u3a · famous travellers i.e. john constable. 16th april – windsor & the nazis - tony eaton...
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Chair: Brenda Kember: Email:[email protected] Vice Chairman/Groups’ Co-ordinator: Doreen Van-Cauter. Phone No: 01727 873868 Email: [email protected]
Treasurer: Ron Fenn: Email: [email protected]
Secretary: Cathy Jones: Email: [email protected]
Speaker Coordinator: Gill Davies, Email: [email protected]
Webmaster: Barbara Berry: Email: [email protected]
Events/Holiday Organiser: Mary Gotts: Email: [email protected]
Front of House/Supplies: Steve Bowler:. Email: [email protected]
Front of House/Physical Activities: Nicholas Photi: Email: [email protected]
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U3A Ver-Colne Valley
Newsletter: No 135 March 2020
General meetings 3rd Thursday each month at 10am Greenwood Park Community Hall, Tippendell Lane, Chiswell Green, AL2 3HW Charity No:1156215 VCV Web Site: www.ver-colnevalleyu3a.org.uk Username = valley
From the Chair Hello Everyone, Officially, Spring has sprung, but will someone please tell the weather! Our daffodils are blooming but now we need the grey skies to turn blue. As you read this, the world seems to be in crisis over the coronavirus outbreak. Rob and I, along with thousands of others, have had our long-awaited holiday cancelled. Do we mind? Of course we do, but it’s also a relief to stay at home and be as safe as possible. As I write, the number of UK cases are rising, and free advice is everywhere. The press and social media are constantly updating their views on how to avoid becoming infected. One needs to accept it is the luck of the draw or God’s will. So, what advice does your committee have? There are daily updates from our local GPs via the Herts Valley Clinical Commissioning Group and the Third Age Trust has sent some advice too. As I write these are: Advice from the local NHS Coronavirus: Of the 51 people in the UK who have tested positive for coronavirus (as of Tuesday 3rd march) a small number of these are Hertfordshire residents. Anyone looking for health advice about coronavirus (COVID-19) should access up-to-date information on the NHS website www.england.nhs.uk, or www.gov.uk websites. These will be constantly updated and include information on testing for people who have travelled overseas as well as the latest national advice. The Herts Valleys website www.hertsvalleysccg.nhs.uk has local information you may find useful. A new NHS 111 online service has been put in place to help people get quick advice about coronavirus too. The UK is extremely well prepared for these types of outbreaks and one of the first countries in the world to develop a test for the new virus. Public safety is the top priority. Coronavirus usually starts predominantly with cold-like symptoms including a dry cough, followed by more flu-like symptoms including a fever (high temperature) and/or difficulty breathing. Please remember, do not go to your GP or a local hospital. Advice from the Third Age Trust If a member has returned from one of the areas identified by the government and has any of the symptoms identified on the government website www.gov.uk, they should not hold interest groups in their own homes, or attend interest groups or attend monthly meetings until they have followed the NHS advice provided after calling 111. **If a U3A finds that a member has contracted coronavirus, please let the Trust know immediately. **The members of interest groups that any member with coronavirus has attended should all call 111 to ask for advice. **The monthly meeting should be cancelled for that month (and possibly longer) until the spread of the virus has been assessed. What now for VCV? Your committee has decided that we will try to carry on as normal for as long as possible. However, we ask that you refrain from our usual close greetings at meetings – no hugs, kisses or handshakes please. We will contact members via email and through the web site if any General Meetings is cancelled. Group Leaders – please advise both me and Doreen of your intentions and if there are any issues that need to be resolved. It is up to each Group to decide whether to hold their meetings. Just let us know. Hopefully no members will become infected and the virus will disappear as the sun starts to shine again. Best wishes to you and your families. Brenda
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Deadline looming.... A reminder to those members who have yet to renew their membership that deadline day is Tuesday 31st March. If you have lost or misplaced your membership application form, please contact me immediately. As from 1st April 2020 you will need your new GREY membership badge to gain access to all VCV meetings, groups, holidays and events so please make sure you are wearing your new badge There will be a membership badge check at the AGM meeting as this will be members only. Chris Hughes Membership Secretary
Getting to know you - Heather Spencer-Smith I had always wanted to be an explorer and read geography at University, but my parents had other ideas and insisted I went to secretarial college (the worst 9 months ever!) So, after a short secretarial job in London, I set off to Canada by ship, on what became a five-year journey through the University of Life! I took the train to Vancouver where I worked at the University of British Columbia, before spending a year at the newly developing ski resort of Whistler where I was head-waitress, enabling me to ski every day! A stint at Vancouver General Hospital was followed by the search for more skiing in New Zealand, which involved hitch-hiking 3 times up and down North and South Island. Sadly, the snow near Queenstown that year was dreadful, so no skiing! On then to Australia, working at Unilever and waitressing in a theatre/restaurant at night to make money for trips around Oz and on to see my brother in South Africa, then home in time for a friend’s wedding! Back in London, I worked at the Institute of Child Health and Moorfields. I had decided, if I married, it would have to be to a skier, so was lucky enough to meet Lyndon on a skiing holiday!! We have been married almost 43 years with two daughters, both of whom have travelled lots, worked overseas and share the same love of skiing. We have an apartment in a ski resort in Italy and only recently hung up our skis and now enjoy seeing our grandchildren following our passion! We have lived for the past 30-odd years in Park Street and Bricket Wood and have enjoyed some amazing holidays to places like Namibia, Antarctica and the Galapagos. Also, we had a house in France for a while. I worked at Edgware and Barnet Hospital, part-time, for 20 years and on retirement joined the VCV. I belong to several groups, play golf, share the U3A allotment and occasionally am a “fairly useful member” organising trips etc!!!
