Thameside (Wallingford) U3A Newsletter - July 2019 Page 1 of 4

NEW MEMBERS This month we welcome two new members:

Maggy Laver (Crowmarsh Gifford) and Nigel Phelps (Goring-on-Thames)

We had an excellent speaker in June, please go to page 4 to find out more.

Next month’s speaker on the 17 July is Gary Jordan, who is a classical guitarist. He will introduce us to the classical guitar and Elizabethan Lute, and will be playing his own guitar.

I also want to introduce Ken Johnstone, who has accepted the post of Deputy Chairman. He will stand in for me when I’m unavailable.

Lastly, don’t forget to look at Paul’s piece about the holiday in Sicily in October.

Suddenly the weather has improved and as I write (type?) it’s sunny and warm outside. Looking forward to the garden party, we hope that the weather will be as warm and pleasant as today.

You will have received an invitation by email for the Garden Party. We will be needing volunteers to set up the gazebos, tables and chairs in the morning and also to help serve the food and drinks in the afternoon, so keep a look in this and the next newsletters that will ask for such volunteers.

Just a quick note - thanks to all those who helped stack the chairs after the speaker meeting – it was incredibly helpful.

SPEAKER MEETINGS Third Wednesday each month at 2 pm in the Baptist Church, Thames Street, OX10 0BH

Wednesday 21 August 2:30 pm ANNUAL GARDEN PARTY Chalmore Gardens, Wallingford OX10 9EP This gathering is in place of the August speaker meeting. Sheila Findlay, once again, kindly invites us to use her delightful riverside garden beside the Thames.

All members are invited and food for the party is kindly provided by members themselves. You will have received an invitation and details by email. Sign-up lists will be circulated at coffee mornings and speaker meetings.

Big Appeal: We need to sign up a ‘Heavy Gang’ to help set up trestle tables and chairs in the morning and a Buffet Team to do ½ hour sessions apiece in afternoon. Please contact Malcolm chairman@wallingfordu3a.org

for the Heavy Gang and

Hilary Baily treasurer@wallingfordu3a.org

for the Buffet Team

Wednesday 17 July Gary Jordan - A talk and recital, the guitar music of Dowland, Sor and Albeniz Gary Jordan is a classical guitarist who has played in masterclasses for many eminent figures in the guitar world. He will introduce us not only to the world of the classical guitar but also to Elizabethan lute music, playing his guitar to illustrate his talk.

Published: 29 June 2019 v1.1

for members and prospective new members first Friday each month from 10:30 am until 12 noon

at Centre 70, Goldsmiths Lane, Wallingford OX10 0DT

Friday 5 July Helpers: Pam Johnstone, Milli Eaton Friday 2 August Helpers: Hilary Taylor, Jenny Potter

COFFEE MORNINGS

Wednesday 18 September Captain Kamran Irani - Delivering emergency medical supplies Captain Kamran Irani comes to us highly recommended as a speaker and also for his spectacular mode of transport. After a career as an airline pilot Captain Irani now heads up SERV OBN Emergency Riders. This group of intrepid volunteers provide a rapid response transport service to the NHS, carrying urgently needed medical items out of hours, saving lives as well as NHS resources. He promises to arrive on his top of the range Emergency motorbike!

Thameside (Wallingford) Newsletter July 2019 www.wallingfordu3a.org

May and June meetings: See page 4

MESSAGE FROM OUR CHAIRMAN

We need new volunteers to help with low commitment ‘pop-up’ tasks such as setting up chairs for the speaker meetings or putting out tables at the coffee mornings or helping with dishing out hot drinks. If you are willing and able, do please contact Malcolm

at chairman@wallingfordu3a.org or speak to any committee member.

Thameside (Wallingford) U3A Newsletter - July 2019 Page 2 of 4

Tuesday 9 July An outing to the Thames Barrier in London. Organiser: Paul Booker

Friday 23 August

Compton Verney - 120 acres of Stunning Parkland, Lake and award winning Art Galleries - there is a special exhibition “A Tea Journey, from the Mountains to the Table” at the time of our visit.

