fairford & district issue 240 newsletter june 2017.pdfrepresented, marcus gheeraets senior and...
TRANSCRIPT
Read the Newsletter online at www.fairfordu3a.org.uk
Issue 240 June 2017
www.fairfordu3a.org.uk Registered Charity No 1072658
Fairford & District
Newsletter
The Queen’s Bodyguard of the Yeomen of the Guard
by Shaun McCormack
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MAIN MEETING 6 June The Queen’s Bodyguard of the Yeomen
of the Guard by Shaun McCormack
Shaun served for 24 years in the Infantry and
in 2000 was sworn into the Yeomen of the
Guard. He tells us of the recruitment and
strength of the Guard, State Dress of the
Guard and of their state duties.
Forthcoming Meetings
4 July: Simon de Montfort and the Battle of Evesham by Jill Phipps Jill will talk about Simon de Montfort and the
Battle of Evesham and if time allows, a little
about the history of Evesham itself
1 August : No Speaker
It will be an outside meeting at Bowmoor
Lake
5 September : Time Travel by Pete Morris
Pete Morris is back again and speaks of the
possibilities of time travel. What would
happen if you went back in time and killed
your grandfather?!
Welcome to New Members
Mary Edge-Partington, Jill and Malcolm Cutler
Carol Kimbercarol, Elisabeth Beaumont
Thelma Wicks
Photo Album
If you have any interesting photographs of
U3A activities, please pass them to Ann
Wightman (01285 712723) for inclusion in the
album.
May Meeting In her talk about ‘The Queenes Pickture’, i.e. portraits of Elizabeth I, Gillian White’s aim was to help the audience decode the compositions. Portraits by Dutch artists were particularly represented, Marcus Gheeraets senior and younger, Hans Eworth, Lucas de Heere, although attributions have varied over the years. With paintings from many collections including the National Portrait Gallery, Hampton Court, the Royal Collection and even the Palazza Reale in Siena, Gillian indicated the symbols which the artists employed to communicate messages and demonstrate inherent status and hierarchy. The list is long: roses, prayer books, globes, crowns, swords and columns, moons, Greek myths and allegories, jewels and pearls, and colours such as white for chastity and black for constancy. An early portrait by Steven van de Meulen dates from a time when Elizabeth was being encouraged to marry Prince Eric of Sweden. It shows her holding a carnation in her right hand, representing the love of God besides love and marriage. In the background is a tapestry elaborately decorated with fruit and flowers, suggesting perhaps that she should ‘go forth and multiply’. The Queen declared she would marry only if it was for the good of her country. In 1563 she forbad anyone to make portraits without her consent and from then on she always looks young. She appears confident and regal but it is actually her clothes, jewels and hairstyles that create the glamorous illusion. The Pelican and the Phoenix portraits associated with Nicholas Hilliard and one called the Sieve by Quentin Metsys are full of symbols but perhaps the most heavily symbolic is The Rainbow Portrait, 1600-03, by Marcus Gheeraerts (or his pupil, Isaac Oliver), located at Hatfield House. Even the drapery has embroidered eyes and ears reminding viewers that only the Queen's wisdom can ensure peace. ‘Non sine sole iris’, ‘No rainbow without the sun’. Using thirteen portraits, Gillian skilfully taught us all how to ‘read’ the symbols and get extra pleasure and interest from our viewing. Sylvia Jones
Tea Rota
4 July: Pétanque
1 August: Outside Meeting
5 September : Philosophy Pauline Dring
We were saddened to hear of Pauline’s death and offer our sympathies to her son David and her sister Brenda and their families. Pauline will be missed very much by many friends, including the readers in Book Circle 1 of which she was a long-standing member.
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Members
Should you change your email address or any other detail will you please let the Membership Secretary know, so that our records can be kept up to date.
