BARNSLEY AND DISTRICT U3A

Internet: BarnsleyU3A / Charity no. 1077654 Send info. and photos to: [email protected]

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For all too long our U3A movement has been one of the UK’s best kept secrets. The promotion and publicity was all too often only passed around by word of mouth from member to possible member. As I have explained before, Barnsley U3A followed a similar pattern until a few years ago when we decided to tell the world about ourselves in a more expansive way. The result has been tremendous, with the growth in membership now passing 1250 people. Interestingly, the average size of U3As in the UK is around 420 members whilst any U3A with over 600 members is categorised nationally as a large U3A. We are comfortable with our growth and while ever our members step forward into volunteering roles, we will continue to thrive.

I have explained the above for two reasons. Firstly, I think that you will have heard by now that on 3rd June we have our first Annual National U3A Day where all the UK’s 1000+ U3As are being encouraged to get involved in letting everyone see who we are and what we do. BU3A is taking part and we will be showcasing ourselves around town in a range of public arenas. You can read more about the details, as they currently stand, elsewhere in this edition of the Buzz. Secondly, I think that it is important for all our members to have some appreciation of the way that everything is managed and the structure that we have put together over the years in BU3A to make things run as smoothly as possible within an organisation of our current size and rate of growth. You will see on page 5 of this Buzz a couple of family-tree type structures. The first structure shows how our Executive Committee is put together and how the range of other volunteers all fit in. A significant point that I want to make here is that the members undertaking the roles shown are constantly being renewed and refreshed and we will always be on the lookout for people to step into the positions shown when existing members stand down. Talk to us if you are interested in finding out more or fancy shadowing or supporting a particular role. The second structure shows our functional groupings and gives an indication of how the various roles fit and work together.

Following on from all that, there is the little matter of our 24th Annual General Meeting which takes place at our 1st June meeting and which is explained by the formal notice shown on page 4 of this Buzz. If that’s not enough, there’s more that I need to explain. As many of you will be aware, I am due to stand down from the Chairman’s role on completion of my second two-year period, which is due to conclude when we reach the AGM on 1st June. Pause here until the cheering dies down. Our Constitution, which can be viewed on our website, allows all committee members with the exception of the Chairman and Vice Chairman to perform their roles for a continuous period of up to six years, whereas for the top two posts the maximum period is four years (two periods of two years). The Executive Committee has asked me if I will stand again for a further two-year period, which the Constitution does not at present allow. However, with the support of the National Office, we are proposing to change the wording in our Constitution to allow the Chairman and Vice Chairman to stand for re-election for a third two-year period. This will bring their maximum period of tenure into line with the rest of the Committee. Such a change can, however, only be achieved by our members voting in support at a Special General Meeting. We are intending to call this meeting as part of the normal April Monthly meeting. The details are set out also on page 4 of the Buzz.

Lastly, as normal at this time of year, we are rapidly approaching subscription renewal time. The renewal arrangements are shown in full detail on the inside back cover, page 51. I truly hope that everyone is enjoying their membership to the point where renewing their subscription is a given.

Don’t forget, Learn, Laugh and Live with BU3A.

Alan Swann

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Buzz editor and Vice-chairman: Derek Bacon CONTENTS

Thank you for all your contributions. Welcome to the Spring 2020 Buzz. P2 Chairman’s Message P3 Editor / Contents I hope that you P4 SGM and AGM Notices enjoy it. P5 A serious but important page from Alan Swann P6/7 December Monthly Meeting P8 January Monthly Meeting This edition’s front cover was going well until P9 February Monthly Meeting Alan Swann saw it and threw a ‘wobbly’ P10 Monthly Meetings April to December because I hadn’t included a photo of him P11 U3A NATIONAL DAY alongside our dazzling new Hula-Hoopers. So P12 Flutes Galore you can now all see the silly flashing-fairy- P13 Badminton lights jumper he wore at the December P14 ‘Buzz’ vacancy / Xmas card / Maths Then and Now Monthly Meeting. You have to laugh! (or cry!) P15 New Members / Out and About / Sequence Dancing 2 That Monthly Meeting was a real ‘cracker’ with P16 Family History the Recorder Group making their public debut P17 Family History (cont.) / Christmas Wreath makers and the Old Blowers taking over to lead the P18 The Winslows / NatureQuest / Joanie Tollerfield packed hall in lots of noisy fun. The Christmas P19 Tai Chi / Choir jumpers were out in force and the front cover P20 Sequence Dancing 1 shows a few but there’s lots more on pp 6 & 7. P21 Sequence Dancing 1 (cont.) This Buzz has again been a privilege and a P22 YAHR U3A Summer School pleasure to put together over the past couple P23 Flix at 6 of months. The contributions from P24 Family History at Dodworth Coordinators and members are outstanding P25 Family History (cont.) / Moto 2 / Music for Pleasure and I thank and congratulate them for making P26 Barnsley U3A Activities the effort. I do hope that the magazine is not P27 MONDAY Activities looked at quickly and then forgotten. One P28 TUESDAY Activities member said to me last week that she keeps P29 WEDNESDAY Activities picking it up to read and re-read; that is a P30 THURSDAY Activities gratifying comment. Just have a serious read of P31 FRIDAY / SATURDAY / SUNDAY Activities pages 16/17, 20/21, 24/25, 40 and 46. I feel P32 Venues and Buses proud to be showing it all to you. P33 Choir / Book Forum 1 I point you to a new full-page advertisement P34 Healthy Lifestyle on the back of the Contact List. BIADS is an P35 Italian / Crown Green Bowling important charity in Barnsley that is helping to P36 Thursday Walkers / Thursdays Longer Walks meet a huge, growing, stressful problem. The P37 Wednesday Ramblers advert will appear in colour inside the P38 Tuesday Walks / Penistone Walking / Sunday Strollers magazine over the coming year, I hope, but P39 Thursday Bus Pass Walkers space was at a premium in this edition. P40 Sandra Booth rd U3A National Day is on Wednesday 3 June. P41 Cycling / Creative Writing / Posh Puds / Tuesday Our Sue Stokes is leading it nationally(!) and Gardeners BU3A is already well ahead in its planning for P42 Walking Cricket / Classical Studies Barnsley Town Centre. Page 11 and the Back P43 New Members Link Cover are there to keep you informed and P44 Travel / Birdwatching aware. Please support by participating or P45 Stringalongs supporting us on the day. P46 Book Forum 2

In the empty space on the Activities pages, I P47 Book Forum 2/ Wakefield U3A Music have put a random selection of attractive P48 Table & Board Games / Walking Cricket photos (well, I think so and I hope that you do, P49 Theatre too) of BU3Aers whose photos I have taken at P50 Cookery Corner meetings. P51 Walking Football / MEMBERSHIP RENEWAL DETAILS

P52 Back Cover U3A NATIONAL DAY

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BARNSLEY AND DISTRICT U3A Notice of Special General Meeting (SGM) Monday 6th April

In accordance with the Constitution, notice is hereby given of a Special General Meeting of Barnsley and District U3A which will be held on Monday 6th April 2020, at 2.00 pm at Priory Campus. All members are entitled and encouraged to attend and vote. [NB. The April monthly meeting will commence as usual at 1.30 pm and revert to the SGM at 2.00 pm]

The business of the Special General Meeting will be to consider the following Resolution:

That paragraph 7 v (a) of the Barnsley and District U3A Constitution be amended from the current wording which is as follows:

(a) The Chairman and Vice Chairman have a two-year term of office from the Annual General Meeting at which they are appointed and may serve not more two consecutive terms. to: (a) The Chairman and Vice Chairman have a two-year term of office from the Annual General Meeting at which they are appointed and may serve not more three consecutive terms.

If approved this will be to bring the potential continuous periods of office of the Chairman and Vice Chairman to six years (Three periods of two years) which is in line with the maximum possible continuous periods of office of all other Executive Committee members.

Alan Swann [Chairman]

BARNSLEY AND DISTRICT U3A Notice of 2020 AGM Monday 1st June

In accordance with the Constitution, notice is hereby given that the 24th Annual General Meeting of Barnsley and District U3A will be held on Monday 1st June 2020, at 1.30pm at Priory Campus. All members are entitled and encouraged to attend and vote. The business of the Annual General Meeting will include: 1. Receiving and approving the Annual Report 2. Receiving and approving the examined accounts for the year ending 5th April 2020 3. Election of two Officers for a 2 year term 4. Election of up to 8 non-Officer Members of the Executive Committee to serve for a 1 year term 5. Appointing examiners for the accounts for the year ending 5th April 2021 6. Considering all resolutions previously submitted in writing and any other business

Nomination forms are available and members are encouraged to consider if they are willing to be nominated for the Executive Committee. All completed nomination forms must be delivered to the Business Secretary as soon as possible, with a closing date of Monday 4th May 2020. A list of responsibilities for Executive Committee members is available on application to the Business Secretary.

The existing Vice Chairman will remain in post for a further year. The existing Business Secretary will remain in post for a further year.

The other specific Committee roles to be filled at the meeting include the following: • Chairman [2 years] • Treasurer [2 years] • Development Officer • Membership Secretary • New Members Secretary / Travel Committee representative • Website Manager • Room Bookings Officer • Representative of Choir Committee • Representative of Social Committee • Equalities Officer

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A SERIOUS BUT IMPORTANT PAGE

Our Chairman, Alan Swann, has presided for many years over the growth of our very special U3A, but as we are now in a period of what seems to be an increasingly fast increase in membership, he wishes to make it demonstrably clear by means of the two charts below that a totally voluntary organisation of 1250+ members and 130+ groups cannot function without a huge amount of effort from lots of people. The charts enable us to see how many people are volunteering to take a role and, hopefully, they will encourage others to take over when needed.

Our whole purpose is to have lots of groups that enable us to join with others to enjoy ourselves, to avoid loneliness and isolation, to put structure into our weeks.

HOW OUR STRUCTURE ENABLES BARNSLEY U3A TO FUNCTION

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DECEMBER 2019 BU3A MONTHLY MEETING PRESENTATION at PRIORY CAMPUS

December 2nd The Recorder Group, the Old Blowers and a fantastic audience!

The pictures say it all! Sylvia Webster, Recorders Coordinator, got caught on camera in a very compromising situation with some bloke who presented her with

flowers after the excellent performance.

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JANUARY 2020 BU3A MONTHLY MEETING PRESENTATION at PRIORY CAMPUS

January 6th CRIME and FRAUD PREVENTION

On the 6th January, we were visited by Andy Foster who is not a policeman as such but he works for the South Yorkshire Police in the Community Safety Dept. and is clearly dedicated and committed to Crime Reduction.

He gives talks to the general public on crime awareness, supports victims of crime, detects crime and liaises with other authorities to prevent the distress, especially to vulnerable older people, that he sees on a daily basis.

He told his Priory audience that we over-60’s are often easy targets for

muggings, robberies, rogue traders, fraud, scams, online-crime and

distraction burglary. Of these, distraction burglary can be the worst and it is committed mainly by people who travel from a distance. The trauma felt by victims can be devastating. Criminals are always on the look-out for opportunities and signs of home security lapses. They target the vulnerable, the old, the lonely or disabled. Any evidence of old folk, like handrails and signs, is a giveaway.

Andy gave us information and examples of criminality in abundance.

An example of distraction burglary is when someone posing as a ‘Water Inspector’ says he needs access to a property and proceeds to steal a lot of valuables.

An 86-year-old woman was recently defrauded by a telephone caller pretending to be a policeman who persuaded her to withdraw £6,000 in cash from her bank and hand it to someone who would call on her

with a password. A man came to her house, gave her the password,

took the money from her and drove off in a taxi!

Former police officer, John Thompson, from Sprotborough, was tricked out of £15,000 of his life savings by phone scammers claiming to be from his bank. He was told there had been a security breach on his account and he needed to move his cash into a new one. He transferred the money online.

An 88-year-old Wombwell lady was tricked into spending £10,000 on so called "miracle health cures" after being targeted by calls and letters over several years. She had only £30 in her account when her son Paul uncovered the scam. He found some 400 boxes of medication and health remedies at her home.

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FEBRUARY 2020 BU3A MONTHLY MEETING PRESENTATION at PRIORY CAMPUS

February 6th ‘SINGALONG FOR FUN’

I was unsure what to expect of this Monthly Meeting because it was a ‘first’ for me, in the sense that there was no presenter or performing music group. Instead, all the audience had in front of them was a large screen and our two powerful audio speakers on each side of it. Had ‘Singalong for Fun’ forgotten it was their debut day? Well, no, of course not because Peter Higginbottom was sitting on the front row of the audience with his computer in front of him and at 1.30 on the dot, it all began! BOOM! Lots of decibels! Thirty-five minutes of sheer noisy fun if you’re a fan of the pop music of the 50’s, 60’s and a little bit beyond. On screen, all the words of some the great hits of our youth. For me, it was straight back to happy school days in Brighton and to the homes of friends with whom I very sadly no longer have any contact.

