The Deepings’ Third Age Group
NEWSLETTER
(Web site:
ISSUE Number 94
www.u3asites.org.uk/deepings)
LAZY DAYS OF SUMMER?
MAY 2011
CHAIRMAN’S COLUMN
Dear Friends
You may remember some eighteen months
ago I told you about the amazing
transformation of the Peterborough Male
Voice Choir when a recruiting drive for male
singers resulted in our membership going
from 40 aged but keen singers, to over 70 men of mixed ages
and musical ability, all dead keen to try a new experience.
Members of other choirs will tell you that male singers are rarer
than hen‘s teeth and it is impossible to recruit them. In most
mixed choirs the proportion of men to those who dance
backwards is around one to four. Pardon my mixed metaphors.
This photograph was taken by Ken Bunch when members of the
Walking Groups visited Foxton Locks earlier this month.
Committee Members 2010/2011
Derek Osborne
Rod Sloane
Audrey Allen
Garth Perry
Janice Cosham
Liz Noble
John Bloomfield
June Wheatcroft
Kath Allen
Jennie Sharman
Ann Holmes
David Scott
Chairman
Vice Chairman
Secretary
Treasurer
Membership Secretary
Group Coordinator
Speaker Finder
Publicity
Newsletter Editor
[email protected] Webmaster
Programme of Speakers
16 May
THE STORY OF THE RED CROSS by Liz Waterland
(at METHODIST CHURCH).
20 June
TRAVELS WITH THE COLONEL by Jennie Storr
(at THE METHODIST CHURCH).
18 July
ON THIS DAY ....... By Kate Davenport-Mackay (at
THE METHODIST CHURCH).
Doors open 9.30 am for 10.30 start.
The affects of this transformation have been traumatic to say the
least. The ―Sing for Heroes‖ which is what they were called
originally, gave their first performance in Peterborough
Cathedral in early 2010 together with the original PMVC to
resounding critical acclaim. The result was that very many of the
SFH choir joined the PMVC and boosted our numbers to around
65. Not content with this success, our dynamic Musical Director
initiated another recruiting drive and a second SFH choir was
formed. We are all working towards a Gala Concert in the
Broadway Theatre in July and have obtained the services of the
famous diva Lesley Garrett to star in our show.
Well, at the end of last month our choir was accepted as an
entrant to the ―Cornwall International Male Voice Choral
Festival‖, the largest such event in Britain, there were choirs
from all over the world. The Russians had a strong contingent as
did the USA and Eastern Europe, Britain, who have a world
wide reputation fielded forty eight, making a total of sixty choirs
and three thousand men. You may remember the Nepalese Choir
making the headlines by disappearing at Heathrow. They were
found and we met them in Truro. We were due to sing with them
in a concert but they disappeared again.
We sang in many beautiful venues in Cornwall including Truro
Cathedral and the Eden Project, the Chapel at the top of St.
Michael‘s Mount (the walk up is agony) and on our way back
home, in Bath Abbey. An exhausting programme, as I write this
Jess and I are still recovering.
Oh! By the way we came third and as it is an international
contest that makes us the third best male voice choir in the
world. Our Musical Director got a special award. How about that
then?
Best wishes
Derek Osborne
Chairman
NEW MEMBERS’ CORNER
U3A SUNDAY LUNCH
Welcome to Janet Orland of Market Deeping
and Alexander Arlow from Deeping St James.
The next Sunday lunch is on the 29th May 2011 and it will
be at The Blue Bell, Glinton. If you wish to join us please
contact either Tony Semple or Michael
Griffith.
1
I received the following acknowledgement of last
month‘s Newsletter from our Founding Chairman,
Rosemary McCulloch who is now in Australia, and
decided to print it for those of you who remember her Hi Ann – what a month – tremendous. Everything looks
as if it’s going so well and I’m glad. Just for a change,
here it’s raining as I write to you! Of course we are firmly into
autumn now and water is needed to fill up the dams. As always, I’m
busy with U3A, running 3 different courses but Bob and I still find
time to cycle and kayak in our spare moments.
Best wishes to all who remember me! Cheers. Rosemary
ATTENTION ALL WALKING GROUPS!
In November I hope to put on a photographic
presentation for all of the walking groups. I
would ask any members who are interested
to put their names down by the boards at the
monthly meeting please? As soon as I know
how many members are coming I can book a
venue. There will be a small charge which
will also include refreshments.