Sue Jonson [email protected] 0774 392 3789
Chairman’s Report
Forty one members enjoyed an excellent trip to the Black Country Museum in Dudley last month. From exploring the mine, viewing how life was for canal boat people, riding a vintage bus and visiting various 1930 and turn of the century shops and houses to enjoying fish and chips and local beer, we all had a great time. Thanks for organising the trip, Geoff. The New Members’ Meeting will take place in the Farmor Room of Fairford Community Centre on June 5th from 11.30am until 1.00pm. Any new members or people considering joining are welcome to come and find out a little more about our organisation and enjoy a cup of tea or coffee. Members are welcome to join other members of the local community in Walnut Tree Fields on Sunday 18th June for a picnic to remember the MP Jo Cox who was murdered. This is a national event and Fairford will provide refreshments for sale and a bar but you are also encouraged to bring your own picnic, chairs etc. From midday. Any queries or questions, please contact me Jan Mills 01285 850384
Fairford Community Centre
The Fairford Community Centre is increasingly used for U3A activities including Bridge, Boccia,
Committee meetings, Mah Jong, Needlework, Quilting, Rummikub, Scrabble, Table tennis and
Recorder music. If you use the Centre you are cordially invited to become a member of FCC Ltd.
There is no joining or membership fee, just a general meeting once a year, when we present the
accounts and report on the year's activities. Our next Annual General Meeting will be on Thursday
29th June, at 7.30 pm in the Farmor room, and all are welcome, particularly regular users of the
Centre. If you are interested in becoming a member or would like some further information,
please contact the office.
Tel : 01285 711571 Email: [email protected] or look at our website:
www.fairfordcommunitycentre.org<http://www.fairfordcommunitycentre.org>
Editor this month: Sarah Bottomley
Congratulations!
Don and Barbara Cobbett
are celebrating their
Diamond Wedding Anniversary
this month.
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Anglo-Saxon Poetry
Thursday 22 June
Please ring me for details of this meeting. Miriam Scott 01285 713441
GROUP MEETINGS
Please contact the group leaders if you are interested in joining any of the groups or visit www.fairfordu3a.org.uk for further information.
Ballroom Dancing
Tuesdays 6, 20 June, 4, 18 July
We meet at Fairford Community Centre from 7.15pm to 8.15pm with instructor Joanne and partner Mark. Why not join us, it is great fun and a good way of keeping fit. Level Beginners. Ann Wightman 01285 712723 [email protected]
Birdwatching
Tuesday 20 June
This month we plan to visit Greenham Common near Newbury to look for nightjars and woodcocks. I suggest we meet at the Fairford car park at 8pm. This will give us time to get there (just over an hour) and have a cup of coffee etc before getting into position from about 9.30pm (Bring your own coffee). Don’t expect to leave the area much before 10.30pm. Don’t forget to bring a torch, insect repellent and warm clothing! I will have some maps of the area so we won’t need to travel in convoy. There are plenty of parking spaces but no facilities. A contribution of £4 from passengers would be appreciated. Richard Morgan 01285 712085
Book Circle 1
Tuesday 13 June
We shall meet at Edna's home to discuss
'Where My Heart Used to Beat' by Sebastian
Faulks. Please let me know if you are unable
to attend.
Sheila Morgan
01285 810471
Book Circle 2
Tuesday 13 June
The group meet at 2.30pm at Julie
Watkins' home to discuss ‘Gustav
Sonata’ by Rose Tremain. If you cannot
come to the meeting, please will you let
Julie or me know.
Jane Pugh
01285 712184
Bridge Improvers
Mondays
The group will continue to meet every Monday afternoon (except Bank Holidays) from 2.00pm to 4.00pm in the Heritage Room, Fairford Community Centre, for a lesson and friendly practice play. If you play some bridge and would like to improve, come and join us; we are a friendly and informal group, making mistakes and learning together. Partners and refreshments provided.
Margaret Bishop 01285 713747 [email protected]
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Dance to Five Rhythms
Wednesday 21 June
We dance regularly at the Palmer Hall on the third Wednesday of the month, at 10.00am.
New members welcome. Come and move to
the music.
Joyce Deane 01285 851408
Cycling with a Pub Lunch
Wednesday 28 June
Please note change of date.
There is a delightful ride
along the Windrush valley,
starting at the Green (opposite the school) in
Hatherop, then on through Eastleach, a lovely
glide down into Great Barrington, along the
valley bottom, then a gentle incline up to the
A40. Then a cruise on a long stretch past the
NT property at Lodge Park and on to lunch at
The Sherborne Arms then back via Coln St
Aldwyns, with a few undulations along the
way.