And I think that everyone in the full hall at Priory must have been thinking about where and when they used to sing these songs. I felt so happy singing along with the Everly Brothers, Bobby Darin, Brian Hyland, Cliff, Elvis, Doris Day, Abba and the rest. Oh, yes, and Bobby Vee with his ‘Rubber Ball’; “bouncy bouncy, bouncy bouncy”; they don’t write great lyrics like that any more!

Regrettably, Buddy Holly and Little Eva weren’t on the menu but they definitely will be next February because this now has all the makings of an annual Monthly Meeting.

I know absolutely nothing about pop music after The Beatles and Abba, but this was a glorious memory trip for me and one I probably need to take more often. Thank you, Betty and Peter H. I could actually feel the smile on my face.

‘Singalong for Fun’ meets on the 2nd and 4th Thursdays at The Pollyfox Centre in Dodworth and if you need a ‘lift’ and can sing well, moderately or badly, I recommend it as perfect stress therapy.

The photos again show what a miserable time we all had!

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MONDAY MONTHLY MEETINGS APRIL TO DECEMBER 2020: Priory Campus at 1.30pm

MONDAY PRESENTERS & PERFORMERS MORE INFORMATION

April 6th Yorkshire Air Ambulance at 2.15 Members’ Renewals (see P 47) and SGM (see P4)at 2.00pm. May 4th David Bell The Plague Doctor; the story of Eyam. June 1st BU3A Annual General meeting See P4 of this ‘Buzz’ July Wakefield U3A Recorders and The impressive Wakefield U3A 'Carr Consort' Recorder Group 6th Barnsley U3A Sequence Dancing has thirteen members who play a variety of recorders including great bass, bass, tenor, treble and descant. They play several concerts per year including the prestigious Chantry Bridge Chapel in Wakefield. Their Barnsley U3A performance offers folk, musicals, jazz, pop and a couple of Renaissance dances. August Andy Wilson ‘Cancer care and recovery improvements’. 3rd Each week in Yorkshire 594 people are told that they have cancer and are more likely to die from it than in most other counties in England. Yorkshire’s own cancer charity works tirelessly to change this. Andy Wilson is an inspiring member of the Yorkshire Cancer Research team.

September Jacqui MacKinnon Our very own Business Secretary, 7th Jacqui MacKinnon will talk about her work with devices for older people.

October Wakefield U3A Windband Wakefield U3A’s ‘Windband’ has twenty-six players with full 5th brass, woodwind, drums and keyboard. We play concerts a few times per year. We are delighted to be playing for Barnsley U3A. You will hear film scores, TV themes, pop tunes, jazz standards and a bit of classical. Something to cover everyone's taste in music.

November Bill Leatherbarrow, ex-Director of the British William Leatherbarrow was 2nd Astronomical Association’s Professor of Russian at Sheffield Lunar Section, will give a talk entitled: University and is a world authority ‘The Amateur Astronomer’ on the works of Russian author, Dostoyevsky. BUT he is ALSO a noted amateur astronomer and was President of the British Astronomical Association. Bill’s true passion is Astronomy. His most recent book is ‘The Moon’.

(And his daughter is Britain’s Ambassador to Mexico!! They’re a very starry bunch!!)

December Christmas Meeting Christmassy things, definitely offering some of: 7th with the BU3A Choir  Sherry,  Mince Pies  Father Christmas  Round-the-World Cruise raffle prize

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U3A NATIONAL DAY WEDNESDAY 3RD JUNE Sue Stokes

U3A is delighted to announce the very first National U3A Day which will take place on June 3rd this year.

U3As across the country are being invited to mark the day by celebrating and showcasing what happens in their U3A.

Regional Trustee, our very own Sue Stokes, a member of the Communications and External Affairs Committee said, “We are so excited that from now on, every year, there will be a day dedicated to learning, staying active and having fun in your third age (retired, semi-retired or no longer bringing up a family)

“We hope this day becomes, not just an opportunity for U3A members to showcase some of the amazing things that they do, but a way to challenge negative perceptions of older adults and a chance to invite other Third Agers in the community to learn about the contribution U3A makes to the quality of life for retired people.

“We really would welcome as many U3As as possible, either individually or collaboratively with neighbouring U3As, to engage with the public all on the same day, with each U3A deciding what it would like to do.

“Potentially this could mean the movement staging hundreds of “eye catching” events across the UK on the same day.

“We will post regular updates on Facebook and more detail in the monthly national newsletter – which you can sign up for. "If you want to be in the organising of U3A Day, you can join the closed Facebook group

“For now, please put Wednesday 3rd June in your 2020 diaries and let’s make our first National U3A Day a great success”.

WHAT PLANS DOES BARNSLEY U3A HAVE IN PLACE SO FAR FOR 3RD JUNE?

Our Steering Committee: Alan Swann, Derek Bacon, Vanda Outram, John and Ingrid Colley, Ian Turner

The Alhambra The area between Iceland supermarket and the Café (for our is reserved just for BU3A music activities. music groups) We are hoping that the following six music groups will be performing there:

Derek Bacon The Choir, The Stringalongs, The Ukeanplayers, Is your contact Flutes Galore, Guitars and Recorders

The Lightbox On the Ground Floor of The Lightbox, we have six tables for six or twelve groups (for a wide variety of to show what they do (am/pm changeover is possible and desirable, maybe). groups) These will be, of course, non-musical groups.

Vanda Outram Is your contact Barnsley Market Availability not yet known

The In addition to the Wednesday Ramblers starting their walk Town Centre with a lap around May Day Green and Market Street, (for a wide variety we are hoping to have Tai Chi, Hula-Hoop Fitness of groups) and other groups showing what they do.

ON 3RD JUNE, THE WEDNESDAY RAMBLERS AR STARTING THEIR ‘RAMBLE’ AT MAY DAY GREEN, IN THE TOWN CENTRE, IN SUPPORT OF U3A NATIONAL DAY! HOW SUPERBLY SUPPORTIVE IS THAT!

ALSO, THEY ARE HAPPY FOR ANY U3A MEMBER TO JOIN THEM ON THE DAY FOR ALL OR PART OF THE WALK. THEY WILL PROBABLY WALK ABOUT 4 MILES IN TOTAL, SOME OF WHICH WILL BE IN THE TOWN CENTRE GIVING OUT BU3A LEAFLETS AND TALKING TO PEOPLE.

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FLUTES GALORE Coordinator: Derek Bacon

Playing for fun and for a purpose Over an 8-day period in the run-up to Christmas, Flutes Galore were kept busy with invitations to play for good causes and just for fun. Cannon Hall invited us to play on one of their ‘Father Christmas is here’ days. We played morning and afternoon sessions and although it wasn’t a charity day, we, perhaps cheekily, took along a couple of ‘Mind’ money buckets and collected over £40, which member Helen Simms added to the £15,000(!) she had already collected for them in 2019. A couple of days later, we were at Morrison’s in Barnsley on a surprisingly quiet evening in store, but we collected over £100 for ‘Cancer and Leukaemia in Childhood’ (CLIC), one of Morrison’s 2019 charities. The next ‘gig’ was a Christmas Concert in the Gatty Hall in Ecclesfield with The Deepcar Brass Band and Ecclesfield Handbell Ringers; impressive music-making all evening! Then to Asda Wakefield to play and collect on behalf of Wakefield Hospice; £245 raised there.

So around £400 collected for three excellent causes, we think.

Photos are: 1) at Morrison’s, Barnsley. 2) at Asda, Wakefield 3) at Asda with fan, David Drury, who declared loudly to his fellow- shoppers that Flutes Galore “are brilliant, shit-hot!” A bit of a shock, that, but we had to laugh! 4) at Asda with fan, Jean Frogatt, who declared quietly that Flutes Galore “are lovely” (that’s a bit more like it!) 5) at Wakefield Hospice, handing over £245.

6) at Gatty Hall, Ecclesfield.

Below, from the left: Hazel Sutcliffe, Sylvia Parry, Sue Frost, Melanie France, Derek Bacon, Helen Simms, Jayne Welburn, Bridget Milinkovic.

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BADMINTON Coordinator: Denise Kilner

I first caught up with the Badminton group in January not at Cudworth where they play every Friday morning but at Barnsley Bowl in Carlton on a Monday morning! They were holding their annual ten-pin bowling championship there before heading off to The Talbot in Mapplewell for their late Christmas fuddle. Equally brilliant at bowling as they are at badminton, they were showing Alan Swann’s Monday 10-pin Bowlers a thing or two! It was interesting to see that our two wonderful groups made up the vast majority of the clientele at Barnsley Bowl that day. The lovely photo of Coordinator Denise Kilner (left) had to be taken very quickly because Alan Swann pleaded to be allowed in it, but fortunately he was called away to his own game. Denise was naughty, hiding away a little bit for the main picture so I got this shot of her (left) after she had just scored yet another ‘strike’! It was good to see Alan Swann asking her for some tips on how to do it! When I caught up with the Badminton players later at The Talbot, Alan Laybourn was celebrating his outstanding morning’s play with a richly deserved pint and proudly holding the trophy he had won as top Badminton bowler! Confused? I am!

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‘BUZZ’ VACANCY Assistant Editor ‘The Buzz’ attracted me when I joined Barnsley U3A in 2017 and I always looked forward to receiving my copy. I never expected to become its Editor a year later, but when Sue Stokes was promoted to U3A National Committee and relinquished ‘The Buzz’ after six years as Editor, I put my hand up (yes, I’ve had this personality defect for decades, I’m afraid) and Alan said, “Fine, that’s sorted, then” and he moved on to the next agenda item. What had I done? Shock! Horror! Well, I’d landed myself with a task about which I knew nothing! But with huge help from Sue Stokes and Trevor Winslow, I just about managed to get out my first edition, and this is my sixth. Strangely, I have asked to carry on with it for a while longer, but it is ‘dangerous’ or risky to have ‘The Buzz’ in the hands of just one person and so it would be good now to have an Assistant Editor to share the huge pleasure and considerable stress of producing it… perhaps with a view to taking over at some time or pushing me out as fast as he/she wants; who knows? Interested? Send me an email. Derek Bacon

THE STRICTLY ALAN SWANN 2019 CHRISTMAS CARD COMPETITION RESULTS Last year we invited you to design a BU3A Christmas Card and these are the final four chosen by our expert judge, Alan Swann, who was “astounded by the brilliance of these winning entries”.

THE RESULT In 4th place: ‘an chrissmus treee’ –submitted by severn yeer old alun swan In 2nd place: ‘upside down snowball man’ – submitted by 9 year-old allannn swannnn

In 1st place: ‘santa claws on is slay’ – submitted by 71 year-old Alan Swann Well done, Alan Swann, who already owns the prize of a BU3A pen

MATHS THEN AND NOW Coordinator: David Andrews

Maths teaching has changed since most members were at school and it’s likely that parents and grandparents will be confused by the methods and topics their (grand)children have tried to explain to them.

Additionally, many new topics have been introduced which were not required until higher maths was introduced, or at least the emphasis and introduction timing has changed.

This group will look at these changes and maybe also revise all topics now covered in secondary maths lessons up to GCSE. There may also be a part with some more challenging conundrums in maths for those inclined to try them. Subject to numbers and level of interest, the group or the sessions may be split to cover the wider range of existing knowledge.

If you are interested, please contact me via the Contact List number.

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Sandra Pearson, Olga Dent, Maureen Butler, Donald Abbott, Julie Williamson, John Williamson, Rowena Mosley, Ann Faine, Kathryn Fieldhouse, Robert Horsfield, Lynne Richardson, Lee Richardson, Barry Wilby, Dawn Bailey, David Goodhead, Christopher Parkes, David Lynn, Ann Mallinson, Jeff Corbett, Steve Smith, Vivien Finch, Susan Machin, Catherine Dodson, Catherine Atkin, Russell Atkin, Carole Linley, Kent Stanton, Pat Travers, Jan Jones, Nicky Sagar, David Tetlow, Patricia Hayes, Peter Yates, Janet Hutchinson, Faith Faulkner, Judith Benson, Geoffrey Evans, Patricia Rose, John Ennis, Gerald Haycock, Angela Healey, Christine Neal, Susan Francis, Carol Guest, Susan Brown, Lesley Whittle, John Hallows, Eleanor Hough, Desmond Wright, Christopher Wilson, Caroline Walker, Mick Calvert and Barry Haynes

OUT AND ABOUT Coordinators: Denise Woodger & Frank Mellor

All trips take place on Saturdays. Travel mainly by train with support from local buses. 21st March Lincoln (right) 18th April to be added at a later date 23rd May to be added at a later date 20th June to be added at a later date Please contact Denise or Frank via the Contact List numbers

The May Monthly Meeting was to be on 11th May as the 4th May was designated as Early Spring Bank holiday. Since then, this Bank Holiday has been changed from Monday 4th to Friday 8th May. Therefore, the May Monthly Meeting will be on Monday 4th May.

