CRAVENmagazine U3A

L A D Y

A 6 N 1 N E E G 'S A P W E AY :: SE SUMMER 2016 Issue no.61 Contents The Chairman’s Letter

1 The Chairman's Letter 3 Let's all play fair 4 Walk to Lunch group 7 Popular Music 1920-60 9 What does a retired architect do all day? 10 Westnet Quiz 12 Housing Options class 14 The History of Mining class 16 Lady Anne's Way 20 Christine Lynch retires 22 Railway Study group 24 Fascinated Fungus Forayers 26 The Wairarapa Stonehenge Mick Richings 28 Bridge courses For those of you who weren't at the AGM, I am your new chairman 29 Stories of Scientists class and I thought it appropriate that I tell you something about myself. I've been actively involved with the Dales NPA as a Dales 30 First Class Volunteer for 22 years based at Grassington, being involved in a 31 Italy uncovered variety of activities from patrolling to leading walks and events. My 32 Chicken Goulash recipe employment over some 46 years has seen me sail the world with the Royal Navy as an engineer for 12 years, and then in civvie street at a 33 Lemon Soufflé recipe number of power stations gradually climbing up the greasy pole and 34 Walking back to 2006 ending up as engineering manager. For the past 9 years I've been a 36 Men's Health Alert magistrate, adjudicating in both adult and family matters at Keighley and, when that court closed, at Bradford. I would have continued, but Editor's note you have to fall off your perch at 70 (the official retirement age). Although I've only been a member of U3A for two years, Craven U3A Magazine No.61 July 2016 I'm fully aware of its activities and objectives. My wife Margie has Editor: Roger French Craven U3A Registered Charity No.1038617 been a member for many years and has kept me abreast of its Printed by: Jason Miller - JAYMILL PRINT comings and goings, and I have been affected by how much she's enjoyed the classes attended. During my time volunteering for the

1 Yorkshire Dales I've been a key organiser, managing the activities of Let's all play fair other volunteers and, whilst a magistrate, the chairman of the West Everybody I have spoken to is delighted that course fees have been Yorkshire Magistrates Association. So, between my employment and set at zero this year, which will reduce the overall cost of membership, other activities, hopefully it has prepared me for the responsibilities as even for those enrolled in only one class. your chairman. I have to express my thanks to Vic who has been more than just helpful in advising and helping me to prepare – thank you. However, I have heard the same concern voiced several times: "Won’t this encourage people to sign up for courses that they then I have set myself one or two objectives during my term in office. Firstly, fail to attend?" I have tried to reassure people that this won’t happen during my brief spell on the committee I was struck by the enormous because our members are not selfish individuals – please don’t prove amount of work that is needed to manage the membership, and to me wrong! compound matters, in "computer speak" the membership doesn't talk to the finance. The committee attended a number of presentations on For the vast majority of members, signing up for a course means “I will the options available and decided that we will change to the U3A attend every session unless something serious stops me.” There are a bespoke computer system. There will be changes but we'll take the few, however, for whom it seems to mean “I will turn up for a session membership with us and for those not computer literate there will be if I’m not doing anything else and if I remember in time.” This latter no change. The other objective is to see the development of Westnet attitude mightn’t matter so much for a course with plenty of spaces which is a collaboration of Bradford, Keighley, Ilkley, Settle and and where each session is a “stand alone.” After all, the walking group ourselves to offer additional opportunities whilst each will retain their would be in serious trouble if all of us turned up for a walk! individuality. If anyone has any ideas for events please get in touch. On courses that are full, however, it means that somebody on the Our finances are too healthy, and again the committee agreed a waiting list, who is keener, has been deprived of a place. For courses process whereby they'll be reduced over a seven year period, the that progress, it means that the group leader has to spend time going consequence of this decision is dealt with elsewhere. Suffice to back over what they have already done to allow someone to catch comment that course fees are set at zero with a slight increase in the up. Group leaders work extremely hard to produce their courses – annual membership fee. This will be closely monitored. they deserve your respect and commitment. If you sign up for an oversubscribed course and then take a casual attitude to attendance, The Charity Commissioners' have finally given approval for the U3A be prepared for the group leader to challenge you about this and Constitution after some 18 months of deliberations. More later, on possibly replace you with someone from their waiting list. what will happen next. But what if there is a well-subscribed course that you would really like The membership continues to grow organically and we hope to to do, even though you know that your attendance will be patchy? continue building on the growth of recent years. If anyone has any Talk to the group leader about it. They may be happy to make a note suggestions about courses or would consider being a tutor please of your name and contact you on any occasion when they do have a get in touch. space. In conclusion, I'm enthused about taking on the mantle and a bit So, please think before you sign up – and let’s all play fair. nervous having to follow a very successful chairman in Vic. If anyone has any comments, suggestions on any matter please contact myself or any of the committee. Mick Richings Your Membership Secretary