I will then be asking if members would like to dig out their old
photographs for the presentation. Depending on the numbers coming,
I may have to put a limit on how many photographs each member
can submit. So start digging out your files for those walking
photographs. I will tell you at a later date how you can submit your
photographs. All photographs will be returned, but request that you
copy them first in case of any damage or loss.
I will keep you all informed on how I am progressing at a later date.
Any queries you can contact me via e-mail or telephone listed below.
DAVE PENDRY
Learn Photography Tutor
GROUP NEWS
Too many bank holidays, decorating demands
and a large musical event I help run on 7
May, has put the potential new groups on hold
at the moment – apologies but I will get going
very shortly with them.
We are delighted that Jessie Battle and Lin
Witherington have taken on the mantle of
Coffee Rota Organisers – our thanks to them and again to Sandra and
Michael Bowers for the last five years! Jessie and Lin will be
looking for more volunteers for the monthly meetings – usually three
per month and it really isn‘t onerous as everything is brought to the
meeting for you. Please do give them a call or see them at the
meeting to offer your services.
Any ideas for potential new groups or any group problems, please let
me know at the meeting or by email or phone in the usual way.
LIZ NOBLE
Group Co-ordinator
U3A “BOOKWORMS” READING GROUP
―Purple Hibiscus– Chima manda Ngozi Adishie
Love and hate - simultaneously.
This young girl loves and admires her father but he is
cruel and she also hates him. Nevertheless this is a
book well worth reading if only for the insights about
colonialism/religion in Nigeria.
Report by PAULINE BALDWIN
Group Leader: ANN THORNTHWAITE
U3A WEDNESDAY GARDENERS
Our April meeting was a visit to Gates' Garden
Centre at Cold Overton near Oakham. We had
chilly but fine weather and the Leicestershire
countryside was delightful in all it's spring
colours on the drive there. All those that hadn't been to Gates'
before were very impressed with the size and layout of the garden
centre, the excellent variety of plants and shrubs, the vast selection
of gifts, homeware and cards in the shops and the reasonable
prices. We had great fun and finished the visit with lunch in their
attractive, cosy restaurant. A highly recommended venue and our
thanks to Angie for suggesting it.
Our next meeting is at Shirley's in Lock Close on 11th May at
10.30am. Looking ahead to June, we are visiting Grimsthorpe
Castle Gardens and further details regarding times and costs will
be in the next report or contact Group Leaders.
Report by VAL SORRETT
Group Leaders: JEAN FOSTER
ANGIE DORWARD
U3A ANTIQUES AND COLLECTABLES GROUP
For our meeting this month the group and
other Members took a coach trip to Newark
Antiques Centre. We had a lovely ride to
Newark admiring all the spring blossoms.
On arrival at the Centre we were ready for
coffee etc: then for two hours most of us
browsed round the Antiques. The photographers that were with us
decided to have a wander round Newark (never miss an
opportunity for a picture)! We all had a lovely lunch at the Centre,
organized by Pam, and then made our way on the short ride to
Southwell Minster for the afternoon. This Cathedral built in the
12th century in the classic Norman style is a wonderful building.
In 1884 the Diocese of Southwell was created and the Minster
building was consecrated as a Cathedral. There is a great deal to
admire from lovely carving on the pulpits, the beautiful stained
glass windows, and, under the barrel vaulted ceiling, is a sculpted
figure of Christ the King made of elm and oak, covered in copper
and gold leaf, which truly shines out. I'm sure we all had a most
enjoyable day, Thanks to Pam for organizing the Coach etc;
IRENE BEEKEN / PAM PENDRY
Joint Leaders
U3A CRAFT GROUP 1
This month‘s meeting fell between the two
bank holidays, a fact we had unfortunately
overlooked. Consequently people had either
been away the weekend before or were
preparing to go away the weekend after. Suffice
to say, the two of us had a nice cup of coffee
and a jolly good natter.
We will carry over this month‘s theme of white on white and
cream on cream, tea bag folded cards. For those who not wishing
to participate, please bring along you own work as usual.
Julie will bring papers and equipment, all you will need is a white
or cream card — Julie will have spares if required. May 25th
venue - Lilian‘s
If at all possible, please could you contact Lilian or me, before mid
day if you are unable to attend the meeting.
JULIE MANCEY
Group Contact
2
U3A HISTORY GROUP
U3A SCIENCE GROUP.
