www. moneyadviceservice .org.uk http://www.bbc.co.uk/languages/other/quickfix/ http://www.khanacademy.org/ U3A http://www.liviodemarchi.com/ JUNE 2012 No: 29

Website: www.sunderlandu3a.co.uk

EDITORS

Elsie Denham Dorothy Scott

Copy deadline for next edition Presentation to retiring committee member Minnie Cochrane .. …. st

31 October Sunderland University of the Third Age: A member of the Third Age Trust

JUNE 2012

CONTENTS

From the Editorial Team 2 From the Chair 3 Future speakers 3 Groups’ News 4

Thorp Perrow Arboretum 10

Childhood Memories of Our Royal Family 11 Your City … Your Say 12 What Kind of Chocolate is Best? 12 Mass Trespass on Kinder Scout 13 Opposites Quiz 14

Fascinating Words: Lipograms 15 Public Sculpture: Blacksmiths’ Needle 16 The Little People Project 17 Durer’s Magic Square 18 This Won’t Hurt a Bit 18

Computer Spanish 19 Sunderland U3A Dihydrogen Monoxide – Should You Be Concerned? 20 Fulwell Methodist Bananas 20 Recipes 22 Dovedale Road Anniversaries 22 Sunderland Dates For Your Diary 23 Regional & National News 25 Answers to Quiz 27 MEETING: Groups at a Glance 28 3rd Wednesday of each month at 1.30 for 2.00pm Contact Us 29

MEMBERSHIP: 0191 549 0984

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FROM THE EDITORS FROM THE CHAIR Hello Everyone This edition looks forward to the summer and beyond to the autumn because in future the magazine will appear twice a year rather than quarterly. The next edition will be At the AGM there were some changes to the Committee. After a year off, I have available at the November meeting. If group leaders and the committee feel the need, resumed the role of Chair of Sunderland U3A. Ann Aldridge, who was elected Chair last we will issue newsletters in between magazines, to give information on forthcoming year, has had health problems and announced that she would prefer to step down to events. For group events you will be able to pick up information at the monthly Vice Chair. I said that if no one else would take on the role, I would put my name meetings; for regional events see the regional website at http://www.nru3a.co.uk/ forward for the usual term of 3 years. Also Minnie Cochrane who has served on the Committee for many years has decided to take a well earned rest. She has been Our cover picture this time is Dorothy’s photo of the presentation made to Minnie on her replaced by Chris Brown. At the Meeting following the AGM we expressed our thanks to retirement from the committee. We’ll all grateful for Minnie’s efforts over the years. Minnie and presented her with a lovely bouquet. Dorothy was there with her camera to By the time you receive this edition, the Queen’s Jubilee celebrations will be over. record the event. Below is Ruby’s account of one that took place earlier. Why not write a brief account of The U3A, including Sunderland U3A continues to go from strength to strength. At any you attend and share it with us in the next magazine. Or show your appreciation to Sunderland we have had some members who have not renewed their subscriptions but the group leaders by giving us an account of one of the summer activities you attend. when we have replaced them we will still have a waiting list and we have had some new Have a good summer Groups recently. Two new U3As have been started in the area – a second group and a Boldon and group and they already have waiting lists. Elsie & Dorothy I have a list of members’ email addresses that I use to pass on information and the odd joke or photograph. If you want to join this list just give me your details. I have just been listening to Radio 4 and apparently the latest scam is someone rings you up and says that you have already subscribed to their service which filters your phone calls and stops you being bothered by people trying to sell you things. They just need to check your bank details before taking the £49 fee. Not only should you never give bank details to someone who has called you but also you can get this service for free by contacting the Telephone Preference Service. This really does work and if you haven’t already done it the number is 0800 398 393. Are you enjoying the good weather? As I sit writing this it is very sunny and warm but what will it be like when you read this? Let’s hope we actually get a summer this year even if it means extra work in the garden with lots of plants needing to be watered. Best wishes Judith

FUTURE SPEAKERS 18 July Denise & Jan: The Samaritans 15 Aug Barry Mead: There’s more to a needle than meets the eye 19 Sept Dr Dorothy Nicholas : Bells and bell ringing 17 Oct Ingrid Kilner: A year behind the veil 21 Nov John Roughly : Cookery Demonstration 19 Dec Christmas Party – ticket only

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GARDENING GROUPS’ NEWS We started with a successful visit to Thorp Perrow Arboretum on Friday 4th May to see the bluebells and cherry blossom – see Dorothy’s report. Other visits planned are Scampston and Wallington later in the year. AMATEUR ARTISTS Meetings are on the 2nd and 4th Mondays of each month, at Ann Aldridge 0751 2307 518 Judith Ayles 07985 317 478 10.15 at Railway Museum. GEOLOGY We are a small friendly group who like to dabble in a variety The geology group meets on the third Friday each month. In summer we try to have of styles and media. Mostly we just like to have fun and don’t as many outings to places of geological and natural interest as possible and from take ourselves too seriously so if you fancy it do come along September on we meet in the Bangladeshi Centre at 2 pm. and join us – we can make room for one or two more at After John Hoppper’s session helping us understand what the present.. You don’t need any materials to begin with – just letters and numbers mean in chemical formulae, we have moved come and try before splashing out. outdoors and the next few meetings will be field trips, starting with Mar ion Miller 0191 548 1009 Josie Thompson 0191 534 2702 our May visit to view the magnesian limestone at Trow Point. June continued this theme, with a trip to quarries at Wingate and ANTIQUES AND COLLECTORS Trimdon Grange. July – No meeting Group aims and objectives 17 August: Weardale to look at Killhope Lead Mining Centre and Cowshill rocks. • Research origins and dates of artefacts • 21 September. It is hoped to have another trip to the DEFRA laboratories near York Check provenance/authenticity to hear about their latest work and look at the geological equipment they have there. • Group discussion on objects brought along 19 October: Back to the Bangladeshi Centre when Elsie Denham will be giving a talk • Check possible valuations via the internet on Space Geology • To discuss tips on restoration and cleaning. 16 November: To be arranged So come along with your small portable items or photos of larger items. We meet at 21 December: A light hearted look at Geology 10.30 on the first Wednesday of the month at Monkwearmouth Railway Museum. John Baty 0191 522 6462 Rob Lewin 0789 1942 107 HISTORY CINEMA History Group did not meet in January but had its first meeting in February when our Lunchtime Liaisons at the Customs House, South Shields - specially speaker was Mr Bernard Hope who gave us a talk entitled ‘Titanic – Legends and selected films which vary from period dramas to the biggest Myths’ which was excellent. blockbusters. You can also join us for lunch prior to the film. Details at general meeting. March saw us visiting the Tyneside News Theatre in Newcastle where we were given a guided tour by two very knowledgeable guides. There followed a delightful Norma Robins 0191 416 4498 lunch in the cinema cafe and an easy trip home on the Metro. We held a coffee morning in April where we had a convivial morning and discussed the events COMPUTER & DIGITAL SUPPORT planned through the summer. A visit to the Percy Hedley Centre, which is The Sunderland and Wearside computing groups merged some time celebrating its 60th anniversary this year, followed in May. This was a wonderful ago. The resulting group works mostly on Digital Imaging, but other example of what can be achieved if you believe in your cause. It was an ordinary forms of computer use are supported. So if you have a problem, come couple who had a little boy with cerebral palsy who wanted a better life and an and see if we can solve it. education for their child. There was little in the way of facilities then but they advertised for others in the same situation to join them and from that first meeting Meetings are the first and third Tuesdays of the month in the computer room at the foundation was born. We were privileged to meet that little boy, now a man in his Amble Tower, Lakeside, . seventies, during our visit, along with many others with differing disabilities. Alan Denham 0191 521 2760 Staff and participants were very welcoming and keen to show us what they were able to achieve. We were provided with an excellent lunch and also musical entertainment.

