fairford & district newsletternewsletter january 2016.pdf · mah jong thursdays 7 , 21 january...
TRANSCRIPT
Please send items for the February issue to
Don Cobbett
[email protected] by 17th January
January 2016
Monday 4 Bridge, French, Short Tennis, Yoga, Solos, Italian
Tuesday 5 Main Meeting, Computers, Keep Fit, Spanish
Wednesday 6 Table Tennis, Quilting
Thursday 7 Model Making, Scrabble, Traditional Jazz, Latin, Boccia, Mah Jong
Friday 8 Ballroom Dancing, Recorders,
Monday 11 Bridge, French, Short Tennis, Yoga, Italian
Tuesday 12 Computers, Keep Fit, Book Circle 1 & 2
Wednesday 13 Table Tennis, Walk with PL, Geology, Needlework
Thursday 14 Model Making, Rummikub, Anglo-Saxon Poetry, Boccia
Friday 15 Music Listening
Monday 18 Bridge, French, Short Tennis, Yoga, Italian
Tuesday 19 Computers, Keep Fit, Birdwatching, Postcards
Wednesday 20 Table Tennis, Five Rhythms, Family History
Thursday 21 Model Making, Mah Jong, Boccia, Indust. Heritage
Friday 22 Strollers, Recorders
Monday 25 Bridge, French, Short Tennis, Yoga, Italian
Tuesday 26 Computers, Keep Fit, Spanish
Wednesday 27 Table Tennis, Needlework
Thursday 28 Model Making, Photography, Boccia, Garden Group
Friday 29 Strollers, Ballroom Dancing
February
Monday 1 Bridge, French, Short Tennis, Yoga, Solos, Italian
Tuesday 2 Main Meeting, Computers, Keep Fit
Wednesday 3 Table Tennis, Quilting
Thursday 4 Model Making, Scrabble, Traditional Jazz, Latin, Boccia,
Mah Jong
Friday 5 Poetry Circle 1 & 2, Ballroom Dancing, Recorders
Fairford & DistrictFairford & DistrictFairford & District NewsletterNewsletterNewsletter
Issue 224 January 2016
History of Mosaics
by
Nick Humphris
www.fairfordu3a.org.uk Registered Charity No 1072658
General Meetings
Forthcoming events
2 February : The Modern Magic Lantern (How we all became square eyed) Pete Morris will talk about the early days of TV and how various firsts in broadcasting happened in the UK; not always America, with some nostalgic and humorous moments from our past . 1 March :A Peck, a Gill and a Firkin Nadine Carr, in the guise of Martha Treherne tells us what to do with a rook and how to jug a hare amongst other informative facts from Mrs Beeton's era.
5 April : The English Civil War
Alastair Lack will take a look at the Civil War with references to
local landmarks.
Today, 5 January History of Mosaics.
Nick Humphris will talk about this interesting and ancient craft,
including Greek, Roman, Byzantine, and Norman influences.
Tea Rota 2 February: Boccia 1 March: Family history 1 and 2 5 April: Five Rhythms Dance
Photo Album If you have any interesting photographs of U3A activities, please pass them to Ann Wightman (01285 712723) for inclusion in the album Editor this month:
Sarah Bottomley
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Reminder
Should you change your email
address or any other detail, will
you please let the Membership
Secretary know, so that our
records can be up to date.
Sue Jonson
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Thanks to Marilyn for organising a very enjoyable Christmas lunch at Colosseo. Seventy of us enjoyed excellent food and good company and if you've never been to Colosseo before, I can thoroughly recommend it. Membership is up for renewal on February 1st 2016. Forms are enclosed with the newsletter or as an attachment to the online version. Please pay promptly so we can keep membership up to date. Thank you. The new members meeting is being held on February 8th at 11.45 in the Farmor room of Fairford community centre. If you have joined recently, please come along to find out a little more about what we do and enjoy a cup of tea or coffee. People who are considering joining are also welcome. We still need a new editor to produce the newsletter 3 or 4 times a year. Full training can be given! Please contact me if you think you may be able to help.
Jan Mills Chairman 01285 850384 [email protected]
Chairman’s Report:
WALK WITH A PUB LUNCH and STROLLERS 2016 Walk leaders are required as follows: Walk with a Pub Lunch - February 10th Strollers - February 26th and April 22nd If you are interested in leading one or more of these walks OR require more information please contact: Reg Thoburn on 01285 712397 OR [email protected]
New Members Welcome to :
Jon and Morag Hill, Diane Cox, and Indira Varna
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Fairford U3A December Meeting
Go For Broke
Some folks may ‘go for broke’ at Christmas and end up feeling very sorry for themselves but the same could not be said about members of the U3A audience who enjoyed the December entertainment by a group with this name.
