20
TRAD JAZZ
Co-ordinator
Mike Barlow
(01398 331909)
The group is now up and running 18 went to Brushford Village Hall
to see and hear “Roger Marks &
the Cornish Armada”.
We enjoyed good trad jazz, some
education on the instruments used, a few excellent jokes and some good raffle
prizes during a convivial evening. The feedback was positive, so outings are
planned for each of the next few months.
We are going to the “City Steam Hot Four” on Sunday, 23rd April and will
report on that next month.
After that we plan to go back to the Brushford Village Hall for “Pamela's All
Stars” on Saturday, 20th May at 7.30pm. This is one of my favourites,
and features some excellent clarinet and soprano sax playing.
As usual please confirm to me if you plan to attend so we can arrange tables
to sit together as we did before.
~ Mike
Your Committee:
Chairman:
Mike Barlow
(01398 331909)
Vice Chairman
Liz Vicary
(0751478254)
Treasurer:
David Whaley
(01884 243149)
Secretary:
Mich Bowers
(01884 255811)
Membership Secretary:
Ben Mayo
(01884 256462)
Editor:
Margaret Mayo
(01884 256462)
Registered
Charity No. 1082992
Website:_
http://u3asites.org.uk/tiverton
Technical
David Hicks
(01884 233686)
Webmaster
Trevor Southgate (01884 798156)
Groups Co-ordinator
Alice Harding
(01884 840608)
Volume 4 ~ Issue 119
MAY 2017
TREKKING
12 Trekkers set off from Belstone on a 12½ mile
trek to see Northern Dartmoor at its stunning best
Ben Mayo
on a clear and sunny day. Whilst very ably led by
(01884 256462)
Roger, the group did miss the presence of our co
[email protected]
-ordinator, especially when the stream crossing
of the Taw was undertaken in Steeperton Gorge and so a traditional “Ben”
fall was re-enacted by a trekker in Belstone Cleave. Lunch was taken on
Hangingstone Hill at a height of 1981 feet, the Treks mid-point. Mitch’s apple
cake provided welcome energy for the return journey and well as quelling any
altitude sickness! On the return, Don succeeded in bagging all the 6 Tors we
passed on the trek, and we all experienced the power of the stones at Little
Hound Tor Stone Circle. Thanks were given to leader Roger for a great trek at
the debriefing session that was convened in the Taw River Inn in Sticklepath.
~ Gordon Cleaver
th
The trek on Thursday, 4 May will be led by me and starts at Aldermans
Barrow Exmoor SS – 835 – 422 at 10.00am. and is 11 miles.
It goes via Larkbarrow, Toms Hill and turns off at Edwards post to go over
Manor Allotment, Deer Park and Turf Allotment and then down to Oare.
From there via Deddy Combe up to North common returning via Chalk Water
and Three Combes Foot. There are no significant hills, beautiful scenery but
very muddy after significant rain.
I would appreciate it if you would tell me if you are coming or not. ~ Ben
Co-ordinator:
Today we welcome
Jonathan Edmunds
who presentation is
‘Great Hoaxes’
THE SPAGHETTI TREE
This is not one of Jonathan’s subjects ~Ed
2
19
DIARY
25th May
Todd Gray
Looting Inside & Outside Devon
22nd June
John Smith Senior
John Smith Junior
A Skip-stone History of Scotland
A Life in the Day of a Prosecutor
27th July
Janie Lock
Michael Buckley
The Magistracy System
Meetings are held the 4th Thursday of every month at the Tiverton Hotel;
9.45am for 10.30am. start
MEMBERSHIP NEWS
The Chairman and Committee on behalf of Tiverton U3A
welcomes new members......
Mr. John Knight & Mrs. Francis Knight
Mr Matthew Little & Mrs Bridget Little
Mr. Christopher Steele……….Mrs. Penny Steele
Mrs. Carol Blatchford…...…….Mr. Clifford Dixon
Mr. Fergins Mc Gliep………..….Mrs. Jill Mc Gliep
Mrs. Sandra Leverett
Membership Secretary:
Ben Mayo (01884256462)
Please submit your entries in writing by
5:00pm., Friday, 19th May
to: The Editor, U3A Newsletter. 54 Pinnex Moor Rd, T
iverton, EX16 6JS. or……...
e-mailed to: [email protected]
Please mark the subject “U3A”.
Thank you, ........Margaret Mayo
The table tennis group meets every Monday morning,
apart from Bank Holidays, at the Sunningmead
Community Centre, Lazenby Road, Wilcombe
from 10.00am. to 12 noon.
We are a friendly sociable group of varying
abilities.
All equipment is provided. The charge is currently £2.00 which covers cost
of venue, equipment and tea or coffee.