2 3 Walk to Lunch group Whitby Weekend 15th -18th April

Our weekend walking breaks are an established part of this friendly group and have now become a twice yearly event. heavy hail-and-snow shower! Two of us even managed to sneak in an The first one this year was a repeat visit to Whitby, where we went ice cream treat. last October. As we all enjoyed it so much, it was agreed to return The route back was across fields (some of which closely resembled to Larpool Hall as it is such a wonderful place to stay, offering comfy paddy fields) and woodland, which would have been beautiful had it accommodation, great walks, excellent staff, delicious meals plus a not been for the necessity to keep our eyes firmly fixed on the terrain sumptuous packed lunch. beneath our feet, as the mud had to be seen to be believed. Really Fifteen of us arrived on Friday afternoon and soon settled down to challenging! Despite our care, one of our members fell (who shall afternoon tea and the anticipation of a couple of days good walking. remain nameless for the sake of her dignity). Thankfully, there were no Jenny and Stuart, who had planned and recced the walks before our major injuries and she carried on with grit, determination and a smile. visit, briefed us all over pre-dinner drinks. There was a break-away group who did a shorter version of the walk, Our first walk, on the Saturday, was an 8-mile circular walk from the but even they had trouble wi’ t’ mud! Needless to say a hot shower, pretty village of Staithes to Runswick Bay. Although it was cold and followed by drinks from the bar and a delicious three course evening blustery, the skies were blue as we set off along the coastal path, meal were most welcome. After dinner, to the amusement(?!) of the admiring the striking views of the beach below. As we walked along few other guests, we played skittles in the lounge, which was noisier the headland heavy black clouds began to follow us and before too than we had anticipated, but great fun. long we were enveloped in hail showers. But the contrasts of blue Sunday dawned fair. Our circular walk of 7 miles from Ravenscar, skies, dark clouds, bright green fields, white blackthorn blossom wended its way from the coast, across the open moors before and gorse flowers kept our spirits high. On arriving in Runswick Bay leading back to the car park. The weather stayed dry and it was even the sun was shining again so we settled down to enjoy our packed (whisper it) slightly warmer, and the route less muddy. The scenery lunches by the sea shore. We just managed to finish before the next was spectacular, with great views of Robin Hood’s Bay as we climbed

4 5 away from Ravenscar. The moorland section had a bleak beauty Popular Music 1920-60 and, as we left it and walked through gentler terrain, lunch was in A few old friends of mine (and maybe yours too?) a woodland glade near a stream – thankfully, in the sun! Thereafter, it was a stroll across a dramatic expanse of a scree slope prior to My grandparents had a record player. Or rather a gramophone? Or in joining the old railway track back to Ravenscar. Before returning to their younger eyes, a phonograph! Over the years, they accumulated Whitby, we enjoyed tea and cake at a nearby café. a number of records, everyone of them 78’s. A lot of opera, with the likes of John McCormack and Richard Tauber. But also, living in Our last evening at Larpool Hall saw some of us ‘having a go’ at one Burnley, many Gracie Fields. As a small child, I played them all! of Stuart’s notorious quizzes, always challenging but good fun. Through talking to Mum and Dad as a youngster, they told me about After a huge cooked breakfast on Monday morning we headed back the pre-war British dance bands – Jack Payne, Jack Hilton, Roy Fox, to , invigorated by the exercise and companionship. Jack Jackson, Ambrose and a host of others. Vocally, their favourites A huge thanks to Brigida for organising and booking the were singers like Al Bowlly, Denny Denis, Bing Crosby, Fred Astaire accommodation, to Jenny and Stuart for their thorough planning and and instrumentalists like Louis Armstrong and Fats Waller. thoughtful leading of walks and to Sally for her beautiful photographs During the wartime, I listened to the radio, hearing Flanagan & Allan,, which captured the drama of it all. Thank you. Anne Shelton, the Ink Spots and the Andrew Sisters. 1948 was a We’re now looking forward to the autumn weekend at Nether Grange, big year in my life. Dad got a radio gram! Our next door neighbour in in Alnwick, Northumberland – a new experience for some of our Walk Barnoldswick, had a collection of 78’s, nearly all of them Al Jolson, to Lunch members. Fingers crossed for fine weather! and every week she allowed me to borrow a small selection. But that Larpool Hall is one of several locations run by the excellent Holiday was the year, I heard Mario Lanza. (I was a scruffy little lad, filling my Fellowship Organisation, which specialises in catering for outdoor life with comics and kicking a ball, and I had never heard a tenor voice pursuits such as walking, orienteering, bird watching etc. All venues before. I was utterly captivated. (Understatement!) have a boot room which offers facilities for drying wet clothing and On the radio gram, I started listening to AFN and by the early 1950’s, I footwear. Do visit the website, as you may wish to organise a weekend was a regular evening listener to Radio Luxembourg. (Weren’t we all?) away for your group. I discovered a new world,- mainly an American world of Frank Sinatra, Christine Patrick, Sally Goodman, Brigida Martino Russ Morgan, Dinah Shore, Vaughan Monroe, Perry Como and Billy Eckstine. My parents had a busy shop and a weekly outing was to the Pictures by Sally Goodman cinema in Barlick, either the Majestic or the Palace. New faces came into my life,- Doris Day, Gene Kelly,and Danny Kaye. I loved musicals with Gordon McCrae, Howard Keel, Shirley Jones, Ethel Merman, Ann Miller and Cyd Charisse. And of course, Mario! In those days, everyone listened to the radio,- “Variety Bandbox” on a Saturday night, with singers like Issy Bonn and Donald Peers. And there was “Family Favourites” on Sunday lunchtime with Ella Fitgerald, Rose Murphy, Teresa Brewer, Les Compagnons de la Chanson, Ronnie Ronalde, and Al Martino. Followed of course by Billy Cotton! In 1953, I went to see the “Glenn Miller Story” and the floodgates

