Middlesbrough
Newsletter
JUNE - JULY 2016
Chair: Heather Walker
27 Hawthorn Crescent, Marton
Middlesbrough, TS7 8DP
Tel: 01642 274423
Treasurer: Flo Cowell
21 Lexden Avenue, Acklam,
Middlesbrough, TS5 8AP
Tel: 01642 827652
Summer is now more or less on us though
the weather has been mixed, as usual.
However we have a couple of events to look
forward to in the Autumn.
Firstly, Middlesbrough U3A is 10 years old
this year and we are planning to celebrate
this in our November meeting. In
celebrating 10th Birthday we hope to look at
what we have achieved so far but also we
want to look forward to the future. There is
a brief item in this newsletter but if you
have ideas about how we can celebrate our
10th Birthday we would love to hear them.
Next we are planning an open day for the
public in September. Again there is an item
in the newsletter and we are hoping to
showcase what we do and to encourage
people to join us.
Finally we have our annual open day this
month. This year at Hartlepool The venue is
near the headland which is the historic part
of Hartlepool and is well worth visiting , so
come along for a great day out.
Geoff Walker: Newsletter Editor
Secretary: Gillian Moore
31 Southwell Road,
Middlesbrough, TS5 6PZ
Tel: 01642 823294
Vice Chair: Marjorie Homer
Tel: 01642 814270
Membership Secretary: Joan Graham :
email: [email protected]
Groups Co-ordinator
Janet Summers, Tel: 01642 591353
Newsletter Editor
Geoff Walker, Tel: 01642 274423
Other Committee Members:
Derek Bennett
Tel: 07870 319295
Pauline Clark
Tel: 01642 285829
Dorothy Henry
Tel: 01642 463164
Wendy Hogg
Tel: 01642 820160
Paulene MacDonaldTel: 01642 892940
Carole Storey
Tel: 01642285861
Anne Wells
Tel: 01642 814336
To join between meetings, please send
s.a.e. & cheque for £12 made out to
"Middlesbrough U3A" to the Treasurer,
giving your name, address, telephone
number & email.
Monthly Meetings:
St. Barnabas Church
St. Barnabas Road
Linthorpe
Middlesbrough
First Wednesday of each month
2.00 – 3.45 pm, Visitors £1
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Middlesbrough U3A News
U3A Resources
A reminder that the U3A has a wide variety of resources for use by
members. Contact details are below
Address: The Third Age Trust, The Old Municipal Buildings, 19, East Street
Bromley, Kent, BR1 1QE
Phone: 020 8466 6139 Phone Lines Open: Mon & Fri 9.30am to 1.30pm, Tues
to Thurs 9.30am to 5pm
Web: http://www.u3a.org.uk/
Email: Go to the website and click on the “Email Us” link towards the
bottom of the left hand side of the page.
Resource Centre: Phone: 020 8315 0199
Opening hours: Tuesday to Thursday 9.30am to 4pm
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Middlesbrough U3A Website
A reminder that we have a website an the address is:
http://u3asites.org.uk/frontpage.php/middlesbrough
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U3A News and Sources - Payment Due
Payment for the 2016 copies of U3A news and sources is now due for those
who subscribe to the national magazine. Please send cheques for £2.25 made
out to “Middlesbrough U3A” to the treasurer or pay cash at the next
meeting. There are still four people who have not yet paid for 2015. We will
be contacting those individually.
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Speakers
June 1st
July 6th
August 3rd
September 7th
October 5th
November 2nd
Elizabeth Edwards: Teddy Bears
Anthony Poulter-Smith: Free Lance Journalist
Pat Towse: Costumes in the Theatre
Peter King: Chalk & Rice to Computers & Carrots
AGM & Membership Renewal
10th Birthday Event
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Middlesbrough U3A Groups
Lunch Club
The next two meals will be on:
 Wednesday 22nd June at 12 noon for 12.30 p.m. at Tocketts Mill.
Guisborough. Please pre-order your meal, and pay a £2 deposit.
 Wednesday 13th July at 12 noon for 12.30 p.m. Venue to be confirmed
by June meeting.