~ Sue
TABLE TENNIS
Tiverton contacts:
Sue Robbins
(07792 592626)
Annie Foot (01884 33077)
THINKING
ALLOWED
Co-ordinator:
Ian Kimber
(01884 252460)
The April meeting discussed "Do Men Form
Stronger Bonds Of Friendship With Men, Than
Women Do With Women?” this produced much
discussion based on personal feelings and the
observation of others. Answering the question
was difficult because people differed so much but in general it was observed
that bonds between men usually involved doing things together as groups or
teams whereas bonds between women usually involved talking about things
and life while doing something else. There was also considerable discussion
of platonic bonds between men and women; a part of the tropic of non-sexual
bonding that is seldom discussed.
The main problem is that particularly nowadays all strong bondings between
pairs of individuals are clouded by connotations of sexual relations whereas
the most important aspects of long term bonding are essentially non-sexual.
The meeting on Wednesday, 10th May will be held in Bampton hosted by
Beryl Lilly. The topic will be “Personal Taste And Lifestyle Choices” but
not necessarily our own personal ones but those of others and the vast range
and type of choices that can be considered as part of “fashion” at any time.
We still have a few places available in the group so if any more recent (or
older for that matter) members would like to come and join us.
Please contact me on the phone number above. As always confirmation of
attendance or absence calls from regular members of the group are greatly
appreciated.
~ Ian
TRADITIONALLY
QUEEN &
COUNTRY
Co-ordinators:
Pete & Sue Robbins
(01884 242297)
[email protected]
April was a mixture of Kinks and chatting.
Next meeting is on Thursday, 4th May at 11
Barton Road, Tiverton 7.30pm. onwards plenty of time to vote first.
You are welcome to join us but please give
us a call first.
~ Pete & Sue
18
3
SHORT TREK
Co-ordinator:
Sue Barlow
(01398 331909)
Mike
Phillips
complained of the
weather (grey),
but twenty three
of us were still able to enjoy the lovely views
on his Newton St Cyres' short trek. And the
variety - hills, fields, lanes, orchards,
two ancient villages, a golf course........ as
well as an open barn containing rat poisoning
and one all too visible result which led to a rapid transfer to the more
pleasing Shobrooke church wall for a mass lunch. Many thanks, Mike, for a
very attractive walk and the subsequent discovery of an excellent venue, now
booked, for a December finale.
Starting at 10.30am., (summer times now), on Friday, 28th April, Roger
Gunn's 7½ mile route will start at the Haytor visitor centre car park (SX765
771), go on to Haytor quarries and Holwell Tor, then across Becka brook and
Hound Tor, with a short diversion to Jay’s Grave and a return via Smallacombe rocks. Some relatively steep climbs but not too long!
The following month's short trek, on the Friday, 26th May, will be led from
Exford by Chris Hammett.
~ Sue
STROLLERS &
TWALKERS
Co-ordinator:
Chris Mumford
(01884 256133)
[email protected]
Join the Strollers every Friday for a stroll around
Tiverton. The meeting place during May is the
Canal Basin.
Join the Twalkers every Wednesday for a 3½ mile
walk out in the countryside around Tiverton.
In both cases the timing is 10.15am. for a 10.30am. start.
Start venues are on the programme which I can send via email
~ Chris
SUNDAY LUNCH The March Lunch at the Keepers Cottage was a
Co-ordinator:
new venue for us and we were pleasantly surprised.
Margaret Farrar
We were in a room at the back with just a few
(01884 256378)
other people. There were two roasts, beef and
pork and other things plus really good fish dishes and lots of vegetables.
Everyone seemed to have enjoyed their meals, judging by all the clean
plates.
Desserts looked really interesting and they make a good floater coffee. We
were a smaller party than usual, just 14 and behind us there was a group of 7
and........they made more noise than we did!!!! Hard to believe.
The next lunch will have taken place on 23 rd April at The Holywell Inn, so
report next month.
~ Margaret
NEXT MONTH'S SPEAKER
Dr Todd Gray - Looting Inside & Outside Devon
Todd is well known to our U3A for entertaining and sometimes provocative
talks including his most recent one on "Elizabethan Language".
On Thursday 25th May he will cover another interesting subject, namely
“Looting”.
Looting took place in every British town and city which was heavily
bombed. The extent was revealed in documents released through the
Freedom of Information Act and shows that the individuals most likely
to loot were individuals in positions of authority: policemen, firemen and
wardens were found guilty of looting across the country.
This lecture looks at a surprising aspect of our history not just nationally
but also in Devon.
Find out what really happened !
~ Mike Barlow acting Speaker Secretary.
CHAIRMAN’S REPORT
At the recent AGM we adopted a new Constitution. This ensures we follow
guidelines accepted by the Third Age Trust, ensures we retain our Charitable status and that it more accurately reflects the purpose of our organisation.
