DATES FOR YOUR DIARY

AGMAGM CravenCraven U3AU3A th Tuesday, 17 April Town Hall – 2pm

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CeilidhCeilidh

Saturday, 10th March SpringSpring 20122012 Embsay Village Hall – 7-11pm

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OrchestraOrchestra ConcertConcert

Wednesday, 21st March Embsay Village Hall – 2.30pm

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ChatsworthChatsworth HouseHouse Tuesday, 3rd April

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CravenCraven U3A WebsiteWebsite

For more details of any of the above events go to: www.cravenu3a.org.uk Items for inclusion on the website should be sent to Doug Hirst at: [email protected] Tom and Barbara Anderson enjoy the sunshine with Dorothy Rae during last year’s Railway Study Group holiday to Cornwall and Devon. **************** Photo: Glen Rae. The editor is pleased to receive articles, photographs, puzzles, crosswords, reports on group activities for possible inclusion in future issues. Hard copy by post or electronic by email – both are acceptable and welcomed – but the latter is preferred. Issue No.52No.52

Contents

U3A Newsletter Chairman’s Letter ...... 1

Enrolment ...... 2 Copy for the next issue of the newsletter should be sent to the editor Coffee Mornings ...... 3 st 2011 Carol Service Donation ...... 3 by 1 July 2012 at AGM ...... 4-5 Andrew Wilson, 21 Skipton Road, Embsay, Skipton Notices ...... 6 BD23 6QT New Classes...... 7-9 or email: [email protected]

Events Chairman th Ceilidh - Saturday, 10 March ...... 10 Douglas Goode email: [email protected] News from the Groups Literature Discussion Group ...... 11 Vice-Chairman Railway Group ...... 12-15 Gareth Davies Walking Group Emergency...... 16 email: [email protected] Last of the Summer Wine...... 16-17

Orchestra ...... 17-18 Lost Leader...... 19 Treasurer Painting Group ...... 19 Alan Myers Strike Up The Band ...... 20 email: [email protected] Modern British History ...... 21-22 Birdwatching ...... 23-25 Membership Secretary Come Lunch With Me ...... 25-26 Vic Edy 101 Raikes Road, Articles Skipton, BD23 1LS Prisoner Problem ...... 26  01756 795997 New Zealand – A Personal Viewpoint – Part 2...... 27-30 email: [email protected] For Sale ...... 31 A Message From The King...... 31 Programme Secretary Fifty Years Ago – 1962 ...... 32-33 N.W. Passage ...... 34 James Hope I Want to Dance Again ...... 34-35 email: [email protected] Costa Concordia – A Seaman’s View...... 35-36 Tutors’ Representative Wendy Stevenson email: [email protected] U3A Newsletter No.52 March 2012 - Editor: Andrew Wilson Printer: Jason Miller – JAYMILL PTINT Craven U3A Registered Charity No.1038617 mention. Costa Cruises had all the crew and passengers repatriated within Chairman’sChairman’s LetterLetter two days, which was a miracle of organisation. I am writing this on a glorious sunny Sunday which really makes me Whilst the accident should never have happened, the conduct of the crew think winter is past and spring is here at last. Craven U3A goes from afterwards was shown by the survival figures to have been much better strength to strength with the Coffee Mornings providing a well attended than described by the tabloids. Being lowered to the sea in a crowded and enjoyable social experience and our thanks go to all the helpers, boat in the dark is not pleasant. The impact with the sea and bobbing particularly Barbara Anderson, Rosemary Bundy and Margaret Morgan about afterwards, perhaps banging against the ship’s side or other boats is who organise it so well. frightening to passengers, with children crying and crew shouting to each other to communicate. This will have contributed to their view that there Our other great asset is our 48 Tutors/Group Leaders who put in so was chaos. much time and effort to make their courses interesting and enjoyable. A few are finishing this year and I particularly thank them for what they have done in the past and wish them well in their ‘retirement’. A number The ‘Costa Concordia’ off Palma, Majorca of new Tutors have come forward to offer their services next year and we hope that courses on ‘Play Reading and Theatre Visits’, ‘Cribbage’, ‘Charles Darwin’, ‘Films’ and ‘Holiday Spanish’ will be in the programme, being prepared by James Hope our Programme Secretary, which will go out with the next Magazine. James will still be pleased to receive offers to run other groups. Vic Edy (Membership Secretary), in a later article in this Magazine, outlines our Enrolment procedure for this August which, we hope, ensures that all applicants will, at the very least, get on their most preferred course. Don’t forget to come to our Open Day on Tuesday, August 7th at 2 pm in Skipton Town Hall to meet Tutors and see what is on offer.

This is my last Chairman’s letter before I hand over to Gareth Davies at th our AGM on Tuesday, 17 April at 2pm in the Town Hall; the Agenda for this is on page 4. It has been an interesting two years and I would like to thank all the Committee for their support and hard work in putting in