There will be no August Luncheon Club.
Gillian Moore Tel: 01642 823294 Email: [email protected]
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Awayday 2016 at Hartlepool
Saturday 25th June from 10am-3pm.
The venue is the Borough Hall, Middlegate, The Headland, Hartlepool TS24
0NZ – there is free car parking just opposite.
A coach will leave St Barnabas Church at 9.30am prompt, and depart the
Borough Hall at 3pm. Tickets cost £6. If you are intending coming you must
obtain a free admission ticket, as the venue is limited to 80 members.
Tea/coffee and cold drinks will be available on arrival, as well as at
lunchtime.
You can pre-order a meal from the local Fish & Chip shop - forms must be
completed and returned in an envelope with the correct money, as we need
to order in advance and pay cash. If you would prefer to make your own
meal arrangements, there are a number of pubs nearby, plus a local teashop.
Please let me know if you would like to organise any activity during the
day. I have requested that we have the use of some additional tables, but it
would be helpful if I can confirm our requirements in advance. Marilyn and
Fred Wood are will be taking a group on a local walk, so please bring suitable
clothing and footwear. The Heugh Gun Battery is just a short distance from
the Borough Hall, and you can even visit Andy Capp’s statue!
Gillian Moore, tel 01642 823294
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Ukulele
The ukulele group numbers suddenly fell from 8-10 to just two between
two meetings and this continued the next meeting. Because of this, I have
decided to suspend the ukulele group for the time being. This also means
that Middlesbrough U3A will not be hosting the ukulele shindig at the end of
June. I am, naturally, disappointed that this has happened and I would love
to restart the ukulele group if there was sufficient demand so I will leave it
in the list of groups but mark it as suspended.
Geoff Walker, tel 01642 274423
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MIDDLESBROUGH
GROUPS
February 2016
If you would like to set up a group please consult our
Groups Co-ordinator: Janet Summers, Tel: 01642 591353
Day/Activity
Monday
Leaders
Phone Location/Frequency
69, Cambridge Road, Linthorpe:
Alt. weeks
Marjorie’s house, 2nd 3rd & 4th
816454
Mondays, 10.00 – 12.00 am
07870 Langdon Sq. Community Center,
319295 1st Monday, 1.00-3.00 pm
Marilyn’s House, 2nd & 4th Monday,
821090
1.30 – 3.30 pm.
Making Greeting Cards Ruth Bartlett
Spanish
Marjorie Harrison
Cinema
Derek Bennett
“Pencils only”
Drawing/Sketching
Tuesday
829107
Marilyn Wood
Linthorpe Comm.Centre Alt. Weeks
10-12am
St Margaret's Church Hall,
Brookfield 10.00 – 12.00 1st & 3rd
Tuesday,
St Margaret's Church Hall,
Brookfield 10.00 – 12.00 2nd & 4th
Tuesdays
Currently suspended. Contact me if
you are interested in restarting
Watercolour Painting
Ruth Hayton
828636
Industrial & Social
History
Geoff Walker
274423
History
David Smith
McCann
Ukulele
Geoff Walker
274423
Jazz Appreciation
David Smith
817071
10-Pin Bowling
Terry Bailey
817067
Reading Group
Avrille McCann
592682
Gardening
Marjorie Harrison
816454
Luncheon Club
Thursday
French
Gillian Moore
823294
Marjorie Harrison
Fred/Marilyn Wood
816454 Marjorie’s house
821090 Meet 10am at the Blue Bell car park
– see separate list for details
285672 (included in newsletter)
52 Trimdon Avenue
2nd
826274
Thursday, 2pm
851139 Suspended
Mike
817071
592682
Wednesday
Walks
Linda Knott
Classical Music
Lesley Ward
Creative Writing
Friday
Diane Taylor
Armchair Travellers
Terry Devlin
Knitting
Pat Varley
Poetry
Avrille McCann
David's house 2nd/4th Wed 1012 am
3rd.Wednesday 10:30 Hollywood
Bowl,Teesside Park.