The role of Monthly meetings was discussed and it was agreed we need to
highlight the fact that apart from interesting speakers the meetings also provide
an opportunity for members to find out more about groups they are not currently
involved with.
A big thank you to the new Committee who were voted in - their names AND
contact phone numbers are on the front page of this newsletter.
We had our first Committee meeting and amongst other points we discussed
the fact that some of our costs are going to rise in 2018 and that we will
therefore probably need to implement small increases in some cases to
ensure each activity continues to break even. This will be further discussed,
and communicated later in the year.
In the meantime the Committee wishes you all a year where you "Learn,
Laugh & Life" in accordance with the U3A's slogan.
~ Mike Barlow
4
17
SCIENCE, SOCIETY
&TECHNOLOGY
SOCIAL VISIT TO TAVISTOCK
10:00-1200 on the fourth Tuesday.
New members are very welcome Please note the
Co-ordinator:
new starting time of 10.00am.
Ian Kimber
The meeting to discuss and decide our future
(01884 252460)
programme came up with a general topic of
looking at the future of science and technology
together with some subtopics in this general area.
Notably:- Graphene and other nanotechnology structures,
The resurgence of precision Genetic modification
Recent advances and prospects of understanding how the brain works.
The 25 th April meeting will have extended these ideas and define a more
detailed programme it is still a good month for new members to join in with
the group and suggest suitable topics, themes and visits for the coming year.
After a bit of a struggle finding car park spaces, we were treated to an
excellent cup of coffee at The Wharf and a warm welcome from members
of Tavistock U3A social committee. We then walked to the town centre
via Abbey walk alongside the picturesque River Tavy to meet our guide
for the morning outside Tavistock museum.
Our guide for our tour was Alex Mettler and he proved to be a very
knowledgeable and at times amusing speaker.
The weather was superb for our tour around the remains of the Abbey
and West Street, Market Square, Kilworthy Hill, Drake Road and down
the hill to our dispersal point at Bedford Square.
Thanks to Janet Hunt and the ladies of Tavy social committee for their
excellent organisation and hospitality and to Alex for his interesting and
informative talk.
~ Phil Stone
Clearly the detailed topic for the next meeting on the Tuesday, 23rd May has
yet to be defined but it is expected to be an aspect of looking at the possible
futures of science and technology.
~ Ian
I am sure all those that attended would like to thank Phil and Pauline Stone for organising
this outing; especially the weather!
~ Ed
PROPOSAL FOR A SECOND CRAFT GROUP
We already have a well-established craft group which meets in the morning
and is fully subscribed.
Juanita Wild, who has had wide experience of teaching a variety of craft
skills, has kindly offered to host a second craft group in the afternoon at her
home in Halberton. If you are interested in quilting, applique, crochet work,
embroidery or any other craft and would like to join this new group please
contact the Groups Co-ordinator, Alice Harding at [email protected] or (01884
840608). If there is sufficient interest a planning meeting will be held to agree
meeting times.
~ Alice
SKITTLES
Co-ordinators:
John Carr
(01404 841367)
Janet Loader
(01884 252116)
Our last evening session of the 17/18 winter
season was on Tuesday, 25th April and a good
time was had by all.
Some of us will be moving outdoors to join in
the summer croquet season, another game to
challenge our hand/eye coordination!
Janet and I would like to thank Julie and Paul at The Redwoods Inn, for
hosting our group throughout the winter. We must also thank all the U3A
members who have supported our group so well - we hope everyone enjoyed
themselves. It is our intention to re-start playing again in October – more
details nearer the time.
~ John
SPANISH
CONVERSATION
Co-ordinator:
Chris Hammett
(01884 250488)
Los grupo Españoles conversación una vez
pretérito en casa de mi y continuó con nuestros
gramática gracias a Meg. (or something like
that). We also had time for some conversation.
At our April meeting we will have been in a
restaurant.
The next meetings will be at 10.30am. on Mondays 8th and 22nd at my
house.
~ Chris
16
5
Lapford? Never been there before. Where is it?
Already a few 'interesting' detours on the way
were revealing some wonderful views of the
whole line of Dartmoor.
Attention to signposts as opposed to scenery
finally got me there in good time to join sixteen
others setting out on Phil Stone's highly attractive walk. It was barely five
miles long, and relatively (relatively!) gentle, but the lower bits were always
pretty and the higher bits, with the day's excellent visibility, offered those
striking Dartmoor sightings time and time again. Two people even decided to extend
the walk; it was so good, while others appreciated the colourful spring flora
on banks and in cottage gardens. The pub, too, was welcoming. Lapford's
worth returning to, certainly. Thanks to Phil for leading this ramble. ~ Sue
RAMBLERS
Co-ordinator:
Mike Phillips
(01884 33338)
[email protected]
Our next ramble is on Tuesday, 9th May from the Winchester Arms Pub in
Church Road,Trull (217221 and TA3 7LG.). This is about 1½ miles south
west of Taunton. The start will be from the lower end of the car park at
10.30am. (toilets available). If you would like to stay for lunch can you
please choose your meal in the Pub after parking. The walk is 4½ miles long
with a mixture of rural and urban landscapes mainly on the level with a few
stiles. There is a moderate ascent and descent of Cotlake Hill and a walk
through Vivary Park.
