FEBRUARY - APRIL 2017
In This Issue
View a
selection of
stunning photos
from our
Photography
Group
page 8
Which 2017 Trips Did
You Vote For?
Pages 13 -15
THE TUBA
The Newsletter of Towcester U3A; part of the Third Age Trust
Trentham Gardens
PHOTO JEANETTE
WAITE
To keep up to date don’t forget our website:-www.u3asites.org.uk/towcester
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FEBRUARY - APRIL 2017
View from the Chairman
A warm welcome to you all especially if you are reading this as a new or prospective
member, or if you are new to Towcester itself.
We look forward to another exciting year, judging from the forthcoming programmes of many
of our groups: trips are planned, speakers booked, tickets bought for entertaining theatre
shows… and so it goes on. I just hope that you are able to fit everything in!
As if all that wasn’t enough, our group list continues to grow! Eileen Dickens [The Group Co-ordinators ‘Coordinator’] does a sterling job, taking embryonic ideas and actually turning them into viable groups. Thank
you to all our co-ordinators who help by supporting Eileen in her efforts to keep our U3A vibrant and
interesting. We cannot do it without you.
The committee identified a need for a new lap-top computer and as Father Christmas ignored our letter,
we bought one in the January sales. Mike Willis, our treasurer, secured a very good deal finding the same
computer as was available on Amazon but for £250 less. It comes with all singing, all dancing software. Its
primary use will be as a dedicated lap-top for The Tuba. It became evident when I stopped being editor,
using iMac software that any change over should be made more straightforward in the future. By having a
‘Tuba computer’ this will be achievable. In addition, we can now ensure that our speakers are always able
to present their talks by also making it available at monthly meetings.
In this regard, some of you will recall that a recent speaker’s talk had to be aborted. This was
unprecedented, certainly to my knowledge (and was one of the contributory reasons for our purchase
above!). Since it happened I have had several members mention that it was a good opportunity to get to
know some of the people they were sitting next to. This has made us think that it could be an idea to
introduce an occasional ‘drop-in’ social meeting with refreshments and a ready supply of people to chat
to. Please let me know what you think.
Last but certainly not least, I would like to welcome Ray Paice onto our committee. I think Ray will prove
to be a valuable member if his first meeting with us is anything to go by.
Wishing you all the best for 2017.
Anne
From the Editor
Happy New Year!
Welcome to the first edition of the TUBA for 2017.
New Year resolutions are an old tradition dating, I am told, back to Roman and even Babylonian times. In
our current society they have a poor track record with apparently only 1 in 10 people achieving their goals.
Top resolutions in the UK include taking more exercise and learning new things. Being a member
of Towcester U3A can certainly help achieve those goals. It would be so nice if your resolutions could
include sending an article to the Tuba. Your contributions make such a difference! Please tell us what you
have done or what you are planning to do, take a picture of your group enjoying themselves! Share your
U3A experience. You might even resolve to enquire about becoming a member of the committee!
Although we know we face a period of uncertainty as the Brexit negotiations begin, we also know we have
much to look forward to nationally, locally and within the U3A. The Queen will celebrate her
sapphire anniversary (65 years since her accession) and later in November, her platinum wedding
anniversary (70 years). Locally, June and July will see the Towcester 917 celebrations marking Towcester’s
1100th anniversary.
Within the U3A we have much to celebrate as the range of opportunities to learn new things
increases and we continue to see the formation of new groups. It was noticeable that many
groups chose to celebrate Christmas by having a meal together. One of the big advantages of
the U3A is that as we learn together we make new friends. I am certain that many of us have
forged firm friendships with people that we would have never met had it not been
for Towcester U3A. Long may it continue! Carol
To keep up to date don’t forget our website:-www.u3asites.org.uk/towcester
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FEBRUARY - APRIL 2017
The Diary Pages - monthly meetings
2.00PM ON THE LAST WEDNESDAY OF THE MONTH AT TOWCESTRIANS’ SPORTS CLUB
January 25th James Hornsby’s one man’s show ‘Great Expectations’.
James is a versatile actor with well over 30 years professional experience. He has
appeared on television, the West-End stage and in numerous regional theatres.
For some time now, James has presented his acclaimed one-man tributes to Charles
Dickens and in this presentation will bring to life a host of well loved characters.
PLEASE NOTE! Great Expectations has a running time of 110 mins -that will be 55
minutes each side of the tea break.