4 5 History Group will not be meeting in the church until October as our programme of visits is now in operation. In June we will be celebrating the Diamond MUSIC APPRECIATION Jubilee with a cruise and lunch on the Prince Bishop, we hope that Every month a group of us meet in Dock Street for a couple of hours of pleasure and everyone will wear something red, white and/or blue in honour of the entertainment. Different members present a programme on a topic they have occasion. There will be visits to Kirkleatham Museum in Redcar in chosen, using a variety of musical items from all types of music – classical, folk, July and Seaton Delaval Hall in August. pop, musicals, humour, etc. Everyone can contribute to the discussions we have – or not, as you wish. We’ve been pleased to welcome some Linda Thompson 0191 549 5693 new members recently – so why not come along and give it a try! You don't need to know anything about music so come along and relax. KEEP MOBILE Our recent programmes have included a session on overtures, and then one on New members are most welcome and no experience is necessary. No special rd brass instruments – ranging from early medieval trumpets to modern solos for the footwear or clothing is required. We meet every Friday (except 3 Friday) at 10.45 am at Fulwell Methodist Church tuba. We followed this with Doreen’s second presentation on variations on a them – a programme of different interpretations of the same piece. Our May session was a Linda Thompson 0191 549 5693 special joint meeting with the poetry group, with words and music inspired by spring. We meet at 10 am for coffee/ tea at Dock St Tower Block for a 10.15 start. LOOKING @ ART 22 Jun Sally Green: The mighty handful On the third Thursday of the month we meet at art exhibitions in 27 Jul Favourite pieces: bring your own choice to share local venues to view and discuss them, full details of time and 24 Aug Pat Highton: Ladies of Note location are on display in the side room at U3A monthly meetings. 28 Sep Joan Kelsey: Music I have loved In March we went to the Sunderland Museum and Winter gardens 26 Oct Elsie Denham: War and peace to hear and see how the paintings collection saw formed, the 23 Nov Christmas social exhibition was called Art for Sunderland. Joyce Hoseason 0191 548 6041 We paid a visit to the Laing Gallery in Newcastle in April to see POETRY APPRECIATION “Shakespeare in Art”, which was a display of paintings, prints and objects inspired by characters in Shakespeare’s best known plays. Our guides for the visit were Jean An enthusiastic group who find some varied poems on a chosen topic to Scott and a fellow “Friend of the Laing” who give up their own time to explain the stimulate reminiscences, discussion and some laughs. Everyone meaning and motivation of the exhibition to visitors. chooses two poems on a previously chosen topic. These are read and discussed. Everyone seems to enjoy looking through books for something appropriate. In May we went on our annual bus trip to see Blackwell House in Bowness, This is a Everyone welcome. holiday house built for a prosperous Mancunian brewer which was designed by an Arts and Crafts architect , both the structure and interior furnishings. The view of the Elizabeth Robson 0191 567 1421 lake from the gardens is stunning. READING GROUP After lunch in their tearoom we moved on to Kendal to visit Abbot Hall Art Gallery where there was an exhibition to mark their 50 years of opening. A major item on The Reading Group meet in the Central Library on the 4th Thursday of the month at display was a triptych commissioned by Lady Anne Clifford in the 17th century which 2pm (except July and August) and any members who enjoy reading are welcome to is so large it could only be brought into the building through an upstairs window. attend. We are planning the June visit to the Biscuit Factory in Newcastle which is a popular We met in March to discuss “Agatha Raisin and the Witch of Wyckhadden” by M. C. venue with our Group. Beaton. This is only 1 in a series of 14 books about a lady who solves murders while Sheila Humby 0191 548 2259 Rose Marshall 0191 528 1468 leading a full life. The author has written the more well known series of Hamish Mc Beth stories which take place in remote Scotland and were adapted for TV. LUNCH Our April choice was “Brooklyn” by Colm Toibin about an Irish girl who was sent On the 2 nd Wednesday of the month, at different venues. alone to America by arrangements made with her parish priest and his contacts in Norma Robins 0191 416 4498 Brooklyn. In May we had a lively discussion of “Wedlock” by Wendy Moore, the true story of

the main characters who are the heiress to the estate (at the age of 11years the richest heiress in England) and her 2nd husband whose exploits had the whole country avidly reading their newspapers.

6 7 We will meet in June to discuss “The Girl on the Landing” by Paul Torbay, who Mountains and Mistletoe Holiday - 3rd - 7th December 2012 wrote “Salmon Fishing in the Yemen” which was recently showing in local cinemas. Thirty-seven members are already booked for this holiday after two highly Rose Marshall 0191 528 1468 successful previous visits. Any new members wishing to go on this 5 day break can get full details from Bob on 5490984. SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY Bob Younger 0191 549 0984 Our science sessions look at how things work. You don’t need any knowledge of science, just an interest in the world around you. We meet at Monkwearmouth WALKING Station at 2pm on the second Thursday of the month so come along and join us. Our walks are approximately 4 miles and we try to keep to good paths. We walk on the second Wednesday of each month. If you are Our recent sessions have continued our study of the cosmos, including a session on interested look out for the sheet at the monthly meeting. Why not give the geology of the planets in our solar system. it a go? Because of bank holidays and summer holidays, the Science group meetings will nd Recent walks to Durham riverside and Rainton Meadows showed off the beautiful restart in September. We will be changing the day – meeting every 2 Thursday countryside we have on our doorstep. afternoon, so our next meeting at 2pm on Thursday 13 September when we will continue astronomy theme, with guest speaker Graham Relf on Time and the Stars. Ray Sharratt led our last walk to Rainton Meadows and Joe’s Pond where there were great views to enjoy followed by a good pub lunch afterwards. Alan Denham 0191 521 2760 There will be no walk on Wednesday 13th June 2012 because of holidays. TAI CHI Bob Younger 0191 549 0984 The Tai Chi group meets every Tuesday afternoon from 2.00pm to

3.00pm at Fulwell Methodist Church. Tai Chi involves gentle exercise under the guidance of our excellent tutor Michael. Classes are geared to suit all levels of ability and all are welcome. VOLUNEERS WANTED The cost is £4 per session. No special clothing or equipment is needed - you just Are you or any of your friends or family aged over 65 and interested in helping need comfortable clothing and footwear. Come and chill! the Human Nutrition Research Centre at Newcastle University test a nutritional supplement? Dorothy Scott 0191 5652108 In the process of getting older, several changes occur in our body. One of these TEN PIN BOWLING changes is a natural decline in muscle mass. You may have noticed that you are not as strong or flexible anymore as you were in your younger days; as a result No meetings until the building reopens – watch for details you may find everyday activities like housekeeping, shopping, washing and Martin & Primrose Walker 0191 567 8920 getting dressed have become more difficult.