6 7 of swing were opened to me – Glenn Miller, Tommy Dorsey, Jimmy What does a retired architect do all day? Dorsey, Harry James, Artie Shaw, and Count Basie. And a few years Apart from U3A classes, of course! later, I saw the “Benny Goodman Story”, with Benny, Lionel Hampton, PHOTO: MICHAEL DEVENISH 2013 Teddy Wilson, Gene Krupa & Co. My world was turned upside down! I retired in 2013 after 40 years in practice as an architect, in later years And so I was a teenager in the 50’s. From America, via AFN, there working mostly on historic and listed came Guy Mitchell, Frankie Laine, Johnny Ray, Jo Stafford, Rosemary buildings. This means I can follow Clooney. Nat King Cole, Mitch Miller, Mel Torme, Hoagy Carmichael, paths no client would ever pay for, and Patti Paige, Peggy Lee, Sammy Davis Jr, Dean Martin and Tony spotting a strange detail in a Leeds Bennett. Via “208”, I heard Teddy Johnston, David Whitfield, Dickie Civic Trust photo two years ago has Valentine, Alma Cogan and Ronnie Hylton. I also began to go to big now resulted in an article on the history band concerts with Ted Heath, Ken McIntosh,and Joe Loss, as well of some unexpected architecture in as the revived Glenn Miller orchestra. I remember well my lengthy love the Little Temple at Temple Newsam affairs with Judy Garland and Deanna Durbin! Park at Leeds – an 18th century “eye- As the 1950’s lengthened, so my musical tastes deepened into light catcher”. What at first sight looked music – Charles Williams, Mantovani, Frank Chacksfield and Cyril merely odd now appears to be a rare, Stapleton. I can talk about Evelyn Laye, Peter Dawson and Noel possibly unique, survival built in stone Coward with great affection! I was also, in my late teens, into rock’n and timber – the combined work of two roll with singers like Paul Anka and Neil Sedaka, of the most important English garden I went to a concert at Blackburn in 1958 given by Paul Robeson, who designers of that time – Batty Langley changed my life in an evening! and Lancelot “Capability” Brown. I In the 1960’s, I was keen on Andy Williams, Bobby Darin, and Burt have tried to write up its story in a form Bacharach. Now at Manchester at University, I went to concerts at accessible to the non-specialist, and the Free Trade Hall with Shirley Bassey, the Four Freshmen, Sarah including some necessary context on The Little Temple Vaughan, Count Basie, Matt Monro and the Nelson Riddle Orchestra. the time and place of its creation. I proposed to my girlfriend after the first act of “La Traviata” at This has now been taken up by the website planning the Capability Manchester Opera House. Together we saw (and met personally!) Brown tercentenary which is due this year, 2016. So, sit down with a Barbra Streisand, as well as hearing John Denver (many times), Neil coffee, and divert yourself for half an hour on: Sedaka, and Anthony Newley (wow!) http://www.parksandgardens.org/news-and-events/current- I began writing this to explain how I come to lead the lively Tuesday news/922-the-little-temple-at-temple-newsam-a-new-article afternoon U3A group on “Popular Music 1920-60." I had to mention It is hoped that the restoration of this tiny (and thus also affordable!) the friends I’ve met along the way, but perhaps you’ve known them jewel will be part of a larger Heritage Lottery bid for much needed yourself for some years? conservation works on the Capability Brown landscaped parkland at Temple Newsam, supported by Historic , Temple Newsam Estate, Leeds City Council, Leeds Civic Trust, this article, and others. David Wiseman Michael Devenish

8 9 Westnet Quiz What is Westnet? – not a N.A.T.O. anti-missile defence shield, but the name of a colaborative initiative between five local U3A groups (Bradford, Craven, Ilkley, Keighley, and Settle). The aim of the inititiative is to increase the opportunities open to the membership through closer links between the branches. An excellent example of which, was the recent Westnet Quiz held in Gargrave's village hall on the 24th May. Seventy-three people from across the five U3A branches attended the general knowledge quiz and supper. Some of the thirteen teams turned-up already organised, but many attendees (like me) formed themselves into ad hoc teams on arrival. The teams, in a rare moment of quiet reflection The wide-ranging questions had been set by Roger Bainbridge of Ilkley U3A. Bradford's Kate Helm and our own Quiz Night pictures by John Whiteoak Mick Richings had organised the event. The pair also excelled at keeping good order, in their roles as quiz masters. A half-time break was taken, for the much-acclaimed pie & peas supper which had been prepared by Village Hall manager Sally Roland and her mother, who both deserve top marks. Throughout the evening, some keen competition was evident, with good- natured rivalry surfacing as each team's score was announced at the Mick Richings and Kate Helm end of every round. The eventual winners were "MADPAM" (the team members' initials, I hope). The rest of us then decided that winning was unimportant compared to taking part in a very enjoyable event. The success of the evening was clear from the enthusiastic calls for a repeat, which may be arranged for later in the year – watch out for a notice. The winning team: Margaret Goode, Douglas Goode, Marcia Watson, Roger French Anne Heald, Ann Busfield, Peter Watson

10 11 Housing Options class And a service you may not have heard about Members of the housing options class (January to March 2016) visited seven different housing developments for retired people in the Craven area – some for rent, some for purchase, some providing minimal extra support, some with 24 hour on-site care teams. But we all agreed that one of the most interesting visits was not to a specialist retirement development at all, but to the offices of Yorkshire Housing in Newmarket Street, where staff talked to us about the help they provide for people who want to stay in their existing home (which, of course, is most of us – only 5% of over 65s live in specialist housing). Yorkshire Housing’s Independent Living Team offer a variety of different services to help older people stay at home. Anyone can use the service, including home owners. You don’t have to live in a Yorkshire Housing property Margaret Gibson, the team manager, talked to us about the packages of support they can offer. Margaret explained “The simplest package Some members of the group on a visit to Mallory Court, in Skipton involves the installation of an emergency alarm, which you can use to summon help at any time of the day or night. We have found that doing household chores, or even walking the dog. The arrangement people really value the peace of mind of knowing that if an emergency can be a one-off or provided on a regular basis. happens (say you have had a fall or been taken ill) the alarm service Charges for the various services vary from £26.79 a month for a will contact people you have nominated to respond (friends, family simple emergency alarm installation to £14.00 an hour for Help at or neighbours) and if need be call an ambulance too. If your family Hand. People on low incomes may be eligible for help with the costs member or friend isn’t available one of our Independent Living Officers of emergency alarm provision. will respond and attend, if necessary.” For further information about the services and its charges you can The package also includes a monthly visit from one of the Association’s contact Margaret Gibson Mobile: 07810 773805 or Carole Freakes Independent Living Officers. These visits are to make sure all is well, Mobile: 07810 773808. If preferred, someone from Yorkshire Housing offer advice and provide information about other services that are can come to your home and demonstrate the equipment without any available locally obligation. For people who need more support, daily telephone calls are available So if you think this might benefit you, or someone you know, why as well as weekly visits by an Independent Living Officer. not get in touch with Yorkshire Housing? Our group thought it was a In addition to this, Yorkshire Housing have recently introduced a new service which deserved much wider publicity. service, Help at Hand, which offers a further wide range of support and assistance. This can be anything from help with shopping, accompanying someone to medical appointments, making a meal, Vera Brearey