To reach this pub pass the crematorium and take second exit at the roundabout (straight on) then turn right along Galmington Road. At the T junction
with the Trull road turn right again to find Church Road in Trull on the left.
Continue down past the church to the pub.
Please sign up at the meeting or phone me, Syd Howell (01884 821411),
who will be leading the walk
~ Syd
READING
GROUP TOO
Co-ordinator:
Val Hicks
(01884 233686)
“A Partisan's Daughter” by Louis de Bernieres
was a great disappointment to those attending the
group. A novella about unlikely love between
Chris, a 40 year old man, bored, lonely, trapped
in a loveless marriage and Roza the daughter of
one of Tito's partisans.
After a strange meeting and a friendship/love developing Roz needed to
keep Chris's attention by stories which might not be truthful. A story of
missed opportunities and wrong paths taken. The absent member who sent
her comments was the only one who thought there was a fascination in the
way the story was told.
Next month’s meeting is on Tuesday, 9th May at 2.30pm. at my home.
Please ring me (01884 259554) if attending.
~ Elizabeth Wales
ACTIVITY GROUPS
PLEASE NOTE: IT IS IMPORTANT THAT THE C0-0RDINATOR OR HOST/HOSTESS IS
CONTACTED SO THEY KNOW WHO WILL BE ATTENDING MEETINGS.
BASIC HOME
COOKING
Co-ordinator:
Linda Welden
(01884 840815)
[email protected]
We meet next on Friday, 12th May at 10.00am. at
Irene's. We're going to give Rough Puff Pastry a
whirl then. New for most of us, we'll probably
consult Mary Berry and hope it’s more Puff than
Rough!!
~ Linda
Well, here we are now with spring upon us. As
we sit holding cards at the bridge table, with the
sun shining outside, do we wonder whether we
might be enjoying life more outdoors, admiring
peach and cherry blossom and the beds of tulips
and daffodils? Would our feelings be influenced
by whether we are winning or losing? I wonder!
We welcome Moira Showering back to our sunny shores after her winter
stint away, and she has resumed her bridge playing actively; as have most of
our small band of players We plan to continue through summer and once
again, we can say that we would be glad to welcome more players. ~ Robin
BRIDGE
Temporary
Co-ordinator:
Robin Temple
(01884 243465)
The next meeting of the group will be on
Tuesday, 2nd May at 10.00am. and will be
hosted by Roger Barnes at The Willows, 3
(01884 252241)
Beeley Orchard, Bolham. Can members
[email protected] please advise him in advance (01884 257848)
if you will be attending.
~ Richard
CHESS
Co-ordinator:
Richard Watkins
COMPUTER
Co-ordinator:
John Anderson
(01884 821421)
This month, we continued our discussion on
tablets, iPads, iPhones, etc., this time on a less
formal basis. We each found something useful
for future application (especially interesting
was the availability of OS maps to download).
Our next meeting will be on 18th May (2.30pm. @ Halberton Village Hall),
when we will have our third session on the theme of tablets looking to assist
each other with our individual pieces of hardware.
John Smith will be in charge as I will be away – it would be helpful if anyone intending to come along could get in touch beforehand (01884 252554)
~ John
6
15
Chitchat considered what they would collect
CHIT CHAT
in the event of winning a trolley dash.
Co-ordinator:
The opportunity to stock up on alcoholic
Sue Watkins
(01884 252241
drink and electrical items figured highly but
[email protected] the constraints of freezer space meant that
perishable items were seen as a problem.
One member dreamed of collecting all the niceties of life in Harrods food
hall whilst another benevolent Chitchater would be happy to donate the
contents of her trolley to a local food bank. Some interesting points of view
were noted.
Our next meeting on Wednesday, 17th May will be hosted by Angie Cockburn
at her home 13, Juniper Close, Tiverton EX16 6TX from 10.30am.
Please ring Angie (01884 254376) with apologies. The topic will be "If You
Could Achieve One Thing, What Would It Be and Why?
We would be interested in recruiting two new members, so if you would like
to join this friendly group, please contact me on the above number. ~ Sue
COOKERY
Co-ordinator:
Jill Mitchell
(01884 254583)
Who would have thought that 13 members made
the same recipe but not one of them tasted the
same. Everyone made a Bolognese sauce.
Some added herbs; some had various “bits and
pieces” others had what was in the fridge at the
time. All without fail used tomatoes in one form or another but the difference
was quite staggering. I think we all learnt from one another so not a wasted
exercise.