Grand scenery on a warm sunny day with a
very welcome lunch and some liquid
refreshment. Would appreciate knowing if you
are joining us.
Meet up at Fairford at 10.30am, or Hatherop
at 10.50am.
Paul O’Shaughnessy 01367 850262
Family History
Please ring me for details of this meeting. Miriam Scott 01285 713441
Computer Group Tuesdays
We meet every week on Tuesday mornings at
my home where I aim to help members in the
use of computers, the internet and more. If
you are interested in joining the group, please
contact me and you will be welcome.
If you have your own laptop, please bring it
along as it is better to learn on your own
computer.
For those just starting, I have a modern
Windows laptop computer that is available for
members to use.
Nick Humphris
01285 711740
Creative Writing
Fridays
We have an excellent small group who are enjoying the activities but we would welcome any new members. We meet every Friday morning from 10.00am to 11.30am.
Please contact me for more details:
Jo Stichbury 01285 239152
Chess
Do you know how to play chess? If not, have you ever thought about learning? Why not join us and give it a try? We play for fun and don’t take it too seriously whether we win or lose, and it is a good way to keep the grey matter ticking over.
We meet once a month, usually on a Wednesday afternoon, start with a chat over tea and biscuits, and play for a maximum of about an hour-and-a-half.
Please contact me if you are interested or would like more information.
Mike Bennett 01367 252379 [email protected]
Italian Mondays
We meet on Monday afternoons at my home.
At present we are focussing on ‘Holiday
Italian’.
For details contact:
Bea Bostock 01285 750456
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French 1
We have a change of name but continue to meet as usual at my home on Mondays at 11.00am, still fixing our dates from one meeting to the next.
Do contact me if you would like to join us. Our meetings are always great fun!
Rosemary Westlake 01285 712329 [email protected]
French 2 & 3
Mondays
Now known as French 2 and 3, we are the result of a group splitting into two because of increased numbers, and is for those who feel reasonably confident about holding a conversation albeit with some vocab help from other members!
We make use of ‘La Vie Outre-Manche’ , an excellent magazine written almost entirely in French for groups like ours.
These two groups meet at the homes of Jeanne Watkins (as before for many years) and Jane Pugh
Kevin Hannigan 01367 250246
Garden Group
Thursday 22 June
Our visit is to Snowshill Manor and Gardens near to Broadway, Worcestershire for the lavender and gardens (and the Manor House if you choose). Meet at the Car Park at 2.00pm,returning at around 5.15pm. Suggested travel donation £2. Beth and Geoff Dennis 01285 712195 [email protected]
Geology
Wednesday 14 June
We shall meet as usual at 2.30pm
For further details please contact: Clive Watson 01285 713003
Keep Fit Tuesdays
We meet in the Palmer Hall on Tuesday each week at 9.15am.
Chris Pooley 01367 250346
Industrial Heritage
For details of this month’s activities please contact: Pete Evans 01285 713069 [email protected]
New! - Italian for Beginners
Italian for absolute beginners.... if you are
interested in joining a new class please
contact Bea Bostock for more details.....
Bea Bostock 01285 750456
Mah Jong Thursdays 1, 15 June, 6 July The Mah Jong Group meets in the Barker Room at Fairford Community Centre for two hours from 10.00am on the first and third Thursdays of the month. Mah Jong originated as a Chinese game and is played with tiles. It is an easy and sociable game to learn and enjoy from the outset. Although our Group is now full we are often able to accommodate guest players. Please contact us if you would like to attend, or to experience a trial session to find out what it is all about. Future Meetings – 6, 20 July Alan & Linda Eagle 01285 712515 [email protected]
Model Group Thursdays
The Model Group meets weekly
on Thursday mornings. Please
contact me for details:
Jim Sullivan
01367 252539.
Latin
Thursdays 1 June, 6 July
The group meets on the first Thursday of the month at 2.30pm at my house.
Please contact me if you
are unable to come.
Susan Greig 01285 810274
Music Listening
Friday 16 June
We meet at Rosemary's house at 2.30pm to
listen to our choices of Midsummer Music.