An intrepid quartet from the History Group gave a most
interesting presentation about the 17th century at the April
meeting.
On the 19th April nine members met in the home of Terry
Noble where he gave us a presentation on ‗‘Steam
Turbines - an introduction‘‘.
KAY PLUNKETT covered the first twenty five years
highlighting the religious conflicts between the Protestants
and Roman Catholics under Queen Elizabeth I. Elizabeth would never
name her successor; Robert Cecil (son of Lord Burghley) was forced to
undertake secret talks with King James VI who eventually became King
James V1 of Scotland and King James I of England.
We were astonished to be informed that as early as 230 BC
there is a record of a crude form of steam turbine ‗engine‘ being made in
a very basic form by a chap called Hero of Alexandria (see picture).
Most electric power produced now is from steam turbine engines and
they are manufactured to extremely high standards and specifications
using very technical materials developed to withstand heat and
corrosion. On display were a few examples of the impellor blades. We
were advised that the temperature scales known as F – Fahrenheit and C
– Celsius was an inadequate reference when calculating the impact and
activities at molecular levels and a British inventor William Thomson
Kelvin in 1848 created an alternative measurement know as the Kelvin
scale. This scale enabled scientists to measure temperatures more
accurately where Absolute zero, (0K), on the Kelvin temperature scale
represented -273o C, another scale also introduced at the time was the
Rankine scale.
Under James‘s reign troubles continued in Ireland, the Gunpowder Plot
took place, suppression of the Catholics continued, Jamestown was
established in Virginia, the King James Bible was completed, the
Pilgrim Fathers sailed to the New World; Shakespeare, John Donne, Ben
Johnson and Sir Francis Bacon contributed to the literary culture.
JOY ELLIMAN took us through to mid-century taking
the economy as her main theme. The agricultural
situation plus the tax known as Ship Money, was in
Joy‘s view, a major factor in causing the Civil War. The
Land Enclosure acts, 1608/24 caused much hardship to
the peasants. Charles I endeavoured to levy the Ship
Money tax without the consent of Parliament, but it was
eventually repealed by the Long Parliament. A group known as The
Levellers, formed during the Civil War, challenged the control of
Parliament and put forward proposals which would have introduced
much greater democracy in England and Wales. All this came to nought
when the Levellers were defeated at the battle of Burford in 1649. On a
brighter note Isaac Newton (pictured) was born Christmas Day, 1642.
STEVE HANSON then continued the presentation
covering the next 25 years. Steve regaled the meeting by
informing us that a Frenchman opened the first
chocolate house in the City of London in 1657. Milk and
sugar was not added until sometime later. Coffee houses
were still very popular, c1662 Catherine of Braganza apparently bought
the habit of tea drinking to England - all very interesting facts. More
serious matters: 1655 Dutch Rabbi Manasseh ben Israel persuaded
Cromwell to allow Jews to return to England and in 1660 Samuel Pepys
(pictured)commenced his diary which was to prove an invaluable record
of the period once the code was cracked. The same year saw the
restoration of the monarchy, Charles II being crowned. In 1662 the
English seized from the Dutch New Amsterdam, renaming it New York.
1665 The Great Plague (bubonic plague) killing 15% of London‘s
population. First real newspaper The Oxford Gazette printed. 1666 The
great fire of London.
ALISTAIR SMITH took us to the end of the
17th century. The Test Act, 1673 excluded all
Catholics from holding office. Charles II
continued his life style of unswerving self
indulgence, 1678 John Bunyan‘s ― Pilgrims
Progress‖ was published, Titus Oates convinced King and Parliament
that there was a plot to kill the King; this caused an uproar. An election
was held, the Wigs winning, many involved in the Popish plot were
executed. James II came to the throne in 1685; this year saw Battle of
Sedgemoor the last battle on English soil, Hanging Judge Jeffries had
300 people hung at Taunton. Isaac Newton‘s ―Principia‖ was published
(in Latin) - his theory of universal gravitation, 1729 saw the work
printed in English as ―The Mathematical Principals of Natural
Philosophy‖. James II was seen as too pro-Catholic and pro–French
and was eventually forced from the throne fleeing to France. William
III and Mary were crowned in Westminster Abbey in 1689. The Irish
and Scottish troubles continued, The Bank of England was established in
1694, first service in Wren‘s St Paul‘s Cathedral was in 1697. To close
the century in 1700 The Act of Settlement was passed confirming the
Act of 1689 ensuring continuation of the Protestant line on the English
Throne.
