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Newsletter No.39 – Autumn 2016

Souvenir Edition

Louise Henly

Round the groups (Contacts and further information on our website http://u3asites.org.uk/wolverhampton ) Understanding Opera Group For most of this year our group is celebrating two important anniversaries – the 70th anniversary of Welsh National Opera and the Our Shakespeare Festival in which arts organisations throughout the Midlands are celebrating the Bard 400 years after his death in 1616. WNO gave its first performance, a double bill of Cavalleria Rusticana and I Pagliacci, in Cardiff on 15 April 1946. As part of its anniversary celebrations it performed “Cav + Pag”, both of which we have studied, at the Birmingham Hippodrome. I was privileged to be invited to a celebratory reception where, over a nice glass of chilled white wine, I was able to chat to several senior members of WNO staff. This enabled me to tell them about the work of our group and also, perhaps, to pave the way for a collaboration between the Company and our group! Shakespeare has inspired many composers of opera and music theatre, and we are now studying three works which are being performed locally before Christmas. First of all Berlioz’ Béatrice et Bénédict, which was streamed live into the Lighthouse in June. Then Verdi’s Macbeth and Cole Porter’s Kiss me, Kate (based on The Taming of the Shrew), both of which WNO is bringing to the Hippodrome in November. By then we shall have studied over 50 operas since the group started in 2007! Our Shakespeare theme continues in 2017 when we look at Verdi’s Otello on 9 May and 12 June. Before that, and totally different, we study Johann Strauss’ Die Fledermaus on 14 March and 11 April. The year will probably start with either Verdi’s Il Trovatore or Richard Strauss’ Der Rosenkavalier.

We meet at 2.30 pm in members’ homes, usually on the second Tuesday of the month. Andrew Milligan

Classical Music Group The Music Group was one of the first to be set up – by Margaret Thwaites, a founder member – when Wolverhampton U3A was formed, so for 20 years has provided a monthly opportunity to hear new pieces of classical music and listen to old favourites as foreground rather than background music. Many sessions are devoted to a single composer (in the last year we have heard Brahms, Mendelssohn, Tchaikovsky, Respighi, Poulenc and Prokofiev), but there are also more eclectic presentations featuring a number of composers, some explanatory (“Music Inspired by Shakespeare”, “Second World War Music”, “BBC Young Musicians of the Year”), others more enigmatic (“Water, Water Everywhere”, “Pieces of

Eight”, “Morning, Noon and Night”, “Calm Before the Storm”). We also have sessions when members bring along a favourite piece of music. Anyone interested in joining the group should contact John Sheard. New members are always welcome Jazz Group

Louis Armstrong, Dave Brubeck, John Coltrane, Miles Davis, Duke Ellington, Bill Frisell, Stan Getz, Charlie Haden, Abdullah Ibrahim, Keith Jarrett, Roland Kirk,

Yusef Lateef, Thelonious Monk, Jimmy Noone, Kid Ory, Charlie Parker, Ike Quebec, Zoe Rahman,

Gwilym Simcock, Henri Texier, James Blood Ulmer, Miroslav Vitous, Kenny Wheeler,

Joel Xavier, Lester Young, Joe Zawinal. These are just a few of the musicians we have heard in the Jazz Group over the last eight years. At its inception in 2009 a list was drawn up of 100 or so possible subjects (which one member is assiduously ticking off!), enough we thought for about ten years. But such has been the wide range of members’ presentations that so far less than a quarter of these have been covered.

The Jazzers So there are still many years to go before we start repeating ourselves, and plenty of jazz – of all times and genres - to be explored. If you would like to join us in doing so, contact John Sheard – we always welcome new members. Part-singing Group

We have approximately ten members now and growing. We sing a variety of music including madrigals,folk songs,spirituals and some religious music. We try to concentrate on music that you might not encounter in your local choir. We sing purely for pleasure and do not pressurise members into performing in public as most of our members are in choirs anyway and have a lot of musical commitments. We welcome anyone who has not sung with a group for a long time as well as those who are already involved in musical activities. hopefully our repertoire fulfils the interests of both parties. Pat Coates

Ukulele Group It was a Tuesday morning, autumn 2014 during the coffee break of the Codsall cycle ride group that I met a big hairy bear aka retired teacher Roy Stevens.We got to discussing our common musical experiences, particularly of fretted instruments, and the Ukulele group was born. First meeting, February 2015 in Chris Collins’ house: 15 people, 2 songs (Jambalaya and You are my Sunshine) and 3 chords (C,F and G) Wow! Bigger space needed so moved to Tettenhall Wood Institute’s small room, and recently outgrew that so moved to its biggest room.