3rd Wednesday 10.00, - 11.45
65 Malvern Drive
2nd Weds 2 - 4 pm Friends Meeting
House
Various – Monthly – See NB
3rd Friday. 32 Belmont Ave.,
813992 Brookfield.
46 Topcliffe Rd., Thornaby,
885328
Alternate Weeks
65 Malvern Dr., Brookfield, Last
592682 Friday, 2-4 pm
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Day/Activity
No Specific Day
Leaders
Phone Location/Frequency
Approx 2 Monthly – Various venues
Real Ale Appreciation Adrian Wright
813285 normally a Friday. Contact Adrian
for details
Ruth Bartlett/ Heather 829107 2 Monthly, 69 Cambridge Road,
Puddings and Soup
Walker
274423 Max 12, Details in Newsletter
Creative Writing Group
I had no-one at the most recent Creative Writing Group at MIMA. I think it
is time to call it a day with this group. If there is any interest in a
Reminiscence Group I will run that instead but won't start meetings for it
until the autumn (September or October). Thank you everyone who attended
my meetings; I wish you success with your writing.
Diane Taylor, tel 01642 851139
Classical Music Group
The next meeting will be on 9 June, but the following meeting scheduled
for 14 July is cancelled owing to holidays. As usual we will meet at 2 pm at
52 Trimdon Avenue.
Lesley Ward, tel 01642 826274
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The U3A Knitters - knitting for charity
Our first meeting was held at Pat Varley's house on a very slushy Friday
15th of January 2010 when three ladies braved the weather to show their
support for the new group. We now have a regular attendance of between
six and ten members. One gentleman prefers to knit at home but provides us
with a plentiful supply of hats for the Apostleship of the Sea. The hat pattern
is one given to us by Margaret Morgan and has been knitted several hundred
times. In fact we have another overflowing box waiting to be delivered.
When we contacted James Cook Neonatal Unit to see if we could help, I
was given a knitted hat and told that that was what was required! Since
creating a pattern from that hat and distributing it to members, we have
collectively made several hundred hats and also now knit coats and blankets
for the unit. The blankets are sized from A4 upwards!
Last Christmas, one of our ladies, Ann Johnson, made dresses and rompers
using Christmas fabrics to give one to each of the babies in the unit.
Teddies for Tragedies was a popular knit where each bear was made to the
same pattern and same size so that no child felt his or hers was different
from any other.
An enjoyable annual event has been knitting to sell. We have made items
to sell on a stall at St Margaret's Hall where at least half of our profits have
gone to the charity of choice for the year. The remaining cash helps to buy
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more yarn for our charity knitting
We are now knitting squares to be joined into lap blankets for people in
residential care homes. Our first one is not yet finished but we are working
on it.
If any knitters, would-be knitters or complete newbies would like to join
us on alternate Fridays at Pat's house then just give her a ring on 01642
885328. Non drivers can be picked up by willing drivers in the group.
Oh, before I go, we also fit in time to knit items for ourselves, our families
and friends.
Pat Varley, tel 01642 885328
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Cinema Group
"Stars In Their Eyes." The first Monday in the month finds about a dozen of
us at the film club, at Coulby Newham community centre from 1pm to 3pm
It's ably run by Derek who does a very good job. We usualy begin with a
what's on the local cinema. sometimes a few of us go together to the
cinema. Next is a quiz when we have a good laugh at Derek's clues and at his
different way of scoring, then its cuppa time and we usually finish with some
people telling us about old or new stars and films. Altogether a very
enjoyable two hours. New members always welcome. Contact Derek Bennet
on 07870 319295
Dorothy Henry
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New Members' Coffee Afternoon
Janet Summers, Groups Coordinator, arranged a coffee afternoon for new
members on Wednesday 18th May at Linthorpe Community Centre. About 10
members attended and had an afternoon of social chat and made some
useful suggestions to help new members settle in and feel more welcome.
Heather Walker
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Middlesbrough U3A Open Day
We are planning to hold an Open Day in Linthorpe Community Centre on
Thursday 22nd September from 1.30 - 3.30pm to publicise our organisation.
We hope that all the groups will be prepared to put together a display, so
that people can find out what they are missing out on!