place an administrative structure to cope with our increasing membership which now stands at 871. Particular thanks go to Albert Real life is not like the occasion when a passenger at lifeboat drill asked, Bonham and Wendy Stevenson who have been on the Committee for “Could I book a non-smoking seat please?” many years and are now standing down. I am very pleased that Gillian Wheatley and Keith Mollon have agreed to be nominated for the posts of All seamen hope never to abandon ship but are trained for it in orderly Bookings Secretary and Tutor Representative respectively. We still need conditions without thousands of passengers in attendance to make it more a Business Secretary and another Committee Member, so fill in the realistic. Immediately after this incident many cruise ships in weather Nomination Form on page 5 and come along to our AGM. friendly tropical ports have initiated abandon ship drills with all boats being Douglas Goode launched. Gareth Davies 36 1 EnrolmentEnrolment I want to tap my feet and feel the heat from the rhythm of the beat. I want to dance again. I want to dance again. Thanks to a lot of help from other committee members and my wife, the You can stay away with your U3A. enrolment process in 2011 seemed to go quite smoothly. Thanks also to Don't make me yawn and sigh at the W.I. all the members who filled in their forms, for the most part legibly, and I want to Samba and Rumba almost without fail sent the correct amount of money. Not so easy now and maybe try a little Zumba. that different courses cost different amounts! I really have only two I want to Play Mas with all that jazz and the razzamatazz. requests for next year – if you have an e-mail address can you please I want to be there - Jump up for Jouvert print it carefully (I can usually make out postal addresses, but e-mails I want to go too far at the Mardi Gras are hard to guess); and please tick the box that tells me if you were a I want to do Dat Ting for Da Carnival King member last year. It seems a very small thing, but it makes my job much easier as, if you were, all your address details are already on the I want to stamp my feet and feel the heat from the rhythm of the street computer, so it saves me a lot of time. Before I go insane I want to dance again. I want to dance again We seem to be a very successful U3A, but that brings with it problems. I want to dance again... One of these is that some courses fill up very quickly, meaning that Valerie Lennard 2012 inevitably some people are going to be disappointed. We have therefore come up with a few ideas that might help a bit in 2012. The first is that Costa ConcordiaConcordia – A Seaman’sSeaman’s ViewView we won’t start opening applications until the week after the Open Day. Until now we have always started enrolling people on the day after Open This beautiful ship was our home for nearly six years. Many other seamen Day. So, if you only learn of an interesting course at the Open Day, there envied us and the high regard in which we were held. We sailed for the is a huge rush to fill in your form and to get it to me. By delaying things last time on Friday, 13th January. Many seamen are traditionally slightly, there is less of a rush. This should make things a bit fairer, superstitious about sailing on such a date. Suddenly disaster struck with particularly for new members. Secondly, we will ask you, when 3,200 passengers and 1021 crew on board. Abandoning ship in the dark completing your enrolment form, to put your first course choice first on with an ever-increasing starboard list was a nightmare for us all, the form, before any other courses you want to do. We will then go particularly as many crew members on a passenger ship are not seamen. through all the forms entering people onto their first course choice (as far Nevertheless, we managed to get all except about 30 people ashore as possible), then go back through the forms and enter all the other safely. Statistically, this was a 99.2% success story and the greatest course choices. This is a little more work, but should mean that more passenger ship disaster evacuation of modern times, especially people get onto their first choice course. Of course we cannot guarantee considering the lack of decisive leadership. everyone will be satisfied, but it should help. Sadly, there were two key errors made, which may have cost lives: Both these changes will of course slow things down a bit, so it will take a 1. The instruction to return to the cabins, when many passengers were little longer to get your membership card to you; perhaps until the end of already assembled in lifejackets in safer places. August – I hope this will not be a problem. 2. The delay in giving the Abandon Ship order. Even fifteen minutes earlier

A third change is that for courses that last from one year to the next, and could have helped. We all have a reluctance to admit that the game is over for courses where the tutor depends on particular helpers, we are going and time to go. to allow the tutors to give preference to named members. We very much The engineers who kept the lights going until the end and narrowly want to avoid ‘closed’ groups, but we recognise that under certain avoided losing their lives in the initial impact have never merited a 2 35 N.W. PassagePassage 2011 circumstances it would help to reserve a few places. The choice of whether to reserve a place is entirely up to the tutor. Thank you, to all who contributed to the magnificent total of £208 = Nepal Rs.25,520 to the monks & nuns of Pal Ewam Namgyal Monastic School, It is our hope that these changes will help ensure that more people get Mustang, Nepal. onto more of the courses they enjoy. We’ll try them for this coming year to see if it helps, and if not we’ll think again. Dear Keith Sir, Vic Edy, Membership Secretary Thank you so much for kind money which I received today afternoon, and Coffee Mornings the donation was Rs.25,520 rupees, and we will expense this money for Coffee Mornings children winter clothes and medication as our children get sick of could With a number of public holidays falling on three of the Saturdays which and cough very often times due to cold weather as well as for Nuns(girls) would normally be our regular coffee morning slots, the organisers and clothing, I will send you photos in coming mail. helpers have thought it sensible to change the dates of some of the

spring meetings. They will be : Thank you very much and convey our warm regards to Patricia Madame, and wish for good health both you. Saturday, 3rd March (as usual) With best wishes, Saturday, 31st March (to avoid Easter Saturday) Angya (secretary) Pokhara, Nepal None in April (Easter Saturday)

Saturday, 5th May (this is May Day weekend but we decided to go ahead with this one)

Saturday, 9th June ( to avoid Spring Bank Holiday which is later this year to accommodate the Queen's Jubilee)

We hope to see you as usual on these revised dates and thank you all for your support. Rosemary, Margaret and Barbara

Keith Mollon 2011 CarolCarol ServiceService Donation

I WantWant to DanceDance AgaiAgain - The OAPOAP RapRap At the December 2011 Craven U3A Carol Service in St. Andrew’s Methodist Church in Skipton, a total of £313.28 was raised in donations (read(read to a quick, strict beat)beat) (after deducting expenses). This was made up mainly from the church I want to dance again - I want to dance again. collection plus some surplus from the tea money contributions. The I may be old and grey - I don't feel that way. donations were shared equally between the church and Martin House I may be frail and lined - I'm sixteen in my mind. Children’s Hospice in Wetherby, both of whom received £156.64. Don't make me cook and bake Many thanks again to everyone who contributed to making the Carol I want to shimmy and shake. Service such an enjoyable occasion and to all those people who made a Don't make me go for a stroll generous donation; it was much appreciated by both the church and I want to rock and roll. Martin House. Frank Goad (Carol Service Organiser) 34 3 CRACRAVEN U3A November the first episode of ‘That Was the Week That Was’ was broadcast. On 22nd December Britain entered the ‘Big Freeze’ and there Registered Charity No. 1038617 th would be no frost free nights until 5 March 1963.

ANNUALANNUAL GENERALGENERAL MEETINGMEETING In sport won cricket’s County Championship with Worcestershire in second place. During the five Test matches against Pakistan th won four and drew one game with Cowdrey (2), Dexter (1), Graveney (2) The Annual General Meeting of Craven U3A to be held on Tuesday, 17 and Parfitt (3) all scoring centuries. In football the First Division champions April 2012 were Ipswich Town while Liverpool were the Second Division’s top team. in Skipton Town Hall, beginning at 2pm. In the FA Cup Tottenham Hotspurs beat Burnley and Norwich won the League Cup. In Scotland Dundee won the First Division championship while Rangers won both the Scottish Cup and League Cup. In the Home AGENDAAGENDA Championship Scotland were the champions. The World Cup, held in Chile, saw England lose to Brazil in the quarter-finals.

