MARCH 2013 ISSUE Number 116

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CHAIRMAN’S REFLECTIIONS

Currently all seems very quiet with U3A

although David Scott, our webmaster, has been beavering away tidying up and generally

updating the site. Thank you to him of course,

but he does need a little help with the group

pages and would be grateful if group leaders would supply any updates. Have you looked at

the site recently? – the photos themselves are a

great record of recent events.

We had a very informative talk in February on the ins and outs of

the benefits and training of Hearing Dogs, together with a visit

from a very cute puppy in training, who behaved impeccably.

We understand the collecting of used postage stamps goes a long way to fund some of the training of these dogs and as a result we

plan to put a box on the reception desk each month. Despite

reduced use of stamps nowadays, in terms of value, less is more

and apparently Far Eastern countries like them at lot. Please do bring any you have, however few, and we will pass them on.

MONTHLY MEETING ANOMALIES

Unfortunately there was nearly an accident with a coach trying to get through Church Street during the February meeting – the

driver was forced to fold in wing mirrors of parked cars in order

to get through! Obviously this is a serious problem for potential

emergency vehicles and as we do have use of the Waterton Arms car park PLEASE do use this instead of the road. The Waterton

has requested a contribution for using this facility but with

increased numbers attending our meeting we feel we can buck

the financial trends and REDUCE this cost to 50p per car. A box for this charge is on the registration desk.

If there really isn’t enough car park space then please do park

carefully on the road, on one side ONLY to allow larger vehicles to pass. The road just outside the Methodist Church is

particularly narrow at that point and we really don’t want

members’ cars to get damaged either – car sharing would be a

good idea too.

With increased attendance at our monthly meetings it has become

necessary to use all the space in the Church and sometimes

members find it difficult to hear at the back. If you have a hearing problem and need to sit nearer the front then please

advise the Meeters and Greeters and they will assist you.

Thank you for your co-operation.

Best wishes,

Liz

Chairman

COACH TRIP TO LAVENDER FARM, HEACHAM AND

SANDRINGHAM

Eddie Adams and John Marsh are

organising a coach trip to visit the above on 16th July. For full details see page 2

of this Newsletter.

The Deepings Third Age Group

NEWSLETTER

(Visit our Web site)

http://u3asitec.org.uk/live/code/u3asite.php?site=282

OH WHAT A BEAUTIFUL MORNING!

Hardy members of the Garden Groups, and friends, visited Castor

House to see Snowdrops, Aconites and Daffodils on a freezing,

damp morning recently. (Report page 4 ). Pic: Dave Pendry

Programme of Speakers

18 March IN SEARCH OF DANIEL LAMBERT by Philippa

Massey (at METHODIST CHURCH)

15 April LIFE ON A NARROW BOAT by Maria Fryer (at

METHODIST CHURCH)

20 May THE BOY BISHOPS - The happenings when choristers

become Bishops for one day, by Neil MacKenzie (at

METHODIST CHURCH).

WELCOME TO NEW MEMBERS

Barry Gray, Deeping St Nicholas Ann Coleman

and Judy Leaton, Deeping St James, Liz Gilbank

from Market Deeping and welcome back to

Daphne and Alan Broome from Newborough.

GROUPS WHO WOULD WELCOME A FEW NEW

MEMBERS

Mah Jong, Cycling, Singing Group, Book

Weevils and the Good Food Group – please

contact group leaders (details on back page of this Newsletter) if you are interested and perhaps

arrange a taster visit.

Committee Members 2011/2012

Liz Noble Chairman

Jennie Sharman Secretary

Garth Perry Treasurer

Olwen Cole Group Coordinator

Janice Cosham Membership Secretary

John Bloomfield Speaker Finder

Kath Allen

Jim Pringle

Lyall Seale Publicity

Ann Holmes Newsletter Editor

David Scott Contact through website Webmaster

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GROUP NEWS

There have been suggestions for two new groups a Quiz Group and a Nordic Walking

Group. If you are interested in joining either of

these groups, please put your name down on the list at the monthly

meeting or contact me directly.

Due to illness the Bowls group will not resume in April but

members are invited to go along to the Bowls Club night on

Tuesdays. Please contact the leaders for more information.

