NEWSLETTER : FEBRUARY 2016
Radcliffe on Trent
OUR NEW WEBSITE
Have you checked out the new website yet? It has contact details for all
groups, information about new groups, trips and speakers etc., ....................
www.rot-u3a.org.uk
INFORMATION FROM THE EDITOR
As you will have seen from the Annual Programme & Contact Details included with this
year’s Member’s renewal letters, the focus of the Newsletter from March onwards is
changing to a News-sheet primarily informing members of current news items and now
monthly containing your photos. So please keep sending me your news and photos.
Repetitive Group details eg., when and where groups meet regularly and where to contact
people are to be inserted by Group Leaders via and on to the new RoT U3A Web Page,
which the majority of members can access to keep them up to date on meeting times etc.,.
Others in our groups who are not on the web, it is hoped, will be informed through their
groups informal communication networks by Group Leaders on what is happening.
I will still continue emailing monthly and asking U3A officers and Group Leaders for news
items and photo’s for inserting in our monthly Newsheet.
I now have a new dedicated email address through which all members can contact me to
send their items and photo’s This new email address is.............
[email protected]
Hope this helps clarify what is happening.
Rodney Fogg, Editor.
U3A Member’s Monthly Meetings—2016
February’s Guest Speaker
Kevin Powell – Victorian Nottingham
Joint Heritage Walks Organiser for the Nottingham Civic Society Kevin Powell, will give a
three part illustrated talk asking where did Victoria come from and what right did she have
to the throne; discovering the changes that came to Nottingham during her reign and her
legacy in the way her name lives on.
Thursday 4th February 2016 at Grange Hall, Radcliffe on Trent
1.30 – 3.30pm. Guests £2
March’s Guest Speaker
Michael Parkin – Long Weekend: Changes between
the Wars
& Our U3A Annual General Meeting
Take a trip starting at the end of World War 1 and ending with the start of World War 2 and
discover the many changes not only in politics and economics but in art, fashion and social
life during this particularly interesting period.
Thursday 3rd March 2016 at Grange Hall, Radcliffe on Trent 1.30 – 3.30pm.
Guests £2 Free tea /coffee and biscuits for all. Group leaders will be available to chat about
the various interest groups.
For further information please contact Anne Spencer on 0115 9335273
Wanted
2-3 people to form a small team to provide sound and IT support at monthly meetings. You
would need to set up the sound system in Grange Hall and support the speaker if they
have difficulties with their computer and/or projector. You should be familiar with
computers but training on the sound system will be given. If you are interested please
contact Anne McLeod on 07966478873 or [email protected]
_________________________________________________
NEW VENUE FOR GROUP LEADERS TO HOLD THEIR
MEETINGS.....
The Boys' Brigade Hall in Radcliffe on Trent is available as a new venue for daytime U3A
Groups to hold their meetings. Details from Bob Jones, tel: 0115 9334306
CURRENT INTEREST & ACTIVITY GROUPS
These are available for any U3A member to join:-
Ballroom Dancing Are you interested in Ballroom Dancing?
Either leading a group or
being a member? If so please let your Group Coordinator Sue Terry know on 0115 9120129
or 0786 32128492.
All Activity Groups below are alphabetically listed:
Art Group is now well under way. We have 14 members and all are growing from small experienced
artists to knowledgeable ones. We are in the process of preparing for Easter Cards as well as an
exhibition later in the year. If anyone would like to join our group they would find a friendly
experience awaiting them. We will continue to meet twice a month in the Boy’s Brigade Hall during
February to June 2016. Contact Gilroy Williams on [email protected]
Book Appreciation Group will meet on Friday February 12th at 2pm at No 29 the Café on
Station Terrace to discuss Peter May's 'The Runaway'. We are quite a full group but if you
are a book lover and interested in joining us please ring Sue Terry on 0115 9120129 or 0786
32128492.