In rugby league Wigan were champions and at Wembley Wakefield Trinity 1. Apologies for absence beat Huddersfield in the Challenge Cup Final. In rugby union France were again the Five Nations champions. The Epsom Derby was won by Neville 2. Minutes of the AGM held on 19th April 2011 Sellwood riding Larkspur while Kilmore with Fred Winter on board was 3. Matters Arising victorious in the Grand National at Aintree. On the River Thames, between Putney Bridge and Mortlake, Cambridge beat Oxford in the University Boat 4. To receive and approve the Annual Report Race. The two Wimbledon singles champions were Rod Laver and Karen 5. To receive and approve the Financial Statement Susman. The open golf championship at Royal Troon was won by Arnold Palmer. 6. Election of Committee Vice-Chairman Some of the films to see were Laurence of Arabia, Lolita, Reach for Glory and The Password is Courage. In theatre The Caretaker, How to Succeed Business Secretary in Buisness Without Really Trying and Gideon were the shows to see. In Bookings Secretary popular music the chart topping record at the beginning of the year was The Young Ones by Cliff Richard and the Shadows. The biggest selling Tutor Representative record of the year was the Shadow’s Wonderful Land, which was at the Committee Members top for eight weeks while during the year Frank Ifield had two chart toppers, I Remember You and Lovesick Blues. 7. Appointment of Independent Examiner But how many of you remember the likes of Leroy Vandyke’s Walk On By, 8. Any Other Business Karl Denver’s Wimoweh, Johnny Keating and his Orchestra playing the Theme From Z Cars, Burl Ives’ Little Bitty Tear or even the Dr Kildare Theme played by Johnny Spence’s Orchestra. Pat Boone, Acker Bilk, Matt Monro, Eden Kane and Helen Shapiro were also in the charts happy days! Andrew Wilson 4 33 CravenCraven U3AU3A FiftyFifty Years AgoAgo - 1962 Registered Charity No. 1038617

The year 1962 was one of extremes as fifty years ago the world was NominationsNominations forfor AGMAGM 20122012 teetering on the brink of nuclear war. The Cuban missile crisis came to a head when the USSR, under Nikita Khrushchev, threatened the security of Gillian Wheatley is proposed by the Committee as ‘Bookings Secretary’ the USA by installing ballistic missiles on Cuba. It was also the year that and Keith Mollon as ‘Tutor Representative’ we hope you will approve Decca turned down the Beatles in favour of Brian Poole and the these. You are encouraged to make nominations for all positions on the Tremeloes and when London Transport closed its last trolleybus route and form below and return it to the acting Business Secretary, Douglas Glasgow its tramway system. At the Earl’s Court motor show two new Goode, Braybank, Spring Rise, Draughton, Skipton, BD23 6DY. models were unveiled, the Ford Cortina Mark I and the Triumph Spitfire sports car. Harold Macmillan was still leader of the Conservative Party and Office Nominee Nominee’s Proposer Seconder Prime Minister, although 1962 was to be his last complete year in office. (block Signature letters) On 4th January New York City introduced a subway train that operated Vice-Chairman without a crew on board and four days later 93 people died in the Harmelen train crash, the worst Dutch railway accident to date. At the end of the month two of the high-wire ‘Flying Wallendas’ were killed during a Business performance on 30th January in Detroit. On 3rd February the USA Secretary announced a trade embargo on Cuba, while on 20th February astronaut Bookings John Glenn became the first American to orbit the earth. The Algerian War Secretary ended on 18th March when France and Algeria signed a peace agreement. Tutor rd On 3 April Nehru was elected Prime Minister of India and on the following Representative day James Hanratty was hanged in Bedford prison for the A6 murders.

On 8th May the last London trolleybus ran on Route 667 between Committee Hammersmith and Hampton Court. Seen as a sign of conciliation with Member th Germany on 25 May the Sir Basil Spence designed Coventry cathedral was consecrated to replace the original destroyed by the Luftwaffe on the Committee night of 14th November 1940. On 11th June Frank Morris and Clarence Member Anglin successfully escaped from Alcatraz. Andy Warhol premiered his Campbell’s soup cans painting in Los Angeles. The Rolling Stones made Committee th rd their debut on 12 July at London’s marquee Club and on 23 July Telstar Member relayed the first trans-Atlantic television signal. On 5th August Marilyn Monroe died of a drugs overdose and on 23rd August John Lennon married th Cynthia Powell. The last Glasgow tram ran on 4 September and ten days later ITV’s Wales West and North Television went on air extending ITV to th the whole of the UK. Nuclear war was averted on 28 October as the Cuban missile crisis ended and President John F. Kennedy and Nikita Krushchev agreed to reduce the USA and USSR nuclear arsenals. On 24th 32 5 Notices forfor CravenCraven U3A Magazine,Magazine, FebruaryFebruary 2012 ForFor SaleSale – WellWell Almost!Almost!

The National U3A Third Age Trust is holding two 'Summer COMPAQCOMPAQ PCPC MONITORMONITOR Schools': Free (almost) to a good home. 15" flat screen monitor, with leads. Works fine. £10 - which I will donate to the fell rescue team. If you are Firstly at Harper Adams University College (near Telford) 16th to 19th interested please contact Chris Heald  01756 795429 July 2012. A Message fromfrom the KingKing Topics: Cinema History, Design Principles in Art, France (in French), History - England in the 19th Century, Music Appreciation, In the year of nineteen fifty came a message from the King: Philosophy/Fiction, Poetry (George Herbert, G. M. Hopkins, R. S. “Now my lucky lad,” said he, “It’s time to do your thing.” Thomas), Recorder Playing, Writing Fiction. To Bradford I’d go one day, for a medical exam. I passed A1, except for eyes, it really seemed a scam. Secondly at The Royal Agricultural College, Cirencester, 20th to 23rd In June there came a letter, with a railway pass for free. August 2012. So off I went and caught the train right down to Oswestry. There we got all kitted out with lots of kit. Topics: Drama, History - Orient & Occident, Literature, Needlepoint With boots and clothing from the stores, and some which didn’t even fit Lacemaking, Philosophy, Psychology, Singing for Pleasure, Website We went to do our training with a great amount of square-bashing. Design. The uniform was made to fit, and we really looked quite dashing. Five months on we boarded ship, and set sail for distant China. The Yorkshire and Humber Region of U3A is holding a ‘get together’ The vessel really wasn’t bad, but also was not a liner but a at Askham Bryan Agricultural College, near York, and to celebrate the ‘Slow Boat to China’, which was forever on the tannoy. 30th anniversary of the setting up of the U3A in the UK, on Wednesday, And after twenty-eight long days we reached Hong Kong. 15th August. Various U3A’s in the Region are putting on displays, Next year news came of a war in Korea, including two practical Drama Workshops, and Eric Finkle is organising “You’ll have to serve for longer now!” a ‘Teams Bridge Competition’ as part of Craven’s input. This news upset those men so close to going home, That wasn’t me and we took what was to come. Sheffield U3A are holding a study day on ‘A Family Well Disposed’ in An extra six months passing time with fatigues and training and conjunction with the exhibition ‘The Family in British Art’ at the I became quite expert at sweeping leaves! Millenium Galleries, Sheffield, on Tuesday, 24th April. The time eventually came to leave With shouts aloud we sailed away to Blighty dear. The boat was slower, two extra days, but did it matter? Full details of these events from: As long as we didn’t fail. www.u3a.org.uk Moored at Southampton, but dwarfed by the ‘Queen Mary’, or We shouted, “Hip, Hip, Hooray”. That doesn’t rhyme, but never mind, we were back! Douglas Goode  01756 710594) D.N. Laycock, Gunner R.A.