May 18th meeting:. at The Green School: Stephen Perry, The History of
Broadway, Peterborough, June 15 Visit to Stamford Hospital Museum.
JOHN BLOOMFIELD
Group Leader
There are two types of engine namely Impulse and Reaction and graphic
illustrations were shown to emphasise the differences. It was not until
Charles Algernon Parsons 1854 -1931 creating the Newcastle
Engineering firm that a steam turbine was developed in earnest and
patented in 1884. A steam turbine built by him and put into use in a boat
called Turbinia‘ was observed at the 1897 Naval Spithead Fleet review
travelling at a then extraordinary speed of 35 knots (beating hands down
all sail efforts by the best of the then Navy fleet to catch it). The military
authorities of the time recognised the advantages and development began
to replace sail.
Turbine applications have developed greatly since then. One application
which Terry was involved in was for the MAERSK shipping line to
develop a turbine to power a number of single screw ships to be the
largest ever container ships capable of carrying 13,500 containers!! (at
40 ton approx per container you work it out). My explanation of the
meeting as a layman is very sketchy but the presentation given was
excellent. Thank you Terry for your hospitality and a challenging
appreciation of Steam Turbines. To finish the visit we were all delighted
to see a more recognisable machine which was his dad‘s miniature steam
engine.
The next meeting will be on the 17th May by Garth Perry and the
subject will be ‗ 1st Geological Map of Great Britain‘
Report by DAVID SCOTT
Group Leaders: GARTH PERRY / DAVID SCOTT
U3A CARRIAGE DRIVERS GROUP
The carriage drivers‘ group met just before
Easter for our first drive of the year, in glorious
sunshine. We took Magic out in the carriage and
drove round Greatford and Barholm and had a
most enjoyable afternoon. It is nearly a year
since we had a carriage drive, as last summer
there was a problem with the brakes so we couldn‘t go out. The carriage
was ‗off the road‘ for several months as we had great difficulty getting
the brakes repaired. This was mainly because the carriage is Polish with
an adapted Ford Fiesta braking system.
We look forward to our next drive in May when we will probably try
taking Magic and Bramble out as a pair.
JUDY ROBINSON
Group Leader
U3A MONDAY WALKING GROUP
Our next regular walk will be on Monday, 6th
June 2011 and it will be a variation of the Old Sulehay and Nene Way
walk and it will be led by Lyall Seale. The walk will be about six miles.
We will meet at 9.45am for a 10.00am start in the car park of The
Papermill, Wansford, where we will be having lunch which we will be
pre-ordering on the day.
If you wish to attend this walk could you please phone me a day or two
before.
BRIAN THORNTHWAITE
Group Leader
3
U3A GARDENING 4 PETALS AND PRODUCE GROUP
On 19th April we visited the garden of Ming Ming at The Granary,
Stamford Road, Market Deeping. This is a 12.5 acre garden with so
much to see. It is still developing, but Ming Ming works very hard with
only a little help. We were escorted around and through the various
‗rooms‘ where there is lots of interest and colour. The fine weather also
made this a very special visit. Thank you Pam Pendry for organising it.
Our June meeting will be on 21st when we are visiting The Park
House, Glaston Park, near Uppingham. This is a spectacular four acre
garden in the grounds of Glaston Hall. Members from other groups of
U3A will be welcome to join us on this visit. We meet there at 10.30.
Please contact me for more information and if you wish to come along.
You will not be disappointed.
EDDIE ADAMS
Group Leader
U3A “PACERS” WALKING GROUP
For our walk this month ten of us met at
Willow Brook Farm in perfect walking
weather of bright, warm sun and a
pleasant breeze. Our walk was round
Swaddywell Pits Nature Reserve and then on the bridleway that
runs between Kings Street and Heath Road before turning onto the
foot path edging Oxey Wood, over fields and back to Willow
Brook for lunch at the Granary Restaurant.
Swaddywell Pits have a fascinating history, from Roman and later
stone quarrying, land fill site and speedway track to its present day
re-incarnation as a Nature Reserve managed by Langdyke Trust
volunteers. The pits are full of wild flowers, birds and, later in the
year, a wide variety of butterflies and water life. A geology trail
runs through it for extra interest. The rest of the walk took us
through farmland, hedgerow and woodland, after which a farm
lunch was the end to a very pleasant spring outing.