TRAVEL GROUP Danone Research (the Research centre of Nutricia) has developed a nutritional product aimed at improving muscle mass and strength. The aim of the study is to The travel group meet on the fourth Thursday of each month in Monkwearmouth find out if the product, taken for 13 weeks (vs. a control product), will have made Station Museum at 10.15 a.m. for a 10.30 a.m. start. On Thursday 28th improvements to those who are taking it. The study is called PROVIDE and has June Mrs Pat Highton will be giving a talk on “Cruising on the Nile”. been running since 2010, with some members from Tynedale U3A already Floriade 2012 taking part. Thirty-two members went to this event, leaving on 29 May. Held just If you know anyone who may be interested and would once every ten years, Holland’s famous Floriade Exhibition, taking place in the like more information about this study please contact Dutch town of Venlo in 2012, is one of the world’s largest and most amazing Carolyn Taylor (Tel: 0191 222 3592) or email horticultural events. On display are exquisite flowers, plants, trees, fruit and [email protected] vegetables from across the globe, together with a full programme of music, dance, theatre and art. Floriade 2012 is on a really impressive scale. Set in a 66 hectare park, it is divided into five themed zones – Relax and Heal, Green Engine, Education and Innovation, Environment and World Show Stage.

8 9 THORP PERROW ARBORETUM down to the glove for food, Colin stood at the handler’s feet and looked up at him, all the while squawking for food. When he was finally enticed on to the glove he would eat his On 4 th May a group of members enjoyed a second outing of the fledgling Gardening treat and then fly to the nearest bench for rest. Needless to say everyone fell in love Group, kindly organised by Ann Aldridge, to Thorp Perrow Arboretum, near Bedale, with Colin and wanted to take him home with them. Although I had heard of Thorp Perrow I had not actually visited it before so I was very How could you follow an act like Colin? Well, with a peregrine falcon, interested to see what it had to offer, and was aware that whoever I spoke to who had that’s how. The fastest creature on earth, the bird flew higher than any visited Thorp spoke well of it. of its predecessors, soaring high in the sky, and was tempted to earth The day turned out to be grey and ‘cool’ but the rain which kept threatening thankfully not by a titbit held in the glove but by a meatier chunk swung round the never came to much. We stopped for a coffee break at the Scotch Corner Hotel, now a handler’s head on a lure. As soon as it saw this being swung it would Holiday Inn and I mention it here because the building was radically altered from the circle above and then plunge to earth in a swooping dive, quite time of my last visit – for the better I might add – and the coffee was excellent, the best I breathtaking to watch. When he decided the bird was tiring the handler have had in a long while. finally let it catch the lure and the falcon covered the catch with its wings curled round it in a stance known as mantling. We arrived at the Arboretum just in time to catch the ‘Animal Encounters’ display so hurried across the grounds to catch it. A staff member introduced us firstly to a snake – But enough of all this wildlife chat, this was a garden visit not everyone’s cup of tea – but it spent its time trying to get wasn’t it? Well, yes it was, and at this time of year we inside his fleece and out of the cold. This was followed by the anticipated a display of bluebells and flowering cherries, endearing meerkat called Peanuts. This creature had been which did not disappoint. Sadly the pictures will not do rejected by the rest of the resident meerkat population so had justice to these but I can say the bluebells were quite been reared by the staff and now lives in its own enclosure. As vibrant and I only wish you with the snake it was more intent on seeking the warmth of its could see this in full colour handler’s fleece than giving us an entertaining display but we reproduction. enjoyed the encounter nonetheless. The cafe on site was very pleasant and the hearty soup on The final creature to be exhibited was a magnificent eagle owl – offer was very welcome. There is also a small plant centre

as you can see it is quite a size and extremely striking to look at. to visit. Thorp Perrow has numerous activities throughout At this point I should say that I have always had my reservations about birds being kept the year and more information on this and the venue itself in captivity. I really don’t like seeing them in cages, but after lunch we attended the birds can be found at www.thorpperrow.com. I certainly enjoyed of prey flying display, and here it was explained that birds like owls spend 23 hours out my day and may well be back before too long. Thank you Ann! Dorothy Scott of 24 sitting on branches, conserving their energies for the one hour they spend hunting ======their dinner, so the birds in the aviaries are not being deprived of flying time. In addition, the birds are all ‘flown’ every day and there is nothing to stop them escaping (other than CHILDHOOD MEMORIES OF OUR ROYAL FAMILY the fact that they have it ‘cushy’ exactly where they are). The flying display was, I thought, even more impressive than the I have just read the book The King’s Speech by Logue’s grandson and it made me think morning session. The first bird to appear was a vulture, which about the events that I remembered. swooped down to take food from the handler’s gloved hand then flew First George V died. My dad took all of us up to see the off to a nearby perch until it saw the next morsel being brought out of lying in state on a very wet, cold day. Soon after came the his leather bag. It did this a number of times until the handler decided endless gossip concerning George VI’s brother Edward it had had enough and he headed back to the building behind him. At VIII. After a year our present Queen’s father became king. this point an owl in a cage to our right started to make quite a din and was flapping its wings in anticipation. It obviously knew it was the Now I was living in Sydenham and the London Borough of next star of the show and could not wait to make its entrance. Thus Lewisham presented a pictorial book of the crowning and we were introduced to Colin, the laziest owl at Thorp Perrow, and possibly in Britain. potted history of part of the king’s life and family. I have Colin had obviously decided that here there was food on tap and if always treasured this book – lovely pictures of our present Queen when a small child. he could get it without all of this flying malarkey then why not? In Logue’s book he mentions Sydenham quite a few times. Why? He came over to As his handler opened his cage he shot out and proceeded to run England with his wife and family from Australia and happened to settle in Sydenham. I across the grass alongside his human feeder, flapping his wings remember the road where they lived – large houses, 24 rooms with long gardens and running at the same time. This was the most comical thing I stretching to woodland. have seen in a long while. Where other birds perched ready to fly I hope the Queen enjoys her Julbilee! Ruby Ball 10 11 CELEBRATING THE QUEEN’S JUBILEE pocket inside a bag. They didn’t know how many there would be. After tasting each, they rated how enjoyable it was from 0 to 10. Some were told each time: “Here is the st We sure did – on Saturday 21 May a large group of carpet bowls members and past next one.” The others got the same lead-in until the fifth chocolate, before which the members , one lady being all of 99 years. We had a lovely long half day at the experimenter said, “This is the last one.” After tasting all the chocolates, the participants Community Centre in Fulwell. We went in all sorts of red white and blue outfits. There indicated which they liked best and how enjoyable the tasting was overall. were quizzes and lots to eat and drink. Our organisers, Margaret and Richard Blakey, must have been up at the crack of dawn to make the hall look so regal. After two The fifth chocolate was rated as more enjoyable when it was the “last” chocolate versus games of bowls we stood together and sang our national anthem. Then tried our hands just another in the taste test. The designated “last” chocolate was also the favourite 64% at the quizzes. It was a really lovely event and everyone enjoyed it. Ruby Ball of the time, no matter which flavour it was. Among those who ate only “next” chocolates, the last was chosen 22% of the time—statistically speaking, a chance occurrence. And ======the “last” group also rated the whole experience as more enjoyable than “nexts” did.