Altogether nearly 60 people have attended at least once, though we average around 25 members, many of whom also belong to the Codsall cycling group (which has spawned another U3A group). From the start, I’ve been in awe of the bear (Roy) and wonderful Gill (Mrs bear) who organises the music. To get such results (I hope you agree) from ancient arthritic hands, co-ordinating finger positions (left) and strumming (right), while reading words, chords and singing along must do wonders for the brain (his and ours). And the

repertoire; about 70 songs, mainly pop/folk/country from 50’s and 60’s using a gazillion chords (well some of us do).We have connections with other local ukulele groups, and aim to go out to the community more in the future. New members welcome! Ruth Byrne

Reading Groups It was in November, 2006 that a group of us decided to form a book group which would meet monthly. Each member of the group would take turns to choose and present a book which would then be discussed by the rest of the group. Our first choice was The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini. Our group quickly grew in numbers and when it reached 16, we decided to split the group and have two groups meeting on the same day and at the same time [see below for details of a 3rd group]. Since the inception of the book group we have read over 100 books, which have always provoked interesting, lively discussions. Sometimes there is a consensus, but often very different views are expressed, which makes for an interesting time. 'The Slap' was one such book. The two groups are run along similar lines with a similar ethos, but have developed their own 'personality'.

What is special about the groups is that everyone listens to each other and respects their views, even if they differ from their own. Perhaps that's why we have survived for so long! From a

personal point of view I have been introduced to books which I would never have chosen, but have enjoyed immensely. Jeanette Black We are hoping to set up a new Reading Group on Contemporary History –. Subject matter can be very varied. It could come for example from any area of

cultural, social, political, local, national and international history from World War II onwards. Books are named well in advance, so that there is plenty of

time to get hold of a library or secondhand copy. Anyone interested should contact Neil Malcolm the group coordinator .

Play Reading Groups Li Linneman started the first group in about 1997. Sheila Moore took it over in about 2000 as Wolverhampton library could not supply us with sets of plays and she could get sets from Staffordshire libraries. They have been invaluable as they have a good selection of different plays. Margaret Barr set up a second group in 2006 as the first group grew too big. More recently Ruth Byrne started a third group. We read plays by many different playwrights ranging from Oscar Wilde to Alan Ayckbourne. We read a wide range of styles including comedies, mysteries tragedies and farces. This leads to interesting discussions over tea. Some of the plays we have done recently are The Barratts of Wimpole St, by R Bezic, Dolly West’s Kitchen by Frank McGuiness, Towards Zero by Agatha Christie, Who lies there by P Johnson and Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen. Sheila Moore

Poetry Group Our poetry appreciation group continues its happy loquacious way for another year. Why does everyone enjoy it so? Firstly, most basically, we enjoy each other’s company. Secondly, we are curious as to what choice of poems each person will make. There is a pattern: we tend to like rhyming poems with a regular metre (in common with most of the rest of the country if one consults popular collections of poetry). Usually subject matter deals with love, nature, relationships, pets etc., but it is often the poems which fall outside those areas which are the most interesting. Reactions to a poem which has just been read in the group are always revealing. Murmurs of approbation are standard, but an attempt at analysis means that the poem has hit home by charming, disturbing or even baffling the would-be analyst. A frequently asked (non-member) question is “How do you avoid duplication?” Strangely, this almost never occurs, apart from when someone comes new to the group. How many poems are heard in one of our sessions? Normally we have around ten members, most of whom prepare 3 poems (some more). A final question since we are part of and typical of the U3A system. How are we developing our knowledge of poetry, indeed how making our lives more interesting? The answer must be: poetry seeks out the quintessential in our lives and that of our forefathers … and we love it! And yet we are glad that we have only chipped away at the vast repository of poems in the English language – the rest is yet to discover. Tony Hollingworth

Food Group Our Food Group has a serious side, We study ingredients to decide What’s good for our health and what to avoid, What cooking methods are best employed. Additives, calories, vitamins, fat? Is chocolate good for us? Questions like that. We buy fresh local ingredients, wholesome and pure, And never succumb to the ‘Ready Meals’ lure!