Table Top Games Group and Mah Jong Group - Pam Taylor (01923 404025 /07501158120) The games group meets twice a month in the homes of various members. We play a wide variety of table games and current favourites are Qwirkle and Rummikub. The Mah Jong (or Game of Four Winds) group meets on one afternoon per month. Most people belong to both groups. Initially we were all novices at Mah Jong, but with the help of a useful guide written by the Barnet U3A we're now getting more proficient and achieving higher scores. A recent study carried out by the University of Edinburgh confirmed that people who play non-digital games regularly are more likely to stay mentally sharp in later life. Their findings also showed that it's never too late to start. It's also great fun! We currently have one space on the Mah Jong group so why not join us?
You don't need any experience, just the ability to learn from the rest of our friendly group.
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Closing date for the April Newsletter NO LATER than the morning of Friday 10th April. Please note: articles received after the deadline will be published in the next newsletter if appropriate. Please send your articles to [email protected]
Group News and Features
The Third Age Trust (TAT) U3A National Office Contact
52 Lant Street Phone: 0208466 6139
London SE1 1RB Website: www.u3a.org.uk
Email: [email protected]
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AMBLERS - Joy Dabson 01923 268018 Please meet for an 11am start in the car park at Heartwood Forest, Sandridge, St Albans, AL4 9DQ. Friday March 27th.
Neasden Temple – Mike Taylor Despite the last ravages of Storm Ciara, a happy coachload made our way south down the M1 and turned westerly along the North Circular Road. It appeared that quite a few of us had spent some of our childhood in or around NW London and still regarded Middlesex as a real County!!! For those of us, Dear Reader, who thought (like me) that the only Temple in this part of the world was the twin towers across the road, well how wrong we were. Our true destination was the Neasden Temple or to give it its more correct title, the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, a truly magnificent building. Here the Hindu people worshipped and prayed, having outgrown the original Mandir in Islington. We were able to gather much information about not only the religion’s beginnings, thought to be over 4000 years old, but of the peaceful beliefs that are still practised today. Equally revealing was the amount of medical and scientific knowledge the Hindu people used all those years ago. We learnt that, quite remarkably, the temple was built in 2 ½ years with stone from Eastern Europe and marble from Italy and India. Most of the ornate carvings were made in India before being transported by boat to England, and onwards by road to their final destination and assembly, much of which was constructed by local volunteers. Not to mention the teak and oak columns that were carved and formed the opening courtyard. This in London, this in 1995 …remarkable!!! Around mid-day we were able to witness prayers in the Inner Sanctum, where there were seven beautifully ornate shrines of the Murtis. But as we moved around the Temple, we were able to learn so much of a religion that pre-dated most (if not all) others. Perhaps it would be churlish not to remember that these peaceful and harmonious beliefs, started on the banks of the Ganges, are the world’s oldest faith and the third most practised globally today. Time and space prevent further description of all we saw. Suffice to say, the visit is one that I would heartily recommend. Ours was concluded by a delightful buffet lunch in the Shayona Indian Vegetarian Restaurant, which is conveniently situated opposite the Temple and, for some, a visit to the Indian supermarket next door! Our thanks to Tessa and Heather who not only guided us on our way but organised this splendid, and dare I say, educational day out.