The new Arts Appreciation Group will meet on the third Tuesday of the month, if you would like to join this group, see the notice

board for more details or contact the leaders.

Please contact me if I can be of any help with the groups.

OLWEN COLE

Group Coordinator

AN SOS FROM THE MAH JONG GROUP

The Game of Mah Jong Illustrated by Patricia A Thompson and

Betty Maloney, ISBN number 983

-9629-72-7.

The Mah Jong group are desperate to get hold of a couple of copies of

the book we use. Everywhere is

out of stock and second hand ones

are being sold at silly prices of £25 upwards.

Could I ask anyone who has a copy no long used to resell it on to

the group? Am happy to pay the cover price.

PEG TORRANCE

Group Leader

U3A GARDEN GROUP 3

Our February meeting was a chance to escape winter’s gloom and plan future garden

visits. George Stevenson the Cambridgeshire

NGS Organiser gave an illustrated presentation of gardens in his

area of responsibility. It was a joint meeting with the other garden groups organised by Chris and Eddy. Our thanks go to them for

inviting us and making us all welcome.

Our next meeting is Tuesday 26th March to Burghley House Private Gardens. Meet at the Orangery Restaurant at 10am. Please contact

Josie if you wish to attend.

Report by Margaret Griffiths Group Lead JANICE WILSON

U3A “BOOK WEEVILS” READING GROUP

This month we read Far From the Madding Crowd

by Thomas Hardy. Most of the group enjoyed the book once we got accustomed to the language and

long descriptions; descriptions of the countryside and

the characters.

The heroine is Bathsheba Everdene, proud, capricious and handsome, the plot tells of her infatuation with the dazzling

Sergeant Troy and her relationship with the shepherd-farmer,

Gabriel Oak. As the novel unfolds Bathsheba achieves a painful

but necessary self-knowledge. This is a warm, sad and humorous

story, and what wonderful names Hardy chooses.

The next meeting of the Book Weevils is on 19th March at my

home. New members are very welcome.

CATHRYN SEALE Group Leader

U3A HISTORY GROUP

At February's meeting Group member, David

MacVitie gave an interesting talk on 'The History of The Post Office'. David explained that he had no

connection with the Post Office but he had quite

obviously conducted much research to put together

an informative talk.

Many of the members probably knew something of Rowland Hill

and the Penny Post but were unfamiliar with the fact that a 'Master

of the Post' was established by Henry V111 in 1516. By 1635 a

postal service was available to the public with the recipient still paying for post received. In 1840 a pre-payment scheme was

introduced using the Penny Black and Tuppenny Blue stamps.

Among many facts on the development of the Royal Mail, we

learned that the earliest post boxes were green, but by 1884 all post boxes were painted in the iconic pillarbox red. Thank you, David,

for your entertaining talk.

The subject of next month's meeting (Wednesday 20th March) will

be 'The Incas'. Members are reminded to bring their completed

questionnaire on memories to this meeting, if they haven't already

handed theirs to Sandra. Report by MARY BURTON

ELIZABETH PARKINSON / SANDRA JONES

Group Leaders

U3A SUNDAY LUNCH GROUP

The next Sunday Lunch Group will be on

Sunday, 24th March at “The Hare and Hounds”, Haconby. If you wish to join this event please

contact Tony Semple or Michael Griffith, or add

your name to the list at the meeting on 18th March. Tony or

Michael are usually at a table at the back of the meeting room in the vicinity of the coffee point.

COACH TRIP TO SANDRINGHAM & NORFOLK LAVENDER

Tuesday, 16th July 2013, Inclusive price £18 per person

After leaving The Deepings, our first stop will be to visit the Norfolk

Lavender Farm at Heacham. Here we will be able to browse the shop and

plant area and have time for a leisurely coffee in the café before we set off

for the main destination. At Sandringham we will have access to all that the

Estate has to offer including the House, Gardens and Museum. At the

Visitor Centre are the restaurant, shops and the starting point for the

Country Park Tour (additional £3). The Parish Church will also be open

during our visit. We aim to be back in The Deepings by 7 pm at the latest.

Please complete the form below and send it, together with your cheque,

payable to The Deepings U3A, for the full amount, £18.00 per person, to

either Eddie Adams, or John Marsh, We are sure that this will be a popular

trip and so we advise you to book early.

