Fairford & District
Newsletter
Issue 236
February
2017
Adrian Young
www.fairfordu3a.org.uk
Registered Charity No 1072658
Read the Newsletter online at www.fairfordu3a.org.uk 
Main Meeting
January Meeting
Tuesday, 7 February
There was a slight stirring in the audience at
the January meeting as Paul Cornell, an
author of novels, comics, short fiction, nonfiction and television episodes, began
speaking enthusiastically about his writing. He
was welcomed first as a Fairford resident but
also as someone who in talking about his
writing could drop familiar names like Dr.
Who, Coronation Street, Casualty, Holby City
and Doctors, as well as those masses of fan
magazines and ‘comics’ including Batman and
Robin, Wolverine, and Demon Knights.
Adrian Young, Editor of Ripples Magazine,
explains how our local community magazine
came into being.
Forthcoming Meetings
He admitted that he experienced an
apprenticeship of poverty because he lasted
only half a day working in the ‘real’ world and
then turned to writing, where he invents
imaginary worlds of fantasy, science fiction,
ghosts and the supernatural. ‘London Falling’,
‘The Severed Streets’, and ‘Who Killed
Sherlock Holmes?’ are in his Shadow Police
series and among his latest publications are
two novellas, part of a trio where the Lychford
in the titles (‘The Lost Child of Lychford’ and
‘Witches of Lychford’) is a thinly disguised
Fairford with a female vicar.
7 March: The Civil War by Alistair Lack
Previously he has given us talks on the BBC
and also taken us on a walking tour of
Oxford. Now he is back talking about the
Civil War.
4 April: AGM, The Cotswold Canals Trust
After the AGM, Liz Payne will outline the
history of the Cotswold Canals, an important
waterway in the south of this country
connecting the Severn Estuary and the River
Thames. She will describe the work over
many years and bring us up to date with the
restoration of the waterway.
In real life his wife is indeed the local vicar. In
describing his writing habits he credits her
with helping him over stumbling blocks by
pointing out the hurdles he has created so
that he can then reconstruct passages. In
truth his best piece of advice for all of us is to
read and rewrite again and again. Writing
takes a long time but even a short piece can
be improved when repetitious words are
avoided and redundant phrases removed.
2 May: The Queen’s Pictures
Dr Gillian White, art historian, will be talking
to us about the pictures belonging to Queen
Elizabeth 1st.
Wikipedia lists a breath-taking amount of
material which Paul has authored but perhaps
that is not surprising as he has been busy for
twenty five years.
Tea Rota
March:
April:
May:
Mah Jong
Model Group
Music Listening
Sylvia Jones
Photo Album
We are starting a new album for 2017.
It would be nice if each group could contribute a photo of any interesting activities to start this
New Year. Many thanks.
Ann Wightman: 01285 712723: [email protected]
2
Dickens in the 2lst Century
A Two-Hour Workshop
The workshop will cover topics such as ‘Is he still relevant?’ and
include a recap of his works, influences and politics.
Dickens’ lifetime could be called the beginning of the ‘Technological Age’;
trains, forms of telegraph, London Underground, steamships between
England and the USA, the Penny Post and Punch magazine to name but
a few were all fast developing during his career as a writer.
This one-off workshop will include discussions of all the above and give
you a chance to ‘have a go’ at being Dickens.
If you like the topic, please contact Jo Stichbury. A date and a time
will be arranged depending upon the interest shown.
Charles Dickens
07 Feb 1812 - 09 Jun 1870
(age 58)
Jo Stichbury
01285 239152
Fairford U3A memory course?
The course due to start in March is full but please do contact me for more information as there will more
than likely be another course in the Autumn.
Below are some pointers to help you decide:

The course consists of four 1½ hour weekly sessions, including a short tea/coffee break

People are not asked if they, or someone close to them, are experiencing memory loss

The course gives an introduction to how memory works; clarifies different types of dementia and
describes what can be done to help reduce memory loss

This is a practical course offering information and opportunities to share tips and hints on dealing
with memory loss. It does not cover the emotional aspects of coping with dementia

It is designed for those who are new to the subject – people with experience in this area, will
probably require a more advanced course

The sessions are led by two U3A members who have relevant experience in working with groups –
they have researched the subject matter prior to delivering the course, but are not experts in the
field

Every group member receives a workbook which remains his or her private property. Books
outline the content of each session, allow participants to assess what they have learned and offer
additional homework

The course takes into consideration possible concerns of people who might be dealing with
memory loss. For this reason, members are not asked to reveal answers during quiz sessions.
