caldicot & district · collected when groups resume their meetings. angela hodson-hirst ... she...

CALDICOT & DISTRICT

Newsletter & Diary

April 2020

Monthly Meeting

Caldicot Choir Hall 2pm

www.u3asites.org.uk/caldicot/home Reg Charity No. 1071447

THURSDAY 16TH APRIL 2020

SUBJECT:

MEETING CANCELLED

TEA ROTA:

THURSDAY 21ST MAY 2020

SUBJECT:

SPEAKER:

DOGS TRUST BRIDGEND

RHIANNON LAVIS

TEA ROTA: HANDICRAFT

CHAIRMAN’S LETTER

Hello to all our Members

I am pleased to say that Angela and I returned from our trip to Tasmania the day before Australia

closed its borders. We had a wonderful trip but on our return we decided to put ourselves in self

isolation as we had travelled via Singapore. It was an eerie trip through the usually busy airports as

they were practically deserted. The Duty Free shops only had the assistants present which is most

unusual. Heathrow was very quiet compared to the day we flew out.

I want to thank Rob Harry for taking over for me in my absence, it has been a testing time for

everyone but he has managed to keep all informed as to the decisions made by The Third Age trust

and our U3A. It is with regret that our Groups have had to postpone their meetings but it is

necessary to ensure that we all stay clear of this Coronavirus.

Hopefully with everyone adhering to the Governments advice, it will be contained sooner rather

than later. Thanks also go to Angela for presenting the Newsletter this month to those who are able

to obtain it. At least it keeps us all in touch, thank you Angela.

So as there are no meetings in the foreseeable future I urge you all to stay at home and STAY

SAFE. If we all do this then we shall meet again soon. If anyone feels lonely and needs a chat at

sometime then please feel free to phone me, as like you, I shall be at home for the next three

months.

This is the time to catch up on all the jobs we push to one side to do on a rainy day.

Hope to see you soon.

Pam Caines

Chairman

http://www.u3asites.org.uk/caldicot/home

CORONAVIRUS UPDATE

Firstly I hope you are all keeping well and avoiding contact with the outside world as much as

possible. These are very testing times but I am sure if we all take heed of the advice given then we

shall pull through.

Due to these circumstances I am sure you will all appreciate that we have had to take steps to avoid

anyone of our members contracting this horrible virus. As you will all know all groups have

decided to close for the time being but some have found ways in which to keep in contact with their

members during this social distancing and self isolation period. I trust most of our Convenors, if

able, will be able to speak to those members of their groups who are on their own and unable to

have contact with anyone and have some sort of communicative device, at intervals in order to

have “chats” to keep them in the loop and to ensure that no-one is left lonely or without someone to

converse with.

As it is our 25th Anniversary year, we have had to put on hold all plans for the time being. This is

not to say that we will not be having our celebrations as laid out in previous Newsletters, but they

will have to be delayed until we are given the all clear to start communicating with each other

again. So all please don’t give up on what you have already planned as even if this virus doesn’t

subside in the next few months, we shall carry forward over to next year when I hope this will all

seem like a very bad nightmare.

Should anyone out there have any questions regarding U3A intentions or you just need a little

conversation with someone then please feel free to phone me as I shall be home and not going

anywhere for the next three months at least. I am pleased to say that my family are keeping a very

strict eye on me and making sure I stay safe and I sincerely hope the same goes for you and yours.

I look forward to meeting you all again soon.

PLEASE STAY AT HOME AND STAY SAFE

Best Wishes

Pam and Committee

TREASURER’S CORNER – MEMBERSHIP SUBSCRIPTIONS

The Committee are agreed that there should be no attempt to collect the 2020/21 year’s

subscriptions until it is safe to do so. We will, however, be paying our membership fees to the

Third Age Trust, from our reserves, in order that we continue to benefit under the umbrella of the

organisation.

Convenors and treasurers will be asked to collect dues when we resume our group activities in the

foreseeable future.