But food must give us pleasure, at least ‘five smiles a day’, So we’ve outings, have parties and there we display Our cookery skills. Together we sit, each with full laden plate, Forgetting for once that we’re watching our weight! Louise Henly Garden group

The garden group kicked off our programme in January with a discussion on pruning, followed by a visit to Attingham in February, to see the snowdrops. We were blessed with perfect weather which showed the snowdrops off to perfection. We have had several visits to members' gardens, which is always fascinating and rewarding. We are fortunate to have a wealth of expertise in our group which is readily shared with everyone - we also donate any surplus plants. We

often combine with the Food Group for social events, which usually includes a game of croquet (not sure if it's played strictly by the rules, but it's fun). Our summer visit was to a lavender farm which was very enjoyable and informative. Shortly we have a visit to Walsall to the Four Seasons Garden and then we will start planning for next year. Jeanette Black

Italian Conversation Group

Buongiorno! The Italian Conversation Group has been up and running for a few years now and has managed to keep going, I think, because we are quite an interesting heterogeneous group of people who are all able to contribute something to our progress in spoken Italian. We are quite a mix: people who have lived and worked in Italy, two who organise holidays in Italy, one with Italian relatives and connections, an ex-teacher of other foreign languages and some who simply love Italy and want to get the most from their visits there. Under the watchful eye of our experienced and fluent speaker Kate Gilbert we are looking forward to many more relaxed, fortnightly meetings.

The weather gods looked down kindly on us for our end-of-term Italian lunch! Derek Castle

Deutschgruppe We meet weekly on Tuesdays. The venue varies as we use a rotation system between group members’ houses. The class is of an intermediate standard and is led by Christine Smith. The meeting lasts two hours and we experience a number of activities to improve our German proficiency. These include, reading, listening and speaking. We use a variety of materials including a text – Deutsch Direkt, magazine items and news reports – and we have weekly homework assignments! Keith Briscoe Latin Group The Latin Group meets fortnightly . We translate and discuss passages from the Roman authors, under the guidance of Dr Brenda Luck. John Henly

Improvers’ Spanish Group This group was formed in summer 2015 with the purpose of learning to speak, write and understand the Spanish language; some of the group had spoken a little Spanish on holiday, but none had studied the language previously, so we were definitely a Beginners group.

We started with some basic phrases (greetings, introductions, farewells, asking for something, saying ‘Thank You’) and numbers. Over the months since, we have progressed gradually, becoming more confident in pronunciation and extending our vocabulary and grammar in situations such as shopping, asking for directions, booking accommodation, daily living routines. In a typical session, Christine, our leader, will introduce us to a new topic (sometimes grammar, sometimes vocabulary), which we’ll then practise together; we’ll recap on learning from a previous week, and may listen to some spoken Spanish or read a section from the text book we’re using; sometimes we’ll have a quiz or game. And we always have a break in the middle for a cuppa and chat! Recognising the progress that has been made over the last year, we have just changed our title from ‘Beginners’ to ‘Improvers’ Spanish group. Tim Jevons

French Improvers Group We are quite a new group, aiming to target people who do know some French. This may be school French or language picked up during French holidays. We aim to meet twice a month, currently on Wednesday afternoon between 2:00 and 4:00 PM. During the sessions we all decide how we want to use our time together. A typical session could include:-

Describe our recent news in French. Read and translate a news or magazine article. Vocabulary games. French grammar session.

Nick Jones

French Group 1

Social Issues: Approaching Maturity? In the beginning it was a small group of about six and remained at this size over some years then as our membership gradually grew so did the size of the group which now stands at the low twenties with meetings typically attracting 14- 16 members. We've a wide variety of backgrounds socially, culturally and politically which makes for always interesting and sometimes genuinely stimulating discussions. Discussions are usually based on previously circulated readings. Not everyone is willing to lead a topic but all participate in the discussions. Recently we tried a 'team'approach with a small group sharing the reading of a book, Fields of Blood by Karen Armstrong and each then leading discussion on part of the book. That worked fairly well and will probably be used again. Over time we've discussed a large number of topics. I'll not offer a list but if you're interested go to the group entry on the website. We have sometimes set up joint sessions with another group and should perhaps try to do this again?

Looking back I find that the character of our topics has changed. As society has become increasingly unequal and fragmented and as the future seems increasingly uncertain, particularly for the young, so our topics have become more serious. We've returned to the issue of environmental threats a number of times and no doubt will again. Similarly economic stress and what might be done about it keeps returning in one form or another. It was the importance of this which led to our 'baby'- the new group on Contemporary Capitalsim. And of course we discused the EU Referendum. Unlike our demographic which voted Leave by a considerable margin we voted largely for Remain, albeit despite having reservations about the future of the EU and its lack of democracy. At our August meeting we shall be planning future topics. Post- Brexit I've no doubt we'll find much to think about. Len Moore Capitalism Group The Capitalism Interest Group defines itself as an Advanced Interest Group, which is defined by the members as a study group that seeks to delve deeper than groups normally do into topics raised by the study of different aspects of capitalism. The depth is achieved by all members receiving, and agreeing to read, often quite detailed and involved scholarly journal articles on different aspects of Capitalism. Help is provided by members to each other where the topic or article focus is possibly outside the comfort zones of members’ past experiences and expertise, but an overarching principle is that, whatever the level of prior expertise and experience members are able to bring to a session, that each member has valuable and insightful perspectives that are worthy of expression and discussion. Enjoyment is gained by interactions, often including

