Founded 1997 by Reg Cooke 1919-2008 May 2019 EDITION 235

Editor: Margaret Thompson Proof Reader: Colin Richards THE lovely thing about belonging to a U3A is the friendships that are forged. One never needs to be alone again! People to walk with, go on a garden outing with, or to explore . Sadly, at our age, we are inevitably faced with the loss of a loved one which is devastating. I found that the only way was to get out and about and meet people. I have been a member of WU3A for 20yrs now and I have made some wonderful friends. Getting involved has been my joy. I read somewhere about the miracle of a smile so I try to smile and talk to people at our monthly meetings. We are such an interesting crowd with skills and talents you’d never suspect. It is so rewarding when people smile back, so next time, if you spot someone on their own, go and have a chat. I hope you enjoy reading about some of our groups and a big thank you to those of you who have sent in contributions but I do wish more people, not necessarily the Study Group Leaders, would send in stories about the groups they attend. How are people to know what we get up to, in all our various groups, if nothing appears in the newsletter? I have been editing this publication for about eighteen years now and I was looking back at the amazing editions of yesteryear. Not wonderful because of me, but because of the great ‘copy’, articles and photographs, that were sent in. I guess we were all younger then, but we have a lot of new members, full of enthusiasm and new ideas, and new groups have been formed recently. What do they all do?? It would be good to hear about them. The next quarterly Newsletter will be published in August. Final date for contributions is the 20th July but ‘copy’ can be sent anytime before then. I look forward to hearing from you! I have been busy in my green house [above] and all the tomato plants are getting quite big. This is the engine house of my garden. After the lovely warm Easter it’s a bit cooler now but even with a gale blowing outside you can be snug and cosy in the green house. In the veg patch little green salad shoots are pushing through the soil between the onion - real magic. I shall be bringing some plants to the plant sale in aid of the Peace Hospice at our next monthly meeting on May 7th so see you there. Margaret HELLO AGAIN EVERYONE - and the big question is can we risk taking the winter Foster woollies off and putting them away until Autumn (washing them first of course) or Chairlady shall we leave it a little longer just in case... that is the question and who knows what the answer is. I hope you all had at least one Easter Egg and a few hot cross buns with real butter of course, but most of all time and enjoyment spent with your families and the people you love. I can hardly believe April has almost gone and I want to say where did the first part of the year go? It all goes by so fast, but time usually goes by too fast when we are enjoying ourselves and enjoying what we are doing, so with that thought I would like to think that our membership and activities with other U3A members/friends is a big part of why our time is going so fast, and if that is so, long may it last. Since our last Newsletter we have had some good speakers. Joan Manning was so interesting telling us about the NHS research, and who can forget Len Little the police dog handler - what a good morning that was, I just wished he had brought a dog with him! I was sorry I missed the Murderous Butler talk by Paul Heslop, that would have been very interesting. The Speaker in May should be good telling us about the wonderful Tommy Cooper - we can look forward to that and in May we also have the plant sales, by gardening group with all profits to the Peace Hospice Care. June sees our Annual General Meeting so please remember to put the date, 4th June, in your diary and come along and join us looking back over the past year and forward to the next. We will also have a raffle in June, where once again all profits will go to the Peace Hospice Care. I must say thank you to all the members who have brought their unwanted foreign coins to the meeting and to the ladies who look after them. My huge thanks also to all the members who got on with the job as soon as they knew little knitted chicks with chocolate tummies were needed! And what an amazing number we all made and all in aid of supporting the Peace. I will close now and go and have a friendly chat to the three very fat Wood Pigeons who are eating all the grass seed that has been sprinkled on the bald patches in my garden! Have a good month and I look forward to seeing you at the next meeting, in at groups or even in Sainsburys. Best wishes Margaret

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WU3A COMMITTEE 2018-2019 COMMITTEE NEWS

In the last newsletter the Committee News was not good, in

fact more than one member said it was frightening because we

had started a count down to closing our Watford and District

U3A due to not having a Treasurer.

As a Committee we had done all we could both internally

and externally and we had come up against a solid wall,

however never give up... with one more try and that was the

saving try, Trevor Boardman agreed to take on the role of

Treasurer. We all felt we could breath again and get on with

Vice-Chairman the job in hand, an important job that was getting the Christel Goodricke Chairlady paperwork ready for the Annual General Meeting which was Margaret Foster now running late because we didn't think we would be holding

an Annual General Meeting 2019, but we are and that is great.