Boules Group We have stopped playing for the winter season - the boules tend to be very cold! We
will restart on the first Monday in March, but that will be in the local coffee shop where we expect it
to be a bit warmer! Contact Al Reed on [email protected].
Bowling Group OK. So I know it is only January and the days are dark and dismal but let's look
forward to those glorious days of Spring, after all they are not far away. How better to enjoy those
days with a bit of light exercise, lots of fresh air and most of all, loads of fun. That's what the U3A
“Let’s Go Bowling” group has to offer. Over the last couple of years many of your fellow members
have had a go at playing bowls and some have even joined local bowling clubs. Others have just
come along, enjoyed their time “on the green”, and left it at that. The choice is yours. We will have a
table at the January, February and March U3A meetings where full details will be available including
when and where. As numbers are limited we are unable to offer a place to those who have already
participated in this activity. So pay us a visit and register your interest. We look forward to seeing
you. If you would like to know more now, please contact Mike Hewett on [email protected]
Bridge Group The bridge group continues to meet every Monday afternoon at 2pm for two hours in
the Dowson room in the Old Grange . We play duplicate bridge most weeks to a reasonable standard
,so if have played before and would like to take it up again please come along . You do not need to
bring a partner .Contact Greg on 0115 9334942
Canasta Group
Any photographers out there? We would love a picture of our Canasta Group
have we got any photographers who could take a picture please? Just turn up at our
meeting. Our next meetings are on Friday 5th & 19th February and fortnightly thereafter in
the Dowsson Room 1 till 3pm. Interested, then contact Annette Ayres on 0115 9333080 for
details. All welcome.
Classical Music Appreciation Group will next meet on Thursday 18th February 2016 from
10.30 to 12.30 in the Dowson Room at the Grange. £1 per head, free tea/coffee/biscuits. For
further details contact Joyce Bullimore [email protected].
Criminology and Criminal Justice Group meets on the last Tuesday of each month at St. Mary's
Church Hall in The Rainbow Room. We meet between 2-4 and the group runs over 5/6 months. A
new group will be starting in the summer in June/July 2016. We look at a variety of topics including
sentencing processes, community and custodial penalties, victim support and general issues around
offending behaviour. For more information and to sign up for the next programme, please contact
me Victoria Hurst by email at [email protected] or by phone on 0115 8414895. I will have an
information table at the U3A March Open Meeting.
Croquet Group We welcome new members for our 2016 season. We play on the lawn at the back of
the British Legion every Monday from April to September, providing it isn't raining. We start at 2pm
and finish around 4.00 to 4.30pm. We follow garden croquet rules and copies are available for new
members. Depending on the numbers we either play singles (2 balls per person) or doubles (2 people
making a team with a ball each). We have 2 U3A croquet sets and can accommodate up to 10
players. This summer we will also offer games on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday mornings.
Do come along and give croquet a try. It's a game of strategy, gentle exercise and is really good fun.
Our first meeting will be on Monday 18 April, bring a drink and £1 to cover costs.
Please sign up for the day you would like to play by visiting the croquet table at the monthly meeting.
Contact Joan Spooner on [email protected]. Or 0115 9332696
Discussion Group Contact Bob Coleman email: [email protected]
Embroidery Group Are you interested in embroidery? Would you like to join with like minded people
and explore stump work, crewel work and gold work as well as more traditional embroidery? If so
please contact Dorothy McPetrie on [email protected]
Family History Discussion Group. We will continue to meet at 2 p.m. on the third Thursday of the
month at St Marys Church Hall. Actual dates for the first part of 2016 are: 18 February, 17 March, 21
April and 19 May. Details from Dave Morgan at 0115 9332353 or [email protected].