Keep Well

Tony Hodson-Hirst

Treasurer

SPEAKERS LIST 2020 TEA ROTA

June 18th 25th Anniversary Party History

July 16th “Who dunnit” Phoenix Players Jive Bunnies

September 17th AGM

“Who Dunnit”

Phoenix Players

Music Appreciation

October 15th OPEN DAY Science & Natural History

COPY FOR THE NEWSLETTER

We welcome reports from all groups for inclusion in the Newsletter or forwarding to our

website. Word doc is preferred and should be sent to:

[email protected] or tel. 01291 424997 by midday on the 26th APRIL 2020

Typed or handwritten notes should be submitted a few days earlier if possible. Please try to

limit reports to about 300 words. Angela Hodson-Hirst, Editor.

MEMBERSHIP

Should you change your address, telephone number or email address please let me know so that our

records are up to date. Contact details: tel: 01291 424997 email: [email protected]

Angela Hodson-Hirst

Membership Secretary

MEMBERSHIP SUBSCRIPTIONS

Membership subscriptions are due however because of the current situation subscriptions will be

collected when groups resume their meetings.

Angela Hodson-Hirst


LINK SECRETARY

I would ask that if you hear of any member(s) who reach their 80th, 90th, 100th birthdays, Golden,

Diamond, Platinum Wedding Anniversaries or even Marriages between members to please contact

me so that I can send a Congratulatory card.

Also, if you hear of any member, in your group, or their family who are in hospital, sick or any

other reason I would be grateful if you would please inform me. [email protected]

Tel: 01291 421484

Betty Waite

CONGRATULATIONS

Congratulations to Myfanwy and Robert Bennett who celebrated their 60th Wedding Anniversary

in March and Avril Somersall who celebrates her 80th birthday in April.

CONDOLENCES

It was with sadness to hear that John Chapman passed away in January and Imade Iyare (Maddie),

Audrey Bright and Ray Simmons in March. Our deepest sympathies go out to their families.

JOHN CHAPMAN

In January we received the news that John Chapman had passed away. John said that joining the

U3A had helped him enormously in combating loneliness following the loss of his wife. He

attended the Gardening and Science and Natural History groups as well as the monthly meetings.

mailto:[email protected]



Many coach trips, by the aforementioned Groups, were enjoyed a favourite being Exbury Gardens

where John recorded some 150 photos of the floral displays on his mobile phone.

John will be missed by many not only as a friend but also a kind and above all else a true

gentleman.

Bob Whitehead

IMADE IYARE

Imade (Maddie) from the Ukulele Group passed away on 9th February. She had been in hospital

since early September last year. She loved her time playing the ukulele with the Caldicot U3A

Group and hugely enjoyed the friendship and support she found there.

She was taught music by Andrew Lloyd Webber’s mother and was diagnosed with a degenerative

eye disorder where over time she lost her sight. Despite this she played piano classically with love

and tenderness she also played the harp, violin & ukulele. She had trained as a teacher and spoke

Spanish and Portuguese, Imade had also begun to learn Welsh. She retrained as a physiotherapist

when her sight deteriorated further.

Imade was a truly gifted woman, independent, with a wonderful faith. She played regularly at

Bethany Baptist Church and her gift of music was an inspiration to everyone who was privileged to

hear her play. She bore her illness with great courage and will always be remembered as a gifted

and lovely woman

Margaret Sanders

RAY SIMMONS

Ray Simmons has died aged 98. Ray was born in Brighton in 1921, he started out in his working

life in the Locomotive works in Eastleigh but when the Second World War broke out he joined the

Royal Navy and trained at Portsmouth and was also sent to Roedean School in Brighton. This was

always a source of amusement that he ended up in a Private Girls school for his Navy training.

Ray studied hard and became an electrical engineer with the rank of Chief Petty officer. The Royal

Navy sent Ray across to New Orleans to pick up the ship LST 63 which he was to sail in during the

war first to Sicily and Salerno where the Italian campaign was

murderous. The ship docked in Anzio and while ashore the crew was

attacked by aircraft and Ray dived under a truck but only to find it was

full of explosives! However he lived to tell the tale. After the Italian

campaign LST 63, and Ray, sailed back to the UK to make preparations

for D Day where the ship and crew made numerous trips across the

channel carrying equipment, tanks and soldiers to Gold Beach.