The news got better when Ken Moxley offered to take on the

role of Speaker Secretary, great news and then the final piece

of the puzzle and it got better still when Sylvia Jones offered

her services as Assistant Treasurer Hubs, wonderful. A sincere

thank you to all three of you, and we have thoroughly enjoyed

welcoming to the committee.

As a committee it is most definitely business as usual and we

Acting Treasurer will keep moving forward even though sometimes a backward

Hon-Secretary Colin Richards step can pop up! Take care looking forward to seeing you at

Phil Redshaw

the meeting or at groups. Margaret

My name is KEN MOXLEY of laughing policeman fame and

I am more often to be seen assisting on the sound desk.

I am a retired Police Officer and have been acting the fool

in ‘Off Their Rockers’ an ITV prankster Show for OAP’s and

to raise funds for charity. For a number of years I produced the

Pantos for the Police Club.

I have volunteered to be the new Study-Group Coordinator speaker secretary but I need help from Debbie King U3A members to supply information Membership-Secretary about prospective speakers. I would also Anne Waring like to recruit an assistant deputy to help

when I am on holiday. Someone to greet

the speaker and see they are paid etc.

RAFFLE FOR THE PEACE HOSPICE

June Baughan will be organising the next

Peace Hospice raffle at the June Monthly

meeting. Thank you to all those who have

contributed prizes and who help to sell and

fold tickets. She will collect prizes at the Committee member monthly meetings. Maurice

Contact Details for W&D U3A

Minutes secretary

Adrian Davis Newsletter Editor: [email protected]

Treasurer: [email protected]

Treasurer – Study Groups Treasurer:

[email protected]

Study Group Coordinator:

[email protected]

Almoner &

Committee member

For these and all other contacts, you can use our website’s

Joyce Hoffbrand

contact page:

https://u3asites.org.uk/watford/contact

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Our OBITUARIES Speakers IRENE LOWE Photos John Earlier this year we lost a faithful supporter of Grainger our U3A Irene Lowe. As we can see Irene was a In February dancer, a ballroom champion who partnered by JOAN her late husband George was the holder of many MANNING medals. gave us a very We knew Irene as one of our almoners, a post interesting and she held for many years. Gradually as well as enlightening sending out ‘get well’ and ‘bereavement’ cards the talk about her almoners became our greeters at the signing in desk. She enjoyed this role involvement in NHS research. always with a smile. LEONARD She helped to start Rickmansworth U3A organising the tea and coffee bar LITTLE is a there for the first year. former Police Irene always enjoyed our Monthly Meetings and in the past was a member Dog handler of several walking groups. More recently illness took its toll. A generous who spirit, always ready to help, Irene is sadly missed by those of us who knew progressed to her. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family. being a senior PETER ANDREWS police dog Sadly the death was announced in trainer. In March, of our past chairman Peter March he Andrews. He served on the described the committee for a number of years, various types becoming Vice Chairman in 2002 of dogs used and their suitability for and then Chairman in 2005. Peter the various tasks demanded of them, was a charismatic and talented including sniffing out drugs or man, perhaps one of his greatest apprehending and holding escaping performances was dancing to Swan suspects. Sadly he did not bring his Lake in the ‘Ballet Class’ sketch in dog with him which we told him was our Christmas show. He ran a the only reason we came. Not True. number of groups through the years Very informative. including Jazz and Chess. Always smiling and enthusiastic he regularly In April PAUL attended our monthly meetings until ill health prevented this. He will be very HESLOP told us much missed by those of us who knew the amazing story him. of the ingenious, murdering butler! BASIL GROVES Basically what Basil Groves died suddenly at home. A happens once you fine actor he enjoyed performing in our are on the Christmas shows and poetry recitals in slippery slope, the spring time. He had a great love of proving, as he poetry and was a founder member of spent many years the Poetry/Performing Arts Group. in gaol, that crime really does not Basil was an enthusiastic and pay. A tale from the past, which has knowledgeable member of the Art fascinated this ex-policeman. Ed. Appreciation Group, particularly researching the Pre-Raphaelites, and he explored many areas of the country on the annual Art Appreciation Study Tours. Not least of his favourite groups was the Wine Tasting Group! A regular attendee at the monthly meetings his wit and humour will be greatly missed and our thoughts are with his family at this sad time. HARRY COOPER Harry Cooper, who was known in our Current Affairs Group for his sense of humour and coloured socks, died on the 11th of April after a long illness battling cancer. He enjoyed music and was a keen member of the Jazz Group. Until recently he came to our monthly meetings. His funeral is at Watford Crematorium at 12.20 on Monday 13th of May. Ed.

