Read the Newsletter online at www.fairfordu3a.org.uk

Issue 253 September

2018

www.fairfordu3a.org.uk Registered Charity No 1072658

Fairford & District

Newsletter

Rout on the Riviera - Exercise Tiger

The Slapton Sands Disaster

By

Paul Barnett

2

MAIN MEETING 4 September Unfortunately Angela Panrucker is unable to

be with us today.

Rout on the Riviera - Exercise Tiger - The

Slapton Sands Disaster

We are grateful to Paul Barnett who has

stepped in at short notice to give us a talk on

the tragic events of the night of April 28th

1944. Almost forgotten, the story places the

listener in the heart of Sleepy Lyme Bay at a

time of the Allied operations in readiness for

Operation Overlord. Originally considered safe

in home waters a loaded convoy sets sail, but

by daybreak two ships lay on the seabed, one

limping badly and 749 souls missing - a scene

of total devastation. Step forward 40 years

and peace has returned to the shore, albeit

the tranquil scene is silently guarded by one

man’s determination .........to recover a

sunken tank!

Forthcoming Meetings

2 October: Up in the Clouds with some

Fluffy Bits

To describe Alan Brewer as 'well travelled'

would be something of an understatement.

During a 38 year career with the BA, this

former steward and BBC chef has looked

after Royalty, Prime Ministers, Pop Stars and

Celebrities. In this light hearted

presentation, Alan shares with us some of his

interesting encounters and anecdotes.

6 November: Plant Conservation at the

National Trust

Simon Toomer works for the National Trust.

He talks about the conservation of cultivated

plants in the National Trust gardens and

parks.

4 December: Christmas meeting

Watch this space for further information

about the December meeting.

July meeting

Alison Parker - Barking Mad Pet Care Alison has asked me to pass on her thanks to everyone who kindly donated to her chosen charity ‘Dogs for Good’, it was greatly appreciated. Jen Thoburn Programme Secretary

Members

Should you change your email address or any other detail will you please let me know so that our records can be kept up to date. In addition, if you wish to join the Fairford U3A, please contact me: Sue Jonson, Membership Secretary membershipsec@fairfordu3a.org.uk 0774 392 3089

August Meeting

The U3A Annual Picnic has now been and gone and a fine time was had by all! This year we all met at the new Lechlade Memorial Hall which got the thumbs up from most of the members that came along. It was large enough, had a nice through draught and a good kitchen for making cups of tea. The food was good (we all supplied our own) the company great, it was good to see all the other members (about forty odd members turned up). Dave and Heather organised ‘boccia’; we had two games going and the winners of both groups then played each other. Boccia was new to many members and several showed an interest in joining when we start again in the winter months. It was generally thought to have been a good afternoon and we were just sorry that more members had not been able to make it. Perhaps in future we could try and be a little more organised so we knew how many people were coming. Perhaps if more group leaders could organise their members as the solo’s do we would be able to plan better. Better luck next year.

Jo Stichbury

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Photo Album

If you have any interesting photographs of U3A activities, please pass them to Ann Wightman (01285 712723) for inclusion in the album.

Chairman’s Report

So much seems to have happened in two months – we were looking forward to the trip to SS Great Britain which turned out to be a great success: thank you to Sue Martin who organised this trip so seamlessly. I had been there before but about 20 years ago, so a lot had changed! It was interesting and informative and very well attended. The next trip to look forward to is the trip to Bletchley Park. Having read so much about the Enigma machine and seen various films on the subject it should be fun. See the information in this Newsletter and the form at the back if you wish to go. Thank you too, to the team who put together the August ‘outside’ meeting at the Lechlade Memorial Hall. Marilyn Yates, Jo Stichbury and her helpers ran the event very smoothly and it was enjoyed by all who went. Boccia was played (a few new recruits were added to the group) and the quizzes went down well. However, we must ask ourselves whether or not to have an August meeting when they have not been well attended over the years. Our membership is over 400 and only about a tenth of our members attended this time. In August we are in the peak of the school holidays and many of us (me included) are helping out with grandchildren while parents are at work and some of us are away on holiday. Bearing in mind the work and the costs that go into the organisation of the summer meeting it is debatable whether or not to carry on with this function. I shall be asking for members’ opinions at the next meeting so I expect the suggestion box will be well used! Don’t forget the new group for Beginners’ table tennis which starts this month – see notice in this Newsletter. Marilyn Gibbon - Chairman 01285 713928 chairman@u3afairford.org.uk