YOUR CITY... YOUR SAY The findings of what O’Brien calls “our little chocolate test” could have serious implications. Professors marking the last exam may give it the best grade even if it’s not Come and have your say on what is happening in your local area... objectively better than the preceding ones. Employers may be inclined to hire the last- interviewed job applicant. Awareness of this bias could make such subjective judgments For the past ten years Sunderland Council has run an annual State of the City event in fairer. Sunderland which provides an opportunity for people to hear about and share their views on issues affecting the city and its people. This year’s event is on Wednesday 12 Of course, endings don’t bring up only positive emotions, O’Brien notes. Often there’s September at City Space, University of Sunderland, Chester Road, 5.30 – 8.30pm also sadness about loss—that bittersweet feeling. If its bittersweet chocolate and the last one you think you’ll eat, however, chances are the taste will be sweet. However, residents often also want to ask questions about issues that are specific to the area in which they live. The main debates covers the whole city, but to give people the ======chance to discuss more local issues, there will be a series of local area events this summer before everyone comes together for the main event in September. END OF A VALUED SERVICE NHS Foundation Trust will To book a place or get more details contact the Council on 0191 561 1307 or email soon be no more. Cuts!! [email protected]. It has been doing an excellent job for the last 5 years, not only planning and leading two ======walks every week throughout the year, but also helping people with weight control and to come off smoking and drinking. Since I saw the walks advertised in the magazine WHAT KIND OF CHOCOLATE IS BEST? THE LAST YOU TASTE over a year ago, I and many others have enjoyed the walks, so the leaders are now Like to save the best for last? Here’s good news: If it’s the last, helping us to lead our own walks. Most of us agree to this as we wish to keep our you’ll like it the best. That is the finding of a study published friendship going, besides walking. Ruby Ball earlier this year in Psychological Science, journal of the ======Association for Psychological Science. The study was conducted by University of Michigan psychologist Ed O’Brien MASS TRESPASS KINDER SCOUT 24 APRIL 1932 who reports “Endings affect us in lots of ways, and one is this positivity effect”. Graduation from college, the last kiss before I'm a rambler, I'm a rambler from Manchester way, going off to war: we experience these “lasts” with deep pleasure I get all me pleasure the hard moorland way, and affection—in fact, more than we may have felt about those I may be a wage slave on Monday, places or people the day before. Even long painful experiences that end pleasantly are But I am a free man on Sunday. rated more highly than short ones ending painfully. The Manchester Rambler celebrates the mass But does the last-is-best bias obtain in everyday life, with insignificant events? It does, trespass on Kinder Scout. It’s composer, the study found. Moreover, says O’Brien, it doesn’t even have to be a real last one to be songwriter and activist Ewan MacColl, was experienced as best. “When you simply tell people something is the last, they may like responsible for publicity for the event. that thing more.” Frustrated by harassment from gamekeepers The participants in the study were told they were participating in a taste test of and lack of progress on negotiations for the Hershey’s Kisses made with local ingredients. The experimenters drew five right to roam, members of the chocolates—milk, dark, crème, caramel, and almond—in random order from a hidden branch of the British Workers’ Sports 12 13 . Federation announced a mass trespass. About 400 walkers set off from Bowden Bridge Quarry and, after a scuffle with gamekeepers, reached the top where they met up with a ARTS AND LITERATURE fellow group from Sheffield who had walked from the other side. After shaking hands, the two groups retraced their steps. FASCINATING WORDS At the bottom, five of the Manchester group were AMPHIGOR: A nonsense verse. Specifically, a poem designed to look and sound arrested, and subsequently imprisoned. This good, but which has no meaning upon closer reading. ( much of modern poetry?) From unleashed a wave of public sympathy and French amphigouri , of unknown origin) encouraged others to join the protest.. LIPOGRAM: The mounting pressure for access to open land grew steadily over the next few years though it was 17 Maria had a little sheep, years before the passage of the National Parks and As pale as rime its hair, Access to the Countryside Act by the post-war Labour And all the places Maria came Government in 1949. The Peak District was the first to The sheep did tail her there; be designated, and almost immediately negotiated In Maria’s class it came at last, access agreements with landowners of the former A sheep can’t enter there; ‘battlefields’ of the 1930s; Kinder Scout and Bleaklow. It made the children clap their hands We then had to wait another 50 years before the A sheep in class, that’s rare. Countryside and Rights of Way (CROW) Act in 2000, Did you notice anything? You’ve just read a lipogram – a word which seems to have and its final implementation in 2005. been first used by the playwright and essayist Joseph Addison in The Spectator in In 2002, Andrew, the 11th Duke of Devonshire, 1711. Lipograms existed before then, but the term was never used in antiquity. It comes publicly apologised at the 70th anniversary celebration from the Greek lipogrammatos , 'wanting a letter' and describes a piece of writing which event of the Kinder trespass at Bowden Bridge for his grandfather’s ‘great wrong’ in omits a particular letter (commonly 'e', the letter which normally occurs the most often in 1932: English). "I am aware that I represent the villain of the piece this afternoon. But over the last Writing lipograms provides excellent practice in finding alternative ways of expressing 70 years times have changed and it gives me enormous pleasure to welcome things. In 1939 an American named Ernest Vincent Wright composed a novel called walkers to my estate today. The trespass was a great shaming event on my family Gadsby without using the letter E. (He said that he tied down the bar for E on his and the sentences handed down were appalling. But out of great evil can come typewriter so that he wouldn’t use it accidentally.) Gyles Brandreth is a modern British great good. The trespass was the first event in the whole movement of access to lipogrammatist and master of wordplay who has rewritten a number of Shakespeare's the countryside and the creation of our national parks" more famous plays, dropping different letters from each. As far as I know, he has written Hamlet without any Is, Macbeth without As or Es, Twelfth Night without L or O and ======Othello without any Os. OPPOSITES (answers p27) One common challenge is to take a familiar nursery rhyme and rewrite it, missing out a common letter. Ross Eckler did this with the verse of Mary Had a Little Lamb , writing 5 Find a word which means the opposite of the given word separate versions, omitting the letters A, E, H, S, and T. His sixth version removed half 1. Zenith 2. Apogee the letters from the alphabet and uses only A, C, D, E, H, I, L, M, N, P, R, S, and T. Go 3. Transparent 4. Augmented back and read it again! 5. Convex 6. Benevolent And here’s another one – what’s missing? 7. Concentric 8. Outstanding An owl and a pussy cat put to sail 9. Cunning 10. Wax (of moon) In a fabulous grass colour ship And what is the name for these 'opposite' words? Packing much cash and good food to stash With a wrapping of pounds for that trip