Please let Rosemary know if you are unable to
come (01285 712329)
Gillian Bilbrough
01285 712579
Needlework
Wednesdays 14, 28 June
We meet at the Fairford Community Centre
from 2.00pm to 4.00pm. This group brings
together many different skills under the
heading of ‘Needlework’; we are a friendly
group and enjoy our
sessions.
If you would like to know
more, please contact:
Pauline Jones 01285 851212
Pétanque
Tuesdays and Wednesdays There are now two Pétanque groups running each week. Both are held at the U3A piste at Farmor’s School, Leafield Road in Fairford at 9.45am for a 10.00am start. There are no vacancies in the Wednesday Group. Should any new members of the U3A wish to join us we are still able to offer trial sessions on a Tuesday morning.
Dave and Heather Baber 01285 711343
Philosophy
Wednesday 21 June
The next meeting will be held at Pam Davey's house . The subject for discussion will be ‘Attitudes that change with age’. Dan Deane 01285 851408
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Tuesday 20 June
This month’s meeting will be at the usual
venue at 2.30pm when Liz will show us some
of her collection of Fairford Carnival postcards.
We shall also have our usual 6-card story
session.
John Higgs
01285 712488
Poetry Circle 1
Fridays 2 June, 7 July
The group usually meets on the first Friday of the month at 2.30pm when we read and enjoy poetry and verse of all kinds.
Anyone interested in joining us would be most welcome.
Barbara Cottam 01285 711054
Poetry Circle 2
Fridays 2 June, 7 July
This month we meet at Doreen's (01285 810313) to read poetry on the subject of 'Sailing'. Then in July we shall be at Jen's (01285 712397) to read poems by Vernon Scannell. Please let them know if you are unable to attend. Barbara Cobbett Jen Thoburn 01285 712692 01285 712397
Quilting
Wednesday 7 June, 5 July
This group meets on the first Wednesday of
the month from 12.30pm to 2.00pm in the
Barker Room of the Community Centre.
New members welcome. Please telephone me
for more information.
Jan Mills 01285 850384
Recorders
Fridays 9, 23 June
We start with anyone who
would like to play the treble
(from 2.00pm to 2.30pm)
followed by the main group to
finish at 4.30pm with a break for tea. We will
be in the Heritage Room on the ground floor
of the Fairford Community Centre and will let
you know if we have to use another room. As
usual, we will be playing a varied selection of
music arranged for Descant, Treble, Tenor
and Bass with the addition of Great and
Contrabasses in the occasional piece.
If there are any more recorder players (no
matter how rusty) who would like to join a
friendly, non-judgemental group you would
be very welcome - please contact:
Hilary Bradshaw 01367 860030 [email protected] Jay Mathews 01367 860869 [email protected]
We have some spare instruments and stands;
please ask if you would like to borrow one.
Rummikub
Thursdays 8 June, 13 July We meet on the second Thursday of the month from 2.00pm to 4.00pm for some friendly games of Rummikub. The venue is the Barker Room (ground floor at the back) in the Fairford Community Centre. There will be no meeting in August. Contacts Jean Freeth Lilian Pooley 01285 713570 01367 250346
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Spanish for Beginners
Wednesdays This group has ben running since October 2016 so any newcomers will need to know some Spanish already or be prepared to do some serious catching up! We meet at my house on Wednesday afternoons. Please contact me if you would like to join us Linda Aston 01285 810900 [email protected]
Short Tennis
Mondays
This group meets in the Palmer Hall every Monday between 3.00pm and 5.00pm. As we only have one court we often cannot accommodate new players, so if interested please speak to me first.
Margaret Trickett 01285 712421
Yoga
Mondays and Thursdays
Classes meet weekly in the Community Centre.
Yoga 1 on Mondays at 10.00am in the Farmor Room. Yoga 2 on Thursdays at 11.30am in the Keble room.
Sylvia Jones 01285 712657
Solos
Mondays 5 June, 3 July
Our next general meeting will be as usual at Val's house. Please note change of time 12.30 for 1.00pm The plan is to have a fish and chip lunch so could everybody who is coming let me know in advance either by text, phone or e-mail, please.
Michael Johnson 01285 712637 [email protected]
Table Tennis
Wednesdays and Fridays
Our group has grown to the extent that we have chosen to run an additional session. So you can now come along on Wednesday from 2.30pm and Friday from 10.00am.
