& DISTRICT Summer 2019

For more information about any article etc in this Newsletter or enclosures contact the Newsletter Editor, details inside.

WFU3A Newsletter ‘Learn, Laugh and Live’

TRAVEL GROUP NEWS U3A – 2020 Vision Summer Schools Work continues at a pace and we You will have read in the Spring the ‘Travel Group Committee’ will Edition, “Notes from the Chair” It was in 1998 that the idea of continue to provide various that Interest Groups will be organising a U3A national Summer options for Study Tours and showcased at this year’s AGM. School programme began. Events to the benefit of our Well, in a similar vein, a small group This initiative has grown and Summer Members. Events in the pipeline: of us are starting to think about the Schools are now available regionally AGM in 2020 and thank you to across the UK. Members have an • Trip to Llandudno 5 days 4 those group members who opportunity to learn from each other nights Basic cost £189.00 per volunteered and to those other in a hands-on-learning experience. person. October 12th, 2019 Get group members who allowed us to Courses are spread over 4 days on a your copy of the flyer for this volunteer them! residential basis and whilst learning popular event. A Booking Form is members meet others, share now available. Only 11 rooms left. The concept was suggested by a knowledge and experience. U3A member and seems fitting for • Negotiations are well advanced In the Wyre Forest U3A individual such an important landmark year - for a trip to Cyprus. Two suppliers members are welcome to apply for a to present the origins of the U3A. have been short listed and we grant towards the cost of tuition fees We will be interested in its genesis hope to complete details by early of a Summer School course. The abroad, its migration to the UK June. Time scale around March WFU3A Executive Committee reviews and its establishment in the Wyre 2020. this concession periodically. Forest. Currently only one grant can be • Negotiations are well advanced We already have a super list of awarded per member per year. The for a River Cruise. The proposed members, whom we will be grant available is 50% of the course trip on the River Douro has contacting over the next 12 months fee with a maximum of £70 per grant, proved to be too expensive and for their memories but if you have subject to availability of funds. we are now seeking alternatives. any information that you think that Members awarded a grant are Again, we have two suppliers and we can use, either on or off encouraged to share the knowledge they are busy formulating gained with other members, either by camera, please email me at possible ideas and costs. We will a presentation to their Group, a report [email protected] or ring contact Members as details are for the website or for the newsletter. the central telephone number finalised. Time scale around Details of the national Summer 07710 039 417 and I can arrange October 2020. School programme can be accessed for one of the group to contact you. on www.summer-schools.u3a.org.uk. •The dates mentioned may vary Full details of the guidelines for Jennie Muraszewski as we become aware of various individual grant applications are facts and figures. If you have any (Lead member for this group) available on www.wfu3a.org.uk in queries or ideas, please contact: the ‘members only’ section. If you do [email protected] or not have access to these websites please speak to a committee member ring the central telephone no: at the monthly meetings or ring the 07710 039 417. central telephone no: 07710 039 417. Main Monthly Meetings

Due to unforeseen circumstances beyond our control there are changes to some dates and venue details. Sincere apologies for any inconvenience this may cause. PLEASE NOTE THE CHANGES BELOW. THANK YOU.

• Monday, 2.00pm June 24th 2019 (Change of Date) Town Hall, Fran Sandham - “3000 mile solo walk across Africa”

• Monday 2.00pm, July 15th 2019 Kidderminster Town Hall, Sandy Cale - “The great escape of Charles II”

• Monday 2.00pm, September 16th 2019 Kidderminster Town Hall, Rosemary Winnall - “The Nature of Wyre”

• Monday 2.00pm, October 14th 2019 (Change of Date) Kidderminster Town Hall - Annual General Meeting

• Monday 2.00pm, November 18th 2019 Kidderminster Town Hall - Martin Lloyd "Passports, Assassins, Traitors and Spies"

• Monday 2.00pm, December 16th 2019 (Change of Date) Kidderminster Town Hall - Michael Leach "In the Midst of Gorillas” Please note the December meeting date is the 16th December and NOT the 14th as published in the spring edition.

WYRE FOREST & DISTRICT

Group News

Showcase October 2019 - This year our AGM will consist of a 45 minute film showcasing our variety of interest groups in Wyre Forest and District U3A. We still need more groups to take part and would like our Group Leaders to encourage and excite their members to participate in filming.

As a reminder, Ralph Bramley is contactable by email: [email protected]. Ralph will take into account anyone who does not wish to be filmed. Our film is for the sole purposes of U3A and not for the wider web

Golf - We are very pleased to be continuing our links with Churchill and Golf Academy this year. At present there are two beginners courses taking place on five consecutive Mondays. Angus Hoare is the PGA Head Teaching Professional who is taking our members through their shots. Feedback has been excellent with everyone enjoying the teaching, beautiful weather and delightful views across the countryside in Blakedown.