Speakers Corner- forthcoming talks programme 19th March - High Toby & Stage Coaching - Jeff Page The topic is Highwaymen on the High Toby (‘a short life but a happy one’) and Stage coaching. The talk’s first part is ‘stand and deliver’ in the 17th/18th century, the lives of some famous highwaymen/women such as Moll Flanders, Dick Turpin and 16 String Jack and how improvements in coach travel & law enforcement- the Bow Street Runners & the Fieldings - ran them off the road. The second half of the talk is about the improvements & efficient running of some famous intercity stagecoaches, and famous travellers i.e. John Constable.
16th April – Windsor & The Nazis - Tony Eaton The Duke of Windsor’s wartime dealings with the Nazis is one of the Royal Family’s most closely guarded secrets. Sensitive records remain embargoed - protected by the 100-year non-disclosure rule accorded, uniquely, to the Royal Archives. However, declassified German files strongly suggest that when his country was facing its greatest crisis, the Duke was pursuing personal and political agendas totally at odds with Britain’s war objectives. Was this deliberate or was he being manipulated - a pawn caught up in a much wider game? In this new talk, Tony Eaton assesses the facts and the rumours surrounding this hidden part of British history
21st May – The Buncefield Incident - Station Commander, Dacorum & St Albans, Hertfordshire Fire & Rescue Service A presentation about the explosion at the site, including the cause and response to it.
Groups News and Features Refreshments Rota Thank you to the following groups for volunteering to provide refreshments for the next 3 months. March Walking 3 April Tai Chi May Ukulele
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Annual Poetry Group Reading on Tuesday 18th February Doreen Van-Cauter, Poetry Group Leader
Once again, we were happy to welcome two published poets to come and read to us in Park Street. We were treated to some moving and original poetry. Simon Cockle and David Van-Cauter read from their anthologies “River Lane” and “Mirror Lake”. Both poets have been
published by Arenig Press. Simon has been writing for about seven years and his poems explore nature and childhood memories. The title poem, River Lane, begins: “From the main road at a right-angle runs River Lane-twin furrowed, tree lined. In a matter of yards, it narrows to a fog of shadows. The willows cave in on themselves and the lane is a tunnel to the slow river” David has been writing for years and his anthology Mirror Lake deals with grief, loss and gradual recovery. The title poem refers to a site in America which he revisited a few years ago when he
writes “The ground reflects our footprints. I try to follow them, but I’m blocked by rocks – dead-end memories I’ve closed. Were we here, or were we only passing through?” The two poets were happy to answer questions and talk about how they came up with ideas to write about. We finished our session with a buffet lunch. Hopefully, we will all repeat the experience next year. The Hertfordshire Network of U3As Study Day: "Diversity in London" Wednesday 22nd April 2020, 10.30 - 15.30 Woolmer Green Village Hall Cost £12 pp The film "London - the Modern Babylon", telling the story of London's immigrants from the early 1900s and how they have changed the City forever, will be shown in the morning, with a brief refreshment interval. Then there will be a Buffet Lunch followed by an afternoon talk "Stories from our Migration History" given by Martin Spafford of London's Migration Museum. Booking form available from me. Fran Beak, 01923 672341, [email protected]
Philosophy Group Doreen Van-Cauter
The group has been discussing a succession of famous philosophers including Bertrand Russell, Ludwig Wittgenstein, Hypatia of Alexandria, Philippa Foot, Simone de Beauvoir, Elizabeth Anscombe, Simone Weil and Benedict Spinoza. They have also talked of climate change and human survival! Richard says that they are not all intellectuals living on a higher plane! Their discussions vary from the sublime to the ridiculous. If you would like to join them, please contact Richard Wilkins (01923 673485) Really Useful Members (RUMs) Membership Secretary: Chris Hughes: Email:[email protected]. Herts Network of U3As: Fran Beak: Email: [email protected] Theatre Trips: Maggie Fenn: Email: [email protected]
Events Co-ordinator: Barbara Croom: Email: [email protected]
Welfare: Pam Kimber: Email [email protected]
Newsletter: Tina Photi/ Dick Downs: Email [email protected]
Groups News and Features
Remember to wear or bring your U3A badge to every meeting, study group or trip with your Emergency Contacts completed
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Brick Lane Music Hall. - Big Dick Whittington Rob Kember 39 VCV members set off on Tuesday 3rd March a few minutes early and with the familiar face of Michael at the wheel of the coach. It was good to see him back, and in true form, he delivered us to Brick Lane a few minutes early too. Three other coaches were waiting to unload, but the theatre staff soon got us into the Music Hall and into our allotted places, our tables all being labelled for Ver Colme Valley U3A. Their misspelling not mine. The Music Hall is an old converted church and presented an amazing sight with a mixture of ecclesiastical architecture and music hall décor. We had time for a drink from the bar or tea or coffee before the show started bang on time at 2pm. The show was a lively concoction of bits of the classic panto, Dick Whittington, highly irreverent but very funny humour. There were familiar songs and some well-known tunes with words adapted to fit the script. Not
that the script seemed very important, as the Director, Vincent Hayes who played Little Willy, produced great consternation in other cast members with his hilarious ad libs. For me, he was the star of the show. During the interval we were served a marvellous afternoon tea, lovely sandwiches and delicious cakes on which, sad to say, I overdosed. Vincent added a lovely touch by welcoming all the groups that were there, including us, and poking gentle fun at us all. He then presented the organiser of each group with a bunch of flowers including our own Barbara Croom, who did a sterling job. Even the raffle was a success for us with Ron Fenn walking off with a prize of cake and sherry.