Sessions are held in the Keble Room in the Fairford Community Centre. Players of all abilities are welcome.
Wednesday Group Leader: Nick Stroude: 01295 521067
Friday Group Leader: Barry Aylett-Warner: 01367 253788
Cuckoo, cuckoo, what do you do?
In April I open my bill,
In May I sing night and day,
In June I change my tune,
In July away I fly,
August go I must.
Walking with a Pub Lunch
Wednesday 14 June This is a repeat of a popular easy 5 mile walk, starting at the Old George Inn at South Cerney, GL7 5UA. This time to add to the excitement, we are going to do it backwards! (unlike Ginger Rogers, not in high heels). Undemanding, varied scenery, four small easy stiles (would I lie to you?!) and very flat. We will pass through the delightful villages of South Cerney and Cerney Wick. The walk takes us along the Thames and Severn Canal and the Andover to Andoversford railway line and past lakes and marshy areas for those interested in bird spotting. Duration of the walk about 2 – 2¼ hours and lunch may be booked at the George Inn (www.oldgeorgeinn.co.uk) before we start. We will have menus on the day. Meet at Fairford car park at 9.45am or at the pub at 10.10am for a 10.20am start. Suggested travel donation: £1.30.
Alan Topham and Marilyn Gibbon 01285 713928
Straddlers
Thursday 15 June This walk covers approximately 5½ miles and about 2 to 2½ hours walking. We begin from the Three Tuns Public House in Great Bedwyn and continue through the village to reach the church, go through the churchyard and cross over the West Country railway line with extreme care. Then join the tow path of the Kennet and Avon Canal, follow it in a westerly direction until we reach the Crofton pumping station (lock60). At this point leave the towpath beside Wilton Water and proceed to Wilton Village. Leave the village to climb to Wilton Windmill, then enter Bedwyn Brail through the woods the eventually descend to the towpath and car park. Bring lunch and coffee/drink. I look forward to seeing you. Meet at Fairford Car Park 8.51am with departure at 9.00am sharp, or at 10.00am in the main car park in Great Bedwyn, near the railway and canal bridges. Suggested travel donation £2 Please let me know if you are coming. Michael Deane 01285 810316, mobile 07474809765 [email protected]
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Strollers
Friday 23 June
This walk starts at The Keepers Pub, in Quenington. We will walk down towards Coln then follow the river path towards Bibury, then turn up to Ash Copse, follow the footpaths back to Quenington via Donkeywell Farm. Distance about 3½ miles. We will order lunch before we leave. Meet at Fairford car park at 10am or the pub at 10.15am. Suggested travel contribution £1. Judith Butler 01285 712600
Jenny Kinch 01367 252328
Striders Tuesday 27 June A six mile undulating and largely woodland walk starting from the newly refurbished Daneway Inn. We will start to the west along the old Thames and Severn Canal; then there is a steep climb away from the canal (diagonally across the contours to make it easier), through Frampton Wood and towards Sapperton. After passing though the village we follow the Macmillan Way to Pinbury Park, descend to cross a stream and a second steep climb up the other side. Finally an easy walk back via the Daneway Banks Nature Reserve. The walk duration will be about 2½ hours. Suggested travel donation is £1.00. We will depart from Fairford car park at 9.20am and from the Daneway Inn at 10.10am, after pre-ordering lunch. Please contact me a day or two in advance if you wish to come. Richard Thompson 01285 712123
Walking Groups
Birdwatching Although we had planned to visit the GWT reserve at Sapperton Wood our recce proved rather fruitless so we went to the GWT site at Coombe Hill Meadows just north of Gloucester instead, which proved to be an excellent choice. The weather was fine and sunny and there was plenty of water in the scrapes. The bushes along the canal were full of birds in full song although many were difficult to see. We spent some time in the hide looking out over the scrapes where a lone curlew and a couple of little ringed plovers stood out from the usual birds. The highlight of the day was probably a sedge warbler singing his heart out fully visible on a bush close to the path – a bird more often heard than seen. Richard Morgan
Anglo-Saxon Poetry
At our April meeting we revisited ‘The Dream of the Rood’, one of the greatest and most
imaginative Christian poems in English Literature. This visionary poem straddles the pagan and
Christian worlds: Christ is depicted in Germanic heroic terms as the leader of a warrior band; the
Cross is personified as one of his followers who is determined to do his duty, despite suffering on
both his own account and that of ‘the young hero (who was God Almighty)’:
A rood I was raised up, and I held high
The noble King, the Lord of Heaven above.
