issue january 2018 - hucknallu3a.org.uk

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Please forward articles for the next Newsletter to [email protected] by 2nd February 2018

The meeting is held on the second Wednesday of the month starting at 1.30pm at the Hucknall Leisure Centre.

Issue January 2018

Web Address: www.hucknallu3a.org.uk

Message from our Chair

A Happy and Healthy New Year and 2018 to all our members and their families

We certainly finished 2017 with a flourish starting with the ever popular lunch and social on the 4th December followed by the Showcase event on the 13th. The inaugural Showcase last year was a great success attended by about 150 members. This year building on that success 200 members attended to be royally entertained by colleagues across a range of Interest Groups. This event has become a permanent fixture on our calendar.

Our thanks are extended to all who took part and to Siobhan for coordinating the programme.

It was the annual Christmas Tree display in St Mary’s church from Wednesday 6th to Saturday 9th when for the 2nd consecutive year Hucknall and District U3A were announced the winners of the Senior section competition with Hillside Primary school retaining the Junior title.

Many members visited to see the really innovative and creative trees on display and this year we were up against some stiff competition.

Our tree was made by the Reading Group from recycled books and I have been told in confidence that they got through a almost a whole library full in the search for perfection!

Siobhan ,Cath Richardson, Kate Jackson and Sandra Green with the triumphant tree. Not in the photo are Angela Underwood, Margaret White and Alan Lee who were also involved in designing and making the tree.

David Rose, Chairman

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OUR SPEAKER THIS MONTH Colin Bell – “The Plague Doctor”

In his own special tongue in cheek style Colin is sure to entertain you, inform you and make you reflect, make you smile, make you wince may even bring a tear to your eye.

COMMITTEE CORNER - Notes from our Committee

The committee met on Wednesday 3rd January 2018

Apologies received from Barrie Saunders due to illness

It was agreed that a committee member attends the U3A North conference and workshop in Leeds on February 13th.

Some new Interest Group notice boards have been purchased and 2 new groups are starting this month. Feedback on both the Christmas social and the Showcase was very positive.

There has been some updating on the website and Group Leaders or a group representative are urged to please check if their group information is up to date

The committee agreed to register (at a cost of £10) as a user of the Ravenshead 16 seat mini buses.

The monthly accounts were circulated and our 2017 accounts and information have been passed on to Geoff Cree in order for him to complete our annual financial scrutiny.

Some discussion took place around planning for the AGM and potential committee vacancies from April 2018

Marguerite updated on membership renewal : please see below.

MEMBERSHIP RENEWAL

Renewals are due by the 1st March 2018. Each member will receive by post a letter in January 2018 containing a renewal invitation and a 2018/2019 renewal form.

For those members who wish to bring their renewal form and cheque to the general meeting rather than posting them, there will be a box in the Youth Wing reception in February, please ensure that your cheque and renewal form are attached or in an envelope. Marguerite.

Future Speakers 14th February – Danny Wells – “Ashbourne Gateway to Dove Dale”

14th March – 10 Year Celebration @ John Godber Centre 11th April - Andrew Smart - “What ruddy cucumber”

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Hucknall U3A and Charity Commission Status

Background

Any organisation, which includes all U3A’s, with an income of more than £5000.00 per annum is obligated to seek charity status.

Our recent application was successful and on December 12th we became a Registered Charity

Number: 1176197

Our application was successful as we were recognised as having suitable accounting and financial procedures and the work that we do is recognised as being for charitable purposes.

The following information is taken from the Charity Commission website and cross referenced with the Third Age Trust website.

What are the main advantages of being a charity?

Charities do not normally have to pay income/corporation tax (in the case of some types of income), capital gains tax or stamp duty. Gifts to charities are also free of inheritance tax. Charities pay no more than 20% of normal business rates on the buildings they occupy to further their charitable purposes, they can get special VAT treatment in some circumstances, and are often able to raise funds from the public, grant-making trusts and local government more easily than non-charitable bodies.

Charities can formally represent and help meet the needs of the community, they are able to assure the public that they are being monitored and advised by the charity commission, from which they can seek advice and information

What are the limitations of being a charity?

There are restrictions on what charities can do, both in terms of the types of work they do, and the ways in which they can operate.

A charity must have exclusively charitable purposes. Some organisations may have a range of activities, some of them charitable, some of them not. To become a charity that organisation would have to stop its non-charitable activities.