SEQUENCE DANCING 2 Coordinator: Joan Wright

This Group started in November last Year and consists mainly of beginners and those who used to dance but wanted a refresher course. After starting with basic waltz steps and two easy sequence waltzes, the members have progressed to tango, rumba, foxtrot and jive and we always finish with the Caribbean Calypso which is a real party dance where we

change partners. Not bad going for a beginners group! Of course we have no Fred Astaires quite yet but as Ginger Rogers said "I did everything Fred Astaire did but backwards, and in heels!". So here is a challenge for all you men who think that you can’t dance. Come along and just try it: you might surprise yourselves. I think you will!

BUZZ DEADLINE FOR JUNE 2020 ISSUE: FRIDAY 11TH MAY

Write to: [email protected] 15

FAMILY HISTORY Janet Simpson

Janet contacted me with a typically frequent comment that I hear as Editor of ‘The Buzz’, namely “I won’t be offended if you don’t want to put it into The Buzz!” Well, if these two pages don’t convince you of the huge worth of our Family History groups, nothing will! (Ed.)

When I joined BU3a Family History, I was sure all my family were from Sheffield and had mostly worked in the cutlery trade. I started research on my mother’s side and eventually traced back to my great-great-great grandfather, Christopher Thomson. I found out that in 1847 he had written a book called 'Autobiography of an Artisan' and I was able to trace this in America and I bought a copy. This is where I found out a lot about his life and it gave me lots of leads to follow up on Ancestry.com

I found out that in later life he had become a landscape artist and I contacted Sheffield Art Gallery who invited me and my cousins to their archive department where we were able to see some of his paintings.

This summer I went to Edwinstowe, Nottinghamshire, the home of Robin Hood, where he had lived for part of his life and had started a library. I thought I might be able to trace where he lived. On mentioning his name in Edwinstowe, I soon realised how highly thought of Christopher Thompson was there and was put in touch with their History Society. They told me that they had recently applied for and obtained lottery funding and were arranging to have a plaque made for him. They had been trying to locate some of his family but without success – until, luckily, I had visited Edwinstowe.

On 4th November this year, my cousins and I were invited to the unveiling of the plaque and I felt very fortunate to be asked to perform the unveiling itself. The plaque has been put on the wall of the library where he started the night schools. It was a fabulous day and we were very proud of him.

Christopher Thomson 1799 -1871 Christopher Thomson was born in Hull, on Christmas Day, 1799. His father was a sailor. Christopher was educated at The Free School of Sculcoates, Hull. His father later opened a public house called 'The Ship'. Christopher was apprenticed to a ship builder and he gladly attended evening school. His father subscribed to a circulating library for his son. At the age of seventeen, after watching Shakespeare’s ‘King John’, his sole desire was to act. When he was 19, he joined a whaling ship and spent a year whaling in Iceland. On his return in 1821 he married Hannah Leaf and he worked for her father as a veneer sawyer but shortly afterwards they started a new life as strolling players. For extra money he started making trinkets, painting glass boxes and painting back screens for other groups of actors.

Life was hard and ten years and seven children later, when his family arrived in Edwinstowe, cold, hungry and penniless, villagers took them in and supported Christopher to become a house painter. In return, he endeavoured to improve life in the village. He and a group of like-minded people set up the library for the benefit of working men. On discovering that few could read, he started night classes in 1838 in the ‘Jug & Glass’. In later years, the Night Classes and Library moved to the ‘Old Library’ and followed a similar plan.

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The Edwinstowe Artisans Library and Mutual Instruction Society then started. Entrance was a penny and it ran three nights a week. It was open to both men and women. An annual ball was held to raise funds and after nine years they had 500 volumes of books. Education classes for reading, writing, arithmetic, music, drawing and conversation were free but members provided their own coal, candles and books.

A branch of the Odd-Fellows had been established in Edwinstowe and in 1833 Christopher joined it and became the secretary. He also started a self-help group where money was put aside for those who found times hard, the ‘Sick- club’. He was also employed at Rufford Abbey as interior painter-designer, but later when work became scarce he moved to Sheffield to start a newsagent business. This failed but it gave him the opportunity to start working as a landscape artist at which he was extremely successful. He started the Sheffield Arts Society and in respect of his work in 1862, he was presented with a portrait of himself painted by a fellow artist.

In 1847, he wrote a book 'An Autobiography of an Artisan' which is still used today in some schools and universities to refer to how people lived in this era. One of my favourite parts is when he speaks about getting women onto the board of 'The Sherwood Gatherers'. He says "Why do people think that women are only good to have our children and stay in the kitchen?"

You can read the book online - https://archive.org/details/autobiographyan00thomgoog

His art work can be seen in Sheffield art gallery.

CHRISTMAS WREATH MAKERS Christine Palmer

Another year on and once again Christine Palmer invited members to her house to make Christmas wreaths. Thirteen ladies took advantage of this great opportunity to acquire a useful skill and a good time was clearly had by all. Christine sent these photos of nine who look justifiably pleased with themselves. “Some gorgeous wreaths were made and all were completely different”, she says.

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SUE and TREVOR WINSLOW A fabulous story!

In October 2019, BU3A members Sue and Trevor Winslow celebrated their Golden Wedding Anniversary with 70 friends and family from as far afield as Dubai, Hamburg and all parts of the UK. This was not only a milestone for Sue and Trevor but also for the Whitley Hall Hotel, Grenoside, where the party was held. In October 1969, their wedding reception was the very first one held at Whitley Hall, and in honour of the event the hotel was wrapped in golden ribbon!

During their 50 years of marriage, Sue and Trevor have moved from Sheffield to Cornwall, to Essex, to Cleethorpes, to Edinburgh and back to Elsecar. Along the way they have had two children and three grandchildren. Their son lives in Fife, not far from St. Andrews, and their daughter has lived in the Middle East for the last seventeen years - currently in Dubai. Visiting their family has shown them some amazing sights, from the storm-wracked Scottish coast to sunrise in the Arabian desert, but it’s always good to come home to God’s own county!

NATUREQUEST Coordinator: Tony Hunt

March 12 Lotherton Hall and Bird Garden, Lotherton Lane, Aberford, Leeds LS25 3EB Hall, Estate and Bird Garden including parking - cafe - £8. MEET AT 11AM From Junction 47 of M1 follow signs

April 9 Rivelin Valley Nature Trail, Rails Road Car Park off Rivelin Valley Road, Sheffield S6 5SN

May 14 Anglers Country Park/ Waterton Park. Park at The Heronry, Anglers CP, Haw Park Lane, Wintersett, Wakefield WF4 2EB

June 11 Broadstone Reservoir From A629 at Ingbirchworth, turn left on the road round the south side of Ingbirchworth Reservoir and in 2km turn right at junction onto Broadstone Rd. In 400m park on roadside. Grid Ref SE 199065

Meet for a 1.30pm start unless otherwise stated. Please bring your guide books and binoculars.

Lotherton Hall Rivelin Anglers Broadstone

“Here we are (I think Joanie Tollerfield actually means “Here I am”) at Tesco in Hoyland in November 2019, introducing shoppers to Barnsley U3A and our joint project with Age UK (Barnsley) which seeks to reduce loneliness and isolation amongst retired people in the South Barnsley area”.

Nice one, Joanie! Real commitment there! (Ed) And I see you had a few Buzzes to give away! VG. 10/10. Gold star for you! And a BU3A pen from Alan, POSSIBLY!

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TAI CHI Coordinator: Brian Latham

The Tai Chi group celebrated Chinese New Year at their session on Monday 27th January, with a superb Chinese banquet. The Beginners and Advanced groups joined forces to practise some Tai Chi before setting out tables and chairs in preparation for our feast. The food arrived sizzling hot and a range of sumptuous starters and mains steadily disappeared, with everyone trying to leave a little space for the magnificent trifle provided by our very own Chrissie White.

A big thank you to ‘Wonderful’ at Barugh Green. Although closed on a Monday, they kindly prepared a ‘wonderful’ banquet for us. The group is now looking forward to performing in the town centre on National U3A Day [Wednesday 3rd June] and celebrating

the Coordinator’s many birthdays over the rest of the year.

CHOIR Betty Davies

I so look forward every week to Tuesday afternoon at Emmanuel Church. I call it ‘my weekly fix’. Almost as good as a large G and T. I am referring to choir practice, of course. The music varies from classic pop songs to religious pieces and even opera. It’s always light-hearted and I go home on a high, humming the tunes of the day. I am very proud to be a member of Barnsley U3A Choir.

Honeydew House

COLWYN BAY

Holiday Let

Sleeps 4 –

double room & twin room Cot available

2 minutes walk from beach and

water sports facility

10 minutes drive from Colwyn Bay, Zoo, Llandudno and Conway

Virtual tour available on

www.northwalesholidaycottages.co.uk

Bookings can be made from this site or tel: 01492 582492

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SEQUENCE DANCING 1 Coordinator: Lynda Gensavage OUR FIRST DANCING HOLIDAY BUT DEFINITELY NOT OUR LAST!

On November 4th, 2019, we made our way to the Royal Hotel in Scarborough; some by coach, others in their cars, thinking that they would use them during the coming days; but they weren’t needed at any time because we all used our bus passes on the excellent bus services around Scarborough. Well, we are from Yorkshire!

The first impression of the Royal was the foyer, all decked out in Christmas finery: spectacular! The winding staircases, flanked by two enormous Christmas trees, would have been perfect for young ladies wanting to impress, dressed in all their 'Sunday Best' to glide down ready for a ball.

We checked in and a couple of people had to change rooms, which resulted in one of them being allocated to the very posh Charles Laughton Suite.

The first evening, we met the compere and dance leaders who would take us through our paces for the following evenings, and also give two morning dance training sessions if you wanted to attend. We found they had a strange attitude to dancing, being 'we know best' but nothing puts off the Barnsley U3A Sequence Dancing group. The following four evenings we gave it our best and made sure that we enjoyed ourselves. The ballroom was a pleasure to dance on and big enough for us all to move around. We watched and our more experienced dancers took notes so that when we returned we could learn some of the dances we did not know. Being in a larger hotel meant that if you did not want to dance all evening, there was some form of cabaret in another room. The last evening, we made it special by 'dressing up', which the ladies particular enjoyed, so that it had the feeling of a ball dance. There were other people who had booked the holiday with Kingshill Dancing, so we watched them to gain some tips.

I had decided that we would use some of our free time meeting up with someone from the U3A Scarborough Walker Group and if possible would they take us walking on the Wednesday morning. We have Tuesday and Wednesday walkers in our Sequence Dancing group, so I knew that they would be happy to walk David and I organised a walk on the Tuesday morning for anyone who did not want to do the dance training session. Eighteen dancers decided to join us on a walk from Robin Hood’s Bay to Boggle Hole and back. We all took the bus which was a fast adventure in itself; I think the driver had been training with the Stig from Top Gear! Arriving at the terminus in Robin Hood’s Bay, we walked along the cinder path until we took the route to Boggle Hole, which was taxing; a very steep downward hill to the beck meant a very steep upward hill towards the coast! At the bottom of the hill the beck flowed fast; fortunately, David found a different path which took us to a bridge; we would have

20 been a very wet and soggy bunch if we had had to wade through the beck. We arrived at Boggle Hole and were impressed by the cafe there. Inside it was lovely and cosy, with a real fire in the corner. We left after having homemade cakes and tea, and took the Cleveland Way towards Robin Hood’s Bay. Although we had stayed dry during the morning it was a dull, dismal day with a strong wind blowing. Walking along the cliff top with the sea crashing on the rocks below, however, was a real sight to see, absolutely beautiful.

On Wednesday, a lady from Scarborough U3A took us to pretty Thornton Le Dale for a five-mile country walk. Twenty-six people took the bus to the village; the bus driver must have thought he would take plenty of money but out came the twenty-six South Yorkshire bus passes! Dorothy, a really lovely person, took us for a super, flat walk passing an old church, a trout farm and plenty of fields with stock grazing in them. We strolled along taking in all the sights. We finished in the village in time to have lunch in the local bakery/cafe and then to stroll around the village before taking the return bus journey to Scarborough. We thanked Dorothy (pictured in purple anorak) and we must have impressed her for she wants us to return and walk with her again. We thoroughly enjoyed the walk plus her company and knowledge. It was good experience for her, as well; previously, the Scarborough groups she had led usually consisted of six to nine people so 26 walkers was something very different for her.

Those of us who walked were lucky; the weather was dull and overcast but we had no rain; this was a bonus as it had rained heavily in Scarborough (this was the week of the serious Fishlake floods in Doncaster). Other members of our group did their own thing, many going to Whitby or generally meandering around Scarborough. A few of us wanted to visit the Castle but being November, it had closed until Spring.

