HARWICH PENINSULA
UNIVERSITY OF THE THIRD AGE
(Registered Charity Number: 1154057)
NEWSLETTER
ISSUE JUNE 2016 – AUGUST 2016
MEETINGS ARE HELD ON THE
SECOND TUESDAY
OF EACH MONTH AT 2PM – 4PM
IN THE CLIFF HOTEL
MARINE PARADE DOVERCOURT
__________________________________________________
DEADLINE FOR COPY FOR THE NEXT NEWSLETTER
Please ensure this is with me by no later than 20th August
2016
The Editor has the responsibility to prepare for publication,
and where necessary adapt any contributions made
Telephone No: 01255 552333
Harwich Peninsula U3A Website Manager: Francis
Flanagan:
Website: www.u3asites.org.uk/harwichpen the website is
updated regularly by Francis Flanagan Website Manager
his telephone number 01255 551198
Please send regular information to Francis.
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HARWICH PENINSULA U3A
President:
Sheena Parsons
01255 552333
COMMITTEE
Chairman –
Pauline Gronow
01255 554101
Membership
Secretary
Sheila Allen
01255 552510
Vice Chairman
Carl Allen
01255 552510
Vice Chairman
Graham Langton
01255 240029
Secretary
Ann Jones
01255 554123
Programme
Secretary
Contact Ann Jones
01255 554123
Treasurer
Marlene Chant
01255 507926
Group Co-ordinator
Catherine Hartwell
01255 880234
Publicity Secretary
Jo Harrison
01255 502523
Committee Member
Denis Baldry
01206 619084
Committee Member
Jean Curtis
01255 507453
For Information: Contact Membership Secretary Sheila
Allen on 01255 552510 or Secretary Ann Jones 01255
554123
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FUTURE PROGRAMME 2016
12th July
Mr Wright-Kaufman “Wildlife in the
Garden”
NO MEETING IN AUGUST
13th September Richard Gibbons “The Russians are
coming”
Chairman’s Report
Following the AGM on 10th May, I am pleased to report that the
Committee was re-elected en bloc, with the exception of Peter
Middleton, who has stepped down. We thank him for his work. I
am very grateful for the support that the Committee has given
me during my first year as Chairman.
Sadly I have to report the deaths recently of two of our
members, Violet Spurdon and Sheila Young.
In March we held an Open Day/Coffee Morning which was very
successful. Many of you came along and paid your subs – by
cheque – which was very useful for Sheila at this busy time. We
have nearly 300 members so the renewal process creates a lot
of work for her. We were unable to have many stalls this time
as the venue was a lot smaller than the Kingsway Hall which is
no longer available. We will try to find a larger venue for the
next Coffee Morning so that more groups can have stalls.
In April we had our 10th Anniversary and the monthly meeting to
celebrate the event was great. The National Chairman, Pam
Jones, attended and was very impressed with our branch. The
newly formed Recorder Group bravely accompanied the
audience while we sang Happy Birthday. There was plenty of
cake to eat, which was decorated in the U3A colours. Here’s to
the next 10 years.
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The old portable Projector Screen finally broke beyond repair,
so we have purchased a new modern one for use with the
laptop and projector. Contact Sheila Allen.
Our next big project is the Local Study Day which is being
jointly organised with the Cluster Group which consists of
Harwich, Colchester, Stanway, Tendring and Brightlingsea. I
hope you will find something of interest amongst the
Workshops. Three of our own members are running
workshops. The cost will only be £10 for the day. This is a new
venture for all of us, so there may be some teething troubles.
Hopefully it will be successful and we can repeat it again in the
future. An Article about the Study Day and an Application Form
are included in this Newsletter.
The Essex Association is also holding a Study Day. It will be on
25th October in Maldon. More details and an Application Form
will be available at the end of June.
NEWSLETTER EDITOR
I am very sorry to learn that after six years of editing the
Newsletter, Sheena Parsons has decided to step down at the
end of the year. I am sure I speak for all of us when I say that
she has done a splendid job on behalf of the U3A. This does, of
course, mean that there will be a vacancy. We, on the
committee, think it might be a good idea to have a small team
of 2 or 3 members. We would be pleased to hear from any
volunteers who would like to take on this task, whether singly or
as a group. It would be useful to start now to learn the ropes
before Sheena finishes in December. Please contact me.
LIFE IS LIKE A TEN SPEED BIKE – MOST OF US HAVE
GEARS WE NEVER USE. (CHARLES M. SCHULZ)
Pauline Gronow
Group Coordinator's Report:
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We will have had a Group Leaders meeting by the time of
publication, where I will have asked those coordinating the
Groups whether they have spaces. Please will you let them
know if you are no longer attending their group, so that we can
accommodate new members.
Is anyone keen to participate in Fencing? This could be a very
novel addition to our growing number of interest groups. A
reminder that we also have the possibility of a daytime
Mahjong group. Please contact me if you would like more
information.