I dared not stoop. They pierced me with dark nails.
The second part of the meeting was devoted to two different recordings of the story of Beowulf.
We continued with a section of Seamus Heaney’s verse translation and ended the morning with
the first section of Hugh Lupton’s retelling of ‘Beowulf’ as a performance piece which seeks to
recreate the essence of the tale for modern audiences.
Iris Anne Lewis
GROUP REVIEWS
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Cycling with a Pub Lunch Thursday 27 April The Swan at Radcot has quite a simple limited menu, but that was compensated for by the ale which was supplied by the Halfpenny Brewery. Quite delightful. Four of us had met up in Southrop, then proceeded to Filkins via Holywell and Westwell, a new route which was quite delightful. Then onwards to Clanfield via Quiet Lane which is gated. As per usual we returned quicker than we went, this time through Langford. A bright day, with lots of cruising. Many thanks for coming. Paul O'Shaughnessy
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Book Circle 2
‘I Heard the Owl Call My Name’,by Margaret Craven First published in Toronto 1967 by Clark Irwin Margaret Craven, American, was born in 1901, a journalist and writer of mainly short stories. She became interested in the indigenous peoples of the BC coast and in 1962 she visited Kingcome. From this experience she wrote this, her first novel. A best seller in the USA, it was made into a TV film there in 1973 and translated into several languages. The story of Mark, a young Anglican vicar with not long to live, who is sent by the Bishop to work in his ‘hardest parish’, isolated Kingcome and other Indian (now ‘First Nation’) villages on the west coast of British Columbia. While sharing the hunting, fishing, festivals and funerals, the joys and sorrows of a once proud tribe, Mark listens and learns about the vital connection between the people, each other, and the land. He is able to respect and absorb their traditional ways, which are disappearing as modern civilization gradually overwhelms their way of life. As he accepts the tribe they accept him, and he is able to hear his name when he is called by the owl, the gentle messenger of death. The group enjoyed reading this, which vividly describes the people, the birds, animals and landscape, and above all the rain and the river. Everything is linked and relies on each other, as the Indians living there see the living landscape around them as part of the present and the past. But the future is greatly in doubt. The author uses short clear sentences which leave the reader thinking. This could be an anthropological account of the way of life of the BC west coast First Nation, so finely detailed it is. But the novelist’s added perception wisdom and insight creates a story hard to forget. Jane Pugh
Book Circle 1
In March, we read ‘Colour Bar’ by Susan Williams. The book is a shocking account of how the
British Government conspired with apartheid South Africa and Southern Rhodesia to prevent a
mixed-race royal couple from returning home to the British Protectorate of Bechuanaland. The
love story of Seretse Khama and his white wife Ruth defines an era of dying colonial power. The
narrative underlines the casual racism, arrogant patronage and incredible hauteur of both
Labour and Tory politicians. We realised that then the British people were not concerned as
these events took place just after the last war and they had enough problems of their own with
housing and food shortages.
The book aroused in us great sympathy for the couple and strong emotions and great anger at
the British government of both parties which led to a political discussion. This story was very
well researched with extensive detail which for some of us was too excessive. Although we have
come a long way from the days of racial segregation we the British people have made big
mistakes and sadly we are still making them. For those who are interested a film has recently
been made about Seretse Khama and his Nation.
Heather Holwell
Dance to Five Rhythms During our April session we shared our usual musical mix on the lovely Bose player bought for our use by the U3A. We do enjoy dancing on the lovely sprung floor of the Palmer Hall and having the space in which to express our individual responses to the music. We began with a warmup which, on this occasion, was to Scott Joplin's The Entertainer and The Maple Leaf Rag. More of Scott Joplin with Solace followed by Annie's Song played by James Galway for the Flowing Rhythm. Next we danced Staccato to Brown Girl in the Ring by Bony M and Explosive by Bond, we then moved on to Danse Macabre by Saint Saens for the Chaos music. Then a change of rhythm, we danced to Scarborough Fair sung by Simon and Garfunkle, the Swan by Saint Saens and Beethoven's Pathetique. We were gradually slowing down from Lyrical Dances towards our final Rhythm, Stillness with Benedictus by Karl Jenkins.
