March 2017
WEB: http://www.u3asites.org.uk/dartvalley
Chairman: Gail Richmond
[email protected]
Registered Charity No. 115520
Secretary: Peter Avis
[email protected]
A VIEW FROM THE CHAIR
Hello! And now we are into March, the weather is finally turning spring-like and I hope
more of you will feel inclined to attend new groups or come to the monthly meeting. Last
month's talk by David Scott, a wildlife artist and photographer was certainly something not to
be missed. Do try and join us for sandwiches or soup after the main meeting and before the
lunchtime concert which will be “The 3 Pianists”.
Our first evening quiz on February 18th attracted 9 teams of 4 and although there were
problems with the acoustics, it was an enjoyable evening. The questions certainly got the old
brain cells whirling!
We are going to need some new committee members soon, so if you would like to
contribute to the way the Dart Valley U3A runs, now is your chance! Do think about it and
contact me.
If you are aware of any member of Dart Valley U3A who is in hospital, please let Elaine
Flanagan or myself know so that an appropriate card can be sent.
SECRETARY’S REMINDERS
The main meeting on March 9th, has Joslin Fiennes giving a talk entitled “The Origins of
English Surnames”. Joslin believes “surnames carry the history of people in a very personal
way. In England surnames were mostly established by the end of the end of the fourteenth
century – by ordinary people, for ordinary people……. They tell us what these people did, where
they went, what they noticed and give clues about their culture and memories.”
Don’t forget to order your lunch and stay for the concert afterwards.
GROUP CO-ORDINATOR (Wendy Cullen)
Spring is definitely sprung in Dartmouth and I read that we are due for positively balmy
temperatures towards the end of the month. I hope all of you who came enjoyed the talk on
birds recently and seeing his detailed animal paintings. I also stocked up on his cards which
were beautifully photographed and very reasonably priced.
I attended the first Quiz Night at St Clements Church on 15th February which was a
great success. Congratulations to Gail Richmond for organising it. Hopefully there will be more
to come in the future.
There is a possibility of some new groups on the horizon, including an Art group. Do come
along to the next monthly meeting and the
Open Day on 13th April
where there will
be more details available.
Don't forget that there are still two places available in May for the History of Art group
in St Ives. Please contact me at [email protected] for more details. All welcome.
Enjoy the longer days and the milder weather and put the date of the next monthly
meeting in your diary now.
The Dart Valley trip to the Loire Valley. 4th to 8th April 2017
Two places suddenly available.
Because of illness two members of our tour have had to opt out. Are there two people
who would like to take their places? Best cabin and rooms booked. Please contact Julie
Hadley for more details on 01548 531240 or [email protected]
ARCHERY
Colin Payne 07919 933891
[email protected]
Tuesday 10.00 a.m. Stoke Fleming Cricket Ground, Venn Lane
The 'U3A Archers' are waiting in anticipation of restarting archery at the Stoke Fleming
Cricket Club field in Venn Lane in the Spring. We must wait patiently until the grass is cropped
short again by the farmer's sheep, and moved off the field. We will not fix the exact start
date until the weather is seen to be improving too. New members will be welcome to join us.
Basic tuition is given for novices. Watch this space for notification of our start date.
BOOK GROUP
Gail Richmond 01803 839269
[email protected]
3rd Monday afternoon
2:30-4:30 @ Townstal Pathfields
The Book Group meets once a month to discuss a book chosen by one of the members.
There is opportunity for everyone to participate and different points of view are shared.
We usually read fiction, using questions as a basis for our discussion, but in march it will be
a biography.
BRIDGE
Judi Cotes
01803 834802
[email protected]
Tuesday 10 a.m.–12.00 p.m. Flavel Studio
One of our members Joan King spent some days in hospital but is now recovering at home
we send our best wishes to her.
CLASSICS
Steve Williams 01803 833017
[email protected]
st
rd
1 & 3 Thursday arrive 10.15 for 10.30 a.m. prompt start @ Flavel
A classical coup on 2nd February when we hosted another speaker from Exeter
University. Sam Hayes told us about the Roman poet Martial and his famous epigrams (many of
which were rather fruity). On the 19th February we continued with the End of The Roman
Republic by looking at Julius Caesar and his two spells as Dictator. Was Caesar a military
genius or just a lucky chancer? We have investigated. On 2nd March a climatologist from the
Exeter Met Office will describe the climate in classical times and how it affected our history.