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Art Appreciation Spring Outing : THE WALLACE COLLECTIOM from Margaret Thompson THIS superb Art Collection, free to all, is to be found in Hertford House, Manchester Square, London. The collection, was

bequeathed to the nation in 1897. The house itself was built by the Duke of Manchester in the 1700s because there was good duck shooting nearby! It was then acquired in 1797 by the 2nd Marquess of Hertford, who was more interested in hosting amazing parties – including the Allied Sovereigns’ Ball after the defeat of Napoleon in 1814. The house has also been home to the French and Spanish embassies. The Wallace Collection is a family collection in origin – collected by the 4th Marquess and then Sir Richard Wallace in the 18c and 19c. The 4th Marquess, an almost obsessive collector of art, left it all to his illegitimate son and fellow enthusiast, Richard Wallace. Wallace's widow, in turn, left the entire extraordinary collection to the nation – one of the greatest ever bequests of art to the public. We chose a good day for our visit as the rain poured down outside while we basked in the glory of the works of Rembrandt, Velasquez, Gainsborough, Turner, Canaletto, Titian, Rubens and of course Franse Hals’ and ‘The Laughing Cavalier’ to name but a few. Not all he seems we were told by our excellent guides Denise and Rupert. The Rubens was interesting as in my landscape talk, we met its twin which hangs in the National Gallery. Both amazing landscapes painted for his new young wife. In the photographs you can glimpse the magnificent French furniture much of which was sold off after the revolution, having belonged to Maria Antoinette or made for Louis XV’s bedroom at Versailles. Then there is the beautiful Servres porcelain, from the French Palaces and finally something for next time; the splendid collection of armour! Second only to the National Armoury in Leeds. We found the lovely restaurant early as we began with a coffee, speedily served as they had apparently not been warned of our coming! But a tiny glitch expertly sorted. Many of us returned for our lunch in this elegant space, which can be a snack or a full luncheon served in what was once the courtyard, but is now glazed over. A lot of development work has been done to provide exhibition space, conservation areas and library. Many of us went to look at the Henry Moore current exhibition, ‘The Helmets Heads’ sculptures. Some people even managed to escape into Street but we were well ready to stagger onto the coach and doze on the way home. What a fabulous day. Photos Courtesy of The Wallace Collection.

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MOTO NEWS from Maria Coats OUR members have lively and fun coffee meetings at Aldenham Golf Club every few weeks. We bring ideas for discussion and sharing and Mary and Vivien sort out the activities, choose and co-ordinate the bookings, always giving feedback and chasing us up if we haven’t responded promptly. In January a group of members went to see Oklahoma at the Palace Theatre and reported enjoying the performance very much, particularly the quality of the singing. In March ‘Absurd Person Singular' by Alan Ayckbourn at the Palace Theatre was chosen with ‘Tea’ after the show upstairs. We were amused by one of the actors circulating among us in the foyer before the show and again afterwards. He was very outgoing and looked as if he was enjoying himself as much as we were. The play is a study of human relationships with very funny and also very sad cameos. Communication, or the lack of it seemed to be the core theme. One of our members commented on the high quality of the acting with excellent voice projection. The choreography reflected the characters' situations very well and was interesting for that. The tea afterwards consisted of freshly made sandwiches, Battenberg and lemon drizzle cake, nicely presented by very attentive staff and plenty of tea! of course! A visit to the Bushey Museum was enlightening and very interesting regarding its history; the establishment of the Herkomer School of Art; Bushey’s status as a small and fairly poor village which expanded greatly after this event. The special exhibition celebrated women artists who trained there, the only place where women artists were allowed to work on (almost) nude male models in the country. We enjoyed a good lunch at a nearby local cafe. The next outing was to have lunch at the ‘Ikaron’ restaurant at Elstree aerodrome, while watching the comings and goings of small aircraft. The weather was pleasant and we were sitting near the runway, good luck, good fun! The Heath Robinson museum in Pinner was next on the list; but I sadly had to miss this due to other commitments but by all accounts the visit was most interesting and the setting very pleasant. The last visit was to the tulip festival at Chenies Manor house in Chorleywood which included a splendid ‘tea’ with excellent home made cakes; the tulips were not bad either, both plentiful.