Nor do group leaders prompt people to join in if they are quiet during discussions.
If you would like to know more, please contact
Morag Hill
01285 238007
3
Chairman’s Report
February 2017
February is the month when all of our subscriptions are up for renewal. This is now £12 per
person and can easily be done online. We hope to include an instruction sheet with the next
Newsletter to guide you through this process. We are also holding renewal sessions at Fairford
and Lechlade libraries on Wednesday 8 February if you would like some guidance whilst doing
this. Computers will be available in Fairford library from 2.00pm until 4.00pm and in Lechlade
between 10.00am and 12.00 noon. Members of the Committee will be there to help if needed.
We are including an instruction sheet with this Newsletter.
I am told that the Mah Jong group has spaces available if you would like to learn how to play
or refresh your skills. Please contact Alan Eagle.
May I remind you that you can still pick up Newsletters for friends and neighbours at the
Monthly Meetings and just tick the sheet so we know who has received one. This seems to be
going well, thank you. Hard copies are also available in Fairford and Lechlade Libraries and
the Community Centre in Fairford.
We have now received information about U3A summer schools. Details of how to apply for the
ones at Cirencester Agricultural University are outlined below where you can also find details of
courses in other parts of the country.
Any comments or queries, please feel free to contact me
Jan Mills: 01285 850384 or [email protected]
2017 Summer Schools
Advance notice for Members about this year's events held at the Royal Agricultural College in
Cirencester.
Having attended one before, and so conveniently located for members, I can say that they are an
excellent opportunity to attend some interesting presentations, meet like-minded members and enjoy
some good fayre, without the extra cost of accommodation.
This year's dates are:
Monday 14 to Thursday 17 August
and Monday 11 to Thursday 14 September
Bookings open 23 January 2017.
To obtain a Brochure for the events visit www.u3a.org.uk and log on to Events or for a hard copy to be
mailed to you, please either email a request to [email protected] or telephone Head Office in Bromley
on 0208 466 6139.
Michael Yorke: 01367 253286
Secretary
Michael Deane
Rosemund Godden
Sue Souter
Stephen Williams
Should you change your email address or any other detail will you please let me know so that our
records can be kept up to date.
Sue Jonson, Membership Secretary: email MembershipSec@fairford u3a.org.uk (note new address)
4
GROUP MEETINGS
Please contact the group leaders if you are interested in joining any of the groups, or visit
www.fairfordu3a.org.uk for further information.
Anglo-Saxon Poetry
Thursday 23 February
We shall meet at my house at 10.30am.
Please let me know if you are unable to
come.
Miriam Scott
01285 713441
Book Circle 1
Tuesday 14 February
This month we shall meet at 2.00pm to talk
about 'The Bolter'
by Frances Osborne.
Venue to be decided.
Please let me know if you are unable to
come.
Sheila Morgan
01285 810471
Ballroom Dancing
Tuesdays 14, 28 February; 14, 28 March
We meet at Fairford Community Centre
from 7.00pm to 8.00pm, with instructor
Joanne and her partner Mark.
Why not join us, it is great fun and a good
way of keeping fit.
Level: Beginners.
Ann Wightman
01285 712723
[email protected]
Book Circle 2
Tuesday 14 February
We meet on Valentine’s Day at 2.30pm at Sue
Jonson’s home to discuss ‘The Language of
Flowers’ by Vanessa Diffenbaugh. The title
admirably suits the date … but is the story
sweet and gentle…?
If you cannot come that day will you please
let Sue know on 01285 713756.
Jane Pugh
01285 712184
[email protected]
Birdwatching
Boccia
Tuesday 21 February
This month we will spend the day at a
number of locations in the Forest of Dean
hoping to see hawfinches, bramblings,
siskins, maybe a goshawk if we are lucky.
We will break for lunch at our usual pub.
Thursdays
We meet every Thursday afternoon in
the Farmor Room, Fairford Community
Centre at 2.15pm and play until 3.30pm. All
members are invited. We play Boccia and
enjoy a free cup of tea or coffee and biscuits.
Meet in the Fairford car park at 9 o’clock. A
contribution of £4 from passengers would
be appreciated.
BOCCIA is a game suitable for people of all
abilities and can be played sitting down.