12 13 The History of Mining class The 28th April saw eight members of the History of Mining class visit the National Coal Mining Museum at Overton near Wakefield, for an interesting day putting "meat on the bones" of part of the course content which had been held over the Winter term this year. The Colliery, on which the museum has been developed, commenced as Caphouse Colliery in the late 1700s on a north-facing hillside where coal outcrops were first exploited. It was subsequently developed into a conventional deep mine, remaining as an active pit until its closure in 1985. Following our arrival and a mandatory coffee in the cafeteria, we explored the extensive range of surface exhibits which showed what a miner’s life was like in the past ­­– both the hardships and hazards of a very physical and dangerous occupation, together with the lighter recreational aspects. Social, community, and related political history was also well documented. Following a substantial lunch (for those with an appetite to match that of a working miner) or a modest snack for the more figure conscious among us, we then embarked on an underground tour. Kitted-out We descended in a basic cage (with shaft-lining brickwork clearly with headgear and lamps, we temporarily forfeited any personal visible) to a depth of some 180 metres, before being guided along possessions containing batteries, to avoid the risk of a microscopic a labyrinth of tunnels of varying height. We saw, at first hand, the spark which could cause methane combustion. (It is surprising how conditions experienced to win the material which fuelled the industrial much we rely on miniaturised electronics in the present day). revolution and which dominated the power requirements of the 19th and 20th centuries until the advent of oil, gas and alternative "green" energy systems. Astonishing underground machinery, developed in the latter part of the 20th century to facilitate the speedy cutting and transport of coal from the coal-face, contrasted starkly with the early days of a family of husband, wife and children as young as 8 working as a team in tunnels little more than one metre in height using simple hand tools some 200 years ago. A highly informative and enjoyable day in good company – the very essence of Craven U3A!

Brian Shuttleworth

14 15 Lady Anne's Way A number of Craven U3A Walking Group members are currently tackling the “Lady Anne’s Way” long distance walk. This is a 100 mile long distance walking path stretching from Skipton to Penrith in Cumbria. The group is in fact going to walk in a north to south direction starting in Penrith and finishing in Skipton. The walk has been broken up into eight one day stages, which will be completed between May and October 2016, with a stage being walked every 3 to 4 weeks. This is the third time that Craven U3A have walked the Lady Anne’s Way. The first time was south to north in 1997, and the second time in 2007 in a north to south direction. The walk itself was devised by local author, long distance walker and historian Sheila Gordon. Her first guidebook to the walk was published in 1995. Sheila also operates a website dedicated to the subject. Brougham Castle and the walkers at the start of the first stage The walk was conceived as a tribute to Lady Anne Clifford. It follows was to be the task that preoccupied her for the rest of her life. She routes between Lady Anne’s historic castles and buildings, along set about restoring and expanding the castles, whilst also restoring paths that Lady Anne herself may have travelled when visiting her nearby churches, and building almshouses for the needy. Lady Anne properties. eventually died in Brougham Castle in 1676. Historical background The aim of the walk is to follow in spirit some of the routes that Lady Lady Anne Clifford was the last in the line of the Clifford family who Anne will have taken when she visited her important buildings and owned vast estates extending from Skipton in Craven to Brougham supervised their restoration. in Westmorland. Lady Anne’s Way informative talk Lady Anne was born in Skipton Castle in 1590 to George Clifford, The walking group were extremely grateful to Sheila Gordon for 3rd Earl of Cumberland and his wife Margaret Russell. At this time, agreeing to address members at a social evening that took place just the established law in England proclaimed that estates should be before the start of the walk. Sheila gave the audience an excellent inherited by the eldest child, not just to the eldest male offspring. insight into the history of Lady Anne Clifford, the walk route itself, Despite this, when her father died in 1605 Lady Anne failed to inherit and relevant places of interest that we would pass on the route. the family estate, which passed to her uncle and his male heirs. Lady The talk was accompanied by a fascinating slideshow. At the end Anne felt this injustice very deeply, and even though she married twice of the evening all the attendees were left raring to get started, and she spent the next thirty eight years until 1643 trying to regain her also probably wanting to carry out some further historical research inheritance. She did not regain full possession of her estates until the themselves into the life of Lady Anne Clifford. end of the ‘second’ English Civil War in 1649. She then promptly left The route, and places of interest the south of England to return to her native lands. Our route starts at Brougham Castle, probably Lady Anne’s favourite Unfortunately, Lady Anne found that her estates had been neglected. castle, just outside Penrith. We start by heading east along the Eden Her castles were in great need of repair, and the restoration of these valley, passing through Cliburn, Kirkby Thore, and Long Marton before