Tea Rota

October: Table Tennis

November: Walk with a pub lunch

December: Committee

Welcome to New Members

Brigid and Andrew Cleaver Janet Edwards Maureen Holman Trevor Charlton Michael and Veronica Bird Anne Hopkins

Message from the Trip Co-ordinator Trip to Bletchley Park 2nd November 2018

Information and booking form regarding the trip to Bletchley Park can be found at the back of this newsletter and I will be available at the September meeting to take bookings.

sue.martin@waitrose.com 01285 851300

Thanks from the Friday Table Tennis group: Having started and led the Friday Table Tennis Group since its inception in January 2016, Barry Aylett-Warner has decided he will not attend any further Friday sessions. His support and playing ability will be much missed, and I am sure that all members of the Friday Group will wish to join me in thanking Barry for all he has contributed over the years to this Group. Nick Stroude

GROUP REPORTS

Anglo Saxon Poetry : July

For our July meeting, we went time travelling away from Anglo-Saxon times and fast forwarded to the late 14th century to study and enjoy the Middle English poem ’Pearl’. In addition to reading a section of the poem (in translation) we discussed how the different types of the Old English language had developed into the different types of Middle English. ‘Pearl’ is written on the North West version of Middle English, which is characterised by the use of words of Scandinavian origin, alliteration and energy. A haunting and lyrical poem with 101 stanzas, ‘Pearl' is both elegiac and allegorical. The poem is notable not just for its subject matter of loss and consolation but for its intricate form and masterly use of poetic techniques such as rhyme, alliteration and chiming repetition of key words and phrases.

Iris Lewis

Birdwatching

June : RSPB Otmoor and Greenham Common It was an overcast and humid day, but a stiff breeze greeted us on arrival at Otmoor. We needn't have worried, within minutes we were watching bittern and marsh harriers, but not the turtle dove we all had hoped for! Moving on and enjoying the stunning vista, we soon began listing numerous reed buntings, cetti’s, sedge and reed warblers, plus many commoner warblers, common terns, a stunning mediterranean gull amongst a black-headed gull colony (under constant attack by red kites), oystercatchers, redshank, curlew, lapwing, cuckoo, drumming snipe, and little egrets. This was really getting good! But best of all, on the return route, a very obliging turtle dove was found, followed by a perched hobby, several parties of long tailed tits, some stunning bullfinches and painted lady butterflies! It was really top birding. Moving on to Newbury, we had a leisurely, delicious meal at the Plough on the Green, before moving on to Greenham Common. This was a bit later than normal, but we had ‘roding’ woodcock, and several 'churring' nightjars giving brief but frustrating views! Also on the heath, we found several glow worms and a buff tip moth, concluding a very good day out.

July : Slimbridge, Severn Beach and Pilning wetland. On a warm but windy day, 12 members made the trip to Slimbridge. On arrival, we went straight to South Lake, which unfortunately was very quiet. So quickly moving on to the Zeiss Hide, it was with a huge sigh of relief that ducks, etc and hundreds of wading birds were feeding in the shrinking wetland out from the hide. There were barnacle geese, 100's of shelduck, also teal, shovellers and gadwall, several cranes (at times in flight), oystercatchers, avocets with many young, lapwings, redshanks, 3 ruffs, some colourful black-tailed godwit, swallows, house and sand martins, several reed warblers and at least 4 yellow wagtails completed the spectacle ! Moving on to the Rushy Pen, we saw green sandpipers and one of the 3 crane chicks that are on the reserve, along with many recently fledged avocets and a huge crèche of young shelducks. After a protracted lunch, we travelled to the Severn Beach and Pilning wetland, an area between the two Severn bridges. On arrival we scoped the beach, seeing large numbers of shelduck, oystercatchers, lapwing, dunlin, black-tailed godwits and curlew. Moving on to the wetlands, we saw large flocks of linnets and pied wagtails, at least 3 common sandpipers, and saving the best until last, a very smart wood sandpiper. This completed another excellent day’s birding. Thanks to everybody for their support. Mick and Jo Jones, Geoff Dennis