February 22nd Simon Carr: ‘The Life and Times of Andrew Carnegie’.
Andrew Carnegie, a well-known Scottish-American, who rose from a life of
utter poverty to become an industrialist, is considered as the second
richest man in history. He built his fortunes mainly through the steel
industry. He was a great visionary who could foresee the business
opportunities well in time thereby, becoming the leader of the American
steel industry. He built the Carnegie Steel Company which was the largest
and most profitable industrial enterprise in the world in the 1890s. Later,
he sold it to J.P. Morgan who created U.S. Steel. He later turned towards
philanthropy and did significant work in the field of education and culture.
He founded various organisations like Carnegie Corporation of New York,
Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, Carnegie Institution of
Washington, Carnegie Mellon University and the Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh. His benevolence can be
seen in the donations he made for the promotion of education and world peace. In fact, a very local
example is Northampton Central Library! - he donated £15,000 for building costs.
March 29th Georgina (Georgie) Hale: ‘Shipwreck’
Georgina (Georgie) Hale and her husband were
shipwrecked in the Antarctic Ocean when their cruise ship
hit an iceberg in November 2007. They managed to survive
in freezing temperatures after they were told to abandon
ship. At the time the sea was rough and they did not know
how long it would take for help to reach them. They spent
four and a half hours in an open life boat before being
rescued by a Norwegian liner. Georgie, a successful crime
novelist, will recount her experience which she described
To keep up to date don’t forget our website:-www.u3asites.org.uk/towcester
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FEBRUARY - APRIL 2017
The Diary Pages - monthly meetings continued
April 26th Rev Richard Coles
Richard Coles is an English musician journalist and Church of England
priest. Now vicar of Finedon in Northampton, he is known for having
been the multi-instrumentalist who partnered Jimmy Somerville in the
1980’s band The Communards who achieved three Top Ten hits including
the Number I record and best-selling single of 1986 - a club/dance
version of “Don’t Leave Me This Way”. Richard also appears frequently
on radio and television as well as in newspapers. In March 2011 he became the regular co-host of BBC
Radio 4’s Saturday Live programme.
May 31st Allan Read: ‘Bloodhound’
Allan is an ambassador for the Bloodhound Project.
The Project has a number of objectives
1: Inspire the next generation about science, technology,
engineering and mathematics.
2: Share an iconic research and development programme with a global audience.
3: Set a new World Land Speed Record of 1000 mph..
June 28th David Price ‘[The Truth Behind] Les Misérables’
David specialises in amusing talks, well-illustrated, informative and often
with film clips and musical extracts, on a variety of historical subjects.
The phenomenally successful musical Les Miserables is based on a novel by
the French author Victor Hugo who was actually living in political exile on
Guernsey while he was writing. It’s set in turbulent times in France, climaxing
in the July Rebellion of 1832 which was brutally suppressed by the French troops.
But why did people rebel and what were they fighting for? Are the main characters in the novel and the
musical- Jean Valjean, Fantine,Cosette,Javert,Eponine and Marius- accurate reflections of real-life people?
This talk will reveal all!
David Price aims to bring his unconventional view of history to as many people as possible.
To keep up to date don’t forget our website:-www.u3asites.org.uk/towcester
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FEBRUARY - APRIL 2017
The Diary Pages - monthly meetings continued
July 26th Roy Smart “Amy Johnson”
Roy Smart tells the story of this magnificent girl and her flying machines,
her triumphs and disasters, her highs and lows, her ups and downs - not
least her calamitous marriage to “The Flying Scotsman”- and then unravels
the mystery of her disappearance one winter’s Sunday, serving her country in
its hour of need as the Battle of Britain gave way to the Blitz.
Roy Smart was a Naval Officer, Fleet Air Arm pilot and air director of many
great national memorial events including the televised D Day, VE and VJ Day
commemorations attended by the Queen and fifty heads of state together
with flying displays and aviation pageants.
DON’T FORGET YOU CAN CATCH A MINIBUS TO
THE MONTHLY MEETINGS
Pick up point: Sawpits Green, Richmond Road [the triangle of
grass between Waitrose and the old library building]
It departs no later than 1.25 pm (just turn up and climb on board). It
will be waiting in the car park to return you to Towcester afterwards at
about 3.30.
A man is stopped by the police around 2.00
am and is asked where he is going at this
time of night.