It always feels like a good workout and, for me, it is also a creative meditation to dance through the 5 Rhythms. Gillian Bilbrough
Pétanque group A surprise donation of a ton of grit was gratefully appreciated by the group and it has now been put to good use by the 'maintenance team' of Jim Sloan, Alan Topham and Dave. Together, with a dumpy bag of Cotswold gravel the three of them have now completed resurfacing the piste which will lead to a kinder surface when the boules are thrown. We have now welcomed five new members in the Tuesday group so places are becoming limited.. (No vacancies in the Wednesday group) . Should any new members of the U3A wish to join us we will still be able to offer trial sessions on a Tuesday morning. Dave and Heather Baber
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Philosophy
At our May meeting the starting point for our discussion was a line from Alexander Pope’s long
poem, Essay on Man, ‘Know thyself, presume not God to scan: The proper study of mankind is
man’. It was suggested that this might be taken as a plea for less theology and more
psychology, but we talked mostly about differences in social structures through history, how
institutions such as slavery must have been seen as essential in the ancient world, although
repugnant now, and how interest in the individual arose in societies which had previously
thought of people only as members of the groups they had been born into, their trade or class
or their religion. It was claimed that Christianity influenced many of these changes. Needless
to say, we didn’t get very far with any of these mighty topics, but it was a thoughtful and
interesting afternoon.
Susan Greig
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Scottish Reels
We have now concluded a successful 2016/7 winter season when we learned or reprised about
30 different dances. Many of our group attended Reels parties in Chavenage House, The Pittville
Pump Room, Amberley, Rodmarton and even in Monmouth.
We dance at Poulton Village Hall on Wednesday from 8 to 10pm and next winter's season starts
on Wednesday 20 September. We welcome all standards from beginner to expert, single or with
a dancing partner.
If you would like further information please contact Richard or Carol Thompson at
01285 712123
Poetry Circle 1
Our theme for May was 'Conflict', a not unusual subject for these uncertain times. Some poems
spoke of actual combat. 'London Under Bombardment' by Greta Briggs recorded the horrors of
the 1941 blitz. 'Easter 1916' by W.B.Yeats pondered, with sadness, the tragic events and
consequences of the Irish rebellion of that year. 'Barcelona' by Robert Service suggested rather
disturbingly that benign dictatorship might be preferable to bloodshed.
Also by Robert Service but on a lighter note 'The Shooting of Dan McGrew' told rousingly of
personal rivalry in the Wild West. Three poems gave us different food for thought. 'The Indian's
Retort' by Jean Very spoke movingly of the injustices inflicted on that injured race. ‘The Pity of it
All' by Felix Dennis was a dark inditement of present day society. 'Conflict' by C. Day Lewis
reflected the brooding of poets in the shadow of World War 2. It could have been a depressing
afternoon given the topic but our meetings are always light hearted as well as thought
provoking.
Barbara Cottam
Strollers
Friday 28 April
OK. So I was economical about the distance and the number of stiles to climb over – but if the
farmer will close up his gates and force us to go over them, what do we do? On the other hand, I
didn’t get us lost, everyone who started came back and there was no mud, so overall I think I
won on points!
Seventeen of us set off from The Bakers Arms in Somerford Keynes for a four mile (all right Doug
4.89 miles if you want to be really accurate!) circular walk to Ewen and back. Taking in a section
of the restful Thames path, rural lanes and open fields it was a varied and interesting walk
enjoyed – I hope – by all.
The meal that followed at The Bakers Arms was judged by everyone to be excellent and
beautifully presented, finishing off a very pleasant morning. Thank you all for coming!