Led by Jack Brothwell, the four performers played a variety of instruments, sang and recited and subtly introduced less usual carols, wassails and pieces of spoken word. A Gloucestershire Wassail and the Hannington Carol gave a local flavour, while ‘The Miner’s Dream of Home’ balanced jollity with a touch of melancholy.
For some the highlight of the afternoon would have been hearing the text of Thomas Hardy’s ‘Absentmindedness in a Parish Choir’ spoken against a background of apt music. The original text can be found on many web sites, one of which is http://www.classicreader.com/book/1281/33/ .
An unexpected treat was the ginger biscuits the group had made and brought to share - with copies of Mrs. Gurney’s recipe provided.
The biscuits were much appreciated as an adjunct to the mince pies and mulled wine so deftly handed out by the committee to nearly 100 people. Many thanks were due to all.
Sylvia Jones
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LECHLADE & DISTRICT LIONS CLUB
ANNUAL SENIORS CHRISTMAS PARTY
SATURDAY 16TH JANUARY 2016
Lechlade Memorial Hall
& Palmer Hall, Fairford
1.30pm for 2.00pm start
Please sign up now!!!
Sign up lists in the following locations:-
Lechlade – Post Office , St Birinus Day Centre
Fairford – Post Office
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.
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Ballroom Dancing
Friday 8 ,29 January, 5 February
We meet fortnightly (as hall is available) in the Palmer Hall, Fairford on Friday from 7.00pm to 8.00pm Why not give us a go and don't forget 'Keep Dancing' Please note that from 29 January the times will change to 6.30pm to 7.30pm . Dates for February are 5 and 19 February. Ann Wightman 01285 712723 [email protected]
Anglo-Saxon Poetry Thursday 14 January The next meeting will be at Miriam’s at 10.00am . We will be using the newly-issued book by Richard Hamer. The book prints the original text opposite the translation. I would be pleased to hear from any members interested in joining this new group. Miriam Scott 01285 713441
Birdwatching Tuesday 19 January Our first visit of the year will be to Coate Water on the outskirts of Swindon where we usually find a good selection of birds at this time of year. Meet at the Fairford car park at 9 am. The paths can be muddy at this time of year so bring suitable footwear. The suggested passenger contribution is £1. We anticipate finishing in time to return home for lunch. Richard Morgan 01285 712085
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Boccia
Thursdays We will meet in the Farmor Room, Fairford Community Centre at
2.00pm. All members are invited. We shall play Boccia and enjoy a
cup of tea or coffee and biscuits.
Boccia is a game suitable for people of all abilities and can be
played sitting down.
As we have to pay for the room, there will a charge of £1 per
person.
For further information please call:
Reg Thoburn 01285 712397
David & Heather Baber 01285 711343
Book Circle 1
Tuesday 12 January
We meet at Pauline’s to discuss ‘A Murder of Quality’ by John le Carré. Please let one of us know if you are unable to come. Sheila Morgan 01285 810471 Barbara Cobbett 01285 712692
Book Circle 2 Tuesday 12 January This month we meet to discuss the work of Evelyn Waugh. We
would be very happy to welcome new members to our group.
Ian and Rosemary Westlake:
01285 712329 or
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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, please contact me and you will be welcome. For those just starting, I have a desktop computer that is available for members to use, although it is helpful if you have a laptop to bring along. If you want to start using email, I can allocate you a personal email address for your sole use.
Nick Humphris 01285 711740
Bridge Improvers
Mondays Do you play bridge?
If you play bridge and would like to improve come and join us; we are a friendly and informal group, meeting every Monday afternoon (except Bank Holidays) from 2 to 4 pm in the Heritage room, Fairford Community Centre, for a lesson and friendly practice play. At present we are working on defence Partners and refreshments provided. Margaret Bishop 01285 713747 [email protected]
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Dance to Five Rhythms
Wednesday 20 January
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
Gillian Bilbrough 01285 712579 Joyce Deane 01285 851408
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]
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French Conversation
Intermediate
Bonne Année a tous!
We continue to fix our dates from one meeting to the next. If you
are interested in joining us, please contact me. Our sessions are
great fun!