The man replies, “I’m on my way to a
lecture about alcohol abuse and the effects
it has on the human body as well as smoking
and staying out late.”
The police office then asks, “Really? Who is
giving that lecture at this time of night?”
The man replies, “That would be my wife.”
To keep up to date don’t forget our website:-www.u3asites.org.uk/towcester
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FEBRUARY - APRIL 2017
The Diary Pages - continued
THEATRE GROUP
The Theatre Group has had a busy time over the last few months taking in a variety of
shows at Milton Keynes Theatre.
As Towcester U3A is expanding so fast, it is worth repeating for newcomers how the group
works. Everyone is in the theatre group if they are in the U3A.
You choose the show(s) you wish to see and put your name on the list. You pay for the seats before the "Pay
by" date and supply an sae. I buy the tickets at the generously discounted price we are offered and send
you the ticket in your sae. Simple! Everyone makes their own way to the theatre either by car or public
transport (buses stop outside the theatre). Many make a day of it with shopping and/or lunch. There is
plenty of cheap parking between the theatre and the Snowzone. Shows reserved for 2017
SHIRLEY VALENTINE
Weds 29th March
2.30 pm
£18
MAMA MIA
Weds 17th May
2.30 pm
£33.50 Pay by Jan 31st
BILLY ELLIOT
Thurs 8th June
2.30 pm
£30
JANE EYRE
Weds 12th July
2.00 pm £20
JUDGEMENT IN STONE
Pay by Feb 8th
Pay by March 14th
Pay by Feb 14th
A Ruth Rendell mystery
Weds 26th July
2.30 pm £20
Pay by April 5th
CURIOUS INCIDENT OF THE DOG IN THE NIGHT TIME
Weds 6th Sept
2.30 pm
£20
Pay by March 20th
2018
WAR HORSE**
Weds 26th Sept
2.30 pm
£30
Pay by May 12th 2017
**Please note this show has to be paid for this year.
Please book your places early, give me your payment [cheques payable to Marion Wilson]together with
a stamped addressed envelope before the ‘pay by’ date to:-
Marion Wilson, Broadacres, Roade Hill, Ashton, Northampton, NN7 2JH, 01604 864254
[email protected]
To keep up to date don’t forget our website:-www.u3asites.org.uk/towcester
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FEBRUARY - APRIL 2017
News from The Groups
ANTIQUES AND COLLECTABLES
Are you looking to start something afresh for the new year?
•Do you have an interest in the past or social history?
•Have you always wanted to go to an auction but don’t know how?
•Do you have some family items but you don’t know if they are of any value?
• Are you free at 10.15 on the 4th Tuesday of every month?
Yes? Then you might enjoy learning about antiques!
(No? maybe you are missing something that you’d enjoy!!)
Our January planning meeting was held too late for me to include all
the activities we have for 2017 but our programme will have talks on
• ‘Samplers’
• ‘Hallmarks’
• ‘Glass’
And trips to
• an antiques fair;
• a day at an auction;
• a possible visit to Canons Ashby.
Oh! and shopping.
Now that can’t be bad can it?
If I’ve persuaded you to give it a try, just give me a ring on 01327 856834 or email
[email protected]
and come along to The Bull, Brackley Road, Towcester at 10.15 am. on the 4th Tuesday of every
month. We even provide coffee. Our next meetings are 28th February and 28th March.
MUSIC FOR PLEASURE
2016 has been a good year for the group with great variety and a good many interesting afternoons.
We have ranged from Rachmaninoff, Shostakovich, Dvorak to ballet, Eric Satie and even Transatlantic
Folk; quite a mixture, greatly enhanced these days by YouTube and its feast of musical
documentaries and performers. We hadn’t heard of the PianoGuys but now we are fans! We could do
with a few more members, do come along.
Regards Valerie
To keep up to date don’t forget our website:-www.u3asites.org.uk/towcester
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FEBRUARY - APRIL 2017
News from the Groups continued
BOARD GAMES
We play the games that you like to play but don’t get the chance to…
We meet on the first Thursday of the month at 10.15 at Towcester Library, The Forum, Towcester and play
till about 12.00. We are discovering new games all the time. A new favourite is a french game called
Triolet. It is easy to pick up….so that has been a great hit!
Please pop in and join our informal group.
Anne
[01327 856834]
PHOTOGRAPHY
We welcome enthusiasts and experienced photographers alike, so we can learn and
increase our knowledge of all things out of “auto”.