Ray was a modest man but a hero and was awarded the Legion De

Honour the highest award in France for his part in the Normandy

landings of which he was so proud.

The Royal Navy wanted to send Ray to Dartmouth Naval College to

study to become an Officer/ Captain but Ray declined and instead left

the Navy and stayed in Dover with Joan where he sailed on the Invicta

and Cross Channel Ferries which he enjoyed.

However Ray thought with the Channel tunnel being built that there was a limited future with the

ferries and applied for a job as an Electrical Engineer with the Atomic Weapons Research

Establishment Aldermaston where he worked with eminent scientists such as William Penney who

led the development of Britain’s first nuclear device. Ray was at AWRE until his retirement at 65.

Ray had a long, and happy retirement, he loved cooking, golf, socialising and Sauvignon Blanc

although his family are not sure in which order!

He was a member of Caldicot U3A for several years, primarily in Computer Group. He often said

that his family referred to him as ‘the whizz kid’ because of his love of technology.

AUDREY BRIGHT

Our condolences go also to the family of Audrey Bright, a cheerful member for many years until

her long term illness. Audrey belonged to many groups and enjoyed trips and holidays as well as

being active in the Drama group. Apart from the U3A Audrey was a long term supporter of

Newport Harriers, cheering on her daughter and her grandchildren as well as being a team manager

of Midland and UK Women's leagues.

WELCOME TO NEW MEMBERS

John Pengilly

Rosemary Flint

Gareth Edwards

Anthony Samuel

Tracy Pantry

Ann Lapin

Mary Kennedy

Roger & Angela King

Ray Barnett

THANK YOU

A message received from Bloodbikes Wales. “A massive thanks to Rosa for getting us along to

Caldicot & District U3A’s Monthly meeting in February. It was great and we all enjoyed it. Also

thank you to everyone who was there and gave donations which amounted to £218.00”.

Ally Gallivan

NEWSLETTER

Every month I print, on average, 170 copies of our Newsletter for members who do not have access

to a computer or printer. If you know of any member(s) in this situation please could you either

print a copy of the Newsletter for them or let them have your copy when you have finished with it

and if it is safe to do so.

Because of the situation with the Coronavirus I will not be able to distribute Newsletters again until

it is safe to do so.

Angela Hodson-Hirst

Newsletter Editor

INFORMATION FROM U3A NATIONAL OFFICE

These are unprecedented times for everyone including the U3A community. Our U3As, the wider

membership, our Board of Trustees and the staff at National Office are all facing major changes to

how we live and conduct ourselves.

Here at the national U3A we are doing everything we can to support the U3A community. We are

devising adapted learning methods, expanding our online offerings and creating additional ways of

communicating with U3As and the wider membership.

For those who do not have access to the website we are looking at how we may reach out to them

both through supporting networks in their own U3A and directly.

Although we are now all working remotely, we are still providing a full service. Our phone lines

are open and have never been busier.

Our team in addition to our usual duties has significantly increased our written and telephone

communications:

• Our Newsletters are being used as a more in depth means of communication, we would encourage

members to register for this: https://www.u3a.org.uk/email

https://www.u3a.org.uk/email

• We have introduced a regular Newsletter Express.

• Our new Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/groups/2833125070105668/

has more than 1,400 followers.

• There is support and advice on our website including on how to keep active, keep learning and

keep connected with each other.

• U3A has launched a UK-wide Diary Project - where members are encouraged to diarise their

experience of these times. You can see more on our website or contact us [email protected]

• Our insurers continue to provide cover for all members’ liabilities as well as providing cover for

all trustees/committee members.

• Our legal advisers continue to support our responses to members especially in connection with

cancelled trips and holidays.

• Third Age Matters magazine (TAM) is being distributed as normal in a week or so.

• National U3A has expanded its direct contact with the membership.

Please keep sending your ideas and experiences of ways you are keeping connected with each other

during this time - please contact either by phone at 0208 4666139 or by email

U3A DIARY PROJECT – LIVING HISTORY

Jo Livingstone and Jennifer Simpson are leading the project which will look for personal thoughts,

ideas and reflections on how this feels to you and what you are doing to deal with it.