comical asides, and the awareness of going beyond everyday levels of knowledge and understanding. By the time of the Anniversary celebrations, the Capitalism Interest Group will be coming to the end of its first year of existence. Study and discussion in the sessions to date has concentrated upon different aspects of what might be termed the ‘Anglo-Saxon’ (British and American) and European models of capitalism. This analysis has included the current dominance of neoliberalism in policy and practice, including at the level of the Governments/States. New members are always welcome, and whilst there is a level of commitment required due to the common prior reading, every help is provided to assist people to learn and contribute to the learning activities of the group. Neil Moreland

Who is this man? See our display….

Computing Group Ten years ago there were many U3A members who had bought computers, but had very little idea what they could be used for. Perhaps there still are! I prepared some tutorials entitled “Basic Computing” and, with the help of several computer-literate fellow members, ran a number of short courses. The idea was to help people to gain confidence in exploring their machines and to get, and stay, organised. We covered topics like creating and organising an efficient file structure so that you know not only where to put new material, but where to find it later. Under the general heading of file handling we covered copying and pasting files as well as importing and cataloguing photos or music files. Another well-received topic was internet browsers and emails. One of the difficulties which emerged was the existence of different operating systems. I had prepared tutorials to cover Windows XP, Vista and 7, but then someone turned up with a Windows 2000 laptop. We had a similar problem when we tackled Word Processing and Spreadsheets, where older and newer versions of MS Office do the same job, but have different interfaces. Likewise Open Office. Some people also had a go at Linux. The last group sessions we had covered iPads and Android tablets. Since then the group has acted more as an advice forum where any member may pose a query and, hopefully, get an answer. Some of the topics covered have been: webmail or machine-based email, which is better? Anti-virus and anti-malware products, accents and foreign language spell-checks, setting your own browser home page, finding missing DLL files, and of course most recently, downloading and installing Windows 10.

I still have most of those tutorials if anyone is interested, but they may need updating, especially if you are using Windows 10. Goeff Williams

Art Appreciation Group

This was not one of the original interest groups, but Kay Herbert started it in about 2002, initially calling it, ‘Enjoying Pictures’ to encourage members like myself with little knowledge of the subject, and I took over coordination in 2004. Originally we met in members’ homes, and managed by passing round books for illustrations and borrowing Len Moore’s projector to show slides, sometimes from the 3rd Age Trust’s ‘Resources’. It wasn’t always easy to darken rooms or arrange furniture so that everyone could see the screen. By 2012, Wolverhampton U3A had acquired the digital projection equipment which is kept at Tettenhall Wood Institute, and now we generally meet there. Nowadays their fast broadband and the amazing resources of the internet are brought together by Di Tordoff to illustrate any topic we can think of, from Australian Art to Zoological microscope slides. We used to have more group visits, venturing as far as Compton Verney, and still include occasional trips to interesting-sounding local exhibitions. In the early days several members were willing to take whole sessions, and we are still fortunate to have some such offers. However, that is a major undertaking, and now many of our sessions invite members to contribute a few minutes on a topic, and with our widely varied interests and lifetime experiences the results are fascinating, and certainly everyone ‘teaches and learns’ and often another meeting will follow up or branch off as a result. At the October meeting you can see the results of a session on ‘a portrait you love and one you hate’ – and work out which are which for yourselves! Margaret Barr

Practical Art Group We are a friendly group for artists of all abilities including novices who have always wanted to have a go but been too shy to try. A wide variety of media are worked including oil; acrylic; watercolour; pastel and pencil along with techniques such as marbling; photo sensitive printing; tie dying and lino cutting. Subject matter ranges from still life, flowers and landscapes to cards, portraits and abstract patterns. The unusual use of salt, tissue paper, candles, masking fluid and credit cards have produced some interesting multi media pieces.