Rosemary Westlake 01285 712329
Advanced Every Monday We start by reading a couple of pages from a magazine published
for groups like ours, and then discuss matters arising from that,
and anything else that takes our fancy! This is done in two small
groups of generally not more than six people. New members are
always welcome!
Barbara Cartwright 07989 353726
Family History Wednesday 20 January This month, we shall meet at Mike Johnson's house to learn how
to use the British Newspaper website. If you would like to bring
your own laptop, you could then try your hand at using it. Please
contact me or Mike (01285 712637) if you are unable to come.
Miriam Scott 01285 713441
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Garden Group
Thursday 28 January Garden Group Planning Meeting Meet in The Bull at 2.30pm to plan our year's events. Beth and Geoff Dennis 01285 712195
Geology
Wednesday 13 January For details of this month’s meeting please contact: Clive Watson 01285 713003
Italian for Beginners Mondays We meet on Monday afternoons at my home. Much of our chat
focuses on food and drink; however, we regret that at present the
group is full.
Bea Bostock 01285 750456
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Keep Fit Tuesdays
We meet in the Palmer Hall on Tuesday each week at 9.15am. New members are welcome. Chris Pooley 01367 250346
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Mah Jong
Thursdays 7 , 21 January , 4 February
The Mah Jong Group meets from 10:00am to noon on the first and
third Thursdays of the month in the Tame or Barker room at
Fairford Community Centre.
Mah Jong is a friendly game and easy to pick up whether you are a
beginner or a ‘lapsed’ player. New members are always welcome.
If you would like to know more or join the Group please contact:
Alan and Linda Eagle
01285 712515
Industrial Heritage Thursday 21 January This month we shall be visiting Oakham Treasures 'Where the past comes to life', which includes a collection of tractors and farm implements, an engine room and a selection of historic stores. The centre is situated just off the M5 at Gordano Services J19. We will meet in the car park at 9.30am. For further details of this month’s activities, please contact: Pete Evans 01285 713069 [email protected]
Model Group
The Model Group meets weekly on Thursday mornings. Please contact me for details:
Ian Westlake 01285 712329
Latin
Thursdays 7 January, 4 February
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 15 January Our first meeting of the New Year will meet at Rosemary and Ian Westlake’s home at 2.30 pm and we will share music under the letter ‘A’. Joyce and John Dear 01285 238537
Needlework Wednesdays 13, 27 January
We meet at the Fairford Community Centre. 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
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Photography Thursday 28 January
We shall meet at 2.00pm in the Community Centre. Anyone interested in joining please contact: Gordon Hart 01285 238641 [email protected]
Pétanque Wednesdays We have now finished our
outdoor meetings for the
season. For details of Winter
meetings please contact:
Dave and Heather Baber 01285 711343
Tuesday 19 January The meeting will be at my house at the usual time of 2.30pm. We shall look at a variety of postcards from my collection which are of interest. The anagram challenge will be names of rivers. John Higgs 01285 712488
Philosophy
The subject for the January meeting will be ‘Freedom’. Dan Deane 01285 851408
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Poetry Circle 1
Friday 5 February There will be no meeting in January.
The group usually meets on the first Friday of the month at 3.00pm when we read and enjoy poetry and verse of all kinds. Anyone interested in joining us would be most welcome
Barbara Cottam
01285 711054
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Quilting Wednesdays 6 January, 3 February 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 phone me for more information Jan Mills 01285 850384
Poetry Circle 2 Friday 5 February There will be no meeting in January. In February we meet at Gillian's house to read poems about winter weather and in March we read poetry by James Fenton at Barbara's house. Please let Barbara know if you are unable to come to either meeting. Jen Thoburn Barbara Cottam 01285 712397 01285 711054
Rummikub Thursday 14 January
The group meets on the second Thursday of each month at our
house in Lechlade from 2.00pm - 4.30pm for some friendly games
of Rummikub. For further
information or explanation,
please refer to the Fairford
website or telephone me.
Mary Bennett 01367 253287
Recorders Fridays 8, 22 January, 5 February We start with anyone who would like to play the treble (from 2.00 to 2.30pm) followed by the main group at 2.30pm 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 Contra basses 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]
We have some spare instruments and stands;
please ask if you would like to borrow one.
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Jay Mathews 01367 860869: [email protected]
Short Tennis Mondays
We meet in the Palmer Hall every Monday between 3.00pm and 5.00pm. As we only have one court we often cannot accommodate any more players, so if interested please speak to me first.
Margaret Trickett 01285 712421
Spanish Tuesday 5, 26 January
We are a continuation group now, reading selected articles and commenting on what we have read.