You may wish to write something each day for example, or once a week or simply when something

of note happens.

If you want take part - please read more on our webpage here. You can contact us at

[email protected]

This project is a living history of members’ experiences during the 2020 Coronavirus pandemic.

We are currently living through an unprecedented period, due to the Coronavirus and everyone’s

daily lives are being affected. The situation is impacting on people in lots of different ways and you

will all have your own experiences, thoughts and reflections on what this time is like for you and

how it is affecting you, both on a practical and on a psychological level.

We would really like to capture all of this as part of a UK wide living history project.

Why are we doing this?

The more members that undertake the project the more information we will have about what this

period has felt like. As well as being an interesting and engaging piece of work, it could also add

value to planning should this type of extraordinary situations ever face the country again.

Who should get involved?

Everybody who is a member of the U3A!

What sort of information are we looking for?

Please make a note of the date you are sending your contribution and you may also like to consider

the following to give some context to your thought for other people.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/2833125070105668/

https://www.facebook.com/groups/2833125070105668/


https://u3a.us9.list-manage.com/track/click?u=656ad5962b370cc9e2731d1ed&id=ef438243d5&e=61a8a8a96c


Do you live in a town or village?

Is this an urban or rural location?

Are there usually lots of people about?

What’s your household like?

Do you live alone or with a partner or other family?

Have you got people who are still working living with you?

How are you managing your days? What activities are you doing?

Are you trying to stick to a routine?

What did you enjoy?

What good things happened?

Was there anything you did which you wouldn’t normally have had the time to do?

What was difficult?

How did you manage this?

How did you feel and what impacted on this?

Who did you speak to or see and how?

What do you think was the most important bit of the day (whether this was something you heard on

the news, or a contact you made or an activity you discovered?)

Do I have to share my name and details publicly?

No you do not. When any information is shared publicly about this project – you do not need to be

identified if you do not wish – we will anonymise any submissions.

What do I need to do?

Please write you contribution (or you are free to use other media such as pictures) and send it to

[email protected] and we will use a selection on the website and via our communications

channels.

Please let us know whether you are happy for us to get back in touch with you if we would like to

discuss it further.

Many thanks for sharing your stories!

U3A DAY - 1 OCTOBER 2020

The decision has been made to postpone our first national U3A Day from 3 June 2020 to 1 October

2020 which is International Day of Older Persons.

Many U3As have invested time and energy into planning creative and informative events to raise

the profile of the movement. We have a long lead-time for this new date so plans can be reviewed

and rearranged including venues and guests.

As you are aware, U3A Day is planned to maximise the opportunity to raise our profile nationally.

We will work towards signposting media attention to 1 October 2020, once that date is confirmed

as safe and appropriate.

We will continue to update resources and advice on the national website. This helps us keep each

other up-to-date with what is happening. The U3A Day closed Facebook site has a wealth of ideas

and discussion points and is a very positive community.

Let’s look forward to a time to celebrate the wonderful organisation that is U3A!


https://u3a.us9.list-manage.com/track/click?u=656ad5962b370cc9e2731d1ed&id=d6c5fcfbe4&e=61a8a8a96c

NEWS AND INFORMATION

Would all group Convenors please send me news and information for the monthly Newsletter

& Diary which will be included in the table below. Thank you. Editor

ACTIVITY GROUPS

INFORMATION

ART

Every Wednesday 1.30 to 4.00pm, Recreation Hall,

Portskewett.

Convenor …………...Mary Richards

Tel: 01291 329236

CANCELLED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE

COMPUTING

Every Friday 9.30 to12.30am at the Baptist Church,

Neddern Way.

Convenor……………John Mills

Tel: 01291 420045


BRIDGE

Every Monday 1.30 to 3.30pm Council Day Centre

Contact……………Acting Convenor:

Tony Hodson-Hirst Tel: 01291 424997


DRAMA

Every Friday 2.00pm Portskewett Hall.

Convenors …………Pam Caines

………………….…. Dianne Payne

Tel: 01291 420750


FAMILY HISTORY

All welcome at Bethany Baptist Church. Caldicot.