Anyone want to try their hand at this? “How can a slim chance and a fat chance be the same, while a wise man and a wise guy are opposites?” ======

14 15

THE LITTLE PEOPLE PROJECT PUBLIC SCULPTURE: BLACKSMITHS’ NEEDLE London model maker and photographer Slinkachu started his “Little People Project” in 2006. The little people are actually miniature model train set characters which he Sculptors: British Association of Blacksmith Artists remodels, photographs and then leaves on the street for people to find. Slinkachu has Installed: May 1997 held several exhibitions with the hope of encouraging city-dwellers to be more aware of their surroundings and reflecting the loneliness and melancholy of living in a big city. Where: Newcastle Quayside

The Needle was assembled from six sections made from mild steel which was then coated with metallic paint as used on cars – blues, green and purple mixed together to give a silvery appearance of reflected light from the sea. It was commissioned by the Tyne & Wear Development Corporation and made at six public “forge ins” around the country, the first Fantastic Voyage (and lowest tier) representing Sh oelace monster “sight” being made in Mowbray in a puddle Park Sunderland (using portable furnaces and in the pouring rain) and the last (sixth) in Carlisle. The blacksmiths were members of the British Association of Blacksmith Artists (and visiting blacksmiths from Europe and Japan) who each designed and made their own item, which was then welded onto the base conical section to build up a riot of symbols. Each section represents one of the senses, with the top representing “the mysterious sixth sense”. Since it was commissioned for the Quayside, many of the objects have a maritime theme (such as the mermaid on the Sunderland tier, fish and chips in the taste tier) and there are many jokes and puns to discover (look for the fish finger on the touch The Misfortunates section, the cockroach – bad taste – on the taste section, the camera bellows on the sigh section – and many more). The six sections were then assembled on the Quayside and ceremonially unveiled by percussionist Evelyn Glennie who rang the large bell hanging in the middle. She had been at one of the forge-ins where it is reported she played a tune on a section of the sculpture itself.