CRYPTIC
Sally Walley 01803 473263
[email protected]
CROSSWORDS
Third Tuesday in month @10.30am.
A cheery gathering of cryptic crossworders enjoyed coffee, biscuits and a satisfying team
effort at completing our cryptic challenge. Many thanks to Gwendolyn for kindly hosting us. The
next meeting will be at 10:30 on Tuesday March 21st at Bayards Cove Inn.
CURRENT
AFFAIRS
DIGITAL
PHOTOGRAPHY
Christine Weemes 07939037415 [email protected]
2nd Tuesday in month 2.15 - 4.15 in Green Room at the Flavel
Alan Machin 01803 833849
[email protected]
Monday 2-4 (irregular monthly) Stoke Fleming Village Hall
USING PHOTOSHOP Throughout February and March the group will be looking at applying
Photoshop to landscape photographs. This will involve routine techniques for improving such
images which may have been taken in poor light or with incorrect camera settings. We will also
be undertaking mini projects to create and manipulate landscape photographs.
There are a few vacancies in the group and anybody interested is recommended to contact
the tutor/convener.
FRENCH
Eileen Croft 01803 834663
[email protected]
nd
th
CONVERSATION 2 & 4 Wednesday 2.30 – 4.00 p.m. @ Flavel Green Room
Meetings of the French group have been lively and informative as always. And, of course,
all in French. Among other things we discovered that one of our members has skills as a
taxidermist! She brought in a grey squirrel, her skills were much admired.
GEOLOGY
John Alker 01803 833270
[email protected]
nd
2 Wednesdays 2.15 p.m. Flavel Studio - Entitle your email Geology”
Haytor to the Sea - How on earth did 130,000 tons of granite from Dartmoor end up in
Arizona? The session will look at this curious tale (which includes a railway that never had a
train) and we will look at the rocks associated with it.
GERMAN
Ingrid Sidell 01803 770870
[email protected]
CONVERSATION
Usually Monthly on Thursday 10.00 a.m.
The next meeting will be in March, at Roxburgh House, Strete. Ingrid is in Australia for
five weeks but is planning to organise a meeting mid-March.
HISTORY
Julie Hadley 01548 531240
[email protected]
OF ART
Every third Friday of month at 2.00-3.00pm in the Flavel Studio
We had a good meeting in February with talks given by Wendy Cullen on Christopher Wood
and by Veronica Makepeace on Terry Scott. How different these two artists were but at times
in their careers St Ives connected them. It was interesting to compare their influences and
resulting styles. We then looked at Porthmeor Studios both past and present, a place that
connected many of the artists that we have studied this year and also an introduction to the
visit some of us will make to the studios in May.
Next month Jocelyn Fiennes will give us a talk on paintings of Dartmouth. Don't miss
it.....2pm March 17th in The Studio at The Flavel.
The Dart Valley trip to the Loire Valley, 4th to
8th April 2017 two places available.
iPad for
Suzie Dodsworth 01803 770134 [email protected]
BEGINNERS
Wednesday 10-12am in Flavel Studio – dates vary – order coffee
We are gradually becoming more competent with adapting settings, using apps, keeping in
touch with email, messaging using Facetime, as well as searching the internet. We can now
download and read papers and books on the iPad and will be taking photos for the next session
where editing will be tackled.
ITALIAN
Norman Cork 01803 834095
[email protected]
Weekly Thursday 2.30-4.00 p.m. Flavel Studio
The group continues to enjoy discussions in Italian. We reconvene after half-term on the 2nd
March and continue weekly until March 30th. We shall take a short break before the summer
Term which starts on April 13th. Unfortunately, the group is full, at the moment, so I am sorry
to say no new members will be able to join until further notice.
KNITTING
Liz Moore 01803 833125 - Meet on Mondays ring for information.
Contact Liz direct.
LET’S PLAY
Jack Richmond 01803 839269
[email protected]
nd
CARDS
2 Monday 10.00 – 12 noon - Flavel Studio – next 13th February
The group has settled down into playing Solo Whist every month. It is an exciting yet easy
to learn game and new card players are very welcome to join the group.