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Book Circle 1 : June

Our latest read was ‘An Unsung Hero’ by Michael Smith. I think we all faced this book with some trepidation, the Antarctic, not only that but Scott of the Antarctic. I think I can say we were all a little disillusioned with the first half of the book. Having been taught the story of Scott from an early age; reading about his preparations for his epic journey and eventually the fateful outcome, we finally met the ‘real’ man. Not the John Mills version that was remembered from the forties film which had been seen by some. The unsung hero was actually the Irishman Tom Crean, who went firstly with Scott then with Shackleton a few years later. We all fell slightly in love with Tom, or Crean as he was mostly called in the book, and would have liked a few more personal details. Most of the second half was about the Shackleton expedition which sounded really gruelling, but they did all survive (some finished then the last few were rescued a few months later). Although after Scott’s expedition Tom Crean had returned to the English navy, Shackleton applied for Crean’s release to become a member of his team and he soon proved his worth. After this final expedition Tom Crean left the navy and returned to Ireland where he married, had two daughters and lived in a pub that he had bought earlier. We all enjoyed the book after getting used to our illusions about Scott being shattered. Jo Stichbury

Book Circle 2 : August

‘Sarah’s Key’ was written by Tatiana de Rosnay in 2007. It is an extremely compelling, moving book, beautifully written, exposing the little known round-up of thousands of French Jews in 1942. It is cleverly told by running 2 consecutive plots, entwining:- 1. An American journalist’s almost obsessive desire to discover and then reveal the horror........and 2. The story of a 10 year old girl arrested with her parents, leaving her 4 year old brother locked in a bedroom cupboard. We were all glad to have read the book. It is hauntingly sad, but very gripping.

Ann Duckney

Book Circle 1 : August

‘The Child in Time’ by Ian McEwan

This book has been thought by many reviewers as his masterpiece. It provoked lively discussion with our Circle members – some hated it, others tolerated it and then there were those who thought it engrossing and well written. The story opens as a child is snatched in a supermarket. She was with her father, Stephen, who was momentarily distracted. After the opening the story is concerned with the effect this horrific act has on her parents, who each deal with it in different ways. Mother, a violinist, leaves to live in seclusion in a Kentish wilderness and Father spends his time mostly drinking whisky and watching trash television. The only relief in his life is having as friends a couple, the wife being a writer and the husband who has a political career. This career was abandoned and they both chose to live a solitary life in the countryside. To fill time Stephen started to learn Arabic and he also attended Government meetings where a controversial document about childcare was being prepared for publication. Stephen could have had a prosperous career in Government as he had the attention of the Prime Minister. The child is never found, his male friend commits suicide, his tutor in Arabic dies, but the story does end in hope, as Stephen sees there is the possibility of his marriage being resurrected and there will also be the birth of a new baby. This novel is connected to McEwan’s personal life as during the writing of it he experienced the birth of his first child. Sheila Morgan

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Cycling with pub lunch: August The forecast was HOT, 28 degrees and breezy, not the perfect recipe for a cycle ride through the leafy lanes of Gloucestershire and West Oxfordshire. Our spiritual leader, Paul O'Shaughnessy was away in the North welcoming into the world his new granddaughter Isla so we knew our numbers would be down. Evergreen Dave Benson was up for it and so was the returning Paul Gardner who hadn’t ridden with us this year due to a suspect ankle. So just three of us set off from Hatherop. We headed through Eastleach and found our way up past the Downs in no time. A quick water break 5 miles in and we were heading down towards The Barringtons before taking the Windrush route towards Burford. Back across the A40 and down through Westwell and Holwell. After passing the Wildlife Park we crossed the A361 and cruise down into Shilton for a nice lunch and beer. Once refreshed we were enjoying the decline towards Carterton before switching back through Kencot, Broadwell, Langford and Little Faringdon before returning to our respective bases. Around 35 miles covered and feeling better for it. Pete McHugh

Cycling with a pub lunch : July

It was a glorious sunny day (naturally) as we assembled at Coln St Aldwyns. Five of us were on The Green then Alan joined us from the coffee shop. Why did we not think of that? We sped through Eastleach then cruised down into Great Barrington after crossing the A40. Always an exhilarating ride. A delightful tootle through Sherborne village alongside the river brought us to the incline back up to the A40. Then an easy glide past Lodge Park and onwards to the pub. Very nice lunch and drink sitting under a cooling fan, then it was off back to Coln. We split at Dean’s farm, and went our separate ways. A very good ride, with thanks to Beth for joining us, even though she missed lunch. As ever, thanks for your company.