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alone. The clips were shown on a screen above their hands, giving the impression that SCIENCE the hand on the screen belonged to them. They reported that their pain was more intense and more unpleasant when they viewed DURER’S MAGIC SQUARE a needle pricking a hand than when they saw a hand alone, or Q-tip touches. At the same time, there was enhanced activity of the autonomic nervous system, as measured by pupil dilation responses. This demonstrates that previous painful experiences with needles enhance unpleasantness of pain when viewing needle pricks. In addition, before the test participants were told that either the needle or the Q-tip clip was more likely to be associated with painful than with non-painful electrical stimulation and the results showed that expectations regarding the painfulness of medical treatments influence the intensity of pain that patient feels. Taken together, the study reveals several important findings. One of the researchers reported "Clinicians may be advised to provide information that reduces a patient's expectation about the strength of forthcoming pain prior to an injection. Because viewing a needle prick leads to enhanced pain perception as well as to enhanced autonomic Dürer's magic square is a magic square with nervous system activity, we've provided empirical evidence in favour of the common magic constant 34 used in an engraving advice not to look at the needle prick when receiving an injection." entitled Melancholia I by Albrecht Dürer. The engraving shows a disorganized jumble of ======scientific equipment lying unused while an intellectual sits absorbed in thought. Dürer's COMPUTER SPANISH magic square is in the upper right-hand corner of the engraving. The numbers 15 and A Spanish Teacher was explaining to her class that in Spanish, unlike English, nouns 14 appear in the middle of the bottom row, are designated as either masculine or feminine. 'House' for instance, is feminine: 'la showing the date of the engraving, 1514. casa.' 'Pencil,' however, is masculine: 'el lapiz.' In a magic square the numbers are arranged so that all rows, columns and diagonals A student asked, 'What gender is 'computer'?' Instead of giving the add up to the same number – in this case 34. But Durer’s square goes beyond this: 34 answer, the teacher split the class into two groups, male and female, is also the sum of the 4 corner numbers, the four quadrants, the four central numbers and asked them to decide for themselves whether “computer'” and in other combinations: (eg the clockwise pattern 3,8,14,9 or its partner 2,12,15,5). If should be a masculine or a feminine noun. Each group was asked to you search, you will find other combinations. give four reasons for its recommendation. Durer’s magic square is believed to be the first depicted in European art, though magic The men's group decided that 'computer' should definitely be of the squares have been a source of fascination for over 4,000 years. They are found in a feminine gender ('la computadora'), because: number of cultures, including Egypt and India, engraved on stone or metal and worn as 1. No one but their creator understands their internal logic; talismans, in the belief that this would bring health and long life. 2. The native language they use to communicate with other computers is ======incomprehensible to everyone else; 3. Even the smallest mistakes are stored in long term THIS WON’T HURT A BIT memory for possible later retrieval; and Health professionals commonly say, "Don't look and it won't hurt" 4. As soon as you make a commitment to one, you find before administering an injection, but is there any scientific basis yourself spending half your income on accessories for for the advice? A group of German investigators report in the it. May issue of Pain that, in fact, your past experience with needle The women's group, however, concluded that computers pricks, along with information you receive before an injection, should be masculine ('el computador'), because: shape your pain experience. 1. In order to do anything with them, you have to turn them on; Participants in the trail received painful or non-painful electrical 2. They have a lot of data but still can't think for themselves; stimuli to their own hand while watching video clips showing a needle pricking a hand, a Q-tip touching the hand, or a hand 18 19 3. They are supposed to help you solve problems, but half the time they ARE the energy for a strenuous 90-minute workout. No wonder the banana is the number one problem; and fruit with the world's leading athletes. 4. As soon as you commit to one, you realize that if you had waited a little longer, you But energy isn't the only way a banana can help us keep fit. There have been many could have got a better model. claims that It can also help overcome or prevent a substantial number of illnesses and The women won! conditions. Note: In European Spanish “computer” is “ordenador” [m] but in Latin American Depression : According to a study undertaken by MIND amongst people suffering from Spanish it is “computadora” [f] - you work it out! depression, many felt much better after eating a banana. This is because bananas contain tryptophan, a type of protein that the body converts into serotonin, known to ======make you relax, improve your mood and generally make you feel happier. Also, the vitamin B6 it contains regulates blood glucose levels, which can affect your mood. DIHYDROGEN MONOXIDE – SHOULD YOU BE CONCERNED? Stress : Potassium is a vital mineral, which helps normalize the heartbeat, sends oxygen The Dihydrogen Monoxide Research Division (DMRD) has called for a ban to the brain and regulates your body's water balance. When we are stressed, our on dihydrogen monoxide (DHMO), a colourless and odourless chemical metabolic rate rises, thereby reducing our potassium levels. These can be rebalanced compound, also known as Dihydrogen Oxide, Hydrogen Hydroxide, with the help of a high-potassium banana snack. Hydronium Hydroxide, or simply Hydric acid. Its basis is the highly reactive hydroxyl radical, a species shown to mutate DNA, denature proteins, disrupt Blood Pressure: Bananas are high in potassium yet low in salt. The US Food and Drug cell membranes, and chemically alter critical neurotransmitters. DHMO is a Administration has just allowed the banana industry to make official claims for the fruit's constituent of many known toxic substances, diseases and disease-causing agents, ability to reduce the risk of blood pressure and stroke. environmental hazards and can even be lethal to humans. Hangovers: One of the quickest ways of curing a hangover is to make a banana Yet despite the known dangers of DHMO, it continues to be used daily by industry, milkshake, sweetened with honey.. The banana calms the stomach and, with the help of government, and even in private homes across the world. It is a major component of the honey, builds up depleted blood sugar levels, while the milk soothes and re-hydrates acid rain and has been used in nuclear power plants, in cult rituals, by many terrorist your system. organizations including al Qaida, even by athletes to improve performance. But you may Mosquito bites : Before reaching for the insect bite cream, try rubbing the affected area be unaware that DHMO is routinely found in such diverse products as baby foods, with the inside of a banana skin. Many people find it reduces swelling and irritation. soups, cough medicines, shampoo … Weight control: Studies at the Institute of Psychology in Austria found pressure at work So why haven’t you heard about it? According to the DMRD, many politicians do not leads to gorging on comfort food like chocolate and chips. The report concluded that, to consider DHMO to be a "politically beneficial" cause to get behind, and so the public avoid panic-induced food cravings, we need to control our blood sugar levels by suffers from a lack of reliable information. snacking on high carbohydrate foods every two hours to keep levels steady. For further details and safety advice see http://www.dhmo.org/. Ulcers: The banana is used as the dietary food against intestinal disorders because of Though for the sake of balance, perhaps you should know that the Friends of Hydrogen its soft texture and smoothness. It neutralizes over-acidity and reduces irritation by Hydroxide dismiss this as scaremongering, and point out that it has been shown that coating the lining of the stomach. hydrogen hydroxide enhances the functionality, growth, and health of many forms of life- Warts: Those keen on natural alternatives swear that if you want to kill off a wart, take a - including humans!-- and current research suggests that it has become an integral part piece of banana skin and place it on the wart, with the yellow side out. Carefully hold the of our planet's ecological balance – see http://www.armory.com/~crisper/DHMO/ skin in place with a plaster or surgical tape! Oh, did I forget to say that DHMO is more commonly known as water? The site was set So, a banana really is a natural remedy for many ills. When you up to show how the lack of scientific literacy and an exaggerated analysis can lead to compare it to an apple, it has four times the protein, twice the misplaced fears – so common in everyday newspaper stories. carbohydrate, three times the phosphorus, five times the vitamin A and iron, and twice the other vitamins and minerals. It is also rich in FOOD potassium and is one of the best value foods around. So maybe it's time to change that well-known phrase so that we say, 'A banana a

day keeps the doctor away!' BANANAS (thanks to Judith Ayles) Here's one more: Want a quick shine on your shoes? Take the INSIDE of the banana Bananas contain three natural sugars -- sucrose, fructose and glucose skin and rub directly on the shoe. Polish with a dry cloth. Amazing fruit!! combined with fibre. A banana gives an instant and sustained energy boost. Research has proven that just two bananas provide enough 20 21 RECIPES 50 years ago: The American communications satellite Telstar was launched. It Banana Toasties transmitted the first trans-Atlantic TV signal to Europe that same day, though the first official broadcast was on 23rd July. It could only relay a signal for 20 minutes per orbit 1 small banana, thinly sliced (10 Jul 1962) 2 slices crusty bread, or 1 ciabatta roll 1 tablespoon light ricotta cheese (optional) 40 years ago: NASA launched the Pioneer 10 space probe to explore the outer solar 1 pinch cinnamon, or to taste system. It carries a gold plaque that describes what humans look like and where we are. Lightly spread ricotta over each slice of bread. It became the first space probe to fly through the Asteroid Belt and the first to fly past Cut up banana into thin slices (or mash) and spread over one of the slices of bread. Jupiter. (2 Mar 1972) Sprinkle the cinnamon, put bread together and toast in a panini press or on the grill 25 years ago: The world’s population reached 5 billion (11 Jul 1987) Very Low Fat Banana Bread 200g (7 oz) plain flour 2 egg whites DATES FOR YOUR DIARY 140g (5 oz) caster sugar 3 bananas, mashed 1 1/4 teaspoons baking powder 4 tablespoons apple purée or sauce 6-9 September: Heritage Open Days 1/2 teaspoon bicarbonate of soda Optional: chopped nuts, sultanas venues throughout North East 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon Preheat oven to 180C. Lightly grease a 20x10cm (8x4 in) 30 Jun The Fays at Victoria Hall , A talk about the loaf tin. career of the artists who were appearing at the In a large bowl, stir together flour, sugar, baking powder, Victoria Hall when the disaster occurred. bicarbonate of soda and cinnamon, and nuts/sultanas. Add Sunderland Museum, 2pm; visitors £1 egg whites, bananas and apple purée; stir until combined. 7 Jul Craft fair at Washington Arts Centre, 10am- Pour batter into prepared tin. Bake for 50 to 55 minutes, until a skewer inserted into centre 4pm, free of loaf comes out clean. Turn out onto wire rack and allow to 7 Jul Hartlepool Heritage Day , cool before slicing. 14 Jul Open Day 14 Jul Sunderland Charity Dragon Boat Race Tip: 14-15 Jul North East Food and Drink Festival at Nissan Sports Centre, £5 If your bananas are already black, simply pop them in the freezer. Defrost the 29 Jul Sunderland RNLI Lifeboat Day , , from 11am bananas whenever you're ready to bake 4-5 Aug Newcastle- Bridges Festival

25-27 Aug Engines Museum Steaming Weekend

22-23 Sept Alnwick Food Festival ANNIVERSARIES 30 Sep Apple & Pear Day at Crook Hall, Durham £5.50 (fruit free!)