Film Appreciation Group The Group of between 12 and 18 meets on the last Monday of the month
at 2.00 pm in The Manvers. The meetings usually last one and a half hours during which time we
discuss many aspects of the film we have chosen to see. In the last month; was it enjoyable, well
directed, made and acted and, where appropriate, what did it say about its historical and/or social
contexts? Hopefully all this broadens the mind and adds to adds to the enjoyment of the viewing
experience. By the time you read this, new potential members can ring or email me and I will be able
to advise you of our film for February. Contact David Richards, Film Appreciation Group Leader on
0115 9335499 or 0781 7660659. [email protected]
First Aid Group Over 50 of our members have now completed a first aid course. The next
course will be running this Spring. If you are interested please sign up at the table or contact
me with your name, your contact details and your preferred day.... contact me Anne McLeod
on 0796 6478873, or e-mail [email protected]
Flower Arranging Group
Contact Gerry Mills. 0115 9336935 or [email protected]
French Beginners Group Contact Jean Mugaseth for further details on Tel 0115 9335164.
French Conversation Group For details of French Conversation group meetings contact. Pat Fox:
[email protected] or tel. 0115 9333421
Friendship and Support Group If you live on your own or are a full time carer and would like to get
involved in some local social activities in 2016 or just find people in similar circumstances to talk to
for friendship and support, then the U3A Friendship and Support Group is for you. Group members
meet each first Monday between 2pm – 3pm. We meet in the 29 Cafe on Station Terrace. There we
chat over a coffee or tea and arrange in small groups what we want to do over the coming month.
Last year we went for a meal at the Riverside, Trent Bridge, visited the Thea English Tea House in
town, went to Nocutts Garden Centre, attended the local Drama Groups production and visited
Holme Pierrepont Hall. We’ve been to Nottingham Contemporary, Hollybeck Garden Centre near
Southwell , to Rufford Park and to the Frameknitters Museum, Ruddington, we went on the recently
opened tram to Toton and nearby Bardill’s Garden Centre and been to the Christmas Market at
Patching’s Farm.last month we were at the Palace Theatre, Newark for the Christmas Panto. We also
support each other if we can. New members welcome, just come along or contact Rodney Fogg on
0797 1537 119 or [email protected]
Garden Group Our first meeting of 2016 will take place at the British Legion on Thursday, February
11th at 2.00pm. We will be trying to plan our activities for the forthcoming year. Contact Roger
Burston by telephone on 0115 9332096
Geology and Environment Group This group meets monthly currently on a Tuesday at 2pm in the
Trent Room of Grange Hall. Contact Martin on [email protected] (Group Leader).
Healthy Baking, Cooking and Eating Group We have vacancies for 10 new members. The group
meets at South Notts Academy monthly on Wednesday afternoons 3.15pm to 4.45pm. Topics
include, basic recipes, planning & preparing healthy meals, using seasonal food, energy saving &
nutritional advice. Dates 2016: Feb 24, March 23, April 20, May 18, June 22, July 13. Time 15151645hrs. Price: £2 each per session. If you are interested and would like more information please
contact the group leader Marian Pyatt on 0115 9333913.
Heraldry Group “A Taste of Heraldry " ....an introduction to this fascinating Art/Science. There will
be 6 x 2 hour sessions held in the Boys’Brigade Hall, plus a visit or two to view some local heraldry. I
need 4 to 6 new members who would be interested to set up another course. Let me have your
details - contact Bob Jones Tel: 01145 9334306 or email [email protected]
Holiday Group We have just booked a 4 day break to Vienna, and plans are afoot for several
more holidays. If you want to come along and join us, our next meeting is on Wednesday
17th February at 10 am in Number 29 Cafe on Station Terrace. Contact Anne McLeod on
0796 6478873, or e-mail [email protected]
iPad Tutorial Group After an extended break, I am now trying to arrange dates for both’
beginners’ and 'intermediates'. Please contact me, preferably by email on
[email protected] or phone 01949 838333. I am going to be increasingly busy as June
approaches (I am involved with the Gate to Southwell Festival) so I would appreciate help if
there is anyone else who would like to take on this group. Please contact myself or....... Sue
Terry on 07766 518708
Contact Rosie on [email protected] or 01949 838333
Keep Fit Group We meet at 10am on a Monday morning in the Methodist Church. Bring something
to drink, a small towel, £1.00 for the room hire and a Yoga mat. Wear loose or stretchy clothing you'll love it! See you there! Contact Sian Barnard on 0115 9334019 or Anne Spencer on 0775
95232175 or [email protected]
Knit & Natter Group Although we had not met up during December and in spite of all the Christmas
preparations and activities, our knitters kept on knitting - as a result of which we have been able to
send 214 baby hats and two blankets to the hospital this month. We know these donations are well
received as a letter arrived from the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at QMC just before Christmas to
thank us for the previous bundle we sent them. The letter read: "The staff and parents are always
very grateful when people take the time to send such lovely items. .....thank you and your team for
your time and commitment to the neonatal unit at Queens."