As we have to pay for the room, there will a
charge of £1.00 per person.
Richard Morgan
01285 712085
For further information please call:
Reg Thoburn:
David & Heather Baber:
5
01285 712397
01285 711343
Creative Writing
Bridge Improvers
Fridays
Mondays
We have an excellent small group who are
enjoying the activities but we would welcome
any new members.
The group will continue to meet every
Monday afternoon (except Bank Holidays)
from 2.00pm to 4.00pm in the Heritage
Room, Fairford Community Centre, for a
lesson and friendly practice play.
We meet every Friday morning from 10.00am
to 11.30am.
Please contact me for more details:
Jo Stichbury
01285 239152
If you play some bridge and would like to
improve, come and join us; we are a friendly
and informal group, making mistakes and
learning together. Partners and refreshments
provided.
Margaret Bishop
01285 713747
[email protected]
Tuesdays
Computer Group
We meet every week on Tuesday mornings at
my home where I aim to help members in the
use of computers, the internet and more. If
you are interested in joining the group,
please contact me and you will be welcome.
If you have your own laptop, please bring it
along as it is better to learn on your own
computer.
For those just starting, I have a modern
Windows laptop computer that is available for
members to use.
Chess
Do you know how to play chess? If not, have
you ever thought about learning? Why not
join us and give it a try?
We play for fun and don’t take it too seriously
whether we win or lose, and it is a good way
to keep the grey matter ticking over.
We meet once a month, usually on a
Wednesday afternoon, start with a chat over
tea and biscuits, and play for a maximum of
about an hour-and-a-half.
Please contact me if you are interested or
would like more information.
Mike Bennett
01367 252379
[email protected]
Nick Humphris
01285 711740
Dance to Five Rhythms
Wednesday 15 February
Family History
Wednesday 15 February
We shall meet at my house at 2.30pm. Please
let me know if you are unable to come.
Miriam Scott
01285 713441
We dance regularly at the Palmer Hall on the
third Wednesday of the month, at 10.00am.
New members welcome.
Come and move to
the music!
Joyce Deane
01285 851408
6
Geology
French
Intermediate
Wednesday 8 February
We continue to meet on Mondays at
11.00am at my home. We fix dates for our
meetings from one meeting to the next. If
you are interested in joining us, please
contact me. You would be very welcome our meetings are always great fun.
For details of this month’s meeting please
contact:
Clive Watson
01285 713003
Rosemary Westlake
01285 712329
[email protected]
Italian for Beginners
Mondays
Advanced
Mondays
We start by reading a couple of pages from a
magazine published for groups like ours, and
then discuss matters arising from that - and
anything else that takes our fancy! This is
done in two small groups of generally not
more than six people.
We meet on Monday afternoons at my home.
At present we are focussing on ‘Holiday
Italian’.
For details contact:
Bea Bostock
01285 750456
New members are always welcome!
Industrial Heritage
Kevin Hannigan
01367 250246
For details of this month’s activities please
contact:
Pete Evans
01285 713069
[email protected]
Valentine’s Day History
1849 – The first photograph of a U.S.
President, while in office, was taken by
Matthew Brady in New York City. President
James Polk was the subject of the picture.
Tuesdays
Keep Fit
1876 – Alexander Graham Bell filed an
application for a patent for the telephone.
It was officially issued on March 7, 1876.
We meet in the Palmer Hall on Tuesday each
week at 9.15am.
1924 - Thomas Watson renames his company
from Computing-Tabulating-Recording
Company to International Business Machine
Corporation (IBM).
01367 250346
Chris Pooley
Latin
Garden Group
Thursdays 2 February, 2 March
Please contact Beth or Geoff for details of this
month’s meeting.
The group meets on the first Thursday of the
month at 2.30pm at my house.
Beth and Geoff Dennis
01285 712195
[email protected]
Please contact me if you are
unable to come.
Susan Greig
01285 810274
7
Mah Jong
Thursdays 2, 16 February
The Mah Jong Group meets in the Barker Room at Fairford Community Centre for two hours
from 10.00am on the first and third Thursdays of the month.
Mah Jong is an easy and sociable game to learn and enjoy from the outset. New members
always welcome, whether you are a complete beginner or have played previously.
Please contact us if you would like a trial session in advance to find out what it is all about.
Future meetings – 2, 16 March
Alan & Linda Eagle
01285 712515
[email protected]
Model Group
Thursdays
Music Listening
The Model Group meets weekly on Thursday
mornings.