Book Group Too Exploring Europe from David Allen from Barbara Johnson THIS YEAR’S trip will be to the Isle of Man from 2nd In January Book th Group Too went for to 6 October at a cost of our Christmas lunch to £729. This will include the White Horse at coach transfer to and from Shenley. As you can Luton Airport, half board see from the photo it hotel stay, blue badge guide was thoroughly and full itinerary including enjoyable. I started the 3 differing railway experiences. More Book Group in 2013. information and booking forms from There are now 15 in the David Allen. group which over the In 2020 the Oberammergau Passion Play will be performed from 16th May to years has gelled together enabling us all to feel free to say what we feel th about the books we have chosen to read. 4 October. Tailored Travel, with whom Thanks to the members of the group it is a very successful and happy we arrange our Group Tours, have a group. The members suggested putting a synopsis of every book in the number of escorted tours arranged, each Study Group News. This has encouraged more people to join. If more of which will include entry to the Play. If people come forward I will start Book Group Three. anyone is interested please talk to me.

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Life Style News from Christel Goodricke IN JANUARY the Lifestyle group was booked into All Saints Church Hall for the first meeting of 2019 as Combewood was not finished yet. The sun was shining brightly when we walked in and to our surprise as we left there was a snow storm and it took some people an hour to get home, only a few miles away !! We welcomed back Colin Oaks and his subject this year was "The History of Hertfordshire" which he attempted to tell us in a "nut-shell". His interest was personal as he was an archaeologist, hence his interest in all things historical. Hertfordshire is a county to be very proud of, founded in the Norse-Saxon wars of the 9th century and developed through various commerce, like aircraft manufacture in Leavesden and Hatfield [The Comet]. And it was Glen Miller who landed at Bovingdon airport. There was a brewing industry as the soil for growing barley was particularly good - John Dickinson started making paper in Apsley in 1809. One of our claims to fame was that the only Englishman to be elected Pope in 1154 was Nicholas Breakspear, papal name Adrian IV was born in Bedmond. Other famous people who were born or lived in Hertfordshire were, Henry Moore, Sir Francis Bacon, Geoffrey Chaucer, Beatrix Potter, George Bernard Shaw and quite a number of Prime Ministers who were born or grew up in the county. Hertfordshire grew wealthy on the proceeds of trade because no less than 3 of the old Roman roads [Watling Street, Ermine Street and the ancient trackway, the Icknield Way] served the capital. In the 19th century rail links sprang up in the county linking London to the north. The earliest evidence of human occupation in Hertfordshire came from a gravel pit in Rickmansworth. Flint tools dating back 350,000 years [yes really] were found long before Britain became an island !! In the Iron Age a celtic tribe called Catuvellanui occupied Hertfordshire, and their main settlement was in Verulamium - present day St. Albans. England's oldest surviving pub is in St.Albans called Ye Olde Fighting Cocks. Some royalty news - Queen Elizabeth Ist lived in Hatfield Palace [not the House] as a girl. James 1st was a dog lover and he built a huge kennel nearly 477feet long at Royston. Sarah Jennings, better known as the Duchess of Marlborough was born in Sandridge and was a great friend of Queen Anne. Hertford castle was used in the 100 years war as a gaol [jail] when the English fought the French most on their soil. We learnt so much about the county we now live in. IN FEBRURY JUDY FARADAY who had worked for the John Lewis Partnership for 42 years "man and boy" [her words] was our speaker. She is now based at Grove Farm, the Heritage Centre in Cookham [everyone welcome to visit, open every Saturday - free entry]. The John Lewis Partnership employs over 80,000 people, as far away as India and they have some 12,000 pensioners. It was in 1836 that a certain man called John Lewis was born into a humble family in , . At the age of 14 he left school to work in Wells as an apprentice draper, for which he was not paid anything in the 5 years he was there. After a spell working in , he came down to London to work for Peter Robinson, where he became the youngest silk buyer in London. In his 40's he married and lived in Heath. One of his sons Spedan followed him into the business and when John Lewis bought the Peter Jones shop in 1905, for £21,000, Spedan worked there for one day a week [they used to sell alcohol!] and 4 days at the branch of John Lewis, which opened in 1885 and is still the oldest department store in Oxford Street, although a bomb destroyed the original store in 1940. John Lewis believed in a "work-life balance" and decided to purchase The Odney Club in 1926 for all the staff to use. This was the first of many places he bought. The shops were formed by the partnership of Messrs Waite, Rose and Taylor. The first "Waitrose" store was opened in Acton Hill, London in 1904 and by 1937 they had 10 shops, from Gerrards Cross to Windsor, where Queen Mary even shopped for her favourite soap !! The First Trust Settlement was set up for the staff in 1929, but not for ladies with red hair, far too flighty !! and they only employed married men !! In 1948 Spedan set up a "Staff Council" in every branch of the partnership and when he retired in 1955 O.B. Miller took over as Chairman. Stuart Hampson is their present Chairman. There is so much more to tell but needless to say we hope their slogan of "Never knowingly Undersold" continues. IN MARCH SIMON BROWN who used to be a Policeman and who is used to dealing with animals, his words not mine, now works as a volunteer at London Zoo in the Bug House. Its nice and warm and all the keepers wear shorts. His wife is also a volunteer at the Zoo but she works on the computer recording the births, marriages and deaths of snails.... yes really. Whipsnade is the "sister" Zoo. In 1826 Sir Sanford Raffles and Sir Humphry Davy founded the zoo in London but Raffles died of a stroke on his birthday before it was opened in April 1828, to the fellows of the Society, and only opened to the general public in 1847. One of the many stories Simon told us of what the animals got up to was when a bear escaped from his cage, wandered off and caught a bus, sat down next to a lady who obviously screamed with fright. The bear was returned safely back to the zoo, no harm to either of them !! Apparently visiting Vets used to give the animals sweets and somehow they realised that by "pretending" to be sick they would get sweets - how clever is that ? A tip when visiting the Gorillas, never make eye contact with any of the males [as this is seen as a threat] because when a group of boys who found it funny by annoying one of the Gorillas by poking fun at him, found to their cost that it was a dangerous thing to do, as the Gorilla charged the glass between them and broke it. The boys swiftly made their exit. Winny the Poo Bear, so named, was a famous resident of London Zoo during the 1st World War and it was a "she". She came from a Canadian regiment and was their company mascot but as they couldn't take her to war, she stayed behind safely in the zoo. We thoroughly enjoyed all of Simon's animals stories and he enjoyed telling them. IN APRIL we were surrounded by retired greyhounds and had a wonderful afternoon. [Report continued on p7]