Cath Hartwell
Tel: 01255 880234
Architecture Group 1
The group continues to be very active with a mixture of outings
and home meetings. Architecture is all around and we are
never short of aspects of architecture to discuss. One topic
chosen for investigation for a meeting can be full of surprises
and lead in other directions.
One such example was 'railway stations'. Jill Packer prepared a
fascinating presentation on Victorian railway architecture taking
us on an armchair journey from Liverpool Street to Norwich.
Other members investigated railway stations in the UK and
around the world. It quickly became evident that from the
inception of railway travel in the nineteenth century to the
present day, stations make a statement about the wealth and
status of the city and/or the railway company. The imposing
grandeur of famous stations, such as Grand Central and Kuala
Lumpur, is testament to this. We amassed enough research on
station architecture to fill two meetings. A presentation on the
space age architecture of Liège station in Belgium which was
completed in 2009 and is a hub for trans European high speed
travel, inspired Sheila to subsequently research the career of its
Spanish born architect, Santiago Calatrava, for a third meeting,
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and we added to this one with a look at Spanish architecture,
old and new, in the cities of Bilbao and Salamanca.
Over a couple of meetings we also revisited twentieth century
'Modernism'. Francis gave us a fascinating insight into the
major work of French born Robert Mallett-Stephens; the Art
Deco Villa Cavrois in Lille, in a state of dereliction for many
years but reopened in 2015 after a major refurbishment
restored it to its 1930's glory. Jill and Melita researched
French-Swiss Architect Le Corbusier and German-American
Ludwig Mies van dear Rohe, who were both hugely significant
fathers of the Modernist movement.
Outings recently include trips to RIBA headquarters (1943 Art
Deco building) for an exhibition on Palladio (Renaissance
architect) following an introduction to Palladio's life and work
from Mike. We also visited Christchurch Mansion at Ipswich,
mainly Tudor, and members accompanied the History group for
a wonderful day out in Ely, the glorious medieval Cathedral
being a highlight of the day.
At the time of writing we are looking forward to our next
meeting, a guided walk in Mistley.
Melita Frost
Astronomy Study Group
Gravity a study course.
The Astronomy group, now 5 regulars, are being joined by
members of other Harwich groups in following a MOOC.
MOOC= Massive Open Online Courses
A complete list of Massive Open Online Courses (free online
courses) offered by the top universities and colleges in a wide
Range of subjects is available at https://www.mooc-list.com.
We are following the https://www.futurelearn.com course on
Gravity with Paris University but it is in english (although the
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professor's french accent seems to be setting some hearts a
flutter!) No maths and no previous science required. The first
week takes you through early understandings of gravity and
concludes with Einstein's theories of relativity. Much of the
teaching is done with video or on screen questions. Visual and
thought experiments are used to explain the concepts and train
the mind and there's a quiz every step to check you have got
the point. Thankfully you can go back and do the quizzes again
and again after re-reading or re-viewing the previous
lesson...I've done so several times as I try to get my "creative
writing" mind into science mode! The change of use of words
from common parlance to a strict meaning:- words like"time" "
space" "weight" "inertia" "star" has tripped me up a lot in the
first week. In later weeks the course will cover the implications
of the new research tool of gravitational waves and black holes
etc.
Expect to set aside about 2 hours a week and a bit more if you
have to keep going over things like me. In addition there's the
opportunity to online chat and exchange questions and
answers with the other students around the world. Not all the
chat is about gravity hence I know about the prof's accent
Setting hearts a-flutter.
www.u3asites.org.uk/advice-on-moocs may be another useful
site for members for whom this is a new experience and there
is a place here to send reports on your experience of a MOOC,
including please, those who give up part way through. See
page 10 of the current U3A Matters too.
There's a simple computer link to the Gravity course on our
Astronomy page of the Harwich U3A website and some photos
taken by members, from their backyards in Dovercourt, of the
lunar eclipse.
Geoff Catchpole
Contact: Stuart Smith’s
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Birding Groups 1&2:
Eleven of us made what is becoming an annual pilgrimage to
Wrabness Nature Reserve, followed by breakfast at The
Mayflower. Getting up at 4 a.m. seems madness, but it is a
magical experience, with the backdrop of sunrise over the
Stour.
The following blog by the RSPB may help to explain our
enthusiasm:
Does anyone else keep getting woken up at 5am by the birds at
the moment?
When that feathered alarm clock goes off, it's tempting just to
reach for the earplugs and try and snatch back a bit more sleep
until the real one goes off. But somewhere deep down we know
we're missing one of nature's greatest events. A chorus of wild,
unseen voices heralding the morning sun in rare, mystical
unison: what could be more magical than that?
Here at RSPB HQ, we've been dipping into Hattie Garlick's
lovely book Born to be Wild for inspiration on fun (achievable)
outdoor activities for families. On page 54, she supplies firsthand tips on how to coax little ones out of bed to hear the dawn
chorus. It is possible - or so we're told.
Consider your location. Realism is your watchword here - you
don't need to be somewhere remote to hear it, so a balcony or
garden, close to home and bed, might be preferable to a distant
field.