The next walk will be around Peakirk, starting 10.15 for 10.30
from the Bluebell, Glinton. If you wish to go please contact
Margaret.
Report by LIZ WATERLAND
Joint Group Leaders MARGARET SCOTT / FRAN LOUIS
U3A NATURAL HISTORY
GROUP
Our group met at Rutland Water
South Shore, and were taken on a
tour round the hides and to see the
Ospreys. Terry Mitcham, our RSPB
guide was amazing at identifying
over 40 different birds. The Osprey
female was firmly planted on the nest whilst the male just hung
around! (Comment from Ann—Typical man!)
May's visit on Thursday, 26th May will be to Willow Fen, details
at main meeting.
ALISTAIR SMITH
Group Leader
U3A THURSDAY GARDENING GROUP
We had a triple treat on Thursday 5th May
when we visited three Eastgate gardens. Sue
Tuck and Pam Pendry's gardens were different
in concept and design but equally
compelling. Each made a stunning picture. Both ladies clearly have
a deep knowledge and love of plants and in each garden the
carefully selected trees, shrubs and many plants provided
lots of interest in shape, leaf and colour from every aspect. We
wished we had the same artistic flair! Sue was an enthusiastic
guide of both her own and Pam's garden and readily answered our
questions. We were hugely impressed and now have different
plants to seek out and new ideas to try. We thank both ladies for a
very enjoyable and inspiring morning. We left time to revisit one of
our own members' garden further down Eastgate for coffee. We
love Gill Ronaldson's garden. She always has some unusual plants
to show us and today was no exception. We had much to reminisce
about, plans to discuss and problems to share as we sat in the garden
enjoying the sunshine. It had been a good morning.
Our next meeting will be at 10 am on Thursday 2nd June. We are
looking forward to seeing how Sandra and Mike's new garden has
developed over the past year. Please call me on the number below
if you are unable to attend.
CHRIS FERGUSON
Group Leader
U3A CRAFT GROUP 2
Angela Fisher showed us how to make use
of some of many broken necklaces and
spare beads by re-wiring them into new and
perhaps more modern designs. We all found this most enjoyable
and extremely productive, so much so we are continuing this month
on the same theme. Many thanks to Angela for showing us.
May meeting is at the usual time, 2pm at Church Street, Deeping St
James, on 16th.
LIZ NOBLE
Group Leader
U3A FAMILY HISTORY GROUP
Sixteen people attended the meeting today.
It was a general discussion meeting, and some followed up on
research that had been started at Kew. Others talked about what they
had found during the month. We talked about different web sites that
members of the group had found and about using material other than
birth, marriage and death certificates to further our family trees. Lots
of information is now available on the internet but an awful lot can
be found by visiting a district where an ancestor lived, and in some
cases can be obtained free! Happy hunting for the next month.
Our next meeting will be on 9th May at Towning Close Deeping St
James. Anyone interested in joining our group or just having a chat
about what we do, please give me a call.
PEG TORRANCE
Group Leader
U3A DISCUSSION GROUP
23rd May
Topic is Dictators. Leader
Ian. Host is Claire at The
Willows, Glinton. .
13th June
Topic is Current Affairs/Press Cuttings. All to
contribute. Host is Joy at Manor Close, Langtoft.
Would members unable to attend please contact the Host before the
meeting.
JOY ELLIMAN
Group Leader
4
GARDENING GROUP 3
U3A GOOD FOOD GROUP
The Food Group met in May with
three members who had not attended
before. The theme was' Indian Food'
and we ate and discussed a very tasty
collection of recipes ranging from
Samosas, through spicy Lamb and Chicken dishes to a
Cardamom Ice cream.
We meet again on 6th June and will be cooking and
sampling Scottish Food, so if you fancy joining us to eat
Haggis and Neeps (or raspberries and cream) do contact me
and I'll give you details.
KATHLEEN TURNER
U3A WWRITING FOR PLEASURE GROUP
A small number of us visited the Private South Gardens at
Burghley House for our April meeting. Our thanks go to Elizabeth
Hemming for organizing the visit.
After a drink in the Coffee Shop we entered the Gardens at 11.00
am. Rather a cold morning so we walked around the shrub and
tree area first, and discussed how forward the plants were and how
much damage the Winter frosts had done. The Rhododendrons
gave a splash of colour and brightened up parts of the garden. We
then proceeded to the formal gardens. The Topiary trees looked
very spectacular with all the different shapes, and the rose gardens
were all ready to burst open for the summer. It was a very pleasant
walk and we made the most of the lovely surroundings.