We are now looking to diversify our output, having been notified of a scheme to provide
Twiddlemuffs for dementia sufferers. A twiddlemuff is a double thickness hand muff with bits and
bobs attached inside and out. It is designed to provide a stimulation activity for restless hands for
patients suffering from dementia. We are currently exploring the potential for this scheme in the
Nottingham area, so watch this space for further news on the subject in a future newsletter.
We will, of course, continue with our baby hats and blankets nevertheless. I have been asked to
remind all knitters of the dimensions required. Baby blankets should measure 17" x 24". For those
who knit squares which are made up into larger blankets for the Police Charity, the size is 6 inches by
6 inches.
Our venue for the next meeting in February will change FOR THIS MONTH ONLY - to Jean's house
at 35 Clumber Drive, at 2pm on Tuesday 9th February. Contact Jan Addiscott – 0115 8457398 or
[email protected]
Luncheon Groups : There are three luncheon groups. Maximum membership : 20 per group.
1. Newstead Lunch Group Contact Gillian Dunn on 0115 9118595 [email protected].
2 Belton Luncheon Club We had our New Year Lunch on Tuesday 12th January at “The Chestnut PH”,
ROT. The food was very good with very generous portions. It was warm, cosy and felt like a panelled
library. The service was quick, efficient and friendly. Thank you Margaret and Sheena for organizing
that! Our next month’s lunch will be to the Oriental Pearl, Main Rd, West Bridgford on Wednesday
17th February. It is being organised by Nicola Roger who took names at our last lunch. She will be
contacting those who do not have email addresses, and will be at the next monthly meeting on
February 4th at Grange Hall. Nicola Rogers can be contacted on 0115 9333615. I will be “holding the
fort” for Sheena for a short while and can be contacted on [email protected] or tel 0115
8410883.
3. Belvoir Luncheon Group In January, Margaret and Pauline had arranged for us to go to the Rose
and Crown at Cotgrave. Unfortunately it wasn’t well supported so we are now going on the 17th
February. I am hoping that Pauline is going to arrange somewhere for us in March. Please do try to
support these girls and get in touch ASAP. I hope that we will have another successful year. This
group is full, if anyone one longer wishes to be in the group perhaps you would let me know. Looking
forward to seeing you all. Please contact Pat Baulcombe Tel 0115 9333487 email
[email protected]
Play Reading Group We meet at St Marys Church Hall once a month from 1.45pm on a Thursday.
New members are always welcome and our next playreading dates are Thurs.11th Feb, Thurs 10th
March and the 21st of April. At present we are reading some comedies, which are lots of fun, but we
also enjoy reading thrillers. For more info ring Pam on 0115 9335382 or email
[email protected]
Poetry for Pleasure Group
“Poetry is for pleasure. Offering occasions of delight. Emotion – (recollected in tranquillity).
Try it and enjoy at leisure. Reading, recalling, remembering verse of your choice. You may discover
new pleasures to enjoy.”
WELCOME TO THE POETRY CIRCLE – We meet at 1:30pm on the last Thursday of the month. For
more details contact Diana on 0115 9332425.