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[Life Style continued from p6 ] Three greyhounds called Star, Lulu and Bill arrived with three "humans" on Tuesday 23rd April from the Castledon Rescue Trust. Jan, one of the volunteers gave us an overview of the history of the greyhounds (long dog). They can be traced back to Egyptian times where there were drawings of them on the tombs along with their masters. USA President Hayes 1877-1881 had a greyhound called Grim in the White House. Greyhounds sleep for about 16-18 hours a day and need 2x20min walks a day, the best place is on a beach. The cost of feeding them is only 50p a day. A special treat, surprisingly, is a drink of cold tea! They live for an average of 12-14 years and are mentioned in the Bible -Proverbs 30 verse 29-31. Did you know greyhounds make excellent blood donors and that their blood can be given to all dogs? When they are re-housed they need to come to terms with new noises like the TV, hoover, and washing machine but they just need a comfy bed, an old duvet is ideal for them to feel safe and secure. But most of all lots of cuddles as they make wonderful pets.

Tuesday Ramblers from Ken Moxley OUR April Bluebell walk was arranged by Pat Bartram who every year, at this time, finds wonderful footpaths, across country, leading to woods full of beautiful blue bells. We then stopped at the Golden Eagle pub for a great meal. Once fed and watered we continued on the second half of the walk. Guests are welcome, so if you would like to join our 28th May walk please contact the Study Group Leader Roger Rowson for more details.

JAZZ & SWING from Maurice Crewe On the 17th April 5 members turned up – at this rate the group may have to disband. Several U3A members have said they are interested – but never actually joined. If you like music from 1920s through to the 1960s why not give us a try. We are not academic jazz specialists but play music we like and could probably include popular/dance music that you like but you need to come along and tell us what that is. I look forward keeping the group going – see you at Hollytree House in June.