The extent of political or campaigning activities that a charity can take on are limited and strict rules apply to trading by charities.

Trustees are not allowed to receive financial benefits from the charity they manage unless this is specifically authorised by the governing document of the charity or by the charity commission. Financial benefits include salaries, services or the awarding of business contracts to a trustee's own business from the charity.

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Implications for the way we operate

Committee members are recognised and registered as the Trustees of Hucknall and District U3A

We must:

- Submit an annual return to the Charity Commission that includes our annual financial summary - Inform the Charity Commission if the trustees change or if our Constitution is reviewed and

amended.

Our Gift Aid which is already established is now underpinned by the formal charity status.

David Rose December 2017

NEW GROUPS & OTHER NEWS

GROUP COORDINATOR A big thank you to everyone who performed in our Christmas Showcase. You were all absolutely brilliant. Thank you to everyone who came and supported the event. The hall has been booked for December 2018, so pop the date in your diary. Siobhan NEW GROUP – SEATED EXERCISE GROUP Following a good response from our members, this activity will be up and running in January 2018.So all you budding health enthusiasts, get your loose comfortable clothing sorted, your brightest socks on your tootsies (trainers optional) and a bottle of water at hand. Date; 4th Monday of the month Time; 2pm-3pm Venue; Hucknall Leisure Centre Commencing 22nd January 2018, and the committee has gratefully agreed the first session is a freeby, so no excuses. For more information please contact: [email protected] Looking forward to seeing you all. Anne

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NEWS FROM THE GROUPS

ARTS INFORMATION GROUP

To join the Arts Information Group and receive a weekly updated calendar of what’s available in our local areas ask Alan Snape to include your e mail address in the circulation list. Contact Alan on 07940146542 or [email protected]. The calendar usually includes events at Royal Concert Hall, The Broadway Cinema, The Bonington Cinema/Theatre plus International live transmissions of Opera, Ballet and Theatre.

CREATIVE WRITING GROUP

We meet at Titchfield Court from 1-3 pm on usually the fourth Tuesday of each month. Our Co-ordinator, Janet Gibson, gives us a title, sentence or just a word to inspire us to write a piece of around 500 words which we develop at home and then read out to fellow members at the next meeting, for constructive criticism and appraisal. After a short tea-break we then do a ten minute exercise.

We didn’t meet in December but we socialised at Costa on Tuesday, 5th December when we participated in a Literary Dingbats Quiz. The next meeting will be on Tuesday. 23rd January at 1 pm at Titchfield Court when we will be discussing our December homework, which was to bring an item of personal interest and write about it. Also we had to follow on the words “The Canal is….” or you could write about “Autumn”. For more information about the Creative Writing Group please get in touch ([email protected] or tel. 0115 8408132)

FUN WITH LANGUAGES GROUP

We had a great time at the presentation meeting on 13th Dec. and this was followed on the 14th by our trip to the German market in Birmingham. We enjoyed tasting the Gluhwein and other goodies, and seeing the huge array of stalls. We also enjoyed a tour around Birmingham taking in the Edwardian tearoom, a lovely carol service by the conservatoire choir and an enjoyable walk along Brindley place and the Mailbox, followed by a meal at Cafe Rouge. Ann’s mistletoe cause much comment on the return train journey home and great fun was had by all who managed to come at a busy time of year.

Our January meeting is on Thursday 11th at 10.30 at JGC. We begin Italian. Happy New year to all. Ann & Liz. GARDENING GROUP

The first meeting of the Gardening Group in 2018 will be on Tuesday 27th February. Please note that this is the 4th Tuesday of the month. We are going on a coach trip to Timmerman's Garden Centre, followed by a visit to an NGS garden – The Beeches, at Milton near Tuxford. We will be leaving Ogle Street at 10.30 am.

The coach is now full (as we are limited in number due to the size of the garden at The Beeches) but we do have a waiting list if you wish to add your name.

We have our speakers booked for 2018 and the first will be Jeanette Merilion on 20th March. The meeting will be at 2.00pm at the John Godber Centre. As we have been able to book the double room there is no limit on numbers. We look forward to welcoming you all to our meetings this year. Anne Wilkinson.

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HISTORY GROUP

January 17th. What about a surprise meeting? I will bite the bullet myself and present a talk about Hucknall called ‘Factories and Fabrics’ about the local textile industry. I will show some of the amazing fabrics and garments made in Hucknall.