If you do go to the park, check when it opens!
Verify the time the sun rises.
Bring sustenance - hot chocolate and buttered malt loaf is a
winner.
Don't forget to wrap up warm...
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These rules might be meant for kids, but I'm sure they work for
grown-ups too.
Why do birds sing?
The dawn chorus doesn't happen all year: it's a phenomenon
particular to the months of March to July. This is when birds are
in breeding mode, which means securing a territory and
attracting a mate. Female birds love a good singer as much as
the next girl, so what you're hearing are males competing to
show off their pipes.
But why sing at dawn, you may well ask? Scientists have three
answers.
1) Singing risks giving away your position to a predator, so it's
best done in low light. Crafty.
2) Sound travels further at dawn when the air is still and there's
less background noise.
3) Plus, it's harder to forage for insects and seeds in the dark,
so it's time better spent singing.
The early bird
The dawn chorus is at its peak half an hour before and half an
hour after sunrise. And, as a piece of music might start with a
solo violin, before being joined one by one by the rest of the
orchestra, so the dawn chorus has a regular sequence.
Robins, blackbirds and song thrushes begin, then the wrens
and warblers join in. Finally, come the chaffinches, goldfinches
and sparrows. It's thought that, because this last group have
smaller eyes, they need more light to find food.
By late summer, the dawn chorus will have petered out as birds
pair up and focus their energies on raising young. So if you
hear a lone voice ringing out in the grey, morning light, it's
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probably a lonely bachelor who didn't pass the auditions round.
Better luck next year...
Cath Hartwell
Contact:
Tel 01255880234
Gardening Group
17th March - 21 of us visited Hilltops Garden Centre in Weeley,
a good morning sunny and warm.
21st April - we visited Beth Chatto’s gardens, it was a nice
morning, we had an enjoyable outing.
19th May - we visited Hannams Hall, a garden in the NGS
garden scheme, weather sunny, lovely garden.
Forthcoming Events
16th June - I have a 53 seater coach going to Kew Gardens,
hope the weather is kind to us.
18th August - Have booked a visit to a new NGS garden in
Ramsey Road, Dovercourt.
15th September - hope to visit Colchester Castle gardens.
Maureen Townsend – Contact: 01255 556155
History Group 1 – two interesting presentations given by
members of the group recently
EDITH CAVELL.
October 12th 2015 was the centenary of the death , in Belgium,
of an English nurse - Edith Cavell. Born in Norfolk, Edith
started her working life as a governess. At one point, she was
governess to a family in Brussels. She spoke fluent French.
She settled well into Belgian community life and stayed there
for 5 years. Edith returned to England and trained as a nurse
in a London Hospital.
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In due course, as a result of her Belgian experience, she was
invited to set up a Nursing School in Brussels. For eight years,
she worked very hard at this and to great effect. By August
1914, she was overseeing the building and opening of a new
Nursing School - to the delight, and at the expense of the
Belgian authorities.
But then came the First World War, when Belgium was
occupied by the Germans. At first, Edith considered herself a
nurse and was set on continuing her work. But things got
difficult. Some British soldiers escaped from the battlefields
and came to Edith to have their wounds dressed. Nursing them
was fine. But what after that? To release them into Belgium
was dangerous. So, with the help of some Belgian
sympathisers, she arranged to get the British soldiers to the
Dutch border where they would be free. This was continued for
some time.
Because Brussels was an occupied city, Edith was eventually
discovered. She was arrested by the Germans, put in prison,
tried and sentenced to death. She was executed by firing
squad on October 12th and buried nearby.
Edith's death was a profound shock to the people of the United
Kingdom. One immediate consequence was a sharp rise in the
number of men volunteering for the army. Her fame spread
across the British Empire and the United States - all of which
helped the war effort indirectly. Money was raised for the
Nursing Profession and several homes for sick or retired
nurses were opened in Edith's memory.
In 1919, after the war, Edith's body was exhumed and she was
given a state funeral - first in Westminster Abbey and then in
Norwich Cathedral, where she was finally laid to rest in the
cathedral grounds. More than any other woman associated
with the first World War, Edith had many memorials - statues,
stained-glass windows and blue plaques. Across the world,
streets, hospitals, schools and even car parks were named
after her. There is a Cavell Bridge in New Zealand and a Cavell
mountain in Canada.
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Roger Packer
SUTTON HOO – A SYNOPSIS (08.04.16)
Sutton Hoo is a small settlement lying east of Woodbridge.
Within an area close to the River Deben lay a group of ancient
burial mounds. In 1938, the owner of the land, Mrs Edith Pretty,
contacted the Ipswich Museum and arranged for a renowned
local archaeologist, Basil Brown, to excavate the site. Most of
the mounds initially excavated had been ransacked though one
of them contained the remains of a 65ft ship.
In the following year, 1939, further excavations were carried out
on the largest of the mounds. By good fortune, an attempted
ransacking had missed the burial chamber by some 4 feet.