Organiser: Valerie Roddan

Sunday 5th to

Thursday 10th October 2019

What a miserable June we have had so far, nothing but cold rain and wind. Who would think that its midsummer with Christmas just around the corner…..

But all is not lost. There is the opportunity of enjoying warm sun, balmy breezes and a few nights in comfortable hotels - in October! This year’s U3A Annual Holiday is in Sicily, with five nights half board at Castellammare Del Golfo. But we are not just basking by the sea, although there will be time for that. We will visit Palermo, Mozia Island, Monreale Cathedral and many other places of interest.

We leave Wallingford on the 5th October and return on the 11th - with pampered luxury all the way.

So…… …. if you’ve had enough of grey skies and chilly days, give Paul Booker a ring on

01491 825864 or email him outings@wallingfordu3a.org

for a brochure and more information

New and Proposed Groups Another Antiques group and a new iPad group - meetings will be at the July Coffee Morning.

Scrabble - meeting at Sept coffee morning to start a group in the autumn. Its nearly full already but if you are keen, still apply, a second group can be still be proposed

German Conversation Stört es Sie, wenn wir Deutsch sprechen?

American Railroads - The history and present-day workings of railroads in America are very different from Europe and are an interesting topic for informal study offering glamour, technical sophistication, engineering on a massive scale, commercial efficiency, nostalgia, huge variety and scenic appeal. Cholsey member Ian Wheeler is willing to host an interest group of up to eight members. Activities would include video shows, book sharing and general discussion. There will also be the opportunity to develop and operate Ian’s digitally-controlled American model railroad layout.

Daytime weekday once a month.

Groups looking for new members * Groups with availability are also shown on the calendar. Computer Mac Users 2: Assess group needs, bring a question and a Mac useful tip, talk Security.

Current Affairs 3: Debate, discuss in delightful members’ homes. Come and join us for a monthly meeting discussing anything from local to national and international issues. History 5: A recent group. Last month was about Vikings. This month is about the movement of population to Australia.

Group waiting lists If you are particularly interested in a group that is Full, you can let Yvonne know that you’d like to be put on the waiting list for that group.

On the other hand, if you are on a waiting list and have changed your mind then can you let Yvonne know.

EDITORIAL Welcome to the July Newsletter – I hope you find something that pleases you. See page 4 for what Photography Group 3 have been doing and for what happened at past Speaker meetings.

I nearly got a photo of the Slimbridge outing in this month, but the publication deadline was too tight. Watch this space next month!

The Editors Award for this month goes to Paul Booker for being the first this summer to mention Christmas! If you have any photos or anecdotes of outings and interest group activities, or comments and suggestions, the Committee and I will be delighted to include them in the next newsletter. Email me at newsletter@wallingfordu3a.org or speak to a committee member at a coffee morning or speaker meeting.

Links to Thames & Compton booking forms are on your July Newsletter email, or at coffee mornings and speaker meetings

OUTINGS UPDATE

April Outing to Gaydon Motor Museum

Photo Credit: Neil Kelly

Please remember that all requests to join an Interest Group or start a new one must be made through the Interest Group Co-ordinator 01491 838214 groups@wallingfordu3a.org

INTEREST GROUPS

Thameside (Wallingford) U3A Newsletter - July 2019 Page 3 of 4

INTEREST GROUPS CALENDAR THAMESIDE (WALLINGFORD) * Status Group Contact

Antiques 1 Wed 10 Second Wednesday morning Full Carole Johnson * Antiques 2 Fri 5 Proposed group – meeting at July coffee morning Ask ~ * Art/Painting Thurs 4 10 am at the Red Lion, Brightwell Ask Angie Thorrington * Badminton Each Mon 2 til 4 pm Berinsfield Sports Centre £3.50 fee applies Ask Hilly Bailey * Birdwatching 1 Thurs 4 10 am Planning at Moulsford Full Rosemary Garner * Birdwatching 2 Thurs 18 10 am location to be confirmed Ask Pam Johnstone Book 1 Tues 9 Small Great Things by Jodi Picoult Full Sue Taylor

* Book 2 Thurs 25 Ransom by David Malouf at Di Young’s Ask Di Young Book 3 Wed 10 My Life in Houses by Margaret Forster at Chris’s Full Sheila Findlay