New Interest Groups - If anyone has a particular interest and would like to lead a group of members in pursuing that activity, please contact : Jan Burrows – [email protected] Phyllis Smith – [email protected]

STOP PRESS: ! Absolute Beginners Guitar Group ! Starting on 11th September, monthly at Wribbenhall Community Hall. Please email the Group Leader Dave Bagnall - [email protected]

Jan Burrows Group Co-ordinator Phyllis Smith Assistant Group Co-ordinator 2 Trips & Wednesday 4th September 2019 our visit to Middleton Hall, Tamworth, leaving Brintons Park at Outings 8.45am.

"U3A Local & Social History and Visit this Historic Manor House with over 1000 years Garden Visits groups” of history. Wander around the Georgian walled garden and nature trail. There are a few spare seats for the trip to Trentham Gardens, Stoke, on Wednesday 10th July. Leaving All renovated by a volunteer led charity. Brintons Park at 8.45am. There are courtyard independent shops, a restaurant and cafe all of which will be open. Visiting the contemporary revival of the famous Italian Gardens by the renowned designer Tom Cost for this visit is £20 which includes coach fare, Stuart-Smith. driver's tip, entry fee, talk about the house with tea/ See the Rivers of Grass and the Floral Labyrinth coffee, a guided tour of the hall and entry into the Sir designed by Piet Oudolf. Robert Peel museum, founder of our Police Force. The Capability Brown lake lies in the garden's centre Money to be paid by 31st July 2019 please. with its beautiful lakeside walk. For shoppers there is a shopping mall on the site. To book a seat on either of these trips, Cost is £17 which includes the coach fare, please contact Janice - email: driver's tip and entry fee, to be paid by [email protected] 24th June 2019. or the central phone number 07710 039 417

Working together at the Town Hall

We are looking for members to join our ‘Meet & Greet’ team. The team gives a warm welcome to members and visitors at the monthly meetings. We would like to thank members that have done a fantastic job of this role in the past. The Getting to Grips with Technology group Bryan Smith (about 4yrs), Katherine MacDonald, meeting in April investigated how to produce Anne Wilmore. Manning the welcome to new members photoslideshows and videos on their smartphones, desk, have been Janet Mann and Ruth Hawkesford. tablets and computers. Come join the team, it’s lovely to see the appreciation from members that receive a friendly smile and a kind There was much interest in this topic and in the word! May meeting the members’ efforts were shown to Christine Lewis (member of the Meet & Greet team) all attendees. Members were very pleased with email [email protected] , 07710 039 417. their efforts and so we will be placing some of the ………………………… slideshows on the Wyre Forest & District’s website, in the members only YouTube area. Please take a Refreshments Team: We are a group of 12 ladies (but look at our work. gentleman always welcome!) - we make refreshments every month at the Town Hall meeting- just 8 helpers Steve Miller (group leader) needed, we don't all have to do every single month. The [email protected] job starts at 13.15pm when “set up” takes place, listen to the speaker, afterwards serving for about half an hour, with clear up and finish about 16.15pm. If anyone is interested in helping can they please email Tina on [email protected] or ring 07710 039 417. 3 A Busy Week!

WF U3A May Monthly Meeting - AN OPEN FORUM A splendid afternoon on Monday 20th May was enjoyed by the U3A Members who attended this years' 'Open Forum' held at Kidderminster Harriers Social Club.

Doors opened at 1.00pm, various organisations were in attendance showing their wares to visitors : Wyre Forest Repair Cafe, Mentor Link, Slimming World, Attwoods Funerals, Clinical Hypnotherapy, Co-op Life Planning, Festival, Dementia Cafe and Street Pastors. All of whom were overwhelmed by the response from Members. Four of the organisations were introduced one by one to the audience by the Chairman, Sue Langley, each one carrying out a brief presentation. All thoroughly enjoyed by the U3A audience. Members and visitors then enjoyed refreshments and looking around the various tables.

"One of our speakers, Liz Bloomer gave a wonderful insight on how she was inspired to set up a Cafe especially for families dealing with Dementia, and now with a team of volunteers the Stourport Dementia Cafe at St Michaels Church Parish Rooms (DY13 9DD) offers a welcoming place on the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays from 2pm where friends can meet and enjoy activities in a safe environment.

And, Richard Hague one of our U3A members informed us about his work with a team of volunteers known as Street Pastors and Rail Pastors, who give up the comfort and safety of their beds at around midnight to roam our streets (and trains) in the early hours of the morning looking out for our young people as they enjoy themselves in the local night clubs. The team get to chat to them and ensure they are kept safe and return home to their families. "Small Talk Saves Lives" is one of their mottos. A marvellous initiative to help our younger generation, and one we are sure many parents are most grateful for”.

Jeff Hull - Speaker Secretary ………………….

The 2019 Older People’s Forum in the

On Wednesday 22nd May we exhibited our U3A services at Stourport Civic Hall, as part of Dementia Awareness week.

Many people visited our stand with interest which was supported by Phyllis Smith, Christine and Kevin Lewis.