MAHJONG
Elizabeth Jennings 01548 580826 [email protected]
1st & 3rd Friday 10.00 a.m. Stoke Fleming Village Hall
Looking forward to seeing you all at our March sessions which, as usual, are at Stoke
Fleming Village Hall starting at 10am. March dates, 13th and 27th. If you are interested in
coming along to see if you would enjoy the game you would be very welcome, perhaps phone in
advance.
MEDAU
Yvonne Cottam 01803 835251
[email protected]
Wednesday 12.30 – 1.30 p.m. St. Clement’s Church Hall, Dartmouth
Group flourishing but new members always welcome. Work on your joint mobility,
strength and balance. This term runs for 7 weeks from 22nd February to 5th April. Please
come along for a taster session if you're not sure.
MUSIC
Lindsay Charlesworth 01803 834592 [email protected]
1st & 3rd Wednesday 3.00 p.m. St. Clement’s Church, Dartmouth
We have just had a wonderful performance of Butterworth's Shropshire Lad song cycle
with baritone Mark Bennett and piano accompaniment Ian Hiscock of the Greenwood Consort.
Mark also included a fascinating talk on Housman's poetry. On 1st March Mike Thompson
returns with an Elgar CD selection, and then on 15th March Ekaterina (Kate) Shetliffe will
treat us to a lecture/piano recital based on Tchaikovsky's twelve solo piano pieces, The
Seasons. Our last meeting this term is Desert Island Discs with Elizabeth Jennings on 5th
April. Visitors always welcome.
PATCHWORK
/QUILTING
Joan Buscombe 01803 832662
Tuesday a.m. Ring Joan for details
PLAY READING
Gail Richmond 01803 839269
[email protected]
2nd Monday evening at Jack and Gail’s house @ 7.30 pm
The Play Reading Group read "House Guest" by Francis Durbridge in February; this was a
complicated thriller by a very well-known playwright and we really had to concentrate on the
plot! In March, the choice will probably be a comedy.
PUB LUNCHES
Alan Cole 01803 752902
[email protected]
(GROUP A)
4th Wednesday of the month
Our January lunch took place at the Cott Inn, Dartington. Sixteen of us enjoyed a very
pleasant meal and good company. Because of our numbers, we always book ahead, however, I
would advise all to book ahead for the Cott as it has become very popular. Februarys lunch was
arranged by Ken and Jan Wood – The Royal Castle Hotel. We will order from the bar menu but
dine in the grill room.
PUB LUNCHES
Alan Drew 01803 833219
[email protected]
th
(GROUP B)
4 Thursday of the month
The group is all about enjoying good food, wine and congenial conversation in a pleasant
setting. To this end each month we visit one of the many delightful pubs or restaurants in and
around Dartmouth to savour the culinary delights which they have on offer. The group has
been going for some years during which a friendly ambience between members has been
cultivated. New members are always welcome as they bring fresh topics to our conversations.
SCIENCE GROUP
Needs a new convener.
If you are interested let Wendy know.
SCRABBLE
Glenda Stephenson 01803 832693 [email protected]
Meets monthly at Glenda’s home, ring for details.
SINGING FOR
Sue McKenzie 01548 580878
[email protected]
PLEASURE
Weekly Tuesday 2.00 p.m. Stoke Fleming Village Hall
Our last session before Easter is on 28th March 2017. Christopher Helyer leads us
musically and John Keyes is our accompanist. Peter Bolt who leads the Kingsbridge Singing for
Pleasure Group has kindly agreed to lead our group on the weeks Christopher is away. New
members are always very welcome. You don’t have to read music and there is no audition, feel
free to come and join us in simply having fun and singing. Please contact me for any further
information you require. Anyone who wishes to come and try the group is more than welcome.
SPANISH
Steve Smith 01803 771123
[email protected]
CONVERSATION Monday 11.00 a.m.–12.30 p.m.
We meet most weeks to speak Spanish. Sometimes we have a theme, but more commonly
we just chat, as best we can, following the natural flow of conversation. We are much assisted
by one of our members being fluent in the language. It is not a Spanish course, although we do
try to improve our skills where we can.
SPORTS
Yvonne Cottam 01803 863257
[email protected]
MORNING
Weekly Wednesday 10.00 – 11.00 a.m. Dartmouth Leisure Centre
Please come along for a taster session if you're not sure. The group is going from strength
to strength with 14 of us in action this week - and one or two enjoying a swim before
and afterwards.