Evidence was unearthed of a vessel some 89 feet long with thel
chamber containing one of the finest Anglo-Saxon treasures
ever found. Parallels to the Sutton Hoo ship do not exist in
England outside Suffolk but interesting comparisons may be
made with Viking ships found in Scandinavia.
Sutton Hoo is unquestionably a royal burial as evidenced by the
artefacts. An iron standard was probably a symbol of
Bretwaldaship (high king) status. Similarly, a whetstone
represented a ceremonial sceptre. Of great interest were a pair
of Christening spoons, engraved Paul and Saul, an obvious
reference to Paul’s conversion on the road to Damascus.
Magnificent items of gold jewellery included a great belt-buckle,
weighing nearly 15 ounces, a purse lid and an exquisite pair of
shoulder clasps. On the purse lid rested 37 coins, 3 blanks and
2 ingots, all minted on the continent. The latest coin was dated
at c.613, a key factor in identifying the relevant king . It has
been suggested that the items represented payment to the
oarsmen and steersmen on the voyage to Valhalla. Beyond
doubt, this was a pagan burial.
The archaeologists were intrigued by the apparent absence of
a body. At Sutton Hoo there is a very high level of acidity which
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can cause even the most durable parts of the body- the teethto decompose. Most historians now accept that the phosphate
residues that were found indicate that it was, in fact, an
inhumation burial.
As indicated above, a key indicator in determining the identity
of the deceased king is the date of minting the latest coinc.613-. This precludes early East Anglian kings and the first
possible candidate is Raedwald, who died in 624/5. He was the
only Bretwalda in the dynasty, a fact very relevant to the iron
standard and the sceptre. The burial was demonstrably pagan,
Christian kings were not interred with substantial treasure, let
alone ships! There is, however, an allusion to Christianity in
the Christening spoons with their reference to Saul and Paul.
Given the paucity of Anglo-Saxon literature in this period, we
are fortunate to have Bede’s account ‘Raedwald had long
before been initiated into the mysteries of the Christian faith in
Kent, but in vain, for on his return home, he was seduced by his
wife and by certain evil teachers and perverted from the
sincerity of his faith.......he seemed to be serving both Christ
and the gods whom he had previously served; in the same
temple he had one altar for the Christian sacrifice and another
small altar on which to offer victims to devils’’
The evidence, it seems, is compelling. The burial is
demonstrably pagan, albeit with an allusion to Christianity. The
final destiny was to be Valhalla, not Heaven. Some of the
artefacts indicate the status of a high king, a Bretwalda,. The
only example of such a king was Raedwald and Sutton Hoo is
indeed his memorial.
If you haven’t been to Sutton Hoo, a visit is thoroughly
recommended. Before going in the exhibition, take a look at the
burial site and picture the effort involved in dragging the ship
100 feet up the hill from the river. The exhibition has been
meticulously laid out in accordance with archaeological
evidence and well worth viewing.
Peter Wells
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Please note the balance for our Educational trip to Shropshire
on 11th September will be due at the next meeting 7th July.
Any problems please phone me on 01255 552333.
Sheena Parsons
Meditation Group
Meditation thought
If you could get up the courage to begin,
you have the courage to succeed.
Writen by David Viscott
Barbara Moor
Mahjong
This group meets at the CLIFF HOTEL at 6.45pm until 10pm
every Wednesday. You are welcome to come and join us.
Doreen Meek
Nature and Wildlife
We continue to visit interesting locations to observe nature,
including Old Knobbly at Mistley and had a good session
identifying invertebrates (creepy crawlies) in Cath's
garden. Our visit to Hillhouse Wood at West Bergholt was well
worth the drive as the bluebells were spectacular, with carpets
of rich deep bluebells in their prime.
Join us for something different.
Tuesday 5th July A visit to Daphne's wildlife garden at 86A
Fronks Road Dovercourt at 10 am. Stroll round the garden to
find birds (bring binoculars), butterflies, various trees and plants
and creepy crawlies, of course, plus videos of wildlife found
there.
Tuesday 2nd August Meet and park at 10 am at Wrabness
Nature Reserve for a stroll round to see what we can find. Bring
binoculars.
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Tuesday 6th September Meet at 10 am on the promenade
below the park for some time rock pooling. Nets will be
provided.
Contact Jo Harrison 01255 502523 07592 828815
Any changes to the programme are posted on our website (see
front page of this newsletter) or contact me if the weather is
uncertain.
Shakespeare Group
As it is the 400th anniversary of William Shakespeare's death,
our Group decided to make a visit to Stratford-Upon-Avon
to enjoy one of his plays.
Cymbeline was chosen since this is rarely performed. It is a
tragi-comic romance with themes of innocence and jealousy. It
also contains a relevant theme of national identity. This was
portrayed as the conflict between Britain and the Romans
(Europe!)