6 31 Train ferries were introduced to link the railways of North and South NewNew ClassesClasses Islands. Whereas English railway companies had introduced such ships between Harwich and Zeebrugge and Dover and Calais it was not until Theatre/Plays & PlaywrightsPlaywrights 1962 that a ferry service from Wellington to Picton was inaugurated. The new roll-on roll-off service carried rail and road vehicles and passengers. This class will look at a series of plays and consider and discuss the By 1973 the original single vessel had been joined by three more, such playwright, his/her work, the prevalent political and social milieu and the was the success of the venture. artistic impact of the work. We will then see the play armed with this prior knowledge and conduct an ‘autopsy’ the following week. The network was initially protected from road transport competition under the Transport Licensing Act of 1931, but this protection was I can also arrange additional theatre visits which include director pre- gradually eased until its total abolition in 1983, along with the performance discussions if there is sufficient interest and possibly deregulation of the land transport industry. As a result competition from organize backstage visits. road transport from the early 1950s, soon to be followed by domestic air I thought that I would offer the course for the autumn term initially in travel, led to a dramatic decline in passenger figures. The freight side of order to gauge how much interest there might be. It should be possible the railway, however, held up pretty well with the exception of to study and attend three plays within this timescale. My credentials are agricultural produce, particularly in South Island. The less well not formal. I am not a qualified teacher but I have just completed an patronised branch lines were closed through to the 1970s. By 1972 both additional degree in English and American Literature and majored in of the suburban systems serving Dunedin and Christchurch had closed. theatre so I have a keen interest in the subject and plenty of up-to-date Further closures have seen the total route mileage reduced to 2,565 knowledge. miles, about 30% down from its peak. This compares favourably with Britain when 50% of the railway network was closed down after the Please let me know if you would like to join the class. publication of the Beeching Report in 1963. Sylvia Elsworth  01282 447266  For most of their history, New Zealand’s railways were administered by [email protected] the New Zealand Railways Department, with the Minister of Railways having a seat in the Cabinet. In 1982, the Railways Department was Improve Your Navigation reconstituted into a new entity required to make a profit, the New Are you interested in improving your navigation using map and features Zealand Railways Corporation. and/or map and compass? If so, you might be interested in a course that

Chris Heald and Douglas Goode are planning to run, if there is enough In 1990, the core rail operations of the Corporation were transferred to interest. New Zealand Rail Limited, a state owned enterprise, with the Corporation retaining non-core assets which were gradually disposed of, Who is it for? apart from a significant land portfolio, due to Treaty of Waitangi claims, Is there anyone in the Walking group who would like to improve their which it continued to manage. New Zealand Rail Limited was privatised map reading skills? Anyone who may be looking to lead a walk for the in 1993, with the new owners adopting the name Tranz Rail in 1995. group but needs a bit more confidence in navigating? Depending on your current skills level, you could come on one or both days. To be continued. When? Early summer on non-walking day(s). Full details will be publicised after the next walk planning meeting.

30 7 What will we cover? Further construction followed and the New Zealand railway network Day 1 ‘Beginners’ will focus on things like map features and grid reached its peak in 1952 with 3,560 route miles. In addition to the main references, map orientation etc and then using the map and its features lines there were over 100 branches. Paradoxically in parallel with this outdoors. construction, the 1920s and 1930s had seen the closure of a number of Day 2 ‘Improvers’ will reprise using the map and then on using map and uneconomical branches. Forestry and paper industries led to over 70 compass. miles of new lines in the Bay of Plenty area in the north east of North Island culminating in the Kaimai Tunnel opened in 1978. At 5 miles 968 How? yards long it became the longest tunnel in the Southern Hemisphere. We will have a mixture of indoor tuition and outdoor practice and will ask you what do you know at the moment and what would you like to learn? The Rimutaka Incline was replaced by another long tunnel, 5 miles 860

If you are already a competent navigator, you may be interested in yards in length, in 1955. Although the majority of the system was single helping out. We aim to work in small groups, so if numbers are healthy, line, most of the Auckland to Hamilton section was doubled in 1959. The we may need your help! most recent major engineering project was the electrification of the North Island Main Trunk from Telama near Hamilton to Palmerston North If you think you might be interested, in either doing the course or in which included a high mountainous section. helping, if needed, have a word with Chris ( 795429) or Douglas ( 710594) and watch out for further details after the next walk planning Work also proceeded over the years to increase the clearance and meeting. hence loading gauge. This was important as it allowed the introduction of wider and higher locomotives and rolling stock.

Polar ExplorationExploration Films

The latest roll-on roll-off ferry. This new 10-week course will be offered from September 2012 on Wednesday afternoons. Keith Mollon will introduce five films on the exploration of the North West Passage and on alternate weeks Trevor Lipscombe will introduce five films on the exploration of Antarctica. Details of the films to be shown will appear in the Summer issue of Craven U3A magazine. Trevor Lipscombe and Keith Mollon

HistoryHistory ofof Himalayan Mountaineering Tutor: Keith Mollon  01756 790540

The first successful ascent of Mt Everest in 1953 by Hillary and Tenzing, also Mallory and Irving’s tragedy in 1924 are familiar to us all. But as well as the stories of our heroes, there are tales of rifts, rivalries, resentments and even madness and murder. This includes Maurice Wilson, a Yorkshireman from Bradford who set off to climb Everest alone in 1933. Also Alan Hinkes the only British climber to have climbed all fourteen 8000 metre peaks in the Himalayas, who was born and still

8 29 The most notable exception here was in the Nelson area in the north lives in Northallerton. Alison Hargreaves from Derbyshire, the second west of South Island which remained isolated until closed in the 1950s. British woman to climb Everest, without the aid of bottled oxygen. Another project never completed was the East Coast Main Trunk. Mountaineering history is enshrined in a rich literature. A striking feature of this literature is that for the most part it has been written by the Mangaweka Viaduct on the North Island climbers themselves. Mountain climbing is a sport without spectators, Main Trunk climbers are almost always the only ones to witness and record their triumphs and tragedies. Fortunately some of the best mountaineers have proven to be gifted writers and equally a number haven’t!

Other major projects completed included the Otago Central Railway from Dunedin to Clyde and Cromwell. The west coast lines in South Island were linked to the South Island Main Trunk when the Southern Alps were penetrated by means of the Otira Tunnel. The approaches were steep and the tunnel itself was 5 miles 554 yards long, the longest in the British Empire. The line was worked by electric locomotives from the tunnel’s opening in 1924 until 1997 when diesels took over.