Please contact me for details.
Jim Sullivan
01367 252539
Friday 17 February
Philosophy
We meet at 2.00pm at Rosemary's house.
Your choice of music should be related to
‘Night’ however loosely interpreted.
Gillian Bilbrough
01285 712579
Please contact me for details of this month’s
meeting.
Dan Deane
01285 851408
Needlework
Wednesdays, 8 and 22 February
We meet at the Fairford Community Centre
from 2.00pm to 4.00pm. This group brings
together many different skills under the
heading of ‘Needlework’; we are a friendly
group and enjoy our sessions.
If you would like to know more, please
contact:
Pauline Jones
01285 851212
Tuesday 21 February
At the meeting this month we shall be looking
at Valentine cards. Presented by Heather,
the meeting is at the usual venue at 2.30pm.
As this might take up the whole afternoon,
there will not be time for anagrams or
postcard stories.
John Higgs
01285 712488
8
Poetry Circle 2
Poetry Circle 1
Fridays 3 February, 3 March
Fridays, 3 February, 3 March, at 2.00pm
The group usually meets on the first Friday of
the month at 2.30pm when we read and
enjoy poetry and verse of all kinds.
This month we shall be looking at Comic
Poetry, at Doreen's. Then in March we shall
read some of the poetry of Lemn Sissay, at
Barbara's.
Anyone interested in joining us would be
most welcome.
Please let either of us know if you are unable
to come.
Barbara Cottam
01285 711054
Barbara Cobbett
Jen Thoburn
Quilting
Wednesdays 1 February, 1 March
01285 712692
01285 712397
Rummikub
This group meets on the first Wednesday of
the month from 12.30pm to 2.00pm in the
Barker Room of the Community Centre.
Thursdays 9 February, 9 March, 13 April
New members welcome. Please telephone me
for more information.
Jean Freeth has kindly agreed to take over
running this group for the time being. Her
contact number is 01285 713570.
Jan Mills 01285 850384
The group will meet in the Barker Room,
Fairford Community Centre from 2.00pm to
4.00pm for some friendly games of
Rummikub.
Thursdays, 2 February, 2 March
Lilian Pooley
Group Co-ordinator
01367 250346
We play Scrabble from 2.30pm - 4.30pm in
the Fairford Community Centre. If you would
like to join this group you will be very
welcome.
Kathleen Price: 01285 712417
Recorders
Fridays 10 February, 24 February
We start with anyone who would like to play the treble (from 2.00pm to 2.30pm) followed by
the main group to finish at 4.30pm with a break for tea. We will be in the Heritage Room on the
ground floor of the Fairford Community Centre and will let you know if we have to use another
room. As usual, we will be playing a varied selection of music arranged for Descant, Treble,
Tenor and Bass with the addition of Great and Contrabasses in the occasional piece.
If there are any more recorder players (no matter how rusty) who would like to join a friendly,
non-judgemental group you would be very welcome - please contact:
Hilary Bradshaw
01367 860030
[email protected]
Jay Mathews
01367 860869
[email protected]
We have some spare instruments and stands; please ask if you would like to borrow one.
9
Scottish Reels
Wednesday 15 February
Scottish Reels is a great way to enjoy an
evening and take a little exercise in the
process; our motto is ‘Reels are Fun’, and our
dances are generally taken from an instruction
book of the same name.
We welcome both beginners and those with
experience. You can come alone or with your
spouse, partner or friend.
We meet at 8.00pm for two hours in Poulton
Village Hall and make a charge of £3 per
person per evening, to cover the rental of the
venue and refreshments.
If you would like to know more, please
contact me.
Richard Thompson
01285 712123
[email protected]
Short Tennis
Mondays
This group meets in the Palmer Hall every
Monday between 3.00pm and 5.00pm.
As we only have one court we often cannot
accommodate new players, so if interested
please speak to me first.
Margaret Trickett
01285 712421
Solos
Monday 6 February
Our February meeting celebrates our 5th
Birthday with a birthday lunch at Val’s house.
We shall meet at 12.30pm for one o’clock.
Michael Johnson
01285 712637
[email protected]
Spanish
Please phone me for details of this month’s
meeting
We are a continuation group now, reading
selected articles and commenting on what we
have read.
Frank Hall
01285 712583
[email protected]
Spanish for Beginners
Wednesdays
It is well known that learning a language helps
to keep the mind active as we get older.