Paul O'Shaughnessy

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Book Circle 2 : July In July, we met to discuss 'Birdcage Walk' by Helen Dunmore who died last year at the age of 62. She was first and foremost a poet but wrote a number of well received novels, with historical backgrounds – ‘The Siege’, set in Leningrad, 'Exposure' set in England at the time of the Cold War....In the case of 'Birdcage Walk', the setting is Bristol at the end of the 18th century, a time of social and political change throughout Europe. Dunmore explains in her Afterword, that she is primarily interested in the minor characters in these big stories, people who have disappeared from the historical record, but whose actions surely helped shape the course of events. In 'Birdcage Walk', Julia Fawkes exemplifies this. She was a radical who wrote pamphlets advocating the rights of women and the poor, but no trace of her work remains. A headstone seen in the overgrown cemetery in Birdcage Walk in Bristol has triggered a powerful novel. The story of Julia and her daughter Lizzie introduces the reader to a varied cast of characters, all brought vividly to life. Dunmore is clearly fascinated by the detail of domestic life of the period and it is beautifully described, as are settings and landscape. Some of us found the novel overly long, but intriguing characters and twists and turns in the plot sustained our interest. If you have not read Helen Dunmore, why not take a look at 'Birdcage Walk'?

Rosemary Westlake

Solos 28th July For our evening meal in July we decided to visit The Crown of Crucis as this was where Jim Burgess enjoyed his liver and bacon before his untimely demise in July 2017. We raised a glass to his memory before getting down to the business of enjoying ourselves.

Michael Johnson

Pétanque On the 18th July, over 30 of our players enjoyed a morning's play on the new piste at Royal Wootton Bassett, and we would like to thank Malcolm for inviting us. For many members it was the first time that they had experienced playing on a different terrain, and this led to an interesting debate on throwing techniques etc. A good learning curve for us all. The sun has certainly been shining on us for the past few weeks, to the point of many of us wilting in the heat! We are keeping our fingers crossed that it will still be kind to us when we play our annual Melée in August. Heather and Dave Baber

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Solos Friday 29th June

Solos group met at the Jolly Nice farm shop for a very nice lunch date The food is very good with a wide choice of hearty beef burgers (homemade), also a very tasty all-day breakfast plus sausage bacon baps and a range of sandwiches and other goodies. The coffee is excellent and there are various cakes. Also visiting was a well-known presenter from Countryfile enjoying their lunch. The farm shop presents a good selection of other goodies with homemade pies and pâté, also a very good choice of ice-creams. Jolly Nice is worth a visit with a difference. Elaine Tucker

MAH JONG GROUP

Time does fly. In July our Group completed its third season of operation which has been sensational with 21 different players playing 351 games in 22 sessions. The highest individual score for a game was 7,536. Our end of season celebration was a Chinese Feast at the ‘Asian Lounge’ in Cirencester when our top player was presented with a suitable trophy. Needless to say, it was not a quiet meal. As we enter our fourth season (commencing on 6 September) we will be introducing a further four special hands which are available optionally should a player wish to improve their score and have obtained a suitable selection of tiles. We are now able to welcome a few new players, total beginners or seasoned addicts. MahJong is not a difficult game and is played with small tiles rather than cards. It can be enjoyed right from your first game, after a short introduction to enable you to recognise the suits - not Heart, Clubs, Spades or Diamonds. There is a significant amount of luck involved in accumulating points (we do not play for money!) and it is then up to a small amount of skill to make the best of your tiles.

Alan & Linda Eagle

Philosophy June

We were uncertain as to what was to be discussed, and decided to consider the review of a book that was written 60 years ago, this book forecast a split in British Society due to changes in educational achievement. The book was ‘The Rise of the Meritocracy’ by Michael Young which purports to show that a better educated society will result in dissonance between the educated and the less well educated. It was pointed out that the review was written from the educated view point and effectively reinforced the book's view. Several interesting observations were made, helped I think by the fact that half of those present had at some time been teachers. Education is not only what is taught at school, but reflects the environment of the young person. Dan Deane

Strollers - Friday 27 July

Our party of 12 walkers did not start on the right footing when the hotel denied any knowledge of our booking for lunch and as they were fully booked with a wedding and two other functions, we were obliged to go elsewhere! A quick call to the nearby Freke Arms sorted us out and we continued our walk as planned. Unlike the uncomfortable heat of the previous days, the weather conditions were excellent for our strollers. Setting off through the hotel grounds we joined a path towards the hub of Stanton Country Park. Leaving this behind us we crossed a large field containing sheep to join numerous forest paths circumnavigating the grounds to return following a lakeside back to the hotel and the Freke Arms. It was a very pleasant walk with good company and as it turned out everyone thoroughly enjoyed the food and hospitality of the landlady who looked after us - particularly Mike Johnson who got more custard than he bargained for!