16 17 arriving in Appleby. Here we will reach Appleby Castle, restored by From Grassington we pass through Hebden and Burnsall where we Lady Anne after it was partly dismantled by roundheads during the take the Dales Way as far as Barden Tower, the 15th century tower English civil war. In Appleby we also find Almshouses for the needy, house built by Sir Henry Clifford, restored and added to by Lady Anne. that were built by Lady Anne, and St Lawrence’s Church which Our path then climbs away from the River Wharfe over Hare Head Side houses Lady Anne’s tomb and monument, close to that of her mother to reach Halton East, before passing through Eastby, then Embsay to Margaret. finally reach Skipton Castle, the principal seat of the Clifford family. The route carries on eastwards from Appleby, We have broken our Lady Anne’s Way walk into passing through Warcop, and arriving at Church eight stages: Brough, the site of Brough Castle. Lady Anne 1. Brougham Castle to Long Marton – 13 miles restored the castle after it had been destroyed by 2. Long Marton to Brough – 14 miles fire, and left abandoned. From Brough Castle our 3. Brough to Pendragon Castle – 11 miles path turns to head in a southerly direction towards Kirkby Stephen and follows the river Eden along the 4. Pendragon Castle to Appersett – 11 miles Mallerstang valley, arriving at the ruins of Pendragon 5. Appersett to Worton – 10 miles Castle, which Lady Anne restored after it had been 6. Worton to Buckden – 12 miles attacked earlier by Scottish raiding parties. 7. Buckden to Grassington – 12 miles After leaving Pendragon Castle the route climbs up 8. Grassington to Skipton – 15 miles onto the Dales Highway (also known as Lady Anne Each of these stages will be a linear walk, and Clifford's Highway), a high level path that Lady in order to accomplish this, the walking group is Anne used when visiting Pendragon Castle. At the going to drive to the end point of each stage, and end of the Dales Highway the path drops down into then be taken by coach to the start. The intrepid Appersett, and continues into Hawes. walkers will then complete the walk, arriving back From Hawes we will visit Askrigg, before reaching at their cars, from where they can then make their Nappa Hall, a fine example of a 15th century fortified way home. manor house. This hall was owned by Thomas In all, thirty-seven U3A Walking Group members Metcalfe, a cousin of Lady Anne, and is a place have booked to take part in this enterprise. Some where she often stayed when travelling between of them will be completing the entire 100 miles, Skipton and Pendragon Castles. whilst others will be doing selected stages. From Nappa Hall, the route enters Worton, then As an end of walk treat we plan to gather at skirts round Semerwater, goes over Stake Moss, Skipton Castle Tea Rooms where we will be able and drops over the “Cote de Cray” to arrive at MAP COURTESY OF SHEILA GORDON to congratulate ourselves on having completed a Buckden. memorable journey. We will now all feel in familiar territory, as the route first follows the Dales Way to Starbotton, then passes through paradise, to arrive at Tom Baines Kettlewell. The path then climbs up to Capplestone Gate, and passes Bare House before arriving in Grassington. Walking Group programme secretary

18 19 Christine Lynch retires The end of an era. After eighteen years of tireless work, Christine Lynch is retiring. Having been a U3A student for two years, Christine was persuaded to try the other side of the desk. Thinking about her collection of slides, gathered over many years, she realized that running a class would be a wonderful way to relive her journeys and share the pleasure with others. Indeed these photos, and subsequent ones taken on later holidays, became one of the highlights of her classes, adding a warm and personal touch. Word soon got out about the class and it is a mark of Christine's love of the subject and the esteem in which she was held by her loyal followers that "Geography" prospered and was soon oversubscribed. Many people were long-time students, but Pam Clemenson attended for an astonishing 15 years – surely a record. Christine's first course was North America. It was based on two trips she made in the 1970's with a group of geographers, travelling first Christine receives a retirement gift from class members across Canada from Montreal to Vancouver. Next year she went back to Vancouver for a journey through 14 National Parks to San Francisco. is to her credit that Christine found the energy and enthusiasm to By coincidence her last course also focused on North America from persevere for so long – always remaining cheerful despite technical the icebergs around Greenland to Florida, (a State, we were told, that hitches. is in imminent danger of disappearing under flood water). Geography was not the only appeal of Christine's classes. There was In the intervening years Christine's talks have ranged from local always a warm and friendly atmosphere, a reflection of her own charm interests like Holderness, and Yorkshire place names, to the whole and quiet sense of amusement. Queuing in that dark narrow corridor globe. Who would previously have given any thought to "Effects of helped us all become friends, not to mention the refreshments supplied Urbanization on Hydrological Processes"? A recent course was an by Ann and Bill Pratt and their band of helpers. Some members even ambitious A-Level standard course on Geomorphology. All talks were cut down on breakfast in anticipation of cake. Moira West opened and accompanied by meticulous notes and references for further study. closed up, others helped set up and pack away in the happy family In addition Christine encouraged members to bring in any relevant atmosphere that Christine encouraged. articles and share first hand knowledge. In a friendly atmosphere members were helped and supported in giving talks based on their Initially Christine expected Geography to run 9 or 10 years. Skipton is own experiences. lucky that we have had double that pleasure. Much as everyone will miss her we must all wish Christine the best, hope that she continues Despite her immense knowledge, classes took hours of preparation. to enjoy travelling, and thank her for being such a superb teacher, Finding and presenting material became increasingly more time imbuing so many of us with a love of Geography. consuming. The advance of technology, digital projectors and Windows 10, added an extra burden! Tutoring from Pat Tankard helped, but it Christine Walton

20 21 Railway Study group Winter/Spring term 2016 Ian Appleyard kicked off the session with a talk THE BRUNELS Part Two. This time about Isambard Kingdom Brunel, son of Marc. The rest of the term as usual had a mix of guest and group speakers. The guest speakers were John Bowdery who started as a signalman at Esholt Junction (which had no facilities!) and progressed his career through to becoming Derby Control Manager. Peter Huff who talked about THE GRASSINGTON BRANCH. Theo Steel, retired MD, Regional Railways Wales & West. David Ward who reminisced about a lifetime railway career and David Quarmby talked about RAILWAYS OF SOUTH EAST LONDON. The group speakers kicked off with Michael Savage speaking of THE LIFE AND WORK OF WENMAN BASSETT-LOWKE the founder of the esteemed model making company. Robin Corbett stepped forward with his HOW TRAINS STEER – alternatively referred to as "going round the bend." As a result, some members suffered a few degrees of cant deficiency! Ian Appleyard introduced THE LNER & THE MEN BEHIND THE RENAMED A4s. Officers of the LNER who brought the company through tough times were honoured by A4s being renamed after them. Finally ten in total including Dwight D Eisenhower. Sir "Temporarily out of service" Ralph Wedgwood had two, the first destroyed by bombing at York in 1942. Glen Rae spoke about FRANCIS WILLIAM WEBB. He was a and in the centre of the junction of three major routes to Chester, man ln the right place at the right time, a brilliant organiser and superb Manchester and the west coast main line to Scotland. The start of engineer. His doings for the LNWR put him in the top echelon of UK the tour is in the old control centre, built to be bomb proof in 1938, railway engineers and he should be better known than he is. Finally and still kitted out with redundant equipment. As befits a heritage Bob Smith talked about HAMPSHIRE STEAM IN THE EARLY 60s. centre lots of interesting exhibits littered the site. Examples were a This being followed by Jim Drake, deputising for Dudley Cockroft and complete prototype APT (Advanced Passenger Train) and the Exeter introducing a railway quiz. A time to merge into the background and West mechanical signal box, replaced in 1985, in full working order leave the brains to it. and programmed to replicate a 1960 summer timetable. The main On the 27th April a group coached to the Crewe Heritage Centre. Not exhibition hall had many old photographs, maps, and exhibits of past having been to Crewe before (it not being on the route to anywhere times. when you live at Crosshills), the trip was particularly interesting. It was Thankfully the snow hadn’t settled and we had a good run home. a typical late April day, rain, sun and snow! The heritage site is in the northern throat of the station looking in to a mass of platform ends Michael Laycock