Our leader Cleo Abbs, a practising artist, is always on hand to give help, advice and encouragement. Meetings are held on 2nd and 4th Friday of the month at TWI. Di Tordoff

Craft Group We are a small group at the moment as the group has only recently started. We meet once per month on the third Wednesday at 1:30pm in members homes; the cost is just 50p each for a drink given to the person hosting the meeting.

So far we have made the following: Candles Twiddle Muffs Fabric Box Decorating Candles Fabric Dying in the Microwave Christmas Tree Decoration We are open to learn any new crafts and in the future we have painting on the agenda. Anyone wishing to join can simply come along - all details are kept up to date on the U3A website Carole Johnstone

Games Group

Knowledge, skill, speed of thought, strategy and chance all combine to produce varying degrees of elation and frustration!

Helen Currie

Science and Technology Group This group gives opportunities to learn about many topics in the realm of Science & Technology (including Engineering). It is not just limited to people with scientific & technological knowledge. In other words all are welcome even if they left Science & Technology behind them at school or indeed did not study any of these subjects at school. Meetings are held at members’ homes: there is no rota, it’s just who volunteers! Each meeting will examine at least one topic, sometimes as many as four. Each topic has a leader who may not necessarily be an expert on their topic but will have researched that topic. They will have produced some material for dissemination to the group: this may be in the form of printed material and/or slide show on a computer or large pieces of paper, usually supplemented by talking. Questions & comments by the audience are welcomed, during the ‘lecture’ and/or at the end.

The next meeting and some previous meetings & their associated topics are listed on the web site. The topics have been in wide range of subjects e.g. Biology, Geology, Geography, Physics, Mathematics, Chemistry, Food Technology, History of Science. Please feel to contact me if you wish to join or just turn up at a meeting. John Rose

Philosophy Our first meeting was held on the second Monday in February2013 with six participants. In April of the same year a second group was formed on the second Wednesday with 5participants. Numbers have fluctuated with a maximum ofabout 18 but recently numbers have fallen off which resulted inus having a joint meeting in September to decide if we couldcarry on with two groups. There were eight members attending and two apologies from members who hope to attend in the nextfew months. The result was that we will only have one group in

October but will be prepared to split into two if there are enough new participants.

We have now had a total of 75 sessions which have covered a wide ground: Metaphysics (what exists and the nature of existence: the mind, free-will, personal identity), Ontology (How do we know anything at all, science, language, thought), Ethics (what is good, reason and emotion, animal “rights”), Politics (justification of the state, justice – distributive and retributive - crime and punishment), Culture (art, religion). It has recently been said that philosophy is dead but that is untrue. We are constantly discussing ethics: the environment, punishment, treatment of animals, abortion and euthanasia but to rationally discuss these topics we need to develop our understanding of metaphysics: the nature of a person, personal responsibility, and justice. It is also said that philosophers have been discussing these topics for 2,500 years or more and have not yet reached agreement. Again this is not true; there is wide agreement among philosophers in many areas and where there is disagreement it is often a question on how much weight an individual puts on certain values (freedom or equality for example). Philosophy will not give you the “right” answer but it should, at least, give you the right questions. Tim McNamara

Local History Group Recently our members have been looking through their family photographs, finding ones to tell the group about. We started at our August meeting, and will be continuing at the September and October meetings. Photographs, mostly black and white dating back some time ago, came with interesting stories. For example, Pauline brought the photograph taken at her parents wedding in the 1930s, and of the house which they bought in 1930, and told us about St Oswald's which was near where Springdale Church now stands. It was built on what is now a little triangle of grass at the small roundabout at the junction of Wynchcombe Avenue with Rutland Avenue. Pauline brought the milk jug that was part of the crockery used at the church hall to show us, complete with the name St Oswald's, a real piece of Local History.

Our activities this year have included a picture show "From Tettenhall to Penn and back in picture postcards", a talk about Emma Sproson, and then Ellen Thorneycroft Fowler and Sarah Wells Page, as part of a series of talks about Women of Wolverhampton, a picture show "Wolverhampton Historic Buildings - the upper storeys” visits to the Pen Museum in the Jewellery Quarter, and a coach trip to Wroxeter Roman City and Attingham Park. We have also had a session looking through Ann's Local History Scrap Books. Next year's programme is under consideration: a visit to Wolverhampton Archives to see some film archives, and a talk about the Faulds explosion in WW2 are on the cards. Ann Eales

Walking Group The Walking Group is also twenty years old, - one of the first to be started. It was coordinated and developed by Joyce and Peter Wakeman for the first ten years, then by Jenny and Geoff Williams for the next ten. Linda Moreland has kindly stepped forward to carry on the tradition of walking in the mud and rain, through cornfields, round cowpats while keeping a wary eye on the bull on the other side of the field, down the lanes, up to the summits whilst having good conversations and putting the world to rights. (No obligation to commit to the full ten years, Linda!) We have become connoisseurs of most of the pubs in the area, noting the most welcoming and those with the slowest service. Many of us have grown old with the group, so no longer face long steep slopes with equanimity, but we still have a core of fit, hardy, committed members who relish 8 – 10 miles in the Shropshire hills.