On Tuesday, 25th we ventured into the realms of a Round Robin; starters in
one house, main in another, pudding in another and coffee in another. I will
report on this next month.
~ Jill
CRAFT &
EMBROIDERY
Co-ordinator:
Jean Pegg
(01884 253399)
Our usual monthly meeting was well
attended and we enjoyed sitting in the
sun and doing our various hobbies.
The May meeting will be on Tuesday,
16th May. Usual venue and time. As
always only contact me if cannot come.
~ Jean
RAILWAY
GROUP
Co-ordinator:
Jose Kimber
(01884 252460)
[email protected]
PLEASE NOTE CHANGE OF NAME
In the end only three of us made it to the Lynton
and Barnstaple railway on Sunday, 19th March
for “locals travel free” day. The weather was
not kind, but we were lucky and arrived in
good time for the first train, before the mist
and drizzle came in. We rode up to Killington Lane and back and enjoyed the
spectacular views from the train.We then headed off to Lynton for a glance at
the old Lynton station before lunch at the Old Station Inn at Blackmore Gate,
which has many photos of the old line and which will in due course become
the new centre of the heritage line when it reaches there.
After lunch we went to look at Chelfham Viaduct and the station which is in
the process of being restored by the Lynton and Barnstaple Railway.
For our April meeting on Friday, 28th April we will be visiting Pecorama at
Beer. If you would like to join this visit please speak to me at the main meeting
on 27th April.
On Friday, 27th May we will again be meeting at 10.00am. at the Cherith
Fellowship Hall, Blundells Road, when we will be discussing the Pecorama
visit and planning future activities. As numbers attending recently have been
very small we need to consider whether it is worth continuing to use this
venue. Please can group members let me know in advance whether or not
you plan to come to this meeting.
On Friday, 23rd June we are planning to visit Buckfastleigh and the South
Devon Railway, if enough people are interested in going. Please sign up at
the April or May meetings or contact me if you are interested so that we can
see if there enough people to warrant a “behind the scenes” tour.
Please also check out our group page on the Tiverton U3A website.
If you are interested in joining our small, friendly group, please give me a
call. You can be sure of a warm welcome.
~ Jose
READING
Co-ordinator:
Tricia Beresford
(01884 258070)
“Nutshell”, our book for April was an unusual
concept owing influences to both Hamlet and
Macbeth. It is a tale of a murder plot and its
consequences with elements of comedy.
Generally we felt it was worth reading but were glad it was a comparatively
short read at 138 pages.
Next month we will be discussing “Full Tilt. Ireland to India by Bike”
written by Dervla Murphy and will be meeting at Cynthia Thornton’s house
at 8 Plum Way, Willand, EX15 2QR.
Please phone Cynthia (01884 33062) if you are unable to come.
~ Trish
14
7
PSYCHOLOGY
Co-ordinator:
John Smith (Snr)
(01884 252554)
At our April meeting we looked at the amazing
plasticity of our brains and how this flexibility is
used to "train" our brains to alter perceptions
like, for example, colour variations and even to
assist doctors in helping patients with phantomlimb pains. We are attempting now to just scratch the surface of brain neuroscience and to look at modern developments in this field.
On Thursday, 18th May at 10.00am. in the Heathcoat Community Centre,
we will pursue this train of thought and we will have a look at the work being
done by the Psychology Group at Taw U3A in Bideford.
~ John
PUB LUNCHES
Co-ordinators:
Wednesday Group
David & Rachel Pope
(01884 250548)
On Wednesday, 5th April and 6th Thursday,
we visited The Exeter Inn at Chittlehamholt,
just South of South Molton.
In May, on Wednesday, 3rd and Thursday,
11th our venue is the Sir Walter Raleigh Inn,
[email protected]
East Budleigh.
We are very fortunate to still be finding new
Thursday Group
Graham & Elaine Kingdom places to visit after nearly five years and it is
good to know that in spite of so many reports
(01884 256662)
to the contrary the pub industry in Devon and
[email protected]
Somerset is thriving.
~ David and Rachel, Graham and Elaine
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
SCRABBLE ONE
Co-ordinator:
Margaret Eastham
(01884 252886)
SCRABBLE TWO:
Co-ordinator:
Angie Cockburn
(01884 254376)
Our next meeting will be at my home
at 2.00pm. on Wednesday, 3rd
May. Please ring me if you would
like to play.
~ Margaret
The next get together is on Monday,
8th May at 2.00pm. at my home 13
Juniper Close... Please call me if
attending or not.
~ Angie
SNOOKER
Co-ordinator:
John Anderson
(01884 821421)
With a 2.00pm. start we usually manage 3 frames
so ...why not come along and have a go, in a
relaxed friendly atmosphere. We usually meet
on the first and third Fridays, so next month
will be 5th and 19th May in the Jubilee Room at
Halberton Village Hall. I cannot be there, but a set of keys can be obtained
from Carol Graham across the road from the Hall.