The northern section of the South Island Main Trunk was completed in 1945. In the late 1930s electrification of the Wellington suburban system The course will last 10 weeks on Wednesday mornings. Over the last 40 was began. In all three sections of line were electrified at 1500Vdc: years I have collected and read most of the books on the subject and I Arthur’s Pass to Otira (see above), Christchurch to Lyttelton (1929), and will endeavour to pick out the best bits. The course will start with an the Wellington suburban network (1938-40 and in 1953-55), of which introduction to the Himalayas moving to exploration in the Age of Empire surprisingly only Wellington’s system exists today. and ending in the Age of Extremes in the 1990s, illustrated with photographs from 12 years trekking in the Himalayas. Keith Mollon 28 9 NewNew ZealandZealand – A PersonPersonal ViewpointViewpoint – PartPart 2

Ian Appleyard continues his look at the development of New Zealand through its rail network.

It took some 38 years to complete the main trunk railway lines on both

South and North Island along with an extensive network of branch lines. The whole system was single line with passing loops, in complete contrast to the majority of main lines in Britain. Railways had opened up North Island, its population increased and with it the emphasis of political and economic power shifted to that

island. The momentum was with North Island and today it remains the

dominant partner. The total population reached one million in 1907 and

Dominion status was granted that same year.

Railway building continued, sections were completed over easier terrain, initially isolated until joined to the main system.

10 27 offerings each month. The grand finale will take place shortly, in the NewsNews from the GroupsGroups home of one of the two excellent organisers, when we will be introduced to the other group's members in a ‘Jacob’s Join’. NotNot a LiteratureLiterature ClassClass - a LiteratureLiterature

Discussion Group If you like good food and stimulating conversation, then I exhort you to Discussion Group join this fascinating group next year. I found no trace of ‘one-upmanship’, Our very convivial group of ten members meet weekly at St. Stephen’s the simplest of food will suffice if shared with a desire to please. The Presbytery Easter Room where our very capable course leader, Wendy rewards far outweigh the effort and you will have added to your circle of Stevenson, guides us through the discussions and analysis on our friends. Bon appetit! chosen subjects.. Christine Patrick During the Autumn term we studied various poets including Sylvia Plath, PrisonerPrisoner ProblemProblem Edward Thomas, Patrick Kavanagh, W. H. Auden and Carol Ann Duffy. I have to admit that I very much enjoyed the humour and ‘tightness’ of In order to reduce the prison population and so save money, Kenneth writing of the latter, something I hadn’t expected. We also enjoyed Clark, the Justice Secretary, has written to Prison Governors asking reading, and discussing, various interesting books, which portrayed very them to reduce the number in their prison by half! vividly how difficult life was under German occupation during the last war. ‘The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society’ was very The governor of one prison with 50 inmates decides on a plan to do this poignantly crafted and ‘How I Came to Know Fish’ by Ota Pavel took us and tells the prisoners that tomorrow morning he will stand them in a line into the Czechoslovakian countryside during a very traumatic period in so that each person can see every person in front of him but no one their history. Our play reading of ‘Night Must Fall’ by Emlyn Williams behind him. produced lots of laughter as we all tried to ‘get into character’.

Each of them will have a black or white hat placed on his head. Starting During the current term, which is titled ‘Not a Literature Class but a 20th with the man at the back, each of them will be asked to state the colour and 21st Century Literature Discussion Group’, we will be reading ‘All of the hat on his own head. They can only answer one word: Black or My Sons’ by Arthur Miller; ‘Fruit of the Lemon’ by Andrea Levy, ‘House White. of Orphans,’ a Helen Dunmore novel, as well as suggestions from the group during the course of the term. One session was spent watching a Each prisoner who correctly names the colour of his own hat will go free. DVD of ‘Suddenly Last Summer’ by Tennessee Williams which proved They cannot look round or move or touch anyone. an interesting topic for discussion. The governor is a bit dismayed when the next day after this parade he finds that he has to release 49 of the prisoners (and possibly the 50th). We have a very enjoyable group, time for a chat and cup of tea, particularly important as some members have undergone traumatic life What strategy have the prisoners devised to ensure that 49 will be changes, and others are new to the area. However, we make time for freed and the other prisoner has a 50% chance of going free? merriment as well as more serious discussions. Next year the group will Douglas Goode be titled ‘Mainly 20th and 21st Century Literature: Discussion Group’ and new members will find a welcoming and friendly environment – why don’t you join us? We’d love to see you there. Gillie Threadgold

26 11 RailwayRailway GroupGroup ReportReport The final morning was spent at Burton Mere Wetlands where siskins DecemberDecember 2011 were soon spotted high in the treetops. This reserve now has a new centre which has recently been opened and the hides gave welcome During the summer of 2011 the group had their annual holiday this time protection from the rain. Many species of water birds were present in based in Lostwithiel. Many took the opportunity to extend their stay for spite of the pools being mainly frozen over, but many small woodland various reasons. For example my wife and I went by car having a few birds were feeding constantly on the feeders. This is a superb reserve days with friends in Wiltshire before moving to Lostwithiel and then later still being developed and well worth a visit. On each of the two full days with friends near Newton Abbott before returning home. We were we saw 50+ species. Overall we saw 80+ species. pleased with the hotel where we were well looked after. The small town The group enjoyed a brilliant four days under the expert leadership of is quite pleasant and the weather was excellent. Keith with excellent accommodation, seeing thousands of interesting birds. A truly successful short break. Ex-L&SWR ‘T9’ or ‘Greyhound’ class 4-4-0 on the Bodmin & Wenford Railway ComeCome Lunch With Me

A new addition to the list of courses made its debut last September in the Skipton branch of U3A, namely ‘Come Lunch With Me’. Being a bit of a foodie, it immediately sparked my interest and I decided to give it a whirl. How glad I am that I did, for it has proved a great success.

Most of you will doubtless be aware of the television programme of

similar name and of the excesses to which it has aspired in recent times.

This local version is an altogether more sedate affair than its national

counterpart .... no rifling through the host’s wardrobes, no bouncy

castles, no outrageous guests, no £1000 prize, no voting for the best

meal. Just a convivial meeting of people who like cooking, eating and

drinking. What could be nicer?