600 years ago: Michelangelo's paintings on ceiling of 5-14 Oct Houghton Feast – various events, some free Sistine Chapel, first exhibited (1 Nov 1512) 28 Oct Ryhope Engines Museum Steaming Day and Classic Cars 24 Nov-2 Dec Christmas Craft Fair at Washington Wetlands Centre, Fair is free 200 years ago: Napoleon begins his retreat from Moscow but usual entry fee for grounds (19 Oct 1812) 1 Dec Southwick History Society 10th Anniversary Celebrations at St 150 years ago USA banned slavery in its territories (19 Andrews Church Hall, Southwick Jun 1862) ======100 years ago: Birth of Alan Turing, mathematician, logician and computer science pioneer, known for his work as a WWII codebreaker and for developing the Turing REGULAR MEETINGS: machine, which led to the development of the computer (23 Jun 1912) FOSUMS (Friends of Sunderland Museums) 80 years ago: The BBC began its first experimental television broadcasts, using John From April, meetings will be at Sunderland Museum, on second Saturday of each Logie Baird’s mechanical system. (22 Aug 1932) (5 years later this mechanical system month 2- 4pm; £1 entry fee for non-members. was abandoned in favour of Marconi-EMI’s electronic system) 30 Jun The Fays at Victoria Hall 14 Jul Keith Gregson: At Home in Trafalgar Square 22 23 15 Sep Bernard Hope: Titanic - Truth and Fiction TUNSTALL HILLS PROTECTION GROUP 13 Oct John Baty: Sunderland Rocks Series of gentle guided walks on Sunday afternoons. Meet at 2pm at changing room car 10 Nov Barry Mead: Pompeii and Herculaneum park on the hill (opposite Hollymere pub). Free. Details from 0191 528 4659 or 1 Dec Christmas Social www.tunstallhills.org.uk Sun 1 July Wild Flowers & Butterflies on Tunstall Hills, start 2pm WEARSIDE FIELD CLUB Sun 23 Sept Fungal Foray, start 11 am Meets at 7.30 pm on the second Tuesday of the month at Fulwell Community Centre, Chapman Street (£1 entry) plus one Saturday walk/excursion per month (coach fare for out of area walks). Details from Connie Bulmer on 0191 548 6066. MONDAY STROLLERS Tues 10 July Carol Freeman: History of Barnes Park Walking group meeting locally every other Monday for short gentle walks. For details Sat 28 July Walk and visit to Leyburn 1940s Weekend contact Margaret Ridley on 0191 581 7235 or email [email protected] Tues 14 Aug Jennifer Tindall: A Victorian Tea Party Sat 25 Aug Walk: Alnwick & Lindisfarne BEDE LECTURE SERIES Tues 11 Sep John McManners: Northern Saints Saturdays, 12 – 1pm at Bede’s World; museum admission charge 27 Oct The Loftus Princess, Steve Sherlock Sat 22 Sep Walk: Ford & Etal and visit to Berwick 24 Nov Excavations at Seaham, Niall Hammond Tues 9 Oct Barry Mead: Archaeology and Natural History of the Orkney Islands Sat 13 Oct Walk: Elba Park to Barnes Park (meet Park Lane at 10.30am) Tues 13 Nov Stuart Miller : Amy’s Little Trip Sat 24 Nov Visit to Saltaire & Bradford REGIONAL & NATIONAL NEWS

FRIENDS OF THE DONNISON SCHOOL *** NOTICEBOARD *** A programme of talks by Stuart Miller & Jack Curtis, heritage walks and films at the Donnison School, Church Walk, SR1 2BJ, Thursdays at 1.30pm, £2.50 incl THE REGIONAL CHAIRMAN WRITES: refreshments This is my first Chairman's letter since the AGM. 5 July Talk: The Story of Jim Taylor DFC 19 July Heritage Walk I was honoured to be chosen and I look forward to keeping up the magnificent 6 Sept Film: Sunderland Past in Pictures work of John Leiper who made the Region such a dynamic grouping. I hope we 20 Sept Heritage Walk will all vote for him in his future attempt to become our U3A National Chairman; 4 Oct Talk: Ralph Scott, diver and footballer he would a perfect appointment at such a crucial time in the development of our 18 Oct Heritage Walk great organization. 1 Nov Film: A Century of Sunderland Once again in our Region we can look forward to an active year of events. The 15 Nov Heritage Walk 30th birthday celebrations in July is coming along nicely with nearly 400 6 Dec The Twin Resorts of Roker & participants, and 42 offers from members to organize workshops, so sharing their

experiences and skills with the rest of us, surely this what U3A is all about. There SUNDERLAND CIVIC SOCIETY is a full program of other things happening, details of some of these can be found Thurs, 7.15 (coffee) for 7.30 at the Age Concern Building, Stockton Road in this edition of The Messenger. 12 July Sheila Ellis: Restoration of the Houghton Rectory Park 13 Sep Doug Smith: The Press Gang I look forward to meeting with you all as the year progresses. 8 Nov Michael Bute: The East End 29 Nov Christmas Party Brian Stephenson Chairman, U3A Northumbria Region SUNDERLAND COMMUNITY LECTURES WANT TO BE SURE TO GET REGIONAL NEWS? Tom Cowie Theatre, Sunderland University Wednesdays at 2.30pm; free 27 Jun Matt Perry: The March Any members who wish to be added to the Regional email list, send a request to 18 Jul Sid Slawther: Umpiring at Wimbledon Mo Brown, who administers the Regional U3A Extras list, using the address below 1 Aug John Cannon: The Monarchy Revisited There is the assurance from the committee that this information will not be 15 Aug Laura Sole: Wearmouth-Jarrow and Northumbria’s Golden Age divulged to any third party. [email protected] 5 Sept Williams Dinsdale: Resurgam – How to Survive and Shine through Adversity