A tradition started by Joyce and Peter and continued since is the annual four-day holiday. We have stayed in Buxton, Hartington, Monmouth, Porthmadog, Wiltshire and the Cotswolds. John Black and John Sheard have taken on the task on organising our holidays for the past three years. The holidays have been enjoyed by all, and we are full of memories of continuous rain in Monmouth, not getting to the top of Cnicht twice, and fantastic Autumn weather in the Cotswolds. In case there is some government department evaluating our efficiency (OfTrail?), we can report that in the last ten years we have done 200 walks with 3319 walkers. We have covered 1134.85 miles with an average length of 5.9 miles and 17.37 walkers. If you multiply the total number of walkers by the total number of miles it comes to 3,766,567 miles which we have covered collectively. Geoff & Jenny Willliams

Cycling Club We started early in April and are up to our fourth ride on Friday 23 September. We are in the very early days and are still trying to find a perfect fit in terms of how far we want to cycle and what format the rides need to be to suit the group’s abilities. We ride (at present) on Friday mornings starting in Codsall at 10am and head out on the Staffordshire lanes towards a coffee stop, and then return to Codsall, hopefully with the same number we set off with ... so far that has been achieved!

This is an embryonic group with plans to use a variety of formats for local rides, and car/bike rides so that areas further afield can be explored. Gill Stevens Creative Writing Group

The Creative Writing Group gave a lot of thought to ways of celebrating the 20th Anniversary of the founding of the Wolverhampton Branch of the U3A. After discussion we decided to produce an Anthology of our work over the years and each member would decide themselves what to include but to include at least one piece each. These would be given to the producer by September to allow time for printing.

The variety of articles is astonishing, everything from science fiction to love sonnets, from Roman whodunits to everyday stories of country folk. Love features in many moods from head-over-heels passion to love lost and many emotions in between. At this point in our young(ish) lives reminiscences

surface though not all are from our real memories. Poetry and comedy take their places in several styles but the greatest ingredient is imagination. You don’t need to be Shakespeare, Hemingway or Austen to join the Group, you just need pen, paper, imagination and a love of words. Sometimes during the tea-breaks we play acrostics or other games and it’s amazing what vocabulary and trains of thought develop. Let your imagination soar and the results will startle you. The aims of the Anthology are three-fold. The first is to celebrate our interest and enjoyment in writing, the second is to share our work and enjoyment and the third to share any profits made with Compton Hospice. So please read and enjoy and buy! A bargain in anyone’s words at £1.50 ! Tess Fitzsimons

Luncheon Club We meet every six to eight weeks in varying hostelries around the Wolverhampton area. The list for signing up to a Lunch is sent around at the current meal and also at the monthly meeting. All lunches are displayed on the website with updates as often as they occur. I would like to suggest that members try and give each other lifts to and from the meals to assist those who may find travelling rather difficult but who would like to attend for social reasons; the walking group has this arrangement by way of meeting at Compton and sharing car journeys, I am not suggesting meeting at Compton, just offering to pick someone up who lives locally to you, just an idea worth giving some thought to. I usually attend the monthly meeting where I can offer advice to anyone interested in joining the large group or my details can be found on the website. Linda Briscoe

Speakers Secretary Like all other committee tasks the role of Speakers Secretary has its challenges, and finding speakers who can interest and engage such a wide and varied membership is certainly one of them. Searching for and booking speakers for the year begins months before the final programme needs to be taken to committee for approval.