It was soon time to return to Barnsley. Coach and cars left in torrential rain but we had had a great week, so much so that 50 of us have already booked to repeat the exercise, but this time in Southend in September.

On the last evening, the group surprised me with a lovely bouquet and a thank-you gift for organising the holiday for them. I feel so grateful, they always make me feel appreciated; it was a lovely gesture, so a massive Thank You from me to all of them!

Three stunning DANCING JOKES from the Editor

1. A mushroom walked into a dance club and asked this girl to dance. She replied, "Are you kidding? You are a mushroom!" And the mushroom replied, "Oh come on. I am a fun guy!

2. What sort of dance does a plumber do? A tap dance!

3. What did the groovy bank robber say? “Everybody get down!”

4. A farmer strolls over to visit his neighbour and finds him dancing, naked, in the barn in front of the farm equipment. The farmer gasps, "Whoa! What are you doing?!" His neighbour replies, "Well, me and the wife haven't been getting on so well in the bedroom lately and our therapist recommended I do something sexy to a tractor."

BUZZ DEADLINE FOR JUNE 2020 ISSUE: FRIDAY 11TH MAY

Write to: [email protected] 21

Summer

Learning Break

Learn, laugh, live

th th 27 – 30 July 2020

The Hawkhills, Easingwold, YO61 3EG www.thehawkhills.com

What will you be up to next summer?

Back by popular demand following the success of our 2019 Summer School. Once again we’re offering you the opportunity to join us at our Summer School!

The Hawkhills is a perfect place for our Summer School

Set off the A19 just south of Easingwold and set within a 240-acre estate, the venue boasts well-appointed conference facilities and a modern accessible accommodation block providing comfortable en-suite bedrooms with all amenities. The Hawkhills has a reputation for first class cuisine as well as providing a cosy bar, relaxing lounge, conservatory areas and magnificent landscaped gardens opening out onto woodland with waymarked walks.

Course Topics to choose from: Jewellery Making Four Philosophers of Four Centuries Drawing for Art Talking About our Generation The Air We Breathe Battles fought in the County of Yorkshire Greek Mythology Dangerous Women and Murderous Men Railway Competition in NE England

Costs for our 3-night top class residential Summer School Full Board Delegate £380 Day Delegate (total) £190

** We are pleased to offer this year’s event at the same price as last time **

More information including preliminary course details are available on yahru3a.co.uk

Booking can be made from early January Follow the links to Events then Summer School 2020

The aim of our Summer School is to:  Provide members with new learning opportunities  Enable our members to explore a topic your U3A may not be able to offer  Enable delegates, in a magnificent setting, to share time out with other U3A members from across the region and beyond

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Flix is on the first and third Fridays of the month at 6pm at the Priory Campus. We have fish and chips for those who want it, if you don't want it that's fine. There’s no charge for a cuppa and biscuit at the moment, they’re on us, so the only charges are the £1 blue box fee and 20p towards the cost of films and whatever you order from the chippy. 20th March: WILD ROSE Cast: Jessie Buckley, Sophie Okonedo, Julie Walters, Tom Harper Storyline: Fresh out of prison, Rose-Lynn Harlan (Jessie Buckley) juggles her menial job, two children, and committed mother (Julie Walters) as she pursues her bold ambition of a one -way ticket to musical stardom. With the support of her boss (Sophie Okonedo), Rose -Lynn embarks on a life-changing journey that challenges her sense of self and she discover her true voice. Genre: Comedy, Drama, Music. 3rd April: THE ETRUSCAN SMILE (RORY’S WAY) Cast: Thora Birch, Brian Cox, Rosanna Arquette, Tim Matheson, Peter Coyote Storyline: The Etruscan Smile stars acclaimed British actor Brian Cox as Rory MacNeil, a rugged old Scotsman who reluctantly leaves his beloved isolated Hebridean island and travels to San Francisco to seek medical treatment. Moving in with his estranged son, Rory sees his life transformed through a newly found bond with his baby grandson. Genre: Drama 17th April: ON THE BASIS OF SEX Cast: Felicity Jones, Justin Theroux, Armie Hammer, Kathy Bates, Sam Waterston Storyline: On the Basis of Sex tells an inspiring and spirited true story that follows young lawyer Ruth Bader Ginsburg as she teams with her husband Marty to bring a ground breaking case before the U.S. Court of Appeals and overturn a century of gender discrimination. Genre: Biography, Drama, True Story

1st May: ANGEL HAS FALLEN Cast: Gerard Butler. Morgan Freeman, Piper Perabo, Jada Pinkett Smith, Nick Nolte Director: Ric Roman Waugh Storyline: Secret service agent Mike Banning himself becomes the target of terrorists, this time while mid-flight on Air Force One. Genre: Action, Adventure, Sequel

15th May: ROCKETMAN Cast: Taron Egerton, Jamie Bell, Richard Madden, Gemma Jones Storyline: An epic musical fantasy about the incredible human story of Elton John’s breakthrough years. The film follows the fantastical journey of transformation from shy piano prodigy Reginald Dwight into international superstar Elton John. This inspirational story – set to Elton John’s most beloved songs and performed by star Taron Egerton – tells the universally relatable story of how a small-town boy became one of the most iconic figures in pop culture. Genre: Biography, Drama, Music

5th June: TULLY Cast: Charlize Theron, Mackenzie Davis, Ron Livingston, Mark Duplass Storyline: Marlo (Academy Award® winner Charlize Theron), a mother of three including a newborn, is gifted a night nanny by her brother (Mark Duplass). Hesitant about the extravagance at first, Marlo comes to form a unique bond with the thoughtful, surprising, and sometimes challenging young nanny named Tully (Mackenzie Davis). Genre: Comedy

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FAMILY HISTORY AT DODWORTH LIBRARY Coordinator: Robert Green What did Grandad do in the war?

Men from Barnsley Pals going ‘over the top’ on the morning of 1st July 1916 – a rare photograph from the Imperial War Museum In early 2014, as the 100th anniversary approached of the outbreak of hostilities which became known as the Great War, or simply WW1, we challenged our Family History group at Dodworth Library to come out of the box of their family researches and possibly find out ‘What did Grandad do in the war?’ Of course it could have been a Great Aunt or Uncle we suggested. From there, the group members started ‘digging’ into records and family stories and hearsay and a wealth of information started to be created. Memorably, one of the group was heard to say at one of our meetings “I didn’t know that!” referring to the sexually transmitted diseases that were recorded during the war that a simple Google search had uncovered. Then, as 2014 progressed, there was talk amongst a number of Coordinators in our U3A, triggered, I have to say, by our ever-enthusiastic Martin King’s invitation to create something about that day, the 4th August 2014, that would connect our different BU3A groups with what was happening exactly 100 years previously. For our Choir? simple, the songs of the era. Martin, with his Table and Board Games, what games were being played back then? So many groups contributed in their own individual way. For us in Family History at Dodworth, our researches into ‘What did Grandad do in the War?’ was an ideal contribution. For Mike Pease, who coordinates our Family History Group at Priory Campus, the personal journey of his own Grandfather’s war was both informative yet tragic. On the day, 4th August, our U3A all came together at Priory to showcase much of what individual groups were doing and the connection to what was happening 100 years previously. The day was memorable for those of us attending and reinforced once again the social interaction and friendship between members that make Barnsley U3A what it is.

For us at Dodworth Library, we looked at the war memorial outside at the crossroads and asked ourselves, ‘Who were these fifty-five men from the village whose names are inscribed on the memorial’? This triggered a small research group which was helped by outside funding and became known as the Barnsley and District U3A WW1 War Memorial Group. Initial research uncovered that three men from the village had died during the conflict but their names were not on the memorial; we will probably never know why. The group, after many discussions, decided that they would like to research as best they could each serviceman’s service history together with his connection to the village and, if possible, make contact with living relatives of the men. Then, on the 100th anniversary of each man’s death, they wanted to connect with the community, the local churches, the Royal British Legion and others to recognise the sacrifice made by each man.

On the date of death of each man, a remembrance cross was placed at the memorial and then at the end of each month when a death or deaths had occurred, a service of remembrance took place (right) and a remembrance wreath was laid for each serviceman. These were well attended and living relatives who came time and again were so appreciative of the work done by the memorial group. A priority for the group was to have the three missing men’s names added to the memorial (left) and this was achieved in June 2016 before any of the three men’s deaths were commemorated. 24

At the end of November 2018, a final service of remembrance took place at the memorial, remembering not only those men who died 100 years previously but also some who returned home to then tragically die in the following years of wounds or of the Spanish flu epidemic that devastated so many countries at the time. Following that service, there was a blessing of a newly-planted oak tree at the rear of Dodworth Library, the ‘Memorial Oak Tree’, a legacy for future generations.

As I write this, the group are finalising their researches because time has moved on and new records have appeared and possible initial mistakes or assumptions may have been made, but the group members now want to draw to a close their work. For future generations, the legacy of their work is recorded digitally on the internet for each man and there will be a booklet containing all fifty-eight men and their stories archived in Dodworth Library and in Barnsley Archives in the Town Hall. Untold hours have been spent researching and yes, an award was given for the work, which was very much appreciated, but it has been a journey for each of us at a personal level, discovering what each of these men did in that dreadful war. Barnsley U3A has given us the opportunity to learn so much on so many different levels.

So why am I thinking at this time about a war that occurred over 100 years ago and which is now maybe fading a little in people’s memory? I believe that we should all do our best to make sure that we tell our children what our own fathers did during WW2. It is now eighty years since that second overwhelming and horrific conflict began, with sacrifices once again being made. We must ensure that our children know ‘What Grandad did in the War.’

MOTO 2 (Members On Their Own) Coordinators: Linda McDevitt, Annie Rhodes

After deliberating for months, I formed MOTO 2. I should never have doubted that it would be a success. On the evening of our first meeting the room felt big with just a few people in it but as it filled up I knew I’d made the right decision. After the fun introduction, I added the but! I can’t run the group on my own. Do you know our BU3A members always amaze, by the end of the evening MOTO 2 had new Coordinators, someone in charge of tea and coffee, a meals Coordinator plus the blue box sorted.

The name of the group speaks for itself! The aim is to provide companionship for members who want to take part in a variety of activities but would rather not do so alone. Members make suggestions on outings - maybe go out to lunch, dinner, theatre or cinema, visit a place of particular interest, go to an exhibition or concert. If you're interested, please get in touch with Linda McDevitt, Annie Rhodes or me, as the group is still open to new members.

Vanda Outram

MUSIC FOR PLEASURE Coordinator: Robert Seager

Our first 2020 meeting will be on Wednesday 11th March at 2.00pm. Our meetings will now take place at the POLLYFOX Centre in Dodworth. This building provides a good comfortable room with excellent seating as a real bonus!

We are hoping that members who have an interest in recorded music, and in live music in the surrounding area, will come along and give the group a try as our current membership is only 14 and new members would be greatly appreciated.

Naturally, a warm welcome is guaranteed for everyone attending.

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BARNSLEY U3A ACTIVITY GROUPS ‘The Buzz’ is used as promotional material at many BU3A events but the Contact List is always removed so that Coordinators’ and Committee Members’ email addresses and phone numbers are not available to non-members. Here are all our groups in Activity Types so that prospective members who are given a ‘Buzz’ can look straight to their personal interests rather than search for them in the Daily Activities on the next five pages. ART GROUPS Art Appreciation, Art for Beginners, Art Group Penistone, Brushstrokes, Drawing, Painting for Pleasure. COMPUTER & I.T. Computing/Photoshop, Photography, Video & Media Creation. COOKING & BAKING Breadmaking, Pastry in Penistone, Posh Puds. CRAFT Calligraphy, Card Making and Other Crafts, Crafty Chat, Every Craft, Jewellery Making, Patchwork Projects Penistone, Quilting Bee, Sew Much To Do, Stitches. DANCE & EXERCISE Country Dancing 1, Country Dancing 2, Movement to Music, Sequence Dancing 1, Sequence Dancing 2, Tai Chi, Vintage Social, Yoga & Meditation. DINING OUT Chinese Nights, Curry Nights, Italian Nights. FILM, MEDIA & PERFORMANCE Flix@6, Magic (Abracadabra), Penistone Paramount Theatre, Theatre. GAMES Board Games/Chess, Board Games Penistone, Bridge, Canasta. HISTORY, GEOGRAPHY & GENEALOGY Family History @ Priory, Family History @ Dodworth Library, History, How We Used to Live, Local History, Social History & Literature, Studying West Africa. LANGUAGES French: Language & Culture, French: Conversational, French: Francophiles, German: Conversational, Italian: Beginners, Spanish: Beginners & Intermediate, Spanish: Conversational LITERATURE Book Forum 1, Book Forum 2, Literature. MATHS AND SCIENCES Cosmology, Geology – Barnsley Rocks MUSIC Choir, Classical Music/Opera, Flutes Galore, Guitar, Music for Pleasure, Old Blowers (Brass Instruments), Recorders, Singalong for Fun, Ukeanplayers Uke Group, Ukeleles: The Stringalongs. SOCIALISING Facebook, MOTO (Members On Their Own) 1, MOTO 2, MOTO Penistone, New Members Link, Occasions Darfield. SPORTS Badminton, Crown Green Bowling @ Ardsley – every weekday, Crown Green Bowling @ Carlton, Crown Green Bowling @ Penistone, Cycling, Golf, Hula-Hoop Fitness, Netball, Racketball, Snooker, Stepping Up For Fitness, Table Tennis, Ten-Pin Bowling Monday & Wednesday, Walking Galacticos (Football). STAND-ALONE GROUPS Bird Watching, Campervans & Caravans, Classical Studies, Current Affairs, Gardening, Healthy Lifestyle, Motorcycling, NatureQuest, Out and About, Quizmasters. WALKING GROUPS Bus Pass Walkers, Happy Feet, Penistone Walking, Sunday Strollers, Thursdays Longer Walks, Thursday Walkers, Tuesday Walkers, Wednesday Ramblers. WRITING Creative Writing, Stories for Pleasure.