Meetings are at my home from 11.00am to 12 noon. At our meeting on the 26 January we are planning to meet for ‘tapas’.
Frank Hall 01285 712583 [email protected]
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Thursdays 7 January, 4 February We will meet from 2.30pm to 4.30pm in the Heritage Room, Fairford Community Centre, Kathleen Price 01285 712417
Solos Mondays 4 January, 1 February
There are a number of widowers within Fairford U3A, and Solos would very much like to welcome you to our group. We have a lot of fun and it gets you out of the house. If you are interested why not come along to a meeting and join us for one of our activities and then make your mind up. Michael Johnson 01285 712637 [email protected]
Straddlers and Striders
No walk in January
Walking with a Pub Lunch Wednesday 13 January Marilyn Gibbon and Alan Topham have kindly volunteered to lead this walk, If you are interested in attending or for more details please contact: Marilyn or Alan on 01285 713928
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Strollers
Friday 22 January Jackie Ephgrave and Anne Wightman have kindly volunteered to lead this walk. If you are interested in attending or for more details please contact: Ann Wightman 01285 712723 Jackie Ephgrave 01285 712042
Table Tennis Wednesdays
The Group meets every Wednesday afternoon at 2.30pm in the Keble Room, first floor of Fairford Community Centre. New members of any ability always welcome – just come along.
Nick Stroude 01608 238715
Yoga Mondays
The Yoga Group meets weekly on Mondays at the Community Centre at 10.00am. I am sorry there still is a waiting list.
Sylvia Jones 01285 712657
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Traditional Jazz Thursdays 7 January, 4 February The group meets on the first Thursday of each month at my house from 2.00pm to 4.30pm to listen to recordings of Traditional Jazz. This month our programme will feature a wide range of recordings from early jazz, 1940 revival and to British Traditional. All U3A members welcome.
Ian Bennett O1367 253287 [email protected]
Book Circle 2
November In the words of The Guardian reviewer, ‘The Casual Vacancy’ by J K Rowling is a study of provincial life, with a large cast and multiple interlinking plots, drawing inspiration from Elizabeth Gaskell and George Eliot. The author herself described it as a dark comedy. Some of us enjoyed it as this, appreciating the fun of the teenagers spooking their parents with messages on the village website from a dead man, and the unprofessional outburst from the doctor which broke the laws of confidentiality and led to her suspension. Others simply found the book depressing with its concentration of abuse, fear and social problems and the lack of any sympathetic characters apart from the man who died on page 5. The exception was Krystal, whose brave responses to her impossible situation were a delight. Our differing opinions of the book gave us plenty to discuss.
Miriam Scott
GROUP REVIEWS
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Philosophy
November The subject for discussion was "Feminism". My opening remarks
gave a potted history of the subject.
Historically it could be said that feminism was started by Mary
Wollstonecraft's ‘A Vindication of the Rights of Women’, published
in 1792. In the following century John Stuart Mill published
‘The Subjection of Women’ in 1869. Though these publications
attracted some attention at the time, the situation of women did
not change until after the slaughter of the first world war.
Manus suggested that the growth of the movement was
evolutionary, due in part to the industrialization of labour,
Continued on page 23
Industrial Heritage A visit at short notice was arranged when we were made aware of major restoration work being carried out at Dyrham Park House, near Bath, which was built at the end of the 17th century. The slate and lead on the roof has been removed in its entirety and replaced. To accomplish the project and protect the house the entire area has been encased in 38 miles of scaffold tubing and covered with plastic sheeting. Rather than close the house for the duration, the National Trust opted to give the public an opportunity to see how the roof was constructed over 300 years ago and also watch the skilled tradesmen renewing the lead and replacing the tiles. A walkway was built around the roof area and a lift installed which not only took sightseers, including disabled, but also rolls of lead sheeting and slate tiles. It turned out to be a fascinating insight into centuries old construction techniques and materials.
Peter Evans
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particularly the need for female labour in the cotton mills, potteries
and farms. In the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries the working
class family had to adapt to the changing work patterns, the
woman having a job as well as supporting the family. With the
advent of WW1 a great many traditional male jobs were
successfully performed by women, and the Trade Unions
had trouble coming to terms with this situation.
After WW1 women encountered fierce male resistance to
equality of employment, not helped by the depression in the
nineteen thirties. Women were given the vote in 1932. During the
second World War women had greater opportunity to fill tasks that
had been a male preserve.
The question we addressed was whether this development
was going to continue, the woman acting more and more as the
breadwinner, and it was posited that men could become "house
husbands", in the near future.