GARDENING

Indoor meetings run from October to April in the

Scout Hall on second Thursday of the month

at 2.15 pm

Convenor……………Pauline Marx

Tel: 07544 671870


HANDICRAFT

1st and 3rd Wednesday of the month 10.00 to

12.00pm Council Day Centre.

Convenor……Beryl Lewis. Tel: 01291 421661

Assisted by…Jill Greenhalgh. Tel: 01633 548968


HISTORY

3rd Wednesday of the month 2.15pm Council Day

Centre

Convenor………. Sheila Ford. Tel: 01291 422185


JIVE BUNNIES

Alternate Thursday evening

7.00 pm – 9.00 pm Portskewett Recreational Hall

Convenor……………Wendy Protheroe

Tel: 01291 422829


MUSIC APPRECIATION

4th Thursday of the month 2.00 to 4.00pm. Council

Day Centre.

Convenor……………Jan Potter

assisted by……………Adrian Dallow

Tel: 01291 794034 (Jan)

Tel: 01291 422925 (Adrian)


SCIENCE AND NATURAL HISTORY

Meetings to be held 1st Monday of the month 10.00

- 12.00 noon. Scout Hall, Sandy Lane

Convenor ………………. Bob Whitehead

Tel: 01291 422232


SCRABBLE

Alternate Fridays 1.30pm to 3.30pm. Town council

Day Centre.

Convenor………Glynis Croft

Tel: 01633 400529


SHORT MAT BOWLS

Wednesday afternoons 2.00 to 4.00 pm. Scout Hall.

Friday evening 7.00 to 9pm

Convenor……………………Roland Carey

Tel: 01633 881302


SINGING FOR PLEASURE

Meet 2nd & 4th Monday of the month 10.00am to

12.00pm. Recreational Hall, Portskewett.

Convenor…………………. Sue Shepherd

Tel: 01291 423089


SPANISH

Monday Mornings 10.45 to 12.00 various venues.

Convenor………………Julian Wood

Tel: 01291 421095


SPECIAL EVENTS

Convenor………………Pam Caines

Tel: 01291 420750


SUNDAY LUNCH CLUB

Convenor………………Pam Caines

Tel: 01291 420750


TABLE TENNIS

Monday 2.00 to 4.00pm Scout Hall, Sandy Lane

Convenor………………Les Mitchell

Tel: 01291 421567


UKULELE

Every Tuesday 2.00 to 4.00 at the Recreation Hall

Portskewett

Convenor………………. Christopher Spiller

Tel: 01291 424694


WALKING GROUPS

WHEN: Every Tuesday 9.00 & 9.30 am

WHERE: Caldicot Choir Hall Car Park.

For further information please contact Convenors

ALL WALKS SUBJECT TO CHANGE

STRAGGLERS

3 – 4 miles – easy and moderate

Convenor………………Brian Hopkins

Tel: 01291 422387


AMBLERS

Around 4 miles – moderate with some hills/stiles

Convenors……Gaynor Pask Tel: 01633 882492

Jeanette Trask Tel: 07415035914


STROLLERS

4.5 – 6 miles moderate plus with hills & stiles

Convenor………………Rob Harry

Tel: 01291 421282


STRIDERS

5 – 7 miles – moderate & strenuous

Convenor.………Richard Harding

Tel: 01291 420305


GARDENING

At our March Meeting we were treated to a talk from Justine of Far Hill Flowers, from Llanishen.

Justine showed us slides of when her family rebuilt the “long barn” into the beautiful family home

that it is today. She gave a very interesting talk of the changes she and her husband have made to

create the lovely surrounding garden they now have.

Without having any floristry training, her love of using natural flowers in season, has led her to

creating a business centred from growing traditional British flowers and foliage. From starting

with hand tied natural bouquets, all picked from her garden planting, she now takes bookings

mainly for weddings and funerals. Justine explained, she does not use commercial oasis in her

arrangements, but uses natural materials such as moss, and even uses a marrow for the base of

funeral arrangements. The marrow providing moisture for the flowers arranged in it.

We all enjoyed seeing slides of how Justine has developed a beautiful “working” garden.