PICKING UP A BUZZ Any member unable to pick up a copy of The Buzz at the Monday Monthly Meeting at Priory Campus or from a Coordinator, can obtain a copy from Age UK Barnsley offices on Eldon Street, opposite the Parkway Cinema. Members will be asked to sign for copies taken; they will be allowed to take copies on behalf of other members who have chosen to collect their copy. All members who have chosen to collect their Buzz need to know where they will collect it. We do not keep detailed records of such for every member.

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VENUE BUS STAND

AGE UK BARNSLEY, 36a Queens Road, Barnsley S71 1AR

ALDER CLOSE COMMUNITY CENTRE: Off Longsight Road, Mapplewell S75 6JA 1 10

ARDSLEY BOWLING CLUB: Coronation Terrace, Off Doncaster Rd, Ardsley S715BE 219 21

ARDSLEY OAKS WMC: 680 Doncaster Rd, Ardsley, Barnsley S71 5EF 219 21

BARNSLEY BOWL: Carlton Road, Barnsley S71 2AZ 12 8

BIRDWELL COMMUNITY CENTRE: Rockingham Street, Birdwell S70 5TQ 2 / 66 / 67 1

BURTON GRANGE COMMUNITY CENTRE: Wike Road, Lundwood S71 5LT 32 16

CUDWORTH METHODIST CHURCH: Barnsley Road, Cudworth, Barnsley, S72 8SU 27 16

DARTON PARISH HALL: Church St, Darton, Barnsley S75 5HF 93 5

DODWORTH LIBRARY: High Street, Dodworth, Barnsley, S75 3RF 22 4

DODWORTH MINERS WELFARE CLUB: High Street, Dodworth, Barnsley S75 3RF 22 4

EMMANUEL CHURCH: Huddersfield Road, Barnsley S75 1DT 95 5

KING STREET FLATS: Waltham Street, Barnsley, S70 1JU 22X / 6 18 / 17

MANOR COURT COMMUNITY CENTRE: Westend Ave, Royston, Barnsley S71 4LN 57 13

MAPPLEWELL AND STAINCROSS VILLAGE HALL: Darton Lane, Barnsley S75 6AL 1 10

MONK BRETTON METHODIST CHURCH: High St, Monk Bretton, Barnsley S71 2PJ 57 13

PENISTONE BOWLING CLUB: Back Lane, Penistone S36 6DW 22 4

POLLYFOX COMMUNITY CENTRE, Pollyfox Way, Dodworth S75 3QR 22 4

PRIORY CAMPUS: Pontefract Road, Lundwood, Barnsley S71 5PN 27 17

ST JOHN’S COMMUNITY CENTRE: Church St, Penistone S36 6AR 22 4

ST THOMAS’S COMMUNITY CENTRE: Church St, Gawber, Barnsley S75 2RJ 92 / 93 4

SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH: Doncaster Road, Barnsley, S70 3HA 6/22X/218/21 18 / 19

STOCKSBRIDGE LEISURE CENTRE: Moorland Drive, Stocksbridge, S36 1EG 23 5

STAIRFOOT CONSTITUTIONAL CLUB: 466 Doncaster Road, Barnsley S70 3PW 222/226/X19 18 / 19

TESCOs: Wombwell Lane, Stairfoot, Barnsley S70 3NS 22X 18

VALLEY COMMUNITY CENTRE: Manor Road, Cudworth, Barnsley S72 8DG 27 15

WESLEYAN REFORM CHURCH: Spark Lane, Mapplewell S75 6AA 1 10

WOMBWELL METHODIST CHURCH: Summer Lane, Wombwell, Barnsley S73 8HE 22 18

WORSBROUGH BRIDGE SOCIAL CLUB: Sheffield Rd, Worsbrough Bridge S70 5EJ 66 2

WORSBROUGH LIBRARY: Elm House Estate, Queensway, Worsbrough S70 5EN. 66 2

Changes were made to some routes and timings in Summer 2019. If you know that the above list contains incorrect information, please notify the Buzz team on [email protected] or speak to them at a monthly meeting. For further information, contact BTI on 01226 213313 or Traveline on 01709 515151

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THE CHOIR Assistant Conductor and Pianist: Neil Stones

About 6 years ago I decided to join the BU3A Choir. The afternoon rehearsals at Emmanuel church suited me very well, I knew the premises as I occasionally play the organ there and the journey to rehearsals is easy. I was immediately impressed by the quality of the singing and the dedication of the singers, many of whom cannot read music, making it more difficult to learn the songs. All the members were willing to help each other, following the example set by Tony Jermy, founder member and conductor.

A bonus for me is that Tony and his committee are very generous, allowing me to arrange songs and also to conduct them. I find it hugely rewarding and satisfying when everything comes together at rehearsals and at our many concerts. It is a wonderful feeling. A good example is the superb women’s rendition of Dvorak’s ‘Song to the Moon’ (left).

The songs that I arrange for the choir are usually old; they have to be, because the copyright rules, which generally protect music for the life of the composer plus an additional 70 years, often prevent me from using more modern material. Of course, you always want to keep all of the singers happy all of the time with great songs but one of the real problems for singers is that they never actually get to hear the fantastic final result that the conductor and audience hear. I have been singing in various choirs for 70 years and in every choir there has always been the same problem. Singers want to like every song they sing, it is natural. Our tastes can differ quite a lot so you just get on and with hard work, concentration and commitment, the results are invariably good. An important thing to remember is that our enjoyment is only one reason for being in a choir, we are also there to please the audience with a wide range of tastes.

The choir is doing really well but I feel that a few more singers would be beneficial, contraltos, tenors and basses in particular. We are working hard every Tuesday afternoon at Emmanuel Church preparing new songs and reviving some songs which were performed many years ago. It is going to be good year and I look forward to seeing some new faces soon.

BOOK FORUM 1 Coordinator: Jacqueline McGeever

Our group continues to do well. We have had a few enquiries about us and one joined us in January. Welcome! Book Forum numbers are necessarily limited but we could probably manage to squeeze in one more little 'un! Please contact if you are interested. Importantly, we have changed the time of our Worsborough Library meetings: every second Monday, 12.00 to 1.00 for the foreseeable future. PLEASE ALSO NOTE APRIL MEETING FALLS ON EASTER MONDAY; as the library will be closed, the meeting is cancelled; we will discuss alternative dates and all members will be advised.

We have chosen our reads for 2020; here are the titles for the first half of the year.

Jan 13th 'Transcription' by Kate Atkinson

Feb 10th 'A Single Thread' by Tracy Chevalier - "A wonderfully depicted historical tale of female strength and spirit"

Mar 9th 'Normal People' by Sally Rooney - "Exquisitely painful but simply wonderful"

Apr 13th 'Mansfield Park' by Jane Austin - "A darkly satirical glimpse into morality and social mobility within the nineteenth-century British class system"

May 11th 'No Man's Land' by David Baldacci - "is an exciting thriller featuring special investigator, John Puller, who is pursuing a case that will send him deep into his own troubled past.

June 8th 'The Beekeeper of Aleppo' by Christy Lefteri " A book of darkness and light, of horrors and hope, and the true power of the human spirit”.

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HEALTHY LIFESTYLE Coordinator: David Patrick

Towards the end of last year one or two U3A members were thinking of starting a new group which would have improving/maintaining health as its focus. To get the group started the name ‘Healthy Eating/Healthy Living’ was chosen and the group started to meet in the Community Room at the Stairfoot Tesco store – a good venue with free, easy parking; something of a rarity in Barnsley these days!

After a few meetings, comments and ideas started to come in. Unfortunately, it appeared that a lot of people thought it was a new diet club to help people to lose weight. Definitely not! The scope of the group is much wider.

After a short time of reflection, it was decided to try a new name which would suggest the type of things done by the group. So, the Healthy Lifestyle Group was born.

A healthy lifestyle is one which helps to support and improve one’s health and well- being. Words like active, dynamic, energetic, lively, spiritual, vigorous, vital, vivid and vibrant were all used to describe the type of lifestyle/life that people wanted to live. The aim of the group is:

To promote healthy lifestyle choices which would support and encourage those in search of a more vibrant, healthy way of living.

To this end, recent presentations have included:

 An introduction to Nutrition, based on ‘colourful eating’, which included an opportunity to make and taste a simple ‘winter’ salad.  A talk with helpful tips on cooking for one.  Finding Movement that works for You – simple physical activities for ‘older adults’! and an opportunity to try some out (nothing too energetic!).  Relaxation and rest; the importance of both to our well-being. Having tried one session of this we will be having more opportunities to practise relaxation in future meetings.  A new take on ‘New Year Resolutions’ to help us to recognise and make use of opportunities for change in our lives.  Simple ways to keep yourself (and family) healthy and safe this winter.

Meetings planned for February/March are:

 7th Feb ‘Eating Clean’  21st Feb Nature’s helps for health  6th March ‘Looking after the Mind’ presented by Alan Swann  20th March To be confirmed – if you have an idea let me know.

If you think you would like to join us to see first-hand what we do, please come along for 10.30 to the Tesco store on the dates given. Or you could apply to join the group and receive emails of what is happening month by month.

Looking forward to meeting you at the next Healthy Lifestyle Session.

Three Healthy Lifestyle and Italian (see next page) jokes ed.

1 Did you hear about the Venetian chef who died yesterday? He pasta way. He just ran out of thyme. Here today, gone tomato. His wife is still upset, cheese still not over it. We never sausage a tragedy coming. Ashes to ashes, crust to crust. There’s just not mushroom for Italian chefs in today’s world.

2 Do you know what happens when an Italian dies? Rigatoni begins to set in.

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ITALIAN FOR BEGINNERS: Italiano per i principianti Coordinator: Ron Cooper

Why come to these classes? To learn Italian - seems obvious! We do have some complete novices, starting from scratch, but also those who have studied before and already have some knowledge of vocabulary, grammar and pronunciation. "Having studied Italian for a short time several years ago, I enjoyed what I did learn, especially the melodic quality of the language — picking it up again, I hope I will keep the little grey cells alive”, says one member, while another, who has studied and taught French for many years, says, “It would be good to learn another European language to help make any future travel more rewarding". These positive comments are shared by all the group and I have been pleased with progress so far. We started last March, meeting fortnightly in St Thomas's Community Centre, Gawber, a comfortable venue for our current ten members. Other European languages — French, German and Spanish — are already well-established in BU3A, so I had the idea of offering a start-up course using Usborne's excellent 'Italian for Beginners’, as well as extracts on tapes and CDs, covering various aspects of language, grammar and culture; from it, we’ve sung 'Volare' in the original and listened to Pavarotti singing Italian opera. My love of Italian dates from my 2 years (aged 18-20) living and working in Switzerland, in the Italian speaking canton of Ticino, in the small border town of Chiasso, set between the lakes of Lugano and Como. Not a bad place to work as a correspondence clerk and translator. Having studied A-level French and Spanish, Italian came fairly easily as well as being surrounded in an office where English was not spoken. In at the deep end!! I've kept up my interest in the subject with the help of GCSE and A-level studies some years ago and also my love of Italian opera. This year we're looking forward to improving our conversational skills and learning more of Italian life and culture. We're not an exam class, but just keen to soldier on!

CROWN GREEN BOWLING Roy Marsden

We start at Ardsley Bowling Club on 16 March with a 10am start every day from Monday to Friday. Please contact the following coordinators for the day you wish to bowl: Monday Fred Helmsley Tuesday Alan Swann Wednesday Sandra Naylor Thursday Mike Pease Friday Roy Marsden

The registers were full last year so places may be limited as we can only allow 4 “jacks” on the green at each session.