Real Ale Group Last year was a varied and interesting one. Some really unusual pubs were visited.
The Barrel Drop in Hurts yard was a fascinating micro brewery with 11 barrels stacked up a wall. The
Castle Barge at Newark was a floating pub. We visited the Malt Cross in St James Street, a totally
refurbished Nottingham Music Hall with a chequered history and cellars to match, we went to The
Bell Inn on Angel Row another old Nottingham pub built in the 1400’s.The Butter Cross PH at
Bingham . In January it was the Cross Keys PH, Fletcher Gate, Nottm. We meet at 11:30 on the last
Wednesday in each month at The Grange bus stop. Returning at 2;30pm. For further details just turn
up at the bus stop or contact Rod on 0797 1537 119 or at [email protected].
Scrabble Group. Each attendee pays £2 to cover cost of hire of room and kitchen and we break even
on 7 players per session. We’ve booked the next four Scrabble sessions for February 5th,
February 19th, March 4th and March 18th all in the Dowson Room at the Grange 10 - 12am.
If you are interested in joining this group please contact Pat Greaves on 0115 9332936 or
[email protected]
Scottish Country Dancing Group New Members are always welcome - you don't have to be a Scot
or a country dancer to join - just come along and enjoy the fun. Held on a Wednesday at 2pm in St
Mary's Hall at 2.00pm. For more information contact Mary Scarlett on 0115 9333981
Spanish Group Contact Christine Marquina on 0115 9334821
Supper Club Group - our next meeting is on Friday, 4th March and the theme is “Welsh”.
Although everyone brings a dish, we are a very sociable group and this aspect is just as
important as the food. If you would like to find out more about us, please phone Joan
Stanway on 0115 9334065.
Ukulele Group Contact: Lyn Coxon on 07791646607 or on 0115 9334359.
Walking Groups
Note to all: Please bring your U3A membership card when you sign in at the beginning of the
walks (for insurance purposes) and give an emergency contact name & telephone number. Walks
are open to ALL U3A members – non-members/no current card will be charged £2 per walk. Prior
confirmation is advisable when booking for teas etc is required, but otherwise there is no objection
to simply turning up if you decide to join us on the day. Sufficient car sharing facilities are hopefully
available from Wharf Lane car park, ROT – please remember to bring a bag to change out of your
muddy boots for the return journey home and/or visiting any post walk café! If you are sharing a
car, a contribution towards the driver’s fuel cost would be appreciated.
Tuesday 9th February 9.5 miles – Meet at 09:00 at Wharf Lane car park (please note earlier time) or
at approx 10:00 in the Teversal Trail Visitors Centre car park (SK479613). Please let the Walk Leader
know if you intend going direct to Teversal and provide a mobile number. You can then be contacted
if the walk has to be cancelled. Thank you. The route takes us through Teversal Village, Silverhill
Country Park and Brierley Forest Park. It is hilly in parts and takes in one of the highest points in
Nottinghamshire (670.5 feet) created from coal mine spoil. Walking is on a mixture of track and field
paths with minimal roadside walking.
Please wear good walking boots as it is likely to be wet and slippery underfoot. Take a packed lunch
and something to drink. Leader Derek Smith - tel; 0115 9334482 or [email protected]
Thursday 18th February 6 Miles: Meet at 10.00am at Wharf Lane Car Park for start of walk at
Ruddington Country Park off Loughborough Road (car park charge). Mostl yflatish track walks
alongside Great Central railway line and Bunny Moor, returning via Bradmore. Bring drinks and
packed lunch. Strong boots required as tracks likely to be wet/muddy. Leader George Smith – tel
0115 9334407 or [email protected]
It would be helpful if other members were also able to offer and lead walks. Please contact George
as noted above.
Wine Tasting Group Contact David Harrison at [email protected]
News and items to the Editor : Rodney Fogg 0797 1537 119 or [email protected]