The Theatre, has a 1040 seating capacity with a thrust seat
auditorium. The seats are never more that 15 metres away
from the action. The present building was reopened in 2010
after a major renovation project. The original was built in
1932 designed by a woman architect - Elizabeth Scott - being
the first important work erected in this country designed by a
woman.
We enjoyed an evening meal in the rooftop restaurant which
overlooks the river Avon. Some of the group visited the Holy
Trinity Church where Shakespeare was baptised, worshipped
and buried and we also visited the peaceful shopping precincts!
Hopefully we will return on another visit! Shirley Hogg
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Members of the Shakespeare Group in Stratford upon
Avon
Transport Group
Since our last update we have made some slight revisions to
our schedule! In March we discussed a further batch of railway
lines that have been closed for some time, either due to Dr
Beeching or even earlier. In April we went on a circular tour of
East Anglia using the East Anglian Railrover. This took us to
Ipswich, Cambridge, Norwich, Lowestoft and back to Ipswich
and Dovercourt. A Couple of us even managed to fit a return
trip in to Great Yarmouth whilst others ate a Chinese Buffet
which was highly recommended. It was an enjoyable trip which
also allowed us to see some of the evidence of closed railway
lines in East Anglia that we had previously discussed. In May
we looked at the subject of “Slip Coaches” used widely by the
railways in the past but ending in 1960. We were able to watch
a short film of the last working. We also looked at the vast topic
of Intermodal operations, considering containerisation, RoadRail, Park & Ride, and all manner of other integrated transport
systems.
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We will be visiting the North Norfolk Railway in June and the
Ipswich Transport Museum in August. Please note that there
will be no meeting in July.
Trevor Marston
01255 553199.
Walking Group
Join us for exciting but leisurely walks in the countryside. Wear
suitable clothing and footwear with thick, sturdy soles and carry
a drink.
Monday 27th June Meet at Ha'penny Pier, Harwich to catch
the new 9.50 am ferry to Shotley. We shall walk along the
Orwell path to Pin Mill for lunch before catching the number 202
bus from Chelmondiston at 2.33 pm to the Bristol Arms and
then the 4 pm ferry back to Harwich.Lunch at the Butt and
Oyster or bring a packed lunch. The cost of the ferry is £6
return and this is a 5 mile walk plus bits to and from bus stops..
Monday 25th July Another day out in Norfolk. Catch the 8am
train from Dovercourt to Cromer (two changes) from where we
shall catch the Coastal Hopper bus to Weybourne and walk to
the beach and along the cliff path to Sheringham for lunch, or
bring a packed lunch. Return train from Sheringham at
15.46 so book your advance return tickets to Sheringham £7.90
with a Rail Card either online or from Parkeston Quay ticket
office. Should arrive back at Dovercourt at 18.18 or book a
later train.
Monday 22nd August Meet at the Oyster Tank Road Car
Park in Brightlingsea at 10.30 am for a circular walk. Fish
and Chip or pub lunch at end of the walk.
Contact Jo Harrison 01255 502523 07592 828815
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6’s and 7’s WALKING
We have been blessed with fine weather for the last three
walks and have seen some wonderful countryside around
Ramsholt and along the river Stour. Last Friday we enjoyed
coffee amongst bluebells and a picnic in a buttercup meadow
near Earl’s Colne.
Forthcoming walks are:
Friday July 8th
This will be 6 mile walk around Alphamstone and Lamarsh from
Bures, where there is a car park near the village hall. Meet
here at 10 15am.
Friday August 12th.. Walk London.
I will catch the 8 30 train from Dovercourt to continue the
Jubilee Greenway from where we left it last year (Camden
Lock). We will use the tube to get to Camden and will finish our
walk at Stratford, so a travel card or Oyster will be needed. I
will also take a picnic.
Friday Sept 9th
Meet in the long stay part of the car park (£2 fee) at Hadleigh
(Suffolk) for a lovely 7+ mile walk to Kersey and back. It takes
in beautiful buildings, a pretty river and gorgeous views. Allow
a little extra time for the length and the hills!
For all these walks, please check with the leader that they will
still go ahead if the weather forecast is atrocious.
Sheila Allen.
Contact Sheila Allen 01255 552510
10+ miles Walking Group
The group is continuing to extend its walking area. In March
Cath Hartwell led a walk from Felixstowe Ferry across
Falkenham marshes which started in a biting wind and odd
spots of rain as they hiked along the river wall up the Deben.
The conditions were challenging (as Cath’s walks seem to be!)
so she decided not to extend the walk to Hemley, as she had
planned, but to cut up from Kirton Creek, thus shortening the
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walk to only 11½ miles. Fortunately, the second half of the
walk was much pleasanter with some sunshine.
In April Liz Smith stepped into the breach to lead a walk around
the Harwich and Dovercourt boundaries. Ten walkers braved
the mud and the wet which followed yet another period of
heavy rain.