~ John
The group met on 13th April, and read our
respective items on ‘Village Life’, or
‘Names/Titles’, which, as usual, lead
to discussions, ending with the possible
need in today’s society, for a name, other
than ‘Marriage’ for the contractual arrangements between males who have
‘husbands’, or females who have ‘wives’, and perhaps ‘Names’ other than
‘husband’ or ‘wife’ for those who make such contracts!
CREATIVE WRITING
Co-ordinator:
Gordon Ball
(01884 258708)
[email protected]
It was agreed that Ivor Watts would be the host again on Thursday, 11th May,
the suggested subjects for this month being ‘Truth’ or ‘An Apple a Day’.
Please contact Ivor (01884 242964) if you would like to come but are not
already expected.
Meetings start at 2.30pm. and finish at about 4.30pm., depending on numbers
present, the items to be read, and the subsequent discussions.
~ Gordon
CRIBBAGE
Co-ordinator:
Trevor Colby
((01884 259769)
We are a friendly group which meet twice a
month, on the 2 nd and 4 th Monday evenings
usually, at 7.30pm., (May 8 th and 22nd ), in
the downstairs lounge bar at the Riverside
Club, previously known as the British Legion
Club. Everyone is welcome. If you have never played before, but enjoy
playing cards, then come along and we will teach you how to play, it’s
easy to learn. For more information please give me a ring.
~ Trevor
Our last bus outing to Cockington, in brilliant
sunshine, was not without incident!
We arrived in Chelston as planned, but could
not be sure that we had the right stop!
A community bus was supposed to take us all
the way to Cockington. It did arrive on time, but it was packed with people,
and only had 3 spaces for our 10 passengers! We were redirected via Torquay,
where we had lunch. We did find a Cockington bus but had a lovely walk all
the way back to the harbour.
DEVON BUS TRAVEL
Co-ordinator:
Valerie Pocock
(01884 251398)
Next month the outing will be to Teignmouth. Details as follows: From
Tiverton bus station: 10.15am. (55) bus to Exeter. (2) bus to Teignmouth, to
arrive at 12.12pm. Return at 16.09 to arrive in Tiverton at 18.13.
Please note:
If you are coming for the first time you need to contact Irene Butler this
month (01884 254075).
~ Valerie
8
13
The new croquet season is due to start on Tuesday,
2nd May, from 2.00pm.-4.30pm.
We are again playing at Knightshayes, on the
outfield of the pitch of the Heathcoat Cricket
[email protected] Club. All are welcome to play our ‘golf croquet’,
Eric & Sandra Richardson which we play in ‘4s’, in a friendly but competitive
(01884 253402)
manner.
We will happily give guidance to any who are inexperienced, but want to
give it a try. We will normally have 3 ‘lawns’ set up, and have full use of the
club pavilion, for relaxation between games and refreshments, or even shelter
from the occasional rain shower. The fee is currently expected to remain at
£3.00 per person per session. Please pay Sandra , our new treasurer, during
the tea break, and don’t expect Sandra to take your ‘small change’.
For those playing and who park their car at the cricket club, there is no NT
car parking ‘donation’.
We will normally be playing on Tuesday afternoon 2.00pm. – 4.30pm, but
there are a few variations.
The first variation is Wednesday 10th May at 2.00pm., but we will then revert
to our normal Tuesday afternoon, through May and June.
The other variations are currently Wednesday 5th July at 2.00pm;
Tuesday, 11th July; a morning session 9.30pm -12.00pm.
Wednesday, 26th July at 2.00pm;
Monday, 14th August at 9.30am;
Tuesday, 22nd August at 9.30am;
Monday, 4th September at 2.00pm;
The final session this season will be Tuesday, 26th September, at 2.00pm.
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me, and we look
forward to welcoming new members for any session at Knightshayes. ~ Phil
CROQUET
Co-ordinators:
Phil Jones
(01884 255119)
ENJOYING
OPERA
Co-ordinator:
Heather Carlyle
(01884 258895)
FOLK DANCING
Co-ordinator:
Pat Robertson
(01884 820932)
There is no meeting
of the Opera Group
in May. ~ Heather
We had a very good afternoon of dancing in
March, when the excellent “Friendly Folk”
band came to play for us. What a pleasure to
dance to live music!
Although there was no dancing on 26 th April, we will be back to our second
and fourth Wednesdays in May and June in Halberton Village Hall, from
2.30pm. until 4.30. If you haven't danced before, or if you have, do come and
try us.