COACH TRIP TO SANDRINGHAM, 16 July

Name 1 ............................................................. Tel No: .......................

Name 2 ............................................................. Tel No: ......................

Emergency No 1 .............................................................................................

Emergency No. 2 .............................................................................................

Please enclose your cheque with this form and indicate at which pick-up point

you wish to join the coach, by circling one of the following:

THE CROSS, (8.30): THE BELL, DEEPING ST JAMES (8.40): THE STAGE,

MARKET PLACE (8.45)

Tickets will be issued to confirm the place and time of your pick-up, in due

course

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NGS PRESENTATION BY GEORGE STEVENSON

Over 70 members of the Garden Groups attended and much enjoyed

a very interesting presentation by George Stevenson who is the

NGS County Organiser for Cambridgeshire. He took us through the founding history of the organisation and surprised us all by the large

amounts of money that is donated to a wide variety of charities each

year through the ‘Garden Open’ Scheme. He followed this by

showing many pictures of the varied and beautiful gardens of the county. With interest in gardening growing it is not surprising that

new gardens are being added to their lists every year. The relaxed

and friendly approach by George, very much added to the

enjoyment of the presentation.

I am pleased to say that we were able to donate £160 to the NGS

charities, this being the surplus from the event. Thank you to

everyone who supported and helped us and my special thanks to

Chris Fergusson who was instrumental in inviting George in the first place. I also wish to thank the Garden Group Leaders for their

help in providing refreshments.

Report by EDDIE ADAMS

U3A “BOOKWORMS” READING GROUP

“The Rose of Sebastopol”

by Katherine McMahon

During the Crimean War in Russia 1854 we find

Rosa among the nurses caring for the wounded

soldiers. Her cousin Mariella sits at home in

England with her scrap book of the war while discussing the problems with her sewing circle friends.

Mariella’s fiance Henry is a surgeon at the battle site. He is

returned to Italy to recover after becoming ill and Mariella is determined to set out to help him in his recovery. While in Italy she

finds out that her cousin Rosa is missing somewhere in Sebastopol

and goes looking for her. Mariella then finds herself amidst the

horror of war. She sees for herself the lack of help for the wounded soldiers, there is a shortage of bandages and a lack of blankets for

the men. Does she ever find her cousin alive? What happens to

Henry? We are left with some unanswered questions.

The bookworms got into discussing war, surgery and how we have moved on in many aspects but how war still goes on destroying

lives. We found the book gave us an insight into the conditions in

the Crimean War, and learned more about the history in the 1850’s

Next meeting - 25th March at Angela’s home to discuss the book

“The Tenderness of Wolves”

ANN THORNTHWAITE

Group Leader

Ann also provided us with a laugh :

Try our herbal remedies: You can't get better.

U3A ANTIQUES AND COLLECTABLES GROUP

Our February meeting took the theme of 'Show and

Tell'. Members brought along their items to show and talk about. We had a very interesting afternoon

with many different items varying from items of

china and glass to a very heavy metal item.

Alexander asked us to guess where it could have come from and then told us it came off a ship. There were antique

books, one on snooker, and another on baby management in the

early 1900s, very amusing. Eileen bought a lovely scrap book of old

pictures of the Royal Family etc, and Sue brought along some very interesting memorabilia and photo's of when her Mother was in the

Women’s Land Army during the last war.

Our next meeting is on March 25th at the Catholic Church where

Mr. Bill Sandall will be with us to talk about and show us pictures

of' 'Womens Art.' Report by IRENE BEEKEN

IRENE BEEKEN / PAM PENDRY

Group Leaders

U3A CYCLING GROUP

Our February ride took us on a very zigzag route through our locale, over numerous bridges, through tunnels and

crossing the East Coast main line four times. The weather was fine

and dry, but a little on the chilly side. We retired to the Blue Bell at

Helpston for our re-energising lunch. Its funny how we always feel worse rather than better when we have to re-start. Our thanks to

Chris Trotman for organising this interesting route, when we never

did know which turning we would be taking next!

We always welcome new members for gentle and leisurely rides

through our local countryside. Its never a speed trial.