Any member wishing to play in Barnsley league matches: Fee is £30. For ‘casual’ morning bowling the cost is £20. For ‘casual’ bowlers who only want to play occasionally the cost is £1.50 per session.

This year we are proposing to hold casual bowling sessions 7 days per week so if there is anyone interested in Saturday or Sunday bowling this will start on Saturday 28 March. Please contact Roy Marsden about these proposed new bowling days if you wish to put your name on one of the two new registers.

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THURSDAY WALKERS APRIL -JULY 2020 Coordinator: Jean Potter Date Leader Meeting place Walk area Distance April 2nd Les W Wentworth Wentworth 6 April 16th Denise and Long Lane off Loxley Common Loxley 6 Mick April 30th Dave H Pilley Community Centre Pilley,Stainborough 6 May 7th Andy A Holme village Ramsden reservoir 6 May 21st Jean P Thaal Darfield Manvers Lake Old Moor 6 June 4th John S Winscar Res north CP GR Winscar 5.5 SE155033 June 18th Dave A Millbrook, Millhouse Green, S36 Walk Millhouse Green and then 9NU plenty of off road parking. buffet at Di and Dave’s. July 2nd Pat/Jean Ewden res. Ewden /Glen Howe circular 5 July 9th Andy A Haworth Joint walk with long walking group July 16th Jackie W Bradfield CP Bradfield area 5/6 July 30th Mike H Kendal Green CP Stainborough 6

THURSDAYS LONGER WALKS Coordinator: Brian Smyth

The walks vary in difficulty, the ‘A’ walks being more challenging. For more details on any of the walks, contact the walk leader. Interested in joining the group? Contact Brian Smyth. All walks start at 10:00 unless otherwise stated. *what3words

Date Leader Meeting Place Walking Area Miles

12th March Dave Ernwood Reservoir car park Goyt Valley, Shining Tor 9 ‘A’ Walk Allaway Grid Ref: 013 756 & Windgather Rocks *w3w : strutting.dusters.vows 26th March Brian Shireoaks Village Hall Shireoaks, Chesterfield Canal, 8.5 ‘B’ Walk Smyth Grid Ref: 554 809 Anston Stones Wood *w3w : gravitate.audibly.zebra

9th April Mike Hay Wood Nat. Trust car park Frogatt Edge 9 ‘B’ Walk Hawley Grid Ref: 255 777 *w3w : bother.care.villa 23rd April KESWICK KESWICK KESWICK

14th May Dave Upper Burbage Bridge car park Upper Burbage Bridge 10 ‘A’ Walk Hallas Grid Ref: 260 829 & Grouse Inn *w3w : stocks.manage.bulb 28th May Mick Langsett Barn car park Outer Edge & Little Don 10 ‘B’ Walk Mosforth Grid Ref: 212 004 *w3w : managed.outbid.songbird 11th June Phil Bolsterstone Village Bolsterstone Dales 10 ‘A’ Walk Verhamme Grid Ref: 271 968 & Moorland *w3w : mostly.beak.humidity 25th June David Meet at Harthill Village car park Rotherham Ramble 10 ‘B’ Walk Leadbeater Grid Ref: 492 806 *w3w : hobby.swarm.weekday

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WEDNESDAY RAMBLERS Coordinator: Dave Webber Many thanks to all our walk leaders for a diverse and interesting selection of walks. Please contact Dave Webber (number on contact list) if you are interested in joining the group. Walks start at 10.00. Date Meeting Place Walking Area Leader(s)

4th Tankersley Welfare Hall, Pilley Lane, Pilley, Pilley Circular walk Dave and March Barnsley, nearest postcode S75 3AP Helen Webber 11th Wellbourne Lane, Ingbirchworth Royd Moor reservoir Jane Lawford March (off A629 Huddersfield Road). 18th On road at Tivy Dale, Cawthorne Deffer Wood Pauline Rowland March 25th Skelmanthorpe Junior F C car park Part of Skelmanthorpe Sheila Metcalfe March Cross Lane, Huddersfield HD8 9BR Circular Trail

1st Car Park behind Wickes Old Mill Ln, Dearne Valley and Denise Woodger April Barnsley S71 1LS Mapplewell 8th Hooton Pagnell Church, Hall Cottages, Circular Walk around Pat Butcher April Hooton Pagnell, Doncaster DN5 7BW Hooton Pagnell 15th Station Inn, Knabbs Ln, Falthwaite area and Easter Dave and April Silkstone Common, S75 4RB buffet after at Station Inn. Helen Webber 22nd To be confirmed Pauline Haigh April 29th Crowden Outdoor Centre Car Park on Torside, David Osborne April A628, Woodhead Pass, SK13 1HZ Longendale Reservoir

6th Yummy Yorkshire, Denby Dale HD8 8XY Upper Denby Sheila Metcalfe May 13th TPT car park, Finkle Street, Wortley Circular walk Pat Addy May 20th Top of Cuttlehurst Lane at Junction with Around Scissett passing by Jose and May Wheatley Hill. Scissett. HDF 9LF Bagden Hall Gordon Firth 27th Crown Inn, Barnburgh, Doncaster Road, High Melton area Lynda Gensavage May Barnburgh, Doncaster, DN5 7JQ and Pat Butcher 3rd May Day Green, Barnsley. U3A NATIONAL DAY. Dave and June U3A MEMBERS PLEASE JOIN US Barnsley and Dearne Helen Webber 10th On road at Tivydale, Cawthorne Cawthorne and Silkstone Erica Claxton. Susan June and Peter Harling 17th Day Trip. Barnsley Bus station stand 22. Flamborough to Bridlington Dave and June 8.30am departure Helen Webber 24th Rose and Crown, Barnsley Rd, Hoylandswaine area Pauline Rowland June Hoylandswaine, Sheffield S36 7HA 1st Pennine Garden Centre, Huddersfield Rd, Shelley area Sheila Metcalfe July Shelley, Huddersfield HD8 8LF

OUR WALK ON 3RD JUNE STARTS AT MAY DAY GREEN, IN THE TOWN CENTRE, IN SUPPORT OF U3A NATIONAL DAY.

WE ARE HAPPY FOR ANY U3A MEMBERS TO JOIN US ON THE DAY FOR ALL OR PART OF THE WALK. WE WILL PROBABLY WALK ABOUT 4 MILES SOME OF WHICH WILL BE IN THE TOWN CENTRE GIVING OUT LEAFLETS AND TALKING TO PEOPLE.

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TUESDAY WALKS Co-ordinators: Helen and Syd Swift

All walks meet at 09:45am for a 10am start and will be approximately 5 to 6 miles long. We estimate that they will be completed by 1:00pm. The walks vary in severity so please check with the leader if you have any concerns about suitability. There is usually a nearby refreshment venue if members wish to socialise after the walk. Unfortunately, we have reached full capacity and are unable to take new members at this present time.

Dates Meeting Place Walking Area Leader(s)

10 March Langsett Barn Car Park Langsett Reservoir Chris Langsett S36 4GY Refreshments: Biker’s Café, Langsett 24 March The Crown Ludwell Close Barnburgh Craggs John Parr Barnburgh, Doncaster DN5 7JQ and Refreshments: The Crown Alan 7 April Fishermen’s Car Park. Directions given later. Wombwell Woods Robina Refreshments: Dearne Valley Farm Pub or KFC

21 April Main Car Park (near Rockingham Arms) Wentworth Mollie Main Street, Wentworth S62 7TL Refreshments: Local 5 May Car Park Church Street, Carlton S71 3EU Carlton/Royston Kim and Nicki Directions to be sent beforehand Boundary Refreshments: Local Café 19 May Cawthorne Village Hall, Tivy Dale S75 4EH Deffer Woods Pauline and Robert Refreshments: Local Café 2 June Skelmanthorpe Junior FC Car Skelmanthorpe Sheila Park Smithy Lane, Skelmanthorpe HD8 9DE Refreshments: Garden Centre 16 June Coach Trip to Grassington Grassington Pauline with Robert, Travel Details to be provided Helen, Dot and Pam

PENISTONE WALKING Coordinator: Susan Green

Here we are enjoying a crisp winter walk around Upper Denby and Ingbirchworth. We meet on the 1st and 3rd Fridays of each month. Each walk starts at 10am and is 4-5 miles long. We are a friendly group and we welcome new members.

SUNDAY STROLLERS Coordinator: Beth Rudkin March 8th 10.30. Wigfield Farm, S70 5NQ, led by Jo and Andy Kasparek. A beautiful short walk, with a café to finish April 19th 10.30. Pot House Hamlet, Silkstone, S75 4JU, led by George Smith. A short walk with a touch of history. Please note the change of normal date, above. May 10th 10.30. Langsett Reservoir, S36 4GY, led by Chris Storey. Lakeside walk, free car park and café to follow. June 14th 10.30. Manvers Lake, S63 7DG, led by Gordon Wilson. Lakeside walk with café/clubhouse to follow.

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THURSDAY BUS PASS WALKERS Coordinators: Anne Swann & Marj Wallace

This list uses timetables available at time of going to print but routes and timings can change at short notice. If an alternative walk has to be submitted, it will use a bus journey from original meeting place at the same meeting time. In case of inclement weather, please telephone early either Marjorie Wallace (723399) or Anne Swann (241200). It is recommended that good footwear be worn and if required the use of one or two walking poles. It is also advisable to bring a drink and a piece of energy food with you. DATE LEADER DETAILS

5 March 2020 Anne Swann & Meet in Barnsley Bus Station by the Enquiries Office at 10.00 am. Marj Wallace Walk to Queens Road then take lane passing the allotments to the Canal Basin at Dearne Park, continuing on the TPT to Wombwell Lane. Refreshments available at Tesco or Dunelm. Frequent buses return to Barnsley. (5 miles)

19 March 2020 Anne Swann & Meet at Barnsley Bus Station for 10.25 bus, route 226, stand 18 to Wath. Marj Wallace We will join the Dearne Valley Way and walk to the Bird Sanctuary at Broomhill. Refreshments are available in the cafe. Buses return to Barnsley from Pontefract Road, Brampton, on the hour and half hour. (4 miles)

2 April 2020 Marj Wallace & Meet at Barnsley Bus Station for 10.00 Globe Coaches bus, route 96, stand 4 Anne Swann to Bretton Sculpture Park. Walk around the lake and through the park to the centre for refreshments (approx 4-5 miles). Return buses at 12.29, 13.29 and 14.29.

16 April 2020 Marj Wallace Meet at Barnsley Bus Station for 10.30 bus, route 57, stand 13, to Royston. (Anne away) Maureen Fenton will escort everyone on the bus as Marjorie will join you at Carlton. Walk from Carlton Academy via TPT and canal to Royston Rabbit Ings Country Park for a circular walk of the former Monkton Colliery site, with spectacular views over Barnsley and surrounding areas. Regular buses return to Barnsley from Midland Road. (3-4 miles). 7 May 2020 Anne Swann & Meet at Barnsley Bus Station for 10.15 bus, route 59, stand 13, to Sandal. Marj Wallace Walk to Sandal Castle for views over Wakefield and surrounding area before continuing to Pugney’s Country Park for a walk around the lake before making our way to the Wetherby Whaler for lunch. Walk into Wakefield for return to Barnsley by either bus or train. (3-4 miles)

21 May 2020 Marj Wallace & Meet at Barnsley Bus Station for 10.26 bus, route 32, stand 16, to Priory Anne Swann Campus bus stop. Monk Bretton Priory Walk - Cross road, walk along snicket towards the Priory. Taking bridlepath at side of the Events Area, we walk to Sunny Bank viaduct and continue on TPT to Lund Lane, returning to the Events Area. Refreshments available at Priory Campus. Frequent return buses to Barnsley from Lundwood. (4 miles)

4 June 2020 Anne Swann & Meet at Train Station Ticket Office at 9.55 to purchase ticket for 10.12 fast Marj Wallace train to Sheffield. Supertram to Rother Valley Country Park. Walk around the lakes. Bring a packed lunch or this can be purchased at the Cafe. Reverse return journey to Barnsley arriving approximately 3.30 pm.

BUZZ DEADLINE FOR JUNE 2020 ISSUE: FRIDAY 11TH MAY

Write to: [email protected]

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SANDRA BOOTH Sunday, 10th November, 2019.

The day had arrived. It was a cold, crisp, sunny morning.

I have been chosen by the Royal British Legion to represent the Association of Wrens, of which I am a member, to take part in the Remembrance Day Parade at the Cenotaph in London. I felt honoured and proud.

I arrived at Horse Guards Parade at 9am as instructed, feeling very excited but nervous too. I soon found our group as we were recognisable by our blue tartan scarves, which are specially woven by an outfitter in Scotland. Old friends, ladies like me, who had never had the privilege before, chatted, exchanged news and the years fell away.

By 10 o'clock, the parade ground was massed with regiments from all the armed forces, serving members and veterans. Medals were glinting in the sun. Proud men and women who had served their Queen and country. We were a large contingent of 120 Wrens, mostly veterans.