22 23 Fascinated Fungus Forayers Leaders: Archie McAdam, Jane Rushworth, Peter Duffy During last year, our foraying group in the Dales, named after Pat O’Reilly's excellent book Fascinated by Fungi, successfully completed the five forays we attempted. We did, however, experience “the wettest foray in the world” one Saturday. Despite the conditions, on that day we discovered a grassland site which, because there were so many grassland species growing there, of which 12 were Waxcaps, it is a place that should be considered for designation as a Site of Special Scientific Interest. For 2016, your leaders planned five more forays, this time on Wednesdays. The format is the same as previously, consisting of a morning foray of two hours followed by about the same time indoors somewhere. Our indoor sessions last year were times of good fellowship and enthusiastic Fascinated Forayers on the lookout for fungi exchange of ideas on the fungi we found. 3,000 species, we found 35. One or two rarities still remain to be So what did we find? On most identified. All records will appear on the two national databases before of our forays we found examples too long. of the commonest fruit-body In this coming season we shall go to some of the same sites as last shapes and types – cap & stem, year and we shall also search out new ones. Every ecosystem has bracket, club, jelly, crust, slime different fungi inhabiting it. Our aim will be to choose foray sites that mould and coral. are near a carpark and will be made up of flat spaces in which to We found a total of 223 different search out fungi, as well as the usual interesting hollows and hillocks. species. We found all the 123 We aim to enjoy another season of excitement and solid achievement. fungi classed as commonest of The Ballerina, an attractive delicate all, with the exception of only pink Waxcap. The species is classed three. Of the next 405, which Archie McAdam as endangered in eleven European occur occasionally, we spotted on behalf of the fungus group leaders countries but found quite often in 62. And of the really rare fungi, the Dales. Picture © by Peter Duffy which amount to approximately

24 25 PHOTO: GARETH DAVIES 2015 when necessary, by a stone mason and sculptor. Professor Alan Macdiarmid, a local Nobel Laureate conducted the opening ceremony The Wairarapa Stonehenge in February 2005. The dimensions are broadly similar to the ancient Stonehenge. It is 30m in diameter and about 4m high. The pillars are capped by lintels completing a circle. A 5m obelisk marks the centre of the henge. Sadly, the pillars, lintels and obelisk are not of hewn stone. They are hollow, framed structures, with the exteriors covered with concrete moulding. The interior of the circle is said to have excellent acoustic qualities. This Wairarapa is a region of New Zealand in the SE corner of the North quality is also claimed Island. It has been largely known for its dairy farming, but more in the first written recently for an increasing number of vineyards in the Martinborough Stonehenge descriptions. and Gladstone areas. I recently bought a bottle of wine from the There is a village in the Gladstone vineyard at the Keelham farm shop in Skipton. Preseli mountain area A local group in the Wairarapa called The Phoenix Astronomical Society of Pembrokeshire called The Wairarapa Stonehenge (PHOTO: WIKIPEDIA) decided to build a Stonehenge replica. This was to be an educational “Maenclochog”. The name project and a source of income after completion. This modern henge literally translated into English, is “Bell Stone” or more practically was designed to show the people of today how ancient peoples used “ringing stone”. The Blue Stone used at Stonehenge is reputed to such constructions for astronomy and rituals. have come from there. They were keen to point out that use of the phrase “Stonehenge The Wairarapa Stonehenge is now part of the local tourist scene, replica” was merely for ease of description. Being in the Southern school field trips, wedding venue, etc. and is still being worked upon hemisphere and at a different latitude to the Salisbury Plain original, in various aspects. As Max Boyce said of a Welsh rugby ground “It will sunrise and sunset angles would be different and the sun’s bearing at be all right when it’s finished”. noon would be in the opposite direction. Salisbury Plain Stonehenge: 51.18 degrees N. and 01.82 degrees W. A professional surveyor checked out the design & supervised Noon is 7 minutes 20 seconds later than at Greenwich. the project management, using accurate astronomic data and a Wairarapa Stonehenge: 41.1 degrees S and 175.6 degrees E. theodolite. Polynesian aspects of Maori custom and navigation were Noon is 11hours 42 minutes and 17 seconds earlier than at Greenwich. also included. Up to150 volunteers from the Phoenix Astronomical Society spent their free weekends for two years assembling the henge, supervised Gareth Davies