There is something innately satisfying in preparing a feast for total strangers, in opening one's home to individuals who bring their individuality to the table. One thing is sure, at the end of the meal those Our first trip was to the Bodmin and Wenford Railway for a run over the people will no longer be strangers, for nothing loosens tongues and system hauled by the only remaining Drummond ex-L&SWR ‘T9’ class inhibitions like food and wine! 4-4-0 locomotive. This was followed by a conducted tour of the engine shed and workshop. The next day off was to the Paignton and I entered into a group of four ladies. There was another group of four Dartmouth Railway to Kingswear. Whilst waiting at Paignton we had a operating simultaneously, also all ladies. What a shame no gentlemen pleasant surprise when Tornado pulled in and stopped with an excursion offered their culinary talents, for that would have added an extra to Kingswear. Cameras were very busy! After a pleasant journey to dimension to the gatherings. Perhaps next year may see that remedied? Kingswear we were treated to another view of Tornado stood at the We all took our turn at being hostess and enjoyed some delicious buffer stops. We took the ferry to Dartmouth and had a break for lunch 12 25 BirdingBirding ExcursionExcursion to thethe DeeDee EstuaryEstuary and a look round the town. Later we were booked on a superb river trip up as far as Totnes from where the coach returned us to the hotel. Twelve members of the Birdwatching group went to the Dee Estuary on a four day excursion, led by Keith Offord, a professional ornithologist and photographer. The group ‘stopped off’ at Pennington Flash on the The beautiful Launceston Steam Railway’s station. way down travelling at times in thick fog. Fortunately the fog lifted and warm sunshine appeared, improving visibility, making the birds much more visible. Since the pools were frozen over the main interest was at the feeding station where many small birds such as bullfinches, greenfinches, reed buntings, blue, great, coal, long-tailed and willow tits provided spectacular entertainment whilst a redwing foraged on the ground nearby under the bushes. A few waterfowl were present such as goldeneye (male and female), shoveller and wigeon. Then we all met up with Keith for an evening meal following which Keith outlined activities for the next few days.

The first two days were spent exploring the best birding spots on the south and north sides of the Wirral peninsular. The bitter cold dry weather didn’t deter members from sea watching Our next trip was to the Launceston Steam Railway. This is a narrow over different parts of the gauge line laid from the site of Launceston Station along the old estuary, seeing thousands trackbed for 2 miles. The staff were very friendly and helpful and we of wading birds wheeling made the trip on unique open carriages hauled by a quaint, Hunslet-built about before the rising tide 0-4-0ST originally from a North Wales quarry. This was followed by a and frantically feeding on visit to the museum on the station and a tour of the workshops which the mud flats left by the were a sight to behold! Lunch followed in the refreshment room. We then receding tide. Knot, dunlin, moved on to the branch line from Liskeard to Looe a lovely rural run grey and golden plovers, along the riverside to a very busy Looe. The station at Liskeard is very lapwings, godwits, and curlews interesting being in two parts, one mainline and one the branch on the to name but a few followed opposite side of the road. by displays of raptors (peregrine, hen harriers and merlins) at dusk. Purple sandpipers were seen at New Brighton huddled together with The group had one free day, spent of course in different ways. My wife turnstones, redshanks and dunlin, and even a grey wagtail was present and I went to St. Mawes for the first time in 20 odd years and we were in the harbour area. Sadly only the briefest glimpse of a short-eared owl delighted to find it very little altered and unspoilt. Whilst at Newton was seen (not for the want of trying!). Abbott we also visited the South Devon Railway at Buckfastleigh. This line has developed very favourably since our last visit. Altogether a very enjoyable holiday. 24 13 BirdwatchingBirdwatching – thethe YearYear So FarFar

In 2011-2012 the Birdwatching group increased up to the limit, the maximum number of people who can fit comfortably into Gargrave Village Hall. The annual routine is much as in previous years: indoor meetings where we have an illustrated presentation from a speaker or watch a film, alternating with trips, either in our own cars or a coach, to various locations, under the very capable leadership of Enid Whiting and her team.

So far this year we have visited Leighton Moss twice (the second visit was a change from the planned programme, because Enid and one of her helpers had The River Dart visited the intended site the previous week and seen a few

Many thanks to Bob Swallow and Trevor Robinson who were the mallard, three goosanders and principle organisers this year and worked very hard behind the scenes. very little else), Old Moor near Barnsley, Nosterfield and Martin Mere. At all of these places we saw The 2011-12 session started on 7th October with Stan Hall’s usual plenty of interesting birds, natives ranging from the common to the administrative announcements and list of outside speakers, the latter definitely rather rare, such as bittern, winter visitors such as redwing and sounding very interesting. The full group number is 69 this year and we fieldfare, summer visitors that seemed to have decided to stay put, like a have had regular attendances of 50 plus. Stan opened with a history of couple of marsh harriers at Leighton Moss, hanging on whilst their the Great North of Scotland Railway. This fascinating company opened colleagues had all flown south to Africa, and a few vagrants, birds that a line from Aberdeen to Keith in the 1850s, which met the line from had either escaped from a collection or got blown off-course on Inverness. There followed a series of branches to various parts of that migration (There were both a glossy ibis and a green-winged teal at area of Scotland. These all dwindled down to complete closures in the Leighton Moss). 1940s, 1950s and 1960s leaving just the original Inverness to Keith and Keith to Aberdeen lines. Stan then continued his working life story from Although these rarities can generate considerable interest and attract 1978 onwards. This included involvement with level crossings, the types many people to see them, I must admit that they rather sadden me, as and the problems, a subject in which he has been an expert ever since. they are basically lost with little chance of getting ‘home’ again. At least He also took the opportunity for route learning from the cab over various the green-winged teal has met up with a large flock of (European) teal, lines. The subjects of signalling and warning systems were also high on so it is, more or less, amongst friends. For many members of the group, the agenda. With the latter Stan was also involved in filming for British it is really these outdoor trips that make Birdwatching so enjoyable, Transport Films. although the weather as I am writing this makes me realise that sitting comfortably in the warm Village Hall, looking at superb close-up pictures At this stage he was delegated to attend various meetings with senior of birds, also has considerable attractions. men from other European railways which meant travelling abroad to Vic Edy

14 23 Several members of the class have lent a hand in presenting sessions Paris and other centres with much accompanying hospitality! Further on their special interest or knowledge. We began in fine style when cab rides and route learning followed and another trip to Paris. Then Sandra Dixon gave us a splendid illustrated talk on women's fashions of involvement with Swedish railmen who came to study British level the period, which had some of the men hiding their blushes and the crossing practices. Stan also described in detail a major leap forward in leader trying to keep a straight face. Then Peter Bewes played some 1979 from the oil tail lamp to the modern electric flashing lamp we see recordings of popular music of the period, which had everyone either today. Then followed another railway meeting this time in Berne hosted humming or foot-tapping or both, followed by an unusual and very by Swiss Railways. Also a visit by the deputy General Manager of interesting illustrated talk by Chris Lawson, concerning his years spent Israeli Railways studying safety methods. Other talks have been given with the aircraft of the Queen's Flight, a very privileged occupation. by Dr. Paul Salveson on the current state of railways, and an equally interesting talk by Phil Thickett on his railway career entitled ‘Railway Our resident medics then came to the fore, when Ian Appleyard and Engineering to Operations’ about his early days in engineering at Chris Wright described the medical scene of the period, the challenges Royston and Holbeck, through steam to diesel and the HSTs. This that existed and the advances that were taking place, which required, entailed various moves and he was at Leeds for the station alterations and received, painstaking preparation and a very attentive audience. and the introduction of the Class ‘333’ electrics. It was a truly remarkable Hugh Walker normally sits quietly on the front row. Last year, along with story. Glen Rae also gave a talk on the Solway Junction Railway and its Alan Brown, he described what the Atlantic convoys to Russia during the development and eventual decline and closure. war were really like. In retrospect, it was pretty horrifying, but it was a job that had to be done. This year he was in much lighter vein, and took us into the highly entertaining world of advertising, being involved in some of the campaigns of the time which we all remembered well.