Throughout the year members are challenged to expand their skills with a Versatility
Challenge. Members are given a list of titles to interpret as they like.
Here are just a sample of this year’s entries:
‘Nature’s Velvet’ lois Smith
‘Red’ Christine Johns
‘Struggling To Survive’ Sue Hamilton
‘No Straight Lines’ Jeanette Waite
‘No Straight Lines’ peter Watson
‘Red’ Pat Trede
‘Underground ‘David Wilcock
If any of this appeals to you or you think you can help us to increase our
skills perhaps you would like to join us. We meet on 2nd Monday of the
month; venue The Brave Oak Towcester or on location.
Please contact Jeannie Waite 07780664981
To keep up to date don’t forget our website:-www.u3asites.org.uk/towcester
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FEBRUARY - APRIL 2017
News from the Groups continued
CHURCH VISITS
January saw us close to home with a visit to St. Bartholomew’s, Greens Norton where
we had a very informative talk before coffee and a wander around the church.
One of the highlights was the tomb of Catherine Parr's grandfather: it never ceases to amaze me what
we discover in our local churches.
Planned visits in 2017 are to churches in Whittlebury, Milton Malsor, Chipping Warden, Hanslope,
Rothwell, Preston Capes, Middleton Cheney and Northampton. I am also hoping to arrange a day trip,
using a minibus, to some churches further away but this will depend on numbers and cost. If you do not
normally come along but would be interested in a day trip please let me know.
Barry Webb. [email protected]
DUTCH
We are a small but enthusiastic and friendly group of people trying to learn Dutch but
also looking at different aspects of Dutch society.
We would welcome anyone who has a similar interest, and especially anyone who has a knowledge of
Dutch.
If any members of U3A know of anyone who speaks Dutch and might be prepared to drop in on our class
occasionally to help us with our pronunciation, perhaps they could get in touch.
We meet weekly at a member's home usually on a Thursday.
My phone number is 01327 858754
Or contact e-mail [email protected].
Deirdre Galloway
ART APPRECIATION
PROGRAMME FOR 2017
21st Feb
21st Mar
Talk by Derek Batten on “The Art Of
The American Civil War”
Visit to Higgins Art Gallery, Bedford.
Picasso; talk on Edward Bawden’s
studio exhibition
18th Apr
16th May
20th June
18th July
15th August
Early Greco/roman sculptures
Visit to Compton Verney
Sculpture in the Middle Ages
Baroque, Roccoco, Neo-Classical
Tate Modern Visit, exhibition of
sculpture by Alberto Giacometti
To follow: Victorian, 20th Century and post
modern sculpture and sculptors.
Exploring London II
How perfect it was for 43 of us to celebrate another
year of great exploring by having an excellent three
course meal together at The Cromwell Cottage in
Kislingbury, it seemed as though the festivities
started on that day in early December. I would like
to thank those in the group who volunteered to lead
an event,those of you who supported these events and everyone for another
year of friendship and fun.
There is still more out there for us to see so let’s hope 2017 will be
another good year.
To keep up to date don’t forget our website:-www.u3asites.org.uk/towcester
Photos by Peter Mawby
and Peter Doddington
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FEBRUARY - APRIL 2017
The Diary Pages
INTERESTING EVENTS FROM OTHER LOCAL ORGANISATIONS
TOWCESTER LIBRARY REGULAR EVENTS:
Every Monday
Every Wednesday
Every Thursday
Computer help ‘Introduction to ‘Word’’ 10.00am
Computer help ‘The Internet and emailing’
10.00am
Health Walk – Tea & Coffee £1 donation
10 - 11.30 am
Wednesday 18th January
Reminiscence Group Tea & Coffee provided – cost £2 10-11.30 am
[regular event]
Thursday 26th January
Tuesday 7th February
Thursday 9th Feb
Thursday 9th Feb
Wednesday 15th Feb
Parkinson’s society [regular event] 2-3.30 pm
Brian Giggins ‘Northampton Castle - New Research’ £6 – booking required.
7.30pm
Alzheimer Society Carers support group [regular event] 10.30-1pm
Parkinson’s society [regular event] 2 - 2.30 pm
Reminiscence Group [regular event] 10-11.30 am
Contact: email : [email protected] or call in. Towcester Library, The Forum, Northampton
Road/Moat Lane.