* Book 4 Thurs 11 The good man Jesus and the scoundrel Christ by Philip Pullman Ask Dee Clarke * Book 5 Thurs 25 Fourth Thursday afternoons Ask Sue English

* Bridge 1 ~ No meetings in July and August. Reconvene in Sept. (usually second and fourth Thurs) Ask Sheila Findlay

* Canasta Tues 9 2 pm The Dolphin, back room, on second Tuesday Ask Hilly Bailey * Computer: iPad Users ~ Proposed group – meeting at July coffee morning Ask ~ Computer Mac Users 1 Tues 2 11 am on first Tuesday Full Ann Truesdale

* Computer Mac Users 2 Mon 15 � Assess needs � bring a question + Mac useful tip � talk Security Ask Peter Mason * Craft Mon 1 Centre 70, at 2:30 pm (Summer schedule) Bring a project Ask Angie Thorrington * Cribbage Mon 8 and Mon 22 10:30 am second and fourth Mondays Ask Joyce Kent Current Affairs 1 Thurs 4 2:30 pm first Thursday Full Trudy Davies

* Current Affairs 2 Mon 1 2 pm on first Monday Ask Val Mowlam * Current Affairs 3 Mon 8 2 pm Friendly debate and discussion (usually second Tues) Ask Jane Milne Digital Photography 2 Wed 10 Chimneys and Perspective at Sylvia’s Full Sylvia Harrison Digital Photography 3 Wed 10 Vehicles (human transportation) Full Malcolm Brooks

* Euchre Tues 23 2 pm The Dolphin, back room, on fourth Tuesday Ask Hilly Bailey French Conversation 1 Thurs 11 10 am Jill Cooney’s home Full Janet Franklin

* French Conversation 2 Mon 1 and Tues 16 2:30 pm first Monday and third Tuesday Ask Susan Renn Genealogy 1 Mon 15 10:30 am on third Monday Full Linda Matthews

Genealogy 2 Tues 2 10:30 am Changed due to clash with U3A Thames Outing (usually second Tues)

Full Mary Cozens

History 1 Wed 3 First Wednesday morning Full Ted Nelson * History 2 Thurs 18 The Druze religion Ask Mary Hill History 3 Wed 10 Visit to Buscot Park. (Aug will be Chiltern Open Air Museum) Full Colin Clarke

History 4 Mon 1 Mon 29

The Irish Potato Famine Women in History (No meeting in August - usually fourth Mon) Full Jenny Potter

* History 5 Wed 24 Movement of population to Australia Ask Mary Harrison * Latin for Pleasure Wed 17 Third Wednesday…… Ask Roger Morgan * Lunch Club Wed 3 First Wednesday of each Month Ask Rosemary & Tony Hines * Lunch: Sunday Lunch ~ Date and venue to be advised to members Ask Paul Booker * Music (Broader) ~ No Meeting this month (next one first Tues in August) Ask Val Wolsey * Music Classical 1 Tues 23 2pm Harcourt Lodge - Mike presenting music by Maurice Ravel Ask Mike Sedman Music Classical 2 Mon 8 2:30 pm second Monday Full John Cozens

* Pétanque Each Tues 10 am Wallingford Sports Park, small fee applies Ask Loren Butt * Play Reading Wed 3 9:30 am the Corn Exchange Wallingford on first Wednesday Ask Philippa Davies Poetry Reading Wed 10 10:30 am on second Wednesday at Pam Gyton’s house Full Jill Cooney

* Science Tues 16 Third Tuesday, morning Ask Philippa Cullen * Scrabble Fri 5 Meeting at Sept coffee morning. Group start in the autumn. Ask Carolyn Newbert * Seminar Mon 22 Dr Duncan Director of Public Health 1850, Ewelme Ask Gloria Hamilton-Peach * Singing for Fun Fri 5 and Fri 19 Every fortnight 2 - 3 pm at the Baptist Church Thames St Ask Jan Menzies * Spanish (Improvers) Wed 3 and Wed 17 First and third Wednesdays Ask Frances Willoughby * Writing for Pleasure Mon 8 Either It’s all Greek to me or My Favourite Place Ask Carolyn Newbert Writing: Life History Thurs 11 Non-fiction life history stories about members or their families Full Margaret Pritchard * Status: Ask = available spaces, please apply to as above.