The Revd David Wiseman paid us another visit to play short recordings of the singers of popular songs of the period, and challenge members of the class to name the vocalists. Several members emerged from the shadows to demonstrate that they had not only spent many hours listening to the Light Programme but also, amid much hilarity, remembered who the singers were. As always, the music reflected the period. It was great fun. And finally, on a potentially much more serious note, we are looking forward to another visit from Derek Clabburn, who will tell us all about the German economic miracle of the postwar period, and perhaps show us where we went wrong.

We have now reached Sir Alec Douglas Home’s short period in office as Keighley Station Prime Minister, and hope to end the term with the General Election of 1964. There is quite a wealth of visual material of the period, and good use has been made of it. The British Film Institute has a considerable A group of members made a visit to the York Signalling and Control library of short documentary films of the period, and there is a Centre, a massive undertaking, which they found fascinating and commercial series of DVDs called ‘The Time of Your Life’, with one DVD informative. It was a culture change from the visit last season to the per year, mainly based on Pathe News recordings. manual signal box at Hellifield. Stan Hall Glen Rae

22 15 WalkingWalking GroupGroup EmergencEmergency ModernModern British HistoryHistory 19571957 to 19641964

Little did the Walking Group expect to make headline news in the We took up the reins in 1957, following the Suez fiasco and Anthony ‘Craven Herald’ when they set out on an eight mile walk from Embsay Eden's fall from grace. Harold Macmillan took over as Prime Minister, Reservoir at the beginning of January. All went well for the first four and at once the economy seemed to boom and the next three years miles, despite the pouring rain, but Fred Fisk lost his footing at Waterfall were to see a remarkable increase in general prosperity. Shop windows Gill. His left foot slipped between two rocks and at the same time his leg were full of British-made goods of all descriptions, new cars were to be twisted and as he fell a bone broke. seen almost in a flood and all made in British factories, and there was full employment. Only the trade unions seemed dissatisfied, even though As you would expect with a U3A group the walkers were well prepared their members were getting their full share of the increased prosperity. for any such emergency. While a member climbed to higher ground to Macmillan, the Prime Minister, has gone down in history as 'Supermac' get a mobile phone signal others made Fred as comfortable as possible. and for his unforgettable catch-phrase ‘The British People have never The Upper Wharfedale Fell Rescue Association were contacted but the had it so good’. He was quite correct too, but he was also concerned Yorkshire Air Ambulance was ruled out because of the nature of the about the curse of inflation and its potential damaging effect on our terrain. Nevertheless within an hour the rescue team arrived. In next to economy. There were exceptions, of course, to the general prosperity. no time Fred’s leg was in a splint and he was strapped to a stretcher. The cotton industry was in a state of collapse and the wool textile

The rescue volunteers carried Fred across a beck and over about a mile industry was beginning to feel the effect of competition from man-made of rough ground to a waiting Land Rover which took him to an fibres. Pre-war it had been the largest in the world, and rapidly ambulance waiting on the nearest surfaced road. Rushed to Airedale recovered after WW2, but by 1960 imports of raw wool and exports of Hospital Fred’s leg was X-rayed and put into plaster. After three days he finished cloth were both down by a third since 1948. was allowed home to Coniston Cold. However, it will be at least eight By 1960, the question began to be asked, “Is it too good to last?” The weeks before he can put any weight on the leg. So by the time this answer was yes. Britain had a massive head start in 1945, whilst newsletter reaches members he should be well on the road to being mainland Europe lay in ruins, but during the 1950s continental countries mobile once more. At the first social meeting of the Walking Group after got their industries going again, albeit with modern factories, up-to-date the accident £252 was raised for the Upper Wharfedale Fell Rescue machinery, progressive ideas (especially in management) and helpful Association. trade unions. They were outstripping Britain, which sometimes gave the

It is appropriate to remind members that this year’s Broughton Game impression of having a mindset mired in the 1930s. Was it historically Show has been cancelled because the date clashed with the tour of the inevitable?

Olympic Torch on its way to London for the 2012 Olympic Games. The Overseas, the Empire, a source of great national pride in years gone by, Game Show has traditionally been one of the Association’s major was given its freedom, but Britain still felt it had a global role to play, and fundraising occasions and so funding is likely to be badly affected this required the armed forces necessary to police it. 10% of Britain's Gross year. National Product was spent on it, an incubus that our commercial Courtesy of Gareth Davies competitors did not have to bear. In many ways, it was a self-inflicted LastLast ofof thethe SummerSummer WineWine wound. The Americans had long since taken over the role of the world’s policemen, whilst European nations were coming into closer relationship Thursday, 20th October last year saw the fourth hard frost in a row. through the Common Market. Britain could have been the leader ten There were two walks, one was long (and extended) up among the years earlier, but now de Gaulle, the French leader, was determined to broken high enclosures around Capplestone Gate, Wharfedale and the keep Britain out. He feared we might undermine French influence.