Report by EDDIE ADAMS

Group Leader: IAN TANNER

U3A ART APPRECIATION GROUP The first meeting of the group was held on the 25th February. As a result of the survey of members’ commitments it was decided that future meetings will be held on the morning of the third Tuesday of the month. Members were also asked to provide ideas on what they regarded as art appreciation and what each could contribute. The BBC program “Art in Winter” (on i player) was then shown. This excellent programme illustrates the use of paintings, starting in the mini ice age of the 16th century through to the use of photography in the present day, to show how man has met the challenge of severe weather. The paintings also showed how art is used to comment on events such as: the massacre of the Dutch by occupying Spanish soldiers, commercialism in a tax-free market on a frozen Thames, Napoleon’s winter march over the Brenner Pass to assault Italian troops in the rear, and the use of ice and snow for leisure. The next meeting will be held at 10am on Tuesday 19th March in the meeting room at the Institute, Church Street, Deeping St. James. The topic will be “Leonardo Da Vinci - Genius”. All Welcome. PETER WITHERINGTON Group Leader

U3A SCIENCE GROUP

The group met on the 19th Feb in the

Community Centre for a presentation titled

''The Curiosity Landing on Mars'' by Keith

Townsend of the Peterborough

Astronomical Society.

We were all gripped by the informative and detailed talk, supported

with graphic pictures and thorough explanations on the preparations

and history, around the build up to this Mars exploration, given by a

knowledgeable and enthusiastic speaker. Report by DAVID SCOTT

DAVID SCOTT / GARTH PERRY

Group Leaders

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U3A “STROLLERS” WALKING GROUP

Last month’s walk took place on Monday 25 February when 19 hardy souls, including three new members, ventured out on a cold,

grey and unappealing day, starting from the Blue Bell at Glinton.

After walking down Rectory Lane, then past the playing field

towards Lincoln Road, we then traversed the footbridge over the A15. We then continued along the old Lincoln Road and over the

railway bridge on the northern edge of Werrington, before walking

alongside it towards Fox Covert Road. Some members of the group

recalled driving down this road, before the Werrington Township. On the home leg we walked up Fox Covert Road, across the railway

line and under the by-pass before meeting the Peakirk Road and the

final stretch to the Blue Bell, where most of the group stayed for

lunch.

The group photograph, taken near the Werrington by-pass, shows

the Strollers making an ass of themselves as they admire donkeys in

a field at the side of the road, which were no doubt dreaming of

warm summer days on the beach at ‘Skeggy’.

The next walk will take place on Monday 25 March, when we will

meet in the main car park at Burghley Park at about 10:15.

Members wishing to take part should contact one of the walk

leaders: Chris Mutton or Pat Rigby.

BOB DELLER

Group Leader

GARDENING 4 PETALS & PRODUCE

Our group meeting this

month was one week later

than normal and we visited the garden of Castor

House. This is a very

historic house with a

beautiful garden.

First of all, Claire gave us

a very brief resume on the

different types of

snowdrops and the opportunity to buy some unusual varieties, plus a very welcome hot drink. She then took us on a guided tour of the

garden showing us a magnificent display of early Daffodils together

with a wide variety of Helebores which were just beginning to show

full colour. The Snowdrops were scattered throughout the garden and the wooded areas. Unfortunately the Aconites were not at their

best as the weather was rather dull and cold. This was a very

enjoyable visit, made very much more interesting by the guidance

of the owner, Claire Winfrey. The garden will be open under the NGS scheme on the evening of 15th June 2013. Highly

recommended! My thanks to John Marsh for organising the

transport and directions.

Afterwards, we all retired to The Boathouse, Ferry Meadows, for a

warm up and a very good lunch!

EDDIE ADAMS

Group Leader Pic: DAVE PENDRY

U3A JAZZ, SWING AND BIG BAND GROUP

The February meeting of this Group was held at the home of Jennie Sharman and a very enjoyable morning it was. Beginning with Louis Armstrong's West End Blues. Mary Lou Williams wrote and arranged 'Twinklin' joined by Andy Kirk and his Clouds of Joy! Stan Kenton also played a tune recorded in Hollywood in 1943, - 'Artistry in Rhythm.'