Bert Sampson

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Solos Tuesday 7 August

Outdoor Meeting - Summer social 15 of our group attended all bringing food to share, so we had a very good spread, thank you all for your contributions. We all joined in the quiz and quite a few joined in with the boccia and we all had a very enjoyable and social afternoon. Unfortunately, it was very poorly attended, there only being less than 50 members present out of a membership of over 400. In our group we have some of the oldest members suffering with hearing problems, sight problems, and mobility problems yet we made it an enjoyable afternoon. The committee work hard to run the U3A and organize events and it must be so disheartening when events like this are not supported. Yes, I know it’s family holiday time and some are on grandparent duties but surely group leaders could do what solos do: get their group members to bring a plate of food to share and join in the fun and meet other people in this wonderful organization called the U3A.

Michael Johnson

Solos Sunday 22 July

What a lovely day we had, the Solos doing what they do so well, eating. We all met at The Butchers Arms Sheepscombe for Sunday lunch, and what a delicious meal we had; pork, lamb, beef with Yorky puds also lasagne, veg of roasties, carrots and cauliflower, all very scrumptious. We were served very quickly even though the place was packed. No desserts were ordered as we left to go around a small garden nearby, which was suffering from the sun just like we were; I would imagine that in full bloom it was lovely. Some of us just headed for chairs, the others wandered around. We all then decided on cups of tea and cake sitting in the shade. A big thank you to Margaret for arranging this trip and to all our drivers who do a fantastic job. Also thank you for all helping in some way with those who are not so able, we wouldn't be without you.

Val Wood

Walking with a Pub Lunch; Wednesday 11 July Twelve of us enjoyed a beautiful ramble up and down the Leach Valley. The sun shone, there was no mud, we managed to avoid stiles and even the sheep were placid (although one tried to stand its ground for all of two seconds!) Ten of us then sat down for an enjoyable lunch at the Victoria. Thanks to all who attended.

Alan Topham

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Anglo-Saxon Poetry

Thursday 27 September

We shall meet at my house at 10.30am. Please let me know if you are unable to come. 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.

Birdwatching

Tuesday 18 September

Due to the erratic nature of the weather and bird numbers we are visiting Slimbridge this month. A further trip to Severn Beach will take place after lunch. As an alternative, a trip to a new location, Upton Warren could be arranged. Notification of the change will be by email nearer the date. Meet at Fairford car park at 9am or at Slimbridge at 10am. Mick & Jo Jones Geoff Dennis 01285 712195 bethandgeoff@yahoo.com

Book Circle 1

Tuesday 11 September

This month we shall look at 'Splinter the Silence' by Val McDermid. Please let me know if you cannot come to the meeting. Sheila Morgan 01285 810471

Book Circle 2

Tuesday 11 September

The group meet at 2.30pm at my home to

discuss 'The Beggar Maid'

by Alice Munroe. Please note CHANGE OF

VENUE. If you cannot come to the meeting,

please will you let me know.

Jane Pugh

01285 712184

pughtajm@gmail.com

Bridge Improvers

Mondays

The group will continue to meet every Monday afternoon (except Bank Holidays) from 2.00pm until 4.00pm in the Heritage Room, Fairford Community Centre, for a lesson and friendly practice play. If you play 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 mbishop1@timetalk.co.uk

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Dance to Five Rhythms

Wednesday 19 September

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 Thursday 27 September Not sure of the route for this ride as we have not done certain parts before. However, I am sure we can work it out as we go along. We start from Coln St Aldwyn Post Office, then gently glide downhill into Bibury, with some grand views. On to Ablington then up a gentle rise to the crossroads on the Barnsley road. Turn right onto the long straight up to The Hare and Hounds, lunch will be taken here if timing is right. Past the recycling centre, through Calmsden, cross the Stow road, then the Barnsley road then immediately turn right for Ampney Crucis opposite the little factory unit. Take the road coming out just above The Red Lion and follow the Quenington road home. Meet at Coln St Aldwyn at 10:30am complete with suntan cream. Would appreciate an email. Paul O'Shaughnessy 01367850262 Paulatscissot@btinternet.com.