At your future group meetings, please chat and consider how your group can
contribute to the success of this event. It may seem a long way off, but
quite a few groups have a summer break, so please put your thinking caps
on.
This will replace the annual groups showcase that we have held in recent
years so the format could be similar to that but other suggestions as to how
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we can encourage the public to come in and how we can make it attractive
to them will be very welcome.
Contact: Janet Summers, Groups Co-ordinator on 01642 591353
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We are 10!!!
Did you realise that Middlesbrough U3A is 10 years old this year?
To celebrate we are intending to make the November meeting a special
occasion, and invite some of the founder members along. We hope that
members may be prepared to assist with some of the catering, so please look
out/listen for more details at the general meetings, as well in future
newsletters.
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Middlesbrough U3A Walks & Strolls
‘Under Five Miles’ Walking Group
 To be held on a Thursday - twice monthly – 1st and 3rd week.
 Register at the start of the walk at NATURE’S WORLD CAR PARK at
9.50. a.m. – Members FREE - Visitors 50 pence.
 A Health Questionnaire will need to be completed.
 All walks will be on well defined paths.
 Walks led by trained Voluntary Walk Leaders. The Leader has the right
to refuse to take any person for whom the walk would, in their
opinion, be inappropriate; or change the route if they deem it
advisable.
 Members walk at their own risk.
-----------------------------------------Thursday 16th June
A Walk From Potto To Swainby
Leaders: David Maycroft and Mervyn Moore (Tel: 01642 592780)
After registration at Nature’s World, car share to the Dog and Gun at Potto.
A field walk including approximately five stiles and some gates, with two
main roads to cross. It could be muddy,
Approximately 4.5 miles.
Thursday 7th July Cowpen Bewley
Leaders: Mervyn Moore and Ruth Bartlett (Tel: 01642 823294)
After registration at Nature's World, car share to Cowpen Bewley Woodland
Park. Well defined lakeside and woodland paths. No facilities. Refreshments
at Saltholme.
About 3 miles.
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Thursday 21st July
Marske To Saltburn
Leaders: Linda Knott and Maureen Edon (Tel: 01642 285672)
After registration at Nature’s World, car share to the car park behind the
Parade of Shops at Marske. We will then enjoy a circular walk along the
beach and on well defined paths to Saltburn, where refreshments will be
taken before return.
Approx 4 miles.
Thursday 4th August
The Mandale Loop Of The River Tees
Leaders: Mike McCann and Marjorie Homer (Tel: 01642 592682)
After registration at Nature’s World, car share to Teesside Retail Park for a
lovely walk around the original course of the River Tees (now called the Old
River), exploring its history prior to 1810 when the cut was made to
straighten the river to Stockton. Afterwards we will enjoy refreshments in
the Retail Park.
On good flat paths, about 3 miles.
Thursday 18th August
A Walk From Bishop Middleham
Leaders: Marilyn and Fred Wood (Tel: 01642 821090)
After registration at Nature’s World, car share to Bishop Middleham. Park
opposite the pub in the village. A lovely circular, flat walk following
the valley of the River Skerne, old railway lines and most importantly passing
the site of the residence of the early Prince Bishops of Durham.
About 5 easy miles on good footpaths. Good food at village pub if required.
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Middlesbrough U3A Visit to Middlesbrough Theatre
A group from Middlesbrough U3A went along on 19th April to see Teesside
Musical Theatre Company’s very moving production of “Jesus Christ
Superstar.” We really enjoyed the show - it’s wonderful to see and hear so
many talented local amateurs. (Middlesbrough U3A even featured in the
programme as a visiting group!)
Gillian Moore, Tel: 01642 823294
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Limerick
The story with Darwin began
First we crawled then we walked then we ran
Consider the apes
With their wonderful shapes
They must be descended from man
Ruth Hayton
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The next newsletter will be on Wednesday 3rd August. Please can I have copy for the
newsletter by Friday 22nd July. You can send in copy by post to Geoff Walker, 27 Hawthorn
Crescent, Marton, Middlesbrough, TS7 8DP or by email to [email protected]
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