Unfortunately, as you are now all aware, our April meeting is cancelled due to the Coronavirus.

I am, at the time of writing, waiting to hear from the coach company regarding our booking for

Pashley Manor Tulip Festival. As soon as I have news, I will get in touch with those Members

who are booked to go on the break.

Pauline Marx

SPECIAL EVENTS

JERSEY – CANCELLED

Due to the current situation with Coronavirus as you would expect this holiday due on the 13th

May has had to be cancelled. I am sorry about this but I am sure you will all understand.

With regard to the monies that have been paid, those of you have paid in full I can refund your

balances as these are safe in the Special Events bank account. With regard to deposits paid by all

of you I have spoken to my contact at Edwards Coach Holidays and she will try to get these

refunded but if this is not possible I have asked if they can be transferred to a Jersey holiday next

year. They would be quite willing to do this but she will still attempt to get refunds. This will take

time as you can imagine as I expect lots of holidays have had to be cancelled. In the meantime if

you have any worries or questions regarding this holiday please contact me directly and I will do

my utmost to help you.

Pam Caines

THE KING AND I - BRISTOL HIPPODROME 25th MARCH 2020

As you all know by now this has been cancelled. I have requested a refund of our money but, as

you will all appreciate, this is going to take time. It may be that they will offer us a different show

when this pandemic is over but I will not accept this without consulting you first. Thank you for

your understanding in this matter.

Pam Caines

DRAMA

Again due to the present circumstances the Drama Group has had to cancel their performance of a

Who Dunnit. No doubt this will be put to you when everything is back to normal which, if

everyone follows the Governments advice to Stay At Home, will not be too long. Stay Safe

everyone.

Pam Caines

SUNDAY LUNCHES

There are no Sunday lunches booked for the foreseeable future.

Pam Caines

MONTHLY DIGITAL IMAGE PHOTO COMPETITION

February’s winning

photo “Inclines” was taken by

Ann Taylor-Heard

TRIP TO CAERNARFON

On a rather misty, cold Monday morning we boarded a bus headed for Caernarfon. On the way we

encountered sun, rain, wind, sleet and a rather heavy snowstorm. We arrived at our lovely hotel

and settled in.

The next morning our intrepid recycled teenagers, travelled to Beaumaris on Ynys Môn

(Anglesey), a very beautiful village on the Menai Strait. Then onto

Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch (The church of Mary in the hollow

of the White Hazel near the fierce whirlpool and the church of Tysliio by the Red Cave), where the

ladies in the group spent some time shopping.

In the evening we were entertained by Kelly, who had a wonderful voice and sang everything from

Ed Sheehan to Tina Turner. A few of our party enjoyed some fun dancing.

On Wednesday we went to Portmeirion (made famous with the filming of The Prisoner). The sun

was shining and everybody enjoyed strolling around the unique buildings and walking through the

woods. Our next stop was Porthmadog a lovely little harbour town on the Glaslyn Estuary. Once a

vital port, for the international Slate trade, it’s now containing many independent craft stores.

For those who wished, there was a lovely swimming pool at the hotel and Caernarfon had much to

see with Caernarfon Castle, scene of Prince Charles crowning as Prince of Wales, the Shire Hall

and a lovely harbour.

Thursday saw the return of the mist and light rain showers but our cheerful group did not let the

weather dash their spirits. Today we visited Llanberis Pass but unfortunately were unable to see

the summit of Snowdon due to cloud cover. We then headed to Betwys-y-Coed (Prayer house in

the wood), thought to refer to the 14th century church where the Yew trees are five centuries old.

The other sight is Swallow Falls, full at this time because of the amount of rainfall. Then on the

way back to Caernarfon we drove through Llandudno, a beautiful Victorian seaside resort.

Friday dawned and we set off for home. After a very good and uneventful trip we stopped at the

most upmarket service area we have ever seen, Gloucester services is a giant farm shop, selling

everything from joints of meat to clothing.

We would all like to thank Pam for a wonderful week in a lovely hotel.

Linda Stewart

HISTORY

The February meeting of the History Group had a talk entitled The Holy Roman Empire, given by

Stuart Fyfe.