May is always a lovely time to walk: the days are getting longer
and spring growth is very much in evidence. Ros Fenton and
Henry Heath led twelve other members of the group on a 10½
mile circular walk through Danbury Country Park and past Little
Baddow Hall to the River Chelmer with lovely views towards
Chelmsford. We walked along the river as far as Papermill
Lock then back through woodland carpeted with bluebells. The
land between the river and Danbury is surprisingly hilly and a
good challenge for us all!
If you haven’t yet walked with us and think you would like to try
the challenge of a longer walk please contact me or any of the
leaders below. We will be full of encouragement!
Date
Route
Monday 6 Oulton Broad to Beccles
June
Monday 4
Finn Valley
July
Monday 1
Tba
Aug
Leader
Ted
Reader
Liz Smith
Mick
Carter
Contact
01255
502516
01255
507030
01255
318569
Margaret Baldry 01206 619084
Walking – Strollers
30th June - meet at 10am at Queen Victoria’s statue opposite
Kingsway on Marine Parade, for a walk along the seafront, then
go up onto the sea wall back to the sports ground. Coffee at
the Rainbow Café.
28th July - No walk on holiday.
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25th August - catch 9.30am bus to Colchester, get off at
Mistley for a walk to “Old Knobbly”. Coffee at Mistley Quay or
The Thorn. Marjorie Bartib
Free Legal Advice
Free 24 hour legal assistance is available to U3A members.
Contact a committee member for details of this service if
needed.
PUBLICITY
If anyone has interesting details of U3A Group meetings or
outings please contact me so that I can use the information in
the local Standard, or e mail me your piece for forwarding on.
Jo Harrison 01255 502523 07592 828815
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STUDY DAY 27TH OCTOBER 2016 (Application form at end
of Newsletter
MORNING SESSION
CREATIVE WRITING – Run by Jackie Staplehurst – Group
size 10 – 12.
Workshop members will learn from an opportunity to
express themselves succinctly through the written word.
You will join in discussion and dramatic improvisation and
have time to work on your own short story. Finished
pieces will be shared with the group.
RECORDER PLAYING FOR BEGINNERS
Run by Phyllis Deer – Group size 20
This will be a fun session of music making together as a
group. Using the descant recorder (please bring your own,
or borrow one!) you will learn or refresh the basic skills of
playing and of following the ‘score’. It is not necessary to
be able to read music notation. Your ensemble work will be
backed by professionally recorded tracks.
MILITARY HISTORY – THE SEA BATTLE OFF
SOUTHWOLD
Run by Peter Mockford – Group size 20.
An exploration of the background to the battle itself and
the outcomes of this local event in naval history. There will
be a talk with slides and the opportunity to develop issues
and understanding through discussion. If time allows,
there may be consideration of how a Military History group
might be established if not already in place within the local
branches.
21
FINDING OUT ABOUT FOSSILS – Run by David Morris –
Group size 10 – 12
What are fossils? Where to find and collect them? How to
identify them? How to display them? An introduction to an
interesting hobby with a talk and discussion and plenty to
look at.
AN INTRODUCTION TO SKETCHING – Run by Mike Riches
– Group size 20
An appreciation of how you might use sketching to
prepare for an art work, a diary or a journal as well as for
therapeutic values. Learn about the basic equipment and
gain instruction on skills and techniques. Sketch projected
images, display your efforts and receive feedback.
CONTEMPORARY MACHINE EMBROIDERY
Run by Diane Senior – Group size 10 – 12
Discover just how much you can do with a domestic
sewing machine! Participate and ‘have a go’. Experience
the pleasure of creating new effects with texture and
colour. A talk, a demonstration and then you try. All
equipment provided.
KATHERINA THE LUTHERESS – Run by Polly Clarke –
Group size 20+
An illustrated talk and conversation about the Reformation
in Germany from a woman’s perspective. These were
turbulent times, fuelled by the emerging technologies of
the printing industry, the availability of the printed word
and literacy amongst the young. Katherina was the wife of
Martin Luther and 2017 marks the 500th Anniversary of his
defiance of the Church.
CLASSIC FILM APPRECIATION – Run by Margaret Gerry –
Group size 20
A celebration of the world of classic film. Explore what
makes a film a ‘classic’ and why some scenes, lines or
22
images remain in the mind. What makes a particular epic,
comedy or romance stand out? View taster scenes and
images, exchange and share information and have fun!
Suitable for lovers of film from the silent to the present.
MEDIEVAL FROLICS – Run by Jane Meech – Group size 15
An introduction to Medieval festivities and celebrations –
why they were held, when and where (e.g. within Religion
or the farming year). What went on? What was eaten and
drunk? What did they wear? Was there music and dance?
An illustrated talk with some opportunities for active
audience participation!!
TAI CHI FOR BEGINNERS – Run by Val Barclay – Group
size 20
An introduction to the Wu Style of this Chinese martial arts
exercise which greatly enhances balance, posture and
health. Val will give background to the development of this
life enhancing form but primarily those attending will
engage in basic exercises and should wear loose,
comfortable clothing and plimsoll-type trainers.