Walking Groups
This friendly group is for near beginners or
those who have studied Spanish in the past
and forgotten most of it! We meet at my
house on Wednesday afternoons. Please contact me if you would like to join.
now have their own
page at the end of this
section!
Linda Aston
01285 810900
[email protected]
10
Table Tennis
Yoga
Wednesdays and Fridays
Mondays
Our group has grown to the extent that we
have chosen to run an additional session. You
can now come along on Wednesday from
2.30pm and Friday from 10.00am.
The Yoga Group meets weekly on
Mondays at the Community Centre at
10.00am.
Sessions are held in Keble Room in the
Fairford Community Centre. Players of all
abilities are welcome.
Sylvia Jones
01285 712657
I am sorry, but there is still a waiting list.
Wednesday Group Leader:
Nick Stroude: 01295 521067
Friday Group Leader:
Barry Aylett-Warner: 01367 253788
Valentine’s Day
History
Traditional Jazz
The Importance of
Being Ernest by Oscar
Wilde opened at the St
James’ Theatre London
in 1895.
Many thanks are due to Ian Bennett for
organising this Group so competently but
regrettably he now feels unable to continue.
Please contact me if you are willing to take
over leading this group.
Lilian Pooley Group Coordinator
01367 250346
Valentine’s Day History
Gang warfare ruled the streets of Chicago during the late 1920s, as chief gangster Al Capone
sought to consolidate control by eliminating his rivals in the illegal trades of bootlegging,
gambling and prostitution.
This rash of gang violence reached its bloody climax in a garage on the city’s North Side on
February 14, 1929, when seven men associated with the Irish gangster George “Bugs” Moran,
one of Capone’s longtime enemies, were shot to death by several men dressed as policemen.
The St. Valentine’s Day Massacre, as it was known, was never officially linked to Capone, but he
was generally considered to have been responsible for the murders.
11
Walking Groups
Straddlers
Thursday 16 February
Our first post–Trump walk of seven miles
starting from Cutsdean (just north of Ford –
best route is past the Cotswold Rare Breeds
farm near Guiting Power), then skirting Ford
and following the gallops up past Jackdaw’s
Castle. Carrying straight on along the
Gloucestershire Way/Diamond Way, turning
north before Crabs Corner and through the
wood to Cutsdean Lodge. Then returning to
Cutsdean along the quiet road.
Most of the walk is on field tracks and quiet
roads, but there is a muddy patch (weather
dependent) going down into the wood. Only
three stiles. No serious hills except for just
before the wood!
Bring lunch and coffee as usual and meet at
Fairford car park at 9.13am or at the roadside
just outside (north-east) Cutsdean village.
Please let me know if you are going to join
us. Suggested passenger travel fee £2.
Michael Bottomley
[email protected]
or telephone 01285 712074
Strollers
Friday 24 February
We will walk in Sherborne Park where, if we’re
lucky, there will be snowdrops in bloom.
Striders
Tuesday 28 February
A five-mile circular walk from the Catherine
Wheel at Bibury. No serious hills and not
many stiles. We shall probably do a figure of
eight walk starting from the pub, but this will
depend upon the muddiness of the tracks, so
the final decision will be made nearer the
time! Meet at Fairford car park at 9.30am or
in the Catherine Wheel car park in Bibury at
9.50am to order our lunch.
Suggested travel donation of £1. Please
contact me by 10.30am the day before the
walk to confirm that you will be coming.
Michael Bottomley
[email protected]
or telephone 01285 712074
Walking with a Pub Lunch
Wednesday 8 February
Meet at Fairford car park at 9.30am or at the
Catherine Wheel, Bibury, to start walking by
10am.
It’s a pleasant circular walk with good views
(weather permitting), two short hills, a couple
of stiles and it will very probably be muddy in
places. Distance approximately 5 miles.
Kathleen Price
01285 712417
Lunch at the Sherborne Arms, Aldsworth.
Meet at Fairford car park at 9.45am or at the
National Trust car park at the Park to start
walking by 10.15am.
Ivor Price
01285 712417
12
GROUP REVIEWS
Book Circle 1
‘Lifting the Latch’ by Sheila Stewart
There were only four of us at our January meeting, but we all found this engaging memoir of
a life on the land wholly delightful. Set in the period before, during and after the First World
War, it records the life story of Mont Abbott who for eighty-seven years lived in the parish of
Enstone, Oxfordshire, where he worked at various times throughout his life as a carter, a
shepherd, and a gardener.