26 27 Bridge courses Stories of Scientists class We have had good attendances at both Bridge courses this year. The story so far . . . Twelve ‘Beginners’ are still very keen and have been coming to Mallory Last year we included some well-known names such as Faraday and Court to continue playing during the summer. Feynman. But others deserving recognition include Rosalind Franklin, There have usually been eight the crystallography pioneer whose photographs gave Watson and tables playing ‘Duplicate Crick the clue to the structure of DNA, perhaps the most momentous Bridge’ on a Thursday after­ discovery of the 20th century. noon; the competition is keen Anyone heard of Willard Libby? If you recognise the phrase ‘carbon- with Les Randall coming top of dating’ then you should know that name! the Spring Term ‘ladder’ with There are more presentations to be enjoyed, so if you’re free on 58.7%, but Claire Fletcher Wednesday mornings, join us! and Geoff Pipkin were not far behind with 57.5% and 57.1% Here’s a little science quiz to whet your appetites – answers below. respectively. We finished the 1. Would a penny falling from the top of Blackpool Tower kill you? year with an excellent lunch 2. Could we live on a diet of insects? organised by Jean Bryon and 3. How many hearts does an octopus have? Joan Fisk, followed by some fun bridge. 4. Which law states 'for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction'? (give a name and number) Next year’s Bridge courses will still be held on Thursdays 5. The faster you run, the heavier you get. True or false? at Draughton Village Hall but 6. What semiconductor device is used to amplify and switch electronic with a slightly different format. signals and electrical power? In the mornings (10-12am) 7. Which country accounts for 70% of the world's platinum production? there will be instruction, 8. What substance are human nails made of? and then play of set hands, covering further aspects of 9. An adult human body has over 250 bones. True or false? Acol bidding and play (loosing 10. When was the first transatlantic telegraph cable laid? trick count, signals, ‘doubling’, defence to ‘1NT doubled’, ‘weak-

twos’, ‘big hands’). This is particularly aimed at those people who did Answers: view upside-down in front of a mirror (the page, not yourself ) the ‘Beginners’ course this year. The afternoons (2–4 pm) will be just [10] 1858 but it failed very soon. First permanent cable was 1866.

playing Duplicate Bridge organised by Douglas who will be there to [6] Transistor. [7] South Africa. [8] Keratin. [9] False, there are about 206.

play if there is an odd number, so a partner is not needed. law. [5] True, relativity says as your speed increases, so does your mass. over 1000 edible varieties there’s no problem. [3] Three. [4] Newton’s third

[2] Yes, insects are a source of highly nutritious and sustainable food. With [1] No, its terminal velocity of 65mph might not even penetrate the skin.

Douglas Goode Andre Botherway

28 29 First Class Italy uncovered - Skipton Italian Circle Once a month a lively and enthusiastic bunch of people meet to learn about and discuss a wide range of topics connected with Italy - its “Look, this is how it's done.” art, history, festivals, holidays and culinary delights to name but a few. The brush flicks into the paint, All this, washed down with a glass of vino (Italian of course) or other quick as a snake's tongue, refreshments - this is the Skipton Italian Circle. expertly blending pigment and water, You do not need to speak Italian to come to our meetings, although and three mouth-watering shades you may well pick up the odd buona sera or benvenuto without really materialise in a flash, trying. Whilst the Craven U3A Italian classes aim to teach and improve like coloured silk handkerchiefs language skills, the Italian Circle aims to provide a meeting place for anyone who loves any aspect of Italy. Some people do go to a U3A from the conjurer's sleeve. class as well, but the Italian Circle also attracts people who do not necessarily want to learn the language or who would not qualify for Deft flow from brush to paper, the U3A on age grounds! All talks are given in English (although they with the first delicious tint, may have the occasional Italian word thrown in for good measure). followed swiftly We usually meet in Skipton on the fourth Thursday evening of the by the harmonising shades. month from March to November. We are fortunate to attract some And, hey-presto! – a perfect peach well-known local presenters as well as the occasional native speaker. has swelled on the flat page. Recent events have included talks on art and architecture in Florence and Venice, Shakespeare’s Italy, the towns of Ferrara and Genoa, and We can see clearly Italy in World War One. We have also had great fun taking part in a Tuscan focaccia bread demonstration and tasting, and celebrating where it blushes in ripeness, Christmas Italian-style! And we’ve now linked up with Craven U3A to where the light shines, show one or two Italian films a year. and where the shadow lies. We welcome new members and visitors at any meeting. For further information, or to be included on our email mailing list, It was so quick, please visit our website at www.skiptonitaliancircle.org or contact it looks so easy. [email protected] “Now”, she says – “You try!”

Linda Lee Maureen Woolf

30 31 Chicken Goulash Lemon Soufflé (serves four) (serves six)

8 boneless chicken thighs 14 oz (400g) tin tomatoes 2 large lemons 4 oz (115g) caster sugar 2 medium onions ½ pint (285ml) chicken stock 5 large eggs 4 tsp powdered gelatine or agar agar 1 tbsp paprika Freshly chopped parsley for garnish 4 oz (115g) button mushrooms Method: 1. Prepare a 6 x 2½ inch (150 x 65mm) deep soufflé dish. Cut a 5 inch Method: (130mm) wide, double band of greaseproof paper to wrap around 1. Remove the skins from the chicken thighs. Heat about 4 of the the dish snugly, but not too tightly, with an overlap. Secure with skins in a nonstick frying pan until the fat runs out, and add the sticky tape. Stand the dish on a flat plate. chicken. Cook over a medium heat for about 15 minutes, until well 2. Finely grate the rind of the lemons and strain the juice. Separate browned on all sides. the eggs, reserving 5 egg whites and 3 of the yolks. In a large bowl 2. Meanwhile, peel and roughly chop the onions. Remove the chicken whisk the 3 egg yolks with the caster sugar and lemon rind until from the frying pan, discard the skins, and pour away all but one very thick and pale. Gradually whisk in the lemon juice. tablespoon of the fat. Cook the onions in the pan, with the paprika, 3. Put 3 tablespoons of cold water in a small saucepan, sprinkle the for about 3 minutes, then add the mushrooms and cook for a gelling agent evenly over the surface, leave to stand until it swells further 2 minutes. and turns opaque. Heat gently until the gelling agent has dissolved 3. Add the tomatoes and the stock and bring to the boil. Reduce the completely and becomes quite hot, remove from the heat and heat to a simmer, then add the chicken. Cover the pan and simmer leave to cool a little. for about 30-35 minutes, until the chicken is tender. 4. Whisk the 5 egg whites until stiff, but not dry. Whisk the gelling 4. Remove the lid and reduce the liquid to a sauce consistency by agent into the lemon mixture, then carefully fold in the egg whites. fast boiling for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently. Pour into the prepared soufflé dish and level the top. Refrigerate for 5. Then sprinkle with the freshly chopped parsley and serve at least 2 hours until firmly set. immediately. 5. Before serving, remove the sticky tape from the paper, then carefully peel the paper from the side of the soufflé. Calories per serving: 185 Low in fat and cholesterol Calories per serving: 155 High in protein from chicken High in protein from eggs High in vitamin C from tomatoes