16 21 StrikeStrike UpUp The Band! other, a short Walk from Pateley Bridge, which I led with Alison Clarke very kindly acting as long stop. This one was for the lotus eaters. Every Monday afternoon since last October, the St. John's Ambulance Hall has echoed to the strains of everyone from Deanna Durbin to There was no frost at Pateley Bridge – just sunshine and softly falling Denny Dennis. Within two hours, we manage to squeeze in 25 tracks, leaves. After an unscheduled stop to buy some famous meat pies, we spanning 25 years, from 1925 to 1950. We don’t stick to our favourite made a steep climb to the beautiful shell of the old church for coffee to sounds, as we are governed by the date and what was popular at the compensate for the early start. Then a further climb taking in the views time. It’s a bit like Stan Hall’s class set to music! towards Gouthwaite, and then along the track that went through what was once the largest stone quarry in Yorkshire, and a very noisy place. The 1920s covers the Charleston and the Black Bottom, ragtime and Now it is left to the birds, rabbits and walkers. Next, past wind-bent pines jazz - Paul Whiteman, Bix Beiderbecke and Fats Waller. The early and down the long lane to the idyllic hamlet of Wath with its allotment 1930s usually brings us back home to England as we recall British gardens and tiny hidden chapel. A short stretch of the Nidderdale Way bands and the dance band days. Their names are part of our national took us to lunch beside Gouthwaite Reservoir where we looked across history, and their sounds are the ones that our parents and grandparents to the Lodge where the bigwigs of Bradford once dined as they danced to - Ambrose, Henry Hall, Roy Fox and Lew Stone, with their celebrated the building of the railway and reservoirs. singers Al Bowley, Sam Browne and Denny Dennis. We walked back along a narrow, rutted lane, passed an old quarry used The late 1930s saw the Swing Era starting in the USA - the days of for the reservoir dam and, just on a bend by an abandoned farm, saw a Benny Goodman, Glenn Miller, Tommy Dorsey, Harry James and Artie painted sign – in large letters, WEDDING CAR. Further on, at a track Shaw and singing groups like the Mills Brothers, the Inkspots and the junction there was a similar sign, and at the bottom of the steep furrowed Andrews Sisters. Then came the war, with the sounds of Vera Lynn, hill, another. We wondered if it was mischief for some unsuspecting Gracie Fields, Anne Shelton and Dick Haymes. And after the war, the couple. Leaving Wath, we walked back in warm sunshine towards age of the crooners - Sinatra, Doris Day, Jo Stafford and Frankie Laine. Pateley Bridge on the shallow embankment of the old Nidd Valley Light

And what about Jolson and Crosby? Never a week goes by without Railway. We had not gone far when we saw it - the Wedding Car, a hearing their voices! And the shows - Gertrude Lawrence, Noel Coward great white stretch limo gingerly moving down the back lane from and Jessie Matthews. And the films - Judy Garland, Fred Astaire and Pateley Bridge towards Wath, like something out of an old Italian movie. Ethel Merman. When did you last hear Deanna Durbin? Or Spike Jones It got as far as Wath then disappeared from sight. Was it a trial run? and his City Slickers? Or Louis Armstrong? Whether it ever made it intact to the back of beyond or is still stranded there, we shall probably never know. We always finish in 1950 - a funny year! Guy Mitchell and Mario Lanza were singing across the Atlantic, whilst Ronnie Ronalde and Billy The walk was done at a good pace and a happy group passed Pateley Cotton were vying for our attention on ‘Family Favourites’ every Sunday. Bridge’s two former stations back to the cars – however, one member We’ve heard them all at our Monday afternoon sessions. had left it too late to buy her favourite pies. They had all gone. Geoffrey Wood So if you enjoy good music, brilliant words and lively rhythms, plan to join us when we get going again in October. And we haven’t even OrchestraOrchestra mentioned the good company, the lively conversations and the splendid tea and chocolate biscuits! “Here’s to the next time!” as Henry Hall used The orchestra has been meeting on Wednesdays since September to to say. rehearse and play. Numbers have settled at 32, including conductor Rev. David Wiseman Arthur Butterworth, but we have lost two flautists, a viola and the double bass from last year’s line up. Unfortunately age and infirmity are no aid 20 17 to playing a musical instrument to orchestral standard. Two hours of Lost Leader - An AppreciationAppreciation intensive rehearsal each week can be very tiring mentally and physically, on top of ensuring that you have the correct pair of spectacles to be able Barbara Fortune is stepping down as group leader of the Patchwork and to read the music. But there are more light-hearted moments such as Quilting Group after many years service on behalf of the Craven U3A. I when the brass are found to be playing one movement while the strings joined the well-established group in 2010 on my enforced retirement, and woodwind are playing another which is in a different key and time with very set ideas about what I would and could do and vice versa. signature! Chaos can also be precipitated by not hearing which letter we From the very first meeting I was accommodated and cajoled by Barbara should start playing at; to some the letter D can sound very much like and was made to feel that I could do and would do more. Gradually, in the letter E! her un-fussy approach, she encouraged me to try new methods and techniques, and with her guidance I have completed projects I once One of the biggest problems is that unlike many groups the orchestra never thought possible. Barbara always has a wealth of ideas and relies on all sections being represented every week to allow particular suggestions and she is an organised, non-pushy and friendly leader. pieces to be played. It is no use rehearsing Ravel’s Pavane Pour Une The workshop sessions, often conducted with the brilliant Libba, add a Infante Defunte if the alto saxophonist or French horn is missing, further dimension to the class, and Barbara’s pie and peas are much likewise Haydn’s Clock Symphony relies heavily on the string section appreciated. and absent violinists make rehearsal difficult. Then a Sousa march needs all the brass players to be hale and hearty. Unfortunately illness, Now Barbara wants to be just a member of the group and sit, sew, natter holidays and accidents have occasionally seen numbers reduced, but and exchange ideas. Although there are still things I will not do, such as there is always something that can be played! rotary cutting and machining, I enjoy my patchwork and Barbara has been a help and inspiration to me. She understands and fosters my An innovation at the Christmas Concert was the use of a small group of weaknesses and we have a great rapport. Thank you Barbara! I wish players to provide the background music for the tea and mince pies in St you many more happy sewing hours and hope that the Patchwork and Andrew’s Church Hall. This allowed all the players to be accommodated Quilting Group continues and grows. on the stage and so freed up space for more tables and chairs. A Stephanie Carter mixture of favourite carols and Christmas music was performed.

At the time of writing the orchestra is working towards its annual concert Painting Group in Embsay Village Hall on Wednesday, 21st March. The programme Our group moved to the Three Links due to the unavailability of the should include works by Schumann, Haydn, Elgar, Ravel, Verdi and Ambulance Hall for the 2011-12 sessions. Nevertheless we have Mozart. This will be the first time that the orchestra’s new digital piano enjoyed some larger than normal classes. Our members are to be will be used in public. The members are most grateful for the support of congratulated in not being put off by the inclement weather. the U3A, the committee and individuals, which enabled last year’s fund raising to be brought to a successful conclusion. After years of self-help one of our new members has agreed to become our tutor and we look forward to Graham Treadgold helping us when we The orchestra is always looking for new members, especially string become stuck! Once again the library allowed us to exhibit our paintings players, violins in particular and a double bass as well as a and the exhibition aroused a lot of interest. Our last meeting is on 28th percussionist. If you want to know more about the orchestra please March and then Graham will take over and I will retire gracefully as contact Arthur Butterworth or have a chat with one of the members. group leader. Andrew Wilson B. Robinson

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