PUT IT IN THE NEWSLETTER Let us know if YOU want to recruit new members for your group, or if your group is full. Could you start a different new group? Has something interested you for a long time and you would like to find out more about it? Tell Debbie, our Study Group Co-ordinator. There may be others of like mind. She will help you start the group. [email protected] or

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The Crick Institute

from Colin Richards —————> IF YOU are interested in the latest biomedical discoveries, visit the Crick Institute (1 Midland Road). It's located behind the British Library, facing the side of St Pancras Station. They have public events, family days, exhibitions and open evenings where top scientists give talks, science demonstrations and everyone has a lot of fun. I went to the annual "Crick Late" in March, where they dressed me up in emergency hazard gear for my photo. Yes, it really is me under that mask. Their current free exhibition which runs until 30th November, is "Craft & Graft” about the work behind the scenes at the Crick, like raising a million fruit flies for the researchers. Does you grandchild want to be a scientist? Among the upcoming events is a Discovery Day on Saturday 15th June 10.00-16.00. Pop in for activities for all the family. The public exhibition areas and café are open to the public from Wednesday to Saturday, from 10am. For details see https://www.crick.ac.uk/

MONEYMATTERS from Francis Goode OUR NEXT meeting is on Thursday, 4th July. A break in summer from financial dealings is traditional; but the reason in our case is that building work is to be carried out at our meeting place, Hollytree House, hence our meetings in May and June are cancelled. (The notice was too short for alternative arrangements). MoneyMatter subjects this year have included safety of the house and personal safety in the home. Insurance companies lay down standards required for the security of houses; and may specify such things as five-lever locks to a British Standard on front and back doors. All ground-floor windows may be required to have locks with keys. The small print in your insurance policies can be a trap. Insurance companies aim to make money, so they lay down stringent conditions for their clients, which can then be used as a reason for not paying out claims. We were reminded that insurance companies work to make a profit for their shareholders so only pay out money if they have to. Hence the need for the client to look at the small print. Insurance companies employ loss adjusters to minimize the payout on a claim. The client can employ a loss assessor, whose job it is to maximise the payout. FIRE does not sound like a subject for Money Matters - until you have one - and then you will appreciate the connection. Fire is a hazard; one of the most common causes for us is the oil catching fire in a frying pan in the kitchen. A simple and effective precaution is having a fire-blanket immediately available. Falling down, at our stage in life, can be serious; the most common place to fall is on the stairs. To reduce the chances of falling, banister rails and handles at appropriate places can help; also lights which come on automatically when they detect movement. As always, the purpose of discussing these things is that one can learn from other people’s experiences. Sharing information is particularly helpful in avoiding scams. A phone call from out of the blue can catch any of us unprepared for a scam. We all need frequent reminders to avoid getting caught. General discussion can keep us up-to-date with the scams. Sharing our experiences in the group can help us all. In July we are looking forward to fresh ideas, including tips on reducing car insurance and increasing home security.