~ Pat
PHILOSOPHY
Co-ordinators:
Carol Hamer
(01884 259356)
Carol Whitaker
(01884 256382)
David Hamer (academic lead)
The practical approach taken by Martha Nussbaum
(b1947): identifying human capabilities to enable
a just, mutually dependent society provided
means for lively discussion.
The next meeting on Wednesday, 17th May
offers opportunity to examine a wide variety of
‘Means to Power.’
~ Carol W
This month’s project was “Water” with “Depth
of Field” in mind, which produced quite a variety
of photos. This was achieved by varying the
settings of shutter speed, aperture and ISO’s, to
show individual droplets or to show speed. These varied from shower heads,
fountains, rain drops, sea shore, river and canal scenes.
Then D.O.F. was shown using six herb bottles (Schwartz sponsored?) in line,
4 candles, a selection of mugs, and Still Water and bottles??? These produced
interesting discussions.
Sue produced some very useful literature from her visit to the Photographic
Show at N.E.C. Birmingham, which she gave out.
The next meeting will take place at The Willows and Wetlands Centre, Stoke
St. Gregory, near Taunton, on Thursday, 11th May at 10.00am.
Should this visit be “rained off” the meeting will take place at David Mitchell’s,
16 Maple Grove also at 10.00am.and the subject of “Hedgerows” being this
month’s project, will be shown and discussed.
~ Tony Saunders
PHOTOGRAPHY
Co-ordinator:
Tony Britten
(01884 233616)
PHOTOGRAPHY 2 Membership of this group is open to all
Co-ordinator:
members of Tiverton U3A who have an
David Whaley
interest in photography.
(01884 243149)
On Tuesday, 25th April there is a field trip
to Beer, details already circulated by email.
On Tuesday, 23rd May we shall be holding a meeting at Charlie Duke’s
house, when we shall be viewing the photographs taken on the field trip, if
you are interested please contact me for details.
~ David
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After the only session in April dancers added
another dance to their growing repertoire. Still
plenty of room for newcomers to join in the fun;
doesn’t matter if you’ve never danced before,
no-one gets left behind and you may be surprised how well you do!
With it being May Bank Holiday, the next event the group will meet is Monday
16th May, at 2.00pm at Calverleigh Village Hall.
~ Mich
LINE DANCING
Co-ordinator:
Mich Bowers
(01884 255811)
LOCAL
THEATRE
Co-ordinator:
Betty Thrall
(01884 242998)
(07972271524)
20 of us are looking forward to the Tiverton Dramatic
Society play “Break Away” on the evening of 27th
April.
I reported in the April Newsletter that I will have
tickets for the Spring Variety Show for Saturday, 13th
May in the New Hall. 10 members have already
put their names down so I need payment at the 27 th April monthly meeting. I
will also have spare tickets for cash payable immediately at the meeting.
The members who attended last year said the show was excellent so it is well
worth supporting Tiverton & District local talent in aid of Devon Air
Ambulance .
Look out for news of The Willow Tree Dance & Theatre Arts “Summer
Show” in next month’s newsletter.
~ Betty
MAH JONGG
Co-ordinator:
Celia Hicks
(01398 332101)
MUSIC
APPRECIATION
Co-ordinator:
Helen Phillips
(01884 33338)
Each experienced group continues
to be self-sufficient and members
make all their own arrangements.
Anyone interested in the game, please
contact me. The main idea is to
have fun!
~ Celia
The meeting in April was hosted by Gill when
we listened to her choice of music - a selection
by Butterworth, Mozart, Bizet, Schubert and
Vivaldi.
The next meeting will be on Tuesday, 2nd May
again at Gill's home but presented by Moira. Please let Gill (01884 34818)
know if you will be coming so she can arrange the seating.
~ Helen
EXPLORING
CHURCHES
Co-ordinator:
David & Jill Mitchell
(01884 254583)
[email protected])
PLEASE NOTE NEW CO-ORDINATORS
“Unfortunately I am unable to continue as
co-ordinator of this group. David and Jill
Mitchell have very kindly agreed to take over
with immediate effect”. ~ Joy
First of all, sincere thanks to Joy Davies for her time as co-ordinator of this
group. Secondly, a decision has to be made as to whether existing members
of the group wish it to continue or not, and to this end, a meeting will be held
on Monday, 8th May at 2.30pm. at the Heathcoat Community Centre. Will
all those interested in helping to keep this group active please make every
effort to attend. Whilst Jill and I are happy to take over the responsibility of
being the general organisers as group co-ordinator, we must make it clear
from the outset that we shall expect members to pull their weight and help
organise a monthly visit now and again; – it’s called shared responsibility for
running the group. So, we need help to keep the wheels turning – please help
us do that. Thank you.
~ Jill & David Mitchell
GARDENS
Co-ordinator:
Caroline Shortland
(01884 842478)
I’m glad to report that our March talk on hanging
baskets was very well attended. The talk was
informative, the weather was warm and the
location of the nursery at Uffculme was ideal.