The order was given for us to form our columns and to have rows of six. I positioned myself next to a lady who was carrying a wreath so I knew that there would be a possibility of my family and friends spotting me easily as she had to hand the wreath over at the Cenotaph.

We were then given the signal to march through the archway from Horse Guards on to Whitehall where we were then held whilst the service was in progress. We were able to watch on the huge screens that were positioned high above the ground.

The Royal Hussars were opposite us alongside many other regiments, so lots of chat and banter was going on. One old soldier found an old love who had been a medic and was in our group. They were thrilled to see each other again.

After the 2 minutes’ silence had taken place, we slowly moved forward. Then a rousing “By the left quick march” was heard and we were on the move. I had to really concentrate now, not easy when all the regiments waiting their turn were shouting and cheering us on. The sun was straight in our eyes, so when the order came “Eyes left” as we approached the Cenotaph, all I could see were soldiers' bearskins. But it was a very emotional moment. Ahead was a difficult piece of marching as I would be on the outside which meant I would have to take large strides in order to turn the corner. Easy when you are young but not so now, but I made it without falling out of step. Before long we were back onto Horse Guards Road but now we had a problem as a different band was playing and at a much slower pace which meant we all had to adjust our step. The final salute was taken by Prince Andrew at the war memorial opposite HorseGuards. We then had to stand easy on the parade ground while the other contingents completed the march past before we were dismissed.

All too soon it was time to say goodbye, hugs all round and maybe next year we will do the same again. I was pleased that my partner, Dave, managed to get a photo of me (left) from the live BBC coverage of the event; that’s me in the middle!

I played a very small part in my Naval service, but I felt very proud that day to have been able to honour all the truly brave men and women who sacrificed so much for us all to live a better life.

We will always remember them.

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CYCLING Coordinator: Les Roberts

The Cycling Group meets fortnightly on Tuesdays from late February to early November at 10am. The rides suit all abilities and are on the Trans Pennine Trail, Wakefield Wheel or similar routes. Frequent stops are scheduled in for refreshments & socialising. For more information, please contact Les Roberts on 01226 297260 Date Meeting place Ride to: March 3rd Pugneys Water Park Wakefield Wheel circular route March 17th RSPB Old Moor Cusworth Country Park March 31st Anglers Country Park Stanley Ferry & Normanton circular route April 14th TPT Brayton, near Selby York April 28th Stanley Ferry Temple Newsam May 12th Rother Valley Country Park Tapton Lock & Poolsbrook May 26th Cusworth Country Park Sykehouse & Moss June 9th Clumber Park cycle trails June 23rd RSPB Old Moor Cusworth Country Park

CREATIVE WRITING Coordinator: Martyn Jones

The members of the Creative Writing Group would like to thank the Management Committee and everyone who purchased a copy of ‘Not Just Words’ for supporting our foray into the world of publishing. It was very pleasing to sell every one of the 100 copies within two months. The Treasurer has received a donation of £184 from the profits. The remaining amount has gone towards the cost of inviting a Published

Author to speak at one of our meetings.

It was good to see so many copies bought at the November Monthly Meeting.

POSH PUDS Coordinators: Chrissie White & Helen Webber

The next 6 sessions of Posh Puds are due to commence on Thursday 16th April, from 2.00 pm to 4.00pm, and will take place on consecutive weeks. If you are interested in making delicious desserts, you are more than welcome to join the group. An interest list will be placed on the notice board at the Monthly meetings on March 2nd and April 6th. Alternatively, you can contact one of the Coordinators whose telephone numbers are on the Contact List. As the group takes place in a private house, the venue will only be disclosed to interested members.

TUESDAY GARDENERS Coordinator: Judith Hunt Spring Programme 07 April 2020 To be confirmed

21 April 2020 Felley Priory (right)

5 May 2020 A visit to the garden of Ann-Marie and Nigel Booth at Flockton, Wakefield

19 May 2020 Lea Rhododendron Gardens, Matlock (right)

02 June 2020 A visit to ‘Rose Cottage’, the garden of Mr James Milner, Thurlstone.

16 June 2020 A visit to ‘Fernleigh’, the garden of Christine Littlewood, Meadowhead, Sheffield.

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WALKING CRICKET Coordinator: Mac McKechnie

BARNSLEY U3A CRICKET “WALKS” ACROSS YORKSHIRE

Walking Cricket is the fastest growing sport for older people in Yorkshire. We are in partnership with Yorkshire Cricket Foundation, the charity arm of Yorkshire Cricket Club, and we now have U3A Walking Cricket groups all over the county, growing at a bewildering pace from Barnsley’s start early last year. Barnsley, then Doncaster, Rotherham, Wakefield, Sheffield with Grimsby, Cleethorpes and Ripon (to name just a few) on the horizon and even more starting up in 2020.

As well as some players with no experience, we get some serious ex-cricketers who are able to play again the sport we love. Here is one of our latest members, Chris Parkes (right in the photo, umpiring in Barbados), who writes:

“I played Senior Cricket from the age of 12 until 62, exactly 50 yrs. Unfortunately, bowel and kidney cancer forced my retirement, but two operations cured those. During my 20's Rugby Union took up my winters, culminating in winning the Yorkshire Cup with Wakefield in 1969. To be closer to the action, I took up cricket umpiring in 2005 and quickly progressed to

officiate in the Senior Cup Final in 2008.

In 2009, I moved up to the Bradford Premier League for three years and then another three in the South Yorkshire senior League, during which time I had 2 hips replaced. I returned to the Bradford League in 2017 as South Yorks told me I was too old. But my thought was,

mature and experienced!

From 2012 onwards I was involved with England Blind Cricket and this led to accompanying the England Blind Ladies Team to play five matches against West Indies Ladies in Barbados. My highlight was being introduced to Sir Garfield Sobers (the greatest all-rounder of modern times, in my opinion!). The Ladies were wonderful throughout but there were, of course, some difficult times but they give you memories to last a lifetime!

Thanks to Mac McKechnie from Barnsley U3A Walking Cricket, I will again be involved with umpiring Deaf Cricket at a senior level during the coming season, as well as playing and umpiring with Barnsley U3A Walking Cricket team.

Like a lot of retired people, I still yearn to play and have now discovered Walking Cricket through joining BU3A. The camaraderie and social aspect are fantastic and the game itself is going from strength to strength. Anyone with a sporting background or even with no experience at all should have a go - it keeps you fit and mentally alert, and for many helps to alleviate loneliness in the community”.

CLASSICAL STUDIES Coordinator: Jeremy Dinsdale

Members of the Classics Group went to London on Tuesday 4th February to see the special exhibition presently on display at the British Museum. The exhibition showed all aspects of the story of Troy, starting with the different myths that give an account of events prior to the 10-year war, during it and after the war was over.

This was followed by displays giving an insight into archaeological discoveries linked to the events. The final part was devoted to the ways the events have continued to be represented over the years in art, literature, film and drama right up to the present day. It was a tiring but thoroughly enjoyable experience and all of us felt it had helped us Achilles in need of heel treatment (and a dressing gown?) (ed) appreciate more the topics we have been exploring.

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NEW MEMBERS LINK Coordinator: Eveline Mirfin

I am a Bristolian but I still remember vividly how excited I was with the upheaval of moving ‘up north’ with my gorgeous new husband to begin our married life in Sheffield. Five years after that we moved to Barnsley, which I now consider home. Reluctantly, a couple of years ago, following a knee injury, I had to give up my first sport, golf. Golfers will tell you that walking without a golf club in your hand is a complete waste of time! But needs must, and I joined the Happy Feet walking group, who often get lost, but the company is great.

It was during my last couple of golf games that a fellow golfer mentioned the U3A. As not golfing would lead to a big void in my life, I decided to join. This was the wisest decision I could have made and I go to several groups which I thoroughly enjoy.

Stepping up to coordinate a group, for some, takes a little courage. I can personally assure members that the time and effort that you put into running a group is repaid many times over by the friends you make and the fun you have.

Somewhat apprehensively, I had signed up to join BU3A in January 2014. Being unsure of how I would react to meeting other members at the monthly meetings and feeling somewhat isolated and conspicuous, I sat on my own.

But finally I took the plunge and phoned Martin King to ask if I could join his Board Games group to learn how to play chess. He welcomed me by name when I arrived and he had already arranged for a chess player to welcome me into the group. Marilyn gave up her own games for two sessions while she patiently taught me the game. This is when I felt that I genuinely belonged to BU3A! This welcome was immensely important to me and gave me the idea of making all new members feel they belonged, too. Plucking up courage, I discussed this idea with Chairman, Alan Swann, who agreed to give the idea a try. So, in July 2017 the New Members Link was set up. I don’t recall exactly how I managed to get

Molly Mannion to coordinate the meetings with me, but what a brilliant move that was!

The aim of these meetings is to welcome new and prospective new members, for them to be introduced to other participants and to be a stepping stone between becoming members and joining groups of their choice. I like to give them some history of how the U3A movement began, and share information of how BU3A works. Our membership secretary John MacKinnon is normally present for any prospective member to join at the meeting.

I feel very privileged to coordinate these happy meetings and to have such excellent support from the team members.

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TRAVEL GROUP Coordinator: Chrissie White

It seems a long time since December when a coach full of BU3A members enjoyed a trip to Nottingham Christmas Market with dinner, bed and breakfast at the Eastwood Hall Hotel. On the way home, the beautifully decorated Chatsworth House (right) got everyone in the Christmas spirit.

The next three trips are all fully booked but please speak to a member of the Travel Group about reserve lists if you are interested.

1) Salford Quays on Sunday 8th March. 2) London and the Tutankhamun Exhibition on 3/4 April. 3) a trip on the Chester Canal with Sunday Lunch on 17 May.

We are now taking firm bookings for a one-night trip to Blists Hill and Shrewsbury on Sunday 7th to Monday 8th June. We shall be staying at the recently refurbished Buckatree Hall Hotel for dinner, bed and breakfast. We shall have free time in Shrewsbury. Admission to the historic Victorian town Blists Hill, in the Ironbridge Gorge, is included in the cost of £105 per person. (Single Supplement £15).

All one-day and one-night trips pick up in Barnsley Bus Station and Penistone.

BIRDWATCHING Coordinator: Gillian Richardson

April 13th Easter Monday. Meet at Gunthwaite Dam at 9.30am for a walk in the area. A venue chosen as it’s ‘off the beaten track’ on this public holiday

May 11th. A circular birdwatch from Cawthorne village to Cannon Hall. As in previous years, an earlier start to listen for the “Dawn Chorus”. Start time to be decided in consultation with the Members.

June 8th. Swillington Lakes or RSPB St. Aidan’s. Meet as soon as possible A Gunthwaite Dam sighting after 9.30am t.b.d at a later date.

It was good to socialise after our December visit to Wentworth village and to the Garden centre garden and our visit to Dearne Valley Country Park was well attended too.

A few of the Group were monitoring the birdlife at New Hall Farm, Ardsley, as an extra visit this February in order to help the Rhodes family prove that they are farming in sympathy with nature. Every year there is a nationwide “Big Farmland Bird Count” in early February and it is just as important, in my opinion, as the RSPB Birdwatch weekend.

U.P.V.C. DOOR AND WINDOW JOHN & MARTIN SERVICE ENGINEERS ADJUSTMENT AND REPAIR SERVICE

THE DOOR DOCTOR QUOTES FOR REPLACEMENT WINDOWS AND DOORS. STEAMY GLASS UNITS, LOCKS AND HANDLES, PLACEMENT DOOR PANELS, LETTERBOXES & HINGES, ETC (No call out charges) TEL: 07742080207/07722086250

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Barnsley Recorded Music Society

COME AND JOIN US THIS SPRING

4 March Mythic Conductors: The Italian Renaissance David Patmore 18 March Spohr in Vienna: 1812- 1815 Chris Tutt 1 April A tribute to the conductor Hans Richter Ron Cooper 15 April Bohemian Rhapsody Barabara Satterthwaite 29 April Musical Years Gary Midgley 6 May Beethoven Symphonies: a lifetime’s retrospective Peter Lawson 20 May AGM and members’ choice 3 June 1920:New music from 100 years ago Margaret Tylee

The BRMS meets between 7:15 and 9:30 pm in The Friends Meeting House, 2 Western Street, S70 2BP (off Huddersfield Road). For more information, please contact Norman Creighton on 0114 2884035, [email protected]

THE STRINGALONGS UKULELE GROUP Coordinator: Sheila Metcalfe

2019 was a busy year for ‘The Stringalongs’ and we are now looking forward to another year of fun playing, learning lots of new material plus the occasional performance which we enjoy. We held our Annual Lunch recently at the ever-popular Boatman’s Rest. It was a lovely meal followed by ukulele playing and a couple of games. Everybody turned up trumps by bringing raffle prizes. I think almost all 40 won a prize! Indu demonstrated three important qualities required of a doctor: concentration, precision and a steady hand, by completing the Buzzer game in the least number of buzzes. I’d let her stitch me up (in the medical sense) any day! The highlight of the afternoon was Steve Wild’s rendition of Ernie (The Fastest Milkman In The West). He got the accent down to a tee - I could have sworn that Benny Hill had miraculously risen from the dead and just walked in. The Merry Milkmaids backing singers were good too!