Over time there is no doubt that we have had some excellent speakers/entertainers; we have also listened to some not so good and apologetically some very disappointing ones. However, I realise and accept that whatever the efforts made to find good and entertaining speakers, rarely can you please all of the members all of the time, but hopefully some of the members have been pleased some of the time… The monthly meetings are also a time to enjoy a cuppa and a chat with other members, with the Summer and Christmas socials providing the opportunity for an enjoyable afternoon of quizzes with afternoon tea and scones included. Mo Johnson

WHAT MY U3A MEANS TO ME …

… CONTINUED … “I joined the U3A to learn German in a more informal way rather than going to adult education college. Since becoming a member, I joined the walking group, practical art, singing for pleasure, part singing, food, and luncheon club, for which I am now the coordinator.” “I moved to Wolverhampton 9 years ago a complete stranger except for one of my deceased husband’s relatives. Having been introduced a while later to U3A Wolverhampton I have found and made friends with a great group of people for whose friendship and company I will always be grateful.” “I joined the U3A at a time I was left alone in a new city with no family around and only a couple of new friends. One of my old friends from where I had previously lived told me about the U3A - ’It’s just what you need’ she said. I took her advice, although it took a bit of courage to enter a room of strangers. However they didn’t remain strangers for long as I was given a very warm welcome and soon made friends who helped me settle into my new area and home. It gave me not only friendship but a purpose, new interests and a new home and city.” “My kid brother retired before me. He joined a U3A in Shropshire and the concept (of which I was totally ignorant) appealed to me. So when I retired in 2010, I joined Wolverhampton U3A (Latin and Writing). His recommendation was excellent and I rarely miss a session. However, he could not find similar satisfaction with his U3A - serves him right for leaving the Black Country for the country!!” “I decided to join because of very wide range of interest in the many groups, although I have only committed to one group - the Reading Group. This group has given me great good company as well as encouraging me to read literature I would not have chosen myself and I have enjoyed many of them immensely.” “It offers the chance to do interesting, challenging activities, in a friendly atmosphere’ ‘U3A provides an enjoyable and often amusing interlude with like minded people once a month. A refreshing launch into something different’ ‘I was attracted by the curious blend of education, relaxation and friendship, but also the challenge of something new’ ‘I have met a lot of interesting people and made new friends. The U3A has broadened my horizons.’ ‘Stimulating, and provides a structure to my learning and social life’ “The U3A gets you out of the house; is a great place to make friends; learn something new; pass on your knowledge and give yourself a purpose in life. “The U3A gives fresh air, fun, companionship, knowledge, good food, intelligent discussion, exercise and a cup of tea all for free or 50p!” “I enjoy the U3A as it gives me a reason to go out and meet people which helps to keep the grey matter ticking over.” “Excellent, we have progressed 100% since we have been coming here”

“New member of U3A - excellent Ukulele Class. We have also learned how to find parking places in Tettenhall and how to operate electronic entry doors!” “We are looking forward to our first gig - keep rocking in the freeworld!.” “Happy days. Friendly and fun.”

“Christmas 3 years ago. A friend of mine was bought a present of a ukulele by his wife. He'd never shown any musical prowess and so I thought this would be a 9 day wonder and would finish up gathering dust in the corner somewhere. Not so. About 2 months later, he attended a ukahooley at The Wrekin in Shropshire, all in pirates outfits, and he invited me. I went as Cap'n Pugwash. Whilst there, I picked up a spare ukulele and began playing it. I'd have never played a ukulele at any time in the past. What on earth's going on here I thought. The following day I bought a Takermine. £150. Moths weren't happy. 3 years later, I've become a member of 6 ukulele clubs and perform gigs and Busks everywhere. The Ukulele has taken over my life. I have now joined the U3A ukulele tuition group in Tettenhall. It's organised by Ruth Byrne and the tutors are Roy and Gill Stevens. They are all extremely good and have taught me a lot. So, from its tongue in cheek, tentative beginnings 3 years ago, the Ukulele, the banjouke and the guitar have all taken over my life “The word ‘Play’ is the key to understanding what we do and why we enjoy doing it!” “Fun, chat - opportunity for my ‘inner thesp’ without responsibility and scariness of memorising script and performing to an audience. “Fun, chat - tea and cake!” “I enjoy the company and the plays but particularly reading aloud in English, which is good practice for me and something I don’t ever do….” “Always fancied a bit of ‘amdram’ but could never learn the words. Play reading ticks the box.” “I used to know very little about plays. Now I know a little.” “I thought I knew a lot about plays. Now I’m not so sure.” “Welcome to your U3A - From art to walking groups there are many activities to choose from; wherever your interest lies, a warm and friendly welcome awaits you. So don’t delay - join today! There is more information on the U3A Website u3a.org.uk.”

It’s Oh Kay I say U3A! U3A Quite inspired What a lot Now we're retired, Of groups we’ve got To take the things we know Meet only once a month you see And swop So there’s a possibility Them with of doing lots and lots Each other! No bother!

Make hay U3A! With tea and biscuits every day! And only 50p to pay! Hurray! For U3A!