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Science meetings in 2019 –so far —-from Maurice Crewe In January John Britten told us about the history & development of domestic lighting. It was interesting to learn that the standards that decide if a house is fit for human habitation makes no mention of artificial illumination. Once humans had learnt how to make fire it is no surprise that for many thousands of years the source of light (and heat) was burning wood, plants or oil in lamps old and newer and perhaps more practical for many hundreds of years candles. The standard for illumination being first defined by the light given by a candle of a specific size and material. Then in the 18th C the technology developed to manage natural gas from marshes, then extracting “town” gas from coal. John entertained and educated us with touches of nostalgia in places, always appreciated. In February Ian Denholm from the University of Hertfordshire told us about Wildlife in the southern ocean. As a general rule, the diversity of species of wildlife decreases on moving north or south from the tropics towards the poles. However, the outstanding productivity of seas in polar and subpolar regions can result in some species occurring in spectacular abundance. This talk recounted an expedition voyage travelling from the southern tip of Argentina, taking in the Falkland Islands, the fantastic island of South Georgia, and the Antarctic Peninsula. As well as being a travelogue illustrated by photographs and video clips, it highlighted aspects of island biogeography and challenges to conservation including the ever-present threats from accidental or deliberate introductions of exotic organisms. Ian formerly worked at Rothamsted Research in Harpenden and is now associated with the University of Hertfordshire, teaching courses in ecology, conservation and agricultural science. Aside from his professional activites he is a keen birder and botanist, and recently served as President of the Botanical Society of Britain and Ireland. It great to hear about a fantastic journey from such a busy gentleman. 18 March Beattie Melinek spoke about Making Viruses; biochemical engineering; life in science. This was basically covering the various challenges involved. As the medical sciences sector, and our understanding of human health and disease increases, a world of opportunities for better medicines and outcomes opens up, from gene and cell therapies to targeted medicines and improved vaccines. Biochemical engineers are central to these advances making medicines available for all. The talk gave a bite size introduction to biochemical engineering processes, and a whirlwind tour through some of the research tools and methods available in the field, finishing with what the speaker hopes may be the next key tool in the biochemical engineer's toolbox. An eloquent presentation about work that will impact on most people, especially those of us of a mature generation. April; Climate Change: what you and I can do. Donald Reid started by summarizing the possible causes of the warming of the atmosphere and explained that probably the most significant problem was the increase in greenhouse gases. Measured evidence shows that the biggest contributor is carbon dioxide. United Nations intergovernmental Climate Change panel: (UNIGCCP): “it is 95% certain that human activity has contributed significantly to the present warming” A statement accepted by almost all governments and most scientific organisations. From climate change we may expect a steadily increased warming, rises in sea level, acidification of the ocean and more frequent extreme weather events, most of which are already happening with crop yields down and extreme weather in several places. So what are we doing in the UK? The UK Government set targets in the 2008 Climate Change Act: :- “to reduce emissions by 80% relative to the 1990 baseline, by 2050” and “To ensure that 85% of energy production is from clean sources by 2032” Some progress has been made but there is much to do and “strong governance” is needed. International conferences have encouraged countries to take action but for many it’s little more than promises. Most of us know various ways we can cut our emissions but as yet lack the motivation. Thinking of our descendants, changing our diets and browbeating politicians are among the options that may help. Donald’s message was clear and led to lively discussion. An interesting and demanding presentation. look at our website for more information: https://u3asites.org.uk/watford/home 9

Watford U3A’s U3A ALMONERS Monthly Meeting Projector & Talks Laptop Please let us know of any Computers and member who is sick or 1st Tues 10.00am - 12.00 our sound system bereaved and in need of our 7 May John Field Magician, To make a booking contact: support. We cannot help if senior member of the Magic Colin Richards Circle: He will entertain us and we do not know! talk about Tommy Cooper.

Janet Carleton 4 June AGM Joyce Hoffbrand Peace Hospice Care 2 Jul Adrian Davies Life as the Eileen Burnett has many volunteering Governor of Monserrat. opportunities and they can be 6 Aug TBA found at VIRTUAL U3A ‘Speaker www.peacehospicecare.org.uk/ Secretary’- volunteering.asp. www.vu3a.org.uk Ken Moxley Tracey Bravo, Community There is a Virtual U3A on line Fundraising Manager. for those unable to attend an Direct Line: 01923 335 361 ordinary U3A. The website says Peace Hospice Care, Peace Drive, “An important target group for VUE CINEMA Over 60s Watford WD17 3PH this virtual development includes concessions older people who are See Website or phone for Titles and Members Adverts geographically isolated through ticket prices which vary illness, or personal commitments, www.myvue.com The Annual Plant Sale in or are carers for others”. tel. 03453084620 aid of The Peace Hospice will be run at the May Milk Bottle Tops JUNE STUDY Monthly Meeting. Any Colour GROUP DIARY In aid of the Air Email information about Come and buy your Ambulance Service plants! the dates, times and I now know of a source future programme Advertisements may be edited or collecting plastic milk tops, to: omitted depending on space. Please of any colour and I am inform the editor if no longer required. happy to take them there if Debbiekingsgcwatf people would start saving CHARITY them again and bringing [email protected] APPEALS them to the General Monthly By For The Peace Meetings – I sit at the back – Hospice. on the left hand side as you May 20th STAMPS come in! Marie & Barry June Baughen Irwin AUGUST Study Group Refreshment Rota 2019 NEWSLETTER If your group is on refreshment duty please designate some Editor people to come early to the meeting in order to set out the Margaret Thompson cups etc, before the meeting, as the club no longer do this. Articles, composite May - Music Appreciation - Ray Gynne reports & pictures, to Jun - The Explorers and International Food –John & Jean be received by Grainger and Debbie King 20th July Jul - Gardening –Cilla Bridgman & Hilary Bond E-mail copy to: Aug - Strollers –Bob Bassett & Val Sadler [email protected] Sep - Canasta –Johanna Douglas Oct - Pathfinders –Eva David Please use this email

look at our website for more information: https://u3asites.org.uk/watford/home 10