A distraught Barnsley farmer found all his cows standing frozen in the snow. In despair, he knelt down and started praying to God for help and mysteriously a woman appeared there right in front of him. He told her why he was praying and she put her arms around each cow one by one and they all defrosted.

"Oh! Thank you! Thank you!" said the grateful farmer, "Are you an angel sent by God?".

"No", said the woman, "I'm Thora Hird"

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BOOK FORUM 2 (TUESDAYS) Coordinator : Gloria King

TOMBLAND

I have never before shared thoughts in The Buzz about a book that we have just read but I felt that I must comment on our recent shared book ‘Tombland’ by C J Sansom (right). When this book was suggested, I didn’t realise that it was about Tombland in Norwich and focused on Kett’s Rebellion (1549). This event was one of the many rebellions in the country by the poor who were suffering because of the enclosure of common grazing land.

Both Martin and I were born in Norwich and we still have relatives living there. The book brought back lots of early and not so early memories. One of my earliest memories is of sitting in my blue pushchair on Tombland when my mother put her heavy shopping bag on the handle of the pushchair and the chair and I fell over backwards. Tombland was cobbled in the sixteenth century, was cobbled when I was ejected from the pushchair and is still cobbled today.

When we were about fourteen years old, and as we had been introduced to Kett’s Rebellion at school, my school friend Iris and I decided to walk to Wymondham (pronounced Windum in Norfolk) to see the famous Kett’s Oak (locally believed to be a meeting place for the Rebels) and Wymondham Abbey. We ate a packed lunch and took photographs of these places (above left, the teenage me by Kett’s Oak).

Close to Tombland (left) is The Maid’s Head Hotel (right) which features in the book as the place where Shardlake, the main protagonist and hunchbacked lawyer, stayed when in Norwich. We have fond memories of this old hotel as we had our wedding reception there and recently visited it again for our Golden Wedding Anniversary.

In the same vicinity as Tombland and The Maid’s Head Hotel is the Cathedral, which suffered due to the actions of Henry VIII, and during Kett’s Rebellion was used as a medical centre. Today if you visit the Cathedral and look carefully at the stained glass windows in the south aisle just before the transept, you will see the two diamond shaped memorials (quarries) to my father-in-law Dennis King (below, left) and to his father George King (below, right),

both of whom did much work on the windows of the Cathedral, old and new.

After leaving the Cathedral it is a long walk to the very steep Kett’s Hill, named of course after Robert Kett, as it was the hill he would have climbed with his many supporters to reach Mousehold Heath where they set up camp. When I walked there as a child I didn’t realise how many people had died violent deaths in that area, nor how many bones might be under the sandy soil! To round off the story of the Rebellion, it was of course defeated, and Kett was hanged from the walls of Norwich Castle. Years later, a memorial to his memory was erected there by local citizens.

The readers in our book group must be congratulated for reading this very long story, (fortunately they are all fans of C J Sansom) and managed to read all 854 pages and hold one and a half pounds in weight of paperback!

If you read the free Tito magazine, you might have noticed that Mel Jones, who writes about local history, has an article in the last edition about local Commons and why they were so important to small tenant farmers. He recommends ‘Tombland’ by C J Sansom. 46

BOOK FORUM 2 (TUESDAYS) Coordinator : Gloria King

We meet on the first Tuesday of the month at Birdwell Community Centre at 11.30. New members will be very welcome. The books are to be discussed on the date shown.

March 3rd The Silence of the Girls by Pat Baker. The Iliad is a poem about the terrible destruction caused by male aggression but this story is told from the point of view of the females.

April 7th The Secret Rooms by Catherine Bailey (Black Diamonds author). This is the story of Belvoir Castle, the home of the Dukes of Rutland. The story is set in Edwardian times when people were obsessed with class.

May 5th The Ghost Tree by Barbara Erskine. This is a time slip story based on the author’s own family history.

June 2nd Becoming by Michelle Obama. The memoir of the former First Lady of the USA.

July 7th Either Little Women by Louisa M Alcott. We have probably all read this before in our youth and seen the films but after the recent film it might be the time to re-read and engage with this classic.

Or March; A Love Story in a Time of War by Geraldine Brooks. This book won the Pulitzer Prize. It is a story about the Civil War experiences of the father in Little Women who is absent for most of the original book.

You might have spotted these two photographs in miniature on Page 10 of this ‘Buzz’ but they deserve to be seen in larger format. They are of some musicians in Wakefield U3A’s pretty special music groups, the ‘Carr Consort’ Recorder Group and the ‘Windband’ who are playing for our Monthly meetings this year. You will notice the chap in the red jumper; this is David Johnson who leads both groups; one of those special, very committed and talented people who make things happen in U3A! It is good to invite other U3As to visit us and we are hoping that the Recorder players will be joined on stage for a joint performance by our very own Sequence Dancers! It’ll be just like ‘Strictly’!

Four more totally hilarious music jokes 1. Don’t let your children watch concerts on TV. There’s too much sax and violins. 3. What’s the difference between a piano and a fish? You can’t tuna fish.

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TABLE AND BOARD GAMES/CHESS AND MAH JONG Coordinator: Martin King

…. the story continues

You may recall that in a recent ‘Buzz’ I outlined the way in which this group had developed from its humble beginnings involving just a small number of chess fans to its current broadly-based and flexible format. Well …… the developments continue…!!

Back in December I had a request from a representative of the existing evening Canasta group asking if we could consider opening the Table and Board Games group to Canasta players that were finding evening meetings in the winter months difficult to attend, but were still wanting an opportunity to play. In addition, there were one or two BU3A members who wanted to play but the current Canasta time fell awkwardly for them. So, as the TBG/C group meets on a Wednesday afternoon, and (at present) we have the space and access to the necessary tables, it seemed a sensible suggestion to explore, for several reasons.

Clearly, Canasta is a game, and is played on tables – tick! By joining in with an existing group it would avoid the need to create a new one (Coordinator; accommodation; blue box etc.) – tick! And would help make the TBG group even more cost-effective -tick. It also means that some of the existing TBG members may want to learn to play Canasta, and some of the Canasta players might like to explore other available games – tick.

Having outlined this idea at the December Monday Meeting, and gained necessary support from other important people, this change is now underway, and since the middle of January several existing or aspiring players have been joining us on a weekly basis. The growth of the group has meant that we have had to rethink our use of Birdwell, and now both the alternating Table and Board Games (BG) AND Chess/Mah Jong (C) will meet in the main hall. As you will see, the Calendar in the March Buzz continues to list the scheduling of the groups as BG/C, both of which are now available to Canasta fans, but this may need to be revisited to think of another way of distinguishing between the two slightly differing events (some games are still played only every other week, but chess, Mah Jong and now Canasta are available weekly). In addition, it may be time to consider whether the current Table and Board Games title is the best/snappiest way of ‘marketing’ the group: ideas welcome!

As I said at the December Monday Meeting, there is no wish to divert interested members away from the existing Canasta Group (one of the oldest in BU3A). It is simply responding to a request.

YORKSHIRE CRICKET FOUNDATION writes: This photograph of a Walking Cricket has come a long way in 12 misguided pigeon was months! What started out as one session in sent to ‘The Buzz’ at Barnsley U3A has now expanded across [email protected] Yorkshire across 10 different locations. but not by a member of our Birdwatching Group! Working in partnership with U3A, the 3rd June, Quite an impact on the U3A National Day, will be a day of celebration window pane, needless to with U3A Walking Cricket groups at Bradford say, but the bird Park Avenue Cricket Ground for a Walking recovered and flew away Cricket competition. shortly after the ‘hit’!

IT’S ALL DOWN TO OUR MAC! FANTASTIC!

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THEATRE Coordinator: Anne Stewart

The Theatre Group got off to a wonderful start this year with our annual fuddle which was both a feast for the eyes and also the stomach. We each brought a dish of our choice and laid on a superb spread. We were entertained by members reciting poems, readings and funny anecdotes.

Our first visit of the year was on 18th January to the Crucible Theatre to see Guys and Dolls which was outstanding. Other theatre visits include ‘My Cousin Rachel’, ‘Run Sister Run’ - both dramas, ‘Everybody is talking about Jamie’ - a musical, and ‘Geisha’ – a Ballet.

Our evenings include presentations / talks by individual members about actors and also talks by visiting speakers. On March 12th we have a talk by Jason White who organises productions at the Civic theatre, Within the next month or so we also have a talk about the Lamproom Theatre where most members go on a regular basis. We also visit theatres in Sheffield, Leeds and Wakefield where we have seen many productions.

The Theatre Group meets on alternate Thursdays at Priory Campus from 6.30 to 8.30 in the Board Room and we warmly welcome new members.

Two more great Christmas photos. Ladies out for lunch and some of the Choir’s sopranos ready to go on stage for the Christmas concert.

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COOKERY CORNER Christine Palmer + Ed Quick and brilliantly tasty cheesecake

8 oz carton plain cottage cheese 1/2 packet of fruit-flavoured jelly dissolved in 1/4 pint hot water (leave to set slightly) 1/2 packet digestive biscuits (crush in plastic bag to make crumbs) 2 tablespoons of sugar Butter to add to biscuits Fruit to decorate; the same fruit as the flavour of the jelly e.g. strawberries, pineapple pieces, raspberries. WHAT TO DO Line tin with foil. Melt butter in pan or microwave and add biscuit crumbs. Stir until thoroughly mixed then press down into tin. Leave in fridge to cool. Add cottage cheese and sugar to partly set jelly and whisk together until creamy. (liquidise if possible) Pour onto biscuit base then leave in fridge until set. Decorate with fruit and/or cream/or chocolate bits

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WALKING FOOTBALL

At the end-of-year awards presentations in December, last season’s Player of the Year, Mick Pointer, and Mike Nevins, winner of the ‘Golden Boot’ for scoring over 30 goals, received their awards from Ernest Bradley

BARNSLEY & DISTRICT U3A - 2020 MEMBERSHIP RENEWALS

FULL DETAILS OF THE THREE RENEWALS OPTIONS WERE E-MAILED/POSTED TO ALL MEMBERS IN FEBRUARY

1. PAYMENT ONLINE BY BACS (Bankers' Automated Clearing Services)

For those increasing numbers of you who bank online – we can accept payment securely by BACS direct into our Bank Account from 1st April onwards; full details of the account were included in the email letter sent on 28th February, 2020. We do not give our bank account details in ‘The Buzz’ because it can be read online worldwide.

USE YOUR NAME AND MEMBERSHIP NUMBER as a reference. Please do not make payment before the 1st April.

2. PAYMENT BY POST

Send a cheque (John MacKinnon’s address is on the February letter) together with the tear-off Renewal Slip confirming your instructions. Cheques should be made payable to BARNSLEY AND DISTRICT U3A and please write your membership number on the back of the cheque.

If convenient, you may send a post-dated cheque (i.e. 1st April) at any time over the forthcoming weeks but please note that it will not be banked prior to 1st April.

3. AT PRIORY CAMPUS, MONDAY 6th APRIL 12.15 – 14.00

FOR THOSE OF YOU WHO WANT TO RENEW IN PERSON – PLEASE NOTE AS FOLLOWS:

TO EASE THE INEVITABLE QUEUES, WE WILL BE TAKING RENEWALS IN TWO ROOMS.

SURNAMES A - L IN THE ELM ROOM & SURNAMES M – Z IN THE OAK ROOM YOU WILL NEED TO BRING THE FOLLOWING:  A COMPLETED RENEWAL SLIP QUOTING YOUR NAME, MEMBERSHIP NUMBER AND THE AMOUNT YOU ARE PAYING  A CHEQUE MADE OUT FOR THE CORRECT AMOUNT PAYABLE TO BARNSLEY & DISTRICT U3A OR  CASH FOR THE CORRECT AMOUNT

IF EVERYONE CO-OPERATES – IT WILL SPEED UP THE PROCESS FOR ALL CONCERNED. SO MANY THANKS IN ADVANCE FOR YOUR HELP.

JOHN MACKINNON MEMBERSHIP SECRETARY

4. AT PENISTONE DROP-IN, THURSDAY 2nd APRIL 10.00 – 12.00

THE SAME GUIDE LINES APPLY AS RENEWAL IN PERSON AT PRIORY IN SECTION 3 ABOVE

JOHN MACKINNON MEMBERSHIP SECRETARY

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U3A NATIONAL

DAY WEDNESDAY 3RD JUNE

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