All in all, a great outing only marred by the return traffic on the M25. I can certainly recommend another visit.
Garden Apprecation Group Pat Hammond Ann Allam and Pat Hammond first took over running the group in early 2016, together with Doreen Auld who unfortunately had to give up due to family commitments. Ann and Pat are both keen gardeners with their own individual style. The membership has grown considerably over four years. Our aim has been to enjoy garden visits, having a guided tour by one of the gardeners whenever possible. This enables us to learn as much about the plants and their care as we can. Some of our members are very knowledgeable, but most of us just enjoy gardens and gardening and are not experts. We have visited many lovely places including Wisley, Savill Garden, Coton Manor, Cathy Browns Garden, Thenford (Home of Lord Heseltine) Myddleton House and Crews Hill, The Museum of Gardening and Lambeth Palace, Rousham, Borde Hill, Cliveden, Cambridge Botanical Garden, to name but a few. There have been many more. We aim to arrange something each month and during the winter to find a good speaker to give us some expert advice. We recently decided not
to do a visit or event in December. Our annual planning meeting, which we combine with a bring-and-share lunch, is in January. With fingers crossed for nice weather and a lovely day out, which usually includes a coffee stop and lunch at the venue's restaurant or a nearby garden centre, we set off by minibus, or car share if the visit is fairly local. The feedback we receive is that members have had a great day, even if it rained, and we're so pleased, it's worth all the effort!
Groups News and Features
Orchid Festival Kew Gardens
Cambridge Botanical Gardens
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Events/Holiday Organiser: Mary Gotts Email: [email protected] Events Co-Ordinator: Barbara Croom Email: [email protected] Theatre Trips Organiser: Maggie Fenn Email: [email protected]
Walking in London Bronwen Hewer Mobile: 07753 416 351; email: [email protected]
Our next walk will be in the Marylebone area, a walk we did with our guide John Colmans four years ago. We shall meet at Baker Street Tube Station, just by the Sherlock Holmes statue which is on the Marylebone Road exit. The walk starts at 11.30a.m. on Thursday 2nd and Friday 3rd April. It is a circular walk. If you would like to travel to London with others in the group, please would you let me know. The cost is £8 per person paid by cheque made out to Mrs J. B. Hewer. The money and names will be collected at the next U3A meeting on March 19th at a table at the back of the hall. You may indicate your interest at any time by email.
Important Information- Please Read Before you book on any of our Trips, Events and Holidays, it is important you read and understand the following Disclaimer It is the personal responsibility of each member to decide on their own capability to participate in any of our Trips, Events or Holidays Ver-Colne Valley U3A cannot accept any responsibility for your fitness to travel or to undertake any trip, programme or journey. By committing to this activity, you are declaring that you are fit and able to travel and fully aware of the itinerary
Holidays - Contact Mary Gotts 07803 507281
On Sale Now A lovely relaxing 14-day cruise - 7th January 2021 Caribbean Highlights & Havana Visiting Barbados, Guadeloupe, Virgin Islands, Havana, Mexico, Jamaica & the Dominican Republic Prices start £2309.00 – includes transport to and from Gatwick airport from both Abbots Langley & Greenwood Park and our flights to Barbados where our ship will be waiting. Full board on the ship and a generous drinks package also available. Come and see Mary Gotts to reserve your cabin or Tel: 07803 507281
On Sale in April A short 3 day, UK Break away - The Norfolk Phenomenon Saturday 7th – Monday 9th November Come and enjoy a short weekend break away including tickets to the world-famous Christmas spectacular, Thursford, the largest show of its kind in the country, if not Europe. The venue is transformed into the magical surroundings of a Christmas auditorium like a Hollywood film set, with its mechanical organs, fairground carousels, singers, dancers and musicians. Price includes our own private coach to and from both Abbots Langley & Greenwood Park. entry to the Thursford Christmas spectacular with transport to and from our hotel. and 4-star hotel on a half- board basis. Price: £224.00 - make a note of the date in your diaries now so as not to miss out
Holidays, Theatre Trips, Day
Trips and Events