Pennie Barfield Gillis

Summer School May I please put out a plea for Wolverhampton U3A members to give the annual summer schools a go. I have attended almost every year since I joined U3A 14 years ago. I have thoroughly enjoyed every one. They run for four days in places such as Harper Adams College Newport and Cirencester Agricultural College. Yes, it is student accommodation, but believe me that is nothing like the accommodation you may remember from your student days! And the food is excellent and plentiful. The range of subjects is wide: everything from languages, philosophy, architecture to recorder playing or a capella singing. All tutors are U3A members giving freely of their expertise. I have met some wonderful people and formed lasting friendships. Sadly, I have invariably been the only Wolverhampton person there, so look at the subjects on offer, and if you are on your own worry not, I can guarantee you will have a good time. Gerry Mills

The U3A in Wolverhampton: A Committee View

It was once unkindly said that a Committee consists of agroup of people who individually can do nothing but as a group decide that nothing can be done. My experience ofbeing on the U3A committee now for a number of years, including Chairperson, clearly indicates that comment to beinaccurate. At the same time, it is probably still true thatmany U3A members are not aware of what the committeedoes. That is why, here in Wolverhampton, we put together abooklet explaining the different tasks and roles of committeemembers (e.g. membership secretary) which we will continue to share with the general membership.

The establishment of Wolverhampton U3A as we know it wasdown to Len Moore and Rudi Herbert. Len writes that:“After retiring from work, and having been active in devisingand implementing opportunities for Independent Learning,i.e., spaces within degree programmes allowing students todesign their own content and assessment regimes, I found theU3A philosophy attractive. On contacting National Office(The Third Age Trust) I found that there was already a U3A in Wolverhampton. It was run by Des Halestrap, a retiredlecturer from Wulfrun College. That U3A met at PendefordCommunity Centre rather than somewhere close to the city centre. Meetings were attended usually by 4 or 5 people, andthere was no forward programme of topics. Rudi Herbertturned up after I'd been going for about 3 months and we tried to persuade Des to restart the group in a more accessiblevenue. Des suffered from severe eye problems, was reluctant to travel, and accepted that the Pendeford venture was failingbut was not willing to participate in a restart. Consequently, Rudi and I went ahead with a new launch meeting in thespring of 1996 and advertised the event with posters and the Express and Star. That first meeting was at the Friends Meeting House, which is still where the monthly meetingsoccur. Some 80 plus people turned up, most of whom joined.About 6 interest groups were formed at the meeting and a provisional committee elected to take the U3A through to afirst AGM in the September where the formalisation of Wolverhampton U3A took place.”

It is interesting to note the ongoing effects of such fortuitousevents, for the AGM of Wolverhampton U3A continues to take place in September of each year, and we still use the FriendsMeeting House for our monthly meetings. The numbers of

people who attend the monthly meetings means that thecommittee may need to consider alternative arrangements in the future, for we continue to experience a steady growth in the numbers of people wanting to become members of theU3A. In the last few years, on average, we have gained 20-30people per year, so that membership is now nearly 270. The monthly meetings regularly attract approximately 60-70members per meeting. The number of activities continues to rise, and we now have over 35 interest groups operating.Most groups have monthly meetings, but others (e.g. languages and practical art) meet more frequently.

Coping with such numbers means that the committee has many jobs to do. Currently, besides a Chair (John Sheard),Vice-Chair (Chris Collins), Secretary (Neil Moreland) andTreasurer (Mercedes Fonfria), other committee members are involved in tasks such as organising speakers (Mo Johnson);managing membership (Elizabeth Sheard); publication of thenewsletter (Margaret Taylor); coordinating and looking after the groups (Di Tordoff); responding to enquiries (ChrisCollins); and meeting and greeting new members (Eleanor Dunnett). In addition to the people on the committee itself, other tasks currently are performed by other people such asJohn Black (publicity) and looking after the website (Geoff Williams).

We have had to say goodbye in the last few years to some(very) long-serving committee members such as Len Moore,Christine Moore, Margaret Barr, Jenny Williams and Jeanette Black. The Committee remains thankful for, and appreciativeof present and past activities on behalf of our U3A. Of courseit is quite common – and natural – for one or more membersto leave the committee every year; so new members arealways necessary for the health of the organisation and to ensure that Wolverhampton U3A flourishes in the next twentyyears... The baton is passed over to you!

Neil Moreland (Chair 2013-16)_____________________________________________________

and finally….

© Saga magazine

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editor: Margaret Taylor – with technical (and invaluable) assistance from Di Tordoff, copy-gathering by Alison McKee and commentaryand proof-reading from many others. Thanks to all contributors!