Our next meeting will be on 24th May at the home of Susan
Mollins, Langtoft at 10.00 am. to see her nice garden. Please
bring alone any plants you wish to exchange.
Please note that our June meeting will be on 14 th June which will
be a visit to Walters Cottage, in Haconby. It is a very spectacular
garden with various themed areas, walled garden, topiary and
wildlife pond. The time for meeting is 10.30 am. There will be a
charge of £5.00; this includes refreshments and a donation to the
NGS Limited number of 20 persons. Please ring me if you wish
to go.
JANICE WILSON
Group Leader
U3A JAZZ APPRECIATION
GROUP
The May meeting offered something
different. Nine members visited Jigsaw
Studios in Frognall to see how a recording was made using the
latest studio technology. Tom Savage, the owner of the studio
allowed us to make the visit and Rob Baylis talked us through the
process before we were able to see the recording in action as there
was a band actually recording. It proved an eye opener to the eight
members who attended.
None of the members had any idea a studio existed so close to us.
The group that were recording were called Eastfield and the
members came from Kettering and Birmingham.The weather was
fine so we sat in the garden to start with while the band set
themselves up ready for the recording.We then went into the
studio building and we visited the control room in twos, and saw
the recording process which is all computer based. It proved to be
an enjoyable visit and was something very different to the normal
meeting.
There is a change to next month‘s venue. Instead of Jessie Turners
it will be at Peter Baylis‘ at Eastgate Deeping St James.
Report by PETER BAYLIS
Group Leader: JENNIE SHARMAN
For our May meeting, we were
entertained once again by various
stories incorporating the eleven
words chosen by members of the
group. The same words gave nearly
everyone a headache - moose,
snowdrop, dyslexia and
ergonomics. In Keith‘s story we had a young witch who
attended a special school and wasn‘t very good at casting
spells. She managed to turn a pigeon into a mouse instead
of a moose! She obviously suffered from dyslexia!
As a change from our ‗set‘ subject, Betty had written a piece
about an inanimate object, and we had to guess what it
was. The poor object, called ‗Eric‘ had been killed by
vandals. None of us guessed that Eric was a traffic cone that
had been squashed! So, lots of laughter and enjoyment, as
usual.
For our next meeting we haven‘t a prescribed topic, but one
idea is to write a monologue, or maybe describe an event as
seen from different viewpoints.
JUDY ROBINSON
Group Leader
U3A “STROLLERS” GROUP
The May walk took place on the
Bank Holiday Monday, when
nine strollers enjoyed a ramble
around Thurlby and Northorpe.
Starting from the Horseshoe on
the A15, the route took us up
High Street, before veering onto
footpaths taking us through
Lawrance Park andyt fields to the back of Wood Lane into
Northorpe. From here we crossed the main road again and
went along the side of the Car Dyke before reaching St
Firmin‘s church.
Arrangements had been made for us to look round the
church with grateful thanks to one of the church wardens,
before returning to the Horseshoe for lunch. The weather
was bright and sunny, although there was a strong cool east
wind.
The next walk will be on Monday June 6th starting from
John Clare's cottage in Helpston at 09:45. Walk leader will
be John Marsh. Please telephone John to book your place
and lunch in Helpston.
Report by walk leader BOB DELLER
Group Leader DEREK NICE
5
Have you viewed our web site yet? (www.u3asites.org.uk/
deepings). David Scott would be interested to have your
comments.
U3A “CHURCH MICE” GROUP
This month we visited St Wendreda‘s
church, March and had an excellent talk by
Trevor Bevis, a local historian. He told us
that Wendreda was one of four daughters of
King Anna of East Anglia all of whom
became nuns (some abbesses) and saints. Wendreda, a recluse
who came to the fenland island of March in the late 7 th Century to
minister to the inhabitants, was a healer and a wise counsellor.
Sometime after her death her relics in a jewel encrusted casket
were paraded in battle by the Saxons who were virtually wiped
out by the Danes but their leader Canute was so impressed by her
life story that he immediately became a Christian – one of her
miracles!