February 21st. Members Meeting. DATES IN HISTORY. Would members choose a date in British history, research it and tell what they have found. They might pick a date we all know such as 1066 (Battle of Hastings); 1952 (Elizabeth ll became Queen); 1854 Crimean War; or those a bit less common such as 1870 (Education Act); 1620 (Pilgrim Fathers sail to America). There is plenty of history to discover; choose your own favourite date.

March 21st. A talk requested by members. Peter Hammond is coming to give a talk and presentation about Albert Ball who was a Great War pilot.

Please also bring diaries and cash if possible to the JANUARY meeting to sign up for spring and summer visits.

April 4th Visit to Cresswell Crags which will include a special talk and a tour round the caves.

May 16th Visit to Blists Hill Museum and Ironbridge Gorge

June 20th Visit for a tour of Nottingham Caves from the Broadmarsh Centre.

Please note that for excursions sensible shoes should be worn due to uneven ground.

Please don’t forget you can contact me if you need help with your family history at any time.

LUNCH GROUP

The Lunch Group meets on the fourth Wednesday of each month at 12 noon (unless otherwise stated) at a different restaurant each month. The menus vary in price and content but hopefully average out over the year at a reasonable cost. It is an opportunity for members to meet together socially and try out different restaurants which, as individuals, they may not have had the chance to try before. We always have a quiz which is usually related to the venue or its theme. We hope you will find something of interest to your "taste" and look forward to meeting up with you each month. I am always happy to hear about your recommendations for reasonably priced venues.

We are always grateful when members can offer lifts to non-drivers but could members contact the drivers directly please where possible, as it is getting to be a big job phoning round! Of course, I should be happy to find lifts for new Lunch Group members and I would also be grateful if drivers could indicate to me that they are willing to offer lifts. And please offer a contribution towards the cost of petrol if possible. When putting your name down, if the menu is available, could you please indicate your menu choices at that time.

We thoroughly enjoyed our Christmas Lunch at The Albert Hall on December 20th; the Christmas Quiz was won by Siobhan and Allen Lee and the Christmas Sweepstake was won by Michael Geer.

January’s Lunch Group will be on Wednesday, 24th January at 12 noon at The Royal Oak, Watnall; this is now full. Last time I went there it was slightly chilly so wear something warm (?your Christmas jumper?). There is a small car park opposite and one at the side of the pub also. I will circulate the menu when the 2018 menu is available.

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For any information about the Lunch Group, please contact Sandra Green ([email protected] or tel. 0115 8408132) For any information about the Lunch Group, please contact Sandra Green ([email protected] or tel. 0115 8408132

MOVEMENT TO MUSIC GROUP

The next session for members of the Movement to Music group will be held on Thursday 11th January ( 10.00 - 11.00 ) in The Main Hall, The John Godber Centre. This 8 week course - which will combine gentle exercise, lyrical movement and dance - will run until 8th March ( no session on 22/02).

For any queries regarding this group please contact Sue Saunders on (0115) 9559842 [email protected]

MUSIC FOR PLEASURE GROUP Tuesday November 28th was the date chosen for the Christmas party by the Music for Pleasure group. John, our host, chose a selection of Christmas music to accompany our usual mix of conversation and laughter. Everyone had brought a contribution to the buffet, and the table was loaded with festive goodies. Despite the small size of the group it could be said that everyone did justice to the meal, and there weren’t too many leftovers! As December is such a busy month for most people, it was decided that the next group meeting will be on January 23rd, the music choice to be decided upon later.

Thanks, as always, to John, our host. PUB QUIZ & LUNCH GROUP

The Pub Quiz & Lunch is held on the second Monday of each month at The Nabb Inn. The subscription is £1 per person which covers each team’s Quiz sheet and a raffle ticket for each member. There is a cash prize for the first and second team, with a £5 pub voucher for the raffle, along with a Bumper Bag containing donated items, for which our thanks are given to those who donated. Could I remind you to please check sell by dates on food items for the bumper bag. Please note the maximum number of members per team is five – if there are six of you, could you please divide into two teams of three!

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Donations of raffle prizes or items for the Bumper Bag would be gratefully accepted. Just pay the subscription on arrival, then order your lunch at the bar and put your thinking caps on. There is a small table quiz just for fun, followed by the Quiz itself and then lunch, followed by the answers and the raffle. We are limited to 36 seats so please come early as it’s first come, first served for seats in the alcove area.