The author, Sheila Stewart, was an expert at writing in the vernacular. A local butcher
suggested she should write Mont’s life story. Mont’s reply to her letter of request was, “Thee
can come if thee wants. I have no transport, only a wheelbarrow.” The author recorded their
conversations and then proceeded to work them into book form with Mont telling the story in
his own words. It is beautifully written and the dialect enhances and in no way detracts from
the enjoyment of the narrative.
A remarkable piece of social history, it evokes in the reader – at least the older ones memories of life gone by. There were anecdotes about privies down the garden, sofas with
tassles, fresh milk from the cow, games in the road before the arrival of the motor car, the
gathering of horse dung, house removal by steam engine. Mont had used the telephone only
once in his life, and that reluctantly, and he had never been to ‘the pictures’. He remembered
the time when he was called upon to use a Titan tractor, instead of a horse. Comparing the
two, he said “my old Blossom” would recognise an obstacle without being told.
Mont was a lovable character, hard-working, fun-loving, compassionate, not without sadness
in his life; he got through life’s difficulties without complaining, saying “Us’ll get over it.”
Barbara Cobbett
Book Circle 2
‘The Penguin Lessons’ by Tom Michell
We chose a gentle book for our Christmas reading. Most people found it an enchanting book.
It is a true story, remembered with great clarity, of how Tom at 23 years old had accepted the
post of an English master at a boys’ school in Argentina.
During a school holiday in Uruguay he rescues a penguin from an oil slick. After an initial fight,
the penguin absolutely refuses to leave him and he is forced to smuggle him through customs
to return to school.
This penguin, named Juan Salvador, then transforms the lives of everyone he meets. This
book gives an insight not only into school life, but touches on the geography, economics and
local cultures of South America … even the life of a gaucho. A book to melt your heart!
Ann Duckney
13
Poetry Circle 1
Our January meeting was lacking in numbers but not in spirit. Our chosen subject was 'A new
year or a new experience' and our poems were wide-ranging, starting with 'January' by Tina
Owen, which reflected her interest in seeing a garden come to life. It was followed by
'Sometimes', by Sheenagh Pugh, an optimistic poem reminding us that there are still good
things to hope for in life, then 'New Gravity', by Robin Robertson, which spoke of parents
awaiting the birth of their baby.
Charlotte Mitchell's 'Just in Case' was a light-hearted account of packing for a weekend away, a
very familiar dilemma, and 'Hatching' by Elizabeth Jennings gave us a picture of a baby bird's
entry into the world. On a more serious note, W H Auden's powerful and thought-provoking
poem 'Song for the New Year' told of the dramatic changes taking place in the thirties as war
was looming.
We read other short poems on similar subjects and also discussed the days when poems were
displayed on underground trains, as two of our choices came from the Underground books that
were issued each year. We hope to have all our members back at our February meeting and
would welcome new recruits!
Celia Long
Solos
Christmas was a hectic time for everyone especially as we had recently enjoyed a Turkey and
Tinsel break in Harrogate. As this finished in early December we could not find time to arrange
anything; however a number of us enjoyed the U3A Christmas lunch.
Fourteen of us had a lovely meal at the Colosseo on New Year’s Eve, rowdily seeing in the New
Year. We were a bit disappointed that we were the only ones still in the restaurant – maybe we
frightened everyone away – as it was crowded when we arrived. However, we were surprised
when we left at around 12.30am at how dead Fairford seemed. We wondered if you had to be a
widower or a widow with no inhibitions to have a good time?
Michael Johnson
Origins of Valentine’s Day:
A Pagan Festival in February
While some believe that Valentine’s Day is celebrated in the middle of February
to commemorate the anniversary of Valentine’s death or burial, others claim
that the Christian church may have decided to place St. Valentine’s feast day in
the middle of February in an effort to “Christianize” the pagan celebration of Lupercalia.
Celebrated at the ides of February, or February 15, Lupercalia was a fertility festival dedicated to
Faunus, the Roman god of agriculture, as well as to the Roman founders Romulus and Remus.
Members of the Luperci, an order of Roman priests, would gather at a sacred cave where the
infants Romulus and Remus were believed to have been cared for by a she-wolf or lupa. The
priests would sacrifice a goat, for fertility, and a dog, for purification. They would then strip the
goat’s hide into strips, dip them into the sacrificial blood and take to the streets, gently slapping
both women and crop fields with the goat hide. Far from being fearful, Roman women welcomed
the touch of the hides because it was believed to make them more fertile in the coming year.