Photo shows Phyllis Smith at the U3A stand.

Disclaimer: Wyre Forest & District U3A makes every effort to ensure that the information published in this newsletter is accurate. However, we cannot accept any liability for the accuracy or content. Everyone who relies on this information does so at their own risk.

General enquiries regarding this newsletter please use contact details below. If you wish to have an article published in the Autumn 2019 issue please contact Sue Massey. www.wyreforestu3a.org.uk

Registered Charity No. 1149774

Email: [email protected] Tel: 07710 039 417 4

WFU3A Newsletter EXTRA

‘Learn, Laugh and Live’

In early April, after 18 months preparation, 89 members of WFU3A performed and assisted in our 3rd show – ‘60's Recall' which was sold out over 2 nights at Memorial Hall. Many fondly recall the 60’s TV and radio characters.

In this innovative show, the participants remembered many of these characters, including: Sandy Shaw’s 1967 Eurovision winner Puppet on a String (Chris Vass, backing trio Sylvia Cooke, Linda Anderson and Sue Langley), the cheeky Terry Scott (John Watkins) staging 'My Brother' with endearing stooge in (Bryan Smith) and, in The Goons sketch , five U3A members acting and playing on ukulele the Ying Tong Song (John Watkins, Martin Delahay, Dave Bagnall, David Struckett, Chris Vass).

Singing groups ('Satellite Singers' and 'Singing for Pleasure Group' with soloists Mark Hull “The Young Ones” and Cathy Gasowski “Moon River”) assisted by (Bryan & Shirley Smith, Linda Anderson, Annie Hawker, David Struckett, Rob Melland, Susan Lane, Sylvia Cooke, Julia Stanfield and astronaut Chris Vass) all staging memories of the Beatles, Cliff Richard, Ban the Bomb protests and the Moon Landing of 1969.

The two Ukulele Groups directed by Martin Delahay, played unforgettable 60’s songs with an audience sing-a-long. Then, the Dancing Group brought back many wonderful memories by strutting in full 60's style dress to 'The Locomotion' and twisting the night away in 'Lets Dance', just like Ready Steady Go! (David Struckett, Rob Melland [the fantastic twisters], Bryan & Shirley Smith, Linda Anderson, Sylvia Cooke, Julia Stanfield, Jean Morris, Cindy Forest, Annie Hawker, Susan Lane, Sue Langley).

Others acts included: Morecombe and Wise in the famous 'Boom, OOO, Yatta -ta-ta' sketch with Sid and Dick (John Watkins as Sid, Geoff Bayley as Eric, David Struckett as Dick, Dave Bagnall as Ernie), John Cleese (David Struckett) – staged 'Ministry of Silly Walks' (Julia Stanfield and Chris Vass) staged 'U3A Style' with a hint of Benny Hill to spice it up (ladies - Sylvia Cooke, Linda Anderson, Annie Hawker). Singing duo Sonny and Cher – 'I got you babe' a la TOTP from 1965. (Sue Langley, Dave Bagnall).

The finale celebrated the World Cup in 1966: 11 members in Football singing with 30 Satellite Singers the football song 'We were there', concluding with, Dawn Bubb singing 'Those were the days' (accompanied on guitar by Nigel Blay).

Geoff Bayley skilfully compered the show and it was very special being able to use Ralph Bramley’s sound, lighting and audio skills to display on a screen he had made especially, memorable footage of the staged events.

Conclusion Many have learned so much from these productions, several people hadn’t been on stage before, proving that it’s never too late to "Have a go". Those who thought themselves 'past it' or not good enough, proved that they still have what it takes to entertain and confidence has grown. Being a part of our wonderful U3A makes this all possible. This show will be a hard one to follow, but already there are plans afoot to stage 'Around the World in Eighty Days' early in 2021. Sue Langley, Show Director

Post Script and a piece of history: The football anthem and video used in our finale was sung by some of England's 1966 World Cup winning side and released after spending 34 years hidden in an Isle of Man attic. The song 'We Were There' was written by Bob Wragg for the1982 World Cup Finals in Spain. The song came about through Mr Wragg's friendship with Gordon Banks, England's goalkeeper in 1966, and he asked him about recording a song to wish the 1982 side well. Mr Bragg heard the lads were in Leicester for a promo so he had one night to write a song and one day to record it and make a video. The record label loved it but the Falklands war broke out and it was deemed 'inappropriate', and so shelved.

It remained in Mr Wraggs' attic until he read that three of the squad were living with Alzheimer's disease and so he arranged for it to be released in 2016 to coincide with the European Championships in France, and all funds from the song and video were donated to the charity Alzheimer's Research UK.

World Cup winning players in the video included Bobby Moore on tambourine, Geoff Hurst and Martin Peters, but brothers Bobby and Jackie Charlton were away at the time, and Nobby Stiles was ill. We decided that the raffle and refreshments profits of £381 be donated to this cause. (Photos are courtesy of our Digital Photography Group)