The December Christmas Pub Quiz was a festive event, even though the Questionmaster had to shout as the sound system wasn’t available! Luckily though there were enough raffle prizes for everyone to each take home! There was also a Christmas Lucky Dip. The next Pub Quiz & Lunch will be on Monday, 8th January.

For any information about the Pub Quiz & Lunch, please contact Sandra Green ([email protected] or tel. 0115 8408132)

READING GROUP

Many, many thanks and congratulations to members of the Reading Group who have put together Hucknall U3A’s entry for the Parish Church Christmas Tree Festival on 6th December which surprise, surprise came first!

SCIENCE GROUP 2

Next Meeting is Friday 19th January 2018 The Studio John Godber Centre

Our topic is aspects of our bodies’ physiological systems.

If you have a blood pressure monitor could you please bring it with you?

(Please be reassured that no humans will be harmed in our ‘experiments’). David Rose

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THEATRE GROUP Tango Moderno - Vincent & Flavia - Theatre Royal 24th January 2018 at 2pm. Tickets £36.50 Son of a Preacher Man-Theatre Royal –31st January 2018 at 2pm.Tickets £33.00 Romeo & Juliet Ballet - Concert Hall –8th February 2018 at 2pm. Tickets £25.00 Pirates of Penzance - Ravenshead Village Hall - 24th February 2018 at 2.30pm Tickets £10.00. Cindrella MB Ballet - Theatre Royal –10th March 2018 at 2.30pm. Tickets £41.00 War Horse - Concert Hall –21st March 2018 at 2pm. Tickets £52.50 Cilla the Musical - Theatre Royal –4th April 2018 at 2pm. Tickets £34.00 Jersey Boys - Concert Hall –10th May 2018 at 2pm. Tickets £39.00 Top Hat - Theatre Royal –30th May 2018 at 2.30pm Tickets £23.00 An Officer & a Gentleman - Theatre Royal –25th July 2018 at 2pm.Tickets £37.00 WALKING GROUP (MID LENGTH)

The group’s first outing of 2018 is on Monday January 15th. It’s a 6 mile walk from Wellow, to be led by Paul and Steph Haigh. Afterthe walk we will be having our belated Christmas lunch. Menus will be emailed to group members, so that you are ready to pre-order at the Olde Red Lion on the day. Of course you are welcome to walk and not eat, the choice is yours.

WALKING GROUP (SHORT LENGTH)

The next walk will be on Thursday 18th January. We will meet in the car park of the Admiral Rodney pub in Wollaton village (for satnav post code for pub is NG8 2AF), meeting at 9.45 for a 10.00am start. The pub is approximately 8 miles from Hucknall so journey time should be about 30 minutes.

The walk will be approx. 3.5 miles around Wollaton Village and Wollaton Park on fairly good paths.

Following the walk we'll be ready for something to eat and the Admiral Rodney offer a good choice of affordable meals for over 60's eg. 2 courses for £6.99 or 3 courses for £7.99. Other larger meals are also available.

We look forward to seeing you there. WEEKENDERS’ GROUP The events organised by either the Lunch Group or the Weekenders Group are open to all U3A members, regardless of whether they are regulars or not. Obviously places are sometimes limited so it’s first come, first served; I should be grateful if you could let me know if you are interested in these events as soon as possible so that I can let other members know if I have places left. We had our Christmas Lunch at The Royal Oak, Watnall on 9th December. Unfortunately they were planning a charity evening for that night and consequently they were in an out of the pub which meant we were rather draughty! The food however was very good indeed although again, because they were so busy, the service was a little slow. We didn’t plan any other events for December (apart from a small group of us who got together on Boxing Day at The Nabb Inn) as it is such a busy time of year. However our Coffee Club is on Saturday, 30th December when we will be planning our next four months’ events. Hopefully we may be dining at Arunothai on Saturday lunchtime, 13th January so if you are interested, please get in touch. For any information about the Weekenders Group, please contact Sandra Green ([email protected] or tel. 0115 8408132)

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WINE TASTING GROUP

After another successful year of tasting wine we would like to believe that we are now the experts in this field. However……… It won’t hurt to keep trying hard for another year, so as to perfect our skills even further! So, we will recommence on Wednesday January 17th and it’s Sue Tedstone’s turn to try and educate us all!! Cheers. Maureen Newton

Hucknall & Ashfield Holidays

Festive Season 2018

3/12/18 Turkey @Tinsel, 5 days at 3*Anchor Head Hotel, Weston Super Mare, Local coach pick ups.4 nights Half board plus 2 lunches.