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 mish252379@btinternet.com

Italian

I would be pleased to hear from anybody who would be willing to start an Italian Group. Carole McDerment Group Co-ordinator 01285 711354 Groupco-ordinator@fairfordu3a.org.uk

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French

There are now three French Groups

French 1

Mondays 3, 17 September, 1 October

We meet on the 1st and 3rd Mondays of each month in the Barker Room of the Community Centre from 11:00am until noon. This longstanding and friendly group aims to help members brush up on O Level French, hopefully improving fluency, when speaking the language. Our meetings are great fun. We enjoy sharing a friendly conversation at a fairly simple level and learn from the book “Voici” and the accompanying CD recordings. The group is currently full. Sandra Hoaksey 01367 253243 shoaksey@aol.com

French 2 & 3

Mondays Groups 2 and 3 are 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. We read aloud an assigned few pages every week and then discuss the articles (and any other subject!)

French Group 2 is hosted either by Carole McDerment or Jean Crowley.

French Group 3 usually meets at the home of Jane Pugh or Alison Wilson.

Please contact the following people for information about when and where the Groups are meeting each week:

Carole McDerment French 2 - 01285 711354 Jean Crowley - French 2 - 01285 711775 Alison Wilson – French 3 - 01285 711574

Garden Group

Thursday 27 September

Our visit this month is to Batsford Arboretum, with both house and gardens to see. We will meet at Fairford car park as usual, but at 1.30pm to allow time for the journey. Suggested passenger donation £3. We would appreciate it if you could let us know whether you will be coming. Beth and Geoff Dennis 01285 712195 bethandgeoff@yahoo.com

Geology Wednesday 5 September, 3 October Our next meeting is at Fairford United Church, Milton Street at 2.30pm. New members will be most welcome Clive Watson 01285 713003

Industrial Heritage

For details of this month’s activities please contact: Pete Evans 01285 713069 pete.whooper@hotmail.co.uk

Keep Fit Tuesdays

We meet in the Palmer Hall on Tuesday each week at 9.15am.

Chris Pooley 01367 250346

MahJong

Thursdays 6, 20 September, 4 October

Our 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.

MahJong is an easy and sociable game that

can be enjoyed by all levels of

player. Although our group is now full we are

always pleased to accommodate guest players

for anybody who wishes to experience the

game and join our waiting list.

Alan & Linda Eagle 01285 712515 alane2004@btinternet.com

Model Group

Thursdays

The Model Group meets weekly on

Thursday mornings. Please contact

me for details:

Jim Sullivan

01367 252539.

Latin

Thursdays 6 September, 4 October

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 21 September The topic for September will be The Weather. We meet at Rosemary's house at 2.30pm. Please let me know if you are unable to attend. Gillian Bilbrough

01285 712579

gillianandharry@yahoo.co.uk

Needlework

Wednesdays 5, 19 September, 3 October

We meet at the Fairford Community Centre from 2.00pm to 4.00pm. Our group has many different skills under the heading Needlework. We are a friendly group who always welcome anyone who would like to join us. Eileen Trowbridge If you would like to know

more, please contact:

Pauline Jones 01285 851212

Philosophy

Wednesday 19 September

Please contact me for details of this month’s meeting

Dan Deane 01285 851408

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Pétanque

Tuesdays and Wednesdays

We play every Tuesday and

Wednesday morning on the

piste at Farmor’s school.

At present the groups are full but we have a

waiting list.

Dave and Heather Baber 01285 711343

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Tuesday 18 September

This month’s meeting will be at the usual

venue at 2.30pm and will include our six-card

story session.

John Higgs

01285 712488

Poetry Circle 1

Fridays 7 September, 5 October

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 7 September, 5 October

In September we meet at Doreen’s house at 2.30pm to read poetry by Pam Ayres. In October we meet at Helen’s house to read poetry about Trees. If you are unable to come please contact:

Helen Evans 01285 713431

Recorders

Fridays 14, 28 September

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

hilary@burytown15.co.uk

Jay Mathews 01367 860869

jaymathews124@mac.com

We have some spare instruments and stands;

please ask if you would like to borrow one.

Rummikub

Thursday 13 September

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.

Contacts Jean Freeth Lilian Pooley 01285 713570 01367 250346

Thursday 4 October There will be no Scrabble until Thursday 4 October. Kathleen Price 01285 712417

Quilting

Wednesdays 5 September, 3 October

This group meets on the first Wednesday of

the month from 12.30 pm to 2.00pm in the

Barker Room of the Community Centre.

New members welcome.

