Isle of Sheppey Newsletter 5 – January 2020 What our Chair, Heather has to say ……… JANUARY MONTHLY MEETING - Thursday 23rd January - 2pm to 4pm m Our speaker secretary, Sharon, has been busy tracking down speakers Lists for this, lists for that, lists for…….. (well perhaps not for that!), but who have been personally recommended to us by other local groups. This have you ever wondered why our lives are governed by lists? I pondered month our speaker is: this question while quelling the need to draw up yet another list of my New Years’ Resolutions. Richard Durrant - The number 26 bus to Paraguay Having just exhausted myself from writing; Christmas Card lists, Present lists, Christmas Food Shopping lists; Husband “to do lists” and drawing up FEBRUARY MONTHLY MEETING – Thursday 26th February - 2pm to 4pm more other nonsensical lists that eventually became totally unnecessary or in the end – irrelevant, was it really time to hang up that time worn Our speaker is: ball point pen and surrender myself to a life of uncertainty? No, thank goodness, I can see the psychology behind it all. The shining light of Wilf Lower – Behinds the Scenes of TV – The Golden Years discovery has been awakened by none other than the BBC!) I have been informed that “our minds love it when a plan comes together – the mere act of planning how to do something frees us from the burden of unfinished tasks” Phew….. that’s a relief! So, please don’t think that you LAST MONTH - DECEMBER SOCIAL are now of the age that you need to write lists because you are forgetful. The December monthly meeting held on 12th December was a social get It is now confirmed by the BBC, that “filing effectively” is a “new cult for together. Our committee provided a fantastic buffet and we would the information age”. Well I’ve been doing it for years! particularly like to thank Jean and Jane on their wonderful spread of sandwiches and Linda who made a lot of the cakes. We would also like to Perhaps we could “badge” it as a “new cult for the University of the Third thank all those who donated food and turned what was initially going to Age”! be a light afternoon tea into a sumptuous buffet! A local U3A provided our entertainment in the form of a guitar group and we managed to get some members up dancing. As the guitar group had only started Heather performing together a few months previously it was great to see what can be achieved in a short time. Perhaps by next Christmas we might have our own entertainment group! 1 Isle of Sheppey POEMS NEW SPECIAL INTEREST GROUP In our November Newsletter we set a challenge to compose a poem We would like to offer you all the opportunity to join a new special about joining the Isle of Sheppey U3A. We received two submissions from interest group. We are really lucky to have a member, Brian Hazelden, Shirley Cotton and Sheila Roberts, both of these poems are fabulous and who is an experienced movie maker. He has won awards at amateur film have been displayed on our notice board for the last few meetings. These festivals up to international level, worked in professional video poems are included at the end of the newsletter, we feel sure that you production and written for a leading video production magazine. One of will enjoy reading them. his movies has been on continuous rolling display for the last 20 years at the Fisherman's Museum in Hastings. If you are interested in joining this U3A MAGAZINE – THIRD AGE MATTERS group please let us know, you can also contact Brian for more information. Included in your membership subscription is the national U3A magazine, Here’s what Brian says about his new group….. ‘Third Age Matters’. We’ve found this magazine very interesting, it covers a lot of different subjects and includes a section “Sources’ which Film Making and Creative Video Group concentrates on U3A education. The magazine is currently published 5 What is the Isle of Sheppey U3A Film Making and Creative Video Group? times a year and will be sent to your home address provided you have The simple answer is "whatever you want it to be". ticked the box on the membership application form, giving us permission to pass on your address details to the third-party distribution company. My name is Brian and I am not the group leader, I am the facilitator, that means that I will help you do whatever you want with your movies. High The next edition will be distributed in February and we have sent off the quality frame by frame transfer of cine film to HD video, DVD or Blu-Ray, information required by the cut-off date. We are expecting this edition to for instance, or improving the quality of your films by studying movie be delivered to your home address, subject to things running smoothly making rules and language. That may sound rather pompous but the for this first delivery. Please note that only one copy will be sent to each biggest difference between amateur and professional movies is camera address. movement. In professional movies the camera is usually static and any movement is by the actors within the frame, amateurs tend to move the camera, the worst case being "hose-piping". Camera movement is allowed but, unless you want to distract your audience, it should follow the rules. Most modern cameras, even modestly priced compact stills cameras, can capture high quality video but, how do we turn that raw footage into a movie that is worth watching? We usually need to rearrange the footage, 2 Isle of Sheppey cut out the bad shots, add titles, end credits, some music and maybe WALKING GROUPS some sound effects. That's called editing and if you have a home We have several walking groups available for members. There are 3 computer, laptop or tablet I can show you how to do that too. weekly walking groups run by the NHS sponsored walking scheme You do not need any equipment to join and participate in the group. (affiliated to the Ramblers) and are open to all members of our U3A and Most movies are made with just one camera although, if you watch the the general public to join at any time. You will be required to complete a end of any film you may see dozens of people credited. Cameras, tripods, short registration form and can attend any of their walks whenever you lights, stands, clapper boards, microphones, sound recording gear, are able to. These are a great way to get out into the fresh air regularly editing computer etc, all can be provided as we progress. and increase your fitness while socialising, without committing yourself to a regular attendance. Suitable footwear is required. These are held: Publicising the Isle of Sheppey U3A and re-connecting older or disabled people with society have been identified as possibilities for the U3A Tuesday – Sets off at 11.30am. Suitable for two levels of walking ability movie making group. Indeed, via YouTube and Vimeo, there are many starting at different locations on the Island. A one hour walk of medium outlets for well-produced videos as well as amateur competitions at pace and may include hills, crossing fields and climbing over stiles (if not county, regional, national and international level. too muddy)! A shorter walk of about 45 mins, suitable for people who walk at a slower pace and prefer flatter terrain. I'm looking forward to working with you on "our" movies. I'm on [email protected] or 01795 874456 if, like me, you prefer to chat. Wednesday – Sets off at 10.30am. A two hour walk of medium pace suitable for people who prefer a longer walk and may include hills, SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS UPDATE crossing fields and climbing over stiles. Starts at different locations both on and off the Island. Several of our groups have now held meetings to discuss how members and group facilitators will take their groups forward. Some of the groups Friday – Sets off at 11am – A one-hour slower pace walk leaving from the have already had their first meetings. Whilst all the walking groups are Sheerness Leisure Centre. Suitable for people who prefer walking on unlimited in size, most of the others will be limited in numbers due to the flatter pavements at a slower pace. nature of the meeting places and to keep groups personal and manageable. If there are more people interested in a particular subject Isle of Sheppey U3A Walking Groups then more groups can be created, all they need is a group facilitator. Heather and Pam are the group facilitators for the two Walking Through Special interest groups are a great way to meet new people, make friends History groups. If you have registered your interest in this group, you will and to learn something new. We are lucky to have a number of be receiving emails regarding the walking dates and programmes as they enthusiastic members, as well as some of our committee members, who are confirmed. There are two monthly groups and are longer walks of have volunteered to be our first group facilitators, but we will always varying lengths (generally at least 2 hours) and medium pace and need more group facilitators. 3 Isle of Sheppey incorporate history. They are held at different locations usually off the of the progress of these two groups. The current plan for the two groups Island.