Forthcoming Event at Grafton Regis
Live 1000 years in 100 minutes! The amazing history of Grafton Regis comes to life as you walk through the
village.
Tickets are now available for the first two walks in 2017. Saturday 6th May and Saturday 17th June. The
guided walks start at 2.30 pm in the colourfully decorated Grafton Regis Village Hall. You will be delighted
to meet some of the famous people from medieval times who have links with the village, including the
White Queen, Elizabeth Woodville and Richard III to name but a few!
The walk is finished off with tea and cakes, served in the Village Hall.
Places are £8.50 and all proceeds go towards the funds for the maintenance of the Village Hall and the
church. [Booking essential, Kathy 0791 009 2132 or email [email protected]]
The Towcester and District Local History Society has monthly meetings with a speaker on the second
Wednesday of the month (except August) at 7.30pm.
For a full list of speakers/programme visit www.mkheritage.co.uk/tdlhs/TDLHS/Speakers.html
TOWCESER 917 Plans are well underway for a celebration of Towcester’s 1,100th anniversary. Please see the next issue
of The Tuba, local press and social media etc for further details of the events that will be held in June and July.
To keep up to date don’t forget our website:-www.u3asites.org.uk/towcester
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FEBRUARY - APRIL 2017
Group Matters
TEA & COFFEE ROTA
Please provide about 4 helpers to serve the refreshments. All the tea/coffee supplies are
provided by the committee. And Jim Frith is on hand there to help.
Month
Group
22nd February
Coffee and Current Affairs
Denise Rowe
29th March
Card Making 1- 4
Val Runnacles
26th April
Church Visits
Barry Webb
31st May
Cinema Enthusiasts
Rita Newman
28th June
Civilisations
Ian Miller
26th July
Cookery
Pat Willis
30th August
Computer Group
Keith Phillips
27th September
Cryptic Crosswords
Jill Neville
If you belong to one of the groups mentioned above - please help out your co-ordinator by volunteering your services.
Many Thanks.
Congratulations to all our groups, another very successful year.
Our newest Groups include:
London Explorers 4 – first outing Thursday 16th February 2017, to St Paul’s Cathedral, please
contact Beryl Lewis for further details. Beryl can be contacted via her email [email protected]
French for Beginners - Every alternate Thursday morning, at members’ houses. Please see
Towcester U3A website or contact Beryl Lewis on her email [email protected]
Table Tennis – Every Wednesday 11.15am to 12.15pm Greens Norton Village Hall, small
charge of £1.00 to cover room hire. Details on Towcester U3A website or contact Jonna
Conquest on her email address [email protected]
Crochet, Knit and Natter For further information please contact Eileen on her email
[email protected]
Stitchcraft – not yet set up, please let me know if you are interested.
Sadly our Strollers group has now disbanded, if you would like to start a new group and would be prepared
to organise the monthly walks (approx. 2 to 3 miles starting and ending at a place of refreshments) please
do not hesitate to contact me. If you would like to set up a new group or have any queries regarding new
or existing groups, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Kindest Regards
Eileen, Group Liaison. [email protected]
To keep up to date don’t forget our website:-www.u3asites.org.uk/towcester
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FEBRUARY - APRIL 2017
News for the Co-ordinators - news from Eileen
Dear Group Coordinators
Happy New Year to you all, I hope that you have all had a happy,
peaceful Christmas and New Year.
This year we start with the news that London Explorers 4 first
trip is already organised; a visit to St Paul’s Cathedral. [see p 11]
I am also pleased to be able to say that French for Beginners has
also commenced [see page 11] meeting every alternate Thursday mornings, more information on the
web site.
I have arranged another fish and chip lunch on February 8th, to be held at The Towcestrians, Greens
Norton Road, Towcester. Lunch will be served at 12.15pm.
The fish and chips will be cooked on site by Howe and Co, from their Fish and Chip van.
Fish and Chips £7.00, and Fish Chips and Mushy Peas £7.60. (these are the prices Howe and Co are
charging us). We will provide sauces, condiments, cutlery, teas and coffees. The Towcestrians bar will
be open should anyone want anything different to drink.
Tickets can be obtained either by purchasing them at the next Monthly Meeting on 25th January.
You can also purchase them by sending a cheque made out to
Towcester U3A for either £7.00 or £7.60 to
Mrs Eileen Dickens, 17 Grafton Road, Yardley Gobion, Towcester, Northants. NN12 7UE.