The April meeting was the first of the year’s trips out, down to Heligan.
The next trip is to Hestercombe on Monday,
22nd May. Anyone wishing to go should sign
up and pay at this month’s U3A meeting.
After that we’re off to Forde Abbey in June
and Rosemoor in July.
Please do commit for these trips now, as
advance booking is needed to ensure each
trip goes ahead. This year’s meetings have
worked well so far, but remember that the
group can only continue in its present form,
with the benefit of these organised monthly
activities, if enough of you join each trip or
talk.
Full details of the above trips available at the
April plenary meeting...otherwise please
contact me
~ Caroline
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HISTORY
The April meeting of the group was, sadly, the
last and final session. John Lepper instructed
Co-ordinator:
(and amused) us perfectly on the final withJohn Lepper
drawal of the Romans from Britain.
(01884 253844)
John's experience from his earlier career at
Hull University again shone through......I only hope that he didn't have a
Scottish uni-student in his lecture theatres in those days because Mr Lepper did
give the poor Picts and the Scoti races some stick at our meetings! John, you
taught us well and we all thank you for your hard work and dedication. Yes,
OK, York is nice but perhaps Hadrian's Wall wasn't such a bad idea after all!
~ John S. (Senior
ROMANS IN BRITAIN
Our meetings for next month will as usual be on
the first and third Wednesday mornings viz. 3rd
and 17th May at 10.00am.
With a few of our members unable to attend as
regularly as they would like there is room for a
few more new members. It will be nice to see
some new faces.
Do not forget to contact me beforehand by email or phone if you think you
might like to come along for a free taster session. There will be no further
commitment unless you decide (and let me know) at the end of the session
that you would like to join the group.
When you contact me before the taster session I am quite happy to spend
time answering any questions/concerns you may have.
~ Joy
GENTLE
YOGA
Co-ordinator:
Joy Davies
(01884 38907)
[email protected]
GERMAN
CONVERSATION
Co-ordinator:
Hazel-Ann Willson
(01884 258360)
We continue to do our best to express our views
in German on a variety of topics and find that we
less and less need to resort to English.
Our German may not be as accurate as a native's
but we are happy simply to get our ideas
across. It sounds all terribly serious, but it's not each meeting is punctuated with much laughter!
Despite its being a Bank Holiday we will be meeting on Monday, 1st May
(7.00pm. – 9.00pm) at the home of Moira Showering, 67 Oakfields, EX16
6XE (01884 233766).
On 15th May, Betty and Graham Thrall will host our meeting at 10 Ashley
Rise, EX16 5PW (01884 242998).
~ Hazel-ann
HISTORY TOO
Our May presentation from Jonathan Edmunds
will be about Charles Darwin, surely not just a
Co-ordinator;
Great Briton, but of World renown.
Roger Barnes
As ever, we shall assemble at the Cherith Hall in
(01884 257848)
Blundells Road at 2.30pm. on Wednesday, 10th
May. The entrance price remains at £2.00 (Creationists extra).
~ Roger
GREAT BRITONS
INDUSTRIAL
HERITAGE
Co-ordinator:
Phil Stone
(01884 256996)
I am organising a visit to the Somerset levels to
follow on from the talk by Iain Miles last January.
Please note change of date: Friday, 19th May
Please see proposed itinerary at the monthly
meeting and append name and email address.
Numbers may be limited so it may be a case of first come first served. We
will be using our own transport, please car share!
On Tuesday, 6th June we have the opportunity to visit an exhibition of Rolls
-Royce aero engines. The display at the Rolls-Royce site at Bristol comprises
mainly of engines related to Rolls-Royce, de Havilland and Bristol Siddeley
products such as Pegasus, Gypsy, and Jupiter etc. Access to the site (as it is a
working site) is somewhat restricted but can arranged by prior appointment.
I propose using a small coach for the visit, the cost of which is £300-£320 so
it would be nice to take the maximum preferred number (25) to keep the cost
down for each individual.
Rolls Royce Bristol Heritage Trust also suggest a donation of £3 - £5 a head.
More info at monthly meeting.
~ Phil
As a challenge to our brains the Latin group has
been getting to grips with the intricacies of the
Roman calendar. Julius Caesar was told to beware
the Ides of March but he had to remember that
"in March, July, October and May the Ides fall
on a different day", i.e. the 15th instead of the 13th.
Having learnt our first demonstrative pronoun (is, ea, id = that) we understand why the abbreviation i.e., id est, is used for "that is" and we'll never
confuse it with e.g. - exempli gratia, for the sake of an example.
LATIN
Co-ordinator:
Alice Harding
(01884 840608)
We meet again on, Thursday, 4th and Tuesday, 16th May at 2.15pm. in the
Heathcoat Community Centre.
~ Alice