SUNDAY
Anne Taylor 01803 835251
[email protected].
LUNCH
Meet on a monthly basis @ 12.30. Contact Anne for details
Nine of us met at Bayards Cove on 12th February. Enjoyed a convivial and delicious lunch in
a lovely setting. Next get together 12th March at The Royal Castle Hotel.
THEATRE
Rosemary Minshall 01803 770300 [email protected]
VISITS
We will be going to Plymouth to see Mamma Mia shortly. Again, it is a bit
of fun and of course this time a musical which our small group always enjoy. I’ve never seen it
on the stage so hope it will still be as much fun as I found the film.
Trains, Boats
Jack Richmond 01803 839269 [email protected]
& BUSES
Outings by public transport.
The visit to the Synagogue in Plymouth on Wednesday, February 22. The next outing will
be in May. We will be taking the bus to Totnes and then enjoying a steam train ride to
Buckfastleigh and return.
WALKING
Linda Barker 01803 269549
[email protected]
Monday 9.30 a.m. @ Community Centre, Ivatt Rd, Townstal
The weather has been slightly challenging lately but we have managed some shorter walks
closer to home. It can only get better! New members are always welcome. Destinations are
decided on the day dependent on weather/transport. Usually 3-6 miles with a shorter, flatter
walk on the last Monday of the month. A packed lunch and drink are recommended.
WINE TASTING Peter Blundred 01803 834065
[email protected]
GROUP
Monthly Monday evening – ring or email for date
In February, we decided to try something different and visited a local wine merchant,
Michael Sutton’s Cellar. Fortunately, no one got lost on the trip down the narrow lanes behind
Blackpool Sands and the Suttons made us welcome with a relaxed and enjoyable wine tasting
and a supper to follow. They run an interesting range of wine related events and have a small
but reasonably priced wine list. Well worth seeking out. Our next wine tasting will be in
Warfleet on 13 March.
WRITERS
Lindsay Ellwood 01803 832134
[email protected]
Third Monday each month 10.00 – 11.30 a.m., Dartmouth
We meet monthly with a different theme each time. See our website for literary efforts
of the group - http://www.dvw.org.uk/
NEXT FULL MEETINGS ARE AT 10.00am (coffee) ON THE FOLLOWING THURSDAYS:
9th March
13th April
10th May
13th September
12th October 9th November
8th June
13th July
in 2017
14th December
OPEN TO ALL AT THE FLAVEL
YOGA
Amanda Dyer 07851 033762 [email protected]
Thursday 9.30 a.m. Flavel Studio
ZUMBA
Leanne Smith
[email protected]
Monday 10.00 a.m. Main Hall Flavel
Several U3A members attend a Zumba class in The Flavel – every Monday morning
at 10.00 – and the professional leader chooses tracks suitable for age of the knees
of the group! New girls give it a try all the time, so feel welcome to come and see
what that Latino music on a Monday is all about.
TIMETABLE SUMMARY
Day
Morning
Afternoon
Evening
Mon
Easy walking, Let’s Play Cards,
Writers, Spanish
Conversation, Zumba, knitting
Scrabble, Book Group,
Wine Tasting,
Digital Photography
Play Reading
Tues
Bridge, CrossWords,
Patchwork/ Quilting
Weds
Sports Morning, Pub Lunch A,
iPad for Beginners
Singing for Pleasure,
Current Affairs
French Conversation,
Medau, Music, Geology
Italian
Thurs
Monthly Main Meeting (£2),
Archery, Classical History
Studies, Yoga, German
Conversation, Pub Lunch B
Fri
MahJong
History of Art
Sun
Sunday Lunch
The advert over the page could be printed out or torn / cut from the booklet and
displayed in your window to encourage others to attend the Open Day!
OPEN DAY
DART VALLEY U3A
Thursday 13th April 2017
at The Flavel
10am - 12 noon
ALL WELCOME…………
DO COME ALONG AND SEE WHAT YOU ARE MISSING!
******************************************
GROUPS AND ACTIVITIES FROM
ARCHERY to ZUMBA.
Talk to organisers.
MEMBERSHIP £10 a year.
Contact May O’Keeffe on the day
or email:
[email protected]