You will need to enclose a stamped self addressed envelope for the return of the tickets.
We need to sell 60+ fish and chips to make it viable for Howe and Co to attend, so if you would like to
bring another member of your group along as well, they would be very welcome.
Last year we had a few competitions and a quiz, we are hoping to do something similar. Last year’s fish
and chip lunch was a great success, and a great way for the new committee to meet you all.
May I also thank you all for on behalf of the committee for all your hard work and continued
commitment to your Towcester U3A - Eileen
To keep up to date don’t forget our website:-www.u3asites.org.uk/towcester
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FEBRUARY - APRIL 2017
Coach Trips - YOU VOTED FOR…….
STAMFORD [62 votes]
Friday 28th April: depart 9.00 am
Proclaimed by Sir Walter Scott as “the finest stone town in England”, Stamford has over 600 listed
buildings of mellow limestone in the town centre including five medieval churches, all real gems. Much of
this mediaeval town remains much as it was almost 700 years ago.
Our visit will probably include a tour of the restored Victorian steam brewery with its award winning fruit
beers. Shopping, Arts and fine dining come included! On Fridays Broad Street transforms into a bustling
market. How lucky, then that we are going on a Friday!
These trips aren’t just thrown together you know!
Other places of interest include Stamford Town Hall. Built
in 1728, it is the original, purpose built town hall and
houses an extensive collection of regalia. Of particular
interest is the Sir Malcolm Sargent Room. Oh! and guess
what? It is open for tours on Fridays!
Cost £10 for coach + Brewery Tour fee [approx £7.00]
AUDLEY END HOUSE AND GARDENS [81 votes]
[late May 2017 date to be confirmed]
This Jacobean county house with its impressive period interiors and
extensive estate gardens is a treat in itself.
As it is English Heritage, I am applying for us to get an Educational Pass
[hence the date can’t be set precisely]. This will make it free to everyone,
otherwise is cost £14 to non-English Heritage members.
There is a tea room offering lunches [£8 -9] of something like Lamb Hot Pot as well as quiche, soup,
sandwiches and baguettes if you fancy something lighter.
Cost £12 for coach. Please note this is +£2 on our normal ticket price [due to the slightly longer distance] - hopefully
this will be more than offset by the free Educational Pass.
NATIONAL MEMORIAL ARBORETUM [77 votes]
Monday 19th June
depart 8.30 am [please note this is earlier than our normal departure time]
A Day To Remember. This special arboretum has areas dedicated to all the armed
services and many other worthy organisations such as the police, post office and
ambulance. It is spectacular and moving without being too sad.
A popular trip first time around it will lovely to revisit and see the additions that have
been made and re-acquaint ourselves with the others.
The NEW Remembrance Centre is now open and The Armed Forces Memorial re-opened in November. There
is also a new, larger restaurant and separate coffee shop overlooking a cloistered courtyard garden. Lots of
reasons to go for the first time or to revisit if you’ve been before.
We will, once again, book a group tour as it proved so popular last time.
Cost £13 for coach + tour fee [£3]
To keep up to date don’t forget our website:-www.u3asites.org.uk/towcester
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FEBRUARY - APRIL 2017
Coach Trips - continued…….
RICHARD III VISITOR CENTRE & LEICESTER [68 votes]
Thursday 13th July.
Take time to explore the fascinating story of the discovery of Richard III’s remains and take any number of
tours around this exciting and dare I say, under valued city.
The Cathedral itself will be worth a visit as well as the numerous museums.
In particular, you may wish to take the opportunity to see a special
exhibition called Splendours of the Subcontinent: A Prince’s Tour of India
1875 -76. This limited exhibition, to be held at the New Walk Museum and
Art Gallery, will have some of the finest Indian treasures on loan from the
Royal Collection.
STONOR PARK, HENLEY [69 votes]
Tuesday 12th September
What a treat we have in store for you!…A private tour of this beautiful
house, seeing parts that are normally only seen by the family, coupled
with a tour of the magnificent gardens.
A two course lunch is included.
Cost £10 for coach + Approx £20 - £25 including cost of lunch. Not bad huh?
HATFIELD HOUSE [94 votes]
Thursday 16th November
A slice of history, this fine house is a leading example of Jacobean
architecture but there is so much more. We would have liked to visit
during the National Association of Flower Arranging Societies’
competition but I have since discovered they are not holding it at Hatfield House this year - after having
it there annually for several years!