'Lover Man' sung by Billie Holiday, 'Straight, No Chaser' was recorded by Thelonious Monk and then we heard 'Route 66' composed by Bobby Troup, recorded by the King Cole Trio in 1946. Buddy Rich adapted a classic and re-named it 'Ritch-Ual Fire Dance' and a real favourite, 'Misty' was played by it's composer - Erroll Garner. It was recorded in one take!

Famous bands followed and Count Basie, Duke Ellington, and Glen Miller entertained with some good old standards. Then we had a change and listened to some of the best of British Jazz. Kenny Ball and his Jazzmen played 'Teddy Bear's Picnic' and 'Them There Eyes', Acker Bilk and Chris Barber were next and then Humphrey Lyttelton gave us two items, Alex Welsh and his Band played the Charleston, No one danced this time! The morning closed with Ken Colyer's Jazzmen playing 'Oh! You Beautiful Doll' a real oldie!

Thank you Jennie for a really entertaining session. The March meeting is at the home of Anne Jones.

Report by ANNE JONES Group Leader JENNY SHARMAN

U3A NATURAL HISTORY GROUP

A somewhat chilly day at Deeping Lakes Nature reserve, but we

were rewarded by quite a lot of ducks and a huge surprise, a pair

of Long-eared Owls, well camouflaged, on the island opposite the

bird-hide. Walking round the reserve we also saw Peter Edwards'

splendid new bird-box, intended for Little Owls.

Next month, Thursday March 28th, we visit The Hills and Holes at

Barnack, or Dole Wood, depending on which flowers are out. Find

out when you ring me to tell me you are coming.

ALISTAIR SMITH

Group Leader Sorry Alistair the Owl pic

didn’t reproduce well in the space available. A.)

U3A GOOD FOOD GROUP

The Foodies decided to have a 'Cooks' Day Off' and we went out to a

splendid lunch at the Saffron Lounge

in Uffington on 4th March. Despite

the road works and level crossing conspiring to delay our arrival, we had a lovely varied lunch and too much to eat. No good for the New

Year's Resolutions.

In April we are meeting one week later than usual (on 8th April)because Easter intervenes, and we are cooking Fantastic, Flavourful

Fish (we hope). Pity about the pudding! We would be delighted to

welcome anyone who would like to come and see what we are like.

Please contact me for further information.

KATHLEEN TANNER

Group Leader

Stargazy Pie

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U3A “PACERS” WALKING GROUP

On a cloudy morning 13 walkers set off from the Red Lion in West

Deeping. A short detour was taken to visit St Andrew's church

before the start of the walk. Parts of the building are 750years old, inside the church hangs a large brass chandelier and on one of the

walls there are Victorian tiles.

We walked through the village past many interesting houses to the

footpath off The Lane and followed the banks of a tributary of the River Welland which leads on to the footpath that runs down the

side of Molecey's Mill. We returned to West Deeping via the A16

and the Tallington footpath. A pleasant lunch was taken at the Red

Lion.

Report by Margaret Allen Photo: STEPHEN WHITE

Group Leader LIZ WATERLAND

U3A MONDAY READING GROUP

Our book this month was The

Hare with Amber Eyes by

Edmund De Waal. This is the

fascinating, true story of how a valuable collection of 264

Japanese wood and ivory

carvings (known as netsukes) was handed down through his

family and, finally, into the author’s own hands. Netsukes are tiny,

intricate carvings of animals (including the eponymous hare with

amber eyes) which were originally used as fastenings or decoration on traditional Japanese dress. This collection was made by Charles

Ephrussi, living in Paris in the 1800s. He was a member of a hugely

wealthy, intellectual Jewish banking family, originating in Russia

and later spreading further around Europe. The book follows the netsukes’ movement with the family to Vienna, where the casual

anti-semitism that has always been part of the family’s life spills

over into the horror of the “ethnic cleansing” following the Nazi’s

takeover of the city. How the various members of the family survive (or otherwise) and how the netsukes are saved forms an

intriguing and involving story, culminating in the present day in

Japan, where they finally arrive in the author’s hands.

Our members all enjoyed the story, which has elements of a clever treasure hunt as well as being a retelling of history in a personal and

interesting way. We particularly enjoyed the elegant, clearly

readable and literate prose of the author, which made a complex

journey a delight to read.