Freda Lang 01285 713331 freda.lang@lineone.net

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Spanish

Wednesdays This group is no longer suitable for beginners so any newcomers will need to know some Spanish already. We meet at my house on Wednesday afternoons. Please contact me if you would like to join us Linda Aston 01285 810900 ltaston@gmail.com

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

Solos

Monday 3 September, 1 October

Our next monthly meeting will be at Val’s house at 2.30pm. For more information contact:

Michael Johnson 01285 712637 sanaelma@yahoo.co.uk

Table Tennis

Wednesdays and Fridays

Sessions are held in the Keble Room in the Fairford Community Centre on Wednesdays from 2.30pm and Fridays from 10.00am. Players of all abilities are welcome. Nick Stroude 01295 521067 or 07792 452650 Please note: The tables we use in the Keble Room are individually locked with a padlock and chain. New arrangements regarding the keys are as follows: - a fresh set of keys have been placed in the key safe- spare keys are held locally by Reg Thoburn as before- Roger Rushton has kindly agreed to hold a second spare set for when Reg may not be available. Despite the recent hot weather both Wednesday and Friday Groups have been well attended. We have a lot of fun playing and new players are always welcome.

Table Tennis – Beginners Friday 7 September Have you ever played Table Tennis? Have you played but not for years and would like to start again? Come and have some gentle exercise and some fun with other fellow beginners. We shall meet in the Keble Room in the Fairford Community Centre at 11.30am The session will last for one hour and all equipment is provided. Cost £1 towards hire of the room. Please wear suitable shoes! Alan Topham 01285 713928

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 10.30am in the Keble room.

Sylvia Jones 01285 712657

Scottish Reels

Wednesday 19 September

Our 2018/19 season starts this month

Contact me for more details:

Richard Thompson 01285 712123 Richard@RichardAndCarol.net

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Striders Tuesday 25 September This approximately 6 mile walk starts at The White Hart lnn OX29 0RA at Minster Lovell. At 10.00 we head downhill to cross the River Windrush and go through the village to take the footpaths to Crawley. From Crawley it's up Priests Hill Lane into Hailey. Then a section of field paths to get to Milking Lane and on to New Mill after which we cross the Windrush to return and view the historic Minster Lovell ruins before lunch. Some tracks can be a little muddy at times. Meet at Fairford car park to leave by 9.15am or at the pub before walk start time. Suggested travel donation is £1.50. Bring a break snack.

George Holland

01285 750485

Straddlers

Thursday 20 September The walk starts at 10.00 am from Letcombe Regis Village Hall car park. First we take a bridle path across fields towards the Ridgeway followed by a steady ascent to the high path. Then westwards before we edge along the Devil's Punchbowl, down into Childway and back to Letcombe Regis via East Challow. About 7-8 miles of good walking with just a few stiles and short sections of road. Meet at Fairford car park to leave at 9.15am. Suggested travel donation of £2.00 and bring your picnic lunch and snack. George Holland 01285 750485

Strollers

Friday 28 September

We start the walk from the Crown of Crucis in Ampney Crucis (GL7 5RS) at 10:15, after we have ordered our lunch. Meet at the Fairford car park at 9.45am or at the Crown at 10am.

The walk, which is approximately 3.2 miles, takes us south towards Harnhill Manor House where we turn left and head through Harnhill Park back towards the A417. After crossing the road, we walk for 150 yards before crossing back and over a stile towards St Mary's Church, Ampney St Mary. We then cross the river and follow it round to a stile and cross the A417 again to walk up the road towards the school. Before reaching the school, we turn left and follow the path back to the Crown of Crucis for lunch. The route has a small number of stiles and gates. To help with the catering at the Crown, it would be useful to know approximately how many are coming. Please could you confirm either by email or phone call the day before. Suggested passenger contribution 50p Jean and Doug Crowley 01285 711775 doug.crowley@fairfordu3a.org.uk

Walk with a Pub Lunch

Wednesday 12 September Meet at Fairford Car Park at 9.30am or 10.00am at The Greyhound, Siddington. This walk is approx. 4 miles long, allowing for 2 hours walking. We will order our lunch at The Greyhound. (Tel 01285 653573) before we set off from the pub. We journey alongside the Thames & Severn Canal for about a mile, and then criss-cross the River Churn using metalled tracks, field edges and several stiles on route, before entering South Cerney village. Passing the Alpaca Farm on the return journey we will be returning to the towpath then back to the Greyhound for lunch. Please advise me no later than 10.30 the day before the walk as I have to inform the pub of numbers. Hope to see you on the day. Michael Deane 07474 809765 michaeldeane49@aol.co.uk

Walking Groups Walk leaders- please specify the length of the walk in your description.

Members and Guests taking part in these walks do so at their own risk.