AFTERNOON SESSION
BEAD NEEDLE WEAVING – Run by Hayley Khetarpal –
Group size 10
With the aim of introducing members to a new hobby, this
will be a fun and taster workshop for beginners. Through
talk and demonstration you will learn to use different types
of beads to make wearable items such as rings, ear-rings,
bracelets and necklaces. That last minute gift will always
be there for you to make! All materials provided.
AN INTRODUCTION TO HAND CHIMES - Run by Val
Barclay – Group size 10
23
A practical workshop making music using chimes. Val will
introduce you to the chimes and demonstrate basic skills
of playing and how to read the music. You will then
practice one or two well-known song tunes to performance
standard. It’s enjoyable; it’s fun, and a great way to make
new friends! All equipment provided.
A HISTORY OF JOURNALISM – run by Ray Hardisty –
Group size 20
You will consider how news has been made available from
the Roman times to the present day. You will reflect upon
what Journalism is, the many and varied uses of it, about
the profession and the need for objectivity and accuracy in
reporting. A short presentation followed by general
discussion on these issues.
DUPLICATE BRIDGE IMPROVERS – Run by Keith Lamdin –
Group size 20
The workshop will be a mixture of lecture and interactive
exercises with ample opportunity for question and
discussion. You will consider how to improve declarer
bidding and play, competitive bidding and play in defence.
Suitable for members already in U3A bridge groups or
playing duplicate bridge elsewhere.
EXPERIMENTING WITH A DSLR CAMERA -Run by
Christine Kirkman – Group size 20
This will be a practical workshop enabling members to
share what they do and know and to learn from each other.
Moving from one ‘work station’ to the next, you will be
guided to experiment with lighting, different camera
settings and lenses, with close up work and colours.
Coloured backdrops, lights and subject material to ‘shoot’
will be provided. Please bring your cameras and lenses
and, if available to you, lights / torches and tripods.
24
KNITTING AND CROCHET – Run by Penny Mount – Group
size 20
For those with developing skills to those with years of
practice, this guided workshop will give an opportunity to
consider new ideas and techniques and to experiment.
Your aim will be to produce a completed square which will
become part of a blanket to be donated to Colchester and
Tendring Women’s Refuge. Come armed with 4mm needles
and a crochet hook if you can. All materials are provided.
AN INTRODUCTION TO GEOLOGY - Run by Sheila Allen &
Cath Hartwell – Group size 15
No prior knowledge required for this introductory session.
Through an initial presentation you will learn about the
movement within the Earth, how rocks were formed and
shaped, and how these results in the landscapes we see
today. There will be practical activities where you can
handle different types of rock and try to identify them.
Plenty of opportunity for questions and conversations.
WORLD WAR 1 – COMMUNICATIONS BETWEEN GROUND
AND AIR
Run by Mick Meech – Group size 20+
Through a talk using PowerPoint images and with some
artefacts Mick will illustrate some of the principles of
ground to air communication during the infancy of air
warfare. Without the advantages of modern technology
just how did they do that? You will be able to try using
some of the methods that developed at this time.
STARTING ON WATERCOLOURS – Run by Maggie Sandell
– Group size 10
This will be a practical workshop in which Maggie will talk
the group through the basic skills, techniques and
materials needed to begin watercolour painting. You will
be able to experiment under her guidance. Paper and paint
25
will be provided. You must bring a good watercolour
brush, size 10, a board size A3 to work on and a B pencil
and eraser.
SHAKESPEARE’S GLOBE – Run by Margaret Gerry –
Group size 20+
Within a very active workshop you will explore how the
Globe came to be built, why Shakespeare, not just a
playwright but also an actor, came to be so closely
associated with it, and look for evidence in his plays for
how the playhouse was designed, built and operated. You
will reflect on what it must have been like to be a player,
when and how plays were performed, the costumes etc. in
Elizabethan and Jacobean times.