Our April meeting is on April 8th at Mary Martin’s house.

LIZ WATERLAND

Group Leader

NEWSFLASH—Photography Group Members especially,

should check our web site for pictures from South Africa sent

by Kath and Peter Allen. Other members may enjoy them too.

U3A MONDAY WALKING GROUP

The most recent walk of the Group was on March 4th and started at the Crown Inn at Great Casterton. We then followed a route of almost seven miles towards Empingham and back via Tickencote. This is a very pleasant part of the world, the rolling countryside much favoured by the “horsey” set. It was a glorious day with the sunshine breaking through the morning mist, evocative in fact of the days we used to have at this time of year before somebody invented the expression “global warming”. Definitely no muddy boots this time!

The group has however become the victim of its own success and we had a total of 42 walkers. Such numbers can lead to difficulties in managing the walk and it is with some regret that we have therefore decided that, for the time being at least, we will be unable to accept any new members into the group. The next walk will be on April 8th, will be based around Apethorpe and will be led by me. Members should note, that, to quote the BBC, “this is a change to our advertised programme”. We will meet at the Kings Head at Apethorpe at 9.30 for a 10.00 start. I will forward full details to the group in due course.

CHAS FERGUSON Photo: DAVID SCOTT Group Leader

U3A DISCUSSION GROUP

In spite of the weather ten of us enjoyed Kathleen

and Ian Tanner's hospitality on Monday 11th

where we discussed Ethical Consumerism. If only

we could put the world to right!

Next meeting at Eileen Gray's home, 12 Wade Park Avenue - topic

‘Responsibility for our health and obesity’. Ian Tanner will be

Group Contact for the next few weeks.

AUDREY ALLEN

U3A CRAFT REPORT 2

We tackled teabag folding with great success in

February producing some very attractive cards.

Thank you to Barbara Baylis for showing us.

We are attempting some more jewellery and bead designs in March

with the help of Angela Fisher – thanks to her. Monday 18 March

2pm, usual place.

LIZ NOBLE Group Leader

U3A WEEKENDERS GROUP

Twenty of us enjoyed coffee and a chat at the

Deeping Stage on Saturday. Barbara arranged a

trip to Chatsworth House in June, and Anne Jones is organising a “Super 7 Meal” at The Stage on 1st May. Next

coffee morning 13th April. Any queries please ring Pat Rigby 2

who will be leading the Group for the next few weeks.

AUDREY ALLEN

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U3A FAMILY HISTORY GROUP

Two new members joined the group this month. Welcome to Shelagh and Barry Fisher and we hope that they gain help and encouragement from the other members.

We looked at Military records today. We took some time to look at the formation of the Army rank and structure and the type of records we would expect to find. It is necessary to know the rank of the person being sought as Officer records are different to ordinary ‘Tommies’ I explained that with the help of war diaries I managed to work out where an Uncle had been when he was blown up by a German booby trap. Who would want to find a family member in the deserters list, or in POW records? If it helps to flesh out the bones then we would all like to find a name or two.

Our next meeting will be on 8th April, 2pm, same place. Anyone who would like any help, can contact me on my e-mail address. I may not have the answer but I will probably be able to point to the person who does.

We would be more than pleased to welcome any new members who would like to either start or enhance their family history. Anyone interested in joining our group or just having a chat about what we do, please give me a call.

PEG TORRANCE

Group Leader

THURSDAY GARDENING GROUP

Sandra and Mike Bowers kindly hosted our March meeting. It is nearly two years since they moved house and the group was invited to offer ideas for a garden makeover. No "Ground Force" has been near but the transformation has been remarkable. Tangled areas have been cleared, trees felled, flower beds replanted and Mike even has his longed for pond. There is colour to brighten this most miserable of months, a Summer pot is already planted and new growth throughout the garden promises much for later in the year. They have worked hard and we were impressed - here was a wonderful example of how to update and refresh a garden.

Once inside we made plans for planting pots of herbs and vegetables when the weather warms up and finally we watched a DVD to remind ourselves of best practice when planting in pots. We are hoping to supply produce for our own Summer picnic later in the year and will be reporting on progress. Sandra and Mike were very attentive hosts and we thank them for their hospitality.