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Forthcoming Trips
On sale now Dover Castle
Wednesday 20th May 2020 Depart GWP – 9.00am Depart venue – 4.00pm Price – English Heritage members £12, non-members £29 Last few places remaining Come and enjoy a wonderful day out at Dover Castle. Set high on the White Cliffs above the Channel, this majestic fortress offers an unparalleled journey into the past. Over 2000 years this famous place has housed a Roman lighthouse, a medieval royal castle-palace and labyrinthine tunnels where, in 1940, Vice Admiral Ramsey planned the miraculous rescue of the British Army from Dunkirk. With so much to explore, and plenty of places to enjoy a range of refreshments, this trip will offer an exciting outing. There is a land train which stops at various
locations and the grounds are mainly accessible on tarmac paths, but please note there are some steep slopes. Organiser – Heather Spencer-Smith – Tel 01923 678595 or 07976 522907
Horse-drawn canal trip Monday 13th July Depart GWP – 9.30am Depart venue – 4.15pm Price £48 inclusive of a 2-course lunch Come and join us for another amazing outing for a 4-hour trip on the Kennet & Avon canal, boarding the barge at Kintbury. We will be passing through several locks whilst enjoying the scenery. Experience the magic of drifting sedately on the canal on a horse drawn barge, powered solely by the towing action of the horse. These barges are painted in the traditional rose and castle style. On board you will be served a buffet lunch, dessert and complementary tea or coffee. There is also a well-stocked bar serving soft and alcoholic drinks. This trip is limited to 53 members only, so come early to avoid disappointment.
Organisers – Elaine Roberts 07899 795043 or Maggie Simpson 07531 218265
On sale in April Buckingham Palace Tuesday 18th August Depart GWP – 9.00am Depart venue – 4.00pm Price - £33 Not needing an introduction, Buckingham Palace is known the world over as the London residence and administration centre of our Royal Family since 1837. Bought originally as Buckingham House in 1761, it was extensively extended and refurbished by the architect John Nash in the first half of the 19th century. You can explore and marvel at the magnificent State rooms that remain virtually as Nash designed them. Wander through the special exhibit focusing on the history of the Royal Family’s interest in animals before heading to the Garden Cafe for some refreshment. Organiser – Barbara Croom - Tel 01727 834298
Holidays, Theatre Trips, Day Trips
and Events Continued
New Members please note: Anyone who wants their names on the Theatre Goers Group or Holiday Group lists, please contact the relevant Group Leaders
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National U3A Day A Summer Bouquet Wednesday 3rd June 2020 £37 The price includes tickets, coach and driver’s tip A festival of choral and organ music with some community singing and summer readings. Free interval refreshments. The venue is stair free. Venue St Bartholomew the Great, London Depart: Greenwood Park promptly at 11:00 Return Time 4:45 p.m.
Open to family and friends Contact Maggie Fenn [email protected]
or Brenda Kember [email protected]
The shows listed below are currently sold out. Please contact Maggie Fenn to put your names on
the waiting list as we always get cancellations
PRETTY WOMAN Pick up point Greenwood Park Destination Piccadilly Theatre, London Departure Date Wednesday 25th March Departure Time Coach leaves promptly at 11.30 am Return Time 5.30 pm
TWO INTO ONE Pick up Point Greenwood Park Destination The Mill at Sonning Departure Date Saturday 20th June Departure Time Coach leaves promptly at 10.30 am (Note earlier time) Return Time 5.15 pm CAROUSEL
Pick up Point Greenwood Park Destination Regents Park Open Air Theatre Departure Date Thursday 27th August Departure Time Coach leaves promptly at 11.30 am Return Time 5.30 pm Picture
HELLO DOLLY Pick up Point Greenwood Park Destination Adelphi Theatre, London Departure Date Wednesday 7th October Departure time Coach leaves promptly at 10.00 am (Note earlier time) Return Time 5.30 pm
Holidays, Theatre Trips, Day Trips
and Events Continued
Theatre interest list explained -
In order to clarify the level of
possible ticket sales for a
proposed show we introduced
an Interest List. This gives us an
idea of the number of members
who might eventually purchase a
ticket. However, placing your
name on an interest list does not
guarantee a ticket, or that you
are on the eventual booking list.
The booking list is completed at
the point of sale of the tickets