26
GROUP
ARCHITECTURE 1
ARCHITECTURE 2
ART
APPRECIATION
ASTRONOMY
BIRDWATCHING 1
BIRDWATCHING 2
BOOK 1
BOOK 2
CONTACT
Melita Frost
Maree Noons
Liz Smith
Jill Riches &
Francis
Flanagan
Stuart Smith
Cath Hartwell
Cath Hartwell
Barbara
Wilding
Anneke
Manser
Mike Riches
Eileen Ranson
Gillian
Greenslade
Brian Russell
BOULES
BRIDGE
CREATIIVE
WRITING 1
CREATIIVE
WRITING 2
CROSS STITCHING Jennie Barber
CURRENT AFFAIRS Francis
Flanagan
CYCLING
Terry Howlett
FRENCH CONMargaret
VERSATION 2
Baldry
GARDENING
Maureen
Townsend
GEOLOGY
Sheila Allen
GERMAN
Peter
CONVERSATION
Chandler
BASIC
HISTORY 1
Sheena
Parsons
HISTORY 2
Marlene Chant
HISTORY 3
Maree Noons
KNITTING &
Lynda
CROCHET
Seabourne
LONDON GROUP 1 Ann Jones
27
TELEPHONE
01255 507940
01255 553552
01255 507030
01255 503498
DAY
1st Friday
1st Tuesday
TIME
10am
10am
4th Tues
Visits
01255 551198
01255 507030
01255 880234
01255 880234
01255 504619
1st Thursday
2nd Monday
2nd Thursday
2nd Wed
7.30pm
Am
Am
2.30pm
01255 506313
3rd Wed
2pm
01255 503498
01255 554078
01255 676755
May Onwards
Every Friday
3rd Monday
TBA
2pm
10am
01255 502523
3rd Tuesday
2 pm
01206 393877
01255 551198
1st Tuesday
1st Monday
2pm
10am
07979496758
01206 619084
TBA
4th Tuesday
TBA
2.30pm
01255 556155
3rd Thursday
10am
01255 552510
01255 504701
2pm
2pm
01255 552333
1st Wed
1st & 3rd
Monday
3rd Tuesday
1st Thursday
01255 507926
01255 553552
01255 506717
4th Tuesday
3rd Tuesday
1st Wed
2.30pm
2pm
7.30pm
01255 554123
2nd Thursday
2pm
2pm
2pm
01255 507268
2nd Thursday
2pm
LUNCH BUNCH
Diana
Brearley
Jane Kite
01255 552217
3rd Wed
MAHJONG
MEDITATION 1
MEDITATION 2
Doreen Meek
Barbara Moor
Jean Curtis
01255 504665
01255 552322
01255 507453
MUSIC APPREC 2
MUSIC APPREC 3
Ros Fenton
Colin Hance
01255 551396
01255 880848
Every Wed
3rd Monday
2nd & 4th
Wednesday
3rd Wed
4th Thursday
12.30p
m
6.45pm
2.15pm
2pm
NATURE &
WILDLIFE
PAINTING
Jo Harrison
01255 502523
1st Tuesday
Douglas
Spencer
Brian Dunnett
Mike Riches
Jeff Wrycroft
Mick Taylor
Carl Allen
01255 504050
1st Tuesday
3rd Tuesday
01255 503498
01255 504410
01255 506004
01255 552510
Weekly
3rd Tuesday
evening
2nd Monday
Audrey
Renshaw
Ros Fenton
Barbara
Scotchbrook
Margaret
Mealing
Sue Stanley
Gillian Hance
01255 507124
4th Friday
01255 551396
01255 552601
01255 504919
4th Wed
Last Friday in
the month
TBA
01255 552804
01255 880848
4th Thursday
3rd Thursday
Mary Lister
01255 502566
Shirley Hogg
Mike Riches
John Holland
01255 240666
01255 503498
01255 487483
SPANISH
Terry Howlett
07979496758
STROLLERS
Marjorie
Barton
01255 502190
LONDON GROUP 2
PETANQUE
PHOTOGRAPHY
PHILOSOPHY
PLAY READING
POETRY GROUP
QUILTING
QUIZ
RECORDER
RESEARCH YR
ANCESTORS 1
RESEARCH YR
ANCESTORS 2
SHAKESPEARE
SKETCHING
SNAPPERS
28
2pm
1012am
10.30a
m
2pm
2pm
10am
7pm
10.30a
m
2pm
2pm
10am
TBA
2pm
1012am
nd
2 Monday
9.30am
12noon
rd
3 Monday
2.30pm
April onwards TBA
2nd & 4th
10am Tuesdays
12
noon
Fortnightly –
1030am
The Alma
Last
10am
Thursday
TRANSPORT
WALKING
6s & 7s WALKING
10+MILES
WALKING
WEATHER
29
Trevor
Marston
Jo Harrison
Sheila Allen
Anne Williams
01255 553199
3rd Monday
2.15pm
01255 502523
01255 552510
01255 242280
1030am
Am
Denis Baldry
01206 619084
4th Monday
2nd Friday
See
Newsletter
TBA
TBA
APPLICATION FORM FOR PLACES AT A STUDY DAY 27TH
OCTOBER 2016 TO BE HELD AT THE GILBERD SCHOOL
COLCHESTER
I wish to apply for the following workshops at the Local Study Day:-
MORNING
AFTERNOON
1st Choice
2nd Choice
NOTE:Whilst we will endeavour to give everybody their First choice it
cannot be guaranteed.
The cost will be £10 for the day, payment to be made when booking
please. Cheques should be made payable to Harwich Peninsula
U3A.
NAME…………………………………………………………………
ADDRESS……………………………………………………………
EMAIL…………………………………………………………………
TELEPHONE NO: …………………………………………………
Please return this form to Jean Curtis by 15th July 2016
Post to: 23 Howard Avenue, Dovercourt, Harwich, CO12 UE
or Email to: [email protected] or Telephone:
01255 507453
30
Request to form or join an Interest Group.
Please return to Cath Hartwell or contact 01255 880234
Contact: email: [email protected]
Name
Tel No
e-mail
Interest(s)
31