Our next meeting will be on Thursday 4th April. We will have a guided tour of Springfields when the display of Spring flowers should be at its best and will then adjourn for lunch. Full details will be emailed to group members nearer the time but please let me know as soon as possible if you are unable to attend this meeting.

CHRIS FERGUSON

Group Leader

U3A LEARN PHOTOGRAPHY GROUP

Members of the photographic group met on Wednesday 13th March. They were given five pages on guidelines on how to use certain elements to obtain good compositions. Using leading lines either horizontal, vertical or diagonal could provide a way into a picture, and an easy path to follow to the main subject. Where do you focus and is the focal point strong and dynamic? How using the thirds grid will make it a lot easier to get better compositions that are not complicated. Members were also instructed on things that you should not do, like putting the horizon through some body's or animals head. I now look forward to the April meeting ( date yet to be announced ) to see how the members will put these guidelines into their own photographs.

DAVE PENDRY

Group Leader

U3A WRITING FOR PLEASURE GROUP

At our March meeting we enjoyed hearing each others’ attempts to write two stories about the same event, but from totally different points of view. As usual, we had great variety in our pieces. Geoff wrote about an unsuccessful robbery in a bank, from the bank clerk’s viewpoint, and then from the robber’s. Anne gave us two amusing poems about the cake and preserves’ competition at the village fete. Betty also included a village fete in her story, where several unfortunate incidents happened during the afternoon. As usual with Betty, there was a death, when an old man got overheated in the fortune teller’s tent, and sadly passed away.

Next month we have to write the beginning of a story, and introduce five characters to the reader. This must be done on one page of A4, so nothing too lengthy.

JUDY ROBINSON Group Leader

U3A LISTENING TO MUSIC GROUP A smaller than usual group of us met at Frank Mills’ house on 13 March. Being that time of year when spring has supposed to have sprung, Frank chose a wide ranging programme reflecting the music of spring. Unfortunately, the weather was most un-spring like.

The spring season is normally associated with visions of new born lambs and daffodils. However, these were not the motifs heard in a most compelling performance of Stravinsky’s ballet Le Sacre du Printemps (The Rite of Spring) with its vivid portrayal of barbaric spring rituals. A lighter side was provided by Percy Grainger’s Lincolnshire Posy, written for Brass Band, and Respighi’s The Birds with its most realistic descriptions of various avian creatures.In the Spring from Carl Orff’s Carmina Burana provided a most rhythmical and different type of music.

Of course, no programme of spring music would be complete without recourse to Spring from Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons. This was an electrifying performance given by Roberto Michelucci with the legendary I Musici. Thank you Frank for a most stimulating morning’s listening. Our next meeting is on 14 March at Anne Jones’s house, 10 am. Report by TERRY NOBLE Group Leaders: TERRY NOBLE / JIM PRINGLE

U3A THURSDAY WALKING GROUP Once the frost had cleared bright sunny conditions allowed 22 members to undertake a pleasant walk this month commencing from the village of Belmesthorpe and passing the Alpaca llamas before heading off over the fields to Ryhall Road, Stamford and then skirting Morrisons and Hudds Mill before walking along part of the old Stamford Canal to Uffington and back to the Blue Bell pub at Belmesthorpe for a pleasant meal. We did this walk last year but this time reversed the route which puts a whole new perspective on it. Many thanks to David for leading the walk and organising the lunch. The next walk on 11 April will be led by Mike and Sandy Bowers and will be part of the Spalding Leisure Wheel Walk. Please meet at Springfields Shopping Centre, Spalding (the large car park on the left as you go in) from 9.30am for a 10am start. If you wish to attend this walk, could you please phone or e-mail Mike and Sandy by the Tuesday preceding the walk, if possible, on 01778 342049 or mikesandybowers@googlemail.com As agreed at this month’s walk we will dispense with the slips which are available at the monthly U3A meeting as to the whereabouts of the following month’s walk. This information is now available in the monthly newsletter, the U3A website (Thursday walking) and I will also e-mail all those on e-mail a couple of weeks prior to the walk and phone those who are not on e-mail. GODFREY PARKES Group Leader

Anyone needing tips on how to squeeze as much as possible onto an A4 sheet, ring me! ANN

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