Later in the day, according to legend, all the young women in the city would place their names in
a big urn. The city’s bachelors would each choose a name and become paired for the year with
his chosen woman. These matches often ended in marriage.
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A Valentine’s Day
Miscellany ….
“Thank you for the flowers” she said
and smiled and coyly bowed her head
“I’m very sorry about last night
For I was wrong
And you were right”.
And as he walked home through the midnight hours
He thought to himself ‘What bloomin’ flowers?!
A successful marriage requires
falling in love; always with the
same person: Mignon McLaughlin
If I had a flower every time I
thought of you I could walk
through my garden: Alfred, Lord
Tennyson
Do we grow sweet and old?
Who, being loved, is poor?
Oscar Wilde
This air is pregnant with the threatened storm;
And rich the evening sun embroiders all with gold
A heavy, heady colour of late wine
Of withered vine fruits plucked as they grew sweet
and old.
And if there were crackers
on Valentine’s Day ...
My muse sits at my elbow; she enchants me
As she sings; her fingers twine amidst my hair
She fills my heart with yearning, burning, for
The one who is not there.
You were not here again today;
Have you forsaken me?
You have aroused a turmoil that
In me defies serenity.
What did the stamp say to the
envelope on Valentine’s Day?
I’m stuck on you!
What’s a vampire’s sweetheart
called?
A ghoul-friend
How did the crafty lover get into
her bedroom on Valentine’s Day?
He was a card!
Impossible to slake this thirst;
To put this earthy passion to the test
For our caresses are as air
Amidst the ether; kiss’d.
What did the octopus say to his
girlfriend?
Can I hold your hand, hand, hand …
Do we grow sweet and old my love?
Are we like roses blown?
Our tapestries are woven
But is the cloth yet sewn?
What type of flowers do you
never give on Valentine’s Day?
Cauliflowers!
The air is pregnant with the threatened storm;
Of future yet unsaid, unread, untold . ..
But time’s river’s rushing on my love
As we grow sweet and old.
Boom Boom!
(On seeing a marriage in church) : “Strange to say what delight we married people have to
see these poor fools decoyed into our condition”
Samuel Pepys; 23 February 1633 - 17 May 1703
“The novel is born of disillusionment; the poem, of despair.” Jose Bergamin
15
Please send items for the
March Issue
to
Sarah Bottomley
Editor this month
Marilyn Gibbon
[email protected]
by 17 February
FEBRUARY
Wednesday
1 Quilting, Beginners Spanish
Thursday
2 Boccia, Latin, Mah Jong, Models, Scrabble
Friday
3 Creative Writing, Poetry 1 & 2
Monday
6 Bridge, French, Italian, Short Tennis, Yoga
Tuesday
7 MAIN MEETING, Computers, Keep Fit
Wednesday
8 Geology, Needlework, Beginners Spanish, Table Tennis, Walk with PL
Thursday
9 Boccia, Models, Rummikub
Friday
10 Creative Writing, Recorders, Table Tennis
Monday
13 Bridge, French, Italian, Short Tennis, Yoga
Tuesday
14 Ballroom, Book Circles 1 & 2, Computers, Keep Fit
Wednesday
15 5 Rhythms, Fam Hist, Bgnrs Spanish, Philosophy, Scot Reels, T Tennis
Thursday
16 Boccia, Mah Jong, Models, Straddlers
Friday
17 Creative Writing, Music Listening, Table Tennis
Monday
20 Bridge, French, Italian, Short Tennis, Yoga
Tuesday
21 Birdwatching, Computers, Keep Fit, Postcards
Wednesday
22 Needlework, Beginners Spanish, Table Tennis
Thursday
23 Anglo-Saxon Poetry, Boccia, Garden Planning Meeting, Models
Friday
24 Creative Writing, Recorders, Strollers, Table Tennis
Monday
27 Bridge, French, Italian, Short Tennis, Yoga
Tuesday
28 Ballroom, Computers, Keep Fit, Striders
MARCH
Wednesday
1 Quilting, Beginners Spanish, Table Tennis
Thursday
2 Boccia, Latin, Models, Scrabble
Friday
3 Creative Writing, Poetry 1 & 2, Table Tennis
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