Full Festive menu and entertainment programme. All rooms heated and with private faculties and tea and coffee making facilities, our hotel is situated overlooking Weston Bay and an easy walk to shops and harbour. Superb views from all public rooms.

Lift to rooms, ground floor rooms available.

One full day shopping excursion and half day sightseeing included.£209.00 pp share either double or twin.£40.00 deposit cheque made to ALFA ltd.

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NEW YEAR BREAK, 30/12/18 to 2/1/19, Eliot Hotel Newquay

Join us for a fabulous festive break and see in the New Year. Festive food and entertainment throughout. Games, spot prizes, fancy dress competitions and dancing. 2 included excursions.All rooms heated for your comfort, tea and coffee making facilities. Bar and ballroom, quiet lounge, games room . Hotel only a few steps from the beach, shops and harbour.£279.00 pp sharing twin or double room.£40.00 deposit pp secures your place.

For more information on either of these holidays please contact me, Caroline Rhoades 01623721986, [email protected]

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HUCKNALL & DISTRICT U3A INTEREST GROUPS January 2018

For further details contact Siobhan Lee, 0115-9550119 or check the website at www.hucknallu3a.org.uk from there you can email the respective Group Leader

ARTS

CHOIR 1stWednesday 13:30 3rdWednesday 11:30 CREATIVE WRITING 4thTuesday13.00

DISCUSSION 1stMonday 13:45

DRAMA 4thFriday 10:00

FILM CLUB Thursday 10:30& 13:00 Friday 19:15 HISTORY 3rdWednesday 14:00

MUSIC FOR PLEASURE 4thTuesday 19:00

NATIONAL TRUST Various dates &times

READING (BOOKS)* 1stWednesday 14:00

SINGALONGA 3rd Tuesday 10:30

THEATRE various dates

UKULELE 2nd& 4thMonday 10:00 ACTIVE WELLBEING

ADVENTURE BEFORE DEMENTIA - Various

CYCLING Every Wednesday 9:00

GROWING OLD DISGRACEFULLY* Various

GRUMPY OLD MEN Various

NOT SO GRUMPY OLD MEN Various

KURLING 2ndSunday3-5pm

WALKING (LONG) 1stTuesday 10:00 WALKING (MID)* 3rdMonday 10:00 WALKING (SHORT) 3rdThursday 10:00

FOOD & DRINK

DINING IN 1stTuesday

INTERNATIONAL DINING As Arranged

LATE BREAKFAST 1stFriday 09:15

LUNCH GROUP 4thWednesday 12:00

PUB QUIZ & LUNCH 2ndMonday 12:00

WINE APPRECIATION* 3rd Monday 19:30

WINE TASTING * 3rdWednesday 19:30

HOBBIES & PASTIMES

CANASTA 1st& 4thFriday 19:00

CRAFT 1 * 3rd Monday 13.45

CRAFT 2 2ndTuesday 14:00

GARDENING 3rd Tuesday 14:00

HOLIDAYS various dates

KNITTING & CROCHET 4thTuesday 14:00 MAH JONG 2ndFriday 19:00

POT LUCK * 1stWednesday 19:30

RUMMIKUB 1stMonday 2:00pm

SCRABBLE 4thThursday 14:00

TABLE GAMES 3rdFriday 19:00

WATER COLOUR 1stMonday 14:00

WEEKENDERS various Sat & Sun.

LANGUAGES

FRENCH CONVERSATION* 3rdTuesday 10:00

FUN WITH LANGUAGES 2nd Thursday 10:30

SCIENCE AND THE ENVIRONMENT

BIRD WATCHING 2ndTuesday 10:30

SCIENCE 1 4thThursday 10:00

SCIENCE 2 3rdFriday 10:00

*Indicates group full. If you are interested then contact Siobhan who will happy to help you set up a further group. Please be aware that some Interest Groups have a limited number of places due to activity, venue etc.

Group Leaders are normally available in the Board Room at the monthly U3A meetings to answer any questions that you may have about their group. Their contact details are displayed on the Interest Group Information Board

issue january 2018 - hucknallu3a.org.uk

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