Glenys Swallow Glenys Swallow

32 33 Walking back to 2006 buses, with 5 walks spaced 10 days apart over the summer. The walks began on 4th July at Heptonstall Old Church and ended there The 2006 Summer Walking Group Programme was filled with walks on 24th August, averaging 15 miles a day. in the Dales and local area but also included other exciting ventures. Separate from all these For several years there were monthly programmed walks to the Lake events were individual walks District with the aim of climbing all 170 of the 2,000 foot summits. up Inglebrough with Peter These had been planned over 5 years by Tom Morgan and in 2006 and Pat Chiles, Penyghent they were nearing completion. Sadly, Tom died only months before with the two Mike’s, and the group finished them all. Great Whernside with the Other outings to the Lake District were also part of the summer late Gwyn Morgan. As programme: The Old Coach Road from Thelkeld Railway Station in well as those there was June with the two Mike’s: Laycock & Peat; in July, Red Screes from an extra-curricular ‘Three Kirkstone Pass with Douglas & Margaret Goode; and in September Peaks walk’ by some of an outing for ‘veterans’ from Ambleside over Loughrigg Fell with those the group, here seen on the great stalwarts Stan Hall and Eric Dessent. summit of Ingleborough on In June the group ventured to the highs and lows of the Dales with 7th August before the long an early morning descent of Gaping Gill. Fourteen walkers queued to descent back to Horton in submit themselves to the exhilarating one-minute drop of 340 feet in Ribblesdale. Early morning descent of Gaping Gill, June 2006 the bosun’s chair installed by Bradford Pothole Club. This was followed Looking at walk leaders, I'm by a somewhat slower walk up to the summit of Ingleborough. surprised to see how few are On the previous programme the two Mike’s had also led several legs still regularly leading walks of the Nidderdale Way, the last of which was on 14th May. The next in 2016: Douglas Goode, Long Distance Walk was the Calderdale Way using cars and local Doreen House, Ann Horner. But for sheer dedication the crown has to go to Glenys Swallow and Allison Clarke who in the summer of 2006 led 5 different short walks, without them there would have been far fewer outings for the short-walkers over Three Peakers on Ingleborough, August 2006 the years. In the last 10 years several former regulars have fallen by the wayside and some are sadly not with us anymore, but the Walking Group continues and new blood and new ideas are a vital part of that process. End of the Calderdale Way at Heptonstall Old Church, 24th August 2006 David Turner

34 35 Men's Health Alert Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) Material for the Spring Edition should be AAA is a dangerous swelling of the aorta which may be without sent to the editor symptoms. If it should burst, it is extremely dangerous and in before Monday 16th January 2017 many cases fatal. The condition mainly affects men over 65. by email: On reaching their 65th birthday men are now offered a free AAA [email protected] screening, on the NHS, involving an ultrasound scan that takes or by post: about 10 minutes. The scan offers immediate detection of the R. French, 6 Cross Lane Mill, Bradley BD20 9QB problem, which can then be monitored or treated. You can find further Information by contacting your doctor, or from the internet (aaa.screening.nhs.uk). Alternatively, you can telephone the West Yorkshire Screening The editor welcomes contributions of articles about Programme team on 01422 224204. groups, activities, visits, recollections, poems, or They will tell you the location of your nearest screening centre anything that you think may be of interest to other and they can make an appointment for you. members. If you are over 65 and have missed-out on the scan (as I had) make an appointment now – it could save your life. Colour photographs will be printed as black & white, but will be in colour when the edition appears on the website. The editor reserves the right to edit, use, or not Editor’s note use any submitted material. I am grateful to all the contributors whose articles appear on these The preferred form of submitted material is an pages – and also to a couple of writers whose submissions are in my email containing plain text or attached documents. pending tray, awaiting later publication. All received emails will be acknowledged. I must apologise for inadvertently publishing two conflicting dates for the copy deadline of this issue. Unfortunately, the oversight did not The editor cannot be held responsible for any produce twice the amount of copy. If it had, I might be tempted to submissions that are lost in transit. make the same mistake again! The magazine appears twice yearly and articles As I finish putting together the magazine, I am looking forward to next may be held over to appear in a later edition. week's Craven U3A Summer School. It will be over by the time you read this. I hope you will have attended, and enjoyed it. Roger French

36 Dates for your Diary Open Day Tuesday 9th August 2016 2pm at Skipton Town Hall

Postal Enrolment Commences Monday 15th August 2016

Carol Service Tuesday 13th December 2016 2pm at Christ Church, Keighley Rd, Skipton

Craven College Lunch (provisional date) Thursday 24th November 2016 12pm at the College Restaurant

Saturday Coffee Mornings 10 .00 – 11·45am at Soroptomist Rooms, Otley St. 1st October 2016 7th January 2017 4th February 2017 5th November 2016 4th March 2017 3rd December 2016 1st April 2017

Craven U3A Website For details of events (and more) go to: www.cravenu3a.org.uk Items for inclusion on the website should be sent to: [email protected]

Craven U3A Notices Items for the monthly email notices should be sent to: [email protected]