The present church was started in 1240 on older foundations,
with extensions in 1346 when St Wendreda‘s relics were
returned. It then became a ―must see‖ place on the pilgrimage
route to Walsingham until the reformation when saintly images
were removed. The tower, external to the church has an arch
through which the road passed, there are holes in the wall
through which anyone passing could see the altar and pray
without the need to enter the church.
In the early 16th Century a new roof to the glory
of God and St Wendreda was installed, the
magnificent hammer beam roof with 120 carved
angels and 2700 fleur-de-lys. Amongst the many
praises are words of Sir John Betjeman – ―worth
cycling 40 miles in a headwind to see‖.
The next visit is to Crowland Abbey on 13 June.
Report by LYALL SEALE
Group Leaders: LYALL SEAL / FRANK MILLS
U3A MONDAY READING GROUP
The Monday Reading Group met at the home of
Anne Jones to discuss our April book choice: 'The
Tenderness of Wolves' by Stef Penney.
We all agreed that it was a good read and well
written. The book conveyed a winter in Canada back
in the mid 19th century extremely well, certainly
best read in this year‘s warm April weather.
The author's gift for creating atmosphere was very well done, but
the group agreed that the characters, although believable, did
seem to be written as cameos, then strung together with the
storyline, telling of murder, disappearing children and the
hunting of wolves for their valuable skins.
A book worth reading.
Our next meeting is on Monday, June 13th at Church Street,
Deeping St James, when we will be discussing 'The Road Home'
by Rose Tremain.
Report: ANNE JONES
Group Leader: LIZ WATERLAND
PLEASE SEND ALL REPORTS AND PHOTOGRAPHS
FOR THE JUNE NEWSLETTER TO ANN HOLMES BY
MONDAY, 13TH MAY 2011.
All monthly meetings at either venue begin at 10.30 a.m.
Doors open for coffee and refreshments from 9.30 a.m.
Space left for label
U3A LISTENING TO MUSIC GROUP
“SULLIVAN WITHOUT GILBERT”
The group agreed that it was also a programme of
discovery as many of us had not heard the music
of Sir Arthur Sullivan, music that we all
thoroughly enjoyed, composed without his usual
musical companion.
The programme began with the 'Dance of Nymphs and Reapers',
played by the New Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Eric
Robinson. A sparkling piece of music and Sullivan at his best. Then
we listened to 'Symphony in E Major (The Irish) 1st Movement',
relating to the land of his birth. 'Mistletoe Dance' and 'May Day
Festivities' all played by the BBC Concert Orchestra, conductor,
Owain Arwel Hughes.
Next came his Cello Concerto, '1 and 2 Allegro moderato and
Andante Espressivo' and' Molto Vivace' brilliantly played by cellist,
Paul Watkins. The BBC Symphony Orchestra conducted by Charles
Mackerras. The morning concluded with a splendid finale- 'TE
DEUM' with Teresa Cahill. (soprano), Margaret Phillips (organ)
The London Choral Society, the BBC Concert Orchestra all brought
together beneath the baton of Ronald Corp.
Report by ANNE JONES
Group Leader: TERRY NOBLE
U3A THURSDAY
WALKING GROUP
Setting off from the Fox and
Hounds at Longthorpe,
Margaret Griffiths took us on a
lovely walk through parts of
Longthorpe many of us had
never been to before, along the
rowing lake, past the ponds and
finally through Thorpe Wood. Most enjoyable, as was the meal at
the pub afterwards.
Next meeting - change of plan - Meet at The Millstone, Barnack, for
a walk to Ufford Oaks, led by Brian Watkins. Let me know if you
are coming.
ALISTAIR SMITH
Group Leader
Sorry, there is no room for the Groups Table this month. There are no
changes that I know of but should anyone need a copy, please contact
me (see details in panel on left).
Please try to let me have your reports on time especially when you
meetings are earlier in the month. I try to accommodate meetings held
in the last week before the General Meeting but it is annoying when I
receive reports on the Wednesday which could have been forwarded
before. I realise there will be some with good reasons but it is
becoming more the „norm‟, I am still waiting for a photograph which
was to follow one report ...! Sorry you really are too late now.
Regarding photographs; I use those sent to me and I am grateful for
them. However I am sure you realise that on many occasions I use
photographs and illustrations from ‗Google‘. It is usually easy to tell
which are which but in at least one report this month a gardener may be
surprised at the contents of her garden! One way of telling the difference
is the genuine photographs are usually a bigger size. End of Sermon!
ANN
6