24 25 REGIONAL TOPICS OF CONCERN PARLEZ-VOUS FRANÇAIS? LISEZ LE TEXTE AU-DESSOUS! Report from meeting held at Marley Hill on March 8th 2012 Is there anyone in the region who would like to join me in setting up a French 43 people were present and 18 U3As represented Conversation Group? I envision such a group as being for all abilities from beginners to more advanced speakers. I have been studying French for almost 2 COMMUNICATION Problems getting National and Regional news to members. years and find that my biggest issue is that I cannot get enough experience in • There was a sustained plea for a Regional database of members. SPEAKING the language with others. I see this group as very much a social • U3As should have their own newsletters or improved internal communication. gathering where we could discuss current affairs, French life and culture, perhaps • Ensure members get information about what the U3A organisation is all talk about books or movies etc. We could also go to see some of the French about. movies at The Tyneside Cinema. Perhaps we could meet once or twice a month GETTING VOLUNTEERS for leading groups or taking essential committee at some central venue in the region. If you are interested please email me, Sandra positions. Comment – many members are Takers not Givers Parsons, on [email protected] or ring me on 0191 4170217. Suggestions: – • If you can’t get anyone to be Chairman put it to your members that the U3A BIG EVENT AT – celebrating 30 years of U3A TH will have to close. TUESDAY 24 JULY • Group Leaders (or whatever you call them) need back–up, so don’t leave it all If you haven’t already made your bookings contact John Leiper to one person. Take turns! [email protected] 01890 840494 for details. • Keep a BALANCE between Learning and Social Activities ALNWICK U3A INVITES YOU TO A DAY IN ALNMOUTH IS U3A LOSING ITS IDENTITY? Are there more Social groups than Academic THURSDAY 19 JULY ones? • Some groups were only ‘Knit and Natter’. For our July meeting we choose a base not too far from Alnwick, where we spend • There is a gap between what we do and the U3A philosophy. the whole day and offer a range of activities for members to take part in. The idea • The ethos of the U3A has become diluted. is that there are certain times during the day when you know that you can meet up with others for morning coffee, picnic lunch and afternoon tea and that you can • If numbers in one U3A group are small can members of another U3A join it? come at any time, join in what is going on if you wish, or just relax. This year our base is the Hindmarsh Hall in Alnmouth in the centre of the village. There will be RITA WILL REVEAL ALL - SOON members on hand throughout the day to tell you what is happening and where We received forty entries from fifteen U3As in the region in our competition to find and, for those who do not want to venture far, there will be a selection of indoor the best ‘Research Ideas from the Third Age’ (RITA). This is a brilliant response games. See an outline timetable in the latest Messenger on Regional website. for a first attempt to harness the mental capital and experience of older people in such a way. It promises well for next year when we will run RITA again and hope TYNEDALE U3A EXHIBITION OF ARTS AND CRAFTS to at least double the number of entries and U3As participating. (Watercolours, sculpture, woodturning, carving, fabrics etc) The winners of RITA will be revealed at an event to be held on the University’s The Queen’s Hall, Beaumont Street, Hexham th Campus for Ageing and Vitality on Wednesday 27 June. Prizes of £1000, £500 Saturday 8th – Saturday 29th September (during usual gallery opening times). and £250 will be awarded to the U3As from which the three best ideas originated. Visitors from other U3As in the region are invited to attend the exhibition In the autumn we will be holding a series of sessions where U3A members can For further information contact Pam Stephens at [email protected] work together with researchers and facilitators to refine the ideas and produce proposals which can be submitted for external funding. We are also going to build BIO-ETHICS STUDY DAY on interest in the competition to recruit ‘Research Ambassadors’ in as many U3As OCTOBER/ NOVEMBER - Date to be decided. We are hoping to organise a study as possible, to act as local champions for research activity and next year’s day at the Centre for Life in Newcastle competition within their organisation. Jim Edwardson, Vice Chairman ANSWERS TO OPPOSITES QUIZ (page 14)

1. Nadir 2. Perigee 3. Opaque 4. Diminished 5. Concave 6. Malevolent 7. Eccentric 8. Commonplace 9. Artless 10. Wane These are all ANTONYMS

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GROUPS AT A GLANCE CONTACT US

MONDAY (Not Bank Holidays or some school holidays – see notices & web site) Chair: Judith Ayles 18 Hunter Close, East Boldon, NE36 0TB; 1 --- 07985 317 478 judithbldn @ btinternet.com 2 Amateur Artists Monkwearmouth Railway Museum 10.15am Vice-Chair: 3 Rockville, Seaburn, SR6 9EL; 0751 2307 518 3 --- Ann Aldridge aldridgeann3 @ gmail.com 4 Card Making Leader’s home 10.00am Secretary: Betty Lenier betty1 @ talktalk.net 4 Amateur Artists Monkwearmouth Railway Museum 10.15am Treasurer: 85 Ryhope Rd., Sunderland, SR2 7SZ; 0191 567 8920 TUESDAY Martin Walker 1 Computer Support Amble Tower, Lakeside Village 10.30am Groups Secretary: 07890 982 569 shumby @ talktalk.net 1 Tai Chi Fulwell Methodist 2.00 pm Sheila Humby 2 Poetry Appreciation Monkwearmouth Railway Museum 10.15am 2 Tai Chi Fulwell Methodist 2.00 pm Membership : 103 Dovedale Rd. Sunderland, SR6 8LS; 0191 549 0984 3 Computer Support Amble Tower, Lakeside Village 10.30am Lilian Younger 3 Tai Chi Fulwell Methodist 2.00 pm 4 Tai Chi Fulwell Methodist 2.00 pm Speakers Sec: 53 Ambleside Tce., Sunderland, SR6 8NP; Susan Quayle 0191 548 8139 WEDNESDAY Mag Rep: Dorothy Scott 4 Kenton Grove, Sunderland, SR6 0HH; 0191 565 2108 1 Antiques Monkwearmouth Railway Museum 10.30 am dorothy.mse @ btinternet.com 2 Lunch TBA each month 2 Walking TBA each month Morning Committee Members: 3 MONTHLY MEETING Fulwell Methodist, Dovedale Rd 1.30 for 2pm 4 Ten Pin Bowling Bowling Alley, Wheatsheaf 10.15 am Chris Brown Alan Denham 0191 521 2760 THURSDAY Joan Walton 1 ------Jim Wilson 2 History Fulwell Methodist 11.00am Editor: Elsie Denham 61 Orkney Drive, Sunderland SR2 0TB; 0191 521 2760 2 Science Monkwearmouth Railway Museum 2pm elsie.denham @ googlemail.com 3 Looking at Art Various venues 10.30am 4 Reading 2nd Floor, Central Library 2.00 pm 4 Travel Monkwearmouth Railway Museum 10.30am Sunderland U3A email address: sunderlandu3a @ gmail.com Website: sunderlandu3a.co.uk FRIDAY 1 Keep Mobile Fulwell Methodist 11.00 am 3 Geology Bangladeshi Centre 2.00pm 3 Keep Mobile Fulwell Methodist 11.00 am 4 Keep Mobile Fulwell Methodist 11.00 am 4 Music Appreciation Dock Street 10.00am

CINEMA – this group happens on an ad hoc basis –details at monthly meeting

COFFEE MORNING: held at Fulwell Methodist Church, at 10 for 10.30 am, whenever there is a fifth Wednesday in the month.

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