It was pointed out there was a major impediment to this
movement to a drone- like state for men: being, that men
can't produce children.
Francis said that our discussion had focussed on the
European Middle Class and that there would be some considerable
time before this situation became a world norm. My own view is
that all societies are undergoing change and equality for women is
just a part of this.
A closing note. Christine Lagarde ( Head of the IMF ) said
that the financial crisis would have never happened, "if the
Lehmans Brothers Bank had been the Lehmans Sisters Bank".
Dan Deane
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Model Group What do U3A Members do on Thursdays? These days there is a wide choice of activities. But the longest standing group has surely to be the Model group - well worth a visit after 10am, any Thursday.... I used to go along occasionally, but haven't been for a very long time. But on a recent damp December morning I accompanied Ian to see - or try to see - what was going on. Half a dozen regulars, most of them having brought boats to put on the water, spent some time putting the world to rights while getting things organised. Then the fun started. A variety of boats - Paul's tiny whizzy, noisy Centurion dashing about all over the lake, Jim's larger, more stately vessel trying to keep out of its way, and - eventually - John's beautiful brown -sailed fishing boat took to the water. Only three boats? you might be wondering... Well, we had walked up, so Ian hadn't brought one, Graham mentioned something about his not actually working, and I think Malcolm had just come for a chat.... Suddenly, real fun! Paul's whizzy boat hit a 'wave' at speed and turned over! "Oh, It'll drift back in" he said... and put another boat on the water. Drift the Centurion did, but towards vegetation and overhanging trees rather than the beach area. Rescue required! This group is well equipped, with its own dinghy. So Ian found rowlocks and oars, donned the Health and Safety lifejacket (over his ski jacket - not easy!) and launched the boat. And rowed for about 10 metres! And recovered the Centurion. Mission accomplished! Above procedures reversed, dinghy back on the beach. Not the most exciting morning ever you might think, but there is a distinct atmosphere of warmth and mild eccentricity which makes a visit to this group thoroughly enjoyable. Thank you Gentlemen!
Rosemary Westlake
Solos activities Friday 20 November On this day seven of us could be found at the Spotted Cow for a meal. It was made extra special when we learned it was Peggy’s Birthday and thank you Peggy for the wine - it was a lovely thought. Turkey & Tinsel 27 – 30 November Seven Solos went to the seaside in November for an early Christmas weekend. The hotel in Bournemouth backed onto the Lower Gardens close to the pier where we walked on a very windy morning. We visited Poole, the Oceanarium and a variety of shops. However what we really enjoyed were the full English breakfasts and the three course evening meals, after all we do have our reputation for feasting to maintain! We all had a very enjoyable weekend and we even got a present from Santa Claus. As usual we were our noisy selves and the only ones on the dance floor, despite being the most senior. We also won a cup and a medal. Our appreciation and thanks go to Mike for organising the weekend for us and also to our three drivers; Gwen, Jim and Mike. Five of us very much enjoyed the U3A Italian Christmas lunch at the Colosseo and our thanks go to Marilyn and Allan for organising it. Michael Johnson and Heather Howell
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Strollers
Friday 27 November Burford Town Walk Nineteen of us started the walk at the Almshouses and Church, using the Burford Trail with John Hill giving us the benefit of his knowledge on the places of interest along the High Street. We travelled the side streets from the Tolsey, taking in the place where Sir Lawrence Tanfield was born, the George Hotel where King Charles II and Nell Gwynn stayed when visiting the races. We stood on the bridge where it is said that Queen Elizabeth I once stood gazing at rural Oxfordshire with tears in her eyes. We all enjoyed the history of the walk. We even had sunshine, between a couple of light showers. Jackie Ephgrave
Walking with a pub lunch
Wednesday 9 December The day dawned bright and sunny on ten pub lunch walkers as we made our way to the Trout in Lechlade to order our ‘Seniors’ lunches. We walked from the Trout back to Lechlade via Shelley’s Walk and through the town past the marina then through a little thicket into the fields beyond. We detoured via Inglesham to visit the ancient Church of St John the Baptist; built in 1205 but it is thought there was a church on the site in even earlier times. The wall frescoes are still just visible and it was quite a thrill to think that they had been on the walls for so many centuries. Back again, along the river Thames past Halfpenny Bridge to St. John's lock and from there on to the Trout. We sat down to our tasty lunches in good spirits feeling refreshed by the unseasonably good weather and brisk breeze. Marilyn Gibbon
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