Please send items for the

October issue to

Alan Eagle

editor@fairfordu3a.org.uk

by 17 October

Editor this month: Sarah Bottomley

Dates for your Diary 2018

Friday 2 November Bletchley Park

Friday 30 November Turkey & Tinsel

Monday 10 December Christmas Lunch

Monday 3 Bridge, French 1,2 & 3, Short Tennis, Solos, Yoga 1

Tuesday 4 MAIN MEETING Computers, Keep Fit, Pétanque 2

Wednesday 5 Geology, Needlework, Pétanque 1, Quilting, Spanish, Table Tennis 1

Thursday 6 Latin, MahJong, Model Making, Yoga 2

Friday 7 Creative Writing, Poetry 1&2, Table Tennis 2, Beginner Table Tennis

Monday 10 Bridge, Short Tennis, Yoga 1, French 2 & 3

Tuesday 11 Book Circles 1 & 2, Computers, Keep Fit, Pétanque 2

Wednesday 12 Pétanque 1, Spanish ,Table Tennis 1, Walk with Pub Lunch

Thursday 13 Model Making, Rummikub, Yoga 2

Friday 14 Table Tennis 2, Creative Writing, Recorders,

Monday 17 Bridge, French 1,2 & 3, Short Tennis, Yoga 1,

Tuesday 18 Birdwatching, Computers, Keep Fit, Pétanque 2, Postcards

Wednesday 19 Table Tennis 1, Spanish, Five Rhythms, Philosophy, Needlework, Pétanque 1, Scottish Reels

Thursday 20 Model Making, MahJong, Yoga 2, Straddlers

Friday 21 Table Tennis 2, Creative Writing, Music Listening

Monday 24 Bridge, French 2 & 3, Short Tennis, Yoga 1

Tuesday 25 Computers, Keep Fit, Pétanque 2, Striders

Wednesday 26 Table Tennis 1, Spanish, Pétanque 1

Thursday 27 Model Making, AS Poetry, Garden, Yoga 2, Cycling PL

Friday 28 Table Tennis 2, Creative Writing, Strollers, Recorders

October

Monday 1 Bridge, French 1,2 & 3, Short Tennis, Yoga 1, Solos

Tuesday 2 MAIN MEETING Computers, Keep Fit, Pétanque 2

Wednesday 3 Table Tennis 1, Spanish, Needlework, Geology, Pétanque 1, Quilting

Thursday 4 Latin, Model Making, MahJong, Scrabble, Yoga 2

Friday 5 Poetry 1 &2, Table Tennis 2, Creative Writing

FAIRFORD AND DISTRICT U3A

VISIT TO BLETCHLEY PARK ON FRIDAY 2ND NOVEMBER 2018

Leaving Fairford Church at 9.00am arriving at Bletchley Park at approximately 10.45. Return: Leave Bletchley at 4.00pm (closing time). The museum has step-free access and the exhibitions are at ground floor level bar one, which has a wheelchair lift. Multimedia guides are free of charge and guided tours (not pre-bookable) are available. A map can be downloaded from the website. There is a coffee shop in the visitor centre serving hot and cold drinks, sandwiches and snacks. There is also a restaurant in Hut 4 which serves hot and cold meals etc. You are free to visit the codebreaking huts, including Alan Turing’s office in Hut 8. Experience the wartime atmosphere, see the enigma machine, Royal Pigeon Racing exhibition, Hut 11A containing the Bombe machines which have now been restored and you can see what it was like to work in fairly primitive conditions in the huts. Exhibitions include Veterans’ stories, Bill Tutte: Mathematician and Codebreaker, Secrecy and Security. The Mansion is worth a visit, containing the offices of the Head of the Government Code and Cipher School, the Library as it was in wartime and garages containing WW11 vehicles. Also included is admission to the National Radio Centre which covers the development of communications up to the present day. Keep your ticket and you can return free for one year. The cost of this trip is £25.00 per person. Please complete the slip below to secure your place on a very interesting day out.

Reservation Slip - £25.00 per person

RETURN TO SUE MARTIN OR A COMMITTEE MEMBER BY 4 October 2018

Please reserve ............place(s) for the visit to Bletchley Park on Friday 2 November 2018. Name of U3A Member(s)............................................................................................... Address: ................................................................................................................. Tel No: ................................ Mobile. .................................................................. Email:...................................................................................... Emergency contact number and name:...................................................................................... Cash/cheque payable to Fairford & District U3A enclosed…………………………………..