Alan Topham
Solos
Owing to Bank Holidays only two events occurred in April; an evening meal at the Bull Hotel, Fairford and lunch at Kempsford Village Hall Michael Johnson
15
Walking with a white cane I used to Walk with a Pub Lunch, and Straddle and Stride - but my walking these days is more restricted, my adventures at a different level. Walking with a white cane means learning and then sticking to 'routes' which for me means walking along Milton Street , heading for the Community Centre, or going to St Thomas' church via Waterloo Lane. Or I take a diversion over Dilly's Bridge and into Back Lane.. I have occasionally paid a social call in Lygon Court! Not much challenge or excitement here you may be thinking. You would be wrong! Unexpected hazards are a feature of even the most familiar routes, hazards you probably haven't even noticed. Pavements are currently sporting yellow plastic covers - what they cover I don't know - usually topped by a cone. Trickier are A boards on narrow pavements outside shops. Scaffolding is challenging, even with its bright yellow covering. Roadworks were a nightmare in places earlier in the year with warning signs for vehicles totally blocking pavement for pedestrians. Dare I step into the road to avoid an obstacle? Luckily there is usually help at hand. People see my problem and advice and help is offered. A familiar voice calls from the other side of the road. 'There's a bin coming up on your right Rosemary - just keep left'. Someone stops me near the town bridge to tell me the pavement is completely blocked because of tree felling - and offers to help me cross the road, then back again so that I can carry on safely. During refurbishment of the Bull, to my surprise one morning, the alley was completely blocked. What to do? Someone there - 'It's Tim the postman Mrs Westlake, I'll walk you round the corner'. Friday morning. Bins everywhere in Milton Street. Bright sunlight means I see even less than usual. Shadows make life more difficult as lorries and cars pass by. I hear an engine idling, pavement in shadow - is it the bin lorry? Is that someone wearing a high-viz jacket? Are they emptying bins? Do I carry on? Then a voice says 'Take my hand'. I do as I am instructed and am led forward for about 10 metres . The voice says' You are alright now'. And I say 'Thank you.' People are wonderful. Being able to use a white cane has certainly given me a measure of independence but I still find myself thinking 'This can't really be me'. But it is. Rosemary Westlake
Please send items for the
July/August issue to
Marilyn Gibbon
by 17th June
June
Thursday 1 Model Making, Latin, Mah Jong, Scrabble, Yoga
Friday 2 Poetry 1 & 2, Table Tennis 2, Creative Writing
Monday 5 Bridge, French, Italian, Short Tennis, Solos, Yoga
Tuesday 6 MAIN MEETING Computers, Keep Fit, Ballroom Dancing, Pétanque
Wednesday 7 Table Tennis 1, Quilting, Beginners Spanish, Pétanque
Thursday 8 Model Making, Rummikub, Yoga
Friday 9 Recorders, Table Tennis 2, Creative Writing
Monday 12 Bridge, French, Italian, Short Tennis, Yoga
Tuesday 13 Book Circles, Computers, Keep Fit, Pétanque
Wednesday 14 Table Tennis 1, Beginners Spanish, Walking with PL, Needlework, Pétanque, Geology
Thursday 15 Model Making, Mah Jong, Straddlers, Yoga
Friday 16 Music Listening, Table Tennis 2, Creative Writing
Monday 19 Bridge, French, Italian, Short Tennis, Yoga
Tuesday 20 Birdwatching, Computers, Keep Fit, Postcards, Pétanque, Ballroom Dancing
Wednesday 21 Table Tennis 1, Beginners Spanish, Five Rhythms, Pétanque, Philosophy
Thursday 22 AS Poetry, Garden, Model Making, Yoga, Family History
Friday 23 Recorders, Strollers, Table Tennis 2, Creative Writing
Monday 26 Bridge, French, Italian, Short Tennis, Yoga
Tuesday 27 Computers, Keep Fit, Striders, Pétanque
Wednesday 28 Table Tennis 1, Beginners Spanish, Pétanque, Cycling with PL, Needlework
Thursday 29 Model Making, Yoga
Friday 30 Poetry 1 & 2, Table Tennis 2, Creative Writing
July
Monday 3 Bridge, French, Italian, Short Tennis, Solos, Yoga
Tuesday 4 MAIN MEETING Computers, Keep Fit, Pétanque, Ballroom Dancing
Wednesday 5 Table Tennis 1, Pétanque, Quilting, Needlework, Beginners Spanish, Pétanque
Thursday 6 Latin, Model Making, Mah Jong, Scrabble, Yoga
Friday 7 Poetry 1 &2, Table Tennis 2, Creative Writing