So, we are offering the next best thing. The Christmas Frost Fair - featuring:•
•
•
•
Up to 200 stands of exciting, unusual and original gift ideas for all
Craft men & women showing off their skills
Fine Food Fair – come and taste the mouth watering array of foods and drink
Entertainment from choirs, dancers and street entertainers throughout the fair
• Hatfield House Gift Shop
• Stable Yard shopping
AND…..
• Drop in Workshops including Creative Christmas Decorating with flowers and greenery. So you will
get to make your own table display - impressive!
Cost £10 for coach + Entrance fee to Hatfield House. £15
To keep up to date don’t forget our website:-www.u3asites.org.uk/towcester
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FEBRUARY - APRIL 2017
Coach Trips - Buying your tickets
HOW DO I BUY A TICKET? You must be a member of U3A…
You may pay at any of the monthly meetings or by using the booking form below.
Please note Audley End House needs £12 pp as the coach is more expensive than normal and
National Memorial Arboretum needs £13 pp as the tour of £3 has had to be pre-paid. [This will
be refundable if you are unable to go up to a week before the trip]
Booking forms are also available on our website and at the monthly meetings.
If you are posting your booking form, send it together with a cheque made payable to Towcester
U3A for £10 per person per trip [except Audley End House, £12 pp and National Memorial
Arboretum £13] to Anne Webb, 6 Church Street, Silverstone, NN12 8XA Please enclose a sae if you would like your receipt and tickets returned to you. Otherwise they will
be available for collection at any monthly meeting.
Venue/Date
Member’s Name
Member’s Name
Stamford
Friday 28th April
Audley End House
Late May tbc
£12 pp for coach please
National Memorial Arboretum
Monday 19th June
£13 pp for coach and tour please
Richard III and Leicester
Thursday 13th July
Stoner Park, Henley
Tuesday 12th September
Hatfield House + Frost Fair
Thursday 16th November
To keep up to date don’t forget our website:-www.u3asites.org.uk/towcester
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FEBRUARY - APRIL 2017
The Committee Page
Your Towcester U3A Committee Members
Anne Webb
Chairman
[email protected]
01327 856834
Gwen Bolton
Business Secretary
[email protected]
01604 675265
Tony Banks
Membership Secretary
[email protected]
01327 353745
Mike Willis
Treasurer
[email protected]
Eileen Dickens
Groups’ Liaison
[email protected]
Christine Johns
[email protected]
Carol Lucas/Graham Edmonds
Speaker Seeker
[email protected]
Carol Lucas
Vice Chairman
Tuba Editor
[email protected]
David Powell
General Committee member
Ray Paice
General Committee member
If you are at all interested in becoming more
involved with the comings, goings and general
up-keep of our U3A then please feel free to
contact any of us to have a chat to find out
more or come along to one of our meetings to
see what’s what.
New Members’ Liaison
And Finally…..The non-PC stereotypical Brit!
HOW DO I JOIN TOWCESTER U3A?
Most of you reading this will know of course
because you already have. But sometimes our
newsletter is passed on by friends or picked
up in the library, doctor’s surgery or by the
bin men… and your interest is awakened.
•
Being unable to stand and leave without first
saying “Right”.
•
Not hearing someone for the third time, so just
laughing and hoping for the best saying “Yes”.
•
Saying “anywhere here’s fine” when the taxi is no
where near your front door.
Membership costs just £15 per year.
•
And now, thanks to American influence, saying
“see you later” when you know you won’t see
them later or maybe ever again!
•
Repeatedly pressing the door button on the train
before it’s illuminated, to assure your fellow
travellers you have the situation in hand.
•
The huge sense of relief after your perfectly valid
train ticket is accepted by the inspector.
•
The relief you feel when no one you know has
seen your shopping being re-scanned at the quickcheck desk.
• The easiest way is to download an
application form from the website:
www.u3asites.org.uk/towcester
• If you do not have access to the internet,
call our Membership Secretary, Tony
Banks, on 01327 353745.
• We have a new members’ coffee morning
every few months. The next one is at
Towcester Library [The Forum];date to be
set.
•
Worrying you’ve accidentally packed 3 kilos of
cocaine as you stroll through ‘Nothing To Declare’.
Date for submissions for the next issue of
The Tuba is Wednesday 12th April.
To keep up to date don’t forget our website:-www.u3asites.org.uk/towcester
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