Thameside (Wallingford) U3A Newsletter - July 2019 Page 4 of 4

Walking in JULY

To join a walking group, please apply to as above. All walks details are provided by email from the walk organiser.

*Status Organiser:

* Shorter Walking Wed 3 Gentle 3-5 miles First Wednesday Easy reach of Wallingford (bus or on foot)

Ask Paul Booker

Moderate 1 Wed 10 6-7 miles Second Wednesday Full Julia West * Moderate 2 Tues 2 6-7 miles First Tuesday Ask Julia West Longer Wed 24 8-10 miles Fourth Wednesday Full Julia West * Rambling Thurs 18 Circular walk 5-6 miles followed by lunch Third Thursday Ask Phil Richardson * Status: Ask = available spaces.

THE THIRD AGE TRUST is the national representative body for U3As in the UK. Information on its activities can be found at www.u3a.org.uk

Contact for members without internet access is Yvonne Griffiths 01491 838214

U3A THAMES VALLEY NETWORK Thameside (Wallingford) U3A is one of thirty-eight U3As within the Thames Valley Network. Our representative is Committee Member Paul Booker. FORTHCOMING STUDY DAYS These are announced on the Thames Valley Network website www.u3atvnetwork.org.uk and information is sent by email to members and displayed at the coffee mornings and speaker meetings.

Please book promptly as these Study Days often fill up quickly ! * Flyer and application forms are now on Thames Valley Network website.

4 Jul First Aid day postponed 25 Aug *Summer Jazz Festival 22 Oct Ukulele Activities Day at Benson 30 Aug *The Work of William Morris 11 Nov *SE Region Autumn Gathering at Alton at Kelmscott Manor 21 Nov Britain’s Ancient Past at Benson 26 Nov Thames Valley Network Day at Benson

NEW MEMBER ENQUIRIES If someone asks you about becoming a member, please direct them to Membership Secretary

Anna Gordon membership@wallingfordu3a.org

The Committee 2019-20 Malcolm Brooks – Chairman Hilary Bailey – Treasurer Yvonne Griffiths – Secretary & Groups

Co-ordinator Anna Gordon – Membership Secretary Paul Booker – Outings Co-ordinator Jane Milne – Minutes Secretary Neil Kelly – Committee Member Ken Johnstone – Communications Sarah Boyt Robinson – Newsletter

May’s Speaker meeting Renowned wildlife fine art photographer Tom Way showed us stunning images of animals in their habitats across the world as well as lovely ‘backyard’ photos of UK animals taken during his occasional breaks from travelling. His accounts of magic moments and dramatic encounters was captivating. If you missed out or want to see more then visit his website tomwayphotography.co.uk

CELEBRATION LUNCH JAN 2020 Is there anyone willing to help organise the annual celebration lunch? Valerie Roddan has ably done this many times and is looking to step down. A volunteer can shadow her for the January 2020 lunch with a view to taking over.

Please contact Malcolm chairman@wallingfordu3a.org

or speak to any committee member.

Photography Group 3

Credit: Colin English

June’s Speaker meeting Malcolm reports: We had a good talk by Jenny Mallin at our last speaker meeting. I wasn’t sure at first how it was going to pan out, but I needn’t have worried; she gave a very interesting talk about her family, most of whom lived in India, and tied this in with how the womenfolk had produced a recipe book. She had written her own book with recipes from her forebears’ book and tied it in with illustrations of them. Her book A Grandmothers’ Legacy is available on Amazon.

Photography Group 3 Credit: Joy Wright

NEXT NEWSLETTER Closing date for August

contributions 19 July 2019

Editor: Sarah Boyt Robinson newsletter@wallingfordu3a.org

Current and past newsletters can be viewed on the Members

only part of our website www.wallingfordu3a.org

password is

Observe upper/lower case, numbers, no spaces and include

the exclamation mark

U3A15top!