate from Delivert in Hoole (and Feedback/suggestions can be sent to probably other places). [email protected]

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CHESTER TIMES July 2021

Nerdal’s Nook

Your new puzzle:

Balls Nerdal has three balls, red (4kg), blue (5kg), and green (6kg). They all have a radius of 10cm. Which if any will float in pure water (density 1g/cm3)?

Answer to last month’s puzzle: M Message The message is a series of binary numbers, in the decimal system it reads 011001668101100. Set this out in a grid and think of the numbers as atomic numbers.

0 1 1 0 0 H H 1 6 6 8 1 = H C C O H 0 1 1 0 0 H H

The answer is ethanol (alcohol); perhaps Nerdina is inviting Nerdal for a drink.

Father does not know best

Jimmy’s English teacher was a perfectionist and demanded the best of his pupils. So it was only to be expected that he would get furious when little Jimmy handed in a poor paper.“ This is the worst essay it has ever been my misfortune to read,” ranted the teacher. “It has too many mistakes. I can’t understand how one person would have made all these mistakes.” “One person didn’t,” replied little Jimmy defensively. “My father helped me.”

The cut-off date for the next Chester Times is Wed 21 July 2021. Please send contributions to: [email protected] or: PO Box 167 Chester CH1 9FB. This month’s editor: Joyce Carrington Next month’s editor: Joyce Carrington

Contacts

Chair: Ben John: [email protected] General Enquiries: 07565 181192 Membership: Jeff Howard: [email protected] Web site: www.chesteru3a.org.uk Postal address: PO Box 167 Chester CH1 9FB Reg. Charity No 1048416

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