The Holy Roman Empire was a multi-ethnic complex of territories in Western and Central Europe,

beginning in 800AD when Charlemagne (“Charles the Great”) was crowned by Pope Leo III.

During his reign, he united the majority of Western and Central Europe, and was the first

recognised emperor since the fall of the Western Roman Empire three centuries earlier. Thus

began “the Holy Roman Empire for the Germanic Peoples”.

Charlemagne had already been king of the Franks (768-774), and then of the Lombards (774-800);

he now ruled a large part of Europe. After Charlemagne the title fell into disuse until 962, when

Otto I was crowned.

Pope Leo’s recognition of Charlemagne as legitimate Holy Roman Emperor led to the Great

Schism of 1054, i.e. the eventual split of Rome and Constantinople, of East and West Roman

Empire. The first title that Charlemagne is known to have used immediately after his coronation is

‘Charles, Most Serene Augustus, crowned by God, Great and Pacific Emperor governing the

Roman Empire.’

In all there were 44 Holy Roman Emperors, from Charlemagne in 800 to Francis II, who abdicated

in 1806, and the empire was finally destroyed by Napoleon. This was followed by the redrawing of

European country borders, both in 1918 and in 1945.

During World War II Herr Hitler styled his dictatorship “The Third Reich” based on the idea that

the First Reich was the Holy Roman Empire (962-1806), and the Secord Reich was the Holy

Roman Empire under Hohenzollern emperors (1871-1918). Hitler claimed that the Third Reich

“would last a thousand years”, but in the event it lasted a mere twelve.

Dave Edwards

WELSH RAREBIT

The Raglan Ring

This was presented in February by Brian Hopkins. The Raglan Ring, perhaps the finest example

of medieval gold jewellery to be found in Wales. Now housed in the National Museum of Wales,

it dates from the 15th century. The ring has a circular bezel engraved with a design of a lion on a

bed of flowers with the legend, 'to you faithful' and the initials WA either side of the lion. It could

have belonged to William Herbert, 1st Earl of Pembroke, who married Anne Devereux. Could the

initials stand for William and Anne?

Sheila Ford

APRIL CROSSWORD

February’s solution

ACROSS

1. Anteater (8)

4. Parts of a play (4)

8. Unfathomable (7)

10. Declare invalid (5)

11. Permit (5)

12. Mariner (7)

13. Denunciation (6)

15. Polar region (6)

19. Amalgamated (7)

21. Publish (5)

23. Din (5)

24. Aromatic herb (7)

25. Hazard (4)

26. Edible snail (8)

DOWN

1. Intransigent (7)

2. Majestic (5)

3. Gusto (6)

5. Devise or invent

(7)

6. Storage towers (5)

7. Cab (4)

9. Darned (5)

14. Dried grapes (7)

16. Salary increase

(5)

17. Cigar (7)

18. Detestable (6)

19. Relating to an arm

bone (5)

20. Notion (4)

22. Vernacular (5)

LET’S DO SUDOKU!

Solutions next month

February’s Sudoku solution

CALDICOT & DISTRICT U3A

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE & TRUSTEES

Chairman

Pam Caines

01291 420750

Vice Chairman

Rob Harry

01291 421997

Treasurer

Tony Hodson-Hirst

01291 424997

Business Secretary

Linda Stewart

01291 420005

Committee Secretary &

Network Contact

Elaine Yeomans

01291 420666


& Direct Mail

Angela Hodson-Hirst

01291 424997

Newsletter & Diary Editor

Angela Hodson-Hirst

01291 424997

Gift Aid Co-ordinator

Glenice Dallow

01291 422925

Group’s Co-ordinator

Glenice Dallow

01291 422925

Speakers Secretary

Anne Duke

01291 408216

Link Secretary

Betty Waite

01291 421484

Linda Howells

01291 423395

Helen Wormald

01291 423765

OFFICERS

Registration Alma Gaskell

Public Relations

Webmaster

Dave Edwards

Ann Taylor-Heard

caldicot & district · collected when groups resume their meetings. angela hodson-hirst ... she...

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